Chapter 140

Today, the others were going back to the attics to add some furniture to their rooms besides beds, and though Elizabeth loved to be with them, trying her new horse was even better. She'd join the explorers when they were ready to hunt for decorations, hopefully turning up some boxes with old letters as well.

It seemed like a lot of bother to put on a dress for breakfast and change afterwards, plenty of reason to instead pick one of her riding skirts and a beautifully patterned blouse with lace decorations. It would be wise to wear a pair of those woollen undergarments, though they might be too warm for spring. But taking a riding lesson astride on a horse would hurt her legs enough without chafing them as well, and her woollies were virtually invisible beneath the flowing fabric. Her sturdy boots completed her outfit.

No gentleman or lady had ever seen her thus attired, and she felt slightly nervous to join the others at the table. Of course Fitzwilliam's obvious excitement helped, he was so pleased and looked at her with such love, it reminded her of those first few days together at Pemberley. He insisted on holding her hand all the way down the stairs and to the breakfast parlour, and every ten steps he bent down and kissed her tenderly.

Thus they met Anne and Nick at the bottom of the stairs. Those two were all business towards each other, and parted with a mere nod on Anne's side and a polite bow on his, each to his own sphere. But not before Nick had bowed flamboyantly to Elizabeth, and respectfully to Fitzwilliam, and Anne exclaimed, 'Elizabeth, you look marvellous! I thought you were going to dress down in the country, but here you've brought a whole new ensemble!'

And she meant it, she hadn't even noticed the skirts were split. Not yet. Then when Elizabeth showed her by taking a large step, she was even more impressed.

'So these are the famous riding skirts! Well, I'll not be ashamed to be seen in one of them, although mother would have a cat. I want a blouse like that, too, and I'd wear it in town. You could start a whole new fashion...again.'

Seeing Anne in a setting like this, amidst the riches of a gentleman's country estate, the change from the languid, sickly creature she had been to this vibrant, kind, and beautiful young woman suddenly struck Elizabeth all over again, and she just had to embrace and kiss her.

'Elizabeth? Did I say something? Darcy, you too? Did something happen?'

Even Fitzwilliam couldn't help hugging her, right there in the large hall.

'I suppose Elizabeth and I had a similar experience, Anne. Somehow, this hall reminded us of the old you. Seeing you like this made me very happy. Am I right, my love?'

'You are. Anne, I remembered you sickly and depressed, and now you're so alive! I'm so happy for you.'

They both got their hugs right back, and all three took their time composing themselves.

'I hardly ever think of that anymore. Really. I'm just too busy enjoying myself. We had such a good night, Nick and I, thank you so much for everything you did. I can't wait to ride a horse myself.'

Then they entered the breakfast room, and of course Eric and Georgiana were already there. They had probably been practising before breakfast, despite having their honeymoon there was work to do.

'Good morning, everyone!,' Georgiana called out happily, 'Elizabeth, you keep crediting others with your fame in fashion, but I really believe you're selling yourself short. If this is your country attire, I'm glad no-one cares what is happening in the northern countryside, or we'd be overrun with fashion reporters after all, Mme Beaution in front!'

Flattered, because Anne and Georgiana did not praise insincerely, Elizabeth observed, 'I'll ask Mrs Norman to make you several, you'll need them if you are going to ride astride. Then we can look our best together.'

'So you're going to try your new hunter today, Elizabeth?' Frederick asked, just having entered the room. 'I like this skirt or these trousers, or what you call them: right now you seem to be wearing a skirt, but when you moved a little I could see you can easily sit astride a horse. Are you nervous?'

Elizabeth searched her soul before answering, 'I suppose I'm not. Mrs Norman will be there, and I trust her even more than her husband. She knows the horse and wouldn't let me ride him if he were dangerous.'

'What is his name, Elizabeth?' Georgiana now wanted to know.

'He doesn't have a name, but I'm planning to name him, I'm just waiting to hear whether Mrs Norman has already given him a name to work with, she knows him best.'

Georgiana nodded. 'Good idea, a name should fit its bearer.'

And indeed Elizabeth was not nervous when they approached the riding paddock, where Mrs Norman was already present with Peter, her adoring husband. Of course they greeted the other couple heartily before starting on the action.

'Do you want me to try him first, ma'am?' Peter then offered, 'so you can see how he reacts?'

