Chapter 12 Time Runs Out #5
I took her hand and left a kiss upon it. “I have taken my leave of Darcy. I appreciate your kind hospitality and am gratified to know I never need to fret for my friend’s happiness. In you, he has found his perfect match. I have enjoyed every minute of my stay here.”
“And you have been a delightful guest.” Elizabeth’s brow creased. “Of course, you will return, will you not?”
My smile faltered, and I chewed upon the inside of my cheek. The most prudent course would be to dissolve my connexion to them. “I cannot be certain, although I hope so. Perhaps by the time that happens, you will have forgotten me.”
A silvery laugh came from her. “I do not think that is possible.” She sobered as her mouth flattened. “Do take care of yourself.”
“Indeed, I shall.” I indulged in a final stare, taking note of each line and curve of her face. With a suppressed sigh, I bowed and departed.
Thursday, 21 September
Darcy
Elizabeth and I hastened towards the stables.
Just ahead of us, Bennet ran after Rory, who led the way, barking and wagging his tail.
My wife held a bag of apple and carrot pieces while I carried a bucket of grains sweetened with a touch of honey—a specific mixture prepared by the cook at my request.
At the stables, Bennet grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and pulled her to the door of his pony’s stall. “Mama, open.”
I stood behind my wife as she gave Bennet a piece of apple from the bag and unlatched the door. She hesitated, holding the door shut. “Remember, Bennet, never sneak up on a horse. Talk to him so he knows you are there.”
“Danny, it is me, Bennet. I have apple for you.” My son moved towards the pony, who swung his head from his breakfast of oat hay and shifted towards him.
Bennet fed Danny his snack, taking care to keep his small hand flat and open as he had been taught.
After a moment, the pony returned to his meal.
After stroking the pony’s chest, Bennet left the stall.
I proceeded to Regal’s stall, opened the door, and entered. My horse greeted me with an enthusiastic nicker. I set the bucket into his trough and rubbed his neck and shoulder as he ate his treat. Did he have any inkling of how much I appreciated him?
Bennet watched us from the entrance to Regal’s stall. An endearing crinkle formed between my son’s brows as he pointed to the bucket. “Papa, why does he have a special breakfast? Is today his birthday?”
I smiled at Bennet and Elizabeth, who came to stand behind him. “No, this is not Regal’s birthday, but he deserves this treat.”
He stepped closer. “Why?”
“Well, he has been a reliable and valuable friend to me.” I locked eyes with Elizabeth.
Last night, I had revealed Graham’s true identity to her, as well as the revelations he had made to Richard and me.
I had wanted her to benefit from the welcome information that had given me peace of mind.
Having already been exposed to Graham’s extraordinary abilities, she accepted my disclosure with equanimity and admitted to having suspected her current pregnancy.
For Bennet, though, I should recount an incident from two years ago.
“On one occasion, Regal and I reached the North Bridge on the way back to the estate. Although we had crossed that way many times before, Regal halted after taking one step upon the bridge. Despite my attempts to urge him forwards, he refused and backed up instead. He had never disobeyed me before without a compelling reason. I dismounted and tried to persuade him to walk over, but he locked his legs and resisted my efforts. Although I could not detect any sign of damage to the structure, I decided to take the long way around. Upon my return, I sent a couple of men to examine the bridge. They found that two of the main support boards had rotted and needed to be replaced.”
Elizabeth patted our son’s shoulder. “Do you understand what he said? Regal prevented your father from crossing an unsafe bridge, which could have resulted in a serious injury.”
Bennet’s eyes grew wide. “Regal saved you, Papa?”
“Yes, he did.” I checked the bucket and found that my horse had consumed the oat mixture, leaving nary a trace of its former contents.
I stroked Regal’s forehead. A twinkle stirred in his large, dark eyes, a shining reflection of affection and intelligence.
You would have saved my life a second time had you been given the chance. Thank you, my friend.
I set the empty bucket outside the stall. As Bennet moved ahead to the next one, I neared Elizabeth. “How are you feeling?”
A grin raised her cheeks. “I am well. I do not feel any change in me yet.”
I took a moment to admire her glowing skin, broad smile, and sparking irises. “Yet I can detect a difference. You are always beautiful, but when you are with child, you manifest a spectacular luminous quality.”
“Thank you.” She perused my face. “And this time you have no reason to be anxious as you were when I carried and gave birth to Bennet. Is that not wonderful?”
A short chuckle came from me, and I placed a kiss upon her nose. “Indeed, I could not be happier.”
She grabbed me in an exuberant embrace. Entertaining a spontaneous whim, I lifted her, spinning her as though she weighed no more than a child. She emitted a joyous squeal.
Bennet ran towards us, moving his rather chubby legs at an impressive rate. “Me next, Papa!” He jumped in place, holding up his arms.
Setting Elizabeth down with care, I kissed her forehead. She moved aside to let our son have his turn. Bennet’s delighted squeals as I spun him around fed my already elevated spirits. When I set him back on the ground, he scampered down the aisle to greet the other horses.
I took my wife’s hand, and we followed our son. “Have you thought of possible names for our baby?”
She peered at me. “Not as of yet. Have you any suggestions?”
“You previously selected Jane Anne, and I think that is an excellent choice.” My sight locked upon her. Would she hate my idea? “For our third child, what do you think of naming him Graham?”
“Ah, after your…friend.”
“Yes, would you mind?” Despite the anguish Graham had caused me, which I had minimised in my recitation of the details to my wife, he had altered my life for the better.
“Hmm.” Elizabeth cocked her head, appearing to give the matter consideration. After a moment, she displayed a bright smile. “Graham. Graham Darcy. Mr. Graham Darcy.” She uttered the words in a lilting fashion. “Yes, it is an altogether excellent name.”
The End