22nd June, 1894 — Fairtree Farm Anniversary Celebration, Avalon Glen
Mattie and her father were not residents of the Glen, but they had been guests (well, “guest researcher”, in her father’s case) at the Yarwoods’ and Avalon Glen regularly enough in the last year or so that they both felt quite at ease here. (Well, her father felt at ease in his own way.)
For her part, Mattie had allowed herself to be chivvied into some of the Glynn girls’ company to catch up on gossip and chat – and although this was a celebration, it was far enough from the other events of the Season she had experienced since May that it all felt entirely relaxing. Quaint and homely, in a peculiar country way. She had bought a glass of sparkling apple juice from the refreshment stalls, and had been perching on a low fence with the girls, eventually losing interest in their conversation and choosing to people-watch instead.
“Mr. Orpington, isn’t it?” she called out boldly to a passing face (one she recognised and was, admittedly, a little intrigued by). “The dragonkeeper?” Not one of the ones she had ever spoken to previously; he had been harder to engage with. But she hoped that here and now, whilst he was not working, she would be able to catch his attention.
For her part, Mattie had allowed herself to be chivvied into some of the Glynn girls’ company to catch up on gossip and chat – and although this was a celebration, it was far enough from the other events of the Season she had experienced since May that it all felt entirely relaxing. Quaint and homely, in a peculiar country way. She had bought a glass of sparkling apple juice from the refreshment stalls, and had been perching on a low fence with the girls, eventually losing interest in their conversation and choosing to people-watch instead.
“Mr. Orpington, isn’t it?” she called out boldly to a passing face (one she recognised and was, admittedly, a little intrigued by). “The dragonkeeper?” Not one of the ones she had ever spoken to previously; he had been harder to engage with. But she hoped that here and now, whilst he was not working, she would be able to catch his attention.
