Eclipse

Chapter Fourteen

 

“Lizzy, don’t wrinkle the covers, we will get cold.”

Lizzy sighed, “But at present it’s hot.”

“Very well then,” Jane sat up and taking the quilted coverlet folded it down near the foot of the bed. “There, now I can reach for it and you can not mess it up. Is the sheet too hot?”

“No, it’s fine.” Lizzy flapped the sheet up letting cool air under the covers. Then she let the sheet fall over their heads, giggling softly so as not to wake the household at the Gardiners where Elizabeth, Mr. Lucas, and Maria had stopped to visit en route to the Hunsford rectory. “Dear Jane, tomorrow I am to leave for Kent and to see Charlotte. I wonder if she will be changed now that she is a married woman.”

“I am sure she will still be the same friend you once knew.”

“But to be Mrs. Collins, surely that must change someone…”

“Lizzy!” Jane clamped a hand over her mouth to keep quiet. Then she whispered, “I am sorry about Mr. Wickham.”

“Thank you Jane, but I am not.” At Jane’s surprised look she continued, “He must live somehow, especially after his poor treatment at the hand of Mr. Darcy. He was always exceedingly dashing in his uniform, courteous in his conversation, and at the Netherfield Ball that night almost heroic, but I do not think my heart was touched by him. I did not care for him, and therefore wish him well with Miss King.”

“I am glad then, dear sister, for my heart was touched, but…” she closed her eyes momentarily, then opened them with a soft look, “but I will think no more about it. I will think of you and Charlotte reunited in Kent. I believe it will be a very merry trip for you.”

“I wonder if they might have a horse I could ride. Now that the weather is warming, I would love to feel the breeze in my face.”

“Lizzy, please take care, you could be hurt."

 

 

Within a few hours of their reunion, Elizabeth realized that her friendship with Charlotte had not been changed by the addition of a husband. Their conversations were as lively as before, and when not in the presence of Mr. Collins it were as if they were at home in Hertfordshire. As he was often engaged outside with Sir William, they spent time in the drawing room discussing their visits to Rosings, and the ladies of that house.

"I do believe that Miss De Bourgh will be a most perfect match for Mr. Darcy. They have the same temper and disposition, and a more impeccable couple would be hard to find." Elizabeth mused one morning after an evening spent at Rosings.

"Lizzy! You should not speak so of Mr. Darcy...or Miss De Bourgh. I have always found him to be perfectly amiable, and her illness can not be held against her. I look forward to his visit, and I think he will be pleasantly surprised to find you here as well."

"Me? Why should it be pleasant for him to encounter me? He was polite at times, but too often he was just as haughty as Lady Catherine. Both only seek to disclose the imperfections of others. I look forward to his visit to observe his audience with Miss De Bourgh. Unfortunately his friend's sister will not be in attendance as a witness also."

Charlotte bit her lip to conceal a smile. "I would think if you dislike Mr. Darcy as much as you profess, you would not attend to his sentiments for others."

"But I only..." began Lizzy, but she was interrupted by Mr. Collins at the door informing the ladies of Lady Catherine's approach on her daily visit to the village. They laid aside their needlework and after quickly tidying their gowns, proceeded outside where she awaited them still in her carriage.

After Lady Catherine had traveled on and Elizabeth had desired to walk about the park, Charlotte sat on a bench in her small garden and watched her friend amble down the path. To be close friends, they were not similar. She could be content here in Kent, visiting Rosings almost daily to stay in the good graces of its mistress, and keeping house for her husband. The man that her friend found so disagreeable, she had rebuffed his offer of marriage putting her family in peril. No, they were not alike, and for that she worried about Elizabeth.

She was content, and although her husband had faults, he was a good man at heart and treated her well. Elizabeth desired more though, and through the years Charlotte had noticed there were few that could match Elizabeth in wit until she had met the gentleman last autumn. Although Elizabeth denied any regard for him, Charlotte had definitely perceived his for her. On several occasions she had attempted to impart his obvious shyness and partiality to her friend, but she would not listen. Charlotte sighed, and was still sitting thus when Maria found her some time later.

