Page 34 of What Change Entails

She appeared utterly dismayed. “But surely that is too fatiguing for her.”

Georgiana’s hand moved upon the arm of her chair, but she answered before Darcy could. “I should like to ride.”

Miss Bingley stared at her.

Bingley responded to them from the window with a pleased expression. “Excellent! I daresay the air will do you both good.”

“But Georgiana,” Miss Bingley pressed, recovering enough to make her tone affectionate, “you must consider whether such exertion is wise. You are not accustomed to long journeys on horseback.”

Georgiana’s fingers tightened once, then relaxed. “My brother says we may stop when I require it.”

Darcy peered at his sister. She did not look at him for rescue.

Good.

Miss Bingley’s smile thinned. “Of course, if Mr. Darcy has determined it, I have nothing to say.”

Hurst muttered without opening his eyes, “First sensible thing anyone has said all morning.”

Louisa gave him a sharp look.

Bingley cajoled her. “Come, Caroline, we shall follow tomorrow and arrive in comfort. Darcy will have all his troublesome business settled and be ready to entertain us.”

“That is exactly the purpose,” Darcy said. “I wish to give my guests my undivided attention during their stay.”

Miss Bingley’s expression smoothed at that, perhaps finding in the statement some satisfaction for herself. “How very considerate.”

Darcy did not correct her.

Georgiana met his gaze, amusement brightening her eyes.

An hour later, they departed. The inn yard was damp but busy, the air full of harness sounds, shouted instructions, and the smell of horses. Darcy mounted first, then waited while the groom brought Georgiana’s mare. She accepted assistance into the saddle with a little stiffness, settled her skirts, and gathered the reins.

Miss Bingley stood beneath the inn doorway with her shawl drawn close around her shoulders. “Do take care, dear Georgiana. Do not let your brother persuade you into too swift a pace.”

Georgiana inclined her head from the saddle. “I shall take care.”

Darcy adjusted his gloves and addressed Bingley. “We shall expect you tomorrow.”

Bingley raised one hand in farewell. “Do not let Harding bury you in accounts before we arrive.”

“I shall attempt survival.”

Hurst, from somewhere inside the doorway, called, “Tell your cook to expect hungry men.”

Mrs. Hurst sighed audibly.

Darcy directed his horse toward the road, and Georgiana followed.

For the first mile they rode at an easy pace through country still shining from rain. The clouds moved in torn white patches overhead, leaving sunlight to break unexpectedly across fields and hedgerows. Georgiana sat a little stiffly at first, but her seat improved as the road opened before them.

Darcy kept his horse beside hers.

At length, she spoke to him. “This is much better than the carriage.”

“I thought it might be.”

His sister wrinkled her nose. “The carriage smells of Miss Bingley’s scent.”