{"id":3113,"date":"2021-12-17T13:12:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T18:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=3113"},"modified":"2021-12-17T13:12:24","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T18:12:24","slug":"chapter-7-the-trouble-with-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/the-trouble-with-horses\/chapter-7-the-trouble-with-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 7 The Trouble With Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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10\/25\/2017 In the summer of 2014, I learned a long-time friend and mentor had passed away months ago and I was one of the last to know because my family is military and moves. 2 friends each thought the other had told me. So when I found out, I was not only devastated to lose a woman who helped bring me to church, but I felt like I had somehow been cheated a part of my life once again by the fact that I have been a Navy dependent (child and spouse) my entire life. I was angry! I was bereft… And that channeled into what if the same thing happened to Elizabeth Bennet?\u00a0<\/p>

Out of my pain and loss came one of my favorite series to write. I am working on Book 6 as we speak.<\/p>

XOXOXO Elizabeth Ann West<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chapter 7 - The Trouble With Horses, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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No more sadness, no more moping<\/i>. That was the creed she whispered once more under her breath. Another morning of gray sky in London greeted her from the window and Elizabeth Bennet listened to her sister Mary snoring softly beside her. Gently rising, Elizabeth wore her nicest frock and promised herself that today would be exciting. Back home, her other sisters would be readying for the ball, and her aunt and uncle had wisely planned an outing to the theatre despite Mary’s complaints that she was still too fatigued from traveling to possibly attend.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Greeting her uncle at the breakfast table, Elizabeth enjoyed a cup of tea while he drank the stronger coffee that was available.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo you have any new shipments coming in?\u201d Elizabeth asked while buttering her toast. Her uncle didn’t lower the newspaper as he answered that he might. Miffed, Elizabeth looked back at her plate and didn’t see him lower a corner to wink at her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Shuffling the paper closed, Uncle Gardiner realized his brother Bennet had not been overdramatic when he described Lizzie as despondent. He took a sip of his coffee and caught his niece\u2019s eye when she finally looked up at him.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWe received a ship earlier this week, that is why I was so pressed to meet you and Mary at the inn. I am going down to my warehouses this morning if you’d like to tag along?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth eyes sparkled, and she happily nodded as her aunt entered the room. \u201cWe’ll raid the silks you have Edward when I come this afternoon to collect Lizzie and take her and Mary to the\u00a0modiste.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth began to protest that she and Mary had brought plenty of dresses with them when her Aunt Gardiner gave her a quick hug around her shoulders.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDarling, of course you did, but you’re here to have a bit of fun and nothing is better than a new dress or two to wear to the exhibition and perhaps few other surprises along the way!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Delighted, Elizabeth’s eyes widened at the mention of the Royal Exhibition of antiquities from ancient Greece and Rome. She had dearly wished to see the vases and statues, but feared without a planned visit to London she would miss them before they were put away for the holiday season.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth finished her breakfast and announced she fancied a walk in the park next door before attending to the warehouses with her uncle. The two Gardiners exchanged a look and silently agreed that was a poor idea given the circumstances. Instead, Uncle Gardiner downed the rest of his coffee, kissed his wife, and announced he was ready to depart.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

In the carriage, Elizabeth watched as the London streets readied for a day of wandering wares and children quick to run any errand for a coin or two. The ride was of a short duration as her uncle purposely resided close to his warehouses though he could easily afford a more stylish neighborhood. As he opened the door and allowed Elizabeth to step in to see dozens and dozens of wooden crates before her,\u00a0her Uncle had another secret to share.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIn the far corner over there, you’ll find a number of new books recently from American shores courtesy of my tobacco dealer.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Squealing, Elizabeth wasted no time in shedding her pelisse and gloves in her Uncle’s office and donning the apron usually reserved for her aunt’s use.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Hours later, covered happily in tobacco dust and holding two precious treasures of novels by American authoress Susanna Rowson her aunt came to collect her with a most displeased look. Ordering Elizabeth to make use of the basin in Edward’s office, Elizabeth complied with thoughts about which novel she planned to read first. As she washed up, she decided on\u00a0Charlotte Temple.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Once she was done, Elizabeth joined her aunt in the cloth area of the warehouse and found herself smiling at the prettiest apricot muslin. Images of the gown with the rosettes on the shoulder immediately came to mind and she begged her aunt and uncle for a few yards of the fabric. With laughter, the two readily agreed and Mary, Elizabeth, and Madeline Gardiner carried out yards of fabric to the carriage.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Her slippers had barely brushed the cobblestones in front her aunt’s modiste when a voice called out her name.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMiss Elizabeth! Miss Elizabeth!