Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Despite having already met three members of the Fitzwilliam clan and finding them less than intimidating, Elizabeth climbed the steps of Matlock House that evening with not a little trepidation. This was it; she would finally be introduced to his world, and she truly wanted everything to go well for him.
“Is it going to be a large gathering?” she enquired of Georgiana, who was walking by her side.
“I do not think so. There would be all four of our cousins—Sebastian, Richard, Minerva, and Emmaline. Then there would be Sebastian’s wife, Jennifer, and Minerva’s husband, Gregory Maxwell, Lord Stanhope. And of course, Anne, assuming she is still in London.”
They had now reached the top of the stairs, where the Matlocks’ butler stood waiting at the open door. Georgiana consequently added in a whisper, “Although I cannot say for certain, I think Aunt Susan wants to keep this gathering strictly within the family.”
“Hmm.” Elizabeth nodded briefly, then looked down in surprise when she suddenly felt Mr Darcy catch hold of her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. “You do not need to worry at all, Mrs Darcy. I am sure you would charm the rest of the Fitzwilliams as easily as you did my aunt and uncle.”
Elizabeth offered him a grateful smile as the three Darcys together entered the hallway of Matlock House. Is my nervousness so easily discernible? she wondered uneasily but did not have much time to ponder the matter as Waverly was soon announcing them in the drawing room.
Regardless of how curious they were about the young woman their cousin had so unexpectedly married, all of the Fitzwilliams had the good manners not to openly stare at Elizabeth, and she released a breath she had not even realised she was holding. Before long, Lady Matlock came forward to greet her with outstretched arms and a warm smile, and Elizabeth’s nerves suddenly vanished.
∞∞∞
Lady Matlock began introducing Elizabeth to those family members she had not previously met. It did not take long for her to realise that Anne de Bourgh was not among them.
Lord Matlock and Georgiana were standing nearby when Lady Matlock introduced Elizabeth to her eldest son, Sebastian Fitzwilliam, Viscount Raymore, and his wife.
“So, Anne decided to go back to Rosings?” Georgiana asked, and Lord Matlock opted to answer her.
“Yes, and more is the pity. I did invite her to stay with us for a while. It would have saved her from Cathy’s immediate ire, while also giving my sister time to calm down. But Anne preferred to go back with her mother.” He sighed and turned to address Elizabeth.
“I hope you will not worry unduly, Mrs Darcy. Cathy may be dictatorial, but in her own way, she wants only the best for her daughter. That is why she had chosen Darcy for Anne, because she knew that whatever happened, her daughter would always be cared for and treated with respect.” He shook his head with a rueful smile. “Unfortunately, in all her planning, she forgot to consider the happiness of both Anne and Darcy. But as I said earlier, as the executor of her late father’s will, I will try to ensure that Anne is no longer treated shabbily.”
Before Elizabeth could respond to the earl’s comforting words, Viscount Raymore inserted himself in theconversation. “The woman who doused the fire of the de Bourgh dragon in their first confrontation is hardly likely to worry about trifles, Father. In fact, I feel it is you who should be worried about fulfilling your commitments, if you have pledged to do something for her,” he drawled wryly.
“Do you really have to display your odd sense of humour in your first meeting with Mrs Darcy? And I will thank you for keeping a civil tongue in your head, Raymore. Catherine is still your aunt, and as such, she deserves your respect!”
“But I respect dragons, Father, very much.”
At that, Elizabeth had to hurriedly change a chuckle into a cough. Hearing it, Viscount Raymore turned towards her and smiled winningly. “I hope my little joke did not offend, Mrs Darcy. Truly, it was meant as a compliment. I would like to assure you that ever since Richard told me about the masterly manner in which you handled our aunt, I have completely been in awe of your fortitude and wit.”
Elizabeth looked into the Viscount’s warm, blue eyes, twinkling with appreciation, and smiled back at him. “Thank you,” she said simply.
Waverly came in to announce dinner before any further conversation could take place. Darcy made his way towards Elizabeth with the intention of taking her to dinner, but his plan was thwarted when Lord Matlock offered his arm to her.
