"Breathtaking... " Mary declared, breathing deeply as if she might somehow take the changing light into her person. But as she did so, a faint aroma of burning tainted the moment, altering her pleasant countenance into a frown. Had it been autumn or winter, such an odor would be expected, even at this early hour. With smoky peat used to heat homes and piles of harvest refuse in need of disposal, the smell of burning matter was a regular occurrence and often seen as a comforting scent of the season. However, it was early spring, and the budding greenery was damp with dew. No, something else was the cause of it, and as they continued their journey, grew stronger with each passing minute.
"What do you suppose it is?" Amy inquired, for now, a thin curl of smoke had appeared in the distance, too far to discern an exact location.
"I cannot say. Perhaps someone is doing a bit of spring cleaning?"
"Maybe, but I never burn anything. It is too risky on a farm, and besides, even items in poor condition are often seen as useful by those in need."
Amy Carmichael had seen hard times, ones that had caused her own children to go without proper meals. Now living at Longbourn, with its comfortable tenant cottages and fertile lands, hunger was a thing of the past, but the memories remained. Mary too, could recall leaner times, ones before she became mistress of her father's estate. Now, despite her fortune, she still practiced frugal ways and nodded in agreement as the curl of smoke had grown into a thick grey cloud. The road, lined on both sides by trees as it cut through the woods, had hidden the fire from view, but by now, it tickled Mary's throat and chest. This was far too big to be a simple bonfire.
"If they reside within the boundaries of Longbourn, I shall have words with whomever is being so careless," she insisted, nudging her horse to a trot.
Her home was just over the next rise, but before the first sights of Longbourn could be glimpsed, a terrifying sound added to the worry. Bells had begun to ring, but it was not the cheerful tolling that called worshipers to prayer at the village church. This was frantic, a call for assistance that pealed over the countryside. As if sensing the urgency, Mary's horse whinnied, and pulled at the reins as a mild panic began to build in her mistress' heart.
"Longbourn... " Mary whispered, giving the mare free rein to pick up the pace towards home.

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• Literature & FictionHistorical FictionMystery, Thriller & Suspense

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