“Even so, we could keep you company,” Bingley persisted.
Elizabeth knew that two things Jane hated were competing inside her presently. Denying anyone something they wanted and being watched while she sketched.
“Do you not wish to ride, Mr. Bingley? It is such a lovely day for it. We plan to take the trail by the lake. Have you been?”
“No, I confess I have not, Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley answered, looking from her to her sister, who had tucked into her food. “I have been eager to try out one of Darcy’s horses. He is always bragging about them.”
“Charles, you are mistaken. Mr. Darcy does not brag; he was merely telling us about how magnificent Pemberley’s horses are. If it is true, I do not think it should be considered bragging,” Miss Bingley reprimanded her brother.
“Yes, yes, of course, you are right. Darcy would never do anything so prosaic as brag,” the colonel said. “He just always wants to be sure everyone knows how absolutely superior Pemberley and all its trappings are to absolutely everything else.”
“Too right,” Bingley agreed with a laugh.
Elizabeth would have laughed too, but when she looked over at Darcy, she stifled the urge. She knew he was not, as a rule, averse to teasing, but she thought this audience was perhaps too large and too unfamiliar. His expression had become guarded, and while he looked haughty and unimpressed, she saw behind that mask—he was uncomfortable.
“Then it is settled, Mr. Bingley must join us to test the quality of Pemberley’s stables—I assure you you will not be disappointed,” Elizabeth said. “And when we return, perhaps we can convince Jane to show us her sketch.”
“I would be happy to,” Jane said with a warm smile for her sister and a nod to Mr. Bingley. His answering smile was bright and hopeful.
“I would suggest Mr. Bingley ride Hades. Mr. Darcy, what do you think?” Elizabeth asked.
He still looked less himself than she preferred, but her question drew him back into the conversation at least.
“Yes, Hades should do nicely. Bingley is a fine rider. I believe he can handle Hades’ temper should it manifest.”
While Bingley beamed, Elizabeth addressed his sister.
“Miss Bingley, will you join us?” Elizabeth asked.
“I thank you, no,” Miss Bingley replied. “I was hoping Mr. Darcy would consent to giving us a tour of the greenhouse. He has spoken so eloquently about all of the trees and flowers grown there, I find myself quite anxious to see it.”
“Miss Bingley, you are right to seek a tour of Pemberley’s greenhouses. They contain some incredible specimens,” the colonel told her. “However, I happen to know my cousin has a meeting with his steward which he cannot miss. Would you allow me to accompany you and your sister and Mr. Hurst as well, if they are interested?”
He nodded towards the couple, one of whom seemed far more interested in his food than the present conversation or the colonel’s invitation. Mrs. Hurst, however, expressed her acceptance and delight.
“That would be wonderful, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” she said, and with a meaningful glance at her sister, she accepted for all of them. “Shall we arrange to meet you in an hour?”
“Yes, let us convene in the main foyer. I would not want you to get lost trying to make your way. It is a little difficult to navigate the back hallways that take us most quickly to that part of the grounds.”
“We shall trust you to guide us then,” Miss Bingley said with a bright smile directed at the colonel. He nodded in response and then resumed eating his breakfast.
“Wonderful, it seems we all have our plans, then,” Bingley said with evident delight. “Miss Darcy, Miss Elizabeth and I will be riding; Caroline, Louisa and Hurst will be under your supervision in the greenhouses, Miss Bennet is off to the garden to create her masterpiece and Darcy, true to form, will be meeting with his steward.”
“I am afraid it cannot be helped,” Darcy said.
“Yes, yes, you are forever the responsible one while the rest of us while away our time less profitably but far more enjoyably,” the colonel teased.
Darcy smiled at him indulgently before answering, “You are wrong only in that I do, in fact, enjoy the tasks required to care for Pemberley.”
Shortly after this exchange, the party began to disperse making their way out of the room. Before he could turn down the hallway, Jane stopped Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“Sir, I wonder if I might join you and the others on the tour of the greenhouses?” she asked.
Elizabeth, who was standing nearby talking with Georgiana, was surprised at her sister’s question—both in her relative boldness in asking it and in that it would take her from her sketching, which Elizabeth knew she had looked forward to.
“You would of course be more than welcome,” the colonel replied. “However, if it is your wish to spend the morning sketching, I would be happy to offer you a tour this afternoon.”
“It would not be too much trouble?” Jane asked.
