He knew many of his male friends accepted it as a foregone conclusion he would marry Evelyn Berkeley, and he smiled as he thought how they discussed him and his matrimonial prospects.
It pleased him to think she preferred his society to that of other men, it flattered him when he recalled she might have been a countess had she wished. He asked her why she did not accept the titled suitor and she replied that titles had no attraction for her, that her mind was made up; there was somebody she liked very much, he might ask her to be his wife some day and she would wait.
He rode several miles at a fast pace in the Park before turning his horse's head in the direction of The Forest.
As he was passing the monastery ruins he saw Jane Thrush. She looked very sweet and winsome in her plain brown frock which matched the color of her hair; she had no hat, and its luxurious growth added to her rather refined rustic beauty.
Alan was always courteous to women, and Jane was one of his favorites; so was her father, he had a sincere regard for the sturdy, silent gamekeeper.
"Beautiful morning, Jane," he said. "You love to be out in the sun?"
She smiled at him. How handsome he looked on his horse, and how well he sat the animal!
"I am going to Little Trent to buy a few things for the house. I generally go through the wood," she said.
"You and your father live quiet lives here. Wouldn't you like to be in the village?" he asked.
"Oh no. I love the old ruin, and the cottage is so sweet I couldn't bear to leave it, and I'm sure Father would sooner be here than anywhere," said Jane eagerly.