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Cringing, Elizabeth regretted turning around as soon as she recognized the voice belonged to no other than Mr. Wickham.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Ever the perfectly performing gentleman, Wickham graciously condescended to carry all of the fabric from the carriage for the ladies after introductions were made. Before he could leave, Mr. Wickham generously complimented both her aunt and sister, though only the older woman seemed pleased by the attention.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt is a wonder to see you here in London, Mr. Wickham. Were you not anticipating Mr. Bingley’s ball tonight?\u201d Elizabeth asked, with a raised eyebrow.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cRegrettably, I was most inclined to attend the ball but a lowly soldier like myself must make his way in the world and the good impression of his superiors is the surest way. Colonel Forster had a most pressing message to headquarters and the good Captain Carter allowed me the pleasure of delivering it.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHow happy for you that missing the ball will come with its own benefits.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cForgive me, Miss Elizabeth, but you too appear to be forgoing the ball. I hope there was no painful reason for your absence?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth gasped that Mr. Wickham would bring up the gossip of Meryton, but calmed herself expertly. Today was determined to be a happy day even if she had to force every moment to be so.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

She laughed to cover her true emotions. \u201cFear not, Mr. Wickham. My sister Mary and I were planning to visit my aunt and uncle for ages.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mary took a deep breath through her nose and sensed that her sister was struggling to keep up the charade. Steeling herself for conversation she rarely deigned to engage in, she felt it was her Christian duty to be helpful.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWe are planning to visit the Royal Exhibition in a few days, and the theatre this evening. It’s unfortunate that you must hurry back to Hertfordshire, Mr. Wickham, and are unable to enjoy London.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Weekly chapter alerts, news, and other happy tidings! Join my mailing list!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf Lady Catherine had ever learned to use the Internet, she would have been a great proficient. Click here.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chapter 7 (cont'd) - The Trouble With Horses, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cIndeed, with the streets so nearly deserted, it feels like we have the whole city to ourselves!\u201d Elizabeth again chuckled and looked at Mary, beaming at the sister she had never given enough notice. She breathed easier knowing that Mary was on her side to help stymie the vicious words and lies being swapped like extra vegetables from the garden.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHow fortunate then that I am able to inform you I have a week of leave to enjoy the sights and diversions of London myself! Mrs. Gardiner, with your permission, I would be delighted to escort you and your nieces to the Royal Exhibit perhaps on Monday?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Wearily, Mrs. Gardiner thanked Mr. Wickham and gave him the direction of the home so that he may call.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Wickham bowed and smiled as he exited the shop. He couldn’t believe his luck, both to stumble across Miss Elizabeth and to hear of their plans. So perhaps he had watched the Gardiner carriage from his own horse once he learned where Darcy’s little mistress had scurried away to, but he wasn’t surprised to see the woman shopping for finer things. It would take more charm than usual, but he was determined to weasel his way in and take away the first woman he had seen Darcy pay attention to in years. After all, he owed Darcy a comeuppance.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

~~~\u2665~~~\u2665~~~<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Netherfield Park was illuminated with torches for a full mile from the drive to the grand staircase entrance and Darcy was finishing his preparations as his older cousin barged into his room.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Without so much as a word, Richard helped himself to a glass of Darcy’s personal brandy and found a comfortable seat by the fire.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cA toast! To never needing to worry about the color of my dress coat!\u201d Richard grinned devilishly as he drank more of the spirits and Darcy scowled at him in the mirror.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy fastened his cufflinks and poured himself a glass as well.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou won’t be so smart when you are sought after as the son of an earl.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cSecond son of an earl. Far too low, even for these mamas.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy shook his head. He could think of one particular mother who would have no qualms at all about throwing her daughters into the arms of an army colonel, earl’s son or not! \u201cI think you underestimate the perceived value of the military in this neighborhood.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Richard shrugged as a petite hand knocked on the door and Georgiana Darcy stood very demurely in a gown of all white. Both gentlemen stood up and bowed as she curtsied and giggled and Darcy had to catch his breath. His sister was a grown woman before him, and all he could think of was the small, knock-kneed little girl who begged him to give her ride after ride on her pony.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cGeorgie, you look splendid!\u201d Richard was the first to approach his cousin and kiss her hand.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Frowning, Darcy realized the number of militia men who would be in attendance, though not a particular one he had managed to manipulate into running an errand to London, he offered his arm to his sister.