Obstacles to Overcome

Chapter 1

"Thomas! Thomas!" Fanny Bennet trotted towards the stables.

"Oh, no, there she comes." Thomas Bennet rolled his eyes at his second eldest daughter. "Surely she's coming to tell us about our new neighbours, Lizzy."

Elizabeth released the mare into her stall, "I was hoping we could live in peace for a little longer but it seems that she already knows. I'm sure that Aunt Phyllis is the one who told her."

Fanny reached them and spoke in between pants. "Thomas, you'll never believe this. Do you remember I told you that someone was interested in renting Netherfield stables? Well, it seems that they finally closed the deal. And do you know who?" she didn't wait for a reply. "The Midlands Equestrian team! They will use it as training quarters. Can you believe that? Netherfield of all places! I think this would be an excellent opportunity to do business with them. Surely they will be interested in what we have to offer."

"And what do we have to offer them, Fanny?" the question was accompanied with a wink at his daughter.

"Our expertise, of course! You were a nationally ranked rider once, Lizzy is not such a bad trainer and Jane is a veterinarian. She just graduated but we know that she's good. Don't tell me that this is not a great opportunity to expand our connections. These people are professionals!"

Tack and saddles were put away in the saddle room and the three marched back to the house.

"Thomas, this is our chance to be known as the best riding school and horse training farm in Hertfordshire. We cannot let it pass! You must visit them tomorrow and invite them for dinner. We can come out with a very good deal."

"Oh, yes." Thomas said mockingly. "I'm sure we have something that might tempt them. If they are not interested in our horses, we can always offer them one of our daughters."

Fanny's face lit up. It was a brilliant idea. "You are right! Just imagine, one of our girls married to one of those top riders. We'll be known nationwide!"

Mr. Bennet looked heavenwards. Only his wife could come up with such stupidity. "Fan, don't be ridiculous. They are here to train, not to find a wife."

"Lizzy, tell him." Fanny needed an ally in her crusade. "Tell him what a wonderful opportunity it will be. You must go tomorrow to Netherfield and introduce yourself. You are an excellent horse trainer and we need the money. I am sure that they can use your help."

"Actually, they will," Elizabeth told her mother. "Jane and I are starting on Monday."

This was one of those rare moments where Fanny Bennet became speechless. Unfortunately, it didn't last long. "How is that I didn't know about this?" Her eyes immediately turned to her husband, but he only smiled in self satisfaction. "I am sure that you have something to do with this. But, when did this happen? I didn't hear you girls say you were going to an interview."

"Dr. Lucas arranged a meeting with Col. Forster, the coach of the Midlands team, and he hired us." said Elizabeth as they entered the house. "Jane will assist him and I will help with the conditioning and grooming."

"Conditioning? Grooming?" Fanny's voice climbed an octave, "you are one of the best trainers in the region, you are not going to groom other people's horses. I did not raise you to be the stable boy, not even for the Olympic team!"

"Mother, I'm starting on Monday with or without your consent." Elizabeth removed her riding boots and headed towards the kitchen.

~ * ~

Longbourn Stables was a small farm near Meryton, a small town in Hertfordshire, that had been dedicated to training horses for sport for more than 20 years. The owner, Thomas Bennet, once a reputed show jumper, retired from the arena after a fall that injured his back 10 years ago and with no other expertise than horse riding and training, the only thing he could do once his professional career was over was to work on the only think he knew well: he founded a riding school and began training horses professionally.

The Bennet's life was typical of middle-class rural families. The income of the farm depended on the season and the expenses were many. The school was quite profitable during the summer months but the activity diminished significantly during the colder season. During the winter, to balance their economy, the family housed and trained horses. That, plus some few additional pounds they could obtain with temporary jobs helped them to overcome the winter but horses aren't cheap to maintain, especially when in competition, so in more than one occasion they found themselves in serious economic trouble.

But there was another major reason for their financial highs and lows, one that was had given them many problems in the past and one that was still putting off balance their stability in occasions. Mr. Bennet was not only a lover of equestrians sports because he liked horses, he also liked to bet on them, quite abundantly, and this tendency not only sent the farm into the brink of bankruptcy on several occasions but was an experience that marked his daughters for the rest of their lives.

Yet, the family was still united, despite the occasional inconveniences that Mr. Bennet's weakness put them through. Jane, the eldest, just graduated as a veterinarian and helped him with the health of the horses whenever her work at the race course allowed her the time to do it. In charge of the riding and training was the second eldest, Elizabeth, a very skilled rider, who also helped her father with the school. The younger daughters did not have the inclination the other two had so, even though they helped their mother with the household duties, their participation in the other farm's activities were scarce. Mary, about to turn 20, worked in one of Meryton's grocery stores and Kitty, 16 years old, was thinking what to do with her life.

The best equine prospect of the farm was Liddy, a lively chestnut mare that they acquired with a tremendous economic effort that Elizabeth was training her to compete at the National level. This spirited young mare was the joy and pain of the family. She was as gifted as a jumper as she was beautiful but so rebellious and ill tempered that training her was almost impossible. But if there was something that could be said about the stubbornness was a Bennet trait; so with perseverance and a great deal of patience, Elizabeth was transforming this headstrong animal into a real champion.

For Elizabeth, working with the Midlands team was a great opportunity. She would never be able to afford the schools or the horses to compete at that level, so this was a great chance to learn the best riding techniques and vet practices for that sport. So despite Mrs. Bennet's objections on what her daughter could or could not do while working at Netherfield, off went Elizabeth on Monday to start her new job.

~ * ~

The first day of work at Netherfield turned out to be far busier than the girls had thought. Neither riders nor horses were there yet, they were expected on the following day, so Elizabeth, Jane and Charlotte spent most of the day conditioning the facilities for the arrival of the team. Stalls were cleaned, equipment unpacked and hurdles positioned. The Midlands were a highly reputed team, four of the top riders in the country, some of them world ranked, as were the horses they were mounting. Everything had to be in perfect condition so there would be no accidents during the training. The arena was trimmed carefully, all pebbles removed and each one of the stalls checked out so there would not be lose nails or splinters. An injury to one of those super expensive horses could delay the training for months.

"Wow. I've never seen one of these so close." Elizabeth ran her hand over the shiny leather of the Parkers saddle. These were the best. Parkers had been manufacturing saddles for Royalty and the Olympic teams since 1851.

"A Toptani." said Charlotte, her eyebrows arched up in amazement. "And not the regular one, this is a limited edition. How much do you think it costs?"

"The last time I checked Parkers website the Toptani was priced nearly 900 pounds. But I'm sure that this one is far more expensive. Whose do you think it is?"

Charlotte looked around and found a 'WD' engraved in the slap. She showed it to Elizabeth and they both said in unison, "William Darcy's."

Elizabeth read once more the list of pairings that were arriving that morning.

Louisa Hurst / Papillion
Charles Bingley / Sonata
William Darcy / Tuareg
Ted Hurst / Gin Tonic

"Still trying to memorize the names of the members of the team?" Charlotte Lucas peered over Elizabeth's shoulder.

"It's impossible not to know them, these are some of the best riders in the country."

"I didn't know that Darcy was competing professionally again. It's been a year since he last stepped the arena, but from what I've heard he is back with a fabulous horse. If he makes a good campaign this year, he is a sure candidate for the Olympic team." Charlotte leaned on the fence of the central pen. "He is one of the best riders I've ever seen."

"I have only seen him in pictures and once on TV a couple of years ago. At Wembley, if I'm not wrong. He was riding a mare." said Elizabeth, her eyes on the large trailer that was now entering the property. Written in blue over the immaculate white side of the trailer, she read 'Pemberley Stables'.

"Miss D. He retired her after she got ill in Devonshire." The truck parked near the stables.

"I liked his style. Very solid." Elizabeth saw two men open the trailer and descend the horses. "Look at that!" she gasped.

"Gorgeous." Charlotte muttered.

"I've never seen anything so beautiful. That's what I call tall and dark perfection." Elizabeth stared, mouth open.

"Indeed." Charlotte's eyes were twinkling.

"And look how he walks. He oozes class from every pore."

"Yummy." Miss Lucas licked her lips.

"And those hindquarters, just perfect." Elizabeth continued, spellbound by the sight.

"Absolutely, the man has the best butt I have ever seen."

"What man?"

"William Darcy, of course!" Charlotte pointed at him.

"I was talking about the horse!" Elizabeth laughed.

Charlotte laughed too. "You are the only woman I know that can focus her eyes on a horse when England's hottest horseman is standing in front of you."

Elizabeth jumped off the fence and walked in the direction of the new comers. "Horses are more reliable and a far better sight than men."

"You say that because you've never had a good man to look at. I bet that this one will make you change your mind."

"Never!"

~ * ~

When the girls reached the newcomers, Dr. Lucas was making a quick inspection of the horses. Darcy was holding the big black gelding and the man that Elizabeth recognized as Charles Bingley -the smiling face on the cover of last month's Equiworld magazine- was trying to calm his almond coloured mare.

"Oh, girls," said Dr. Lucas, "here you are. Allow me to introduce you to two of the riders that you will be working with. William Darcy and Charles Bingley, top riders of the Midlands team. Gentlemen," he then pointed at each girl, "this is Elizabeth Bennet and my daughter, Charlotte. They have been working with horses practically since they were born so not only will you have very skilled assistants but very pretty, too. And that's Jane over there -go get her, Lizzy. She's a vet and she will assist me with the health of the horses."

Elizabeth came back with Jane and Charles Bingley came forward to shake Jane's hand. His jittery mare pulled him back when he had just secured her hand so he brought her forward to him. They blushed and smiled at the misstep.

"I will take her to her stall," Charlotte offered Charles, still smiling at the clumsy greeting. "should I unwrap her legs?"

"Yes, please." He gave her the mare.

"And this is Tuareg, right?" Elizabeth asked William Darcy while extending her hand to take the horse. "He's beautiful."

Darcy eyed her up and down before handing her the horse.

"I'll remove his travelling boots and ..." As she spoke, Mr. Darcy turned towards the colonel and Dr. Lucas, ignoring her completely.

Shrugging her shoulders at his rudeness, Elizabeth headed towards the stables where Jane and Charlotte were 'undressing' Sonata. As she walked, she heard William Darcy saying,

"Are you sure she knows how to take care of him?"

"Relax, William, the horse will be fine. Elizabeth knows what she's doing." Col. Forster replied.

"Pretty girls, don't you think Darcy?" Charles commented, his eyes fixed on Jane. "I have the feeling that our stay here will be much more enjoyable than I had imagined."

"Come on, Charles," Darcy protested, "we I didn't come to this place to party around with second class riders. I would appreciate it if you focus on our reason to be here."

Unfortunately for Darcy, he said this loud enough to be heard from the stables, where Elizabeth was removing Tuareg's travelling outfit. So the idiot considered her a second class rider? Who the hell did he think he was? But Elizabeth, though temperamental, liked to find humour in almost every circumstance, even when it was a direct insult to her person. She hurried her pace top reach Charlotte and Jane. After acquainting her with Darcy's words, the three girls exploded in laughter.

Darcy looked at the group of girls as they giggled. He then caught Charlotte's 'He didn't! What an arse!' alluding to his previous comment.

They had heard him.