“Go and escort your aunt to the dining room, Darcy, and let me talk some more to your lady wife,” the earl directed, patting Elizabeth’s hand on his arm. “Come, Mrs Darcy.”
“Please, will you not call me Elizabeth, my lord?”
“Only if you call me Uncle Harry, like your husband.”
Richard Fitzwilliam had come to accompany Jennifer Fitzwilliam to the dining room. His brow shot up as he heard that exchange! “Well, Mrs Darcy is a quick one indeed! Not only has she slayed the dragon of Rosings, but she has also bearded the lion in his den!”
His brother chuckled. “It would be interesting to see what kind of dance she leads our very staid Darcy into!”
“Oh, yes, I am preparing myself to be well entertained,” Colonel Fitzwilliam retorted gleefully.
∞∞∞
While the whole family made every effort to involve Elizabeth in their conversation, oftentimes, the discourse veered to people and events she did not know, and she was more than happy to sit back and observe the Fitzwilliams.
The younger two siblings, Richard and Emmaline, had sunny dispositions and ensured that the conversation at the table never flagged. It surprised her anew that her taciturn husband was so comfortable with the gregarious Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The elder two Fitzwilliam siblings were much quieter, though, once or twice, Lord Raymore did exhibit glimpses of his wicked sense of humour and sharp tongue from earlier in the drawing room. Minerva Maxwell, on the other hand, appeared out of sorts and stayed mostly silent. Elizabeth had no way of knowing if it was her natural disposition or if she was currently weighed down by some concerns. Elizabeth suspected it was the latter because her husband appeared equally morose.
Another thing that puzzled Elizabeth was Lord Matlock’s offhand behaviour with his daughter’s husband. Aside from a few requests to pass some dish or other, he did not address a single word to Lord Stanhope.
Finally, Elizabeth turned her attention to Jennifer Fitzwilliam. Lady Raymore was charming and gracious, and she exuded a warmth that made her appear quite approachable, much like the current Lady Matlock. Although she did not say much, her behaviour revealed her concern for her family members. Elizabeth noted her attempts to draw Minerva out of her misery several times, but she was not very successful due to a lack of assistance from her sister.
The conversations around the table also made Elizabeth aware of the next generation of the Fitzwilliams and the Maxwells. Sebastian and Jennifer had two sons: the heir, James, and the spare, Alexander. Minerva and Lord Stanhope had a four-year-old daughter named Cecilia.
The meal was almost over, and Elizabeth would have considered the evening a resounding success when, all of a sudden, something appeared to miff Lord Stanhope while he was arguing with Colonel Fitzwilliam about the merits of some military tactics. Showing great aplomb, Lady Matlock immediately requested the post-dinner separation of the sexes. Elizabeth was pleased to note that the activity and the attendant chatter caused a gradual reduction in the tension around the table.
∞∞∞
When the ladies reached the drawing room, Georgiana remained near Elizabeth. While she did not understand the reason, she also felt the sense of unease that suddenly prevailed in the room.
“Shall we have some music?” Emmaline enquired once her mother had rung for tea.
“I have a headache. I would prefer to have some peace and quiet,” Minerva retorted shortly. The fracas in the dining room had clearly upset her.
“Certainly, my dear. You will feel better once you have had some tea,” Lady Matlock replied soothingly. “In the meanwhile, I want to speak with you, Elizabeth.”
“Of course, my lady.” Elizabeth looked at her in polite enquiry.
“If you do not have any prior commitments tomorrow, then I would like you to come with me to Madame Blanchet’s to commission a ballgown for the wedding ball I have planned for you and Darcy. It will be my gift to you.”
Elizabeth glanced at Georgiana before answering and was amused to see the light of anticipation in her eyes. “We would love to accompany you, my lady.”
“Good, then that is settled, and if you find her style to your liking, you can order some gowns and frocks to augment your wardrobe, my dear. We will be going out quite a lot, and it would do you no harm if the ton is able to recognise Madame Blanchet’s subtle touches in your trousseau.”
The diplomatic manner in which Lady Matlock urged her to improve her wardrobe amused Elizabeth. Perhaps it was easier for her to take everything with a touch of humour because she could tell that the advice was kindly meant; also, she had been impressed by what she had seen of Georgiana’s wardrobe, which was mostly Madame Blanchet’s creation.
