by Kelly Miller
He wants to ride the pony, but he is scared. It is a long way for him to fall. Elizabeth met Fitzwilliam’s eyes, giving him an intent stare. “Papa will hold you; he will not let you go.”
Her husband spoke to appease them both. “Yes, Papa will hold you the entire time.” “Are you ready?” Upon Bennet’s agreement, Fitzwilliam lifted his son and put him on the pony’s back. While keeping a hand upon his waist, he demonstrated how to grab a handful of the pony’s mane to help keep his balance. With his other hand, Bennet petted the pony’s neck.
When asked if he wished to ride the horse in the stable yard, Bennet displayed a tentative smile. “Yes.”
At her husband’s nod, Elizabeth led the pony at a sedate pace through the door of the stables, keeping her eyes fixed upon her son as she went.
Bennet’s beaming countenance attested that he was now quite pleased with the novel experience of sitting upon a moving pony. A couple of times, he bounced or kicked his feet in his enthusiasm, as if to urge the pony to move faster, and Fitzwilliam was quick to caution him to cease, adding that he must master his balance at a walk before he would move on to faster gaits.
They walked a circuit around the barn area with Bennet extending the ride twice with his gleeful yell of, “Again!” before they brought the pony back to his stall. He leaned forward onto the pony’s neck to give it a hug before Fitzwilliam lifted him off his back. The pony was let back into his stall, and they walked Bennet back towards the house. Their merry son chattered the entire time about his pony and his desire to ride again. When they had hugged him goodbye and handed him to Miss Hunter, Bennet’s eyes sparkled as he jabbered to his nurse, raving of his pony and his first ride.
***
Darcy expelled a deep breath as his son padded away with his nurse. “I believe the pony was a success.”
Elizabeth turned to him with a grin. “You could not have chosen better. I have no doubt the pony delighted Bennet, and he was as excited after his ride as I have ever seen him. I predict he will be asking to ride him every day.”
He took Elizabeth’s hand and directed her back towards the stables as he spoke. “Bennet’s pony will need a name. Shall we come up with suggestions for him? What do you think?”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth and was silent for a few moments. “Yes, a word that is easy for Bennet to pronounce. It would be best to avoid names in common with our servants. Danny, Simon, or Harry?”
His brows shot upwards. “Harry?”
She giggled as her cheeks turned pink. “On second thought: Danny, Simon, or Owen?”
“Yes; I expect Bennet will approve of one of those names.”
Elizabeth’s brows came together as she peered at him. “Where are you taking me? I thought we were to take a walk, but you appear to be on your way towards the stables.”
In an unconcerned fashion, he said, “Samson was ridden by Mr. Cross the other day and he noticed a limp. I wish to take a quick look at him and see if he is still impaired by it.”
Her forehead furrowed. “Samson? That dear old bay gelding who used to belong to your father? I thought you had decided months ago to retire him to pasture.”
“I did, but I had not yet given the instructions to the grooms.”
When they reached Samson’s stall, Elizabeth released a soft gasp of surprise when the horse that walked up to greet them was not the old bay gelding with a mottling of grey hairs around his eyes, but a stunning, reddish-brown horse with a flashy white blaze down its forehead. She stepped forward to meet the horse and pet its neck as she looked the steed up and down. “Fitzwilliam, where did this horse come from? I have never seen it before.”
Standing behind her, he rested his hands on her shoulders, giving them a soft rub as he angled his head to obtain a view of her beaming profile. His wife’s response to her new horse was unmistakable: she was impressed with the mare! “Do you approve?”
She lifted her hand to stroke the horse’s soft nose. “He is beautiful.”
“She.”
“She is beautiful. How could I not approve?” She moved her delicate fingers down the length of the mare’s forehead. “By the curve in her profile, I should say she is Arabian?” She twisted her upper body to give him a sidelong glance with a raised brow.
“She is indeed an Arabian mare, and I am happy you approve, because she is your birthday present.”
Her eyes widened. She gasped, bringing a hand to her chest. Turning to face him, she threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam; I love her! I cannot wait to ride her.” She kissed him soundly on the mouth.