~ * ~

Though she was aching to work with one the best horses she had ever laid her eyes on, Elizabeth was denied the pleasure of being close to the outstanding and extraordinary beautiful Tuareg that morning. England's hottest horseman (according to Charlotte) exercised his horse. He also groomed him, brushed him, gave him water and fed him so Elizabeth was beginning to question why he had hired her if he was not going to allow her to touch his horse. She brushed Sonata, which was also fabulous, but there was something about Tuareg that made it impossible to take her eyes off him.

After noon, horses were taken to circular pen. It was a soft practice, no pressure, just a comfortable trot so the animals could stretch their legs after the long trip. Charlotte moved Sonata while Elizabeth watched Darcy exercising Tuareg.

Elizabeth had never seen a horse so well trained and yet so spontaneous. Tuareg was everything Elizabeth liked in a horse: dark, strong, beautifully outlined, docile, and she sensed that he was a very potent and courageous jumper. The gelding responded perfectly to voice commands, no pulls or whips were needed to make him change his speed and while this was just an exercise, the horse was still enjoying it. Usually, over-trained horses became bored quickly but this one seemed to enjoy every moment of it. When Darcy considered that the horse had worked enough, he stopped him and walked towards him. Tuareg met him half-way, ears attentive to his master and sniffed Darcy's face and chest, searching for something.

The horse was rewarded with a few slices of carrot and a enthusiastic pat on his neck. His owner then took him to his stall, brushed him and fed him. When Darcy left, Elizabeth leaned her arms on the lower door.

"Come here, boy." Elizabeth called the horse.

Tuareg looked at her from the other end of the stall but did not come.

"Hey, come." She extended her hand to him and made kissing noises.

The gelding turned around and showed her his big black posterior.

"You don't have that owner in vain." She sighed and went to attend the other horses.

~ * ~

The rest of the Midland's team arrived during the afternoon. They were Mr. and Mrs Hurst, and together with them, came Caroline Bingley, Louisa Hurst's and Charles Bingley's sister. Caroline Bingley had nothing to do with the team or with the competition for which they were training but whose boring and useless existence forced her to accompany her family on their tours around the country. But this time, Miss Bingley had a particular interest in accompanying her siblings on this trial. For the several months, she had tried to convince William Darcy that she was the right woman for him (and his fortune) and by no means would she pass up the opportunity of being confined in the same house with him for a month.

Real practices began on the following day. Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield very early to ready the horses and was Tuareg's back when she heard a soft and low whistle. Until now the tranquil and almost sleepy animal lit up and popped his head out of his stall.

"Hey, donkey. Sleep well?" Darcy murmured and caressed the horse's snout. The horse nibbled his face in response. In a voice that was but a whisper, he continued, "Me neither. There's nothing like home, isn't it? But we'll be stuck here for some time, so get used to it. Why aren't you ready? The colonel will kill us if we are late."

Elizabeth came closer. "It's still early, but I'll saddle him for you if you want."

Darcy startled. He had not noticed her presence before. "Never mind, I'll do it."

Without looking at her, William entered the stall, walked the horse out and saddled him. He didn't say a word nor did he look in her direction during the process and muttered an almost imperceptible 'excuse me' when he passed by her.

Elizabeth's eyes followed him as he walked away. Without a doubt, he was the rudest guy she had ever met.

~ * ~

The firsts one to inaugurate the training arena were the Hursts. Ted came first and while the others warmed up, did his routine, coached but Col. Foster. Ted Hurst wasn't a bad horseman, but he wasn't outstanding. He was average. Elizabeth didn't know what he was doing with such an important team, in her opinion he wasn't nearly as good as his team mates but, though she had never seen him competing, she had heard that he was very good when running against the timer and that his Gin Tonic was an excellent horse. Louisa, Ted's wife, was another matter. She was excellent, light as a feather, precise and very clear in the riding of her horse. Papillon, her gelding, was known for his volatility, but the petite Louisa conducted her enormous horse effortlessly and with iron hand.

Charles Bingley was the third one to enter the arena. His style was completely different to Louisa's: He was fast, decided and sometimes a little too audacious for show jumping. Charles forte was cross-country, a tough discipline for horse and rider, and his fearless and agile Sonata was the perfect horse for him.

Last, but not least, came Darcy abroad his outstanding Tuareg. He was a must. They were a must. It took her some time to find the appropriate words to describe them, for they were the perfect combination of strength, dexterity, elegance and technique. Horse and rider matched perfectly. The docile horse she groomed in the stable was now a potent, valiant and eager beast that jumped without hesitation with Darcy's impeccable command. She could say that Tuareg respected Darcy, he trusted him and would jump anything for him.

By the end of each practice came Jane's turn to inspect the animals. She checked heart beat, breathing rhythm and time of recovery. The Hurst's visitations had been quick and professional but it seems that Charles' was taking longer than usual. Charles was an eager talker and quiet Jane was the perfect listener. With Jane's usual calmness, she checked the mare while listening to the incessant chat of its owner and she even made a few comments of her own.

An annoyed cough from Darcy's direction brought the pair back to the real world. Jane made her excuses and went to check the last horse.

"Do you want me to bathe him?" Elizabeth asked Darcy when the check up was finished.

"No, I'll do it." He replied as he walked away.

Elizabeth felt her anger growing inside of her. Didn't he know any other words than those? She didn't know what annoyed her more, if the fact that he didn't look at her when he spoke -very irritating- or that she was desperate to attend that horse and he wasn't allowing her to do it. Because that' why Col. Foster had hired her, to do exactly that, but England's hottest horseman didn't seem to know that.

But her indignation with Darcy didn't last long. As she observed the pair, she couldn't stop a smile from forming on her lips. Horses loved to be bathed, everyone knew this, but this one seem to adore it. And his owner knew exactly how to make it even more pleasurable for him. More than an ordinary bath, it was a game for them, they were playing together, clearing their minds from the pressure of the training and relaxing their muscles after the intense practice. After the bath and a violent shake, a very happy horse was tied up to dry up.

Elizabeth sighed. That man really knew how to treat a horse.

Chapter 2

The Midlands Equestrian team was formed when four of talented riders from Derbyshire decided to separate themselves from the intricacies of the politics of their riding clubs and start a team of their own. The four were rich, skilful and successful and they had the resources to practice their sport without the support and facilities of a riding club. So one day, when their club was not able to satisfy their needs anymore, they created what, in only a few years, had become the most solid independent riding team in the country. That was how Ted Hurst, Louisa Bingley-Hurst, Charles Bingley and William Darcy became the Midlands Equestrian Team.

About Ted and Louisa Hurst not much could be said. They had been married for nine years, no children, and had a more than decent income provided by inherited fortunes. Their marriage was not a very happy one and if they were still together, it was because they worked better as a couple inside the arena than out of it. Louisa was a brilliant rider and though Ted had seen better times -age and liquor were making him a little slow for the vertiginous show jumping- he still was a good competitor.

The other two members of the team were, undoubtedly, the most talented ones. William Darcy and Charles Bingley were the most promising riders of their generation. Both in the top thirty of the world ranking, they were aspiring to enter top ten if their plans for the upcoming season were successful. They had the time, the age -Charles was 27 and Darcy 29- and the money to achieve those goals so for the following six months they were leaving everything behind, home, family, and careers to compete in the extenuating series of equestrian events that conformed the Nation's Cup.

The team came to an impasse during the time William Darcy, due to personal reasons, wasn't active in the show jumping circle. The rest of the team competed as individuals, obtaining good scores in the British arenas, but it was not the same without him. But then, Darcy returned to the team with this incredible horse and after winning some major events in England and Europe, they settled themselves on an almost impossible goal for four independent riders. Compete as individuals and as a team in the famous Samsung's Nations Cup, the most important event of the equestrian calendar after the World Cup.

To prepare themselves for a circuit of this magnitude they needed the best coach they could find, so they hired Colonel Michael Forster, once a member of the Olympic team and retired from the army several years ago. The Colonel knew the potential of the riders with which he was going to work and accepted this job by imposing strict conditions -- full time dedication, total commitment and a small fortune as a fee. He chose Netherfield for it's isolation and facilities and their stuff was packed and the team convoked so they could focus on the task at hand.

~ * ~

The first week of Midlands Equestrian Team at Netherfield had been exhausting for all those involved in the training, riders, horses and assistants. For Elizabeth, it was even tougher because, being in charge of the grooming and with more than 10 horses at home to take care off, she had to finish her daily work at Netherfield and then rush back to the farm to finish with their duties. In spite of that, she was not going to allow all this to interfere with her Friday night plans. There was this party at Meryton's pub, with drinks and dancing and by no means she would they miss the chance to see her friends and have fun after an entire week of heavy work.

At Netherfield, the members of the Midlands were discussing the possibility to go out on this first night off. The Hursts were desirous to spend a quiet evening in the house and Darcy, not very fond of small town pubs, preferred to have some dinner in a decent restaurant, perhaps closer to London or in St. Albans and return to the manor for good night of sleep. Charles' aspirations, though, were completely different. Jane had told him about the party and he was eager to see her outside the working environment. With that goal in mind, he convinced his reluctant friend to come along. Caroline, on hearing that Darcy was coming too, immediately expressed her wish to become acquainted with Meryton's nightlife and rushed upstairs to ready herself for the party. She would never miss the chance of showing herself in the arm of William Darcy.

"Come on, Darcy, cheer up!" Bingley scolded him as they sat at their table. "You are looking as if you were in a funeral."

"I'd rather be dead than in a place like this." Darcy muttered.

"Oh, please!" He laughed at his friend's inability to have fun. "When will you learn to relax and enjoy life?"

"Charles." Caroline said solemnly. "William is right. This place is horrible. I don't understand why you brought us here. I've never seen such mediocrity and vulgarity together in my life."

If only to contradict Caroline, Darcy decided that he did not find his surroundings so unappealing after all. "You know, Charles, it's not so bad on a second look. Some of the girls are quite tolerable, when the smoke allows you to see them."

"And the hot stuff is still about to come," Charles said with an enigmatic smile.

Darcy did not understand what his friend meant until a moment later. His eyes perused the smoky salon in search of the 'hot stuff' Bingley was referring to but there was nothing outstanding in the crowd. Then, a flash of colour on his right made him turn his eyes to a group that had just arrived. And like almost every man in the room, there was no way he could look elsewhere. The Bennet girls were making there entrance.

Because the Bennet girls were beautiful, it was undeniable. Jane was a gorgeous in a classic, ethereal way. Her blonde hair glowed in the poorly lit room and she had a figure that could stop the traffic. Elizabeth, though shorter and not as striking as her sister, with legs that were the envy of many and an affability that enchanted everyone, was the perfect combination of temptation and innocence. Kitty, perhaps was not as beautiful as her sisters but pretty nonetheless, compensated her less fortunate appearance with a provocative attitude.

It took Charles less than five seconds to go to Jane and ask her to join them at their table, in spite of Caroline protests. Kitty declined when she spotted some friends and with shy smiles and blushing faces, the two eldest Bennet girls joined the two top riders of the Midlands at their table.

Once they were seated, Charles engaged Jane in a private conversation. The table was small, the music was loud, so they had to speak directly in the other's ear if they wanted to make themselves heard. Across them, the other three sat in uncomfortable silence. Darcy, with a bored expression, was running his finger around the rim of his glass while Caroline inspected her nails and sighed. And Elizabeth, equally displeased with her bad luck, was looking around the pub in search for another group to which she could escape to.

"I'm going for a drink. Anyone wants something?" Elizabeth asked the rest of the party.