But Elizabeth didn't, she wanted to ride her horse right now, without delay.

'Thank you, Peter, but I suppose I'll just hop on and do whatever Mrs Norman says.'

A big grin proved Peter appreciated his mistress' bravery and trust in his beloved missus, and without delay he helped Elizabeth get into the saddle. Sitting astride for the first time in months, she was glad to be wearing her woollen underwear, for though it would soon get too hot to wear it, at this moment it protected her skin against the rubbing of the hard saddle.

The bay horse waited patiently until Mrs Norman said, 'Just use your legs as always, ma'am, but maybe a little less firmly. He is much more sensitive than Daisy.'

Elizabeth did, very conscious of the warm, strong body beneath her. Still, she was sitting so much firmer than on a lady's saddle, there was no comparison. And with the slightest pressure of her heels, he stepped forward at a sedate walk, enabling her to try out his reaction to the reins and her seat. She tried to make him step towards the right with just her left leg, and succeeded. Then she sat down into the saddle firmly, exhaling, and he stopped.

'Very good, ma'am, I can see I'm hardly needed at all! You have not forgotten how to ride astride.'

And then she set Elizabeth to work as never before, riding circles and eights in the paddock on her seat alone, then repeating everything at a trot. On a side-saddle, trotting was pure torture, so Elizabeth had done little of it recently, and it was quit a task to do so now, all the relevant muscles had deteriorated through lack of exercise. But she'd soon get them back, and it was a real thrill to have a horse like this, with a longer stride and more energy in everything he did for her. And to have him do all that for her without question, he was so willing, and he clearly enjoyed the work.

Finally, Mrs Norman let Elizabeth canter a few minutes to the left, then to the right. Then they were done, and Elizabeth thought high time, her muscles were protesting.

'Excellent, ma'am, you have forgotten very little, and you're really talented! Do you want to walk him dry yourself? Peter can do it.'

'I'd like to do it myself, Mrs Norman, and thank you so much for your lesson. Do you have time for me to ask several questions?'

Mrs Norman came towards her and fell into pace with the horse, her figure very trim in her own coarser riding skirts with a simpler blouse.

'Would you please call me Sarah, Mrs Darcy? I keep wondering why my mother-in-law is standing behind me all the time, I'm used to being just plain Sarah.'

That didn't surprise Elizabeth one bit, she could not imagine anyone more down-to-earth than Sarah Norman.

'I will, Sarah, if you'll call me Elizabeth. You're my teacher after all, my life is in your hands.'

Much more easily than Elizabeth had expected, Sarah smiled and affirmed, 'I will, Elizabeth, but only because you asked me to. You're not just Peter's mistress, but also rather famous. You deserve respect.'

'Thank you, Sarah. You have a tremendous talent, and I'm so happy with the work you put into this fabulous horse. Now tell me, have you named him? You've worked with him for months, you must have used some name to refer to him, or to address him with. You know him much better than I do, and I want his name to fit him.'

Colouring a little with embarrassment, Sarah said as if confessing a terrible sin, 'You really know people, Elizabeth, for it would have been impossible for me to work so intensely with an unnamed horse. I called him Barley, for barley sweets. They have the same colour and he is so very sweet. We used to get a few barley sweets at the harvest fair when I was a young girl and I always loved them. I never thought you'd ever find out I'd named him.'

'I think Barley is a fabulous name, he ís sweet, and exactly the colour of barley sweets. You know I got those, too, on market days? Remember, I'm from the country, my father has an estate but not nearly as large as Mr Darcy's. Our carriage horses worked at the farm whenever they were needed, and we had one lazy old riding horse besides my father's hunter. It's a very good name for a horse, not too much of a mouthful. Barley it is then. Oh look, he already minds it!'

And indeed, Barley's ears flicked towards Elizabeth when she spoke his name this last time. She scratched his neck to acknowledge his attention, and his large head lowered almost towards the ground, whuffing and grunting.

'I'm so glad you've taken to each other already, Elizabeth! I've gotten attached to him, I always do with the horses I train, and I know I will have to part with them eventually, but it's so much easier when I trust their new master to truly appreciate them. I see no reason not to go out with him tomorrow, you will be with the master, who has perfect control over his horse, and you can avoid jumps until I've taught you the right way to take them. His gallop is as comfortable as his canter, and he never loses his head, not even in the presence of a nervous hunter. We've tested that with Peter on my father's most bothersome young stallion. Barley just doesn't care, he likes running, but he always minds his rider. He is incredibly hardy, the other horse may run faster, but Barley catches him in the end on pure stamina.'

