{"id":3117,"date":"2021-12-17T13:12:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T18:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=3117"},"modified":"2021-12-17T13:12:24","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T18:12:24","slug":"chapter-8-the-trouble-with-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/the-trouble-with-horses\/chapter-8-the-trouble-with-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 8 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 8 - 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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\u201cAunt, you must listen to me. There is something about Mr. Wickham that does not ring true.\u201d Elizabeth tried again to talk her way out of attending the Royal Exhibit with no success.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI am not saying I do not agree with you, but the invitation is already set. Mr. Wickham will come to call today, and both of you will be escorted. This is how it is done.\u201d Madeline Gardiner rubbed her temples as she worked her jaw to relieve the pressure in her head. There were only a few times in her life when she endured these mind-numbing headaches.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI humbly pray that your pain eases, Aunt. I know you were also looking forward to the antiquities.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Gardiner gripped the hand of Mary Bennet and gave the girl a weak smile. Patting her hand, she let it go and breathed through her nose as another wave of pain washed over her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThe apothecary is on his way, darling.\u201d Edward Gardiner strolled into the bedchamber he shared with his wife and took Mary’s place at her side. He couldn’t help smiling wistfully as, while he hated to see his wife in pain, he knew this would pass and hopefully be the beginning of great news.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Watching the window, Elizabeth knew as much about her aunt’s headaches being an early sign of pregnancy as did her uncle, but she forgot that Mary was in the dark. Smoothing her skirts, she finally worked out a plan and if her aunt wasn’t made aware of the particulars, then all the better.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMary, perhaps we should wait for Mr. Wickham in the drawing room?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Obediently, Mary followed her older sister down the stairs and raised an eyebrow as she walked to the closet to collect both of their winter coats.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAmy? Amy?\u201d Elizabeth called down the hall towards the kitchens and the maid suddenly appeared. \u201cWould you please get your things? We’re going to leave in just a few moments.\u201d Elizabeth flashed a smile to the maid to make it appear nothing was amiss.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut, but Aunt specifically told us to wait for Mr. Wickham.\u201d Mary protested as she simultaneously donned the coat Elizabeth proffered.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, she said he would call and he would escort us. Nothing says he can’t meet up with us there and escort us, if he can find us.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut, but\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Stomping her foot, Elizabeth caused Mary to quiet. \u201cTell me, do you trust Mr. Wickham?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mary chewed her bottom lip and searched her heart. While she didn’t have any apprehensions about Mr. Wickham like her sister held, she did judge Elizabeth’s intuition more so than her own. Deciding to believe in her sister, Mary shrugged and resumed buttoning her coat.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Amy appeared in the hall with her outer coat donned, ready to go, surprised to see the two ladies of the home already dressed. Elizabeth saw her and nodded.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cRight, let’s go, we’ll hire a cab at the corner.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

No sooner had Elizabeth opened the front door for the ladies to exit than there stood Mr. Wickham with a bouquet of flowers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMy, how punctual you Bennet ladies are!\u201d he mused, handing the flowers to Miss Elizabeth with a debonair smile.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth accepted the flowers and dismissively handed them back to Mary, who handed them to Amy, who looked around unsure what to do with them before finally running them back to the kitchens to return with them in a vase.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Standing there waiting for the maid was unseemly, so Elizabeth had no choice but to step back and allow Mr. Wickham to enter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Her uncle came down the stairs at the sound of visitors and greeted Mr. Wickham.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAre you sure you do not wish to go with us Uncle Gardiner, even if just for a short while?\u201d Elizabeth asked again, as she looked to Wickham. The man smiled at her with empty eyes and it set her teeth on edge.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, ladies, with your aunt indisposed, I really must wait for the apothecary.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh, I’m sorry to her Mrs. Gardiner is ill. I hope it’s nothing serious,\u201d Wickham said.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Taking out his pocket watch, Edward Gardiner dismissed the notion that his wife was seriously ill, and then replaced it in his vest pocket.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cPerhaps we should remain here as well. To make sure all is well for Aunt Gardiner. I could hardly enjoy the ancient artwork and sculpture knowing Aunt suffers.\u201d Elizabeth began to take her coat off and caught her uncle’s frown.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Edward Gardiner had known Elizabeth Bennet since she was eight years old, in the last twelve years he had never known her to once playmissish about an adventure out in town. Clearly there was something amiss, but he wasn’t sure if it was the result of a broken heart or something more sinister at work. He eyed the gentleman to escort his nieces more carefully, but didn’t see anything to worry him.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, no girls. You go ahead, you are already dressed. Ah, here’s Amy now. Please have fun and I expect a full report when you return.\u201d Edward Gardiner smiled and watched as the young people entered the carriage hired by Mr. Wickham. Satisfied they would be safe, he closed the front door and hummed to himself, distracted again by the thought of a third pitter patter of little feet hopefully to join the family within the next year.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

