Chapter 9 An Enlightening Picnic #2
We brought the horses to a halt in the shade of the oak.
My gaze settled on Elizabeth. She wore a serene smile, yet a trickle of doubt invaded my peace.
Would she be honest if she did not favour Jemma?
“My love, while I had hoped this mare would please you, I acknowledged the possibility you might prefer a different sort of horse. If you decide she is not quite right for you, tell me so, and we shall seek another.”
Elizabeth leaned forwards to stroke Jemma’s neck, holding me in her gaze.
“She is wonderful in every way. I could not be more delighted with her.” She reached over to take my hand.
“The fact that you chose her for me makes me love her all the more. This is already the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you, my love. If I had searched the entire earth, I could not have found a better husband.”
A welling of elation impeded my breath. I fought an inner struggle to stave off the tears of relief and joy that threatened to break through.
Whatever happened now, I had at least succeeded in finding an appropriate gift for Elizabeth.
If I should not be allowed the opportunity to grow old with her, at least I could take comfort in that.
How much longer did I have left—days, hours?
If I could not prevent my death, perhaps it would be better if it happened soon—whilst her closest family members remained at Pemberley.
Yet she would have my aunt here as well.
My mouth drew into a straight line. The notion of Elizabeth being forced to deal with such an oppressive presence in the wake of my demise made my blood boil.
I should seek Richard’s assurance that he would protect Elizabeth from my aunt if necessary.
I turned at the sound of a horse galloping towards us, and I spied Richard.
It seemed my opportunity to talk to him would be nigh.
Richard reined in his horse, creating a small cloud of dirt particles. He gave us a sheepish look. “I apologize for the dust. Sully needed to stretch his legs a bit.”
With a gloved hand, Elizabeth waved to clear the air. “Ah, now I can see you.”
A guffaw burst from him. “Very funny.”
I gestured to Richard. “You and I ought to ride ahead to the north meadow and ensure the servants know where to set up everything.”
“Of course, let us go.”
My gaze locked upon Elizabeth. “Do you mind waiting here for Georgiana?”
“Not at all. I shall see you both there.”
Elizabeth
At the sound of approaching hooves, I turned round. Georgiana came towards me on her bay mare. The carriages remained well behind her.
My sister pointed to Richard and Fitzwilliam, who rode ahead in the distance. “I suppose they wished to have a run.”
“Yes, and I suspect Fitzwilliam wanted an excuse to talk alone with Richard. It has been a while since they have had the opportunity.”
“Yes, that is true.” Her face compressed, displaying a frown.
“Is aught on your mind? You seem a bit dejected.”
“Do I?” She looked away. “Well, Lady Catherine’s scrutiny and probing questions always make me feel inadequate, which is why I avoid her whenever possible. Earlier, when she interrogated me about our household, I felt like a child of ten again. I appreciated Richard’s interference on my behalf.”
“Your aunt seems to feel it is her purpose in life to dispense advice to others. It is unfortunate her mode of expression is often offensive. In contrast to Lady Catherine’s feelings towards you, she utterly deplores me. Nevertheless, I intend to persuade her that I am not a terrible person.”
Georgiana shook her head. “I do not know whether you are more brave or foolish, but I admire your ability to handle my aunt’s hostility with grace and wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you.” I shall need every scrap of luck I may get.
Darcy
Once our horses had worked up a sweat, we slowed them to a walk. Richard’s mien hardened as I informed him of Lady Catherine’s sudden appearance, her implacable enmity towards Elizabeth, and her object in bringing Lady Rebecca to Pemberley.
His lip curled into a sneer. “How can you allow them to stay at Pemberley under these circumstances? I should have expected you to place Elizabeth’s happiness and peace of mind far ahead of our aunt’s concerns.”
“It is Elizabeth who convinced me to let them remain. She wanted the opportunity to sway our aunt from her misguided outlook. I should have preferred to make them leave, but since my wife is determined to give this a try, I agreed to her request.”
Richard emitted a long, low-pitched whistle. “Well, your wife is a valiant woman.”
“Indeed, she is.” I gave him a sidelong glance.
“While riding Regal last week, I had a narrow escape from a deadly fall. Since then, I have considered the possible consequences to Elizabeth if I died. I am concerned that Lady Catherine would attempt to make trouble for her in some way. You and I know our aunt might use any situation or moment of vulnerability to force her will onto others. I hardly need ask this of you, but if anything happens to me, I hope you and Georgiana will look out for Elizabeth and Bennet.”