'Thank you so much, Sarah, I'm so happy with him! Do you still have time to sew, with your little boy and your father's hunters to ride as well as Barley? Mrs Fielding and Mr Darcy's cousin Miss de Bourgh need these skirts, too, they will also be learning how to ride.'

'Mr Darcy asked me to give them lessons, but I didn't realise they would need skirts, too. Frankly, I do not see how I'll ever find the time, not even with my mother to help out. Shall I just give the pattern to Mrs Reynolds, so she can let the seamstress have it to adapt for your relatives?'

Somehow, that didn't feel right.

'But then the seamstress can make as many as she likes, and you will make nothing off your invention.'

Sarah realised that instantly, and was lost for words for a few moments, until she observed, 'Begging your pardon, Elizabeth, but do you think many gentlemen will let their ladies ride astride? Do you think there will be a large market for riding skirts?'

Not many gentlemen would, no. But seamstresses did not only work for the few gentlemen in the county.

'Sadly you are right where ladies are concerned, but I've heard a lot of farmers' daughters ride, and always astride. They might like a beautiful skirt. Why don't I discuss this with Mrs Reynolds, she undoubtedly knows how to deal with the seamstress so you receive your due for developing the riding skirt. And I will let you know what she comes up with. We can just pay for the pattern so you'll have something, though I'd prefer you profit from other sales as well.'

'You are more than fair, Elizabeth, and I am very glad you and Barley are such a good match. We'll see each other the day after tomorrow then, for another lesson?'

They made an appointment for their next lesson, after which Barley had cooled down enough to eat his reward of grain and go back to his paddock. Fitzwilliam helped her from the saddle, after which Peter took the reins and led Barley away.

'Elizabeth, I'm stunned how well you rode a new horse after months of riding a side-saddle. Do you like him? Never mind, I can see you do, your eyes sparkle, though I suppose your muscles hurt more than a little.'

'They do. I think I'd like a bath straight away, for I wouldn't want to be too stiff to ride tomorrow. Sarah thinks we can go out tomorrow, she expects no difficulties. We've arranged another lesson the day after. I can't wait, my love, not for the riding out, nor for the lesson. Thank you so much for your beautiful and lovely gift, Fitzwilliam, Barley is the perfect horse for me.'

'So you were right, he had a name already?'

'His colour reminded Sarah of the barley sweets she got on special occasions, and since he is as sweet and as special as those were to her then, she thought it a fitting name, though she never expected me to ask for it or keep it. I agree Barley is a good name for a horse and especially this one, for he is indeed sweet, and the colour of barley sweets. I also loved those, though I got them more often, at least every month.'

'I am glad you like him, and his name. Let's get you that bath, your legs are shaking. Thank you, Mrs Norman, you're a treasure!'

The good woman didn't even blush at Fitzwilliam's gallantry and why should she? Her own husband worshipped the ground she walked on, and though he didn't own a big slice of Derbyshire, Sarah didn't seem to care about that at all.

Their first night at Pemberley in their very own room had been magical. Last night, that room had only held the bed, but Nick knew Anne had big plans for the decorations, her own little piece of heaven, like Nick's had been in the Blackwood attic but much larger and less secret. Actually, it would be theirs, they had picked out the bed together, a sleek double with clean, flowing lines and a lovely horsehair mattress. And the comforter Mrs Reynolds had provided proved she was really happy to see Anne again, is was so thick and soft, much nicer than the one Nick had on his narrow cot in the adjacent room. He had chosen to furnish his room according to his stature, bare and simple. He did not expect to spend much time there, anyway, and the spare time he did spend by himself he would be reading, Mr Darcy had included Nick in his invitation to use his huge library, an offer Nick planned to avail himself of. And not just to to 'improve his mind', though that story had reached him through Anne, and had made both of them very curious about the book with the naughty content.

'Hello there?' a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. 'I'm Pauline, one of the general maids. Are you with Mr Darcy's friends? I haven't seen you before, have I?'

