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The next day, Darcy and Elizabeth sat together on a blanket spread underneath a giant oak, both satisfied with the morning’s lesson. Elizabeth smoothed her riding habit skirt. Betsy had it laid out on the bed when Elizabeth completed her morning toilette. She had never owned such a fine outfit. How Betsy knew she needed it on that particular morning was a mystery.

More than once, her companion had robbed her of her composure during the riding lesson: innocent brushes of his hands against hers, gentle caresses as he assisted her in mounting and dismounting the horse, the melodic sound of his voice as he gave her instructions, and the warmth of his breath against her skin when he leaned in closer than likely was warranted to gently remind her of a particular technique that had slipped her mind. How she had managed to keep track of a single thing was a wonder.

Even now, her entire body was all too aware of his nearness. Rather than ponder too long the reason he made her feel this way, she endeavoured to break their silence with a dose of light-heartedness. “I never supposed you would bring your own horse, Mr. Darcy. Then again, perhaps my aunt’s horses do not suit.”

“This is no ordinary horse.”

“Heaven forbid! No one would dare accuse the owner of some of the finest bays in the country of possessing an ordinary horse.”

“I suppose my reputation in that regard precedes me. Or has your reading about the history of horse racing led you to the discovery of an edition of The Jockey’s Book?”

“I am afraid I have barely started my book on the history of horse racing. By the bye, I have not quite forgiven you for your teasing manner when we first met.”

“I was not teasing. I was merely intrigued. It is not often that I meet someone of the fairer sex who shows an interest in an area that is so near and dear to my heart.”

“What better way to improve one’s mind than through extensive reading?”

“Reading has its purposes, and, indeed, the constant improvement of one’s mind is but one of them. However, I much prefer a vigorous horseback ride.”

“I am beginning to wonder if there is anything that you prefer to horses, Mr. Darcy.”

He smiled. “Well, I can think of one particular pastime that I would opt for over my sport.”

“Oh! And what is that?”

Darcy raked his eyes over Elizabeth’s body before quickly diverting his gaze. “Perhaps, that is a lesson I will teach you at another time.”

Elizabeth’s spirits rose to playfulness. “I am not opposed to learning new things, sir. The steady improving of one’s mind is essential; however, it would help to know what sort of lesson you have in mind. I find that I am a much better student if I have time to prepare for my lessons in advance.”

He took her hand in his. “I would not have you give the matter too much thought, for no advance preparation is required. You will know all you need to know when the time is right, and I suspect it is a subject in which you will triumph.”

She leaned in and smiled teasingly. “And this is all the hint I am to receive?”

Darcy released her hand and stood. He reached down and helped Elizabeth to her feet. “I am afraid that is all for today. Come, I will escort you to the house.”

When they were at the door, he said, “Miss Bennet, it has been a pleasure spending the morning with you. I shall look forward to our next lesson.”

“Will you come inside and enjoy a refreshing drink before returning to Avondale, sir?”

“No—not just now. You shall hear from me again—soon.”

Darcy walked away with his head full of Elizabeth. Her face was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes, and her figure was light and pleasing. Although her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He was beginning to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention, and he was not certain how to feel about that. A man of eight and twenty with a sense of the world, he had every reason to consider that he had it all: rank, privilege, untold wealth, and a strong passion for life and particularly his sport. His love of horse racing was the result of a long-standing tradition that started with his maternal grandfather as well as his father’s father. By now, the acquisition of thoroughbred bays was in his blood.

Darcy loved his manner of living, and he was in no hurry to change it.

For her part, Elizabeth marvelled at Mr. Darcy’s staggering alteration in attitude. As they walked along in maddening silence, her attempts to further engage him in discourse proved futile in light of his curt replies even to the most open-ended questions. How he had gone from being lively and amiable to brooding and taciturn in a span of a few minutes amazed her. However, there was the promise of another lesson, and that alone was an intriguing prospect.

Upon entering her room, she went straight to her desk. She could not wait to capture all her thoughts on paper.

I hardly know what to think or how to feel about Mr. Darcy. I want to accuse him of being aloof, but how does that possibly fit with the entirety of his manner during the course of our lesson? He possessed the patience of a saint, for although it was entirely my idea that I should have lessons, the prospect of riding a horse was a bit overwhelming once I found myself so close to the magnificent beast.

When we were at leisure after our lesson, he spoke of his enjoyment of other pastimes, but he would not say exactly what they were—only a vague promise that he will teach me. My further inquiries did not bode well on his composure, for that is when he grew flustered and ill at ease.

Elizabeth laid her pen aside and gazed out the window. Whatever am I to make of his change in demeanour? Some minutes passed in recollection of her day with Mr. Darcy. She released a heavy sigh.

It will not do to think too long on such matters as this. As much as I enjoy Mr. Darcy’s company, it would not do to suppose what we share is anything beyond friendship, for I am determined that is all it shall ever be. Knowing as well as I do the pain inherent in the loss of a strong attachment, I mean to protect my heart from any sort of entanglement.

I shall be perfectly content to spend time with Mr. Darcy and enjoy his manner of flattering my ego, for I must confess, he does it very well.