Darcy closed his eyes, revelling in the feeling of her supple body pressed against his and her soft, full lips upon his own. Moments later, her delightful warmth left him as she pulled away, and his eyes opened to meet hers. The void within him at the loss of her closeness was appeased in part by her beatific smile. How many more moments like this might he have to share with her? No good could come of dwelling on it. He would focus on enjoying the time he had left. “We are going on a picnic later today. You may ride her then.”
Raising his hand, she gave it a soft kiss. “You are too good to me.”
He gave his head a slight shake as the pads of his fingers caressed the side of her long, graceful neck. “That would be impossible.”
***
When they returned from their walk, a carriage was making its way up the main road towards the house.
Elizabeth stopped and gaped as the coach entered the avenue. The coat of arms painted on the door was that of the Fitzwilliam family! “That is Richard’s carriage, but Georgiana wrote to say they could not come.” She moved her gaze from the coach to Fitzwilliam, whose own eyes were fixed upon her.
Her husband’s lips formed a winsome smile. “It seems their plans changed.”
Soon, confusion gave way to heartfelt delight. Despite what she had said to her husband, she could now acknowledge the profound relief associated with having additional support against any possible unpleasantness Lady Catherine and her friend might create on the day they would celebrate her and Bennet’s birthdays. “I shall be happy to see Richard and Georgiana. It seems so long since we have been together though we saw them mere months ago.” With her growing excitement to see her dear sister, standing still was a trial. She shifted her weight from side to side as the coach neared the house. As the occupants alighted, her brow contracted; a moment later, her face lit up in a grin. Not only were Richard and Georgiana here, but they brought with them Jane, Charles, and her father! Elizabeth spun around.
Fitzwilliam beamed, presenting an almost impossibly handsome image.
Her hand moved to her chest. “You knew this, and you meant to surprise me?” At his nod, she grabbed him in a hug. Unmindful of their family’s presence, she rained kisses all over his face before taking his hand and tugging him towards their family. She embraced Jane, Georgiana, Richard, Charles, and her father as Fitzwilliam, in a more decorous fashion, greeted them in turn.
When Fitzwilliam reached her papa, the older gentleman addressed her husband with a sardonic smile. “I realize I was not expected today. I hope you do not mind an additional surprise guest.”
Fitzwilliam gave her father a warm smile. “Mr. Bennet, I have said it before, but it bears repeating. You are always welcome at any of our homes—your wife and daughters as well.”
Her papa nodded. “It is gallant of you to say so, and I do appreciate it.” He directed his gaze at her. “My gift to my daughter Lizzy is my presence on her birthday.” He gave her a wink. To Fitzwilliam, he added, “My gift to you was coming from Longbourn alone.”
Elizabeth took her father’s hand and squeezed it. How she had missed her dear papa with his dry and, at times, biting humour! With a quick glance to Fitzwilliam, she was reassured that he had not been offended by her father’s speech. Although her husba
nd remained silent, it was no doubt because her father’s statement had left few options for a politic, yet truthful, response.
She walked to the house flanked by Jane and Georgiana, who each had their arms in hers. When she learned that Jane and Charles’s two-year-old son, Charles Junior, known as “Charlie,” was left home with a trifling cold, she expressed her disappointment. Jane explained that she had decided at the last minute to leave him in the care of his nurse; the child tended to be fussy in a carriage even when he was in the best of health.
Upon Georgiana’s inquiry as to whether any other guests were expected, Elizabeth said, “We have a few other guests already staying with us. One is Mr. Graham, a friend of Fitzwilliam’s from university. We were also surprised by a visit from your aunt Lady Catherine along with a friend of hers, Lady Rebecca Seymour.”
Lines formed between Georgiana’s brows as she glanced at her brother. “I have never heard Fitzwilliam mention a Mr. Graham before, nor am I familiar with Lady Rebecca, but I am sorry to have your birthday celebration dampened by my aunt’s presence. Even in her best mood, she is burdensome company.”