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

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

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

\u201cAre you certain they are to visit the exhibit today?\u201d Darcy was impatient, having walked up and down the exhibition hall no less than ten times in the hour he and his cousin had been waiting. Hurrying to London on Saturday morning after the ball, his body ached from the abuse it had suffered of staying up all night and then riding all day in a saddle with but only one day of rest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, Darcy, now will you cease your pacing? Lord man, it’s a good thing you were a first born son. The army has a saying of hurry up and wait, to accompany the Navy’s standby to standby.\u201d Richard gave a hollow laugh as he tapped his rolled up program of the exhibit in his hand, keeping the steady beat of a most practiced drill master.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, but\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cSsssh, I see them.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Startled, Darcy immediately turned around and his shoulders tensed. It took a moment before he realized his cousin had not done the same. \u201cRichard,\u201d he hissed. \u201cRichard!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

With no answer, Darcy turned around and saw no one except a throng of people he neither recognized or of those he did, no one he wished to pay consequence to at this moment in time. By this time of year, most of the fashionable set had deserted London and all that remained were the desperately seeking status set. \u201cWhere are they, I do not see Miss Elizabeth.\u201d He strained his neck for an extra inch on his six-foot frame and craned around to inspect the groups around him.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Managing to not laugh at Darcy’s impression of a giraffe, Richard couldn’t hide his smirk as he pretended he had made a mistake.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Realizing his cousin had made a sport of him, Darcy’s nervousness turned into aggravation. Thanks to their squabble, Darcy was completely unprepared to see Miss Elizabeth walk into the exhibit at that very moment, with the sparkle of spirit in her eyes that he had seen that first morning waking up in her home, with her hand on the arm of no other than George Wickham.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWickham!\u201d Darcy growled and Richard immediately tensed beside him. Their plan required immediate changes as the two men intended to nonchalantly run into the ladies at the exhibit, invite them for hot chocolate in the small cafe next door where they would be joined by Georgiana and her companion as they had just finished some holiday shopping.<\/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 8 (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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\u201cDarcy, go warn Georgiana off.\u201d Richard said as Darcy began to walk towards Miss Elizabeth and their oldest foe. His words failing to register, Richard stepped in front of Darcy and while he wasn’t taller, he was decidedly broader than his cousin. \u201cYou must warn Georgiana.\u201d He punctuated each syllable to get Darcy’s attention.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Finally understanding, Darcy moved to find the exit at the other end so he could double back around the block and get a message to his sister. But not before giving one last edict to his cousin.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWatch them. Watch her.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

With Darcy on his way, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam followed at a leisurely pace to both calm his own temper and to observe the situation. He certainly didn’t wish to cause a scene in such a public place, nor risk the reputations of the Bennet sisters in such mixed company.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