Actually, Nick had seen Pauline from across the table in the common-room, where she had served the staff lunch and dinner. She was about twenty, Nick estimated, and rather pretty in a full-bosomed, red-cheeked way. In his former life, he'd have tumbled her without hesitation or remorse, except that she was of the same household as he was now.

'Hello Pauline, I'm Nick. I did indeed arrive with the party yesterday, I'm in Mr Manners' service as his fiancée's personal guard. Miss de Bourgh is Mr Darcy's cousin on both their mothers' side.'

'Mr Darcy's mother is deceased, isn't she?'

'True, but Miss de Bourgh's mother is still very much alive. I saw her just a few days ago.'

'As a guard you must see so many important people!'

Another one? Nick didn't need another wide-eyed maid following his every move, what was it that attracted them to him? He was older, not handsome, constantly on the move with his master and mistress, and he didn't encourage them at all. Or did he, but without being aware of it? Better ask the others, maybe there was something he could do to prevent this from happening again and again.

'I haven't been a guard for very long, but I've met quite a lot of interesting people. Well, actually, seen them, not met them, we're not acquainted or anything. But they are generally nice. Before Mr Manners hired me I chaperoned two girls in London, twins about your age.'

'They say Mrs Darcy is not twenty one, but I cannot believe it.'

'I think she turned twenty one just last winter, so you'd better. Have you worked here long, Pauline? And have you met Dora, Miss de Bourgh's maid?'

'I was hired especially for spring and summer, because so many guests are expected. I've been here for a week now and I like it a lot. My dad didn't want me to come, he says cooking and cleaning for him and later for a husband was good enough for my mother and should be good enough for me. But I have three sisters and they need clothes and shoes, and the youngest is really smart. If I earn enough here, maybe she can study to be a nurse and escape the village and being some farmer's wife.'

'Is your father one of Mr Darcy's tenants?'

'He is. I don't want to be like my mother and scrub my doorstep every day and wash my curtains every week. I want to live and see the world.'

That was it, she wanted Nick to help her find a position. Well, he could try, and if the sister was as smart as Pauline thought maybe there was a chance of her being sent to a nursing school, he supposed all those villagers needed care every so often, and midwives, too.

'Thank you for telling me, Pauline. I may be able to do something, but not today or tomorrow, it will take time.'

The girl laid a hand on his and looked as if she was trying to seduce him. But she wasn't, not really, she hoped to use him and was prepared to pay the price.

'Never mind, Pauline,' he said calmly and kindly, 'I don't require payment for a little favour, especially not that kind. I'm not even sure I can help, but I will try. I don't do that at all with the people I share a household with, you know.'

Maybe she would tell others, he could hope, though he wouldn't bet on it. And he would ask Mrs Eliot to talk to the girl, to convince her that most men would abuse such an offer. He had a feeling the lady would not fire a maid for trying to get help for her sister, but Nick would have to be careful, he already had this reputation.

'I've met Dora, she is nice. And she is Miss de Bourgh's maid, that is such an honour. She said Miss de Bourgh promised her she could stay after the wedding, but do you think a married lady in London can have a young girl like Dora as maid? Is it true that Simon only flirts with the maids? Mr Manners' valet? You must know him well.'

She sighed deeply and muttered, 'He is so beautiful, and so kind. He thanked me for the soup, yesterday evening. My heart just stopped.'

So much for girls falling for Nick! Apparently he was only useful to solve problems, whereas Simon was to be mooned over. Well, let them moon over Mr Manners' beautiful valet, Nick and he were equally unavailable, and yet they would both have to maintain their reputation as flirts to avoid speculations over their true loves. There was no way Nick could seduce any of the ladies present, so maybe he would have to size down to maids. But then again, he had promised Mrs Eliot he wouldn't even think about it. Oh well, Simon would know a solution, he had played this game for years. Nick would have to face Dora and tell her not to make herself unhappy over him, but to let him teach her to read and write well, then send a letter to a certain Frank in Kent.

As Pauline left to resume her duties in the house and the kitchen, Nick welcomed Simon to his table and poured coffee for him.

'Was it as good for you?'

'Yes, Simon, it was just perfect. No sneaking about, no waking at dawn, just total bliss.'

