“Very well.” Jemma would be less apt to shy or bolt with Regal’s steady presence alongside her. I informed the others of our plan. We urged our horses to a canter and maintained that pace for the next quarter of a mile to the large tree. My muscles remained tense; if necessary, I should step in to assist Elizabeth.But my dogged scrutiny of Jemma did not reveal a cause for concern.
We brought the horses to a halt in the shade of the oak. My gaze settled on Elizabeth. She wore a serene smile, yet a trickle of doubt invaded my peace. Would she be honest if she did not favour Jemma? “My love, while I had hoped this mare would please you, I acknowledged the possibility you might prefer a different sort of horse. If you decide she is not quite right for you, tell me so, and we shall seek another.”
Elizabeth leaned forwards to stroke Jemma’s neck, holding me in her gaze. “She is wonderful in every way. I could not be more delighted with her.” She reached over to take my hand. “The fact that you chose her for me makes me love her all the more. This is already the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you, my love. If I had searched the entire earth, I could not have found a better husband.”
A welling of elation impeded my breath. I fought an inner struggle to stave off the tears of relief and joy that threatened to break through. Whatever happened now, I had at least succeeded in finding an appropriate gift for Elizabeth. If I should not be allowed the opportunity to grow old with her, at least I could take comfort in that. How much longer did I have left—days, hours?
If I could not prevent my death, perhaps it would be better if it happened soon—whilst her closest family members remained at Pemberley. Yet she would have my aunt here as well. My mouth drew into a straight line. The notion of Elizabeth being forced to deal with such an oppressive presence in the wake of my demise made my blood boil. I should seek Richard’s assurance that he would protect Elizabeth from my aunt if necessary. I turned at the sound of a horse galloping towards us, and I spied Richard. It seemed my opportunity to talk to him would be nigh.
Richard reined in his horse, creating a small cloud of dirt particles. He gave us a sheepish look. “I apologize for the dust. Sully needed to stretch his legs a bit.”
With a gloved hand, Elizabeth waved to clear the air. “Ah, now I can see you.”
A guffaw burst from him. “Very funny.”
I gestured to Richard. “You and I ought to ride ahead to the north meadow and ensure the servants know where to set up everything.”
“Of course, let us go.”
My gaze locked upon Elizabeth. “Do you mind waiting here for Georgiana?”
“Not at all. I shall see you both there.”
Elizabeth
At the sound of approaching hooves, I turned round. Georgiana came towards me on her bay mare. The carriages remained well behind her.
My sister pointed to Richard and Fitzwilliam, who rode ahead in the distance. “I suppose they wished to have a run.”
“Yes, and I suspect Fitzwilliam wanted an excuse to talk alone with Richard. It has been a while since they have had the opportunity.”
“Yes, that is true.” Her face compressed, displaying a frown.
“Is aught on your mind? You seem a bit dejected.”
“Do I?” She looked away. “Well, Lady Catherine’s scrutiny and probing questions always make me feel inadequate, which is why I avoid her whenever possible. Earlier, when she interrogated me about our household, I felt like a child of ten again. I appreciated Richard’s interference on my behalf.”
“Your aunt seems to feel it is her purpose in life to dispense advice to others. It is unfortunate her mode of expression is often offensive. In contrast to Lady Catherine’s feelings towards you, she utterly deplores me. Nevertheless, I intend to persuade her that I am not a terrible person.”
Georgiana shook her head. “I do not know whether you are more brave or foolish, but I admire your ability to handle my aunt’s hostility with grace and wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you.”I shall need every scrap of luck I may get.
Darcy
Once our horses had worked up a sweat, we slowed them to a walk. Richard’s mien hardened as I informed him of Lady Catherine’s sudden appearance, her implacable enmity towards Elizabeth, and her object in bringing Lady Rebecca to Pemberley.
His lip curled into a sneer. “How can you allow them to stay at Pemberley under these circumstances? I should have expected you to place Elizabeth’s happiness and peace of mind far ahead of our aunt’s concerns.”
“It is Elizabeth who convinced me to let them remain. She wanted the opportunity to sway our aunt from her misguided outlook. I should have preferred to make them leave, but since my wife is determined to give this a try, I agreed to her request.”
Richard emitted a long, low-pitched whistle. “Well, your wife is a valiant woman.”
“Indeed, she is.” I gave him a sidelong glance. “While riding Regal last week, I had a narrow escape from a deadly fall. Since then, I have considered the possible consequences to Elizabeth if I died. I am concerned that Lady Catherine would attempt to make trouble for her in some way. You and I know our auntmight use any situation or moment of vulnerability to force her will onto others. I hardly need ask this of you, but if anything happens to me, I hope you and Georgiana will look out for Elizabeth and Bennet.”
He adopted a stiff posture and stared at me. “I know you, Darcy. You are not telling me the entire truth. Have you an illness that may threaten your life?”
By Jove,I ought to have known Richard would be suspicious. I brushed flecks of dust from my coat. “No, I have always enjoyed perfect health, and nothing has occurred to change that.”