“Jennifer, Minerva, you two should also join us tomorrow; it will be a very enjoyable outing,” Emmaline suggested eagerly.
“I wish I could, Emmaline, but tomorrow I am otherwise engaged. Sebastian and I have been invited to the inauguration of an orphan house,” Jennifer replied.
“Oh. Perhaps another time,” Lady Emmaline acquiesced before turning to her sister. “Minerva? How about you? I think you should come; it will be good…”
“How could you blather on so heartlessly, Emmy?” Minerva interrupted her harshly. “Can you not see…. Can you not understand…?” She paused abruptly, her eyes wide with distress.
“Minerva!” Lady Matlock chided her daughter gently, who whispered back contritely, “Mama… I…”
To Elizabeth, it was apparent that Lady Minerva wanted to unburden herself, and it was her presence that was inhibiting the elder Fitzwilliam sister. She glanced uneasily at Georgiana and found her looking back at her in consternation.
Under normal circumstances, Elizabeth would never have dreamed of acting in this forward manner while being a guest in someone’s house for the first time, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
“Georgie, you had promised to show me the library here; shall we go and have a quick look around?”
“Of course, Elizabeth.” Georgiana nodded in agreement and rose from her seat.
Lady Matlock smiled at them appreciatively. “Your uncle is getting some re-cataloguing done in the library, Georgiana. Why do you not take Elizabeth to the smaller library in your uncle’s study?”
“Very well, Aunt.” The two young women left with a sense of relief.
When they came out of the drawing room, Georgiana led Elizabeth to a door at the end of the corridor. Lord Matlock’s study was a spacious room that was divided into two sections. One had a large study table and a chair placed near a large window. Facing them were a number of chairs for the visitors. The study area was separated from the rest of the room by carved wooden screens. The library, though calling it that was a stretch, was at the other end of the room. The bookcases were separated from the first section by a seating arrangement of a couple of sofas and a few easy chairs spread around a glass-topped, low-height mahogany table.
“I was surprised when Aunt Susan asked me to bring you here. Uncle Harry gets quite ruffled if anyone enters his study without his permission.
“Hmm. I am not interested in his study,” Elizabeth stated as she approached the two medium-sized bookcases lined against the opposite wall.
“Did you really come here to examine the books, Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked in puzzlement.
“I might as well have a look now that I am here,” Elizabeth retorted wryly.
“Well, in that case, would you mind if I went and looked for a book of poetry I forgot here during my last stay?”
“Not at all. Go ahead without any misgivings.”
“I will see you soon then,” Georgiana said and left the room.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth was perusing the lone shelf, which held volumes of poetry and some of Bard’s plays, when she heard the door to the adjacent room open, followed by the sounds of footsteps. It sounded like more than one person had entered the room. Surprised at how clearly she could hear everything, she glanced back and realised why: the connecting door was ajar.
“You really want a game of billiards, Darcy?”
Ah! Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy. Is the Viscount also with them? Elizabeth wondered idly.
“You know I do not, Richard. I would like to talk to you.”
“I thought so.” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s voice lacked enthusiasm.
“I suppose you also noticed the constraint between my uncle and Gregory over dinner, and now he has departed early with a plainly made-up excuse. And he left without Minerva…”
“He could hardly take my sister to the business meeting he suddenly remembered, that too on the new year’s eve.” The colonel’s dry tones gave Elizabeth a very good idea of what he thought of Lord Stanhope’s excuse.
“Richard, what is the matter? I want to know because I want to help if possible.” Mr Darcy’s voice was quiet but compelling. His words were followed by a brief silence, during which Elizabeth wondered how to stop eavesdropping on the sensitive topic. She could not return to the drawing room just yet, and Georgiana had hinted that Lord Matlock did not take too kindly to the sanctity of his study being breached. The best solution was to close the connecting door and muffle the incoming voices. She took a few cautious steps forward and had just reached for the door handle when the colonel’s voice rang out, louder than before. He appeared to have strayed near the connecting door, and Elizabeth froze, forgetting to even breathe for a terrifying moment.
