The next morning Jane frowned at the bruises on her friend's body and her swollen, trembling palms, and this time she could not contain her emotion.

– 'What are those spots on you, Miss Vivian? – she asked directly.

– Nothing," she answered quietly. – Nothing, Jane.

– What about your hands? They're so red!

– Forget it.

– But, Miss Vivian," protested the maid, who wished to discuss this delicate but frightening subject.

– We will not discuss it. And keep your tongue behind your teeth," Vivian interrupted her, somewhat rudely.

Jane could tell from her friend's icy voice that she was not in the best mood for questioning and waited patiently for Miss Vivian to tell her what had happened to her. The maid was not silly, however, and realised who had left the marks of his greedy, strong fingers on Miss Vivian's neck and wrists, but she did not insist.

"Couldn't be more perfect! A house near Charlotte! And just within my means!" thought Anthony, when after an early breakfast he was paid a visit by Mr. William Brown, brother of the Cranford butler.

Having spent the entire day at Lillehus, Anthony had to leave it after dinner, for he himself had made an appointment to see Mr. Brown. When the guest, an elderly, smooth-shaven gentleman in an expensive suit, appeared, young Cranford told him of his desire to have his own place, and the maximum amount of rent he could pay. After listening carefully to the new client, Mr. Brown, who earned good money for his services, smiled and said that he would find something for the young aristocrat worthy of his status. But Anthony did not have to wait long: the very next day Mr. Brown brought him the news that at such and such an address there was a small but elegant two-storey mansion, which had previously been rented by one of Viscount Tanlis's sons. Young Tanlis had only moved out because he had recently married and moved into the house, which was part of his wife's dowry.

– The house is surrounded by a small garden with a few statues and comfortable benches," added Mr. William Brown. – If you think of renting the house, you need not worry about buying furniture; Mr. Tanlis left his own there, and I must say it is quite expensive and still in good condition.

– But where shall I keep my horse? – Anthony inquired.

– There is a small stable on the grounds, sir, but I'm afraid it can't hold more than three horses.

– Well, that's just as well!" said the young man cheerfully, thinking that he had only one horse in his personal possession, which he had bought at his own expense.

Anthony had no desire to take with him what did not belong to him. Nothing, not even sheets and blankets. No, he would buy everything himself. He would never again be dependent on his mother and her favours.

– If you wish, sir, I will take charge of procuring the necessary household items, bedding, curtains, and other furnishings. I can also find you a couple of servants," Mr. Brown said, as if he had read his client's mind.

– I would be incredibly grateful for your help. Of course, I'll pay all the expenses. Make this house cosy, but please don't go overboard: my budget is very tight. I think a cook and a maid will be enough… Oh, yes, and a stable boy, but tell him that in addition to looking after my horse he will also have to help in the house," Anthony said firmly, already looking forward to the moment when he would enter his own house, where he would have his own rules, and where breakfast would be served when he woke up. – How many days will it take you to decorate the house?

– I'll try to get it done in the next few days, sir," said Mr. Brown. – Small houses are much easier and quicker to furnish than large villas. But I'll need an exact figure for the budget, sir.

Anthony gave him a sum, quite generous.

– Excellent, sir. Then, if you'll allow me, I'll get on it now,' he received in reply. – As soon as the house is ready for you, you can check it out for yourself, and if you're satisfied, it's yours.

A formal contract was then signed between the parties, including Mr. Brown's fees, and both client and guest, satisfied with what had been achieved, left the house.

Remembering the unhappy expression on Vivian's face as she left Lillehus yesterday, young Cranford decided to have a chat with her before he and Jeremy went hunting. Knowing that on every hunt of his friend, the one always accompanied by Aurelius and Mark, the clever hunting dogs, Anthony did not take his dogs. Soon, dressed in a comfortable hunting suit, a warm fur-lined cloak, high leather boots with fur inside, gloves and hat, the young man galloped over to Wington Hall.

"'Hell, what a thing to be done! On the joy of acquiring my own place near the lovely Miss Salton, I forgot my gun at home! – suddenly flashed through Anthony's mind, and the thought made him laugh quietly at his absent-mindedness. – But small grief! Jeremy has a dozen guns in his collection, and he will be glad to lend me one of them.

– There you are, Cranford! A quarter of an hour late! – Anthony heard the cheerful voice of his friend waiting for him in the courtyard of the mansion.

Mr. Wington was as well dressed as Anthony. Both gentlemen had been sensible in putting on warm clothes: the still dark, chilly morning had for the umpteenth time this November given London a nasty drizzle. Fortunately, there was no fog, and the hunters could rest assured that none of them would be killed on this hunt by mistaking a friend for a doe, a rare occurrence among hunters.

Vivian stood beside her husband, and wrapped herself in her woollen shawl and wished that the beast she had married would not come home this evening. She wished desperately that Anthony would come galloping in, upset, perhaps in tears, and inform her that he had inadvertently shot Jeremy. The girl dreamed of being a widow, and after her spouse had beaten her palms with a whip, thoughts of homicide began to invade her mind. Killing herself or her spouse. She dreaded these thoughts and hastily chased them away.

"No, I will live. I have someone to live for. But, if anything happens to me, Richard will get the amount Jeremy gave me for my expenses. It's a good thing I have all that five thousand in the bank in my Richard's name!" – Vivian consoled herself, and, watching her cousin dismount from his horse, cried out within herself: – Miss, Anthony! I beg you, miss!"

– I forgot my gun at home," young Cranford informed his friend. – I have no wish to return. Would you lend me one of yours?

– Of course. Would you prefer to choose one yourself? – Jeremy responded cheerfully.

– Anything you choose will satisfy me," Anthony said.

– Then wait for me. – Jeremy walked towards his wife, whispering in her ear: "Remember that what happens in our bedroom must remain our secret, my love," and then disappeared into the house.

"Silly goose! As if I were going to expose my own shame!" – thought Vivian scornfully, but smiled broadly when her cousin came up to her and wished her good morning.

– Another nasty day… I wish winter and its snows would come sooner! – The girl said in lieu of greeting. She looked at Anthony's outfit with an appraising glance and added: – I hope you won't freeze on your nasty unnecessary hunt, dear cousin.

– Don't worry, my dear grumpy Vivian," he grinned. – Such outfits have saved me more than once, even in the cold of winter. But how was your day yesterday? You left in such a hurry.

– Jeremy worries about me too much. We came home and spent the day in peace and quiet," Mrs. Wington lied without hesitation. – But how did Charlotte react to our departure? And what's going on between you two now? – she asked with a sly smile.

– I am madly in love with her, but her feelings are unknown to me. She is polite and friendly. You delicate creatures are so difficult to unravel," Anthony replied in an even tone. – Miss Salton was upset by your departure, but I managed to cheer her up with my unflattering singing… But I have great news: I am moving from Greenhall to my own house in a few days, and I expect to be visited by my dear guests on the first day of my move: you, your husband, and Miss Salton, of course.