Page 72 of To Love And To Cherish
“The stirrup may need adjustment. Allow me to help you dismount.” He raised his arms, took her by the waist, and lifted her down. After shortening the stirrup, he said, “Miss Bennet, let me mount you again. How is that? Do you still feel as though you are slipping?”
Elizabeth shifted from one side to the other. “No, I feel more secure.”
“Good. The weight must rest through your hips. Shall I lead her?”
“Please,” Elizabeth breathed.
He walked alongside the horse, hand on the bridle, guiding them in slow circles around the paddock. Gradually, her posture eased, and her grip lightened. He praised her small improvements with quiet words, his tone encouraging.
After an hour, he helped her dismount. Elizabeth’s legs, unaccustomed to the exercise, trembled as her boots met the ground, and he placed an arm around her waist and the other on her elbow to help steady her.
“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I fear I am a lost cause. Perhaps I should leave well enough alone.”
He laughed, rich and low. “You’ve done very well today. We shall work together again tomorrow. You’ll be riding before the month is out.”
She looked up at him, abashed. “Are you certain I’m not too much trouble? I am a veritable dunce where horses are concerned.”
“You are no such thing,” he said firmly. “And besides, I enjoy your company.”
They walked Kelpie back to the stables, their steps slow, the morning light stretching long shadows across the yard.
As they returned to the house, Elizabeth noticed a half-smile playing on his lips and a light in his eyes that had not been there before. More than once, she caught him looking at her.
And though she told herself not to blush, she blushed all the same
That night at dinner, Miss Trent was seated at Adam’s right, Elizabeth at his left. Conversation flowed easily, with Elizabethkeeping Adam engaged, while Lucas and Marcus spoke animatedly with Miss Trent. Lady Caitrìona and Daniel doted on Mary.
Later, Miss Trent took her place at the pianoforte and played with her customary elegance. When she had finished, Adam turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, would you honor us?”
Elizabeth rose and seated herself at the instrument. She played, and then she sang.
Her voice, a rich, full soprano, filled the hall with haunting beauty. She began withBrown AdamandThe Daemon Lover, ballads steeped in sorrow and shadow. Her control, the dramatic intensity of her expression, and the melancholy that colored every phrase held her listeners rapt.
When the final note faded, there was a hush.
“Another, if you please,” Adam said quietly.
Elizabeth obliged. She sangThe Flowers of the Forest, her voice plaintive and restrained, thenThe Elfin King, with its ethereal melody and darker undertones. When she had finished, she returned to her seat, cheeks flushed and eyes lowered, the silence in the hall speaking louder than applause.
Chapter 37: Letters From Elizabeth
It was a grey and wind-stirred morning at Pemberley. Low clouds hung over the distant hills, and the scent of rain lingered in the air. Inside the drawing room, all was warmth and domestic industry. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting golden light upon the floor, while Jane, Georgiana, and Kitty sat together near the window, their hands occupied with neat stitches, hemming garments and knitting shawls for the poor of the parish.
A hush fell as the door opened and Darcy entered, a letter in hand.
“From Scotland,” he said, crossing the room.
Georgiana looked up at once. “Elizabeth!”
He handed it to her with a nod, then took a place near the hearth, one arm resting along the back of the settee. Georgiana broke the seal, and the rustle of paper seemed unusually loud in the quiet.
“I hope you do not mind if I read it aloud,” she said, glancing at Jane and Kitty.
“Pray do,” Jane replied gently. “We are all eager for news.”
Georgiana unfolded the letter, and all leaned a little closer as she began to read.
My dearest Georgiana,