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDon’t worry Brother, I shall not dance and simply observe this evening.\u201d She tried to break through his frozen facade with a smile and was rewarded with a view of his usually disguised dimples.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI’m sorry Georgiana, this is more difficult for me than I imagined. But better a ball in the countryside for your first exposure to the marriage market than the drawing rooms of Lady Sefton.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Together, the orphaned siblings of Pemberley descended the stairs as the receiving line came to a close. Happy his cousin and sister had arrived, Darcy was able to forgo the first set with Caroline Bingley as his cousin, the second son of an earl, took precedence over himself as a lowly, though wealthy, gentleman.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy escorted Georgiana close to Miss Charlotte Lucas and made the introduction hoping to see Elizabeth nearby. As Miss Lucas conducted the heavy lifting in the conversation with Georgiana, she interrupted Darcy’s not-so-subtle inspection of the ballroom.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cShe won’t be attending tonight.\u201d Charlotte whispered as Lady Lucas had happily taken over amusement of Georgiana and introduced her other daughter Maria.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Giving Miss Lucas a furtive glance, Darcy pretended to not know who she was talking about.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMiss Elizabeth. Her father sent her to London because of the gossip swirling around about you two.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Panic-stricken, Mr. Darcy paled as he listened quietly to the horrific rumors that were circulating about him and Miss Elizabeth. He took great pride in always behaving as a gentleman and now the one woman of true wit and kindness he had ever met was a victim of society’s biting tongue. It would not do, not do at all.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Checking that his sister was in safe hands with the Lucas women who as a lowly titled family were already planning calls on Georgiana in London, Darcy offered to escort Miss Lucas to the punch bowl where he could see Mr. Bennet merrily drinking and observing his neighbors. He couldn’t very well march over to the man with the entire county watching his every move.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

As the two made their way, Mr. Darcy was stopped in his tracks by a short, greasy looking man who bowed ridiculously low and spoke with too large a volume.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMr. Darcy! May I humbly pay my deepest respects to your honorable person? Your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, my most generous and magnanimous benefactress, did beseech me to visit my cousin of the estate I shall inherit and I was most delighted to hear of the great service my cousins were able to serve you upon your most unfortunate accident.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Shaking his head at the utter nonsense this man had spouted, Mr. Darcy was on edge as he spied Mr. Bennet beginning to move away from the punch bowl.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cPardon me, I didn’t hear you name, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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WHAT A DEAL!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A kiss at the Netherfield Ball . . .<\/b><\/span><\/p>

Three Dates with Mr. Darcy<\/em> is a bundle of: An exclusive story, <\/span>Much to Conceal<\/em>, a novella that imagines what if Elizabeth confessed to Jane in London that Mr. Darcy proposed in Kent? <\/span>
<\/p>\n

A Winter Wrong,<\/em> the first novella in the Seasons of Serendipity series that imagines what if Mr. Bennet died at the very beginning of Pride and Prejudice?<\/p>\n

By Consequence of Marriage,<\/em> the first novel in the Moralities of Marriage series that wonders what if Mr. Darcy never saved his sister Georgiana from Wickham\u2019s clutches?<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Ann West\u2019s Pride and Prejudice variations have enthralled more than 100,000 readers in over 90 countries! A proud member of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction community since the mid-2000s, she hopes you will join her in being happily Darcy addicted!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chapter 7 (cont'd) - The Trouble With Horses, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cOh, forgive me, I was most negligent in my introduction. It’s Mr. Collins, sir, I am the most humble parson of your Lady Catherine.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, yes\u201d Darcy answered quickly, keeping a keen eye on Mr. Bennet as he weaved between the groups of people standing around and exited the ball room entirely. \u201cEr, Mr. Collins, have you had the pleasure of meeting Miss Lucas?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy no, I should say not–\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWonderful, I was just thinking that perhaps Miss Lucas would care to join the next set?\u201d He looked down upon her and was a little surprised to see Miss Charlotte staring back at him with utter jubilation in her eyes. Thankfully, he had measured the toadying man of his aunt with great care and his intention was carried out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI would be most humbled Miss Lucas if you would join me for a dance.\u201d Mr. Collins proudly offered with his chest puffed out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Glancing at Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins back and forth, Charlotte struggled for an answer before accepting Mr. Collins’ hand. If she didn’t accept, she would be prevented from dancing for the rest of the evening, even if she wasn’t likely to receive many partners. Perhaps Mr. Darcy would ask her to dance later.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

