Chapter 24 #2
“I am glad Lady Hardwick moved here to stay with Mr. and Miss Darcy. The three of them are the last Darcys left. I hope and pray the master will soon marry and have children. If only he could find a lady to deserve such a man.”
Again, Elizabeth said nothing, but her face coloured.
“By the way, I understand Mr. Bingley has been exceedingly fortunate in choosing his wife. I heard Mrs. Bingley’s beauty is as great as her character.”
“Given that she is my beloved sister, I cannot but agree with such praise. I am not certain who is responsible for providing you with such a generous description, but I thank you both. Indeed, I am sure the Bingleys’ marriage will be a blissful one.”
“Happiness in marriage is a rare gift. One must treasure it if one has the good luck to find it. I know Mr. Bingley will. He is an excellent man.”
“He is indeed; my sister was fortunate too. Happiness in marriage is also a matter of luck —a good friend of mine used to say.”
“I shall not debate that. For a woman —however accomplished she might be —happiness in marriage is even harder to achieve as she does not have the full power of choosing. Men have that privilege, and they often waste it. The woman can only refuse —but few dare consider whether the suitor is acceptable. Marriage is a goal itself in society —more often pursued than happiness.”
“I cannot but agree with you. I confess I am a little disconcerted to hear a gentleman speak with such fair consideration about marriage and happiness. It is an interesting and rare conversation for a woman to have with a man.”
“My dear Miss Bennet —at my age, one should better use the experience of a lifetime to at least carry on an interesting conversation when one is lucky enough to be in the company of a beautiful young woman,” he replied with amusement.
Elizabeth laughed as she recollected the countess’s similar reply to Colonel Fitzwilliam at the inn.
“So, Miss Bennet, have you changed your opinion about riding?” Mr. Slade suddenly changed the subject as they approached the stables.
“I am sorry to say —but no. My sister Jane, on the other hand, is an excellent rider.”
“Would you at least like to greet my wordless friends? I do not believe you have visited the stables yet. We have some of the best horses in the country.”
“Indeed, I have not. I will join you —if you promise to share some stories about them and not allow them to get too close.”
Mr. Slade invited her inside, and two boys greeted her happily; also, the dogs —met many times on the lawn —approached to demand attention.
Elizabeth petted the dogs then looked around, again impressed by the splendid animals that stared at her from their stalls.
Under the guidance of Mr. Slade but still reluctant, Elizabeth moved from one to another while Mr. Slade provided details about each horse.
“This is Moon. She is one of the oldest and most gentle horses in our stable. Both the master and Miss Darcy learnt to ride on her. This is Fate, Moon’s daughter —speedy and smart but also gentle. And this is Storm, one of the master’s favourites.”
Elizabeth recognised the horse —or at least she thought she did —as she was overwhelmed by his shining black colour and imposing stature. Mr. Slade continued.
“From the age of fourteen, the master has been the only one to ride him. Although I have ridden him at times when the master is not at home, he accepts no one else. He is very clever, powerful, stubborn, and not at all friendly to strangers.”
“Do you speak of Storm or Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth inquired, and Mr. Slade turned to her with obvious surprise then laughed.
“I do not remember being compared to Storm before, but I can see a certain resemblance,” a voice interrupted them, and Elizabeth startled then flushed.
She turned to the new arrival and saw Mr. Darcy smile, his eyes full of mirth.
“I can see the resemblance too,” Mr. Slade joked. “Good morning, sir. I was showing Miss Bennet our beautiful horses.”
“I did not know Miss Bennet had an interest in horses,” Darcy replied, his voice almost flirtatious. His eyes met and held hers; his smile widened and made her shiver.
“Well, sir, a gentleman must be diligent in discovering a lady’s true interests and behaving accordingly,” Mr. Slade continued.
“True; you are always right, Mr. Slade, I must give you that. Miss Bennet, I do not know whether I said good morning yet. Are you well?”
“Good morning, sir. Very well indeed. I had a lovely walk in the most pleasant company a lady can desire. And Mr. Slade was just telling me about the family’s horses. I believe he has a secret pact with Georgiana to convince me to ride.” She released a nervous laugh as she tried to jest.
Storm noticed his master and became restless, demanding attention. Darcy moved closer and gently caressed his neck and forelock. Storm leant his head in obvious delight while Elizabeth watched them, mesmerised.
“Would you like to touch him?” Darcy asked her, and Elizabeth stared at him in surprise.
“Oh, I would not dare do that…I mean…I would like that, but…”
Darcy took off his riding gloves and stretched his hand to Elizabeth; first, she did not understand what he intended. Eventually, she brought her gloved hand to his a few inches from Storm.
“Please allow me. It feels better this way,” Darcy continued and, without giving her time to answer, removed her glove too.
The feel of his bare fingers on hers weakened Elizabeth’s knees, and a wave of warmth stirred inside her.
She held her breath and remained still as he slowly took their joined hands and rested them on Storm’s forehead.
His fingers lingered on hers a little while, showing her how to caress the horse’s soft hair then withdrew, leaving hers alone.
With her hand near the impressive stallion’s muzzle and with Darcy just behind her, Elizabeth did not dare move —or even breathe. Storm also remained still, looking at her as if encouraging her to continue.
Fearfully, she began to move her fingers a little at a time.
Storm lowered his head to make it easier for her to reach him.
