With a nod, Miss Bennet favoured me with a dazzling grin, then turned to Tim, who approached with a handsome grey mare. He helped her into the saddle while I stood frozen like a dullard. If I had acted with alacrity, I could have stepped in to assist her instead. Tim walked off as I silently cursed my lack of initiative.
“Good day, Mr. Darcy.”
I snapped to attention. “Good day, Miss Bennet.”
She rode away, and I kept her in my sight until she disappeared at the bend in the path.Upon my life, what explained the extraordinary magnetism Miss Bennet held for me? Her physical charms did not surpass those of Miss Barton or many of the others who had taken pains to gain my attention in the past; yet she alone commanded it with no apparent effort. If I did not employ a substantial degree of self-control, I should be in real danger of falling in love with her.
As I ambled towards the house, I drew an inescapable conclusion: I could not, would not, take Lily away from Miss Bennet. Yet how should I solve this quandary?
By the time I reached my chamber, I formed a possible solution. If Georgiana came to Springvale,shecould befriend Miss Bennet—and give Lily back to her. Yes, that plan might work. My pace accelerated. Once in my chamber, I sat at the escritoire and penned a letter to Georgiana in which I explained the situation and asked her to join me at Springvale.
Chapter 6: Morning Rides with Mr. Darcy
Knight’s Manor
Elizabeth
Ientered the breakfast-parlour to find the others seated at the table and took the empty chair beside Cassie.
My cousin Noah, seated across from me, slid the toast rack in my direction. “Where did you go this morning?”
Despite having rushed home, I still returned to the house over an hour later than usual. “I went to Springvale.”
Uncle Barton looked up from his newspaper. “Ah, you have been to see Lily. How did you find her?”
“She is well.” I selected a piece of toast and spread butter upon it. “Mr. Darcy approached me in the stables.”
Cassie perked upright, eyeing me. “Did you apologise to him?”
“Yes, and he was most gracious.” Even further, he had been thoughtful and kind. What a shock it had been to find him so…likeable. As much as it still pained me to lose Lily, I found it impossible to retain any resentment for him.
She grinned and pointed her half-eaten muffin at me. “So you admit I was right about him?”
“Indeed, yes.” I gave Noah a sheepish look. “And you as well.”
“This is a marked change.” Noah raised his mug of coffee and took a sip. “I am glad you have abandoned your former prejudice against the man. A few days ago, your eagerness to jump to the worst conclusions about him appeared to be boundless.”
A blush warmed my cheeks, though Noah’s smile softened the sting of his remark. I ought to provide an explanation for my change of heart. “Mr. Darcy explained that he bought Lily as a gift for his much younger sister. He invited me to ride Lily during the course of his stay at Springvale, so I shall do so as often as I can manage.”
“How exceedingly generous of him.” Cassie’s smile diminished, and her eyes narrowed. “I wonder why he extended such a charitable invitation. After all, he paid a pretty price for Lily and has no obligation to you in any way.”
“No, of course not. He explained his reasoning. He wants to provide Lily a more gradual separation from me.” Under Cassie’s scrutiny, the heat upon my countenance increased. She would not be pleased to know I had ridden with her new favourite gentleman and would do so again, so that detail would be best kept to myself.
Uncle Barton and Noah finished their meals and left to inspect a new section of fencing.
Although she too had consumed the food on her plate, Cassie remained in her seat. She shifted to face me. “Lizzy, since it seems you will often be at Springvale, you may encounter Mr. Darcy again.”
In an attempt to appearnonchalant, I shrugged and reached forThe London Chronicle, moving the newspaper closer to me. “Yes, I suppose that is true.”
“If you do meet him, I want you to speak well of me.”
I feigned interest in the newspaper, thus avoiding her gaze. “You must know I should never do otherwise.”
She inclined closer. “Yes, of course I do. But in particular, I should be obliged if you would offer complimentary remarks and make me sound likable and interesting, to ensure his favourable impression of me.”
My every inclination rebelled at her suggestion, though I could not have articulated the reason for my aversion. “Youarea charming and attractive person—everyone can see that for themselves, including him. You do not need my recommendation.”
“Nevertheless, I want to use every possible advantage at my disposal.” Cassie touched my wrist. “Pray, promise you will do this for me.”
