She winked at Miss Baxter as she said this, so Elizabeth refrained from rushing to assure Miss Darcy of her secure place in her father’s affection. Instead, she allowed herself to feel flattered.
“I think you should have no worries,” Elizabeth said with a serious visage. “Until I learn to ride better than you. Then there will of course be no contest.”
“You are incorrigible!” Georgiana exclaimed.
“What has our guest done to deserve such a critique, little one?” The deep voice came from behind her and Elizabeth was afraid to look. Her heart raced, her stomach dropped and her mind nearly went blank. If half of what she was feeling revealed itself in her eyes or her blush or, potentially, her retching right there on the spot, she would be mortified. She could hear him moving into the room. Soon, he was before her, leaning to examine Georgiana’s writings.
His stunning good looks had not lost their power over her any more than his rich baritone voice had. Fortunately, she was not called on to speak at that moment because she was nearly certain she would not have been able to.
“Why are you making a list of dinner courses?” he asked his sister.
“You will never guess. Elizabeth and I have the same birthday.”
“And for this, you have found her incorrigible? She could not help her birthdate,” he observed wryly. “Is this not so, Miss Elizabeth? Did you choose to be born the same day as my sister?”
Her head snapped up when he said her name. He was looking at her. Perhaps this was not the first time since he entered, but Elizabeth had kept her eyes downcast since glimpsing him. It was a wise choice as she now found herself caught in his dark brown gaze, alight with mischief.
“I suppose if I had had that power, I may have chosen to share the date with her, but I don’t think I can claim the credit.” Elizabeth was proud of herself—her voice only shook a little. It was possible no one noticed.
“Well, I am glad of it,” Georgiana declared. “Now, let us turn to the list. The most important question is what your favourite dessert is, but we must also note your favourites for each course as well.”
“Now the list makes sense,” her brother said, picking it up. “Miss Elizabeth, it seems you must come and fill in all of this information.”
Could she trust her legs to support her? She knew from experience that the gentleman in front of her was capable of making her knees weak. Perhaps she could avoid it.
“I am gratified by Miss Darcy’s generous offer to share her celebration. Do you not think that your father would rather keep the occasion focused on your sister?”
“I have no doubt that my father, like the rest of us, would enjoy celebrating you and Georgiana together.” After a moment, he added, “As my family would no doubt want to fete you as well, combining the occasion will save us a dinner.”
“So really I would be doing you a favour?” Elizabeth asked, her smile so wide her cheeks ached.
“Indeed,” he confirmed. The right side of his mouth raised slightly, and Elizabeth experienced a new swarm of butterflies at having elicited that almost grin from him.
“Now that Miss Baxter, my brother and I have assured you of our desire to include you in any celebration, may we proceed with the planning?” Georgiana asked with marked impatience. Without waiting for an answer, she demanded that Elizabeth come and sit by her that they might complete the list of favourite courses. It was a relief that her knees could, in fact, support her for the ten-step journey to the desk where Georgiana sat.
Elizabeth tried to focus on the task. Her friend was so determined to create a menu they both would love. Mr. Darcy left after a few minutes, indicating he was due to meet a neighbour. This was fortunate for Elizabeth’s ability to concentrate. It was hard for the rest of her, which wanted nothing more than to be near him.
The fifth of July dawned bright and warm. This was all the better as the birthday festivities at Pemberley were to be outside. Elizabeth, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Gardiner arrived at the appointed hour. The Darcy family awaited them outside Pemberley’s large front entrance. As their carriage came to a halt, Elizabeth’s eyes found her Mr. Darcy.
He wore his usual dark coat and crisp, expertly tied cravat held in place with a matching dark pin. She took this in, along with the rest of his immaculate ensemble, briefly. Her eyes quickly moved up his frame. Since she had first seen him years ago, Elizabeth had catalogued and considered every aspect of his face—separately and as a whole. As her eyes swept over it now, she felt a mix of excitement and contentment that seemed to be her standard reaction to his person.
She was pulled from her perusal when Mr. Gardiner reached up to help her alight. She came to stand beside Mr. Barlow as the Darcys made their way down the stone steps.
“Welcome back to Pemberley,” Mr. Darcy said with a broad smile. He bowed to Mrs. Gardiner and briefly nodded at the gentlemen before coming to stand before Elizabeth.
“Many happy returns to you, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. And thank you for including me in the celebration.”
“You know none of us would hear of anything else once we realised you and Georgiana shared a birthday.”
Georgiana greeted her next. The young girl was fairly bursting with excitement as she curtsied to the party.
“Welcome, everyone,” she said. Then, taking Elizabeth’s arms, she told her, “Our birthday picnic is to be at the gazebo. It is on the opposite side of the lake, so we must take the carriages.”
“That sounds delightful!” Elizabeth said.
Mr. Darcy stepped beside Mr. Barlow and the gentlemen began a discussion on matters in the village. Elizabeth noted how Mr. Darcy took the elder man’s arm and heard him whisper something about old men supporting one another. She felt a rush of warmth and a rising in her already strong affection for him. The Gardiners soon joined the older gentlemen. The young Mr. Darcy approached his sister and Elizabeth.