Charles and Jane declined, Darcy pointed at his unfinished beer and Caroline asked her to bring her a Diet Coke. Elizabeth swayed her way towards the bar, oblivious to the fact that Darcy's eyes were focused on her legs.

Things did not change much when Elizabeth returned to the table. Caroline thanked her, Darcy did not say a word. In fact, he practically didn't speak during the entire evening. As much as he tried not to be affected by her, Elizabeth's proximity was making him incredibly tense. He could not avoid becoming unsettled when her leg brushed his against under the table or when her elbow bumped his every time she reached out for her drink. He had never been talkative, but tonight, with this additional distraction, his usual seriousness was transformed into muteness.

It was not too long before Charles asked Jane to dance. Again blushes and shy smiles from her as she accepted. Their departure positioned Darcy at a turning point. Should he ask Elizabeth? Tempting, he would love to put his hands around that slim waist, but unwise. Technically, she was his assistant and it would be better if he maintained the distance between them. She might think she had privileges. Then there was the social factor. These young, middle class girls were quite voluble and there was always the chance that she would misinterpret his intentions. Too much attention from a man of his stature would arise improper aspirations in her. No, he would not ask her to dance. Caroline would drive him mad with her recriminations and teasing if he dared to show any interest in Elizabeth.

But Darcy didn't need to worry too much on that account. When the next slow song began to play, he felt Caroline's hand on his forearm and his fate was sealed. At least for that night.

"William, dear, what a lovely song. Why don't we dance?"

His face petrified instantly. It wouldn't be polite to refuse her. He glanced quickly at her, then at Elizabeth, then at his beer and muttered a 'sure' before standing up.

Elizabeth then found herself alone at the table, but not for too long. Charlotte and a group of friends waved her to come over and she rushed towards them. On the way, an acquaintance from school stopped her and asked her to dance. From them on, she practically didn't leave the dance floor, returning to her table every now and then to nurse her drink and recover her breath.

"Oh, Christ!" Elizabeth collapsed in her chair. "I'm exhausted!"

"I didn't know this was such a nice place," Charles said enthusiastically, "We can come more often, don't you think, Darce?"

"I don't think Col. Forster would approve." Darcy said smilingly. "We are confined, don't you remember?"

Charles told Darcy what he thought about Forster's prohibitions, nothing that could repeated in front of the ladies, provoking a laugh from his friend.

Elizabeth leaned towards Jane. "Where's Caroline?"

"Restrooms."

"Thank god. Christ, I'm thirsty." Elizabeth brought her glass to her lips and frowned on realizing that it was warm. "Yuck."

"Do you want some of mine?" Darcy offered her.

She glanced at his beer. "No, thanks I'll go for a coke or something. Enough alcohol for me."

"I'll get you one."

Elizabeth was more than desirous to leave the table before Caroline's return and this was a great excuse. "No, I'll do it." She said, purposely choosing the words he so often told her and that always exasperated her so much.

Before Darcy could say anything else, she was gone. This time, his eyes studied her carefully. The girl was pretty, he could not deny it. Curvy and feminine. Womanly. He had always found her attractive when wearing breeches but tonight, with that skirt, she was temptation itself. She was now reaching the bar, after making her way through the crowd, decidedly but gracefully. Her petite frame put her at a disadvantage with the rest so she rose to her toes and leaned her elbows on the bar, a move that lifted her skirt even higher. Christ, she had nice legs. Apparently, she wasn't wearing stockings, what made them even more attractive. When she got her drink, she headed towards a group of girls -he recognized Charlotte Lucas among them- and chatted enthusiastically with them. She was indeed adorable.

"I bet I can guess your thoughts."

Darcy recognized Caroline's voice coming from behind of him. Her breath smelled of liquor. "I don't think so."

She walked around him and sat by his side, resting her hand on his forearm as she did so. "Surely you are thinking of how insupportable it is to attend this depressing country pub when you could be enjoying Petrus' French cuisine."

"No, not at all. I find the company very agreeable."

Caroline was beginning to feel flattered. She moved even closer to him. "Oh, yes?"

"Yes. I've seen many pretty women in my life, but never have I seen eyes as beautiful as hers." Darcy's eyes swept Elizabeth's body up and down. "Fine eyes indeed."

Caroline's smile fell as she followed Darcy's line of sight. There was Elizabeth, in that indecent T-shirt and enfolded in that tiny little skirt, laughing with a group of girls. Of course, with those boobs, how could she not capture the attention of every straight man in the room?

"How odd. I never imagined you liked them robust, William."

"She's not robust, she's perfect." said Darcy with a pensive smile.

Caroline rolled her eyes. She needed another drink.

~ * ~

Again, Darcy was unable to sleep. Quite strange, because he had had enough beer to knock him off that night. Every time he closed his eyes, the image of Elizabeth would take over his thoughts, forcing him to sleeplessness. It troubled him, because this had been a constant since he arrived at Netherfield. He had tried to rationalize why this was happening, justify his insomnia it with the most stupid excuses -nervousness for the tournament, longing from home, etc- but until now, he could not come up with the real motive for such a phenomenon. Tonight, though, after a couple of hours of thinking about it in a semi-inebriated state, he finally realized what was going on.

So he was attracted to the girl. What was wrong with that? He was a grown-up man and she was a woman. A beautiful, sexy, young woman. It was logical, natural. Any other normal, heterosexual man in his right senses would feel attracted to her. It took him some time to realize what it was, but it had been so long since he felt attracted to someone that he didn't recognize the feeling right away. How long had it been? He couldn't remember. A couple of years, maybe, no, it was three years ago. And it ended before it started. In fact, he couldn't remember the time when he had been truly interested in someone. For some reason, he had never found a woman he really liked, someone interesting with whom he could establish a serious relationship.

At the age of twenty-nine, William Darcy was the epitome of reserve, seriousness and discipline. He was talented, handsome, and rich. He was aware of the superiority of his position and was proud of his origins and his assets. The standards he had set for himself were high and he could not accept anything less from others. But this became a problem for him during the course of the years. He realized that perfection could not be achieved and that the world could not be changed. He suffered disappointments and losses and when those became to difficult for him to handle, he chose isolation. He shut himself to anything that was not his family, his horses and his work. They became his life and he was completely satisfied with it. Until tonight.

This night was the first social outing he had had in months. He had never been fond of pubs and parties, so he acceded to Bingley's request almost certain that he would dislike it. But once he was there, he realized it wasn't that bad. He had fun, in his own way. Leaving Caroline aside, the company was pleasant. Elizabeth was there. Seeing her there, in that skirt, was a sight he would not forget for a long time. Maybe he should have danced with her, but in some way, he was glad that he didn't because that way he did not succumb to her charms. He came to Netherfield for a reason, to train for the Nations Cup and he didn't want anything that would distract him from his goal. And if he wasn't careful, Elizabeth Bennet would become a mayor distraction. She was charming and smart and had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. And her legs, let us not forget about her legs and how he could not tear his eyes away from them.

Darcy rolled over on his stomach as his entire body tensed with the remembrance of his assistant and her short skirt. God, she was beautiful and lovely and sexy and she loved horses and he would bet that she was an exceptional rider.

"She is the stable boy, Darcy," he said in the darkness, "she will not ride you. Focus on the tournament and forget about her."

But sleep did not oblige and after nearly an hour of struggle, rationality finally gave away to libido.

Chapter 3

Vertical, fence or gate: obstacles with no width Parallel: obstacle with thickness, usually not as high as verticals. Double or triple corral or combination: combination of two or three consecutive hurdles that are jumped one after another. They usually require an exact amount of strides in between to make a successful course.

Practices intensified on the second week training, bringing the expected consequences in the athletes, both human and equine. The horses had to be massaged after every training session to avoid cramps and injuries and the riders were beginning to suffer some of the typical inconveniences produced by the practice of their sport: blisters on hands, aching backs and contracted shoulders. Still, they worked with such professionalism that the assisting team could not but admire them. Like the time when Louisa made the entire practice with a huge blister on her palm, produced by the constant misbehaviour of the temperamental Papillion. The other riders had their bad days, too, as did their horses. Even the outstanding Tuareg had 'disagreements' with his rider on occasions. One day, Elizabeth was observing the practice and noticed that Darcy was having some problems controlling the horse. They headed towards a triple corral, Darcy changed the speed as he faced it and Tuareg, not willing to oblige, pranced rebelliously as he reached the obstacle. The inevitable happened. The speed wasn't the desired one and horse didn't make it to the first hurdle in the exact amount of strides. At the last moment, Darcy had to avoid the obstacle to evade a collision. Tuareg bolted around in the air and Darcy was almost expelled from the saddle. Providence and skill prevented what would have been a nasty fall but the effort of keeping himself seated took its toll on the muscles of Darcy's back. He didn't stop the practice, though. Misbehaviours weren't admitted and unless the rider was seriously injured, the horse had to complete the exercise.

"William," shouted the colonel. "Calm him down and we'll repeat this jump. I don't want to end the practice with a refusal."

Elizabeth saw Darcy leaning forward on the horse's neck and speak a few words to him. She could discern discomfort in his features and wondered if he would be able to make successful jumps without injuring himself even more. But then, the colonel was right. Ending the practice now would teach the horse that he won this one and once a 'vice' was installed in the horse's mind, it took months to be corrected. Darcy repeated the exercise one, two, three times, all of them successfully. When he and the colonel were absolutely certain that Tuareg understood who was in charge, they called it a day for them.

"Are you all right?" Col. Forster asked his trainee when he descended the horse.

Darcy bent and leaned his hands on his knees, arching his aching back. "I only made a bad move. Nothing that a chiropractor can't fix."

"I'll call one." The colonel patted him between the shoulder blades. "This was your fault, you know. You should have stopped him on the first prance and started anew."

"I thought it would be a successful jump," Darcy hissed as he stood straight. "I didn't realize the distance until I was in front of the hurdle."

Col. Foster then pointed out some mistakes Darcy had made during the practice. The rider listened attentively and they discussed how to resolve them. They both agreed that Tuareg was not in his best mood that day but that it was Darcy's responsibility to notice it and amend it before it became out of hand.

This was one of the things that Elizabeth admired most about the team. Though they were all excellent professionals, they were here to learn, to improve, so every misstep was discussed and corrected and every obstacle surpassed to reach their goal. It was not unusual to see them accepting instructions and repeating movements or training for hours until a routine came out perfect. For Elizabeth, who never missed a second of these practices, being able to see them working was like touching heaven with her hands. She couldn't afford a coach like Forster and she was learning more in these two weeks of work than she had in several years of riding with her father.

What was also amazing was to see the harmony that existed between some of the riders and their horses. Jumping this high required a great degree of confidence and trust from each partner and the intensity of that bond had a direct effect in their performance. With that disobedience, Tuareg tested his master's trust and the consequences of his misbehaviour showed up when the horse begged for carrots and didn't receive any. Darcy was displeased with him and Tuareg knew it.

"You managed to stay in the saddle. I know I would be still lying on the ground after a refusal like that one." Elizabeth told Darcy as he unsaddled Tuareg.

"I was lucky." he replied curtly.

That was a well intended comment, there was no need to take it out on her. If he almost fell, it wasn't her fault. "Yeah, very lucky."