 

 

Darcy strolled through the park with Georgiana on his arm. It was late in the afternoon, but the sun was still strong in the sky when they sat on a bench to enjoy the unusually warm spring weather. Georgiana had been telling him of her visits with Miss Griffith. They had shopped that afternoon and she would be joining them for tea tomorrow, which reminded Georgiana that she must inform Colonel Fitzwilliam of her engagement, as he would surely want to be in attendance.

He watched her as she continued the lively conversation, needing only to nod occasionally. While still exceedingly shy in the presence of strangers, she was more often her old self around her family and her new friend. Even Mrs. Annesley had remarked at the change in her character. It gladdened him that she could have recovered and changed from that saddened girl she had been last summer.

Such thoughts were dispelled from his mind at Georgiana's exclamation. "Darcy, look!"

He turned to where she stared to see others shielding their eyes and gazing heavenward. They watched as another couple passing by paused under a tree looking intently at the ground. Darcy recognized the gentleman as an old family acquaintance, and went to meet them.

"Darcy, how good to see you. Everyone is excited about the eclipse, but the fools are gazing at the sun. I had it in The Times this morning that it is very perilous to do so. The article said to look at shadows on the ground under trees. I think it is foolish, but Matilda wanted to see." He indicated his young daughter, bent over, intently studying the shadows formed by the new leaves on the ground.

Darcy and Georgiana joined in the watch, and were surprised to witness the growing shadows and outline of the moon covering the sun on the smooth ground. While his sister exclaimed with joy over the curious sight, his thoughts moved to another Eclipse, one with a dark chestnut coat and a rider that was often in his thoughts. He shook his head to clear it, and looked away through the trees of the park. In less than a week he would be in Kent, where such thoughts could not be tolerated or he would go mad. He required all of his constraint to attend to his arrogant aunt and her indications of matrimony. With Fitzwilliam also in attendance for Lady Catherine to vex, he thought, he might have some peace.

 

 

While at Hunsford, Charlotte knowing her friend’s delight in nature had contrived to have a horse for Lizzy to ride on occasion. Lady Catherine had given permission for the rectory to have use of a carriage, especially on Sundays. It was no large feat then for the ever courteous and therefore popular Mrs. Collins to send a message to the obliging grooms.

After breakfast one morning when Mr. Collins had engaged himself at Rosings, Charlotte had taken Lizzy by the hand and led her outside. “Now Lizzy, I know you find pleasure in strolling through the park, but I have another amusement for you.” With that she had beckoned to the groom who led the horse from around the corner.

Lizzy hugged her dear friend with felicity. "Charlotte, where did you find a horse for me to ride?"

"It is from the Rosings stables. Lady Catherine allows us the use from time to time, and I thought you might have gotten tired of walking your favorite path. Now you can venture further into the park, but be careful, no wild riding at a gallop." She warned.

"No...no...I will be careful, thank you, dear Charlotte." She added, breathless, and rushed inside to change into her riding habit which she had packed on a whim.

Lizzy sat atop a beautiful light gray dappled mare. She had fallen in love with her immediately. She had long, dark, delicately formed, slender legs and a long black mane and tail. The mare had been expertly trained and only the merest of nudging would turn her. They were currently walking at a slow pace, but Lizzy could discern by the tossing of the mare’s head that she longed to be running. She waited until she was sure that they were well out of sight of any house and when the park opened up to a sloping meadow, she gave the mare her head.

Eclipse, good horse that he was, had never been bred or trained for this, Lizzy thought, as the mare jumped yet another ditch on her race across the meadow. She floated over each obstacle and Lizzy almost lost her balance only once, on the first jump over a fallen tree. She was so used to Eclipse’s jerky movements that she tensed and leaned forward too soon. In her excitement it was much later that she realized she had dropped her crop.