Simon nodded, and added, 'I can even stick around, help Frederick dress and do his hair, then leave the room together. No-one will think anything of it. No-one will even see, the maids come in at noon to change water, sweep the hearths and lay fires and remove the laundry and the waste. Then they go back downstairs.'

But all was not well in paradise, and Nick looked his question at Simon's sudden frown.

'It's just that, well, Frederick has a date in mind that he will propose to Anne, for the wedding. It's pretty soon, and he will refrain from festivities, but still...'

'We'll manage, Simon, really. I never expected to find love, and I bet you never did either. So it's not all roses, but it's so much more than I ever hoped to have.'

'You are right, we'll make the most of it. Rub it in mercilessly until they feel so guilty they'll do anything for us.'

'Or relish the love between them, and our friendship, for that makes this more than an ordinary marriage.'

'We might do that, too. Though I still prefer my option, Frederick wouldn't hesitate to follow up on an advantage...'

'You are so right, well, playing on guilt it is. I'll think of something I want.

Have you seen Dora? I wanted to talk to her but I cannot find her.'

'I think she is helping the housekeepers with some embroidery or something. Apparently they cannot see everything as clearly as they used to, and Dora is pretty handy with a needle and thread.'

'I never knew that, I never saw her set a single stitch.'

'She says she hasn't the patience to finish a whole piece, but she made Mrs Reynolds very happy. I suppose she will be back here any moment now, looking for a glimpse of you.'

Nick told him about the other maid, and Simon looked thoughtful.

'There is no female company to suit our reputation out here, I've always pretended to do without while at Pemberley. I think Hugo does without until he has leave in town. So you can just continue your 'I don't do that within my own household' routine. I'll do the same. Hugo will return in a few days and he'll spread our fame along with his own.'

Hugo, of course! He'd brag and try to include Simon and Nick in his stories. Good. One possible problem taken care of. They finished their breakfast, and as Simon got up to leave, Nick asked, 'Can you tell Anne I have a problem to solve right here? I need to know that Dora is all right, I haven't seen her since our arrival. And once I know she is, I'll have to crush her heart, dammit. And tell Mrs Eliot that her hired maid has an unsophisticated view of men that may get her in trouble.'

'Which maid?'

'Her name is Pauline, she's young, attractive, and ready to fall in love with your handsome face. You thanked her for the soup yesterday evening.'

Simon's face touched his palm for a few seconds, then he looked up and groaned.

'When will I learn not to thank young maidens for a bowl of soup? Never mind, I'll be cold and arrogant tonight, nip this in the bud. Can't trust a valet, you know.'

Simon left, head still shaking, and within ten minutes Dora came into the common-room, her face lighting up when she saw Nick.

'Nick! You're here! I've missed you so much!'

She tried to embrace him but he couldn't let her, he had warned her, she knew he loved another, and before that he'd loved anything with a skirt, he had not given her a single reason to fall in love with him. Her face fell at his cold reaction, heart breaking, but it had to be done.

'We need to talk, Dora.'

Despite the kind tone she almost started crying, she knew, she just couldn't help herself.

'Dora, why? I warned you, didn't I?'

Now she was crying, but he couldn't comfort her, it would give her hope and cause her to keep an eye on him all the time.

'I know, you warned me, not just once, but twice. And the mistress warned me, again, said you and Simon would never be true to a girl as Bob is. But you're so nice, and strong, and everything I wanted in a man. I'm sorry, Nick, I didn't choose to fall in love with you, you know, it just happened. No-one ever sees me, just you.'

He had to try, though he knew what she would say.

'That is not true, Dora, I remember someone who was very obviously in love with you, maybe not a slightly dangerous older man like me, or a sophisticated beautiful man like Simon, more like a faithful Bob. Kind, and observant. More handsome than Bob I guess.'

That pulled her out of her misery for a few moments, and she looked at Nick with a question in her eyes.

'Someone is in love with me? Really?'

'Yes, at Rosings, Frank. Remember him? Tall fellow, very sensible, missed you a lot?'

'Frank? You think he is in love with me? But he treats me like his sister, he never said a thing.'

Slightly better than Nick expected.

'And he is a boy, not a man.'

Or maybe not.

'He is as much a man as you are a woman, Dora. He led me back to the parsonage, then pleaded me not to harm his mistress or Hughes, since they were both getting on a bit.'

'That is so like Frank. So you say he is in love with me? Did he tell you?'