“The only thing we can do is pray that Minerva and my mother do not discover the truth,” Richard Fitzwilliam remarked soberly, and Elizabeth had a sudden sinking sensation that it was already too late for his hope.
“Which truth are you talking about, Richard?” Despite his efforts to remain calm, Darcy’s voice was filled with frustration. “Please stop beating around the bush and tell me what the matter is.”
The colonel was so near the door that Elizabeth could actually hear the sigh he released. “Well, it seems Stanhope has set up a mistress.”
“What!”
“Yes, Lord Buckhaven informed Father about the rumours a se’nnight ago. Father was understandably sceptical, but because it was Buckhaven, he tried to confirm the news through his own sources. Unfortunately, he received an affirmation this afternoon and was upset enough to confront Stanhope directly, despite my advice.”
“Why would you advise against it?”
“Because I would have handled it differently—by approaching the lady, and I use the term loosely here, not Stanhope. I was afraid of the repercussions of confronting him, and sadly, things did unfold as I had feared.”
“What happened?” The cold anger in Darcy’s voice was palpable enough to make Elizabeth shiver.
“Well, he asked Father not to… er… meddle in his personal life and…” Colonel Fitzwilliam broke off when Darcy interrupted him with a string of words that made Elizabeth blush with their saltiness.
“My feelings exactly, as were Father’s. Unfortunately, when he persisted, Stanhope very politely told him to set his own house in order before preaching to others.”
“H-how dare he? Uncle Harry is well-known in his circles for his moral rectitude!” Darcy hissed angrily.
“I thought it was you who was known thusly,” Colonel Fitzwilliam countered in amusement. His subsequent chuckle sounded less loud as he moved away from the door.
Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose as she understood the significance of the teasing remark. Through this conversation, she was getting to know quite a lot about her husband and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, it seemed, was unable to control his teasing even during such a serious discussion.
Had she wanted, she could have easily closed the door now, but her intense curiosity in the exchange taking place in the other room had made her completely forget the impropriety of her conduct.
“For God’s sake, Richard! How can you stand here joking when Stanhope had the temerity to cast aspersions on my uncle?”
“Because it was not my father on whom he cast aspersions, Darce.” All of a sudden, Colonel Fitzwilliam sounded tired.
“Oh!” After a moment of silence, Darcy muttered, “Raymore…” in a voice that was definitely less heated than before.
“Yes, Raymore. Stanhope’s main argument is that Father hardly has any right to preach to him when he has done nothing to check his own son.”
Oh! Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open in shock as she realised, all over again, that it was not a wise practice to base one’s judgement on first impressions. From what she had seen of the Viscount and his lady today, she would have assumed they had a marriage of complete felicity.
“It was for this reason that I was in favour of dealing with Mrs Rhys-Cooper instead of Stanhope.”
“Well, if it is the woman I think it is, she would not be swayed easily by money; she has enough of her own.”
“Everyone has a price.”
Elizabeth frowned at the cold cynicism and was immediately surprised to hear her husband echo her own sentiments.
“You have grown much too cynical for your own good, Richard.”
“Ha! Look who is talking about cynicism!” the colonel exclaimed sardonically, then added after a heartbeat, “Although I am glad that marriage appears to be having a beneficial effect on you.”
Darcy chose to ignore that sally. “In any case, it would not be of much use to… er… bribe Mrs Rhys-Cooper because if Stanhope has decided to look for gratification outside his marriage, it would soon be someone else, if not her.”
Elizabeth could almost feel the dismay in the hushed silence that followed.
“I can talk to Stanhope if you are agreeable.” Darcy offered awkwardly.
“He will put forward the same argument to you also because it is more than just a matter of your personal probity. This is about Raymore. He is as much your cousin as Minerva.”
“Ah, but there lies the difference. I did try to speak with Raymore as well.”
“What! When?” Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed astounded.
“I spoke with him around the time Jennifer was expecting James. I had assumed that Sebastian had put that kind of life behind him after marriage, but I heard some rumours at the time. I was naturally worried that Jennifer would be devastated if they fell on her ears. So, I went and remonstrated with him.”
“And what did Sebastian say to that?” Richard’s voice was full of awed curiosity.
“I… ah… it was not him who had anything to say on the matter, but Jennifer.” Darcy’s voice was sheepish.
