Page 137 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Thank you,” she murmured. Coming around to the front of Apple, she addressed Mr. Pearce once more. “I have not come visiting. I am here at my sister’s request to meet the new mare Mr. Bingley purchased.”

Mr. Pearce looked knowingly at her, but did not mention a possible alliance between Mr. Bingley and Jane. “The mare’s a fine thoroughbred, she is, miss,” Mr. Pearce claimed. He gestured to the same groom who had assisted Lizzy. He hurried to take hold of the pony’s bridle. “Take care of him, Samuel.”

“Aye, sir,” Samuel said, leading the pony and cart away.

“What is the mare’s name?”

“Rosalind of Ballyhigh,” Mr. Pearce said. “Though she answers to Rosy.”

“Irish bred?”

“Yes, miss.”

“Has she carried females before?” Lizzy asked, walking beside him into the cool stables.

“She has, miss. Trained to a sidesaddle from when she was four. She’s six, now.”

“What have you observed about her?” Lizzy asked.

“Rosy has a fine, sensible attitude, miss. She’s light-to-the-hand, too.”

“Her stride?”

“Relaxed and smooth, miss,” Mr. Pearce said. He led her to a box and knickered. The horse within replied and ambled over to the opening. She stuck her head out and stood still for the head groom’s caress. “This here is Rosy, miss. She’s fourteen and a half hands.”

“What a fine girl you are,” Lizzy said, holding out the flat of her hand where a small chunk of apple sat. She had brought the chunks with her and put them in the reticule she used just for that purpose. Rosy readily lipped up the apple. “Will you take her out of the stall for me?”

“Yes, miss,” Mr. Pearce said. Rosy stood patiently while he slipped a bridle over her head.

“Did you assist Mr. Bingley in choosing Rosy?”

“I did, miss.”

Lizzy nodded. “Then I am expecting good things from her. Your equine knowledge is exceptional.”

He appeared gratified. “Thank you, miss.”

“Miss Elizabeth.”

Lizzy turned her head and spied Mr. Darcy striding toward her wearing dark brown riding togs. Goodness, I can scarcely breathe. Just the sight of him makes my heart race. “Sir?”

He arrived at her side, tall and handsome. He removed his beaver hat and bowed slightly. “Have you come just to see Rosy?”

Lizzy curtsied and smiled up at him. “I have. Jane asked me to meet her. I understand Bingley acquired Rosy for Jane to ride.”

“That is what he told me,” Mr. Darcy said. “Bingley introduced her to me yesterday.”

They both stood aside while Mr. Pearce opened the box door and led the mare out into the stable aisle. Lizzy cooed soothingly as she smoothed her hands over the horse’s withers.

“What a beauty you are,” she praised as she felt Rosy’s muscles quiver.

“I rode your father’s hack here,” Darcy informed her.

“Oh?” she asked, looking up from her examination of Rosy’s legs.

How accomplished she is in animal husbandry, Darcy thought, admiring her handling of the horse. And how fetching she looks today. How wonderful would it be to have her by my side for all the remainder of my days? Darcy took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, praying he could calm his racing heart.

Darcy shifted his position in order to continue watching her as she circled around to Rosy’s other side. “Bingley and I took my curricle to Longbourn for his interview with your father. I will leave it to your sister to tell you her news.” Miss Elizabeth nodded, her eyes twinkling. Darcy’s eyebrows bounced once in response. Then, he said, “After the interview, Bingley expressed the wish to bring Miss Bennet here to meet Rosy. Your father lent me his bay so they could drive the curricle back to Netherfield.”