Page 17 of Regrets

“He is called Socks,” the footman said. “Named for his white feet.”

Georgiana glanced down; yes, all four feet were white! What a beautiful pony!

The footman produced an apple from a pocket, which he gave to Georgiana to feed to Socks. “Keep your hand open,” he began; but Georgiana had been riding since she was a young girl and had already offered the treat to Socks properly.

As Socks munched cheerfully on the apple, Mrs. Jenkinson rushed out the front door and then stopped cold. “What is this – this animal?” she asked, tremulously, her hands clasped to her chest.

“This is Socks,” Georgiana said, proudly. “Brother sent him to us with this lovely phaeton so that Anne and I might take drives around the Park! Here, Mrs. Jenkinson, stroke his mane, it is ever so soft!”

As it turned out, Mrs. Jenkinson was utterly terrified of horses; she would not approach Socks, nor could she imagine going for a ride on the phaeton. Georgiana thought this excellent news indeed.

***

Inside the house, Lady Catherine had reacted strongly to the idea of a phaeton and pony for the two girls. “What?” she screeched. “I shall send it back at once!”

“That will surely displease Darcy,” Anne argued. “The gift is for both me and for Georgiana. And,” she added, slyly. “Surely it will do us no good to refuse any gifts that he offers me.”

Lady Catherine considered this. “I suppose you are right, Anne,” she admitted. “Let me see what Darcy has to say for himself.” She tore open the sealed message and read.

Dear Aunt Catherine,

I beg that you will forgive my effrontery in sending this gift without first obtaining your permission. But it does seem a shame that the girls are not able to fully enjoy your beautiful Park, given that Anne cannot walk far and there are no horses for Georgiana to ride. I hope that you will allow them to make use of my small offering, which I believe they will both enjoy.

You know I would never risk harm to Anne or Georgiana, and I am convinced that both will learn to manage this small, light vehicle with little difficulty, The footman has been instructed to teach the girls how to handle the reins. The little pony is quite tame and friendly, and will cause no trouble in your stables.

Your affectionate nephew,

Darcy

Mollified by the tone of the letter, Lady Catherine consented to step outside and see the little rig for herself.

The girls had to listen to a good many lectures from Lady Catherine regarding the propriety and safety of driving the phaeton, though she herself had never handled the reins of any vehicle, before they were allowed to drive out with the footman.

Two hours later, they returned, bright-eyed and laughing with happiness. “It was easy!” Georgiana exclaimed. “Dear Socks is perfect!”

Warwick then took them, with the phaeton and the pony, to the stables, where he gave instructions to the stable master as to the pony’s care and the phaeton’s storage.

“How will you get back to London?” Anne asked, but even as she spoke, one of the stable boys was leading a horse to Warwick.

“Roman was tied to the back of the phaeton when I drove it here; he will see me safely home. You are a good driver, Miss de Bourgh, as is Miss Darcy; I am certain that the two of you will enjoy Socks! He does need exercise, and he will depend on the two of you to provide it for him.” Roman snorted and pawed the ground with one hoof, evidently eager to be off. Warwick tipped his hat, mounted his horse, and was off.

Socks received a good many pats and caresses as the stable boy groomed him, and Georgiana and Anne, tired out by the day, returned to the house.

Lady Catherine was waiting for them. “Well?” she asked, anxiously. “Need I now spend my days anticipating a terrible accident?”

“It is as safe as can be, Mother,” Anne assured her. “Warwick says we are both good drivers and will come to no harm. Please, please, let us go out every day!”

“Once a week!” Lady Catherine declared.

After a good deal of negotiating, it was agreed that the phaeton could be taken out thrice a week for the enjoyment of the two girls.

Chapter Sixteen

The days had fallen into a pleasant routine. In the mornings, Anne and Georgiana studied their languages with Mrs. Jenkinson. Then they repaired to the music room, where Georgiana taught Anne the fundamentals of the pianoforte, and afterward practiced her own music while Mrs. Jenkinson and Anne worked on embroidery.

After luncheon, the two young ladies either went for a walk or for a drive. Mrs. Jenkinson was firm about accompanying them on their walks; she was equally firm about not accompanying them on their drives.

The dinners continued to be overlong, and Georgiana learnt to eat just a few bites of whatever she was given. She was asked to play the piano every evening, which she found rather dull since no one was truly listening; but once Anne was able to play a few simple songs every evening, Lady Catherine’s evident delight in her daughter’s prowess made everyone smile.