On our way to the garden where Miss Hunter awaited us, Bennet maintained a merry stream of praise for his pony and expressed his desire to ride again. When we embraced him and placed him in the care of Miss Hunter, Bennet jabbered on to his nurse, his brown eyes sparkling, telling her of his pony and his first ride.
Darcy
When Bennet padded away towards the house with his nurse, I turned to Elizabeth. “Our son is happy with his gift. I hope you are not still doubtful about my purchase.”
She grinned at me. “You could not have chosen better. Bennet is delighted with the pony. I predict he will be asking to ride him every day.”
I took her hand and directed her back towards the stables. “Bennet’s new friend will need a name. Shall we come up with suggestions for him?”
“Hmm.” She drew her lower lip between her teeth. “We ought to choose names that will be easy for him to pronounce, and it would be best to avoid any in common with our servants. For instance, Danny, Simon, or Harry.”
My brows shot upwards. “Harry?Our son is certain to fumble that name."
She giggled, and her cheeks grew pink. “On second thoughts, Danny, Simon, or Owen may be better.”
“Yes, any of those would work well.”
Her mouth flattened. “Why are we going back to the stables? Are we not taking a walk?”
“When Mr. Cross rode Samson the other day, he noticed a slight limp. I shall take a quick look at him to ensure he has improved.” I supposed I should be forgiven for this white lie.
Her forehead furrowed. “Samson? Do you mean the dear old bay gelding who belonged to your father? I thought you had decided months ago to retire him to pasture.”
“Yes, but I had not yet given the instructions to the grooms.”
“Oh, that is unfortunate.”
We reached Samson’s stall, and Elizabeth released a soft gasp. Instead of the aged bay horse with a mottling of grey hairs surrounding his eyes, the stunning reddish-brown mare with a flashy white blaze down her forehead came to greet us. My wife stepped forwards to meet the horse and brushed her hand along the animal’s neck. “Fitzwilliam, where did this beautiful horse come from?”
Standing behind her, I rested my hands on her shoulders, giving them a soft rub. I angled my head to obtain a view of her beaming profile. “Do you approve?”
My wife moved her hand to stroke the horse’s soft nose. “He is magnificent.”
“She is a mare.”
“Then she is magnificent. How could I not approve?” She traced her delicate fingers down the length of the mare’s forehead. “Based upon the curve in her profile, I should say she is Arabian. Am I correct?” She gave me a sidelong glance.
“Indeed, you are. I am happy you approve, because she is your birthday present.”
“Oh my.” Her hand rose to her chest. She spun to face me and threw her arms around my middle. Her fingers traced vague circles on my back. “Thank you. I love her!” She thrust upwards until her lips met mine.
My eyes closed, and I revelled in her passionate touch and the exquisite suppleness of her body against mine. That familiar rush of sensation kindled just beneath my skin, increasing my hunger for her. Moments later, her delightful warmth departed as she pulled away. I met her gaze, and her beatific smile helped to fill the void created at the loss of her closeness.
How many more moments like this should I have to share with her? But rather than dwell upon the subject, I should appreciate each moment I had left. “I thought you might ride her later today when we have our picnic.”
She raised my hand and placed a soft kiss upon my palm. “You are too good to me.”
“That would be impossible.” I caressed the side of her slender neck, and for a time, my troubles drifted far afield.
Elizabeth
On our way back to the house, I descried two carriages travelling up the avenue. “Are you expecting anyone?” I glanced at Fitzwilliam, who shrugged. When the coach drew closer, I stopped, gaping at the unmistakable coat of arms painted on the first vehicle. “That is Richard’s carriage, yet Georgiana wroteto say they could not come.” I shifted to my husband, who displayed a winsome smile.
“It seems their plans have changed.”
Goodness, it would be a blessing to have them here! The slight weariness from our walk that had plagued me moments ago vanished. Their presence and support would be appreciated should Lady Catherine and her friend cause any unpleasantness. “I shall be pleased to see Richard and Georgiana. It seems an age since we have been together though it cannot have been more than two months ago.” With a growing sense of restlessness for their arrival, standing still became a trial for me. I shifted my weight from side to side as the two coaches progressed towards us.
When the occupants alighted, I froze. What was this?Jane has come, Charles as well—and my father!I spun round towards Fitzwilliam.
