I would like to introduce you to this interesting bunny I've been working on in the background of my other work.

Goofball.

~ Chapter 1 ~

Chance Encounters

"Steady there, Asli. Steady." I whispered to my favourite horse as she nudged my shoulder eagerly for attention, nearly knocking me over in her excitement. I had stepped into the stable just as the sun had begun its ascent and the light from the open door caught her hair splendidly to emphasise her beauty. I spent a while tending to the mare, brushing her coat and feeding her treats as I whispered sweet words as I worked.

Mrs Wiltshire, a dear friend of mine, had invited to me to meet her at her new home, Avon House, she was now Mistress after her marriage to Mr Wiltshire. The house itself is modest, 5 acres of land filled with well-marked woodland trails and a large garden Mrs Wiltshire takes great pleasure tending. Their closest neighbour is Pemberley house, just 7 miles to the North. Mrs Wiltshire and I, on my second morning at Avon, had taken our horses on one of the wider trails and gazed at Pemberley from a distance. Not two days later had Mr Wiltshire received an invitation from Mr Darcy for us to visit Pemberley.

A sudden sound startled me into turning around to face the gate of Asli's stable and away from my thoughts. The excitement of another horse attracted my attention and so I steadily walked to the gate to peer over it to see for myself the new arrival. A handsome man, with strong facial features and curled black hair stood at the stable two down from Asli's. "Good morning, sir." Never tell my mother that I was not pleasant to company. In particular when I am the guest.

He turned to me, his face set before a slight smile curved his lips and he nodded his head in greeting. "Good morning, miss." His attention was diverted to the white/grey horse at his side for attention before he walked over to me with the gorgeous creature following behind. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure, miss?" He enquired charmingly.

I opened the gate to step out so I could better communicate with the gentleman. I bowed with a smile on my face, "Miss Bennet, pleasure to meet you, sir."

He reached his hand out and I placed mine in his as he smiled pleasantly at me, "Mr Darcy and the pleasure is all mine, Miss Bennet." He finished with a kiss to the back of my hand. "Though in the presence of my father that will become confusing." He explained further.

"I understand quite well, Mr Darcy." I laughed, before sighing and continuing, "I have sisters who are also a Miss Bennet. And there are many of us. Quite a mouthful, I must say, when we are introduced in the presence of each other."

He smiled and I will admit, I swooned. "Perhaps we may be better acquainted? Especially as your companion is in the favour of mine." Confused by what he meant, I tilted my head before turning to face my right, where Asli stretched her neck over her gate and to better reach Mr Darcy's horse who had gotten closer. "What say you, Miss Bennet?" Mr Darcy said, bringing my attention to the matter at hand.

I smiled and nodded my head, "Miss Mildred Bennet and this fine woman is Asli. I was actually preparing her for a walk around the grounds. Would you be permitted to join us, Mr Darcy?"

"Parsifal and I would be delighted Miss Mildred, and please do call me Darcy. Many of my friends do."

"Darcy Darcy? I am unable to believe that that is your name, sir." I quipped good-naturedly. Shifting nervously on my feet as I realised that that I may have offended him in my questioning.

"It isn't, Miss Mildred." He smiled, the least bit offended. "Fitzwilliam Darcy."

"A pleasure, sir. Though may I be as so bold as to call you William, sir?"

~ End of Chapter ~