I am so sorry that this is taking me so long! The editing process for a completed story I plan to publish (my Colonel Fitzwlliam-centered tale) is taking all the time that I have free to write! I do really love that story and am eager to share it in its completed form, but I wish I had more time for this one. I will keep updating but it will likely be at a slow pace at least through July. Thank you, as always, for reading, following, favoriting and commenting. I appreciate it so much!
"Not at all, I did enjoy it," this was true. She had enjoyed the reading of it if not material itself.
What she did not mention was that she spent a month asking her father to read it with her so she could understand even some of it. He insisted it was too advanced and she was unwilling to open herself up to his teasing by explaining why it was so important to her. So she had to rely on her powers of persuasion and his love of books. Eventually he gave in. In the end she treasured the weekly sessions her father offered her, just the two of them, discussing the book, but also the estate, the family and sometimes the current happenings throughout the British empire. Even if she was still not quite sure how much she understood Thomas Hobbes' theories on the nature of man she was glad she had insisted on reading it with her father. After they finished it he had his own suggestions and they had read two more books together before she left for Barlow Hall.
"Perhaps, you can share your thoughts on it with me sometime?" he offered and before Elizabeth could agree, eagerly agree, suggest they do so right now, Georgiana spoke.
"Brother, we mustn't force Miss Elizabeth into discussions of books for the entirety of her stay in Derbyshire. She and I will be far too busy riding and walking and visiting Lambton together."
Though Elizabeth was loathe to give up the potential for one on one time with HER Mr. Darcy she conceded in the face of Georgiana's enthusiasm. A few more minutes were spent in general conversation regarding summer plans, the delicious food and beautiful views before Mr. Darcy asked if Elizabeth was ready to start her first lesson.
"I believe I am," she answered a little hesitantly, then added with more force. "Yes, let us go."
The five of them made their way, not toward the front door where Elizabeth had entered but down a hallway, with intervals of doors on either side. They emerged into a space that seemed similar, but on a smaller scale, to the grand entryway she had seen on her arrival. Beside the double doors stood Mrs. Reynolds and with two young girls dressed in sharp and crisp housemaid attire. The girls held bonnets, wraps and coats which they quickly handed to Miss Darcy, Mrs. Baxter and Mr. Darcy. Those three donned their outwear. Elizabeth wondered at the absence of additional attire for HER Mr. Darcy.
"Will you not be joining us, Sir?" she asked, hoping she sounded merely curious.
"I am afraid not, Miss Elizabeth, I have business which requires my attention."
"You are in good hands," Mr. Darcy assured her.
"Of course," Elizabeth responded, eager that none of her disappointment be evident. "Will you be superintending my lessons?"
"Only in the sense that I will be present," Mr. Darcy told her. "Mrs. Baxter will take charge. She is an accomplished horsewoman."
The party bid the younger Mr. Darcy good day and made their way on a path that wound down a sloping hill away from the house. Nestled against the wood on the edge of a stream Elizabeth could make out a large stable building with several small out buildings and a fenced in area surrounding it. The structure was red brick and looked worn in places in new in others. Elizabeth imagined it was quite old and had been added to over the years. Taken as a whole it looked to be bigger than Longbourn.
It took them a few minutes to reach it and when they arrived a smiling older man greeted them.
"Good morning, Mr. Darcy," he said with a tip of his head. "Miss Darcy, Mrs. Baxter."
"Good morning, Mr. Branson," Miss Darcy responded. "We are here to teach Miss Elizabeth to ride!"
"Allow me to present Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Branson," Mr. Darcy said. The older man offered a nod to Elizabeth who liked him immediately. He was the first grown man she had encountered who was shorter than herself and for some reason she found this charming. His brown eyes crinkled with his broad smile which revealed a missing front tooth.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Bennet," Branson said. "The little Miss has been down here every day for the last week helping me prepare for your lessons. I expect she is over the moon that we are finally to begin."
"I am," Miss Darcy declared without apology.
"We all are," Mr. Darcy agreed. "is everything ready?"
"Aye, Sir."
As the group made their way to the paddock beside the stable Elizabeth realised something.
"None of you are dressed for riding?" This made her nervous.
"We will not ride today, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy explained before looking to Branson, who continued.
"That is right, Miss. The others will just be watching you and I do all the work. But they won't be far."
"Oh here he comes," Miss Darcy exclaimed. A young stable hand led a large grey horse into the paddock.
"Oh he is beautiful," Elizabeth said moving to the fence to get a closer look.
"He is at that, Miss. This here is Hephaestus. He's a right gentle animal, smart and strong too. Perfect for a new rider." Branson explained.
