For the most part, I achieved my purpose. Bennet’s exhilaration and evident joy, as well as my wife’s gratifying presence, ensured my spirits remained high.
Bennet displayed a particular fondness for the stuffed dog given to him by Cousin Anne and Lady Catherine, and the toy remained clutched against his chest. But he had not forgotten his pony and expressed his desire to have another ride. So, the three of us departed for the stables. Upon hearing our suggested names, Bennet decided upon “Danny” for his pony.
After Bennet’s well-loved ritual of greeting the horses and gifting them with treats, I gave him his second riding lesson with Danny. This time, Bennet showed not a trace of hesitation to sit in the saddle and only needed to be admonished once not to kick. He proved to be a quick learner and displayed an obvious affinity for horses. One day he would be an excellent horseman.
Rapt in the appreciation of this precious time with my family, no gloomy thoughts intruded upon me. After we returned Bennet to Miss Hunter's care, Elizabeth and I took a walk on one of our customary routes.
Elizabeth
As we strode hand in hand, I took frequent glances at Fitzwilliam. He had been more quiet than usual this morning, though he revealed no sign of discontent. I faced him with a raised brow. “A penny for your thoughts.”
He grinned, his dimples on full display. “I was reflecting with satisfaction on how well the events of yesterday came to pass.”
“At the risk of making you prouder than ever before, I shall echo those sentiments and commend you for planning memorable celebrations for myself and Bennet.”
Fitzwilliam inclined his head. “I am pleased to accept your praise and shall attempt to keep my pride under good regulation.” He met my eyes. “Although, blessed with a wife as beautiful and wise as yourself and a son as ideal as Bennet, who could blame me if my pride should overflow on occasion?”
“My goodness, such hyperbole! I wonder if you have fallen under Graham’s influence.”
“Not at all. I never exaggerate.” His gaze drifted towards the horizon. “Of late, I have reflected on how fleeting life can be. None of us know how much time we have left.”
A shiver trickled down my back. Could this introspection on his mortality be the reason for his strange mood? And why did his words gnaw at my peace? He could not be ill; if he suffered from an ailment, should I not have noticed the symptoms before anyone else? My lower lip quivered, and I closed my mouth to quell the movement. I pressed my shoulder against him as we went along. “That topic is rather morbid.”
He raised my hand to bestow a kiss. “The material point is the importance of appreciating what I have.” The mere sight of his adoring gaze buoyed my spirits, and I could not fail to return his look with a smile.
“Who could argue with such a lovely sentiment?” An impulse came to me, and I gave him a sportive grin. “Do you see that yew ahead of us?” I released his hand and pointed to the tree.
“Yes, of course.”
“I shall race you there.” Hiking up my skirt, I ran towards the tree.
After a brief delay, Fitzwilliam chased after me and arrived at the tree a second behind me.
With my lungs burning and my chest heaving, I turned towards him. “Did you…let me win?”
“That cannot be considered a fair contest, since you ran off before I understood your intent.” He used an even tone. Somehow, he showed no sign of having exerted himself.
I adjusted my bonnet and retied the ribands. “Yes, but the conditions seemed equitable, since I am obliged to run in a dress and you are not.”
“That is a bizarre bit of logic. However, I must cede to your superior knowledge of how female attire inhibits one’s racing performance.” He pushed an errant tress back inside my bonnet.
“My primary intent had been to distract you with exercise and lighten your mood. I do not fancy I succeeded since you are not even out of breath.”
He took my hand, and we resumed our walk. “I appreciate the effort, though you may be assured I am content. And you manage to distract me as a matter of course regardless of your intentions. His dark eyes riveted upon me. Furthermore, you, my love, always take my breath away.”
Upon our return to the house, Rutley met us with a pained look. “Sir, madam, Lady Catherine has requested your presence in the east sitting room.”
My husband nodded. “Thank you, Rutley.” He met my gaze with his brows lifted, and I shrugged. What could she want now?
As we neared the designated room, my spine locked in a rigid position. Based upon her saturnine deportment the previous day, I had no hope of a pleasant conversation. No doubt she had compiled a list of new missteps I had made or other complaints against me.
But upon my first sight of Lady Catherine, all previous speculation flew from my mind. Red, swollen skin surrounded her eyes, and she sat with her shoulders stooped. What ailedher? At our approach, she leaned on her walking stick more than usual to rise.
I released Fitzwilliam’s arm and hastened towards her. “Lady Catherine, you are ill. Do you require a draught or powders for a headache?”
She blinked at me. “No, no. I am well. Pray sit there, both of you.” She pointed towards the settee. We sat across from her, and she resumed her seat. “I owe you both an apology. But first, I shall reveal a significant event in my life—one that left me bitter and induced me towards the views I have held for so many years.”
Lady Catherine paused to take a sip of tea. “At the age of nineteen, I met and fell in love with a young naval officer.”
