After a few steps, Darcy paused and looked at her. “I find myself increasingly grateful for the circumstances that have allowed me to know you better.”
Elizabeth blushed slightly and smiled. The night air was cool, but the breeze was gentle. She rested her head lightly against his shoulder as they walked back toward the house.
Chapter sixteen
The sun was just above the horizon when Elizabeth stood in the stables, stroking Bramble’s nose and offering him a carrot. Hearing someone enter, she turned and saw Mr. Darcy.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I see you were of the same mind.”
She smiled warmly. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. I confess I thought a morning ride might afford me some escape from Mr. Collins.”
Darcy chuckled. “I understand the feeling. I would as soon avoid my aunt this morning. Perhaps we may escape together. Where would you suggest?”
Elizabeth began to lead Bramble from his stall. “Perhaps Oakum Mount? The view is lovely in the morning.”
Darcy assisted her in mounting, then quickly mounted Atlas. They trotted down the lane, and when they reached the open fields, they urged the horses into a gallop, both eager for the exercise.
Elizabeth lifted her face to the wind and listened to the rhythm of hooves striking the earth. She glanced at Darcy riding beside her and realized she had come to depend upon his company. The thought brought both excitement and a measure of unease. She set it aside and chose instead to enjoy the moment.
When they reached the base of the hill, Darcy helped her dismount and secured the reins so the horses might graze. He then offered his arm, and they climbed the path to the top.
Elizabeth had brought some small cakes and shared them with him. They sat upon a rock and watched the sun climb higher in the sky.
Elizabeth sighed softly.
Darcy looked toward her. “Is something troubling you?”
“I have so many thoughts running through my mind. I cannot help wondering whether all the work of the past years might yet be undone.”
“An estate rarely depends upon a single house,” Darcy replied. He gestured toward the fields. “Systems, tenants, improvements, these endure longer than walls.”
“You have already done the difficult part, Miss Elizabeth. The rest is merely administration.”
Elizabeth smiled lightly. “You make it sound very simple.”
He returned her smile. “Only because the foundation has already been laid. I have several smaller estates in addition to Pemberley. I employ capable stewards to manage them. I correspond with them regularly and make periodic visits. Because the structure is there, I am able to manage them at a distance.”
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds a very reasonable plan.” She glanced at him, her expression softening. “I am glad you are here.”
Darcy rose and offered her his hand. “We should likely return.”
He glanced about them once more. “You must know this view very well.”
“I often come here when I need to think.”
Darcy regarded her thoughtfully. “I suspect the estate has benefited more from your thinking than you realize.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly.
They began the walk back down the hill. Darcy assisted her into the saddle and then mounted Atlas.
For a moment, Elizabeth had the sense that his attention lingered on her before turning once more to the path ahead.
They rode back toward Netherfield at an easier pace, neither in haste to return.
***
Elizabeth came down the stairs after changing out of her riding habit. She had several letters to write and wished to have them finished that morning.
