Page 138 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Skookum is a very fine all-around hunter and hacking animal,” Miss Elizabeth stated. “He endures female riders as well, bless him. You must have ridden across the fields to arrive here before the curricle.”

“I did,” Darcy admitted. “Your head groom told me you had taken the pony cart here. We did not pass you on the road.”

“I took a lane that circles around Meryton,” Miss Elizabeth explained. “Now, Rosy, show me your teeth, if you please.”

To Darcy’s amazement, Rosy immediately opened her mouth.

“Thank you, Rosy. Hmm, your gums are nicely pink, your teeth do not appear cracked at all. No lesions or scaring. Yes, very nice,” Miss Elizabeth said when she finished her inspection. “You have been handled well.” She rubbed Rosy’s forehead affectionately. “And you need not worry, Rosy dear. Mr. Pearce is an accomplished groom and my sister has light hands. I am depending on you to look after her.”

Rosy knickered and pawed the ground once.

Darcy cleared his throat. “I hoped I would find you still here.”

“Oh?” she asked, grinning as she glanced his way.

“Georgiana has gone with Miss Mary to meet Mrs. Phillips,” Darcy mentioned. “My cousin has taken Miss Bingley with him to pick up Mrs. Inwood. However, Miss Bennet and Bingley will be here soon. Would you like to stay for some refreshment, or would you like to ride with me? We can take Bingley’s gig.”

Miss Elizabeth stepped away from the mare and faced him. “I will be pleased to take a drive with you. Will you return me to my home?”

“It will be my pleasure to do so. One of Bingley’s grooms can return your pony cart. He can tie-up Skookum behind the cart.”

Mr. Pearce coughed and touched his cap when Darcy looked at him. “Sir, I know Skookum and he won’t like that much. No, sir, he won’t. I’ll ride ‘im to Longbourn meself.”

“You are quite correct, Mr. Pearce. Skookum would not like to be towed behind the cart,” Miss Elizabeth said, shaking her head emphatically. “Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to do this kindness for me. I am pleased with Rosy. I think she will be an excellent hack.”

“Yes, miss,” Mr. Pearce said, touching his cap.

Darcy thanked the head groom by slipping him a yellow boy when Miss Elizabeth turned to walk out of the stables.

“I’ll ‘ave a horse put to harness fer the gig, sir,” Mr. Pearce said smartly. He gestured for a stable boy to attached crossties to Rosy’s halter in preparation for Miss Bennet’s visit. “Tie her up and give her a good brushin’, lad.”

Soon, Darcy handed Miss Elizabeth up into the stylish gig. The well-sprung vehicle swayed as he took his seat. After gathering the reins, he nodded to Mr. Pearce to step away from the horse’s head.

“Now, where shall we go?” he asked, feeling immense pleasure in having her sitting so close beside him.

“I could show you the lane that circles around Meryton if you like?”

“A good notion.”

“The going will be a trifle rough,” she told him.

Good. Perhaps she will grasp my arm to steady herself.

“I am a dab hand at driving,” he replied. “Never fear, I will not get us stuck in a rut.”

“That is a good thing, because Calico will not appreciate being jostled about.”

“The horse?” he asked.

“The horse.” Miss Elizabeth jumped and looked at the space between them. “Goodness. Jeffry. Did you just arrive? Was he in your pocket, Mr. Darcy?”

Darcy shook his head. “He likes to get about, does he not?

Miss Elizabeth picked up the guinea pig and nestled him against her chest. She laughed up at Darcy, her gaze sparkling, her mouth wide and grinning, and he caught his breath. I love her. I love her.

“Have you had any hints about whom he belongs to?” Darcy managed to asked.

“None at all,” she said. Glancing around, she indicated a laneway that he should turn into.