The course wasn't hard for the locals. The first rider raced to the L shaped poles, turned their horse and backed through the gaps, tagging the second rider. They weaved through a line of poles and tagged the next player. Small cross-poles lined up with only a stride or two in between were next, which the third rider tackled. Fourth had a small barrel course to follow, the numbers were painted on each facing side. Second last riders raced to a point almost directly out from where they had started to the sixth rider who then raced home to beat the other times. The teams of six went first, then those with five and last the four from Longbourn and Netherfield.

"We have enough time to plan and warm up the horses." She began as the first rider approached the L.

They discussed the order of riders and the time available to get to the next point on the course. It had all been finalised when Elizabeth declared,

"It would be so much easier if they let one person do two sections in a row." Jane laughed at her sister who was pouting slightly.

"But then we wouldn't have the fun of concentrating on ten things at once, would we Lizzy?" They both laughed.

"No, we wouldn't. Not that I'd mind much." An announcement came over the speaker.

"A reminder to all competitors in the team obstacle course, the baton you are carrying must be passed on to the next rider." He repeated the message and added that one team had already been disqualified for failing to hand on the plastic cylinder. Elizabeth was already in the saddle as she realised what Darcy did. That if their leg was to be successful and clear then the chances of contact was high. She hoped that Storm wouldn't ram Flame and was preoccupied with that notion while Darcy warmed up, his mind focused very differently.

            "I bet I know what you're thinking." Caroline said to Darcy as she rode up behind him.

"I would be very surprised." He answered, stilling Storm to gauge both his and the gelding's mood appropriately.

"You are thinking that this is one of the worst shows you have ever been to. And you know that now that you have competed there is no possible way you can escape the tediousness of other local shows."

"No, actually I was on a much pleasanter line of thought."

"Really? Do tell."

"I was thinking that there is a grace and beauty that comes with riding well and easily that nothing else can replicate. The pleasure which watching a competent horse and rider work together invokes is like nothing else I know."

"And whose riding inspires such revelation Mr Darcy?"

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet's. I have never seen rider and horse so well matched."

"I am amazed. I had not realised that a country girl and her country hack could have such an affect on you." She rode away hiding tears of rage and sorrow. Darcy didn't realise what he had done and was quite happy watching the chestnut warming up with his bold rider.

            They were flying again. Warrior stomped for a moment as Storm raced towards them; the rider's arm closest to her outstretched with the baton grasped just enough to hold it until the switch. She urged her horse into a canter and for two strides the horses were perfectly synchronised. Darcy stared her in the eyes as she reached for the plastic cylinder. The moment lasted until the chestnut surged ahead, switching to a gallop to make it to the finish in time. Storm stopped suddenly and Darcy realised he had almost gone too far from the point of transference. He watched a small curl of hair dancing on her back as she flew past the finishing point. The chestnut executed a sliding stop and again Darcy was amazed by the potential of the horse. He frowned though, knowing then that anyone watching would not realise that he had been again thinking of the now smiling rider. She looked as though she had fairy or elf blood in her and he was determined not to move until the signal. Up went the horse and Jane cried out in happiness, her horse breaking into a canter beneath her. The other two riders followed suit and the team laughed happily, as they were announced winners of the team games event. Each rider was given a small trophy and for a moment the judges wondered what to do with the remaining two which had been engraved already. Warrior made the decision, delicately taking one trophy between his teeth. The crowd laughed and the other cup was given to Jane, who gave it to Bingley. Warrior parted with the winners' prize only because Lizzy gave him a large chunk of carrot.

"I would offer it to you Mr Darcy, but my horse has destroyed it." She smiled, eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Miss Bennet, I would count myself lucky to receive such a gift. Your horse has taught me more that I had thought a…" he paused and looked the horse over again, "home trained horse could." Her face was calm but her eyes flashed angrily. Then she handed the battered trophy to the man and rode off, swaying as one with her house.