At the end of his round, Jem is glad to reach Winebury Manor, now the home of Robert Whitford.

He rides up to the manor house between its two home fields, dismounts and knocks at the door.

Robert would answer the door of the manor, offering a warm smile as Jem greeted him.

"Hello there, Jem. What brings you to Winebury Manor?" he asked, offering the man a place inside, if he needed to rest for the evening.

Jem goes through his forelock-tugging again, with more enthusiasm -- Robert looks to him like a real sporting gentleman -- and says, "My master, Sir John Marke, having heard you have chosen to  honor this simple country neighborhood with your presence, has sent me to present you with his warmest invitation to join the ladies and gentry of the place in a dinner at Markham Hall this Saturday." He rattles this off as if he had memorized it (he probably did), and offers Robert the actual invitation, adding, "I'd be happy to wait until you have written an answer." He looks as if he might be hoping to use the "writing" time for a little rest.

In reply to Sir John Marke (msg # 3):

Robert smiles warmly. "Yes, I am glad to write back, and I am glad to come to the party. Come in and get a seat, it's been a long journey - of that I'm certain. Get some rest by the fire before you head back."