"Fitzwilliam has been naming our horses since he was just a boy. At the time we first allowed him to pick a name he was quite taken with Greek Mythology and after that he thought it only right that he continue in the same vein even after his horizons expanded a bit." Mr. Darcy told her.
Elizabeth loved having this small detail about HER Mr. Darcy and, loved even more to learn they had something in common. His philosophy books might be somewhat beyond her, but she had a deep love for and knowledge of Greek mythology thanks to Mr. Bennet's interest. She thought it a lovely tradition and was eager to know if Zeus, Hera and Aphrodite were even now cavorting inside the stable.
Elizabeth eagerly moved to be close enough to pet the majestic Hephaestus.
"He is beautiful," she said. Reaching into the pocket of her riding habit she pulled out the large carrot she had grabbed from the kitchen. Mr. Branson nodded when she looked to him for permission. Hephaestus did not hesitate. He consumed the offering in one large chomp.
"You have made a friend for life," Branson told her.
"Should we move into the paddock?" Miss Darcy asked, coming up beside her friend.
"Perhaps, you and I could go visit Hera and give her the treats I know you brought," Mr. Darcy suggested.
"But I want to help Elizabeth," she protested.
"And you will, but why don't we let Branson and Mrs. Baxter take charge for the time being," her father said, offering her his arm.
"Fine, I suppose," she pouted. "You will be all right without me?"
"Of course not," Elizabeth insisted with a smile. "However, I think the adults have a plan and perhaps we should let it play out."
"Very well, you are in good hands," Miss Darcy told her before giving Elizabeth's shoulder a pat and taking her father's arm. They strode into the large open doors of the stable.
Mrs. Baxter watched them disappear into the stable and then moved closer to Elizabeth, Branson and Hephaestus. "Would you like to mount him?" she asked.
This was the part Elizabeth dreaded. She loved horses. Loved to pet them, feed them, watch them graze or gallop (with others on their backs). These things she did often at Barlow Hall and even occasionally at home – though at Longbourn there were fewer horses. However, she had not sat atop a horse since her disastrous lessons all those years ago.
"I suppose that is a necessary first step," she said much more timidly than was her wont.
"We have all summer, Miss Elizabeth," Mrs. Baxter said kindly. "We need not ride today. We can simply get used to Hephaestus or if you would like I can mount him and talk you through some of the fundamentals."
"But you are not dressed to ride," Elizabeth answered.
"Oh that matters not for our purposes. I would only be trotting sedately around the pen with you and Branson leading Hephaestus."
Although appreciative of the offer Elizabeth decided riding would not get easier if she put it off for longer. They led her into the paddock, a stableboy had appeared and held the horse's reins as she made her way to a mounting block. Branson stood beside her as the stableboy led Hephaestus to where they waited. Elizabeth took the two steps of the block on shaky legs with a rapidly beating heart. Without giving herself too much time to think she mounted as Mrs. Baxter instructed.
"Very good, child," Branson praised. He made several adjustments to the stirrups and reins before leading Elizabeth around the small paddock. After the first pass along the wooden fence lining the enclosure he asked, "how do you feel, Miss?"
Elizabeth thought a moment before answering, a wide smile on her face. "I feel like I have been missing out!" Branson laughed and continued to lead her in wide circles for several more minutes. Looking about from her high perch Elizabeth took in the sweeping views of Pemberley Wood and the house up the hill. She could just see the edges of a lake in the opposite direction of the wood and wondered if it was part of the estate. Beneath her, Elizabeth thought she could feel the horse restraining himself. Like her, he seemed to want to move faster, go farther. Go anywhere. The paddock was not small but still even at their slow pace it took barely a minute to circumvent it.
"Soon," she whispered to her new four-legged friend. "We will explore this beautiful piece of country together. I can hardly wait!"
Mrs. Baxter looked on, occasionally calling on her to adjust her seat this way or that.
Despite its glacial pace Elizabeth greatly enjoyed her tame trot and was proud that she had taken such a big step toward actual riding. She soon learned that the fifteen minutes atop the mighty Hephaestus would not only be the highlight of her lesson but also its shortest component. The remainder of the hour was spent out of the saddle. She was not excited to be asked to mount and dismount over and over so that she could accomplish it without incident and with minimal assistance, but did feel more confident in her abilities once Branson declared her passable at the tasks. Once they led him into the stables she did enjoy caring for Hephaestus and learning what he required to cool down after a ride.