Elizabeth presented a bright smile as she pressed her shoulder against Georgiana’s. “I am surrounded by the people I love most in the world. Nothing Lady Catherine does or says could bother me now.”
Jane said, “Lizzy, what can you tell us of Mr. Graham?”
“Mr. Graham is blond-haired, handsome, and charming. He has all our servants and the entire town of Lambton half in love with him. I am certain you shall both like him, but he is a singular man. I can say with confidence that you have never met a gentleman like him before.”
***
While the four gentlemen followed at a distance behind the ladies, Darcy informed the men of the other guests at Pemberley.
Richard made a snorting noise. “What a shame for Elizabeth to have to put up with our overbearing aunt on her birthday. Of all times for Lady Catherine to choose to reconcile with you.”
Darcy sent his cousin a dark look. He used a harsh undertone. “Richard!”
Mr. Bennet’s eyebrows rose.
He brushed his hand across his face. My cousin does not know when to hold his tongue. Must he give my father-in-law inspiration for his witticisms?
Richard slapped him on the back. “Come now, Darcy, the old bat is bound to offend the lot of us on one basis or another. Better that your guests are forewarned.”
His father-in-law’s eyes expanded, revealing a familiar twinkle. “I, for one, am eager to meet the lady who saw fit to award a living to my cousin Mr. Collins.” His lips twisted into a grin as he viewed Darcy. “I find it amusing to suppose that my wealthiest son-in-law might have a relative more eccentric than even Mr. Collins. I hope she will not disappoint me.”
Darcy spoke under his breath. “I fear she will not.”
Bingley stepped beside him with his forehead creased. “I say, Darcy, I do not recall ever meeting a Mr. Graham at Cambridge.”
He took a quick glance at Bingley before redirecting his gaze. “I was good friends with him before you arrived. But by the time I met you, Graham had finished school and was travelling on the continent.”
The newly arrived guests went upstairs to freshen up in their rooms before returning downstairs for breakfast.
***
Lady Catherine stood before the window of her guest room as her niece, nephew, and three other unknown persons arrived. They must be relations of Elizabeth’s. The timing of their arrival could not have been more fortuitous. With members of her family here to witness Lady Rebecca’s seduction of Darcy, the humiliation to Elizabeth would be even greater. Two days had been wasted, but Lady Rebecca would be ready to resume her part of the plan today. She would meet with the woman at once; she would brook no further delays. Snapping at her maid, still fussing with her hair, to move out of her way, Lady Catherine left her room to seek Lady Rebecca.
***
Upon hearing the familiar, strident tone outside her door, Rebecca straightened her posture and nodded at her maid with a tight smile. The young servant let Lady Catherine into the room and promptly left so the women could talk in private.
Lady Catherine smiled and nodded as she perused her attire. “It appears you have taken care to look your best today. I am pleased to see it. I have decided we shall set up a dishonourable situation this evening. Additional guests have arrived. The more witnesses to see Darcy’s apparent betrayal of his wife, the better.”
Suppressing a sigh, Rebecca landed in an inelegant heap in a chair. She was no longer convinced she could go through with this scheme. It had occurred to her that Lady Catherine might think better of her machinations after seeing the Darcys together over several days, but the stubborn old lady persisted in deluding herself. It was obvious that the Darcys were a well-matched and loving couple. Yet she needed the money. She would have to go along with Lady Catherine’s plan but hated herself for doing so. Her tone was dull. “What do you wish me to do?”
Lady Catherine’s eyes had an unsavoury glint. “I shall have a note given to Darcy late this evening. It will say I have urgent business and need to see him alone in my room. I shall admonish Darcy not to tell anyone of this meeting but to come to my room straight away. When Darcy arrives, I shall offer him a drink laced with laudanum. He should be fast asleep before long. I shall call my footman, who will be standing by, and move him to my bed. You will join him in the bed. I shall pretend to have found you two together and raise a rumpus, waking the entire house.”