With fast, harsh moves, Darcy removed the saddle and placed it on the ridge for her to put away. The horse had never stayed so still before and Elizabeth wondered if he could be so sensible to Darcy's anger. Liddy usually never gave a fig when she was reprimanded or ignored, she continued to be her rebellious self.

"Bathe him and tie him under a tree," Darcy gave her the head rope. "He needs to think about this."

When Elizabeth was sure that Darcy couldn't hear her, she whispered to the horse. "He's a resentful arse, isn't he? You must throw him the next time."

~ * ~

"How's your back?" Charles asked Darcy that night during dinner.

"Fine. It wasn't that bad." Darcy cut his meat.

"So Sonata is not the only one who misbehaves, eh, Darcy?" Charles said smugly, "The perfect Tuareg is not so perfect after all."

"At least I didn't end with my butt on the ground, unlike other people I know." Darcy smiled pointedly at his friend. "How many times has she made you bite the arena?"

"Three since he bought her," Louisa smirked. "That mare had thrown you more times than any other horse you have ridden, Charles."

"But she's beautiful, admit it." Charles adored his mare. She was fast, spirited and indomitable. He absolutely loved her.

"Beautiful and undisciplined."

"William," Caroline jumped into the conversation. "If your back bothers you, I can give you a massage. I'm very good at it."

Darcy stared at her for a moment before replying. "Thank you, but I don't think it will be necessary."

Charles then said something about the massage he would like to receive from the pretty veterinarian that was taking care of their horses. Hurst would have agreed with that but his wife's presence so close at the dining table convinced him that it would not be wise to express such thoughts.

Caroline thought this a great opening to begin her attack. "I can't believe Col. Forster hired this sort of help during our stay here. They are completely low budget."

Hurst smirked. As if she were paying for this.

"I like them," Charles helped himself to the potatoes. "Not only are they efficient, but very pretty, too. Don't you think, Darcy?"

"They aren't that bad, no." said Darcy with a half smile. He knew exactly were Charles was going with that comment.

"Come on!" his friend laughed, he knew him too well. "You can't deny that Jane is a beauty."

"She's pretty, yes, but she's always smiling as if she knew something we don't."

"You are so dense, Darcy. Why is that you are always so displeased with everyone you meet?"

Darcy chuckled softly. "In the same way you think that everyone you meet is the most wonderful person in the world. Especially when she is a pretty, young veterinarian."

Charles pointed his fork at his friend, warning him to stop with his teasing.

"I agree with you, brother," Caroline interjected. "Jane is very pretty. Pity she chose such an unfashionable profession."

"She's a veterinarian," Charles frowned, his mouth full. "What's wrong with that?"

"A horse veterinarian. I think it's a little masculine."

"I don't see any masculinity in that. I believe there are more women involved with horses than men in this country." replied he. "Take Louisa as an example. She's a woman and an excellent rider."

Louisa's eyes widened. Her brother was comparing Jane Bennet with her? She exchanged annoyed glances with Caroline.

"Well, perhaps you are right," Caroline changed the target upon noticing that her brother wouldn't accept the previous one, "but don't tell me that her sister is not a mess. Did you see her this morning? Her hair Louisa! Doesn't she know what a brush is?"

"Total disaster." Louisa nodded.

"Now she is doing a man's work." Caroline continued.

"She is taking care of our horses and doing an excellent job by the way." Darcy commented without taking his eyes from his plate.

Caroline smelled danger in that response. "Well, yes, but she's doing the job of a stable boy. I believe that you wouldn't want your sister collecting your horse's droppings."

"Georgiana never touched a broom and shovel in her life. Sometimes I think that a little hard work would do her no harm. It would make her come down from the cloud in which she lives."

Charles looked down and muttered an almost imperceptible 'she's not the only one'.

But Caroline did not give up. "I heard someone say that Elizabeth was one of Meryton's beauties. Jane I concede, but Elizabeth ..."

Darcy made no reply. Caroline's ironies were beginning to tire him.

"Well, with Meryton's fauna, who wouldn't think her beautiful? I imagine that her possibilities are very limited in a town such as this. Probably this is the best job someone like her can aspire."

"I'm sorry, but I dissent with you." Charles jumped in defence of his assistant. "This is a great opportunity for a horse trainer like her. It shows her willingness to learn and improve. It's admirable."

Not willing to drop the matter yet, Caroline pressed even more. "Whatever, but that doesn't mean that she could not be more careful with her appearance." Turning towards Darcy, she said, "I'm sure that after seeing her today, your admiration for her fine eyes has somehow decreased, William."

"Quite the contrary. The exercise gave them a very unusual glow."

After that comment, Caroline closed her mouth. She should be more careful about this Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy's supposed admiration.

~ * ~

At Longbourn, the conversation was not very different to the one taking place at Netherfield.

"So how was your day today?" Mr. Bennet asked his daughters with a teasing smile. He knew that Elizabeth was particularly annoyed with the behaviour of some of the superior riders.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and Jane replied with her usual pleasantness. "It was fine, dad."

"I heard that you are becoming very well acquainted with this Bingley fellow." Thomas said to his eldest daughter.

"Who ..." Jane's eyes went to Kitty, who looked down and bit her lip. "Oh, no dad, we are just friends."

"Jane, if the man likes you, you should encourage him. Show some interest, you know what is needed to attract a man." Mrs. Bennet interjected. "I heard from Mrs. Lucas that he comes from a very rich family."

"Mom, I don't think that would be appropriate. We are working together."

Mrs. Bennet waved her hand dismissively. "These people will not stay here forever. If you don't hook him now, he may go away and find someone else. Lizzy will never be able to attract someone like him, she's too combative, but you my dear, with your beauty, you are meant to marry someone rich."

Jane chose not to argue with her mother on this matter. Hopefully she would forget about this in a few days.

"And the others?" Thomas Bennet purposely placed his finger on a sensitive spot, he was sure his favourite daughter would react intently to this comment. "Are they as insupportable as Lizzy says?"

"Oh, no," said Jane, "they are very agreeable."

Mr. Bennet saw his second eldest roll her eyes at Jane's comment and insisted. "Why, Lizzy? Don't you agree with your sister?"

Elizabeth replied while cutting her chicken with uncommon energy. "I have never seen so much arrogance together. Charles Bingley is OK, but the rest of them, they are always looking at us as if would owe them a favour."

"I wouldn't say that, Liz, I think that Caroline and Louisa are really nice." said Jane and Elizabeth huffed.

"I infer that you don't like them." Mr. Bennet fuelled the upcoming outburst. "May I ask why?"

That was all that Elizabeth needed. She had quite an inflammable temperament. "You should see them, the superior Midlands team. Caroline is such a bitch. I don't know who she thinks she is. I don't even know why she's there. She isn't even part of the team! That Ted Hurst, well, I can tell that he sleeps with a bottle of rum, you can smell alcohol whenever he passes. If you light a match close him the vapours will ignite." Mr. Bennet chuckled at this remark. "As for Louisa, she might be an excellent horsewoman but she is so displeased with everything, always wrinkling her nose and treating us like her servants. We are her assistants for God's sake!" She paused to get some air. "And Darcy!" Now her expression was priceless, looking heavenward with exasperation written all over her face. "He is the most arrogant, conceited, stuck-up snob I've seen in my life! He believes himself so high ranked that he doesn't even look at us. He almost fell today. He deserved it, for being such a jerk."

"I heard he is an excellent horseman." Mr. Bennet smiled at Elizabeth's expression.

"He is good and his horse ..." She sighed dramatically. "Dad, I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life."

"Yes, you told me."

"You should see him, dad, he's perfect. And that jerk owns him. I would kill to ride a horse like that."

"Why don't you ask him?" Fanny asked. "Maybe he would allow you to exercise him."

Elizabeth turned to her, eyes wide. "Ask him? Ask him? Are you crazy? He would never allow it, and I would never ask him that! He doesn't trust my ability to take care of him, do you think he's going to allow me to ride him?"

"Are you sure you are not exaggerating, my dear?" asked her father. Elizabeth could be so headstrong sometimes.

"No, I'm sure he wouldn't. Arrogant imbecile. So tall and handsome, looking at all of us over his nose. I wouldn't ride his magnificent horse even if he asked."

"I'm sure you wouldn't." laughed Mr. Bennet.

~ * ~

"Come in!" Said Jane when she heard a soft knock on her door.

Elizabeth walked into the bedroom "Would you lend me one of your hair bands? I lost mine and I won't have time to stop for a new one on the way to Netherfield."

"Sure." Jane opened her drawer so Elizabeth could choose one. Neatly placed, there were several hair bands of different colours. Jane's hair accessories always matched with the colour of her clothes so she had tons of them.

"So," Elizabeth sat on her sister's bed. "What were you and Mr. Bingley talking for so long today?"

"We didn't talk for that long, Lizzy." Jane frowned at her sister's teasing.

"Yeah, Yeah. Two hours, just a while."

"Well, there wasn't much work to do and he had already ended his practice so ... and it wasn't two hours ..." Jane shook her head, "I don't know why I'm even telling you this."

"Do you like him?"

Jane blushed and looked down. "I do. He is everything a man should be. Handsome, charming, respectful. I like him very much."

"Do you think he likes you?"

"I think he does, though I'm not sure. He's nice to everyone."

"Believe me, Jane, he doesn't look at me or at Charlotte in the same way he looks at you."

Jane smiled proudly. "Perhaps. We talked a lot today. He told me they are making a great sacrifice to come to Netherfield and stay away from home for so long."

"They can afford it."

"Yes, money is not a problem for them. They have sponsors that are supporting their training. He said that they are a little under pressure on that account. You know how they are, they always expect results. Charles said he had to drop the family business to train for this tournament. So did William, though in his case, it's all a little more complicated."

"Why, England's hottest horseman cannot be spared from his multiple businesses?"

"Oh, Liz, you shouldn't be so intolerant, he isn't that bad."

"He's an idiot. He called me a second class rider and he has never seen me ride."

"Perhaps that was wrong of him to say that but I that's not a reason to hate him, Lizzy."

"Jane, you are too nice for your own good. The man is a jerk."

Chapter 4

The results that the Midlands were obtaining with only a few of weeks of intense training tempted Col. Forster to make a slight change in the plans. To add more pressure on the riders and put them into competition mode, he entered the team in a major event that he had originally discarded because of its difficulty and the stress it would inflict on his trainees: The London International Horse Show at the Olympia.

The Olympia was the top event of the British equestrian calendar. With the exception of Charles Bingley, all the members of the team had competed at least once in it but never reached the finals. Although they were all skilled riders at the time, none had the experience nor the horses to win a show of that importance. Darcy had an impressive performance with Miss D three years ago, reaching the semi finals, but they were both too young and inexperienced to go further. Forster thought the pair would give a good fight the following year, if not win the event, their performance together had been outstanding in the months that followed, that but Miss D's unexpected illness barely a month before the show put a halt to their campaign.

Yet, two other shows would come before that one, the first of them a regional event in which they would test the results of the training before heading towards the major leagues. The trip was short and the degree of difficulty was moderate so, for them, it was a sort of practice under pressure.

Elizabeth felt something close to ecstasy when she learned that they would be attending a show. It has been ages since she had gone to one and the only time she had been at the Olympia was when she was eleven years old and her father took her to watch the junior categories. With the little opportunities she had to travel and attend this kind of show, having the chance to assist the team and be so close to the action was something invaluable for her, a unique opportunity. She would be there to hear them talk about strategies and see some of the world's most important riders preparing themselves for a big tournament. She was going to the Olympia!