"You are a natural," Miss Darcy told her as they, along with Mrs. Baxter and Mr. Darcy, made their way back to the house. Her friend had watched the last minute or so of her ride and then helped with each piece of the after lessons. Her enthusiasm and encouragement made it all that much more enjoyable. Afterwards she introduced Elizabeth to the other six horses who called Pemberley stables home. They were all beautiful animals. They were friendly too – especially as Elizabeth offered each a carrot – provided by Miss Darcy.
"I feel I am bribing them to like me," Elizabeth told her friend even as she gave Zeus, who was introduced as HER Mr. Darcy's horse, an extra carrot to ensure his affection.
"We would have loved to keep you longer, but your aunt made me promise you would return in time for your music lesson," Mr. Darcy told her. As if on cue the Gardiner carriage pulled into the drive.
"Oh yes of course," Elizabeth said, having forgotten entirely anything beyond Pemberley. "Thank you so very much for the lesson. I am grateful for your generosity," turning to include Miss Darcy and Mrs. Baxter she added, "I feel you have given, are giving, me a priceless gift."
"You are welcome, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy responded. "We will send the carriage for you Thursday at ten o'clock. I have a feeling you will be galloping around Derbyshire in no time."
"I look forward to it."
"Good bye for now, Miss Elizabeth," Miss Darcy said, stepping in to hug her friend, but pausing as if unsure. Elizabeth moved closer and initiated the embrace.
"You are a great friend, Miss Darcy."
"Georgiana," Miss Darcy's voice quivered just slightly. "I would be honoured if you would call me Georgiana."
Before answering Elizabeth looked to Mr. Darcy, who smiled and nodded.
"I would be delighted, Georgiana, and you must call me Elizabeth or Lizzy if you prefer."
Georgiana accepted with delight and they sent Elizabeth on her way. Although the scarcity of the other Mr. Darcy cast a slight shadow on the adventure, Elizabeth was quite pleased with nearly everything else.
The next month passed quickly for Elizabeth. Between her music and riding lessons she had standing appointments for some length of time each day outside of Sunday. This added a structure to her schedule that had previously been absent.
That is not to say she abandoned her strolls through the bluebell field or her visits to Barlow's stables to maintain her standing as a favourite among both the staff and animals. Nor did the riding lessons mean her time with Georgiana was confined to that activity. Mr. Darcy it seemed was eager to forward their friendship and allowed Georgiana to visit Barlow Hall regularly. Elizabeth was also invited to Pemberley at least once a week beyond her lessons. However, much to her chagrin by the end of June that brief interaction on her first visit with the young Mr. Darcy was the only time Elizabeth had seen him. Each time she entered the grounds of Pemberley, usually by carriage though she was occasionally allowed to walk, Elizabeth experienced the breathless anticipation of the possibility of seeing him and each time she was disappointed when her visit or lesson ended and he had not appeared.
One afternoon as they took tea after a lesson Elizabeth and Georgiana discovered they had more in common than they had realised.
The ladies settled into their usual seats in the small summer parlor which offered sweeping views of the grounds.
"I am impressed with how far you have come as a rider, Lizzy. Mrs. Baxter believes you will be ready to try the wood trail soon."
"This is true, you are doing remarkably well," Mrs. Baxter agreed.
"I would love that," Elizabeth responded.
Though she respected Mrs. Baxter and Branson, who together superintended her lessons, she chafed at the slow pace they set. Elizabeth was eager to roam the woods, gallop across the fields and explore the many places at Pemberley which were most readily accessible on horseback.
"Have you invited Miss Bennet to next week's celebration?" Mrs. Baxter asked her charge as she helped herself to some of the sweets on the tea tray.
"What are we celebrating?" Elizabeth asked.
"My birthday," Georgiana offered, her tone indicated a lack of interest in the topic.
"When is your birthday?"
"The fifth of July."
"That is my birthday as well," Elizabeth declared, smiling brightly.
"It is?" Georgiana asked with marked enthusiasm. "We must celebrate together!"
"No, that is not necessary," Elizabeth demurred, although she liked the idea. "Your family has already made plans for you. If you wish me to come I will happily attend."
"But we cannot fete me alone on our mutual birthday," Georgiana insisted. "It is nothing lavish – just a family dinner with all my favourites, but we must have yours as well. Let us make a list of every course and what your preferred dish is for each."
The young girl jumped up and told the others she needs to retrieve her stationary in order to properly complete the task.