It was Mary who noticed the Colonel first. After making eye contact with him her face immediately brightened. She began to vigorously nod her head, but he motioned for her to be still and to not let his presence be known. Quickly, she deflected her eyes to the floor, afraid to give away his position.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The Colonel chuckled in his mind at the tactical prowess of Miss Mary Bennet. He pretended to scrutinize a cracked vase with athletic etchings on the side that was missing a good half, though the missing half was turned away from the public. Near enough now to hear their discourse, his ears pricked up as he started to notice distress in Miss Elizabeth’s voice.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cPlease, Mr. Wickham. We are moving rather quickly through the exhibit. I’d like to read a few of the placards.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat are museums and ancient pottery to the thrills and delights of London? Come, let’s finish up here and I’ll take you to a real place of fun. You’ll love it, I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth tried to pull her arm away but Mr. Wickham held onto it tightly. The throngs of people around them began to grow thicker as the fashionable time of day was upon them and as Elizabeth looked behind her, she didn’t see Mary or Amy. Still Wickham continued to pull her arm and walk with such passion, they were nearing the end of the exhibit much too quickly for Elizabeth’s tastes.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Again she bucked against him and tried to stop their progress.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMr. Wickham, please! We’ve lost Mary and Amy!\u201d Elizabeth struggled as politely as she could to avoid making a scene. The entire situation was quickly becoming a mess.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Wickham was no fool. He had seen Colonel Fitzwilliam in the crowd behind him as he was much more practiced at faking emotions that he did not actually feel. He could keep a smile in place and scan a room for marks without any person being the wiser. He had but moments to get Miss Elizabeth out of the exhibit or else his plan would be lost.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

As they reached the exit, Elizabeth was now no longer angry about causing a scene and instead was most fearful for her safety. Furtively she looked over her shoulder and she could finally see Mary bobbing her head above the crowds of people behind her. But what could Mary do?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The sudden cold of London’s streets in early December made Elizabeth respond by taking in a sharp breath.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWickham!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOho, Darcy! Here to claim your mistress?\u201d Wickham tightened his grip on Elizabeth to the point that it was hurting her arm. She naturally struggled against him which only made Wickham grip harder. He pulled Elizabeth to him and kissed her hard against the mouth as she rightly screamed in protest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Three things happened at once as Wickham was suddenly tackled from behind, making him let go of Elizabeth and Darcy’s quick reflexes caught the woman of his heart. Not seeing his attacker, Wickham flailed his arms and connected his fist to the face of no other than Mary Bennet.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMiss Mary!\u201d Colonel Fitzwilliam managed to just exit the exhibit to rush to Mary’s side as she collapsed to the ground.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Seeing others begin to notice, Wickham tried to escape from his situation as two very burly men who had just witnessed him hit such a diminutive woman blocked his path.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHold him! He’s a deserter of His Majesty’s Army!\u201d Darcy called out, still refusing to let go of Elizabeth in his arms.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cCome, come, you know that’s not true, Darcy. I’m on an errand, I have leave.\u201d Wickham began to plead his excuses to the two unknown men who looked very happy to inflict some pain upon the gentleman.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cFrom Captain Carter?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Wickham’s face fell. \u201cHow did you, how do you know that?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy smiled, finally catching Wickham in one of his own traps. \u201cBet he was such a great bloke he said not to worry about annoying Colonel Forster with the bothersome paperwork? That he’d vouch for you, no worries about being missed?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Wickham’s mouth flapped up and down, but no sound came out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Colonel Fitzwilliam had managed to rouse Mary from the ground, and offered her his steady arm. Judging her injuries to be minor, still the poor woman would have a monstrous bruise on her cheek come morning.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat do they teach you ladies in Meryton?\u201d he asked, gently touching just below her injury. Despite her fazed appearance, the Colonel was certain her face was smarting most uncomfortably, and it would hurt doubly so if they didn’t get her home for the proper attentions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDarcy, leave the scoundrel to me and see these ladies home!\u201d The Colonel raised his eyebrow at his cousin until Darcy understood that Mary needed medical attention. With the assistance of the two bystanders, the Colonel began walking Wickham away from the exhibit and towards Army headquarters that lay not two blocks to the south. Regardless of whether what Darcy said was completely true or not, though he was fairly confident his cousin had finally tricked the trickster, Richard was sure there would be other charges against Wickham from debts of honor with men of lower rank. The man never could pass up a card table. And if not, he would have him held in the brig until he could find relations of any number of the women he’d ruined.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy looked down at Miss Elizabeth, his Elizabeth, and realized she was still shaking in his arms. Looking back at the exit, he saw the maid that the Colonel had pointed to before he left and waved at her to come down the steps to help. Not wishing to leave the ladies so soon, he reluctantly let go of Elizabeth which seemed to jar her back to the here and now.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMary!\u201d she shouted, and rushed to her sister’s side to hold the poor woman who had come most valiantly to her defense.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI’m alright, truly.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth shook her head and pulled her into an embrace as Mary began to quietly sob. She held her there as Mr. Darcy called his carriage and as the equipage appeared, Elizabeth pulled back to gently stroke Mary’s face.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat were you thinking to lunge like that? You could have been gravely injured.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mary sniffed and looked up at her older sister before attempting a poor half smile since her face hurt so. \u201cI would have gladly offered him the other cheek as well if they hadn’t dragged him away.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

