And for now, at least, it was.
Chapter Twenty
The morning was perfect for riding—crisp autumn air, clear skies, the kind of day that made one grateful to be alive and at liberty to enjoy it. Darcy had suggested the excursion over breakfast, half expecting Elizabeth to decline, given her busy schedule managing household affairs. Instead, her face had lit up with pleasure.
"I would love that," she had said. "I have been longing to explore more of Pemberley's grounds properly."
Now they rode side by side across the eastern meadows, their horses moving at an easy canter. Elizabeth sat on her mare with natural grace, her riding habit a deep green that complemented the honey-brown colour of her eyes. Darcy felt something peaceful settle in his chest as he watched her—the way she leaned forward slightly in the saddle, clearly enjoying the speed and freedom, her cheeks pink from the wind.
"That copse of trees marks the boundary of the original Darcy lands," he told her, gesturing towards a stand of ancient oaks. "My great-grandfather purchased them in 1680. The estate has expanded considerably since then, but those trees remain. Family legend says he planted them himself to commemorate his wedding."
She turned to look at him, interest lingering in her expression. "A romantic gesture for a man of that era."
"The Darcys have always valued their marriages, or so I am told." He urged his horse closer to hers. "My father used to bring me here as a boy. He would tell stories about our ancestors—some factual, some probably embellished for dramatic effect. There was supposedly a Darcy who fought in the Battle of Agincourt, and another who served Queen Elizabeth's court."
"Queen Elizabeth?" Her lips quirked. "A Darcy serving my namesake? I approve already."
"He was beheaded for treason, actually."
She laughed outright at that, the sound carrying across the meadow. "Well. Perhaps I shall reserve my approval then."
They continued riding. Darcy pointed out various landmarks and shared what history he could remember, given the gaps in his recollection. The stream where his father had taught him to fish. The hill where generations of Darcy children had sledded in winter. The ruins of an old cottage that had supposedly housed a hermit in medieval times.
Elizabeth listened with interest, asking questions that showed she was not merely being polite but truly wished to understand Pemberley and its history. Her history now, too, Darcy realised. This was her home, her legacy to learn and eventually pass on.
"I should like to race you to that oak tree," she said suddenly, her eyes dancing with mischief.
Darcy raised an eyebrow. "You wish to race?"
"Unless you are afraid I might win?" The challenge was clear in her tone, playful but with an edge of competitiveness.
"Very well." He gathered his reins. "On your mark."
"Go!"
She took off before he could properly prepare, her laughter floating back as her mare surged forward. He gave her a few seconds' head start before urging his stallion into a gallop.
The animal responded immediately, powerful muscles bunching and extending as they ate up the ground between them. He leaned low over the horse's neck, feeling the familiar thrill of speed and competition. Elizabeth rode well, he had to admit, but his stallion was simply faster. He drew alongside her, then gradually pulled ahead, reaching the designated oak several lengths before her.
"That was cheating," he called as she slowed her mare to a walk beside him. "You did not wait for me to signal the start."
"I believe the phrase is 'all's fair in love and war,'" Elizabeth replied, not looking remotely apologetic. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with exhilaration. "I suppose I should have known your horse would be faster. He is magnificent."
"Would you like to try riding him? He has excellent manners despite his speed."
"Perhaps another time. I find I am quite attached to this lady." She patted her mare's neck affectionately. "I am impressed by your horsemanship. You ride as though you were born in the saddle."
"My father ensured I learned young. He believed a gentleman should be accomplished in all outdoor pursuits."
He dismounted and reached up to help her down. She accepted his assistance, her hands light on his shoulders as he lifted her from the saddle.
They walked the horses for a while so the animals could cool down, their conversation flowing easily from topic to topic. She told him about her childhood rambles around Hertfordshire, including the various misadventures she and Jane had gotten into exploring the countryside. Darcy shared memories of his own youth at Pemberley, the games he had played and the mischief he had caused.
"You were quite the troublemaker," Elizabeth observed with amusement. "Somehow that does not align with my image of you as the perfectly proper gentleman."
"I was eight years old. Propriety had not yet taken hold. However, I became insufferably serious once I went away to school."
"What changed you?"