“Really, Darcy, I would never have taken you for a silly gudgeon who would talk about such a thing in front of Jennifer!”
“What? No! Of course, I did not talk about it in front of Jennifer. Unfortunately, she decided to come to Sebastian’s study just as we were discussing the matter.”
“Ah, bad luck.”
“Yea, mine at least. You should have seen the transformation in her! She fell on my head like a tonne of bricks.” Even through the wall Elizabeth could sense the shock her husband appeared to feel still.
“What did she say?”
“Well, I can only tell you the essence. It was that I should not interfere in matters I do not know anything about. She knew what Sebastian was up to, and if she had no problem with his... affairs, no one else should either. That Sebastian was a saint!”
“What?”
“Yes, well, I did protest that he was not behaving like any saints I know of.”
“You would.” Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled.
“You may laugh, but it prompted her to reveal why Sebastian had offered marriage to her. While I cannot tell you the details because I promised her not to, I can tell you that theirs is not a normal sort of marriage. They did not marry for the usual reasons and perhaps they knew from the very beginning that the vows they took had little meaning. Also, while not exactly a saint, Sebastian did give up a lot for Jennifer.”
“Hmm.”
“However, Stanhope and Minerva did marry for love, and I am sure she would be utterly heartbroken if she ever came to know of his perfidy.”
“That is what I am worried about,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said heavily.
“So, shall I talk to Stanhope?”
“Let us wait for a bit. Perhaps he would outgrow this on his own. Meanwhile, I will inform Father about your offer.”
“Very well,” Darcy agreed. Although, to Elizabeth, he did not sound too convinced of the argument.
“I think we should get back together with the ladies to usher in the new year; otherwise, Mrs Darcy would think us very ill-mannered.”
“I am sure she will not, but you are correct; let us not tarry any longer.”
Elizabeth waited for the footsteps to fade before hurrying to the door of Lord Matlock’s study, wondering for the first time what had become of Georgiana. She opened the door of the study only to come face-to-face with her new sister, who appeared to be out of breath.
“Oh, Elizabeth, I am so sorry to have abandoned you in this rude manner, but the maid mislaid my book, and it took all this while to locate it.”
“Please do not worry about it, Georgie. I managed to keep myself tolerably engaged,” Elizabeth said truthfully while waving away the other girl’s apology.
“I am glad,” Georgiana said with a relieved smile, and the two young women then made their way back to the drawing room.
∞∞∞
When Elizabeth reached the dining room for breakfast the next morning, she found both Mr Darcy and Georgiana already seated at the table. Her husband was hidden behind his newspaper, which he immediately lowered when Georgiana greeted her solicitously. “Good morning, Elizabeth. I hope you slept well.”
“Yes, I did, my dear.” Elizabeth smiled as she spouted the polite lie. The reality was that she had trouble sleeping last night as her mind continued to dwell on what she had overheard Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy discussing in the billiards room. This was the reason she had overslept. “I hope you did too,” she added as she stepped forward.
”Oh, yes, I slept like a log,” Georgiana replied before taking a dainty bite of the roll in her hand.
After exchanging greetings with Mr Darcy, Elizabeth went to the sideboard to pick up a light breakfast of a roll and a small slice of pound cake.
“I hear you and Georgie are going to be quite busy today with visits to the modiste and the haberdashery.” Darcy ignored the newspaper in his hand, finding it more pleasurable to observe his smiling wife buttering a roll.
“Yes, Brother, we are going to be very busy for a few days. Aunt Susan believes that Elizabeth’s wardrobe requires some town polish and is taking her to Madame Blanchet today. She also intends to gift Elizabeth a ballgown for the ball she is planning in honour of your wedding,” Georgiana chirped happily before Elizabeth could respond.
Darcy frowned at that. “I do not find anything wrong with Elizabeth”s wardrobe. The only thing it needs is a few additions because of the numerous engagements Aunt Susan has in store for us,” he declared before turning to Elizabeth. “You do not have to go to a new modiste simply because my aunt recommended it. If you like, you can continue to patronise the one you did earlier, and if you would rather not argue with Aunt Susan, I can easily talk to her on the matter.”
