Forest. The smell of dampness and autumn fills the air. The distant hum of birds mingles with the croaking of frogs and the quiet noise of insects. Majestic trees surround a small lake where reeds rustle gently in the breeze.

A duck suddenly soars into the sky above the water. A gunshot echoes through the forest. The dead carcass falls into the water, and a dog immediately sprints after it.

"Good shot, Christopher," the Earl says, patting his son on the shoulder as their pointer makes its way through the muddy shore toward the duck. "It's a pity it's time to go back."

"Why, father? There's still plenty of time before dinner," the young man asks, throwing the strap of his gun over his shoulder.

"My friend and his son are coming to visit us. We can't keep guests waiting."

Christopher snorts quietly, already knowing the purpose of this visit. Another suitor candidate for his sister, of course.

"Hannah wanted to go into town with her friends today," the Viscount informs him quietly. "I doubt she'll turn it down."

The man chuckles, shaking his head. "You shouldn't do that. I'm sure she'll like this one."

The dog returns with the duck in his mouth as father and son make their way back to the estate, each lost in his own thoughts.

Already approaching the estate, Christopher and his father are caught in the beginning rain. "By evening, there will probably be a storm," thinks the young man, hurrying toward the shelter of the warm house.

After changing his clothes following the hunt, the Viscount lingers in his room, looking at the increasing rain outside the window. He has a strange premonition he tries to ignore. Descending to the living room, Christopher slows down and stops in the shadows upon hearing his sister's sincere laughter - lacking its usual mockery or sarcasm - and the voice of her interlocutor - velvety, even... And his speech? Literate, pleasant and respectful - this man speaks to Hannah as an equal.

Peeping from his improvised shelter, the Viscount sees only the stranger's back, but he can't help noticing his sister's expression - relaxed and clearly interested.

Suddenly Hannah notices her brother and calls out cheerfully: "Brother! Don't you know that eavesdropping is not gentlemanly?"

The stranger turns around, and Christopher's breath catches in his throat. Only after a short pause does he manage to compose himself and greet the guest in a neutral tone: "Good afternoon... I am Christopher, Hannah's brother. And you...?"