Sitting straighter and meeting Mary’s gaze, she sought to confuse what Mary might find.Not that she knew herself,Elizabeth mused as she sought a more natural smile.
“You are certain?” Mary asked, her eyes flitting between Elizabeth and the man seated beside her.
Mary understood her reasons, and probably better than she did,Elizabeth huffed, Mary’s slow nod and growing smile exacerbating.
“Quite,” Elizabeth answered, her former fabricated smile lost. “A ride around the picturesque countryside of Staffordshire, with the chill and delights of the season at hand… What more could one want?”
Hands clenched in her lap, Elizabeth caught bits of the ensuing conversation as her heart raced.Mr. Darcy would join them. That had been what she wanted.
All she had to do now was mount a horse and ride around for a bit. That was all. Children often did so. It was nothing to fear.
Nevermind that people fall from horses. Die. All would be well.
Please Lord, let all be well.
Chapter 15
Staffordshire, England – 1812 – Day 3
“Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said as they made their way to the stable, the new layer of snow crunching beneath their feet as their breath mingled in the crisp air. “I trust you know I would forgo our ride if you would be more comfortable remaining indoors or simply walking. I would not wish you to be uneasy.”
Stilling outside the stable, she shook her head. “No. I must. I have chosen to conquer this and conquer this I shall; I will not allow it to intimidate me further. Three years is too long to allow it purchase. Last night I may have agreed to spare discontent within others… Today I do it for myself as much as them. We cannot allow fear to govern us,” she declared as she stood taller, her gloved fingers gripping the fabric of her pelisse. “Even if giving in is easier, it is little better than a slow, painful death.”
“A woman of character and bravery,” he remarked as they resumed walking, heart pounding as he viewed her in step by his side. “I am impressed. Though, I hope you know that, should you need me, I promise to stay beside you until we are safe returned. You do not have to do this alone.”
Gazing up at him as they reached the stable, Miss Elizabeth smiled. “My pride may not wish to say it, but I am thankful for the offer. It eases me to know I do not have to face this alone.” Looking down at her feet, she laughed, “If only Mr. Bingley had not fallen; it has done nothing to soothe my worries. I did not give his escapades much thought aside from the amusement or distress of my sisters… my promise at supper set it fresh in my mind.”
Standing to full height, Darcy’s eyes brighten.The trust of such an intelligent, kind, beautiful woman… even after Mr. Thomson’s words? She almost made him believe in himself. That he might be more than a man shunned by much of the Ton. That he did not need a title or prominence. Instead–as sappy as it sounded–he simply needed love. Of his sisters. Friends–Cousin included. And maybe someone to share it with, should things move on as they had begun.
Well, love and purpose, for he could never be a man idle.
“I believe,” he said at last, his notice fixed on the gleam of her fine eyes, “Mr. Bingley may have been seeking to impress a certain sister of yours and was taking a jump he should not have attempted. I doubt you will do the same; there is nothing to fear.”
“I hope it was my elder sister,” she said, eyes crinkling as she turned to go inside.
A breeze stirring the scent of hay and manure in the close space, Darcy followed after, her words left unanswered as they met up with her sisters, Fitz, and Bingley.
“We were wondering where you two were,” Bingley teased as a groom led their horses toward the mounting blocks. “Champion here could scarce endure it.”
“You meanyoucould not endure it,” Darcy huffed as he moved past him to Miss Elizabeth’s side.
“He was the more restless of the two,” Fitz smirked as he assisted Miss Mary.
Before Bingley could form a proper scowl, it faded in the presence of Miss Bennet, the pair wrapped in sweet smiles and doe eyed looks.
Bingley appeared well on his way to falling in love,Darcy considered as he waited for the groom to ready the mare Miss Elizabeth would ride.Perhaps the younger man might do with some advice? To slow his romantic leanings a little? To view that estate he talked of–surely, he would wish to have such business settled before marrying?
Though even for Bingley, with his tendency to leap first and consider what might occur after… even for him, it was too early to consider matrimony. But that was exactly what it looked like he was doing–after so short a time!
Miss Bennet would not be rash though, even if Bingley was. Miss Elizabeth was proof of the thoughtful intelligence of that family. Indeed, if Bingley considered before leaping, Miss Bennet might be just the right woman for him. Miss Elizabeth as a sister-in-law would do Bingley no harm after all. None at all.
“Your horse, Miss,” the groom said as the mare stood still by the mounting block, Darcy ready to assist in any possible way.
“Remember,” he whispered to Miss Elizabeth, her hand in his as he helped her find her seat, “I will be close by should you need me… though I doubt you shall. You are more capable than you know.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she said, her unsteady frown turning to an unsteady smile.
Lips thinned as he forced himself to leave her side to mount his gelding, Darcy’s eyes scarcely left her.She was capable. She would be fine. But he could do nothing to ease her discomfort… and that raked at him as little else could.
