“I have never heard someone speak of a parent in such a manner.”
“I love my mother, but she has done little to earn my respect. Jane and I were out at fifteen, and the last thing either of us wished at that young age was to be wed. My mother had just begun to force Mary to attend social gatherings when I became betrothed to the duke who convinced my father to intercede. Mary will have another year before she is forced out into society.”
Her young friend furrowed her eyebrows as she pivoted on her seat. “Do you have reason to believe Mary does not wish to be out?”
“Mary has shown little interest in balls and parties. Those inclinations could alter between now and then, but I do not foresee such a drastic change in her personality.”
A knock drew Elizabeth to the door where a maid awaited her with chocolate and biscuits. She motioned to the bed, and the servant placed the tray upon the foot, curtsied, and departed, closing the door behind her.
“Biscuits and chocolate?” asked Georgiana with a high-pitched tone. “Did you do this often with your sisters?”
“I would sneak down to the kitchen and steal a few biscuits, but we did not have chocolate. It was considered an extravagance—even to my mother.”
Georgiana climbed upon the bed, broke off a piece of one of the biscuits, and popped it into her mouth. “So, is it much different living at Worthstone?”
Elizabeth laughed and took a seat on the other side of the mattress. “Very much so! It is a grander estate than Longbourn, so while I learned to run a home, I had to adjust to something more than my education encompassed.”
“What is your favourite part?”
Elizabeth took a sip of her chocolate. “Of living at Worthstone or being married?”
The youngest Darcy peered up at the ceiling, and then back at her companion. “Both!”
“I believe the best part of being married is planning and purchasing my own gowns. My mother’s tastes are not at all suited to me. I do not miss her say.”
A giggle erupted from Georgiana’s mouth, and then halted. “You are serious?”
“Oh yes, my mother always felt my tastes too plain. She likes lace—lots of lace. Remind me, and I shall show you the gown she insisted upon for the wedding. I have it set to the side, so I can remove most of the trim.”
“Do you think it will then suit?”
She crinkled her nose. “I do not know. I might cut it up and make something else out of it. A gown for one of the tenant children, perhaps.”
Georgiana swallowed her bite with a gulp. “You would do that to your wedding gown?”
“If it is unbecoming once I have removed the trim, then I see no point in keeping it. I have even caught my maid, Lalande, eyeing it with distaste from time to time.”
A genuine smile adorned Georgiana’s face. “You have not told me your favourite part of Worthstone yet.”
Elizabeth stretched out her legs and set her cup upon her thigh. “I love the grounds, particularly the grove of silver birch trees down by the lake. I take walks every morning and sometimes in the afternoon if I am afforded the opportunity.”
“Do you ride?” asked Georgiana eagerly.
“No, Jane learnt from my uncle during one of his visits from town, but I never did.”
The girl leaned forward abruptly and clapped her hands. “Then Fitzwilliam and I should teach you!”
Elizabeth’s hand paused in mid-air with her cup. “Georgiana, I do not know. Your brother may not want to take the time. You should not volunteer him for a hopeless cause.”
“He will not mind! And you are surely no helpless cause. Fitzwilliam is ever so kind, and he loves to ride. When he is not busy tending to estate business with father, we often take the horses around Pemberley.”
“I would never presume . . .”
Georgiana grasped her hand, squeezing is steadily. “You will not have to worry about asking him, because I shall. I know he will not mind.” The young girl rose to her knees and leaned forward. “Would you? If Fitzwilliam agrees.”
“I suppose.” Her response was slower and drawn, but Georgiana did not seem to notice.
“Wonderful! I shall ask him first thing on the morrow. Uncle Thomas should have a horse that would suit. He always has more than one horse I can ride in the stable.”
She levelled what she hoped was her best stern look at Georgiana. “If your brother does not agree, you must not pester him about it.”
The girl waved her concern away with a smile. “He will agree. I am certain of it.”
They spent the remainder of the evening chatting of girlish pursuits and accomplishments. Despite Georgiana’s young age, she was compassionate and kind, much like Jane, and a joy to have in company.
She remained within the youngest Darcy’s room visiting until they began to fall asleep. Neither was aware of the fact until Elizabeth woke in the wee hours of the morning and removed to her own room—much as she did when she and Jane stayed up talking into the night.
More than anything, Elizabeth hoped the discussion of horses would be forgotten before they ventured downstairs for breakfast, but when she entered the small breakfast room, Georgiana held her hands poised in a prayer position at her chin while she watched her brother with wide eyes. The topic of conversation was obvious.
Fitzwilliam paused in buttering his muffin, bowed his head at Elizabeth, and lifted his eyebrows. “Do you truly desire to ride?”
“I have never had the opportunity to try. I should like to make an attempt, but I also do not wish to impose.”
He studied her while she took her seat and began to help herself to the food laid out on the table. Did it seem odd for her to try? His steady gaze rendered her a bit uneasy.
“I shall ask Thomas if he has a suitable horse. If he does, then perhaps, if the weather is agreeable, Georgiana and I can give you a lesson. If you determine you want to continue, we shall. Is that acceptable?”
“Of course. Thank you for your willingness to teach me.”