He adopted a stiff posture and stared at me. “I know you, Darcy. You are not telling me the entire truth. Have you an illness that may threaten your life?”
By Jove, I ought to have known Richard would be suspicious. I brushed flecks of dust from my coat. “No, I have always enjoyed perfect health, and nothing has occurred to change that.”
He gave me a slow nod. “Very well. You may be certain that if anything happens to you, Georgiana and I shall provide Elizabeth and Bennet all the support they need.”
“Thank you.” The tension in my chest abated.
Elizabeth
To my mind, Bennet’s buoyant chatter set the perfect mood for our picnic. Everyone had taken seats in a flat, grassy area covered by tarpaulins and blankets and furnished with pillows.
On a nearby blanket sat Jane, Charles, and Papa.
On the other side of them, Georgiana and Richard rested under the shade of an umbrella.
Graham took a seat with Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson, whilst Lady Catherine and Lady Rebecca sat near the food table.
Her ladyship had never looked more austere, and it seemed odd that she and Anne had not sat together.
Bennet, situated between Fitzwilliam and me, exuded a joyous energy and elicited smiles and grins from those around him.
Our cook had planned a tasty meal that included several of my son’s favourite foods, including apples, sliced ham, rolls, lemonade, and peach tarts.
Fitzwilliam removed his pocket-knife and sliced a pear, handing a piece to Bennet.
My father gestured to them, a familiar wry curve to his mouth. “Your son is the image of you, Darcy, although I dare say his innate liveliness must be ascribed to his mother.”
I shared a smile with Papa. The comment brought levity to Fitzwilliam’s visage as well. How could he not be pleased at such a flattering statement, even if my father had intended to tease as well as compliment?
“No doubt you are correct, but I have had more reason to smile these past three years than ever before.” Fitzwilliam’s gaze flitted from our son to me. His tender look paralysed my tongue for a moment.
Soon, though, I wrested my sight from him to face my father. “Bennet’s tendency to smile may have come from me, but without a doubt, he has Fitzwilliam’s dimples.”
“Oh?” Papa rested upon one elbow to inspect my husband. “I did not know Darcy possessed that trait.” At this, Fitzwilliam’s complexion flushed.
I rested my hand upon my husband’s wrist, meeting Papa’s gaze. “With luck, you may glimpse them during your stay here. They are a rare sight—one that I treasure.”
Graham
I sat across from Miss Anne de Bourgh and her companion, the grey-haired Mrs. Jenkinson. The younger lady drew my curiosity, for her arrival had thoroughly disconcerted Lady Catherine.
Although average in looks, Miss de Bourgh had noble features and expressive, brown irises.
In contrast to her mother’s comportment, Miss de Bourgh’s shoulders bowed inwards and her back hunched a bit as though to evade drawing attention to herself.
The Darcy boy often drew her sight. She espied the child with a slight smile on display.
Of course, she also stole glances at me—quick ones designed to be surreptitious.
My hand brushed hers when I passed her a basket of rolls, and the workings of her mind became visible.
My robust appetite amused her, and she could not account for why I had chosen to sit with her.
She hoped I would not engage her in conversation for fear that she should become flustered, as she often did with new acquaintances.
Alas, her desire did not coincide with mine.
I edged closer to her. “Miss de Bourgh, do you share your mother’s interest in music?”
She flinched and gulped a mouthful of ham. “Music? Well…um…I do enjoy listening to others perform.”
“What other pastimes do you favour?” She blanched like a deer confronted by a wolf. This would not do. I sent her a silent communication: Be easy. I am a friend.
Miss de Bourgh blinked, and her mouth parted as she received my message.
She fiddled with the scarf around her neck.
“Well, I have always loved to read. For most of my life, I have suffered from poor health and have not had the opportunity to pursue many activities. In the past few months, though, my health has improved, and I have discovered that I enjoy long walks. I should like to take up horseback riding again, which I have not done since childhood. In the future, I hope to travel and see my family more often.”
My gaze drifted towards Lady Catherine, who sat under an umbrella with Lady Rebecca. “May I presume you do not share your mother’s rancour towards Elizabeth?” Based on Miss de Bourgh’s thoughts, the answer seemed clear, but I should be certain.
Her pupils enlarged. “Why would you ask me this?”