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Days later, Lord Holland and Elizabeth rounded the corner of the stable when they espied Darcy and another gentleman. The two were headed their way, deep in conversation. Eager anticipation gripped Elizabeth’s body at the sight of Mr. Darcy. It had been a few days since her last riding lesson. Her fervent hope was that he would join them on the tour of the stables. She recognised the other man as the groom who had been with him during the race.

It seemed all he meant to bestow was a curt nod their way, and he was gone directly with the groom in the direction of the yard. Elizabeth was taken aback by Mr. Darcy’s behaviour, although she tried unsuccessfully to mask her dismay.

Lord Holland drew her closer by his side. “Is there anything amiss between you and Darcy, Miss Bennet?”

His words gave her to know she was wearing her feelings on her sleeve with regard to Mr. Darcy’s slight. Why else would the viscount ask such a thing unless he sensed it too?

She drew a quick breath and released it slowly as she pondered what the gentleman was about. Oh, how Mr. Darcy confounded her! “No—not at all. I suppose he is involved in some serious matter as regards one of his horses.”

“I would say Darcy’s primary concern lies with his horses. One must accustom oneself to that fact should they wish to garner his good opinion.”

Lord Holland felt it was only fitting that Elizabeth should know and understand the gentleman whom she was allowing to rob her composure. Darcy and he had been acquaintances since their days at Cambridge. When his father, Lord Lawrence Holland, made it known that he was desirous of a healthy infusion of cash and would be willing to go as far as put several of his bays up for sale, Darcy stepped forward to secure the deal. Darcy and Lord Holland’s friendship had grown steadier ever since.

Elizabeth and Lord Holland spent most of the day together. When he escorted her to Barrington Hall, Lady Vanessa insisted he dine with them. Afterwards, her ladyship retired to her apartment early, leaving Elizabeth to entertain their guest. The couple sat in Lady Vanessa’s drawing room and talked of many things: the weather, poetry, and their favourite books. There was no topic on which the two could discuss without an equal share of enthusiasm.

“Your interest in books is but one of the things I admire about you, Miss Bennet. If I had to pick my favourite from the list of your estimable qualities, I would have to say the thing I admire most about you is your ability to enjoy the follies of others and laugh at them in their turn, all without giving offence. I hope you never change in that regard.”

Puzzled by his speech, Elizabeth arched her brow. “I thank you for the compliment, I think. But why would I ever have cause to change?”

“Pardon me, but your aunt and my mother are very fond of each other. Hence, I am no stranger to the future your aunt has planned for you.”

Elizabeth folded her arms over her chest and released a slow steady breath. “I did not think my aunt so indelicate as to discuss such matters with anyone outside our immediate family circle.” She valued her privacy. The last thing she wanted was the entire town being privy to her personal concerns, especially if it inspired everyone to think of her as a poor relation who should be beholden to her aunt for her munificence.

“Well, you need not worry. While it is true that my mother is a social butterfly, she is no gossip. She and Lady Vanessa are the dearest of friends.” He leaned close to Elizabeth. “Surely you are aware of their grand scheme for our future.”

Elizabeth shifted a bit and shook her head. “No—I have no idea of any scheme. Perhaps you will enlighten me, my lord.”

“Perhaps I have said too much. Their plan shall unfold naturally, and I should hope you will be delighted.”

“Pardon me if I speak out of turn, my lord. As best I can tell, Miss Lancaster is very fond of you, and you, no doubt, think highly of her. I have come to consider that your futures are aligned.”

He dismissively waved his hand. “Then you must put any such notion completely out of your mind. While it is true that Miss Lancaster and I are particularly fond of each other, a factor of our having known each other most of our lives, she is destined for another. In fact, you shall meet him when he returns from the continent.”

“Are you quite certain? She has said nothing to me about being engaged.”

“I am not surprised. The engagement is of a peculiar sort. She is not entirely reconciled with the match, but it does not signify, for she has no say in the matter. It is arranged, shall we say.”

Elizabeth made no attempt to conceal her curiosity. If there existed a chance in the world that she might aid her friend in turning the viscount’s head, Elizabeth was determined to pursue it. “How do you feel about her situation?”

“I say it is just as well, for I am in grave danger of losing my heart to another.”

“Oh! Have I met her?”

He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Indeed, you have. I believe you know her well.”

It was the night of the Avondale ball, and it being her first since her arrival in Bosley, Elizabeth looked forward to the evening with great excitement. Soon after her arrival, her enthusiasm gave way to perturbation. What had Lord Holland meant by requesting her hand for the opening set? Elizabeth would much rather he had asked Lucy, who was standing next to her and whose mouth gaped over what she surely must have perceived as a slight. As she was not inclined to deny the viscount anything that he deigned to request, Elizabeth threw her friend an apologetic look, accepted his proffered hand, and proceeded to the dance floor.

When those dances were over, she made her way to Lucy’s side. Lucy held both hands out in welcome. Elizabeth smiled in gratitude. “Forgive me for dancing with his lordship. I felt I had no choice. You must know that I would rather he had asked you.”

“Please, there is no need to apologise. I wager his lordship knows what he is about. He sees me more of a little sister, I fear—as much as I wish otherwise.”

“Oh! But you must not surrender all hope in that regard.” Elizabeth was about to offer additional words of encouragement to her friend when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy, who, as a consequence of his behaviour of late, took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand that without knowing what she did, she accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind.

Her friend tried to console her. “I know you are appalled by his slight the other day, but I think you should give him another chance. Surely his asking you for the second set is his way of making amends.”

When the dancing recommenced, Darcy approached to claim her hand, and Elizabeth took her place in the set. They stood for some time without speaking a word. She began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and for her part, she was resolved not to break it. Elizabeth could be equally as taciturn as her dance partner. If they were to speak on any matter at all, then Mr. Darcy would have to be the one to initiate the discourse. He did.

“I am delighted to see you this evening, Miss Bennet.”