“And yet he brought you a horse.”
Elizabeth’s voice caught. “He moved heaven and earth to give me my heart’s desire.”
“That is no small thing.”
Elizabeth agreed. “No small thing at all.”
They sat in companionable silence, Jane’s knowing smile and Elizabeth’s flushed cheeks speaking volumes that neither needed to put into words.
7
Elizabeth woke to rain lashing the windows. Her first emotion was keen disappointment. No riding lesson today. Her second emotion was confusion. She had been dreaming. Not of Atlas or racing across fields, but of Mr. Darcy. His patience with her. The way his reserve melted when he spoke of Miss Darcy or of his horses. The unexpected gentleness of the deep timbre of his voice when he teased. The attractive way his riding coat settled on his broad shoulders.
Elizabeth pushed the dreams aside. Jane’s health had improved until she was well enough that Miss Darcy had visited last evening. The girl charmed them both with her enthusiasm and her complete lack of Darcy pride.
Yet it was her brother, not the sweet-natured Georgiana, who lingered in Elizabeth’s thoughts.
“Lizzy?” Jane’s voice was soft from the adjoining room. “Are you awake?”
“Yes.” Elizabeth sat up and arranged her features intosomething approaching cheerfulness. The morning light penetrating the curtains was muted. “The rain woke me.”
“It will pass,” Jane said. “I suspect that by this afternoon…”
“Perhaps.” Elizabeth could not keep the disappointment from her voice. She moved to the window as water streamed down the glass. The stable yard below was a sea of mud. Even if the rain stopped, the ground would be too treacherous for a beginner’s first lesson.
“Oh, Lizzy.” Jane sat up in her bed, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders. “I wanted nothing to interfere with your lessons.”
“It is only weather.” Elizabeth pressed her palm against the cold glass. “Atlas will still be here when it clears. Mr. Darcy is not leaving immediately.”
“But you wanted today.”
“I did.” Elizabeth’s throat constricted. “I wanted today very much.”
A knock at the door interrupted them. At Jane’s invitation, Miss Darcy entered, already dressed for the day in a simple morning gown of soft green.
Miss Darcy moved to Jane’s side, taking her hand. “I hope you rested well.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy. And thank you for lending Lizzy your beautiful riding habit. It was very generous.”
“Not at all. I want…” She glanced at Elizabeth at the window. “I want Miss Elizabeth to have many occasions to wear it.” Miss Darcy moved to Elizabeth’s side. “You have seen the weather.”
“Rather difficult to miss,” Elizabeth said, attempting levity and failing.
“I know you are disappointed. I would be as well.However, my brother asked me to extend an invitation. If you would, please, wear something that you will not mind getting a little soiled and meet us in the entrance hall after you break your fast. We have an excursion planned.”
Elizabeth turned to stare at her. “In this weather?”
“In this weather.” Miss Darcy’s smile was conspiratorial. “Please? It will be worth it, I promise.”
Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth descended the stairs in a simple gown, the one she wore for long walks in questionable weather—the one she wore when she walked to Netherfield.
Mr. Darcy was in the breakfast room with Colonel Fitzwilliam, both dressed for riding despite the rain. Miss Darcy joined them a moment later, and Mr. Bingley entered, his expression curious.
“What is all this?” he asked cheerfully. “An expedition?”
“Of sorts,” Mr. Darcy said. He glanced at Elizabeth, and she saw anticipation, perhaps, or amusement. “Miss Elizabeth is going to learn about horses, even if she cannot ride today.”
“In the rain?” Miss Bingley’s voice preceded her entrance as she swept into the room, her expression a mixture of disdain and curiosity. “How very…rustic.”
