Page 84 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)

Jane and Charles were in the front hall preparing to leave.

“Let me help you.” Elizabeth moved to her sister’s side and helped her on with her pelisse.

“Thank you for bringing the Stantons to Pemberley, Jane. I wish you and I could have had a longer visit. I have missed you.”

“We must plan a visit soon, Lizzy, but in the meantime, we will write often.”

Elizabeth leaned in close.

“My best wishes for Caroline.”

Later that morning, Elizabeth and her guests drove into Lambton to shop.

Georgiana was curious. “What brings us to Lambton today, Lizzy? I thought you did not like to shop.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “I do not dislike all shopping, my dear. I received notice from the bookshop that The Romance of the Forest has arrived, and I mean to look for another book besides, so we will have something to read on the journey to the Lakes.”

“Will we have time to stop at the confectioner’s? I wish for an éclair and madeleines.”

“Yes, we will take a blanket and sit under the chestnuts and enjoy our pastries.”

They walked from shop to shop in twos and threes, with Lady Helen inviting Abby to walk with her.

Elizabeth smiled at her quiet friend. “Anise, when does Michael take you to London for your Season?”

Anise wrinkled her nose. “Never, if I had my way.” She turned to Elizabeth.

“I have told Mamma I do not wish for a Season. If I must marry, I prefer a gentleman farmer who lives a simple, uncomplicated life, without pomp and show, who would rather sit quietly at home in the evening and read a book while I play the pianoforte.”

Georgiana said, “That is how we spend our evenings. Last week, Fitzwilliam finished reading The Children of the Abbey to us. He and Elizabeth take turns reading aloud, but he mostly does the reading because Elizabeth and I are knitting mittens and caps for the tenant children for their Christmas boxes.”

Elizabeth probed. “Is there a particular gentleman farmer you have in mind?”

Anise flushed. “You remember Mr. Fairfax, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth grinned. “I do. Tall, fair, and exceedingly handsome. You cannot mean he has finally set his eye on you?”

The young woman sighed. “No. He is my age, four and twenty, and has no interest in being leg-shackled, as he called marriage when I asked him about it.”

Georgiana looked intrigued. “You asked your beau if he was interested in marriage?”

Anise shook her head. “Not exactly. I mentioned that our friend was courting a young heiress, and Mr. Fairfax looked disgusted and said, ‘Why would Lucas do a silly thing like leg-shackling himself at two and twenty? He should wait until he is at least eight and twenty.’”

Anise looked sadly at her friend. “So you see, Lizzy. It matters not whether I have any particular young man in mind, if he does not have me in his mind as well.”

The following day, Elizabeth and her guests drove to Kimpton to the haberdashery.

Georgiana had praised the shop as the best one in the area, superior even to the two shops in Bakewell.

Abby and Lady Helen stood before the bolts of silk, marveling at their quality.

Anise held a length of lace in her hand.

Elizabeth and Georgiana walked up and examined the lace with her.

“It is very fine, and the price is very reasonable,” Elizabeth said. She looked around and then whispered, “I pray this is not smuggled goods. The quality and the price seem to suggest it may be.”

Anise looked at her friend and whispered, “Smuggled? What can you possibly know about smuggling, Lizzy? Are there smugglers in England?”

Elizabeth pulled a face. “Never mind, my dear. You know I sometimes speak before I think.” She glanced about again to ensure the shopkeeper had not heard her. Could smuggled goods have found their way this far inland? She would ask Fitzwilliam.

Anise looked baffled, then turned back to the lace. “I will make a new fichu with this. I have never seen such beautiful lace. I will cut it tonight and then sew it in the carriage as we travel to Windermere.”

That evening in the drawing room, Lady Helen seated herself beside Elizabeth and bent close.

“Abby shines brighter with every passing day,” she whispered.

Elizabeth giggled. “Aunt Helen, you are gushing.”

Lady Helen smirked. “I cannot help myself, Elizabeth. I have met my future daughter-in-law, and she is everything I had hoped for in a wife for Phillip.”

Elizabeth regarded her aunt with sudden seriousness.

“I hope Phillip is of the same opinion and does not prefer Anise. I spoke with her today, and her heart is entangled with a squire whose land borders her brother’s.

He is very young, only four and twenty, and does not yet recognize a gem when she throws herself at his feet. ”

Elizabeth’s eyes dimmed. Lady Helen lifted a questioning brow, and Elizabeth went on.