Fitzwilliam smiled, placing his napkin beside his plate. “I shall go speak to the stable master. He may have some advice about which mounts are more suitable. Once I have spoken with him, I shall speak to Thomas.” He stood and gave a quick bow.
Georgiana stood, ran around the table, and embraced her brother before he could stand. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam.”
“It is no bother, Sweetling. I have looked forward to riding while we were here. As long as she wishes to continue, we shall have Lizzy up and galloping all over Worthstone with us within a fortnight.”
Georgiana practically glowed while she rushed back to her seat. “I am so excited! You will enjoy riding immensely!”
Elizabeth could not help but feel the girl’s enthusiasm. “I am certain I shall. So, what would you like to do while we wait? You indicated you enjoy a morning walk, or we could practise a duet on the pianoforte.” Her companion gave a slight start upon the mention of music, and Elizabeth laughed. “The pianoforte it is then. If we have not heard from Fitzwilliam after we have spent some time in the music room, then we shall take a tour of the grounds. Does that suit?”
After completing breakfast, the two practised for an hour on the pianoforte before her husband appeared by the side of the instrument, startling them both.
“Forgive me. I did not mean to interrupt.”
Elizabeth put her hands together in her lap. “I am sure we do not mind. Do we, Georgiana?”
The girl wrapped her arm through Elizabeth’s. “Of course not.”
He waved her to follow as he turned. “I wish to speak to you.” He glanced over his shoulder to her companion. “Georgiana, there is no reason why you should not join us.”
He gestured towards the library, and they all followed him inside where Fitzwilliam stood by the fireplace. “Fitzwilliam tells me you desire to have riding lessons.”
Elizabeth stole a glance at the younger Darcy, whose expression revealed nothing. Thomas would not be angry at the idea of her on horseba
ck, would he? “Georgiana thought I would enjoy the ability to ride around the grounds, but Fitzwilliam wished to ensure you carried no objection, especially in regards to the mount.”
“He is most attentive to such matters. George taught him well.” Her husband’s approval of Fitzwilliam was obvious, but he gave nothing away as to whether he thought well of the idea.
She pressed her palms together. “Do you have an objection?”
Her husband’s brow furrowed. “I do not. I merely wanted to ensure it was indeed your desire before I gave my approval. My stable master has made an admirable suggestion in terms of a horse. Once you change into your habit, I shall escort you to meet her.” He clasped Fitzwilliam on the shoulder. “Georgiana is already an accomplished rider under her brother’s tutelage. I am sure you will be the same.”
Georgiana grasped Elizabeth’s arm. “Oh yes, we should begin now!”
“I don’t think it will be so simple, dearest,” said Elizabeth, taking Georgiana’s hand. “Let us change, and we shall see whether the horse finds me tolerable before I try to climb atop its back.”
Thomas laughed. “Thetis will find you tolerable enough.”
She startled and smiled. “Thetis? You named her Thetis? Does she have a foal named Achilles?”
He grinned and nodded. “As a matter of fact, she does.”
She gave a quick bark of a laugh. Would that not be asking for a lame mount? “Come, Georgiana. You will not want to wear your nice morning gown to the stables.”
Her, Elizabeth Bennet, riding a horse . . . well, Elizabeth Osborne riding a horse. The notion sounded strange, yet Elizabeth stood before the ebony mare while she was saddled. Could she really do this? Thetis appeared mild tempered, but would she be as easy with a rider on her back?
Thetis was a beautiful mare. Her striking dark black coat was accented by a wide white blaze down her face, three white socks, and a coronet band above the last hoof.
She held out her hand, and a soft fuzzy nose sniffed then nuzzled her palm.
“Are you nervous?” asked Fitzwilliam, who had stepped forward to stand beside her.
“Would it be silly to admit that I am? She is so large, and has a mind of her own. I find it difficult to remain undisturbed by our inequality.”
He lifted one side of his lips. “Yet, I have no doubt in the superiority of your intelligence over hers. You have a definite quickness of mind that will be of great use while riding.”
“How is that?”
“Riding is not just sitting atop a horse and issuing commands for the animal to obey. You must always know your surroundings, and how your mount may react to those obstacles. An oddly misshapen tree stump may give a horse reason to spook. You must anticipate her and be at the ready.”
“You make it sound more daunting than I initially believed.”
His warm deep laugh made her smile. “I give you my word, it is no more difficult than walking with another person. You must keep your companion in mind much as you do yourself. What barriers may be ahead. How far your company can tolerate to walk.” When she turned to face him, his eyes studied her with an intensity with which she was unfamiliar. “I shall remain close by. I promise.” Her stomach fluttered while she gripped the crop in her hand.
With a nod, he strode over to Thetis. The groom had announced her ready, but Fitzwilliam checked her girth and her bridle, ensuring everything was as it should be, then instructed the man to lead her to the paddock.
She and Georgiana followed until the mare stood before the mounting block. Elizabeth stepped forward while she listened to her friend’s tips for the best way to mount and sit upon the saddle. In the end, climbing atop proved no great difficulty, but when she peered down at Fitzwilliam, she clenched the reins until her fingernails dug into her palms. He was so tall—at least six feet—and she looked down upon him from this vantage point. She would never fall from horseback—ever!
