Chapter 2.24 #3
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.”