In her enthusiasm, Elizabeth had missed the fact that Darcy was no longer monosyllabic in talking with her. What she did notice, was that he was always staring at her. And that only served to irritate her even more. What was wrong with him? Because she knew there was nothing with her. Anyway, she shouldn't worry about England's hottest horseman and his piercing eyes. The man surely doubted her capacity to care of his worshiped horse.

But, no matter how arrogant and unnerving she found him, Elizabeth had to admit that he was an excellent horseman, probably the best one she had ever seen. He and Tuareg were the best pairing she had ever seen. Darcy know how to obtain the best of a horse and Tuareg, under his guidance, was able to do almost the impossible. Every time she saw them, she realized how much more she still had to learn to be a fraction of what they were.

"Are you going to behave today? You know that you can't misbehave like that, even if we would all like to see him biting the sand." Elizabeth brushed Tuareg's glossy coat. He was such a sweet horse, now that she had the chance to know him better, Elizabeth was growing very fond of him. Pity his owner was such an idiot. She bent and lifted one of Tuareg's hind legs so she could inspect the hooves. The horse sniffed her bottom. "Stop that, you big cork head. You are tickling me!"

All four hooves were inspected, Elizabeth began to brush Tuareg's mane. She made a more detailed grooming today, trimming his face and braiding his tail. She wanted him to look perfect for the show in which they were going to compete the weekend after the next one.

"There, now you are presentable." She patted him eagerly. "You're beautiful, but you already know that, don't you? Of course you do. There is nothing worse than a conceited horse." Tuareg smelled her pockets, searching for treats he was used to receiving. She giggled. "What are you looking for, sugar? You know you are not allowed to eat that. Well, maybe, if you behave, he will give you some carrots later. What is that he always calls you?"

"Donkey."

Elizabeth bolted around to see Darcy leaning on the stall's door. How long had he been there? "I didn't hear you come."

He walked into the stall and ran his hand over the horse's back. "You trimmed him."

Didn't he like it? "Yes."

"I see." He observed the perfectly pulled mane and trimmed ears. "Very neat. It must have been difficult for you." Tuareg was really tall for someone of Elizabeth's height. He wondered how she managed to reach the ears.

"Not quite." She felt her face warm with anger. She was far more capable than he imagined.

'She is blushing. She liked the compliment,' Darcy thought with a small smile. "I'll start the warming up."

"I'll saddle him for you."

"I'll help you."

What? Mr. Difficult was allowing her to touch his worshipped horse? No 'no, I'll do it' today? Unbelievable.

Darcy gave her the bridle and went for the saddle. When he came back, she was still trying to bridle the horse. Elizabeth was a petite woman and Tuareg was tall, very tall. He kept his head down while she trimmed his ears that morning, but he was not being as cooperative right now. She succeeded in inserting the bit inside his mouth but the horse raised his head a few inches so she could not pass the leather strap behind his ears. She stood on her toes but he did it again, lifting his head just enough to make them inaccessible. She could jump but she could scare the horse. From the corner of her eye she could see Darcy smiling at the whole scene. She was making a spectacle of herself in front of him.

"Let me help you with that." Said Darcy as he placed the saddle on the horse's back.

He stood right behind her, sandwiching her between the horse and his body. Elizabeth felt her temperature rising as she felt the warmth of his body behind her. Not that he was that close, but he was near enough as to make the hair of the nape of her neck stand with his proximity. He could be a little more respectful of her private space. God, she needed some air, his cologne was making her dizzy. Darcy took the strap from her hand and passed it over Tuareg's ears, easily finishing the task.

Flushed, Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder and muttered a "thanks."

"Don't worry," he moved to adjust the saddle, "he always does things like this."

'The advantages of being tall'. Elizabeth fought the urge to fan herself.

Darcy tied the horse in front of the stables and went to speak with Forster and Dr. Lucas before starting the warm up. Charlotte came closer to Elizabeth.

"Wow, Mr. Difficult smiled today. What do you think is going on with him?"

"Who? Darcy?" there was incredulity in Elizabeth's voice. "I didn't see him smile."

"Of course he was, right when he came out of the stall with the horse. What were you talking about?"

"We weren't talking."

"No? I thought I heard you."

"If you think that putting more than four words in a sentence is talking then you don't have any idea of what communication is."

Charlotte laughed. Elizabeth always resembled a little barrel of gunpowder ready to explode. "Come on, Lizzy, the guy isn't that bad. He's just ..."

"Rude." Elizabeth completed the phrase for her.

"I don't think he's rude. Perhaps he's not as friendly as Charles is, but he's such a nice sight to look at that he doesn't need to open his mouth to be desirable."

"If you like him so much, why don't you go and ask him on a date?"

"Me?" laughed Charlotte. "I said that he's hot, not that I liked him. He's not my type, too perfect."

Elizabeth glanced at him. Darcy wasn't perfect. He was tall, yes, and handsome, and his shoulders were broad and had the cutest butt in the world and the sexiest mouth she had ever seen, but he wasn't perfect. Her eyes swept his body up and down, searching a part him to dislike and refute Charlotte's theory, but she didn't seem to find anything wrong about him, save for his irritating arrogance.

"He's not perfect. He's a jerk."

Charlotte rolled her eyes, fed up with her friend's obstinacy. "You'll never find a boyfriend if you continue with this, Lizzy."

"Who says I want one?" Elizabeth snapped back.

"You should do as Jane does." Charlotte pointed at where Jane was conversing with Charles. "She and Charles seem to be getting along quite well, don't they?"

Elizabeth smiled at the couple. "They are. He appears to be interested in her. I only hope he doesn't play with her feelings."

"He doesn't seem the type, but, who knows?" Charlotte shrugged. "Anyway, she doesn't look that enamoured of him."

"Oh, yes, she likes him very much."

"It doesn't show."

"They just met! What do you expect her to do? Take him to the saddle room for a shag? Drool on him all day long? You know Jane is not the type."

"No, but a little encouragement would be fine if she really likes him. Not much, just some flirting to let him know that she's interested. You know how men are, especially rich, handsome bachelors like Charles Bingley. If you don't pay them the attention they expect from the beginning, they will go for to someone else. Guys like him can get any woman they want. "

"But what if he is only passing time? What if he hurts her?"

"Sometimes we have to take risks, Lizzy. And believe me, this one is worth the taking."

"Would you do that?"

Charlotte smirked. "He's not after me, Lizzy, he's after Jane."

Elizabeth looked at her sister again, not convinced by Charlotte's speech. "I don't know."

"I say that Jane should be more demonstrative try to hook him before he loses interest. He'll be gone in only a month. If she doesn't try now, she might not have another chance."

For a moment, Elizabeth considered her friend's words. "Maybe, but I'm not certain that's the right thing. His sisters are going to oppose, I'm sure. They think we are not good enough for them. So does Darcy."

Charlotte could not believe what she just heard. "Where did you get that from?"

"Please, Charlotte, it's obvious. Didn't you see how he looks at us?"

"Us?" Miss Lucas laughed aloud. "He's always looking at you!"

"Yes, because he does not trust me."

"I can't believe you are so simpleminded."

"I am not! He doesn't think us trustworthy or capable. He looks at us with contempt and disdain, he ..."

"Why are you so obsessed with him?"

"I'm not obsessed!" Cried Elizabeth. She then proceeded to enumerate the reasons why she thought Darcy disliked her, nothing she could prove, of course, and so entranced she was in her explanation that she never noticed that Darcy was coming back.

"Be careful, he's coming," Charlotte warned her friend on seeing that the rider was approaching them again.

"Who?" Elizabeth bolted around and found herself face to face with Darcy.

"I'll begin the warm up." He said with the hint of a smile forming on his lips.

Elizabeth moved aside so he could climb his horse and observed as he rode towards the arena. He wasn't perfect, he was too tall.

And she was not obsessed with him.

~ * ~

Sunday came and Elizabeth was desperate to take her mare out for a ride and forget about the tension of the last week at work. Unfortunately, after being confined in her stall during a week, only exercised with he rope one hour a day, Liddy was full of energy and not as cooperative as Elizabeth would have wished. The mare was so excited a that it took almost all of Elizabeth's strength to secure her. Once Liddy had tired away some of her jitters away, Elizabeth rode her towards an open field outside of Longbourn where she had placed a couple of obstacles.

After a few turns, Liddy was controlled enough to start with the practice. Elizabeth started with simple exercises, changes of speed, of direction, nothing complicated, helping the mare to reach the concentration she needed to perform her routine. Simple jumps followed. They crossed it several times without major inconveniences. Liddy tended to increase the speed when she faced the hurdle but the jumps were successful. Elizabeth then thought that they could try a combination of two consecutive hurdles. She never tried those at this height. But this wasn't that tall so it wouldn't be a problem for her mare. Elizabeth placed two consecutive verticals, two strides away one from the other.

She galloped the mare around the obstacles and then faced them. Liddy's ears were perked up, attentive to the obstacle, noticing there was something different about it. The mare passed the first hurdle successfully but her confusion began when she realized there was another one right after the first one. She wasn't intimidated by it, she wasn't sure of how to do it. She changed the pace of her gallop, hesitated and then bolted forward, landing in the middle of the hurdle and knocking the pole.

This wasn't good, thought Elizabeth, hoping that this misstep wouldn't have scared Liddy for good. She descended from her mare and lifted the rail in place. She tried the exercise once again.

This time Liddy, knowing what was about to come, sped towards the obstacle. She rushed over them and knocked them both down.

"You are going too fast." Elizabeth heard a voice coming from behind her.

"What?" She turned around to see William Darcy riding his gorgeous black horse. And he wasn't alone. Charles and Caroline were there too. "You are going too fast."

The understatement of the year, thought Elizabeth. She knew perfectly well that she was going too fast, she just wasn't able to secure her mare. Anyway, what was Caroline doing there? Elizabeth didn't know she could ride.

"Try it slower." Darcy swung his leg over the horse's rear and dismounted. "I'll lift the poles."

Oh no. Now Elizabeth would have to ride her temperamental mare in front of England's hottest horseman, Speedy Charles and bitchy Caroline.

Nonetheless, Elizabeth tried it once again. The hurdles were lower than before, she noticed, so it would be easier to do it. She tried it, the jump was not neat but at least this time Liddy didn't drop both hurdles, only the last one. Darcy moved closer to her.

"Spirited, isn't she?" He patted Liddy's neck. "I think she's just confused as how to do it. I would start with the poles on the ground, trotting, and then lifting them up."

"She's already jumping three feet." Elizabeth retorted. "It's been ages since she passed combinations on the ground."

"That's what I would do. It will help her to catch the rhythm."

"Maybe you should pay attention to what he says, Elizabeth. William is one of the finest horsemen in the country."

Elizabeth felt her anger beginning to take over. Now she was receiving instructions from Caroline. She only needed Charles expressing his opinion about how she should do this and she would explode.

Darcy held the rein as he spoke in a voice that was soft but commanding. "We could try once with the poles at one foot, but trotting. She'll make it, you'll see."

Elizabeth tried it his way. As Darcy said, the jump was successful.

"What did I tell you? William knows what he's doing." Caroline said smugly.

"That was good. Now let's go higher and at a slow gallop."