She paused at last and found a relaxing spot at the crest of a low hill under the shelter of a massive, lone oak tree. She could see for miles from this slight rise, and dismounted to give the mare a rest. She tied the reins to a branch and knelt on the soft, spring grass, her back against the rough bark of the tree. A cool breeze lifted the curls from her neck and caused her to shiver, but she was not cold, only blissfully delighted to be outside and unaccompanied.

She watched the mare tear at the tender grass, and marveled at her coloring. She reminded Lizzy of the moon, pale gray at the center and subtly growing dark with her black mane, tail, and legs. She would have to think of a name for her. She wished she could take her home to Longbourn, but she knew that would not be possible. Lizzy sighed and silently thanked Charlotte for her wonderful outing.

 

 

A few days later it had been announced by a nervous Mr. Collins that Mr. Darcy and his cousin had arrived at Rosings, and the next afternoon, the gentlemen were visitors at the parsonage. Another week had passed and the company from the rectory had been guests at Rosings. Elizabeth had come to enjoy the attention of Colonel Fitzwilliam, although of his cousin she had seen very little. No doubt he spent his days with his intended. She grinned at the thought of the dour Mr. Darcy and the pale, sickly Miss De Bourgh.

Easter evening had been spent at Rosings and she had been induced to play the piano forte, although she was scrutinized as usual by Mr. Darcy. Not as handsome as his tall, dark cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam was more charming than ever, and while she enjoyed his fellowship immensely she only felt a comradeship with him in their mutual but silent aversion to the company. She enjoyed his teasing of Mr. Darcy, and even though she joined in, she still felt restive under Mr. Darcy's constant gaze.

Feeling emboldened by Colonel Fitzwilliam's genial presence on the bench next to her, she had spoken to Mr. Darcy about his behavior at Meryton the night they had first been introduced. She remembered that conversation now as she walked slowly down the path through the open grove, her favorite. He had admitted to being reserved in the company of strangers and found it difficult to speak to them. She smiled at the answer she had given him, but he had consented with her and even complimented her. She reached out and pulled a leafy young branch from a bush and began stripping each tender leaf as she walked watching it flutter to the ground before stepping over it.

She glanced up and turned when she heard a rustling in the trees behind her to find Mr. Darcy riding through the underbrush onto the path. He bowed his head and smiled at her surprised countenance, then urged his horse forward to meet her.

"Miss Bennet it is a surprise to find you here."

"Yes Mr. Darcy, likewise." She curtsied then reached out and patted the nose of the dark bay. "This is not your horse you rode last autumn."

"No, he is from my aunt's stables. It was too far of a journey and the weather too unpredictable this time of year to bring Cannon." He sat easily on the big horse not looking at her, but instead gazing off at the open park that lay a short distance from where they stood. He cleared his throat. "Have you been riding during your visit, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth was startled. She did not wish to reveal her outing on the beautiful gray mare to Mr. Darcy, especially that he might inform his aunt and cause Charlotte distress. She was unsure but thought that Charlotte might have arranged the rides confidentially to please her. "If the opportunity to ride were presented, I undoubtedly would." Then she inwardly winced at what she had said. He will think I am asking him for a horse.

"Then perhaps Fitzwilliam and I can escort you and your friends on an excursion one day. You should enjoy yourself on your holiday here with your friends, and especially with the fine spring weather we are having."

It was not a question, but a statement. She nodded and he bowed his head again, made his goodbye, and turned his horse to ride away. She watched the beautiful animal as he cantered, long tail whisking in the mottled sunlight, and thought with trepidation any diversion would be better than another day spent at Rosings.

Darcy had been assessing one of the new horses that he was looking for to purchase, and had taken him through the forest to see how he would react during a hunt in dense undergrowth. He had been surprised to emerge from the trees almost on top of Elizabeth. As he cantered away he smiled to himself, so that had been her he had seen the day he and Fitzwilliam had arrived at Rosings.

