This will be fine. My gift is perfect.
* * *
They stopped in front of a stall, and he beamed down at her, pride obvious in his eyes, like a child who has done a special deed for a parent. She could not help but be moved.
“Why are we here?” She was quiet, afraid of disturbing the caged beasts.
“I know you do not ride, but I think it is because you have never had a good horse. I searched all over and found the perfect mare for you. She is why I was gone. I wanted to bring her home personally for you.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath as she stared into the stall. The horse was indeed beautiful, but she was stunned by her husband's gushing words. He had not been out whoring, and she should have known better! Jane would not have allowed Finn on such an expedition, regardless of Darcy's rank. No, he had gone out and found her a horse because he wanted her to ride. She did not have the heart to tell him that she had been thrown and severely injured as a child and had not been on a horse since. Instead, she gazed at the animal, who appeared gentle and sweet, and became determined to attempt to overcome her fear.
“I am an ass,” she muttered.
“No! It was my fault. I got angry and let my temper get the best of me. You thought you had reason to doubt me.”
“No, I had been seeking a reason to doubt ye. Ye have not so much as glanced at another woman since I have been here, and I picked a fight with ye. I am naught but a child and I would not blame ye for treating me as such.”
He slid his arms around her waist, lifting her so they were eye to eye.
“You are my princess, my wife, and my lover. I shall not treat you as less than an equal.”
Her returning smile was sheepish. “Do we have to declare a formal truce this time, or should ye just kiss me and make it all better?”
“Are you actually asking for a kiss?”
“I believe I am.”
“It is a most pleasant way to seal a pact,” he whispered, bringing his lips close to hers. Their mouths met and most all was forgiven.
When their lips parted, Elizabeth looked at her gift and grinned, stating she appreciated the mare’s smaller size and form and agreed that she was indeed a fine piece of horseflesh. She even liked the animal's cinnamon colouring.
“Where is thy horse?” she asked.
“My favourite is Caddock, and he is over there.” He pointed down and over to a stall where a great grey gelding was housed.
“Caddock? Does that not mean 'eager for war'?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I hope he is not too eager and rides the opposite direction in battle.”
“You are very concerned about boots and becoming a widow. We are going to need to work on this.”
She huffed and stared back at her horse. “Mine needs an equally powerful name as well.” She paused, turning in a semi-circle, her eyes closed as she deliberated. “Thora!”
“That is a good name.”
“Then it is settled. Thora and Caddock.”
“Thora and Caddock.” He nodded his agreement, took her hand, and they went back to bed.
After her husband's kisses led to other more pleasurable activities, Elizabeth had fallen asleep. When she next woke, she was alone in the bed. What time was it? She grumbled to herself about sleeping and thus waking on the west side of the house and stared up at the ceiling. A slight commotion drew her attention to Darcy's outer chamber where his wardrobe and bath were located, and she propped herself up on her elbows as he re-entered the room, dressed and readied for the day.
She frowned because he had allowed his valet to assist him and cleared her throat when he paid her no mind while he attached his knife to his boot. It was mostly ceremonial, but he was always armed. The sword came out for more formal occasions, but the dagger was for every day.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice gruff and irritated.
“Whatever is the matter? Ye were fine an hour ago.”