He was really nice when he wanted, Elizabeth thought as she contemplated the obstacle. But her sentiments about Caroline were not as benevolent. She made a few turns and when she was sure Liddy was galloping at the correct speed, she faced the corral. She sensed the mare hastening her pace but was able to control her. Elizabeth heard Darcy's 'good girl, that's it' as she entered the combination. It was a clear jump.

"That was very good." Darcy smiled. "Let's try at three feet, though I think you should work with her at this height for a little longer. Until she gets it right."

"I'll take the chance." replied Elizabeth in a 'you're not my coach' voice.

Making no further comments, Darcy moved the poles up to three feet. Though the obstacles were overcome successfully, the jump was not as neat as he would have liked. The position of Liddy's head during the jump wasn't the most appropriate one -OK for three feet, but it would give her trouble if they went higher- and Elizabeth would have to correct her posture over the saddle as well. But they did it and that was what counted.

Darcy walked close to her and patted the mare's neck. "She is very spirited. Beautiful, courageous and spirited. You should be proud of her."

Elizabeth was quite shocked by his praise. "Thank you."

"Yes, be grateful you are able to receive lessons from him. Not many riders have this privilege." Caroline commented from her horse.

"Wow, I'm honoured." From the corner of the eye, Elizabeth saw Charles rolling his eyes at Caroline's remark and exchanging glances with Darcy, but she did not catch the other gentleman's expression.

"You should." Caroline insisted. "He's the best rider I've seen --no offence meant to Charles-- but he'll never be as good as William."

"I know you mean well, Caroline," Charles said mockingly. "Anyway, Elizabeth, Darcy here is a lot more patient with students than I'll ever be. I can never make myself understood."

"You explain in the same way you ride, too fast." Caroline retorted. "Unlike William, whose riding is faultless."

Elizabeth thought she would get sick if she heard Caroline praising Darcy one more time. "I didn't know that was possible. We all make mistakes every now and then. Nobody is perfect."

"You are right, nobody is perfect," Darcy looked up at her.

"You are being too modest, William," Caroline would not give up. "I've never seen you making a mistake nor acting in a way that wasn't outstanding."

"I make mistakes on occasions but I work hard to avoid them. That's why I'm so good in what I do. " He took Tuareg's reins and made him turn around to mount him.

She repressed a chuckle. "That's so vain."

"Vain?" he frowned. "I'm just being realistic."

Elizabeth could not stop herself from arguing with. She muttered an irritated 'That's why you hate everyone', but, instead of retorting with the same belligerence with which she had addressed him, Darcy looked down for a moment. When he rose his eyes to hers, they had a brilliance that she could not understand.

"I've never been good with people."

They fixed their eyes on each other and his gaze was so intense that Elizabeth could not tear hers apart. It was Charles voice what brought them back to the present, asking in which direction they should ride. Elizabeth pointed out her favourite spot. The three left and Elizabeth was left to wonder what Darcy meant with his words.

Chapter 5

Another week of training passed and the Midlands team was ready for their first appearance at a show since their confinement at Netherfield started. There was a lot of nervousness around the girls while readying themselves for the departure, not only because this was the first show in which they would assist the team but because this would be the first time the horses were going to travel under their care. Tuareg, always docile and well behaved, didn't present any problems when loaded on the truck but the more spirited Sonata and the volatile Papillion tested everyone's patience during the process.

They made it to the show quite early, in time to unload the stuff and watch the junior categories. The show wasn't that big, about 200 entries, and there were only a few national ranked riders competing, apart from the Midlands team. In an excellent demonstration of riding skills, all four riders qualified easily.

"Nervous?" Elizabeth asked as she adjusted Tuareg's saddle before the finals. "I know I am and I'm not even competing. What I can't understand is how he could be so calm about this. I know I would explode at any moment."

Of course the horse did not reply, merely waited patiently while she gave the tackle a final check.

At that moment, Darcy came closer and, calmly, inspected saddle, bridle and leg wraps. Elizabeth observed him, astonished by his coolness. What kind of person was he? He was about to jump the finals and there was no sign of nervousness in him! She was sweating and fluttering and there he was, unmoved and composed as if this were just another training day. The man had no emotions.

For about a minute, Darcy stood closer to the horse's head, caressing him between his eyes and whispering a few words to him. He gave a quick, smiling nod in Elizabeth's direction and climbed atop his horse before she could wish him good luck. He was gone in a second.

Once in the schooling pen, Darcy made a few turns at different paces, in appearance, trying to visualize in his head the course he was about to face. To everyone, he looked absolutely focused on the upcoming trial but his mind was on someone else. He was thinking about Elizabeth. He just couldn't take her out of his head. She was looking so lovely today. Adorable. He absolutely loved those tresses, they made her look young and alive. And those freckles she had on her nose, how could he did not notice them before?

Darcy shook his head and tried to concentrate on his riding. If not, this would be the worst course of his life. Trot, gallop, some low obstacles and he was ready to go.

A very concentrated Darcy headed to the entrance of the arena to await for his turn. Tuareg was becoming impatient and began to stomp his front legs on the ground as he waited for their turn to come. He always grew a little anxious before competing but as soon as he entered the arena he calmed down. This was one thing that he loved in his horse, he was so eager to jump and to please that he would never disappoint him. He just had to secure him a little tighter at the beginning and everything would be fine.

"He looks nervous." Elizabeth came closer and patted the horse's neck.

Darcy was so concentrated that he did not realize that Elizabeth was standing right beside him. Darcy looked at her and then at the timer. The previous rider made a clear run in 1.23 minutes. He had to improve that time.

"You are going to make a clear run, aren't you?" She said to the horse. "Oh yes, you will."

His only problem was that vertical after the curve. The triple combination was easy, if he was careful, but 1.22 minutes was a very short time.

This was the final round and Elizabeth's enthusiasm was getting the best of her. The other's performances weren't bad but they didn't make a good time during their turns. She knew Darcy had a very good chance of winning this event and she was about to burst out in anxiety. She shaded her eyes with her hand and look up at the top rider of the Midlands Team.

"Good luck," she grinned and patted Darcy's boot, "go for it."

Darcy looked down for the first time and all he saw was a bright smile and rosy cheeks. At that moment, he lost all his concentration.

He obtained second place that day.

~ * ~

Sleeplessness had been a constant in Darcy's life since he met Elizabeth, but tonight the reason for his vigilance was not caused by the envisioning of pleasant fantasies. Tonight it was anger, not lust what was keeping him awake. Anger against himself, for allowing this to happen, from permitting that a girl with no consequence in life, his stable hand could break his concentration and make him lose a second class show. Yet, he could not blame her, for this had been entirely his fault. He had paid Elizabeth Bennet too much attention and now he was suffering the consequences.

Years of loneliness were taking their toll on him. But that had been his choice, hadn't it? His jumping career, the stables, his family. Those had been the priorities he had settled for himself and he was quite content with his decision. Still, there were times when he wondered if this was what he really wanted. It usually happened at night, when the loneliness hit him with all its intensity, when his heart ached with longing and his body burned with the need of having someone to embrace. Those were the moments when loneliness hurt and nothing seemed to comfort him. It was then when he would stare at the ceiling for hours and dream of how it would be to have someone accompanying him on this journey.

But today he had realized the dangers of dreaming, of opening himself to things that were beyond his control. The effort he was putting forth in entering this tournament was tremendous. He left everything behind and he couldn't allow a simple girl to distract him from what he had planned for himself. This tournament was important, the Nations Cup, the Olympics, Pemberley to be known as the best stables in Europe, those were the things that really mattered, not Elizabeth Bennet and her distracting presence. So, from now on, no more lessons, no more smiles, no more nothing. He was a professional and he would act like one.

The results of his late night meditations were evident in the following day's practice. His riding was exceptional, concentrated, precise. He was proud of himself. He controlled those flutters he always felt whenever he saw Elizabeth and did not stare at her once during the entire day. If they crossed paths, he would ignore her and the only time they exchanged words, save for a curt 'good morning', he was impersonal and composed, like the professional he was.

"Mr. Difficult is having a bad day today, isn't he?" Charlotte asked Elizabeth with a teasing smile.

"I've never seen him have a good one." Elizabeth put the bridles away.

"I think he's angry because he lost yesterday."

"Then he's crazier than I thought. He was only a fraction of a second behind the winner."

"Lizzy, when you're up there, winning is the only thing that matters. Second places don't count."

Elizabeth lifted one of the saddles and took it to the saddle room. "Poor guy. One day he'll learn that he can't win at everything and that day he's going to suffer."

The last practice of that afternoon was Louisa's. As always, her riding was impeccable. Papillion wasn't an easy horse to ride. Though he was big and strong, he was insecure when faced with difficulties and became easily distracted by anything that occurred around him. But Louisa was doing an excellent job with her training, the horse had certainly improved since she acquired him two years ago. He was more predictable in his reactions and in consequence was more reliable.

Today the team had worked with more complex obstacles. The colonel had placed a triple corral after a curve and then a high vertical. They also worked with the water jump, a obstacle that needed more speed than the rest to be surpassed. Darcy observed how Louisa resolved the vertical with her usual precision. Excellent. Now she charged towards the water jump ...

The horn of a car that had just parked close to the arena startled everyone. Papillion stopped in his tracks right before the water jump and a very unprepared Louisa almost flew over the horse's neck. If she weren't the skilled rider she was, Louisa Hurst would be ungraciously sitting in the middle of the pond at that precise moment.

Darcy turned to glare at the intruder as Louisa recovered her dignity and sat straight in the saddle.

"Lizzy! Lizzy!" The woman accompanied her shouts with a strident touch to the horn of her car.

Elizabeth felt her heart falling down to her stomach. It was her mother. What on earth was she doing here?

Again, Mrs. Bennet called her daughter. "Lizzy!"

She ran towards her mother before she continued with her noisy spectacle. "Mum! Be quiet! Mrs Hurst almost fell from her horse!"

"Did she?" any guilt Mrs. Bennet could feel about almost producing the fall was gone in the instant that followed. "Oh, don't worry," she dismissed her daughter's concerns with a wave of her hand, "these are supposed to be top riders, they never fall."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "What do you want?"

"I came to remind you about tonight's guest."

"Which guest?"

"Wilbur Collins, the man I told you about. He runs a big stable in Kent. Your father wants to see if we can do business together and I want to give a good impression. I want you to come home early. And Jane too."

"But mum! I was going out with Charlotte tonight!" Elizabeth whined.

"Elizabeth." Mrs. Bennet raised her voice so everyone could hear. "I will say this only once. I want you and Jane at home early and I will not accept excuses, is that clear to you?"

Elizabeth had no choice but to nod her consent.

Lowering her voice, Mrs. Bennet then asked. "Which one is Charles Bingley?"

"The blonde one, curly hair." said Elizabeth without pointing at the man.

But discretion was not one of Mrs. Bennet's traits. Her eyes scanned the riders and recognized Jane's 'suitor' with a loud "So handsome! Your sister is so lucky! We must do something to secure that match, Lizzy, we must! I'll speak to Jane. She can't let this one go."

This time Elizabeth didn't reply. She was so embarrassed. Charles was looking at them over his shoulder and now he knew that they were talking about him and what was worse, that the noisy woman who almost provoked Louisa's accident was her mother.

"And who is the tall man next to him?" Mrs. Bennet pointed at Darcy.

"William Darcy," she replied as low as she could.

"Looks like a constipated arse, doesn't he? Look at how he's glaring at me."