No longer caring who saw him, Mr. Darcy dashed out of the ballroom to look both directions for signs of Mr. Bennet. Seeing no visible indication of where the man had escaped to, for a moment he feared that perhaps Mr. Bennet returned home after seeing his daughters and wife safely delivered. Deciding he’d worry about that possibility if he couldn’t find the man in the few rooms open for the ball, Darcy started in the dining room to see if Elizabeth’s father had simply been hungry.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Only Mr. Hurst and a few men he didn’t recognize were loitering around the refreshments but seeing Mr. Hopkins talking with Sir Lucas did spark Darcy’s memory. Elizabeth loved books and he seriously doubted that she derived that love from her mother.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Sliding the heavy wooden door to the library, Darcy stepped in and found his quarry in the first overstuffed armchair with a book and a snifter of brandy in hand.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cShe’s truly gone? You sent Elizabeth away?\u201d he sputtered, allowing his panic to overcome his sensibilities.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAh, I knew you couldn’t be that large of a simpleton.\u201d Mr. Bennet smirked and put his book down.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cPardon me, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDarcy!\u201d Richard entered the library with Georgiana in tow. \u201cWhat do you mean by leaving Georgiana alone? We agreed I would dance and you would chaperone.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, sorry cousin. Not now.\u201d Darcy waved his hand, leaving Richard gobsmacked with his sister on his arm. \u201cMr. Bennet, why is Miss Elizabeth not in attendance this evening? Where is she?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Bennet wiggled his fingers in front him, positively delighted to see such a violent reaction from the man he knew his daughter to be in love with. Now he just needed to find out if the reaction was of a similar loving nature or a carnal bent. Before he could attempt to wheedle it out of the young man, his plans were thwarted by a young innocent.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy she’s in London to visit her aunt and uncle! We met her and Miss Mary at the Golden Rooster just two days ago!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy finally looked at his sister and a wave of guilt washed over him. He had indeed abandoned her at her first ever ball on a fool’s errand that could have been resolved at any time if he hadn’t let his blasted emotions take over his reasoning. For a moment, he once again began questioning the attraction and stirrings he felt for a woman of low-birth who wasn’t even in the same county.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cForgive me, Georgiana. Let us return to the ball,\u201d he said with chagrin.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh no, I think not Darcy. We’re going to get to the bottom of this once and for all.\u201d Richard and Mr. Bennet shared a pert nod in agreement. Mr. Bennet rose to find more to drink as the Colonel began the inquisition after finding Miss Darcy a seat on the nearest sofa.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cTell me about Miss Elizabeth rescuing you from your accident.\u201d The Colonel happily accepted a snifter from Mr. Bennet, noting the man did not offer the same to Darcy. This made him smile before he returned his expression to the hard lined frown of a weathered soldier.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThere’s nothing to note. She found my horse and alerted her father who I assume gathered a group of men and found me in a creek bed where I had been bitten by a snake.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Miss Darcy gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. It wasn’t too often she knew more than her brother and she squirmed with the elation over such knowledge as she looked to her cousin. He smiled and nodded, which was all the prompting she needed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh Fitzwilliam, she did so much more than that! She found your horse and led him into the woods to find you. Seeing you surrounded by snakes, she fought them off herself, actually picking up and throwing the largest one! Then she rode your horse, even though she’s frightfully afraid, all the way down the hill and found her father\u00a0searching for her and bade him to come help. And she was the one to medicate you when your fever was so violent after the apothecary had gone.\u201d Georgiana caught her breath and looked to her cousin for approval. She had done her best to justly recount the speech Miss Mary had given at the inn.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Fitzwilliam covered his face with his hands and sunk into the chair closest to him. \u201cAnd I was cruel!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNow, now, nothing is ever so broken when it’s a wound by words,\u201d said Mr. Bennet.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Reflecting on the fact that Miss Elizabeth was indeed sent to London, despite his sister’s account that it was merely a visit, and the gossip he heard himself after church, Mr. Darcy had a worse confession to make.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt might perhaps be by deed as well.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh?\u201d Mr. Bennet replied, interested again in the young man.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cSurely you did nothing to raise expectations, you never\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy held his hand up to his cousin. \u201cI am guilty. I inadvertently met Miss Elizabeth in the bookshop and paid, unrequested, for her selection.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut Brother, that was a gift!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, I was purchasing a gift for you, actually, when the shopkeeper told me it was a favorite of Elizabeth’s as well, er, Miss Elizabeth’s. Without thinking, after I could not even stutter a word to her besides apologies for bumping into her person, I paid the extra for the magazine she had in her hands.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDon’t take too much of the blame. My daughter made her own choices as well and could just as easily left the magazine behind.\u201d Mr. Bennet was thoroughly impressed at the loyalty he saw for this young man by his own sister and cousin. He had been under the impression the man had few relations after the early death of his parents, intelligence he picked up courtesy of liberal brandy application to Mr. Bingley when Mr. Darcy was first injured.