She laughed at that incredible proof of understanding from the beautiful steed, and she gathered more courage.
She caressed him gently then suddenly took off her other glove and handed it to Darcy without realizing what she was doing.
Her full attention was on Storm, and she resumed the caresses, now with both gentle hands.
Storm shook his head, and his forelock flicked at Elizabeth, making her laugh again.
From the near stalls, Moon and Fate seemed to protest the lack of attention. Elizabeth looked inquiringly at Darcy, and at his approving nod, she moved towards them, sharing the same gentle touch.
So preoccupied was she with this newly discovered enjoyment, that she completely missed Darcy’s enchanted gaze and the expression of utter delight on his face, as well as Mr. Slade’s contentment as he watched his master with keen interest.
∞∞∞
The morning of Elizabeth’s first visit to the stables marked a change in relationships at Pemberley.
Georgiana was beside herself with happiness when she heard about her friend’s excited admiration of the horses.
Lady Hardwick laughed and declared that surely it was the influence of Mr. Slade’s charms.
From that day, Mr. Darcy began to join his sister in visits to tenants. They also decided to spend an hour riding together each day while Elizabeth declared she would be happy to use that time to walk.
By the middle of November, at Georgiana’s insistence, Elizabeth finally agreed to take riding lessons.
“Lizzy, this is so wonderful! I cannot wait! You will like it so much —I promise you.”
“Dearest, I doubt I will ever be a good rider, but hopefully I will be able to seat myself on a horse when necessary. And I will spend more time with Mr. Slade’s wordless friends, which cannot be other than fabulous.”
“William will teach you to ride! Won’t you, Brother?”
Elizabeth panicked as she awaited Darcy’s answer, which did not come immediately.
In the last few days, Darcy had been more in their company; however, except for that first morning at the stables, he had made no intimate gesture and spent no private moment with her.
“I believe Mr. Slade will be a better teacher. I am afraid that I have neither the patience nor the time to dedicate to Miss Bennet as she deserves,” he finally replied, avoiding the ladies’ gazes.
“Well, that will be much to Miss Bennet’s benefit, I am sure,” the countess said teasingly.
“However, I am more than happy to help Miss Bennet with anything she might need. First, we must choose the proper horse. We can visit the stables after breakfast and select one.”
“Oh yes —I will loan Lizzy a riding habit. This is wonderful,” Georgiana replied after the first moment of disappointment at her brother’s refusal.
Darcy’s willingness to support Elizabeth was as obvious to his companions as was his struggle to avoid being directly involved in that longterm activity.
However, he joined them in choosing a horse for her —Sunset, a beautiful mare of fifteen years, chestnut with white spots, gentle, and obedient.
And, much to Elizabeth’s surprise, he remained for the first lesson, personally arranging Elizabeth’s saddle and making certain she was safe in it.
He also suggested the correct position of her back, her legs, and her hands on the reins.
He walked the horse in the stable yard, watching Elizabeth intently while Georgiana followed them cheerfully.
The first hour of riding was disturbing for Elizabeth —because of the horse, of course, but more so because of Darcy.
He helped her climb onto the saddle, and his hands held her waist for a few moments; then he arranged her legs, straightened her shoulders, and put the reins in her hands.
Every gesture —natural and useful —was equally pleasant and embarrassing and gave her countless shivers.
By the time the first lesson ended, Elizabeth was grateful that Darcy had passed the role of teacher to Mr. Slade; this would surely allow her to concentrate more on the horse and reduce her agitation.
She was proved correct in the following days as she slowly became more at ease then even eager to exercise, and she extended her time atop Sunset.
Soon, she was riding at a slow pace in the back garden, together with Georgiana, each on her own mount.
Darcy came to witness the progress every day; he congratulated her but remained at a distance.
When Georgiana suggested extending the ride outside the garden along the path by the lake, Darcy tempered his sister’s enthusiasm and recommended patience and caution as well as several more lessons under Mr. Slade’s supervision.
One evening, during a pleasant and animated dinner, a servant entered to bring Darcy what he called “an important express,” informing him the messenger awaited a reply.
The late hour and the urgency worried Elizabeth and Georgiana and intrigued the countess, all three gazing at Darcy with curiosity.
“It must be from Colonel Fitzwilliam. His business kept him in the north much longer than he anticipated, and I expect him to announce his return any time now.”
He opened the letter, cast his eyes over it, and appeared to be amused as he read, then his countenance suddenly darkened. He observed the others’ preoccupied faces, so he explained.
“It is from Lady Catherine. Nothing urgent or important. I shall answer her later.”
“Oh, I hope my aunt and Anne are in good health,” Georgiana said.
“I believe they are; the letter gives me no reason to believe otherwise. Let us eat —it is not worth interrupting our dinner.”
The next course was served, but all conversation ceased; Darcy’s repressed anger was obvious, and while none dared inquire about it, his tense state affected them all.
Later, Darcy excused himself and retired to the library, wishing them all good night —a clear sign that he did not intend to return to their company. He offered no other explanation, nor did he attempt to conceal his haste.
Georgiana’s eyes filled with worry as they followed her brother’s departure, and she held Elizabeth’s hand tightly.
Lady Hardwick slowly rose from her chair then turned to her niece.
“I will see you in a little while, my dear. I must have a drink and a word with your brother.”