Lizzy began walking towards Oakham Mount without consciously choosing her direction. There was much on her mind that she needed to sort through. She simply could not believe that her life was about to change so dramatically, and it all had happened without a warning. While she understood why her father had kept his secret, it stung a bit that he had kept this secret from her.
When thinking about how her mother would react, Lizzy began to laugh as she stood alone in a field. She laughed until she began to spin with her arms open wide, envisioning all she and Jane would share in London. Quickly becoming dizzy and out of breath, Lizzy let herself fall into the tall grass. She stared at the morning sky, beautiful with its rich colors. So enraptured with the scene was she that she did not hear the approach of a horse until it was almost upon her. She jumped up to escape the large beast's path. The horse immediately startled, but was unable to unhorse its experience rider and master.
Darcy only saw a flash of pink before his horse reared. Instinct won over and Darcy quickly calmed the animal with a steady hold of reigns and calming words and tones. Atlas, his horse, stamped in disapproval of the surprise he had just received, but was placated as Darcy gave the horse his head and allowed him to freely graze in the field. Darcy dismounted Atlas and turned to the lady he had almost run down.
Lizzy was ready to be set down by Mr. Darcy. And truthfully, it was her fault for lying in a field hidden by the tall grasses. It certainly was not something gently bred ladies did. But anger is not what she saw in his face. She saw genuine concern.
"Miss Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy as he bowed to her "I did not see you. I am very sorry and I truly hope you are uninjured." Mr. Darcy inspected Lizzy head to toe, causing a slight blush to grace her cheeks.
"I am fine, Mr. Darcy," Lizzy dipped into a small curtsey. "I am just surprised. Not many people rise as early as I do and I am not used to watching for riders in this field. I hope that you and your horse are unharmed."
"We are both in perfect health, I thank you."
A slightly awkward silence existed only shortly before Mr. Darcy offered to walk Lizzy back to her. She agreed and Mr. Darcy gathered the reigns of his horse to lead him along. The horse nuzzled Lizzy's pocket and she giggled:
"I believe your horse has found my breakfast. May I give him a biscuit?" Lizzy asked.
"Atlas is very fond of biscuits. My sister will usually bring some from breakfast and share them with the horses stabled at Pemberly. She is very fond of horses. I will warn you, however, Atlas will never forget this and he will pester you incessantly every time you meet until you present him with another."
Lizzy put her hand out with the biscuit. Atlas eagerly took the treat and nuzzled Lizzy again in appreciation. Lizzy laughed again before asking about the horse's name: "Atlas is a very unusual name for a horse, Mr. Darcy. If I am not mistaken, Atlas was a Greek god, a Titan that was punishment for being on the wrong side of a war. He was forced to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Does your horse carry the weight of the world, Mr. Darcy, or just the weight of you, on his back?"
Darcy was unable to hide his surprise at such a pert question. It was his turn to sport a slight blush on his cheeks. Miss Elizabeth had just insinuated that he might think of himself so highly that he equiponderated his importance with that of the entire world.
"I often ride my horse as a release when I feel as though the entire world is riding on my shoulders. I find that with exercise comes clarity, especially when faced with a more difficult dilemma. I named him Atlas because he oftentimes will lessen the burden I carry."
Lizzy enjoyed his answer very much. Perhaps this gentleman's pride was due in part to how much responsibility he carried with him. And while she could not forgive him for the insult he gave her at the assembly, it was a bit easier for her to understand his temperament. She had only known she was rich for two hours, and this man had been under scrutiny for his entire life. What responsibilities did he shoulder?
"Well, I cannot tease you about that. And I dearly love to laugh. Perhaps you might tell me of your sister. I have four of my own, as you have met, and they are all very different in almost every way. What is your sister's name? How old is she?"
At the mention of his sister, Darcy smiled. His face was transformed into everything handsome and Lizzy was quite distracted by the sight. "Georgiana is fifteen, similar in age to Lydia, if I am not mistaken. She is very passionate and proficient at the pianoforte, as well as riding horses, if you hadn't already guessed that. She has the sweetest nature and disposition, although she is very shy in company," then Darcy's face grew darker and serious, very similar to his countenance at the assembly "and a bit too trusting at times."
Lizzy knew that there was more to that final statement than he let on. She attempted to lighten the mood by continuing the comparison to Lydia he had already begun: "Many times I wish that my sister, Lydia, were more shy and sweet in company. I have to hope that it is something she will grow out of as she matures. I recently discovered that my father is planning on sending her to school this coming spring and I have very high hopes that being around other girls her own age who are not quite so exuberant will help tone down her antics while keeping her spirits as high as ever. I, myself, was quite wild as a child. Although I grew out of my wildness at age 11, until then, I wanted to join the Lucas boys in all of their adventures. Even as you saw this morning, my affinity for nature can still get me into trouble," Lizzy grinned up at Mr. Darcy.
Darcy was surprised at the news about Miss Lydia going to school, but was grateful of the sentiment Lizzy had shared. The advice and empathy she offered were appreciated and helpful.
Sending his daughters to school was at odds with what he had thought of the Bennet family, as well as quite out of what he believed Mr. Bennet could afford.
"Did you go to school, Miss Elizabeth?"
"Not a formal one, no. I have always been fond of reading and my father has opened his library to me. We spend many hours discussing what we have read. And, if you will excuse impropriety of what I am about to say, I have always regretted that females are not allowed at University. I think I would have enjoyed it very much and might have even taken a first in mathematics. However shocking it might be, my ability at sums surpasses even my father. He has allowed me to take over most of the household accounts," Lizzy turned to see what his reaction to this information would be. A combination of the exercise from walking and the current conversation made her eyes very bright, indeed.
Darcy's eyebrows rose. He was very impressed. Most young women of his acquaintance brag about their music, embroidery, or painting accomplishments. Miss Elizabeth was instead challenging him on more than one slightly inappropriate topic. He was enjoying every minute. Her words, combined with the brightness of her fine eyes and the melodic sound of her laugh, left Darcy feeling slightly off kilter. He knew for certain he had never met a woman quite like Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Arriving within sight of Longbourn, Darcy bowed and took his leave of Miss Elizabeth. Both parties were cognizant of how quickly the walk seemed to pass with such pleasant company.
"Will you be at the Lucas' dinner party tonight, Mr. Darcy?"
"I believe Mr. Bingely accepted that invitation, so yes, I shall. I will look forward to seeing you there," Mr. Darcy answered, a bit surprised at how honest the latter part of his statement was.
Lizzy flashed a smile to Mr. Darcy and headed back to the house. When Mr. Darcy reached the small hill at the beginning of the main road, he turned to watch Miss Elizabeth walk in the door. The lady, however, turned at the same time and both parties were embarrassed that their final glances were observed by the other.
