I expelled a heavy breath and found my voice. “No, I do not believe this. You would never sell Lily! She is worth far more than any amount of money.” My hands curled into fists.You promised me!
“I know this is difficult for you, my dear. You may ride Thea for now and have your pick of the three-year-olds to train for yourself.”
Noah cleared his throat. “I am so sorry, Lizzy, and I hate to see Lily go. Nevertheless, I am relieved to know you will have your own funds. I only wish it could be more.”
I stared at him, and his brows converged in a pleading look. Did he agree with my uncle’s decision? Moisture flooded my eyes. I could not bear to lose Lily; no other horse had ever been so dear to me. “Uncle, I pray you will buy her back. The money does not matter to me. I do not want any of it. I only want Lily to stay.”
“No, Lizzy. You must accept she is no longer mine.” My uncle’s mien hardened.
“Who…who has purchased her?”
“Mr. Hayward’s friend Mr. Darcy.”
“But why did he have to buyher, of all the horses on your estate?”
“He took notice of her in our paddock, and she impressed him. Perhaps he recognised her special qualities. Lily will be at Springvale for the remainder of his stay. I expect you will be keen to visit her there.” He raised his index finger to me. “However, I admonish you not to go until Tuesday at the earliest.”
“Why must I wait?”
“Lily ought to have an opportunity to grow habituated to living in an unfamiliar place before she sees you again.”
“She is accustomed to being let out into a paddock or pasture each day, whether or not she is ridden. I could at least ensure her groom is aware of this.”
“I have informed Mr. Darcy of that fact. Joe will take her to Springvale tomorrow morning, so you have ample time to make your farewells.”
Moisture stung my eyes, and I sprang from my chair. “Pray excuse me.” I left the room and rushed through the house, tears streaming down my cheeks. Once out of doors, I broke into a run towards the stables. I halted before Lily’s stall and wiped my face with a handkerchief. She caught sight of me, whickered, and came to meet me. I entered the stall and wrapped my arms around her neck. “I am so sorry, Lily. You will leave here tomorrow, and I am powerless to prevent it.” I nestled my head against her mane. Would she believe I had abandoned her?
“Lizzy.”
I turned to find Noah standing at the open door of the stall. He entered, shut the door behind him, and stood before me. “I wish you would try to understand. Papa acted in your best interest. He did this for you.”
“Why did he not tell Mr. Darcy that Lily was not for sale?”
“He did so, but Mr. Darcy did not accept that answer.”
“What an arrogant and officious man! He must be the sort of person who is accustomed to always getting whatever he desires.”
“Your assumptions with regard to Mr. Darcy do not coincide with my impression of him. He has a reputation for being a responsible master, and it is obvious that Mr. Hayward has a high opinion of him. I am certain he will ensure Lily is well cared for. You ought not to judge the man until you have met him and spent time in his company.”
“I have no wish to ever meet him.”
He rested a hand on my shoulder. “Come now, it is not like you to be uncharitable.”
I turned away from him. “He had no business pressing Uncle to sell Lily. I wish he had never come here!”
“Well, I cannot agree.” Noah stepped sideways to meet my gaze. “I shall rest easier knowing you have a dowry. This could make a significant difference for your future.”
“But I should much prefer…” I stopped myself from completing the statement. My wishes could not change the facts. The cognisance that Noah made rational arguments while my responses resembled that of a spoilt child added to the pressure in my chest. “Never mind.”
“Will you return to the house with me? We could talk over tea.”
“Thank you, but no. I shall remain with Lily for a while.”
“Very well.” He patted my arm, stroked Lily’s nose, and departed.
I retrieved Lily’s halter from the hook outside her stall and walked with her around the grounds. I told her that she would be going to a wonderful new home, one that she would grow to love. I could only hope I spoke the truth; after all, would a wealthy man not have fine stables, large paddocks, lush pastures, and knowledgeable, competent grooms? After an hour or so, we returned.
Joe left the stable building and came towards me. “Shall I take ’er back for you, Miss Bennet?”