“It was the same with Fitzwilliam. All that he put me through before he chose me.” She bent her head over her knitting, striving to compose herself.

Lady Helen reached out and pressed her hand.

“Let the past be forgotten, Elizabeth. All came right for you and my nephew. I am sorry Fitzwilliam was so difficult. He is a complicated man, but you managed him very well, and all turned out as it should. But as for my son, it remains to be seen. If he can be as happily settled as my nephew is with you, I shall be at peace.”

Elizabeth’s quiet laugh caused the elder lady to look at her niece.

“I know, my dear, you will caution me to contain my eagerness until Phillip himself comes to Pemberley and makes his choice. However, you must agree that Abby is a suitable match. A perfect match.”

“Yes, Aunt, she is. I agree with you. I will begin to recite my catechism on behalf of Phillip’s matrimonial happiness tonight.

” She smiled at the older woman and then, in an uncommon display of tenderness, kissed her cheek.

Lady Helen’s smile softened, then she drew her in for a brief, affectionate embrace.

The next morning brought an unexpected visitor to Pemberley. Lady Helen was sitting down to breakfast when Georgiana came running into the parlor.

“Aunt Helen, a Matlock carriage is coming down the drive.”

Lady Helen and Elizabeth followed Georgiana to the front entrance, where the doors stood open. They watched as Phillip, tall and fair, stepped down.

“Son!” Lady Helen rushed down the stairs with her arms outstretched.

“Mother.” His embrace was affectionate, and he kissed her hair.

She wiped a tear. “What a surprise, what a very happy surprise.”

He grinned. “Do not tear up, Mamma. I am well. You know I could not let all my family escape to the Lake District without me.”

His eyes flicked to the young ladies standing at the entrance, watching him. He straightened up and bowed.

Lady Helen was smiling. “You know of our planned visit to Windermere?”

He grinned. “I do. Fitzwilliam invited me. We both wish to visit with Richard before he is called back to the War Office.”

Her expression darkened. “Indeed. I wish that fractious girl would just marry him so he could settle down and raise a family.”

Phillip wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. “Darcy and I will work towards that end on behalf of Richard, Mamma. Do not worry yourself. All will be well.” He bent his head and whispered, “Even if we have to cart her off to Gretna Green and marry them over the anvil.”

She laughed at his jest. “You are right. She is bound to come around. If she can get out from under that dreadful mother of hers, Richard will have his chance.”

They all walked into the house, and Lady Helen made the introductions. After breakfast, he suggested they go out to the stables.

“It is a crime to waste a fine morning indoors,” he said. “Come, let us ride. No stable in this county rivals Darcy’s.”

Abby agreed at once. Georgiana, an excellent horsewoman, was also ready to ride.

“Wait until you have seen my mount, Cousin Phillip. Brother bought me the most beautiful chestnut.”

Elizabeth admitted candidly, “I am no horsewoman.”

When Phillip turned to Anise, she did not answer.

Darcy moved to stand near Elizabeth. “Then you shall learn, darling. I will see to your instruction myself.”

Phillip was still watching Anise. “And you, Miss Stanton? You are not a horsewoman either, I think.”

She flushed under the intensity of his gaze. “No, my lord.”

“Then allow me the honor.” He grinned. “Shall we meet at the stables in forty-five minutes? That should be enough time to change into riding dress.”

The party soon assembled at the stables, and the grooms held the horses ready. Darcy lifted Elizabeth into her saddle and stood close beside her, his hand holding hers on the reins. His low voice helped to calm her as she struggled to balance on the side-saddle.

“Fitzwilliam, I feel as though I am falling off.” As she spoke the words, she slipped from the saddle and into his arms. He held her a moment, looking down into her eyes. She was distressed. He set her down.

“It is well, my darling. I will shorten the strap, and we will try again.”

Elizabeth frowned. “This is terribly embarrassing. Please, I would prefer to learn in privacy.”

He grinned. “Never mind, Elizabeth. No one is looking at you. Look around.”

She looked. Georgiana and Abby were trotting down the track. Phillip was tending to Anise’s strap while she listened to his instructions. Elizabeth relaxed.

“Very well. We are quite alone. That at least is a comfort.”

“Come, darling, let me hand you up.”

She was back in the saddle, and he helped her to the correct position.

“Is the strap the correct length? Is it supporting your weight?”