Christ, her mother was right. Darcy was staring at them and looked furious. "Mother, I have work to do. I don't ..."

"Okay, I'm leaving. Don't forget about dinner." She put the car in gear and drove away in a cloud of dirt.

The riders around the arena crossed disapproving glances. Louisa adjusted the reins in between her fingers and parted at a slow gallop, hoping that this 'incident' had not affected the concentration of her temperamental horse. The rest returned to their activities, Charles wondering what this woman was saying about him and Darcy incredulous that this vulgar, noisy creature could be Elizabeth's mother.

~ * ~

Mr. Collins arrived at Longbourn seven sharp. After greeting his hosts, he gave them an extended description of how his drive from Kent had been, including every detail in the landscape he considered relevant and enumerating the main roads and freeways he took to make this one and a half hour trip to Meryton. He then told them how he waited patiently in the car for 5 minutes so he would ring the bell exactly at the expected time. Mr. Collins loved punctuality.

The guest was enchanted with the beauty of the Bennet girls and was all praise for their appearance. The facilities also impressed him very much and he expressed his approval with such vehemence that Elizabeth quickly catalogued him as a pompous idiot.

"You have some very interesting prospects on your farm, Thomas." Wilbur smiled as he raised his fork to his mouth during dinner. After a quick glance in Elizabeth's direction, he added "Very interesting indeed."

Mr. Bennet repressed a chuckle. "Do you mean the horses?"

"Of course! I particularly liked the chestnut mare. She has the look of a winner. Perhaps I can convince Lady Catherine to sponsor her. We can take her to Kent to ..."

"I'm sorry," Elizabeth jumped into the conversation. "But Liddy is not leaving Longbourn."

"My dear Elizabeth, I know you are doing an excellent job in training that mare, I was only suggesting that we could take her to Rosings for some time. The stables are equipped with the latest in jumping technology and ..."

"I thank you, but no. I will continue with her training until she's ready to compete."

Collins looked at Mr. Bennet and then at his wife, a little disconcerted by Elizabeth's emphatic refusal. "I ..."

"Lizzy is so attached to her mare that she won't let her go for an instant." Mrs. Bennet took the lead so her guest would not be a victim of her quarrelsome daughter. "Did you say Rosings? I think I heard about them. Thomas? Do you remember Rosings Stables?"

"I do. Sir Lewis de Bourgh was the owner. It was a must, several years ago." replied Thomas.

"Rosings IS a must," Collins said haughtily. "And Lady Catherine, Sir Lewis' widow, has improved the quality of the livestock significantly since she began running the stables. I dare say that she's even a better breeder than her late husband."

"Really?" Mrs. Bennet asked with interest.

"The best I've seen. And not only the horses are magnificent, the training pens, the stalls, everything was built with good taste and functionality. Even the house she destined for my personal use is outstanding. Lady Catherine knows what is better and she doesn't spare costs where her horses and employees are concerned."

Fanny noticed Collins' interest in her second eldest and immediately decided that it would be great if these two became better acquainted. "Lizzy, you are an excellent horse trainer, maybe you can work with Wilbur, at Rosings."

"That would be indeed fabulous! What a fantastic suggestion, dear Fanny! I would love to work with her, though I think that her beauty will be very much of a distraction for me!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "But I already have a job, with a very reputed team and I would not ..."

"But they will be gone after the Olympia, Lizzy, then you can go with Wilbur."

"I don't think so, I am sure that something will come up ..." Elizabeth was panicking. Her mother could not be doing this to her.

"Don't worry, Wilbur," Fanny placed her hand on Collins' forearm as a knowing smile formed on her mouth. "I'll convince her." Elizabeth looked at her father for aid but he only smiled and shook his head. "It will be my pleasure." Collins replied suavely.

~ * ~

Elizabeth was angry when she went to bed that night-- angry with her mother, with her father, with her life. As disgusting as it looked, the idea of going to Rosings to work with (yuck!) Wilbur Collins seemed the only way to escape from Longbourn's suffocating life. Nothing seemed to be progressing at home. She was stuck on this farm, with a second class job at Netherfield, making no progress with her mare and with no expectations about going to college.

Sometimes she felt that all the effort she was doing here was in vain. So much work, at home and at Netherfield and she never saw a reward. There was always a bill to pay or something to buy and the little money she made vanished as soon as it reached her hand.

With Liddy things were going backwards. Her mare wasn't learning at the pace she should. She was growing more wild, ill-tempered and stubborn with every day that passed and no matter how hard she worked with her, she would never learn. At this rate, she would never get Liddy to the ring.

And her family. They were not helping. Save for Jane, nobody cared, nobody had the intention nor the guts to move forward. Kitty was happy doing nothing, Mary was happy with her little job and her mother was happy yelling at them all. As for her father, she didn't know what to do about him. He was there but then he wasn't. Several times Elizabeth had told him that she wanted to study a career, change a few things at the farm, improve it, but he showed so little interest in her suggestions that she would end the conversation disappointed and discouraged. The mortgage, the expenses, everything was an excuse to discard what she thought would be a good solution for the farm.

She looked at the brochures from different universities that were spread over her comforter. Animal science, that was what she wanted to study and specialize in horse breeding and reproduction. But she would never be able to do it if she continued at home.

"Perhaps I should accept Wilbur's proposition," Elizabeth exhaled in frustration. "At least that money would be just for myself."

She turned off the lights and went to sleep.

Chapter 6

Longbourn's 'prospects' became so appealing to Wilbur Collins that he visited the Bennets twice during the following week. Oddly, he did not focus his attention on Liddy, as everyone would have expected but on Elizabeth and became her shadow as soon as he entered the house. Mrs. Bennet noticed his partiality towards her second eldest right from the beginning and produced the most ridiculous reasons to leave them on their own. First Collins' attention seemed focused on Elizabeth's training aptitudes but as they spent more time together, Elizabeth came to realize that the toady little man was not as interested in her accomplishments as a horsewoman as he was on her other riding skills.

But to Wilbur's annoying presence at home Elizabeth had to add a another reason to feel distressed. The Midlands were reaching their deadline, the Olympia and the Nations' Cup were getting closer and this meant that their days -and her work at Netherfield- were coming to an end. In only a few of weeks, she would not see them practicing, she would not brush Tuareg's coat until it glowed and there would not be Sonata's tail to tress. They would be gone, and so would Jane's and Charles' endless chats, Col. Forster's ultra-professional advice and this extra money she was earning. She would return to Longbourn and its tedious routine.

Yet, three more weeks and one last show separated her from the Olympia and marked the end of this incredible experience that assisting the Midlands had been. The Regional Championship in ---shire, where the team was going to put in practice all what they learned while at Netherfield. And there they went. Like the professionals they were, the team qualified easily and except for Hurst, who made a bad second round, they all had an excellent performance.

At the show, Elizabeth and Jane met an old acquaintance from Meryton.

"Liz! Jane! What a surprise!" the young man called to them.

"Denny! How nice to see you." Elizabeth turned on hearing a familiar voice.

"It's been ages since I've seen you. Are you competing?" He eyed her up and down. Though in breeches and riding boots, Elizabeth was not wearing the classic competing outfit.

"No," she shook her head and glanced at the man who was with Denny. He was tanned, with faded jeans and a tight white T-shirt. Very handsome. "I'm working with the Midlands Team. They are competing today."

"Oh yeah, I heard about them. Hey, this is George Wickham, a good friend of mine. George, may I present Jane and Elizabeth Bennet to you? We used to live close to each other when we were younger."

"Hi," George extended his hand to shake the girls'. "Nice to meet you."

As they made conversation with the two young men, Elizabeth saw Bingley and Darcy coming back from the cafeteria. They approached them and when Elizabeth was about to introduce the two riders to the newcomers, something very odd happened. It was between George Wickham and Darcy. It was as if they had already met but neither looked pleased to see the other again. Darcy coloured the moment he laid his eyes on the other man, his jaw was clenched, and George had turned pale as a ghost. The rest didn't notice what was going on, Denny was conversing with Jane and Charles, but Elizabeth had realized the tension that existed between them and was intrigued about the cause. Abruptly, Darcy walked away and George turned to Elizabeth.

"Wow," George exhaled, "William Darcy."

"Yes," Elizabeth's eyes went from one man to the other, "he's on the team. Do you know him?"

"I do, yes."

The others headed towards the arena and Elizabeth and George followed slightly behind them. "Have you known him for long?"

"All my life."

Elizabeth gasped. "But ..."

"Yes, I know," George looked pensively at the horizon, "you are wondering why he walked away from me."

Though dying to know why, Elizabeth thought it improper to inquire. "Well, I ... yes ... I thought it was quite rude of him to leave just like that."

George shrugged. "That's William."

"Yeah, that's him. Though I'm not surprised, he has never been very nice."

They reached the fence that limited the arena and then they walked in the opposite direction from where the others were going. George mentioned Tuareg and the excellent performance he was having at shows.

"He's the best horse I've seen," said Elizabeth. "William also made an excellent campaign with that white mare he used to ride a few years ago."

"Miss D. She was incredible."

There was a mixture of longing and sadness in George's eyes and Elizabeth was wondering what could provoke such feelings. He sighed and shook his head.

"She was supposed to be mine."

"Yours?"

"Yes."

"But how ..."

"Oh, it's a long story."

Elizabeth turned her eyes to the arena and followed the movements of the rider that was now competing, not paying much attention to his performance. Her curiosity was killing her but she respected George's silence. After a few minutes of serious meditation, he spoke.

"My father was Pemberley's horse trainer for many years. I grew up there so I can say I know William Darcy pretty well."

"I met him only a month ago and all I can tell you is that he's a stuck-up snob."

George chuckled. "Well, you defined him in only two words. His father was an excellent man, pity I can't say the same about him."

"Why?"

"It's too complicated but I'll try to make it brief and simple. James Darcy was my godfather, he was very fond of me. William wasn't agreeable with that, you know, his relationship with his father had never been good so I think that he was a little envious that we were so close." George paused, then sighed, and continued. "James knew how much I liked horses and my wish to start my own stables. In his will, he stipulated that I would inherit a few horses from Pemberley so I could start my own business. Miss D was one of them. When James died and William found out that his precious mare was going to be mine, he became incensed. He used every sort of dirty trick to keep her. As always, he obtained what he wanted."

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "What?"

George nodded.

"How could that be possible? Didn't you ask for legal advice?"

"An informality in the terms of the will opened the door for doubt and there was nothing I could do about it."

"I can't believe it!"

"William is a very unscrupulous man. He's capable of doing anything to win. We finally came to an understanding, but I must say that the deal was very disadvantageous for me."

"Wow."

"But that's not the worse of it. What makes me feel so bad about this is that Miss D wouldn't have become ill had she been ... with me."

"Do you mean that she became ill because of him?"

"I know very well about William's tendency to over exercise his horses and when they express fatigue, well, he uses alternative methods to improve their performance."

"Drugs?" She asked in a small voice.

George looked away. "Let's change the subject, please. It's too painful."

Elizabeth nodded and they walked back to the area where the trailers were parked. She was in such turmoil of emotions that she didn't know what to say or do. After they parted, she returned to her activities and remained very quiet the rest of the day, too shocked and grieved by what she had just learned to talk to the others.

Later that night, Elizabeth told Jane the news. She had to warn her sister about this.

"Liz, are you sure it is true?" Jane cried. "I can't believe him capable of that!"

