He grinned. “Do not tear up, Mamma. I am well. You know I could not let all my family escape to the Lake District without me.”
His eyes flicked to the young ladies standing at the entrance, watching him. He straightened up and bowed.
Lady Helen was smiling. “You know of our planned visit to Windermere?”
He grinned. “I do. Fitzwilliam invited me. We both wish to visit with Richard before he is called back to the War Office.”
Her expression darkened. “Indeed. I wish that fractious girl would just marry him so he could settle down and raise a family.”
Phillip wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. “Darcy and I will work towards that end on behalf ofRichard, Mamma. Do not worry yourself. All will be well.” He bent his head and whispered, “Even if we have to cart her off to Gretna Green and marry them over the anvil.”
She laughed at his jest. “You are right. She is bound to come around. If she can get out from under that dreadful mother of hers, Richard will have his chance.”
They all walked into the house, and Lady Helen made the introductions. After breakfast, he suggested they go out to the stables.
“It is a crime to waste a fine morning indoors,” he said. “Come, let us ride. No stable in this county rivals Darcy’s.”
Abby agreed at once. Georgiana, an excellent horsewoman, was also ready to ride.
“Wait until you have seen my mount, Cousin Phillip. Brother bought me the most beautiful chestnut.”
Elizabeth admitted candidly, “I am no horsewoman.”
When Phillip turned to Anise, she did not answer.
Darcy moved to stand near Elizabeth. “Then you shall learn, darling. I will see to your instruction myself.”
Phillip was still watching Anise. “And you, Miss Stanton? You are not a horsewoman either, I think.”
She flushed under the intensity of his gaze. “No, my lord.”
“Then allow me the honor.” He grinned. “Shall we meet at the stables in forty-five minutes? That should be enough time to change into riding dress.”
The party soon assembled at the stables, and the grooms held the horses ready. Darcy lifted Elizabeth into her saddle andstood close beside her, his hand holding hers on the reins. His low voice helped to calm her as she struggled to balance on the side-saddle.
“Fitzwilliam, I feel as though I am falling off.” As she spoke the words, she slipped from the saddle and into his arms. He held her a moment, looking down into her eyes. She was distressed. He set her down.
“It is well, my darling. I will shorten the strap, and we will try again.”
Elizabeth frowned. “This is terribly embarrassing. Please, I would prefer to learn in privacy.”
He grinned. “Never mind, Elizabeth. No one is looking at you. Look around.”
She looked. Georgiana and Abby were trotting down the track. Phillip was tending to Anise’s strap while she listened to his instructions. Elizabeth relaxed.
“Very well. We are quite alone. That at least is a comfort.”
“Come, darling, let me hand you up.”
She was back in the saddle, and he helped her to the correct position.
“Is the strap the correct length? Is it supporting your weight?”
She wiggled in the saddle. “Yes, I feel very solid now.”
“I will lead your mount around the paddock so you can get the feel of the saddle.”
Elizabeth regarded her husband as he walked around the enclosure. He was wonderfully patient. She listened more closely to his instructions and resolved to learn to ride. He rodeout every morning, and if he invited her, she would share those mornings with him.