Rising and walking from one end of the room to the other, Rebecca twisted her hands together in front of her. Was the woman mad? “Do you not think you are risking your nephew’s health by giving him a large enough dose of laudanum to incapacitate a grown man?”
Leaning on her walking stick, Lady Catherine flapped a dismissive hand towards her. “You have no need to burden yourself on his behalf. Do you not think I have thought this through? I have given laudanum to my daughter many times with no ill effects. I have no doubt a healthy, strong man such as Darcy could handle a dose twice what my daughter would take.”
“It sounds reckless. You are guessing at how much to give him. I shall not be a party to any scheme that endangers a man’s life.”
Lady Catherine’s voice was icy and hard. “What do you take me for? Do you think I wish to kill my own nephew?”
She released a deep breath. “No, of course not. But too much laudanum can be fatal.”
Lady Catherine emitted a heaving sigh. “Then you tell me how we shall get this done. It seems to me you have not made any progress with the man.”
Taking a seat at the writing desk, Rebecca rested her chin on her hand. This was insanity! No amount of money could tempt her to go along with Lady Catherine’s most recent plan, yet she did need the money—there had to be a better way. After a while, she sat upright. “You will give Mr. Darcy the note just as you said. When he comes to your room, I shall be there instead of you. Your footman will let him in. When he sees me, he will be suspicious, but I shall tell him I have a problem and need his advice. With luck, he will stay to listen to me. I shall have rouged my lips and shall attempt to get close enough to kiss him. Once my lip colouring is on his skin, I shall scream and tear my dress. You will be waiting to burst in on us, and the two of us shall claim he attacked me and tried to force himself on me. I am assuming your footman will say what you tell him to say.”
Rebecca took shallow breaths as Lady Catherine’s features contorted in apparent consideration of her suggestion. Although her plan was much preferable to Lady Catherine’s, such an enterprise would be a despicable ruse for both Mr. and Mrs. Darcy to endure. That this lady would perpetrate such trickery against her own nephew and risk his unblemished reputation was beyond belief. The woman’s hatred of Mrs. Darcy resembled mania.
At last, Lady Catherine nodd
ed. “Yes, that will work. Mind you, if you expect to earn your one thousand pounds, you had better be convincing.”
***
It was a congenial and festive group who gathered with Elizabeth and Darcy for breakfast, and the conversation flowed on many subjects. Most guests expressed enthusiasm for the picnic planned for the afternoon. Her father displayed no partiality for the scheme but agreed to participate.
Wearing a constant smile, Elizabeth sat between Jane and her father. Her eyes flitted around the table, taking in each face as if to prove they were all truly there. Fitzwilliam had managed to gather the people most precious to her. Her heart was full to bursting. What had she ever done to deserve such a wonderful man? Yesterday she had not expected her birthday to be appreciably different from any other day. Now, thanks to her husband, it promised to be one of the best birthdays of her life.
Fitzwilliam was in conversation with Bingley and Richard, but their eyes met across the table, and she sent him a gaze to convey how much she loved him. He knew. Of course he knew, but it bore repeating.
Jane revealed her design to write to their father, asking him to make the trip to their estate so he could travel with them to Pemberley and surprise her on her birthday. Her father owned that, while he loved a good surprise, the anticipation of reacquainting himself with the library at Pemberley added to his inducement to agree to the scheme.
In a discourse interspersed with giggles, Georgiana shared her sense of panic when she realized she must devise a plausible excuse for missing her sister’s birthday. Her ultimate decision was to blame Richard, claiming he had invited several military friends to stay with them at the same time.
Displaying a sheepish grin, Jane admitted to Georgiana that she, too, had put the onus on her husband by writing of his suffering a leg injury that prevented travel for the next month.
Her papa shared the welcome news that Kitty was being courted by Joshua Lucas, the son of their neighbour Sir William Lucas. Elizabeth replied in an effusive manner, declaring her delight at the news. Josh, as she always used to call him, had been a dear friend since they were children. He had grown to become an amiable and intelligent man and had completed his studies at Cambridge this past summer. He would make Kitty a kind and responsible husband.