"Mrs. Baxter you must explain to her that her family will want to honour her, not me. I am perfectly satisfied to be a guest." It was true enough, Elizabeth was eager to celebrate her friend. But it was also true that her birthday had always been a special time for her. It was a day where as one among five she was the focus – even just for a brief moment. Ever since she began to spend her summers, and thus her birthdays, at Barlow Hall, the day had become even more of an occasion – the Gardiners and Mr. Barlow seemed to truly enjoy making her birthday memorable each year.
"I appreciate that, Miss Elizabeth, however; if you are not opposed I do believe sharing the day with you would be good for Miss Darcy. I will speak to Mr. Darcy, mostly to alleviate any concerns you have, to ensure there are no objections."
Elizabeth considered this. Georgiana was intensely shy and although she had opened up to Elizabeth a great deal in their letters and in person over the last month it was still very apparent that she preferred to blend in rather than stand out. It was one of the many ways the girls were quite different. Perhaps not being the only centre of attention would work well for Georgiana.
When Elizabeth did not immediately respond Mrs. Baxter added, "I have no doubt your family and other guests you desire could be included. You must know you are a great favourite of Mr. Darcy."
"That is very kind," Elizabeth responded just as Georgina bounced back into the room – stationary in hand.
"What is very kind?" Miss Darcy asked as she arranged herself behind the small desk next to where Elizabeth sat.
"I was explaining to Miss Elizabeth that your father would welcome her family and any others she desired to the dinner party."
"Of course," Georgiana agreed. "My father adores you. If I am not careful you will become his favourite daughter."
She winked at Mrs. Baxter as she said this so Elizabeth refrained from rushing to assure Miss Darcy of her secure place in her father's affection. Instead she allowed herself to feel flattered.
"I think you should have no worries," Elizabeth said with a serious visage. "Until I learn to ride better than you. Then there will of course be no contest."
"You are incorrigible!" Georgiana exclaimed.
"What has Elizabeth done to deserve such a critique, little one?" The deep voice came from behind her and Elizabeth was afraid to look. Her heart raced, her stomach dropped and her mind nearly went blank. If half of what she was feeling revealed itself in her eyes or her blush or, potentially, her retching right there on the spot, she would be mortified. She could hear him moving into the room and soon he was before her, leaning to examine Georgiana's writings.
His stunning good looks had not lost their power over her any more than his rich baritone voice had. Fortunately she was not called on to speak at that moment because she was nearly certain she would not have been able to.
"Why are you making a list of dinner courses?" he asked his sister.
"You will never guess. Elizabeth and I have the same birthday."
"And for this you have found her incorrigible? She could not help her birthdate," he observed wryly. "Is this not so, Miss Elizabeth? Did you choose to be born the same day as my sister?"
Her head snapped up when he said her name. He was looking at her. Perhaps this was not the first time since he entered but Elizabeth had kept her eyes downcast since glimpsing him. It was a wise choice as she now found herself caught in his dark brown gaze, alight with mischief.
"I suppose if I had had that power I may have chosen to share the date with her, but I don't think I can claim the credit." Elizabeth was proud of herself – her voice only shook a little. It's possible no one noticed.
"Well I am glad of it," Georgiana declared. "Now let us turn to the list. The most important question is what your favourite dessert is, but we must also note your favourites for each course as well."
"Now the list makes sense," her brother said, picking it up. "Miss Elizabeth it seems you must come and fill in all of this information."
Could she trust her legs to support her? She knew from experience that the gentleman in front of her was capable of making her knees weak. Perhaps she could avoid it.
"I am gratified by Miss Darcy's generous offer to share her celebration. Do you not think that your father would rather keep the occasion focused on your sister?"
"I have no doubt that my father, like the rest of us, would enjoy celebrating you and Miss Darcy together," after a moment he added, "as my family would no doubt want to fete you as well combining the occasion will save us a dinner."
"So really I would be doing you a favour?" Elizabeth asked, her smile so wide her cheeks ached.
"Indeed," he confirmed. The right side of his mouth raised slightly and Elizabeth experienced a new swarm of butterflies at having eliciting that almost grin from him.
"Now that Mrs. Baxter, myself and my brother have assured you of our desire to include you in any celebration may we proceed with the planning?" Georgiana asked with marked impatience. With out waiting for an answer she demanded that Elizabeth come and sit buy her that they might complete the list of favourite courses. It was a relief that her knees could in fact support her for the ten step journey to the desk where Georgiana sat.
Elizabeth tried to focus on the task. Her friend was so determined to create a menu they both would love. Mr. Darcy left after a few minutes indicating he was due to meet a neighbour. This was fortunate for Elizabeth's ability to concentrate. It was hard for the rest of her which wanted nothing more than to be near him.