For once, Mary’s penchant for quoting the Bible made Elizabeth laugh and she gave her sister another hug as Mr. Darcy assisted her into the carriage.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

As the coach wound its way through the busy city streets, Elizabeth sneaked a glance at Mr. Darcy sitting on the bench next to the maid. His expression was dark and gloomy as he looked out the window at increasingly less fashionable areas of town.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Dozens of woeful thoughts crossed her mind as the ride was mostly silent. Her mouth still sore from where Wickham had attacked her person, though not nearly as injured as Mary’s cheek, brought back to her mind that she was utterly ruined. First the gossip at home, and now she wasn’t even a respectable woman in her aunt and uncle’s household. The grief of losing the last shred of her dignity weighed heavily and her chest began to shake with dry sobs. She adamantly refused to cry and instead hugged her arms to her chest to try to contain her emotion.<\/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 8 (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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Darcy looked over as Miss Elizabeth clearly seemed agitated and he renewed his self-flagellation for being so powerless to protect her. It was his fault that vile creature targeted her, and he was too dull to even realize what a mess he had made of her reputation. As the carriage slowed, indicating they were close to the address of her relations, Darcy was at a loss to explain how he came to escort the ladies home and why they were attacked in the first place.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Doffing his hat, he helped first Miss Elizabeth and then Miss Mary down from the carriage, now noticing the torn pieces of Miss Elizabeth’s gown and large red mark on Miss Mary’s cheek.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The door to the town home flew open as Mr. Gardiner rushed out to collect his nieces.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMy God! What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy bowed and introduced himself, first to no reaction from Mr. Gardiner and then a sudden negative reaction as the man looked as if he wanted to spit upon him. Darcy was taken aback.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou! You’re the man who has toyed with our dear Lizzie!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cPeace, Uncle.\u201d Elizabeth interjected, placing a hand on his shoulder. \u201cWhy don’t we all go in and then we can discuss today’s events. I am still a bit curious about all that has happened myself and I witnessed it firsthand!\u201d Elizabeth tried to raise everyone’s spirits as she helped poor Mary into the home.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Leaving the gentlemen downstairs, Lizzie called for another maid to help see to Mary’s care and walked her sister to their shared guestroom. Once she tucked Mary in, Elizabeth caught her appearance in the looking glass and was abhorred. The shoulder of her gown was ripped, and it would be unseemly for her to return to the gentlemen in such a state.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Pinning her hair after she removed her gown, Elizabeth pulled out her cream muslin with the apricot rosettes along the shoulder that had arrived just that morning. She had planned to wear the smart gown to the evening of opera her uncle had planned next week, but she was certain once Mr. Darcy told Uncle Gardiner about how Wickham kissed her, she’d be lucky to step two toes out of the house, let alone attend a performance. No matter what she had done, or had not done, it was always the woman’s shame to bear.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Satisfied her appearance matched her fiercest spirit within, Elizabeth gave Mary a kiss on the forehead as the maid had just helped her finish a cup of medicated tea.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Borrowed from Jane’s book of sisterly affection, Elizabeth locked eyes with Mary’s fearful ones and said in a very careful voice \u201cEverything shall be put to rights. You’ll see.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Straightening her gown just one last time, Elizabeth descended the stairs with her chin perfectly straight and her back elegantly postured. Darcy rose from his seat in the sitting room as soon as he saw her reach the landing, his breath caught in his chest at her beauty.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth smiled at Mr. Darcy, hoping to have one last kind memory of the man before she was truly certain he would be leaving her life forever more. Her smile spurred Mr. Darcy to action.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMiss Elizabeth, I cannot say how ashamed and guilt stricken I am about everything that has happened. From the gossip in Meryton to today’s attack, the fault is mine and I dearly wish I could erase it all.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth looked around, confused to not see her Uncle in the room or hall. Bewildered that she and Mr. Darcy would be left alone, he noticed her study of the situation and continued.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYour Uncle and I spoke while you tended to Miss Mary. He agreed to give me a few moments alone with you. If you please?\u201d He motioned to the sofa where she could sit with him.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Her feet moved with leaden speed as she felt unable to reconcile the situation she was in with the situation she planned to be in just moments ago. \u201cMr. Darcy, I \u2014\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI’m fearful that if I stop what I mean to say another sick twist of Fate will ruin my last chance for a happy and fulfilled life.\u201d His eyes glazed over and quickly he looked away.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou are too kind, madam, for a rogue like myself. My God, had I only known! I’ve been on my own for so long, I take it for granted that everything is under my good regulation and control, that I am a man of my own destiny. And yet Destiny was kind enough to cross my path with yours and fought my terrible judgment to ignore your beauty, and wit, and most of all pure charity to others.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Mr. Darcy had gone mad! The man was not making any sense if he was getting to the subject she thought he might.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, stop! There is nothing that can be gained from this line of conversation Mr. Darcy! I am ruined. Utterly ruined.\u201d Elizabeth stood up from the sofa and clenched her fists by her sides.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIs that your final word then?\u201d He looked blankly at her with the fire of the sun in his eyes and Elizabeth refused to yield.\u00a0For his sake<\/i>, she justified in her mind.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes. You cannot seek a future with me. Not out of kindness of my position for the acts I performed to save your life, and certainly not after what happened today.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy looked at the woman before him, so slender in frame, a full head shorter than himself and marveled at the radiance she emanated. He just wished to reach out to her, to relive those perfect moments when she sought solace in his arms.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

