Chapter 2.24 #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.