His speech was met by a silence on the table as both young women in his audience stared at him: Georgiana in surprise and Elizabeth in wonderment. Although it was a small thing, it was strangely satisfying to have her wishes accorded so much importance. All of a sudden, her throat felt tight with emotion, and in silence, she raised her coffee cup to her lips, attempting to swallow the constricting emotion with it.
Eventually, she managed to respond lightly enough. “There is no need to speak with Lady Matlock. In fact, after seeing Madame Blanchet’s creations for Georgie and Lady Emmaline, I am more than willing to patronise her.” She smiled at him before adding, ”Your aunt has very kindly taken on the responsibility of introducing me to the ton, and I would like to assist her in any way I can. However, I am glad to know that I can come to you in case I have any concerns.”
“Of course. I assumed you already knew that, Elizabeth. Well, if you are happy with Aunt”s suggestions, then I wish you both a pleasant outing.” Darcy remarked, before returning to the newspaper in his hand.
Georgiana stood up and excused herself. “I am glad that is settled. Since I will not have time for my pianoforte practise in the afternoon, I will practice now.” After a moment’s hesitation, she suggested, “Brother, why do you not introduce the latest addition to our stables to Elizabeth? I am sure she will enjoy a ride.”
“While I do not have any objection to meeting the latest addition to the stables, I am afraid it would not be of much use as I do not ride.” Elizabeth”s expression turned a little apologetic as she noticed Georgiana”s amazed expression.
“You do not ride... at all? But why, Elizabeth?”
“I prefer to walk,” Elizabeth answered succinctly. It was true, but what she did not admit was that, as a child, she had been quite uncomfortable with the pony lessons her father had arranged for Jane, Mary, and herself. And because in the Bennet household, they were rarely compelled to learn anything they did not want to, she was excused from the lessons. Consequently, her apprehension of riding had never gone away.
“You should let Brother teach you. I can tell you from my personal experience that he is the best teacher you could have.”
“I am sure you are correct, Georgie, but I do not feel the need for it. As I said, I prefer walking,” Elizabeth replied hastily.
“Oh, but there is, Elizabeth. There are several scenic sites around Pemberley that can only be reached by horseback, and given your love of the outdoors, I am certain that you will want to visit them.”
Darcy noticed the beginning of a familiar mulish expression on his wife”s face and knew she would drag her foot if Georgie pressed her too hard. It was finally time to test one of his hypotheses about Elizabeth.
“You are correct, Georgie. If Elizabeth learned to ride, it would be easier for her at Pemberley, but I can always take her on Poseidon to the places you just mentioned. Please do not press her. You must understand that it is not always easy to overcome your fears.”
“Fear? Who said anything about fear?” Elizabeth interrupted him indignantly. “And Georgie is correct; I should learn to ride if I do not wish to rely on others for my transport. So, what do you say?”
Aha! Her courage indeed rises at an attempt to intimidate her. Darcy had trouble controlling his smile. “What do I say about what, Elizabeth?” he enquired guilelessly.
“About teaching me to ride, Georgie has already declared that you are the best instructor she knows. But perhaps you would not have the time.”
Darcy”s lips twitched at the sudden hope in her beautiful eyes. “There is no dearth of time, my dear. I am completely at your disposal.”
“Oh. Well, in that case, we can begin the lessons at your convenience,” Elizabeth said resignedly.
Darcy nodded in acknowledgement. “Although there is no hurry, we would have to wait to get you a riding habit at the very least.”
“It is a shame mine would not fit Elizabeth. While they can be altered, I think it would be best to have them made for her,” Georgiana stated before exiting the dining room with a smile of farewell at them both.
“Now that we are all in agreement, I too will take your leave; I need to write a letter to Jane,” Elizabeth murmured before rising from her chair. A quick glance at her husband revealed him to be smiling at his newspaper. Curiosity made her lean sideways to glance at the page he was reading. He looked to be reading an article advocating for higher compensation for spinners in Manchester and its adjacent areas.
What a peculiar topic to derive amusement from. He has the oddest sense of humour! she thought in bewilderment as she looked at him again, only to find him eyeing her with a completely bland expression. The golden flecks in his eyes were the only reminder of his amusement from moments ago.
