Miss Bingley had no choice but to follow her sister from the room, her brother and Hurst trailing reluctantly behind.
The moment the door closed, Richard smirked. “Subtle as a cavalry charge, that one. I believe she hoped we would follow her.”
“Richard,” Darcy said warningly, though he agreed with his cousin.
“What? I am simply observing…”
The door opened again, and Miss Elizabeth entered.
Darcy’s heart swelled. She had changed for dinner, though in a simple gown compared to Miss Bingley’s elaborate silk. Her eyes swept the room, pausing on Georgiana with unmistakable interest before finding his own.
“Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy moved forward. “Is your sister not joining us?”
“Unfortunately, no. Jane’s cough worsened this afternoon, and she thought it best she remain in her room with a maid to attend her. She sends her regrets to your sister and cousin for missing their arrival.”
“I am sorry to hear it,” Darcy said.
Miss Elizabeth’s gaze moved past him to Georgiana.
“Georgiana, Richard—this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Elizabeth, my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
Georgiana rose, her curtsy perfect, her smile shy but genuine. “Miss Elizabeth. My brother has written of you. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Miss Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose slightly before she returned the curtsy. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Darcy. I saw your arrival from the window. You are an excellent rider.”
Color bloomed in Georgiana’s cheeks, and her smile illuminated her face. “Thank you. Though I confess the race was not entirely fair. I know Starlight far better than Richard knows his hired mount.”
“If my horse were not getting reshod today, I would have won by a mile,” Richard said, bowing. “Miss Elizabeth, a delight. Any friend of Darcy’s is a friend of mine, though I should warn you he has been insufferably mysterious about why he summoned us to Hertfordshire with such urgency.”
“Cousin,” Darcy warned.
“What? I am simply curious why my dear cousin required both his sister and an aged gelding delivered posthaste to?—”
“Richard!”
Miss Elizabeth blushed. “I confess, Colonel, Miss Darcy, the mystery is partly my doing. Your cousin has been extraordinarily generous in offering to teach me to ride.”
Georgiana’s head snapped toward Darcy, her eyes wide. Then she peered at Miss Elizabeth. Darcy saw the exact moment his sister understood his purpose. “My brother wrote that you remind him of our mother.”
Miss Elizabeth’s smile faded to surprise. “I—he…?”
“Georgiana,” Darcy said, wishing his sister had inherited even a fraction of Richard’s ability to deflect and dissemble.
Georgiana already moved toward Miss Elizabeth, her shyness forgotten. “He did. He mentioned that you loved horses but had never had the opportunity to learn.” She glanced at Darcy, her expression softer than he had seen it in months. “This is why you sentfor Atlas. You will teach Miss Elizabeth as you did me.”
“Yes,” Darcy said, seeing no point in denying what his sister had already revealed. “I will.”
Miss Elizabeth’s vulnerability made his breath catch. “That was kind of you, Mr. Darcy. Extraordinarily kind.”
“Atlas requires exercise before his journey to Pemberley.”
Richard made a sound that might have been a scoff. Darcy ignored him.
“Of course,” Miss Elizabeth said. But her eyes told him she knew better.
Georgiana stepped closer, her earlier reserve completely abandoned. “I should love to help with your lessons, Miss Elizabeth, if you would permit. My father, brother, and Atlas were my teachers as well. They were endlessly patient and wonderfully forgiving of mistakes.”
“I would be grateful for any guidance,” Miss Elizabeth said warmly. “Though I must warn you, I shall likely be the most hopeless student you have ever encountered.”
