“Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Wilmot. May I join you?”
Mr. Wilmot glanced toward Elizabeth, who smiled. “Of course, sir. We are bound for the breeding stable.”
Darcy inclined his head. “If it would not be a trouble, I should be glad to accompany you.”
Elizabeth nodded and urged her horse forward. Darcy fell in beside her, and Mr. Wilmot followed behind.
Darcy gestured toward Oakham Mount. “I rode there earlier. I observed the southern stable. It appears to be well run.”
Elizabeth glanced up at him with a small smile. “My father will be pleased to hear it.”
After a short time, they arrived at the stable yard. Mr. Hawkes, the stable manager, stood with several men.
The six horses stood within the enclosed yard, not restless but alert. Two grooms walked them at an easy pace along the fence line, keeping them warm without sweat. Their coats shone from recent brushing, hooves darkened and clean, tack laid ready upon the rail, though none yet saddled.
Darcy assisted Elizabeth down from her horse.
“Thank you, sir. May I introduce you to Mr. Hawkes, who manages the stable. Mr. Hawkes, this is Mr. Darcy, a friend of Mr. Bingley, who is staying at Netherfield.”
Darcy inclined his head. He gestured toward the horses. "Iam much impressed by what I see.”
Elizabeth glanced toward them. “Those have already been promised.”
“This is our first full remount lot,” Mr. Wilmot said quietly, almost as an aside. “They were satisfied with the pair we sent last year.”
Darcy’s brows lifted slightly. “Indeed.”
Before further comment could be made, the sound of approaching horses carried across the yard. A small mounted party rode in at a steady pace. One officer, straight-backed in uniform, accompanied by a sergeant and several troopers. No flourish. No delay. They dismounted with efficient precision.
“These are the six contracted animals?” the officer asked.
“Yes, sir,” Mr. Wilmot replied. “Five rising five. One rising six. All sound. Accustomed to formation riding.”
The officer stepped forward and began his inspection. Teeth checked. Legs run over with practiced hands. One bay shifted at the unfamiliar touch but settled at a quiet word from the groom.
Elizabeth became aware of Mr. Darcy’s gaze upon her, steady and intent. She did not move to interfere. She stood calm, observant, entirely at ease amid the transaction. There was nothing tentative in it.
This was no experiment. It was established trade.
When approval was given, the officer turned to Mr. Wilmot. “You shall have the draft within the fortnight.”
The sergeant nodded, and the troopers stepped forward to take the reins. Within minutes, the yard re-ordered itself. The Longbourn horses fell into line beside the soldiers’ mounts, steady and responsive.
There was no spectacle in their departure.
Only competence.
***
Mrs. Bennet was resting with her eyes closed in the drawing room. The younger girls were at their lessons. Jane was in the stillroom. Mary’s careful scales drifted faintly from the pianoforte, and Elizabeth was, no doubt, engaged in one of her many concerns about the estate.
Mrs. Bennet felt she had earned a moment of quiet. Mr. Collins beneath her roof was trial enough without additional exertion.
Just then, the door opened.
“Mrs. Bennet, I am exceedingly pleased to find you at leisure.”
Mrs. Bennet opened her eyes and sat upright, though not with equal pleasure. “Yes, Mr. Collins. Did you require anything? Or would you prefer to retire before dinner?”
