His eyes widened. “Oh…um…yes, sir. She’s with Lily now. I ’ope you don’t mind.”
“No, not at all.”
His smile resumed. “I thought not.” He went on towards the paddock.
I entered the stables and spied Miss Bennet. She stood at Lily’s stall in a light-green riding dress. Up to now, I had deemed such apparel to be practical and not the least bit flattering, yet even this garment appeared comely on Miss Bennet’s frame. My steps slowed as the distance between us lessened. Despite having selected several possible statements for this moment, I strained and failed to produce any of them. Nevertheless, I pressed forwards until I came within five feet of her. “Good morning, Miss Bennet.”
Her head jerked towards me, and a flush overspread her complexion. “Mr. Darcy.” Miss Bennet’s hand, which had been stroking Lily’s neck, dropped to her side. “I…um…had been riding in the area and thought to stop here and see her.”
I spared Lily a brief glance. The mare stood in an august attitude. “It is clear she is happy you came.”
Miss Bennet turned to fully face me and maintained a stiff bearing. “I apologise for my rudeness on Monday night.”
I raised my palm. “That is not necessary. I regret having caused you pain. If I had known of your attachment to Lily, I should not have offered to buy her.” At least I hoped this to be true.
For a moment, she scrutinised me, as though to gauge my veracity. “May I ask what made you so intent upon purchasing her? I understand you have a large estate, so you must have many other fine horses.”
“Yes, I do. But Lily bears a notable likeness to Majesty, my late mother’s horse. We lost the mare to colic last year. And my sister…” I moved nearer, and a delectable floral scent—jasmine and roses—tantalised me. She blinked, waiting for me to continue. What had I been saying?Oh yes…“My sister is eleven years my junior, so I am a father figure for her as well as a brother. Georgiana learnt to ride on Majesty and grew quite fond of her.”
Miss Bennet’s fascinating hazel eyes, now shiny with compassion, caused my focus to stray again. I took a moment to gather my thoughts. To ensure she understood my motive to buy Lily, I should be frank. “This past summer, Georgiana suffered a…disappointment. She chose to remain in London because she does not yet feel equal to engaging with anyone other than family or her companion. I bought Lily for my sister with the hope of raising her spirits.”
“Oh, I see.”
Her enthralling countenance, with her brows knitted in a show of compassion, held me captive, making it difficult to form words, much less coherent sentences. Everything in me ached to stay in her proximity; yet I could not remain mute and awkward like a dolt. “Ah, do you plan to call at the house?”
“No, it is far too early for that. I just wanted to see Lily.” She brushed her hand along the mare’s blaze.
Then a whim came to me, an excuse to extend my time with Miss Bennet; for I needed to reassure her that I should provide her horse the best of care. “I had planned to take my stallion out for a ride. Perhaps you would like to join me on Lily.”
With a sharp inhalation, she tilted her head. “You would allow me to ride her?”
“Yes, I should be pleased if you did so.”
The edges of her lips rose in an enticing manner. “Thank you, I should like that.”
I wallowed in the glow of her radiant mien, the sight of which lent me a sensation of lightness. Somehow, I had stumbled upon an ideal suggestion. I stopped a passing stable boy and instructed him to ready the mare.
When we set out together, I drew Regal alongside Lily. “Since you are more familiar with the area, you ought to choose our route.”
“Very well.” She pointed ahead to the avenue. “There is a path on the right that leads to the eastern edge of the estate, and the hills provide lovely views. Shall we go that way?”
“By all means.” Regal’s exaggerated gait drew my gaze. He had adopted a vigorous walk that resembled a strut. There could be only one explanation for his unusual conduct: my horse fancied Lily. I patted his neck and leaned forwards to speak near his left ear. “Stop showing off.” His ears shot backwards, and his excessive movements relented a bit.
For a moment, it seemed I had caught Miss Bennet taking glances at me, and my spirits soared; but it soon became evident that Regal diverted her, not me. My throat constricted, compelling me to cough.
Minutes later, her sight lifted, this time with a focus upon me. “What is your stallion’s name?”
“Regal.”
“Ah, the name fits him. He is very handsome, and it is obvious you and he have a close bond.”
“Yes, we do. But how did you know?”
“It is apparent that Regal is distracted by Lily, yet he is so well attuned to you that he still listens to your every utterance.”
At this indication of her esteem for me, I sat taller. “Although my grooms are skilled horsemen, I conducted Regal’s training myself. My father taughtme from the time I was four years of age to cultivate trust and friendship with my horses. Their value goes far beyond the transportation they provide.”
“Indeed, I feel the same way.” Her intonation suggested incredulity.
