The walking party had crossed the lane, and were surmounting an opposite stile and the Admiral was putting his horse into motion again, when Captain Wentworth cleared the hedge in a moment to say something to his sister.

At first, I thought Captain Wentworth just scrambled over the hedge any old how, but now I wonder whether he didn't vault over it gracefully, with perhaps a nice scissors kick, or else one-handed, with air showing between his feet and the hedge. ;-) JA emphasized the speed with which he did this, so I'm wondering if this is an example of physical/athletic prowess on the Captain's part, whether conscious or unconscious. Of course, it depends on the height and thickness of the hedge, but in future I shall picture Captain Wentworth vaulting over with athletic grace (a well-executed vault is something I've always enjoyed seeing someone do, anyway!) I can just see him aboard ship, climbing up into the rigging if it was called for! ;-)