Page 21 of Colour My World
“You are your father.”
* * *
Steam drifted from the washbasin. A bloodied towel lay on the sideboard.
Barty pressed a clean cloth to the cut at Darcy’s neck. “Hold still, sir.”
Darcy did not flinch. He sat bare-chested, knuckles pale against his thighs.
“I had two points,” he muttered. “Two.”
Barty said nothing.
Darcy blinked slowly as if waking from a dream. “What good is it? All of it. Discipline, balance, form if a common brawler can bring me low in a single breath?”
“A common brawler, sir?”
Darcy glanced sideways at his man.
“Mayhap not so common.”
Barty pressed the towel again, firmer this time. “Shall I record that in your gentleman’s book or your ledger of regrets?”
PART TWO
The Past
Elizabeth
1806
Chapter 6
Hertfordshire, September 1806
The late afternoon sun bathed the fields in a golden glow, its warmth tempered by gentle breezes that blew through the trees. Two sisters, side by side, guided their mounts at a leisurely pace as they enjoyed their daily outing. The countryside stretched before them, inviting adventure.
“Why must you wear that dreadful outfit?” Jane asked in faux exasperation. Seated primly on her side saddle atop Rosalind, seventeen-year-old Miss Jane Bennet was the picture of propriety. “If Mama sees you in a split skirt—”
“Mama is not here, is she?” Elizabeth interrupted. “Besides, astride is the only logical way to ride. You ought to try it.”
“Certainly not,” Jane replied. “I prefer to ride like a lady.” She shook her head. “You were not always so bold.”
“Oh, but where is the fun in being proper?” laughed fifteen-year-old Elizabeth. “Do you not remember last summer at the ocean? You admired the view while I raced the waves.”
Jane looked off to the horizon. “The ocean was beautiful, a painting come to life. Your antics, however, had Mama deep in her salts.”
“You know I am never happier than with when given a proper test. Like the ocean waves, look at these fields and skies. I cannot resist the urge to fly!”
“You are incorrigible.”
“The fence calls to me, Jane. How can I say no?”
“Lizzy, no!” Jane replied sharply. “That is reckless. Let us stay on this charming path.”
But Elizabeth had fixed on the obstacle in the distance. “You are just afraid I shall beat you to it!”
“Lizzy, be prudent!” Jane pleaded. “Do not repeat last month’s—”
