Page 68 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“He meant after Tuesday.”

“It is Monday.”

“Exactly.”

Darcy looked at Richard. “Why did you bring her?”

Richard grinned. “Because I enjoy fairness.”

“Traitor.”

Elizabeth folded her arms.

“You are fond of that word.”

Darcy looked at Apollo. The horse shifted, snorted, and tossed his head.

Elizabeth’s irritation faded. “You are afraid.”

Darcy went still. Richard suddenly found the horse’s bridle fascinating. Darcy’s jaw tightened.

“I am not.”

“Fitzwilliam.”

He looked at her. She rarely used his Christian name.

His resistance altered. “I remember the fall,” he said.

“Of course you do.”

“I remember the sound before I struck the ground.”

Elizabeth stepped closer. “There is no shame in waiting.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you determined to mount today?”

“Because if I wait until I am no longer afraid, I may wait indefinitely.”

She studied him.

That, she understood. “Very well.”

He blinked. “Very well?”

“I reserve the right to say I told you so if you fall.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

Richard brought Apollo forward. Darcy spoke softly to the horse and ran a hand along his neck. Apollo leaned into him. Mounting was awkward. Richard held the saddle. Darcy used a block to reduce strain on the injured leg. For one terrible second, when Apollo shifted beneath him, Darcy’s face went white.

Elizabeth’s heart stopped.

Then he settled.

Apollo stood.