'We only met for twenty minutes, Dora. But it showed, he was so glad to see you. I bet he was devastated when you left. Think, Dora, what he talked about when I had left, and how he looked at you. Am I right?'

She took her time, Nick had expected her to just call him a boy and ignore him, but she seemed to take Nick's words seriously.

'I think you're right, he did show all of the signs, didn't he? And he begged me to write, except I couldn't promise because, you know. He mentioned the two of us being so close, do you think he knows? You think he was jealous of you? It could very well have been, though he was very respectful of you.'

'I wouldn't be surprised if he suspected, he seemed very astute. I will help you to improve your writing starting tomorrow, Dora. Mr Manners and Miss de Bourgh will agree, and they will not blame you for never having learned. You cannot help it, you never had the chance. And I'll help you write your letters to Frank, and to read his replies, until you can read and write them all by yourself. Because I will always be your friend, Dora, and I want you to be happy.'

'But I wanted to become a lady's maid, and live in town.'

'Well, you'll just be writing to him, nothing more, nothing less. See what happens. If you find you can love him, you can always decide then. He will be so happy to hear from you, and it will give you someone to think about. Just after lunch tomorrow? Right here?'

'I'd rather not have anyone see me struggling. Can't we go somewhere private?'

Nick looked at her intensely.

'You do not want to be alone with me. I understand. Right here it is then, and I'm still very sorry. Can you ask Miss de Bourgh whether she'll see me for a few minutes? I can brush her hair, and keep her dresses from wrinkling. I cannot sit here and do nothing, Nick, it makes me miserable.'

'You always found something to do at Mr Darcy's town house, and I'm sure you'll make yourself indispensable here. Give it a little time, Dora. But I will talk to Miss de Bourgh. Gossip says she'll soon get married, she'll need you to help her dress and do her hair. And we'll still be friends, Dora, and Simon likes you. And next week Fanny will be back to work and you can talk or work together. Don't worry, everything will be just fine.'

And it would be, even if Nick had to make it so all by himself. Dora did not mention Nick's love for her mistress again, for which Nick was grateful.

After Elizabeth's bath and the inevitable consequences, it was time for lunch, and then Elizabeth said she meant to get to know Mrs Eliot a little better, and see how things were going in the back of the house.

'Mrs Reynolds and I still have the tour of the house to plan, remember? And I want everyone to know I am aware of the work they do day in, day out. Not just the housekeeper and the cook, but also the maids and the kitchen helpers. We'll see plenty of the gardeners and the stable staff, but house staff want some recognition, too.'

Showing his approval, Darcy decided his duties as a landlord were also due some attention, so he sent for his steward and then spent some time catching up on his mail. Letters of business went to the pile he'd discuss with Nathan, and soon he came across a thick epistle from Colonel Drummond, the letter he had expected and was looking forward to reading.

That kind man indeed described how his wife had changed their entire drawing-room into a fantastic image of her family's past. Persian rugs, flimsy exotic fabrics, intricately carved hardwood furniture now reigned supreme, perfected with glass versions of everything. Vases, lampshades, a chandelier, apparently everything could be made of glass in Newcastle, and Mrs Drummond had bought it all.

But to be honest, it looks amazing, and it makes Penelope very happy. I have kept my promise to stay away from her pristine part of the moors, except when we go there together, of course. We only ride, not hunt, and I leave my hounds at the manor. Penelope is doing really well riding astride, the side-saddle hasn't been used much since she set aside her feelings of shame and just tried. Except this once, when I set aside my own feelings of shame and tried Bernice with the lady's saddle in the riding paddock, just to know what it felt like. And to call your bluff, Darcy. Have you tried already?

I dared young Daniel to try it as well, and he did, as did Williams. That man is a hero and a perfect choice for a stable master, and about to be married according to Penelope. We all looked a little white around the nose afterwards, but no-one laughed at us and Kendrick didn't comment, he only looked sour. He does that a lot these days, he knows his promotion was in fact a punishment.

The stable hands are back into the servants' quarters of the main house, and the extra common-room in the stables is being made over to accommodate the new horses. Though we decided to change the stables' set-up altogether and make more use of paddocks such as Mr Miller has, it warms my heart to see the horses standing together, grooming each other, running, rolling in the dust, and sharing their meals like friends.

