Page 52 of The Heir and Spare
“Have you seen it?”
“I have. I like it better than Pemberley, though we aren’t supposed to have favorites.”
“I think we can have favorites, why not?”
He shrugged.
The stablemaster called out, “Heath!”
He bowed and scrambled back to the horses.
She turned in a circle, breathing in the delicious smells of the barn. Arthur was going to meet her there. She wanted to bring the dog with them.
Lizzie felt him before she saw him, the hair on her arms flirting delightfully with the breeze and standing up in expectation. “My maid didn’t know we were meeting here.” She turned.
“Oh?” His eyes lit in appreciation as he saw her. “Did we manage to keep something from her?”
“We did.”
He smiled and reached for her hand. “You are so beautiful. This dress suits you.”
“Georgiana is so kind to share.”
“I think she’d give you half her clothes. It’s part of the fun of having a sis—another woman in the house.” His face colored in an adorable pink, and she let his almost slip go without comment. But a thrill rushed through her.
“I can’t express how happy I am to be out of the house. I cannot wait for this outing, to feel the beautiful breeze, to see the countryside, and to experience your home.” She swallowed back a bit of emotion. “I can’t think of a time I’ve been more excited.”
He pulled her close and then into an embrace. “I want nothing more than to share it all with you. Shall we?”
She nodded against him. “Can we keep the window shades open?”
He grinned. “Of course.”
“And let Mangy ride with us?”
“I had them bathe him just for this moment.”
“Perfect.” She linked their fingers, and as their hands swayed between them, they made their way out the barn doors to the carriage.
As the doors opened, more than just the carriage awaited. Her parents; all her sisters; the Lucases—even Charlotte and Mr. Collins; and a sour-faced woman who must be Lady Catherine greeted her. The carriage was covered in spring flowers of all kinds making their first appearance—many from her beautiful Longbourne, some from Pemberley, and some from other exotic places. It smelled of a beautiful garden.
She clasped her hands together. “This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” She hurried to hug her mother and father who kissed her head.
“I’m so grateful you are well.” The tears in his eyes warmed her heart.
“Thank you, Papa.”
Jane ran to her then, with Mr. Bingley in tow. “We have something to announce later.”
“Then today will be the happiest I can possibly imagine.”
Jane’s eyes filled with tears. “For me as well.” She kissed Lizzie’s cheek.
Mary hugged her tight. And close behind Mary stood Mr. Miller, the vicar from the house party. “Now that’s a man I am very pleased to see.” And behind him, Lord Shackley.
Lizzie laughed. “Oh, I’m so pleased to see you!”
He nodded. “As am I to see you.”