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWell, I shall go pack my trunk I believe.\u201d Colonel Fitzwilliam announced, rising from his seat.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy stopped wrestling with his personal failings and looked at his cousin. \u201cWhatever for? It’s too late. I’ve ruined things with Miss Elizabeth.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed. \u201cFor being so rich, Darcy, occasionally you are the poorest man I know!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Confused, Darcy began to speak, when the Colonel stopped him. \u201cPoor in thought, that is all cousin. Now, since you have bungled this situation beyond repair, I humbly offer to repair with you to London to see if we can’t patch up your romance with your lady.\u201d He stressed each repair with a phony French accent and ended his pompous speech with a flourished bow.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Georgiana clapped her hands once, nodded her chin and rose\u00a0as well. \u201cYou have my assistance as well. It’s the least I can do to help secure your happiness after what you’ve done for me, William.\u201d Her voice became quieter and quieter as she finished the statement, but she held a strong posture to show her resolve.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWait, how are you two so certain Miss Elizabeth and I are a match?\u201d Darcy was perplexed, as he had only recently realized that she held the qualities of a fierce woman that made his own heart skip a beat every moment he was in her presence. If nothing else, the woman would protect him from the claws of society’s harpies, like Caroline Bingley.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Georgiana looked to Richard and left it to her cousin to explain. With that mischievous glint in his eye, the Colonel was happy to reveal a little more about the experience of meeting Miss Elizabeth Bennet at the last inn before London.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cShe picked a fight in an inn and won the brawl!\u201d Both Georgiana and Richard laughed as Darcy and Mr. Bennet both looked shocked.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Making a mental note to write a strongly-worded letter to his brother-in-law about the particulars of his daughters’ travels, Mr. Bennet felt the need to step in as it appeared plans were being made less and less with spoken words among the Darcy relations than he was comfortable with.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMight I interject that no one will be going to London with the express mission to court or romance my daughter without MY consent?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

All three of the strangers to Hertfordshire stared at the father of the most courageous woman of their acquaintance and they all wore the exact same frown of disappointment. The triple-mirrored expressions made Mr. Bennet lose his countenance in laughter and he doubled over from the ridiculousness of the situation before him.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Catching his breath, the father of five unmarried daughters took a last sip of brandy and clasped Mr. Darcy on the shoulder. Merriment aside, this was his daughter’s life.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAre you true in your intentions for my Elizabeth?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy nodded and cleared his throat. \u201cI would be a fool to choose any other woman than your daughter. She is an amazing creature I was too slow to appreciate, and if I can win her affection, I would spend the rest of my days to assure her comfort. Sir.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Bennet smiled and he realized that he had no need to worry that this man would only wish to bring Elizabeth into his life for the less honorable relations men of his status would expect. He reached out his hand and shook Mr. Darcy’s with vigor.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThen son, let me tell you a few ideas I have to help you get back on her good side.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The rest of the neighborhood danced the night away and eventually Mr. Darcy, his cousin, and sister returned to the ballroom. Feeling as if nothing could impact his elation over a plan to win Miss Elizabeth, with her father’s support, Mr. Darcy engaged Caroline Bingley for the supper set and listened with an ironic ear to her near-constant complaints about the family of the future Mrs. Darcy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Bennet remained in the library, sipping his brandy, and finishing a most entertaining novel about a duke and duchess arranged to marry each other yet falling in love with one another during a masqued ball, believing they were fated to marry others.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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You’ve been reading The Trouble With Horses<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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When a riderless horse interrupts Elizabeth Bennet’s daily walk, she is inspired to begin the search herself. Finding a gentleman in the ravine of a creek bed, she scares off snakes and raises the alarm to end up with the man situated at Longbourn for his recovery. Enamored with his dark curls and handsome face, her life appears to be following the fairy tale story line of a novel, that is until the proud, disdainful Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley wakes up.

A sweetheart romantic novella, The Trouble With Horses is meant to be a light read for those irreparably addicted to all things Austen. The writing style does not attempt to mimic the incomparable Jane, and the author hopes you enjoy the fun, humorous story as you would an afternoon tea.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Release Date: July 17, 2014<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

162 pages in print.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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+ 23 additional Pride & Prejudice variations are available at these fine retailers . . . <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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