She wiggled in the saddle. “Yes, I feel very solid now.”

“I will lead your mount around the paddock so you can get the feel of the saddle.”

Elizabeth regarded her husband as he walked around the enclosure. He was wonderfully patient. She listened more closely to his instructions and resolved to learn to ride. He rode out every morning, and if he invited her, she would share those mornings with him.

On the other side of the pen, Phillip stood beside Anise, who looked pale but determined. His tone was brisk but not unkind as he adjusted the straps and guided her hand on the reins.

“You are stiff,” he said frankly. “Relax, Miss Stanton. A horse senses your fear. If you hold yourself like stone, the beast will not respect you.”

“I cannot help it,” she murmured.

“You can,” he countered, his voice quiet but commanding. “Look forward, not down. Shoulders back. Yes, better. You see? Control begins with confidence. The horse will follow where you lead.”

Anise glanced at him, dismayed, but obeyed. He smiled, quick and approving, and for a moment she felt emboldened.

Lady Helen watched intently from where she stood outside the enclosure. She admired her son’s easy charm and the way he directed without offense. But she was frustrated. Lady Helen wished Phillip would devote himself to Abby rather than to the quiet sister whose heart was already entangled.

As the riding lesson wore on, she observed with relief that his attention often strayed from Anise to Abby, who sat her horse with natural grace and was now galloping down the long track racing Georgiana.

Elizabeth, stranded on her horse, caught Lady Helen’s expression and hid a smile. She knew well that her aunt’s heart was set upon Abby for Phillip. But Phillip would not be managed. He had made up his mind to instruct Anise, and that is what he did.

When at last Elizabeth circled the paddock three times, Darcy looked up at her.

“Elizabeth, darling, this has been enough for your first day. I fear your muscles will be sore tomorrow, but it will not be too bad if we stop now.”

He raised his arms, and she slipped into them. Phillip assisted Anise in dismounting. Then Darcy said, “Come, ladies, the shade under the yew trees will protect you from the sun. I will order tea.”

Phillip mounted the black stallion, which had been saddled for his use.

“Darcy, this stallion is a rare beauty. I’m going to put him through his paces.”

Phillip turned his mount and rode to where Abby and Georgiana were returning along the track.

“Miss Abby,” he called out. “What say you to a short ride before we finish for the day? There is a fine spot at the edge of the estate where one may look down into the valley. It is no more than a twenty-minute ride.”

Abby’s eyes brightened. “I should like that very much, my lord.”

He smiled with the assurance of one unaccustomed to rebuff. “Very good. Come then.”

As they moved away from the others, Phillip cast her a sidelong glance.

“Tell me, Miss Abby, have you any hobbies beyond riding?”

Abby tilted her head, her lips curving. “If I answer your question, then I claim the right to ask one of my own.”

His laugh was low, amused. “Ah, so this is to be a contest? Very well, I accept.”

“Then yes, I draw landscapes, portraits, anything that pleases me. My lord, let me set the rules before we go on. All questions are to remain proper and unexceptionable.”

She looked at him, inquiring.

His grin widened to a smile. “Very well. I disapprove of restraints; they bore me, but since we met but two hours ago, I will concede. We will keep the questions light and decent.”

She nodded. “Thank you. And now it is my turn. What is your favorite food, my lord?”

Phillip’s brows rose in amusement. “That is a dangerous question. If I admit it is roast beef, you may think me dull. If I say oysters, you may think me extravagant. But since honesty is the rule of this game, I confess it is venison pie. Now then, where did you go to school?”

“I did not attend a women’s seminary. Papa did not believe in sending children away. We had a governess and masters who came to the house.”

“What was your favorite subject?”

“Stay your turn,” Abby countered. “You have had your question. The next belongs to me.”

He regarded her, surprised, then he grinned. “You are determined to keep the reins, are you not?”

“Of course,” Abby replied, her tone amused. “I have no intention of letting you direct me, nor the entire course of the conversation. Now then, your question is, if you were not the firstborn, what profession would you pursue?”

Phillip inclined his head. “Very well, Miss Stanton. If I were not the firstborn, I would have studied architecture and would have specialized in the design of public buildings. And now, Miss Abby, it is my turn. What was your favorite subject?”

They continued back and forth as the horses carried them toward the rise of the estate. Abby was not afraid of him, nor did his position impress her, and her quips were as quick as his. He acknowledged that she was amusing.