“Please convey my regards to everyone in the family when you write to Jane,” he said after a moment of silence.
She nodded. “I will do that.”
She was at the door when he called to her once more. “Elizabeth?”
“Yes?”
“Once you have finished with your letter, will you please come down to my study? I will take you to meet Snowdrop.”
“S-Snowdrop?”
“Yes, she is the newest addition to our stables, although it has been more than a few months since she came here.”
Darcy thought his wife was going to refuse his request, but after a moment’s pause, she squared her shoulders and nodded. “Very well, I will see you in half an hour.”
“Hmm.”
Darcy watched her leave with a smile playing on his lips. “Headstrong, obstinate woman,” he muttered to himself. The words may not have been the most complimentary, but the caressing manner in which they were spoken, and the accompanying smile would have told any perceptive observer that they were the endearments of a besotted man.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth stood next to Darcy and stared at the mare staring back at her curiously. She was as white as driven snow, hence the unoriginal but perfectly suitable name, Snowdrop. Thankfully, the expression on her face was benign, her eyes gentle, and Elizabeth breathed just a bit easier.
Really, Lizzy, just because the pony that you rode when you were six attempted to throw you does not mean all the horses in the world would be conspiring to do the same. Stop being so lily-livered, she told herself sternly.
Feeling unusually bold after that bracing self-advice, she was lifting her hand to rub the pristine forehead in front of her, when she felt her hand being gently held and something slipped into it.
Surprised, she looked down and found two uneven pieces of sugar in her hand. Before she could respond, Mr Darcy bent his head and murmured in her ear, “Snowdrop loves sugar. If you offer it to her, I am sure we are looking forward to a lifelong friendship.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose at his teasing voice. “Hmm. Let us put that to the test, shall we?” she enquired, and forgetting any reluctance she might have otherwise felt, she held out her hand to Snowdrop. The mare nickered softly as she stretched her neck and delicately picked up the sugar pieces between her soft lips. The sugar was gone in a matter of moments, and it appeared as if Snowdrop had decided to search for more, on her shoulders! Elizabeth chuckled as the mare blew warm air on her neck, and she moved back slightly to pat Snowdrop on hers.
“She is beautiful,” Elizabeth murmured softly.
“Yes, that she is.” Darcy nodded, but as he was looking at his wife at the time, it was difficult to tell exactly who he was referring to. “Someone else here agrees heartily with you.”
“Georgie?”
“While Georgie obviously admires Snowdrop, I was referring to my poor Poseidon, actually.”
“Why poor Poseidon?”
“Because his admiration is not reciprocated. If I think back carefully, I have to conclude that it was love at first sight for Poseidon. Since then, he has tried every trick in the book to show he is worthy of her affections—he neighs and nickers, tosses his head, and swishes his tail—but to no avail. Snowdrop refuses to be impressed.”
Elizabeth giggled at her husband”s doleful expression.
“Ah! You ladies are a cruel lot. Snowdrop spurns his advances with disdain, and you laugh at his travails so heartlessly.”
“I-I am very sorry for my unkindness.” Elizabeth’s voice shook in spite of her efforts. “What shall I do to make amends?”
“Well, if you are serious, then you should take your riding lessons regularly. They will give Poseidon a chance to advance his courtship with equal regularity,” Darcy suggested with a straight face.
“Hmm. I can definitely give that a try,” Elizabeth promised solemnly, while Snowdrop, who had not given up hope for more sugar, made another attempt at cajoling by nudging Elizabeth’s shoulder.
“As I predicted, Snowdrop seems to be rather enamoured of you. You can also put in a good word for Poseidon.”
Elizabeth’s lips twitched. “I am afraid, I cannot do so without ascertaining his sincerity.”
“All we need is a chance to court the lady; by the end of it, you will be completely and utterly convinced.”
There was something in his tone that made Elizabeth turn her head to look at him, but she found him gazing back with an innocent expression.
“Very well, sir. I am willing to start my riding lessons as soon as my riding habit is stitched.”
“Excellent!” Darcy smiled broadly at her before offering her his arm. “Shall we return to the house?” he asked, and in response, Elizabeth caught hold of his arm and nodded.