His memories of her face leaning over him as he had wondered where he was\u00a0 on that forest floor flooded back to him, as did the sensation of holding her hand. When he had done those things, he wasn’t completely clear of mind, but he remembered now without a doubt it was she who saved him and no other.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Agitated, Mr. Darcy walked away from her to look out the window, relying on his much practiced skill to avoid painful situations. Situations where his shyness or others’ lack of propriety damaged his confidence. Then it struck him. Words were never their strong suit, but actions spoke volumes.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMr. Darcy?\u201d her small voice called out to him but his ears couldn’t register the sentiment as a lion roared in his chest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Darcy spun around and took the two steps across the carpet to stand within inches of his beloved. Calmly, and with eyes begging to be understood, he cupped his hands and slowly raised them to her face as she met them to rest her blushing cheeks in the valley they created. She was so warm, and soft. Mr. Darcy leaned forward and gently kissed her lips with the heat of a smoldering fire that had been nursed and tended for many weeks.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Rising up on her tiptoes, Elizabeth leaned into the kiss and wound her hands around his head to pull him closer. By the time they both needed to take a breath, neither pulled away and it was his husky voice that spoke first.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cElizabeth Rose Bennet. Please, darling, don’t be as foolish as me. Say you’ll be my wife and together we will face anything.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth bit her lip prompting Darcy to lightly peck her mouth once more. \u201cAnything?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cEverything.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Smiling, she initiated her first kiss on his person with a decidedly different passion, one of incessant heat that yearned for more from the mysterious unknown. Leaving him breathless, Elizabeth uttered the one word to ease both of their sufferings.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes.\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

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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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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead on Scribd\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\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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Keep reading more by clicking below!<\/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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