Staring out the carriage window not relishing the end of their short journey from London, Darcy had seen a rider in an open meadow through the trees. It was obviously a woman in a dark green habit on a light horse. She had swiftly come into view and within a few moments just as swiftly disappeared, but he had briefly glimpsed her face. He was relieved that Fitzwilliam had not noticed her. He had thought at first he was imagining the glimpse, but upon discovering Elizabeth at Hunsford, found himself immensely pleased.

Why did she not admit to riding? he thought, perchance because she was alone and did not want to seem impudent. He remembered her wild ride that had caused their collision and smiled. No, she most likely preferred to ride alone where she could do as she pleased. He imagined it was difficult to find a riding partner in the company presently at the rectory, and frowned remembering the little man that fawned incessantly over his aunt. He had discovered that Elizabeth walked almost every day, undoubtedly to be away from that man. At least she remained within the confines of Rosings Park where her custom could be safely indulged.

He had surprised even himself by asking to accompany her on an outing in the future. He would ask Fitzwilliam for any notion he might have on where they might visit, but to be in her presence even with others would be most pleasing. He only hoped she would feel the same. There were times when he noticed contention in her look, but never indifference. She was, it seemed, at all times wary of him and capable of acerbic wit, but might this be her comport to incite him? Thinking of their repartee he laughed aloud and startled his mount, who leapt to the side snorting.

He found himself riding towards that meadow where he had espied her from the carriage. Seeing the fallen tree he spurred the new horse on and was impressed with how well he cleared the large log. He circled back towards the fallen tree and dismounted to inspect the horse. He was not winded in the least, and had the barest sheen of perspiration after being ridden for almost two hours, mostly at a fast clip. He tied the reins to a branch and stepped back to walk around the stallion as he mouthed his bit and watched Darcy, shaking his head in impatience to be free.

It seemed as if fate had stepped to his side bringing Elizabeth to Hunsford at just the same time as he visited. Darcy smiled, Georgiana was improved and the weather was beautiful this time of year. Thoughts that he had buried last autumn went through his concerned mind, but any restive speculations were buried with a rush of happiness at knowing she was here. Now, it seemed he had a purpose and what was more important, the ability to achieve what he desired.

 

 

Lizzy sighed, and nudged the mare, her thoughts slowly dissipating as she rode slowly down the lane towards what she had come to think of as her hidden meadow. Of all the happenings, two days ago Mr. Darcy had appeared at the parsonage alone, while she was alone. He had spoken of Netherfield, Mr. Bingley, and they had had the strangest conversation about traveling. He had been his usual distant self, then almost friendly for a sentence or two, before returning to his reserved demeanor. Upon his leaving Charlotte had declared that he loved her, for there must not seem to be any other reason for his visit. After describing his behavior, they concluded he must have only been bored by Rosings.

Then she had unexpectedly met him on the path the day before, and he had declared that she and the others would attend an outing with him and his cousin. Was there no end to his arrogance? Lizzy shook her head, this ride today was exactly what she needed to forget her contemplations of Mr. Darcy.

As she neared the meadow, she gave in to the mare's want of speed and rode faster, anticipating the jumps. As before she cleanly took each one and Lizzy rode effortlessly. She repeated the process twice more before slowing the heaving mare, who shook her fine head making her mane dance in the wind, letting Lizzy know that she could continue. "No, you will get tired, and what if you were hurt? How would Charlotte explain that, my pretty? No let's go to the top of the hill and sit in the shade. I brought a flask of water."

She turned the mare and walked her slowly up the gentle incline to their previous place. Once there she dismounted and removing her gloves, poured some of the water in her palm that the mare might drink. Lizzy laughed as she noisily lipped at the water, then halted suddenly, her ears pricked forward. The mare nickered softly towards the tree behind Lizzy, causing her to glance over her shoulder. She slowly let her hand drop and the cool water flowed through her fingers to the ground.

"Miss Bennet."

 

 

This story is written by Cristal, and she owns full © copyrights to it.

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