“Lizzy?” He covered her hands with his own, his warmth seeping through the leather. “Horses can sense fear and will take advantage if afforded the opportunity.” Her eyes widened, and he gave a slight laugh. “Do not fret. You will do splendidly.”
A deep fortifying breath followed by a long exhale helped to settle the butterflies in her stomach as she adjusted herself in the saddle. “I wish I had your confidence.”
He grinned while he led her away from the safety of the block. “Then I shall have enough for the both of us.”
Chapter 5
April 1st 1809
Elizabeth and Georgiana rode ahead of Fitzwilliam as they proceeded towards the next rise. Elizabeth had told them of the glowing descriptions she had read of the view, and now that she required a place to ride, the location and distance seemed ideal to test her new skill.
Fitzwilliam shifted in his saddle while he kept his eyes on Elizabeth. This was the longest ride she had attempted thus far. Could she cope with the length of time in the saddle?
He had accompanied Elizabeth and his sister daily since he began Elizabeth’s lessons, which had progressed from walks and trots around the paddock to a canter in a matter of days. They took their first tour of the park the day prior, and Elizabeth showed no qualms about handling Thetis when necessary. She still required instruction, but nothing time and experience would not overcome.
When they reached the bottom of the peak, Georgiana and Elizabeth waited for him to draw beside them.
“Are you well, Lizzy?”
A laugh bubbled from Elizabeth’s throat freely. “I might be sore tonight, but I do not imagine it will be much worse than any other night since I began riding. Do not fret over me. Thetis does not jostle me around as I have seen others mounts do.”
He dismounted and checked the girths of both the ladies’ horses before he climbed back atop his own. “If she should stumble, give the reins some slack. She will require the excess to prevent herself from falling.”
Elizabeth arranged the reins in her hands. “I appreciate your concern, but I shall make it to the top.”
A corner of his lips lifted. “I do not doubt your ambition in the endeavour. Pray understand my concern stems from your lack of practice.”
Georgiana leaned forward in her saddle to speak across Elizabeth. “Should she do well, Brother, she will gain a vast amount of experience today.”
Elizabeth held a hand up. “I still will not venture from the stable block without a more learned rider. I am quite aware of my limited capabilities.”
“You are positive you wish to climb the peak?” He held her eyes, searching for any hesitance.
Her eyebrow arched, and she possessed an alluring curve to her lips. “I am certain, sir. I promise to notify you should I find the trip too arduous.”
He gave a large exhale and gestured before him. “Then let us go forth. This scenic vista awaits us.”
They all spurred their horses forward while he glanced over to her gloved hands. They appeared so small and delicate, yet she had proven she could handle Thetis. How ridiculous was he to judge Elizabeth by the appearance of her hands since Georgiana was younger by four years, but could handle a horse nearly as well as he.
“Thank you for taking so much of your time to teach me to ride. I appreciate your effort.”
A smile teased his lips while he watched Georgiana guide her horse around a rocky passage ahead of them. “I do not consider the last few days of lessons trying, by any means. I take great enjoyment in riding, and I have taken great pleasure in helping you learn.”
She watched Georgiana continue forward. “You do not mind her riding so far ahead?”
His sister’s horse moved along at a steady pace while he remained with Elizabeth, who held her horse back. “No, she is an accomplished rider for one so young, and she is not travelling with a fast gait; however, she may regret reaching the top before us when she must wait.” Elizabeth’s laugh renewed the smile upon his face. The sound was so lively and full of warmth.
“Georgiana mentioned your late nights t
o my father and me this morning.”
Her head whipped around with a slight gasp. “We have only been talking, though I did begin to teach her chess last night.”
“Your friendship means a great deal to her. Her excitement at telling us of her sisterly relationship with you was heart-warming. I cannot tell you how much it pleases us that you have taken her under your wing. She has needed a lady in her life for some time. Our aunt tries, but she is not the same as a sister.”
Her shoulders relaxed while she resumed scanning the route ahead. “Here I was concerned your father might be upset with me for keeping her up so late.”
He laughed and shook his head. “No, nothing of that sort. He will be intrigued that you are teaching her chess. I do not think it ever crossed his mind to make the attempt.”
“Well,” she said in a slightly higher tone. “You may tell him she did splendidly. I feel certain she will excel if someone takes the time to challenge her.”
“Perhaps when we return to Pemberley. In the meantime, she will have more opportunities to practise with you and gain a touch of confidence with the endeavour.”
“Confidence is important.” With a watchful glance at his sister, she paused. “May I ask you a rather personal question?”
He furrowed his brow. What could she possibly wish to know? “I suppose that depends on the question.”
“I understand from my husband that Lady Anne passed when Georgiana was very young. Does she have any memories of her mother?”
He coughed and looked down at his hands, attempting to gain control of himself. The subject of his mother was always difficult. His eyes burned and that blasted lump never failed to appear in his throat.
“Forgive me for being so intrusive. It is only that Georgiana does not mention her mother, and I have been loath to broach the subject. She is such a tender-hearted girl. I do not wish to cause her pain.”
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