Bucephalus is doing well with the new mares, and Mr Miller will take him when those are all in foal. Cavort is now living with us and has bred the hunter mares that were not yet in foal from last summer. That is all we can do for the Drummond hunter this year, except for that young scamp Daniel who is working himself to a thread keeping Bucephalus fit and training Cavort and two hunter geldings I plan to sell to make room for Penelope's new hunters. She wants to join the hunt this fall, and her mares are too old for that. She is absolutely fearless astride, your lady saw much clearer than I did, and not just in the case of Penelope's riding: Williams has made our stables a much better place for staff but also for Penelope herself.

I hope I will be able to join her in the hunt, things are heating up abroad, your brother-in-law's regiment is leaving for Kent within the month for specialist training, and from there to Spain. Please let that go no further than you and Mrs Darcy. Penelope has good hopes I will be spared another tour of duty on the mainland on account of my age, but I feel less than sure about that. I will have to see to believe. But since I wouldn't be in the thick of the fighting anyway, until then I'll worry more for those who will be in the line of fire, like Lieutenant Wickham and the other rifles. Your brother-in-law has been commended several times by his new superior, I am glad I allowed him entrance to the Rifle Corps and had him promoted, he has proven altogether worthy of the faith bestowed upon him. Despite your differences, I hope you will be able to enjoy the knowledge that you made it possible for him to improve himself. His removal to Kent will no longer endanger him with regards to his weaknesses, I think, it seems he has embraced the life of an officer, and I have heard his wife is expecting so all must be well with your sister, too.

Wickham a valued officer? Colonel Drummond certainly rated a man on his aptitude, not his past. And apparently Wickham was an excellent soldier indeed. Maybe Darcy should leave the past where it belonged, far behind him, but it was difficult to do when the man in question still seemed determined to get at his wife. Elizabeth still hadn't told him what had happened between them and he hadn't asked, finally having learned that some things were better left alone. Georgiana barely remembered what Wickham had done to her, and Hertfordshire remembered his debts and his lies, the ones he told about Darcy now undoubtedly exposed as well. Was there still a need to hate the man so fervently? Shouldn't Darcy just get over it and just think of him as another brother-in-law? Or a brother, part of his mind insinuated. But there was other news in the letter that was of more moment. Lydia was with child again already? That would hurt Elizabeth to hear, but he would tell her anyway. There was no reason at all to assume she wouldn't be expecting a child herself in a few months or maybe a year, and though somehow it was still a very sensitive subject she would want to know about her sister as soon as possible.

At least the Colonel had decided in favour of Cavort and to have Mr Miller and Mr Smith involved in the Drummond hunter, that was an excellent idea since those two men were true experts on the subject of horses, and they would have the right contacts to find new lines of stable-tempered stock for the future.

The rest of the letter contained some news on the Kembles, the state of the camp in general, and warm greetings to Mrs Darcy, also from Mrs Drummond. Darcy decided to wait a few days writing his return, to be able to give a full account of Elizabeth's first rides into the country side, and her first lessons in taking obstacles. That would also give him a few days to gather courage to ride the side-saddle, maybe he could raise the stakes by having it on his own black instead of Daisy. Or maybe not.

A knock on the door announced his steward, and before they continued to business matters, Darcy obtained leave to visit and search their attic for possessions of the past inhabitants.

'I think there were a few boxes with old stuff, and since we didn't need the space we just pushed them into a corner in case someone would want them. I'd expected Mr Wickham to come for them, if anyone, not you, Mr Darcy. But you are welcome to them.'

'He is Lieutenant Wickham now, Nathan, and I guess he will not be returning for keepsakes of his parents. The Rifle Corps is serious business. Still, they're very happy with him, I suppose there is a place for everyone in this large and beautiful country.'

'Amen to that, sir. I'm just glad not to be living in France right now.'

And with that truth they turned to the business ahead, schemes of crop rotation and planting, letters to and from suppliers, transporters, buyers, a plea for help from a tenant's wife over her husband's prolonged illness, all of which Nathan had already replied to or acted on, Darcy's task was merely to keep track of everything and make some final decisions that had been waiting for his arrival.

Two hours saw their business concluded, after which Darcy joined his sister and her fellow-explorers, finding Elizabeth among them once more, eager to greet him with a hug and a kiss.