"Why would George lie?"

"But Liz, this is rather small circle. If something like that happened, everyone would know! He wouldn't be part of such a reputed team with that background."

"I don't know. Why would George invent such a story?"

"But drugs?" Jane shook her head. "It's too risky. You know how severe the anti-doping controls are in international competition. There is too much money involved."

"Come on, Jane! The causes of Miss D's illness were never known. How many diseases do you know that would blow a horse's career in only a weekend? How could you explain that a young, healthy mare becomes ill just before a show and then is retired without further explanation?"

"Lizzy, you know the stress that horses are submitted to when competing. Anything can happen. Sometimes a virus or tendonitis is enough to send them to the field for months, if not forever."

"See? You are agreeing with me, Jane!" Elizabeth said vehemently. "He trained her to exhaustion and doped her to continue!"

Jane rolled her eyes. "You've seen him with Tuareg, Liz, he is extremely careful, very caring I must say. I don't think he's capable of that."

"Tuareg is so strong that he could jump a mountain without even blinking and he isn't fatigued or stressed right now. Anyway, you are checking on him every day so he wouldn't risk being discovered."

Jane just couldn't believe her sister's stubbornness. "You are determined to dislike him, aren't you?"

"He might not be doing anything right now, but I'm sure he did it before."

"Liz! You can't prove that's true so just forget about it. You will have to work with William Darcy for three more weeks and it will do you no good to believe those things about him!"

Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest. There was no way she would give up her position. "Darcy is the coldest person I've ever seen. All I know is that he is capable of doing anything to win."

~ * ~

Elizabeth saw George several times in the days that followed the show, all coincidental meetings, but that served to develop a friendly relationship between them. She even invited him to dine at her house and the young man charmed everyone at the household, even the always sarcastic Mr. Bennet. His knowledge about horses was impressive and Elizabeth asked for his advice in the training of her headstrong mare.

"That was very good, Elizabeth." He observed after the jump. "This mare has qualities for the higher competitions."

"I know, but she's becoming so difficult to control, sometimes I feel we are not making any progress at all." Elizabeth walked Liddy towards George and eyed him up and down. It always impressed her how well he dressed, how he always saw that his clothes matched perfectly. Today, he was wearing beige breeches and beautiful pale blue shirt. Perhaps it was a little tight at the chest for her taste, but it enhanced his well built pectorals.

"Maybe she should be doing better by now but you shouldn't be worried about that." He held the reins. "Sometimes, difficult horses are the best ones. That indomitable spirit is what makes them jump almost every obstacle they face."

"I hope this is the case."

George looked at the mare and then at Elizabeth. "Let me try something. Would you let me ride her?"

Elizabeth didn't it think wise to change riders in the middle of a training session but maybe George, by some heavenly design, knew something she didn't and would find the clue to making Liddy respond. "All right."

One rider descended and the other climbed on the mare. After adjusting the length of the stirrups, George began to trot around the arena. Elizabeth observed him carefully. He was good. Not as good as Darcy, no one had his posture on the saddle, but she liked George's style. Perhaps he was a little brusque with his hands, he was securing the mare quite tightly but at least Liddy had realized that someone was in charge.

When George adjusted to the mare's gait, he passed in slow gallop. Again Liddy showed her rebellious self by trying to go faster than allowed. George held her even tighter and Elizabeth could see the mare's eyes wide open with nervousness, her nostrils flaring with every breath and a thick, foamy film of saliva forming on Liddy's mouth as she fought against the pressure of the bit. Elizabeth didn't like what she was seeing, this was a little rough for her taste but she knew that certain horses needed to be disciplined harder in order to obtain better results.

In the end, Liddy grew tired of fighting this stranger and she surrendered to George's command. He jumped her a couple of times.

"Raise the hurdles, Lizzy, I'll try higher." He said as he galloped around the pen.

Elizabeth rose them to four feet. Liddy's jump was successful.

"Higher!" Said George.

This time Elizabeth doubted. Liddy had never jumped this high and though she knew it would not affect the mare, she would prefer to go slower with her. That was what any horse trainer would do. "I don't know, she ..."

"It won't harm her. Just to see how high she goes."

One side of her told her that she shouldn't but the other part wanted to see her mare jumping over a four feet vertical. She rose the pole only a few inches.

George made another turn, faced the hurdle and encouraged the mare to jump. Liddy did it, but hit the pole with her front legs, very hard. Elizabeth flinched and the mare startled. Liddy was not wearing leg wraps and surely there would be a nasty bruise on those legs tomorrow.

"One more try. Now she knows it's higher and she'll make it."

Though not agreeable with this method, Elizabeth raised the pole. This time Liddy did it well.

"You should jump her at shows." George slowed the mare down to a comfortable pace. "She's a natural."

"That was only an obstacle. She needs more discipline for a complete course."

"She'll learn, don't worry. You only need to work with her."

"Are you going to the Olympia next weekend?" Elizabeth asked as they took Liddy back to the stables.

"I guess I will."

"Dr. Lucas invited us to the gala on Saturday night."

"That's great," George smiled, "I was planning to attend the gala, too. There's no better place to talk horse business than at the Olympia's ball."

Elizabeth smiled coquettishly at him. "I'm so excited about going. I haven't been at the Olympia since I was a child."

"Then we'll see each other there. We can even dance together, don't you think so?" George turned to loosen the mare's girth.

That sent Elizabeth's heart into flutters. "I'd like that."

"Pity William will be there. I'm not in the mood to see him. But I guess there is nothing I can do about it."

"Not much, just pretend he doesn't exist." This was the second time George mentioned Darcy that day. No matter what they were talking about, George would always bring Darcy up. All she wanted was to forget about the man.

"I wish it was so easy."

"He really hurt you, didn't he?" Elizabeth's heart melted with George's sorrow.

"He did, but I'll be there with you despite of him, I promise."

~ * ~

The departure to the Olympia International Showjumping Championships was full of nervousness and excitement. Horses were readied with extreme caution for the trip, equipment loaded and every detail taken care of. Once at the show, Elizabeth and Charlotte remained with the horses while the others made the check in. With efficiency and celerity, all requirements were fulfilled. After the veterinarian inspection had concluded, the girls were free to walk around and see some of the latest products for almost every horse-related discipline. Elizabeth was ecstatic. The last time she had attended a similar event, and not of this magnitude, was three years ago when her father took her to the Regional Championship. After that, she had to content herself by following them on TV.

The huge stadium was crowded. People, media, riders, public, horses; everyone who was someone in the sport was there. The weekend included two different horse events: showjumping and dressage. The participants would compete 3 times on Saturday to qualify for the finals on Sunday.

The Saturday night ball was an event itself. It was an elegant gala that congregated all the top personalities in the horse world and it was the perfect site for public relations, so, to the excitement of the sport event, the girls had to add the anticipation of attending the ball.

Elizabeth followed the performance of the team with enthusiasm in the preliminary round. Once again, Hurst's performance wasn't good. Gin Tonic had had a collision on his first entry and it affected his concentration from then on, making him drop almost every hurdle that followed. The rest of the team qualified easily and passed to the 5 feet class without any complications.

The afternoon qualifying round was harder than the previous one. The course turned shorter and faster and the combinations of obstacles became more difficult to surpass. The remaining of the Midlands team qualified, Darcy and Bingley with 0 faults and Louisa with 2 after knocking down the last vertical.

Darcy was working with Tuareg in the schooling pen before round three when he noticed something strange about the horse's gait. He asked Elizabeth to get Dr. Lucas.

"Is anything wrong?" Dr. Lucas asked, worried.

"I don't know. I think he's limping."

Dr. Lucas eyed the horse carefully as Darcy trotted him around. The horse wasn't limping, at least not noticeably, but there was something about the movements of his front legs that was sending his head off balance. He asked Darcy to come closer and observed all four legs. Nothing seemed wrong about them.

"Get down. I want to check the hooves."

Darcy jumped off the horse, a concerned frown wrinkling his forehead.

Quickly, the veterinarian inspected the hooves and found a well sized pebble in the right one, stuck in between the tender pad and the horseshoe, pressed against the hard wall of the hoof. He removed it carefully. Fortunately, it did not cut the flesh and there were no further injuries to worry about. He pressed the area to see if there was still pain but the horse did not show any sign of discomfort.

"I can't believe it," said Dr. Lucas as he released Tuareg's leg. "This is the Olympia. These pens should be clear and safe."

Darcy caressed the horse's snout as Dr. Lucas examined the tendons. "It isn't bad, isn't it?"

"Everything seems fine. Walk him around, I want to see him in motion."

"You go, Elizabeth," Darcy said suddenly. "I want to see him, too."

Elizabeth, who had been observing the whole thing in silence, probably feeling as much apprehension as Darcy was, startled on hearing her name. "Me?"

Before she could think of what to say, Darcy had moved closer to lift her up. She bent her leg and in an effortless movement, Darcy pushed her up onto the saddle.

"The stirrups are too long, let me adjust them." He said and quickly began to fix them.

Elizabeth felt she was on the top of the world. Here she was, at the Olympia, riding the outstanding Tuareg. She was nervous, but she couldn't let it show and walked the horse around the arena. The sensation was exquisite. Not many horses had this comfortable gait. Now she understood why Darcy's bottom always remained glued to the saddle no matter how quick the pace was. Tuareg floated in the air and she was floating along with him.

"He is fine. There's nothing wrong with him." Dr. Lucas observed.

Once Darcy's concerns about the horse disappeared, his attention was caught by the rider. She looked absolutely delighted for being up there and he was absolutely delighted by the sight of her in such happiness.

"Try a slow gallop." Darcy commanded her.

Elizabeth felt she was on the verge of ecstasy. She just wanted to jump and she was done for the rest of her life.

Darcy seemed to be reading her mind, because that was exactly what he asked next.

"Do you want to try the lower one?" He smiled up at her.

She grinned back. "Sure. Any recommendation?"

"He might get off quickly after the jump. Hold him tighter."

It wasn't a high jump, not even 3 feet, but to Elizabeth it was heaven. She couldn't contain her grin.

"Well, he seems fine." Darcy walked towards them. Elizabeth rode the horse to meet him.

As Darcy secured the reins, Elizabeth swung her leg over the horse's neck and slid her body down the saddle, on her rear. When she reached the floor, she realized that Darcy was closer than she had thought and she found herself sandwiched between the horse and Darcy's body, with very little room to escape.

"Did you feel anything wrong about him?"

"N-no." she stammered. He was so close that she could almost feel his breath on her skin.

"Good."

Darcy was not moving away and there was no way to escape his proximity without shrugging herself out of there. Out of pure nervousness, she asked. "How high did you jump him?"

He glanced at the top of her head. "How tall are you?"

"5.2 feet."

"Wembley's play-off was of 5.6 feet." Darcy replied smugly.

What an arrogant idiot, she thought. Was he expecting her to swoon? "Wow." She replied uninterestedly.

His gaze was intense on her and he made no attempt to move. And she was returning his stare with certain defiance. The only thing he had to do was to lower his head a few inches and taste those lips ...

Elizabeth was about to push him away when she heard Caroline's voice.

"William!"

Darcy made a step back and turned towards Caroline with irritation written all over his face. "Yes?"

Caroline clutched his arm as she addressed him. "What was the matter with your horse? I heard there was a problem with him."

"He's fine."

"Thank heavens!" Caroline exhaled. "Just imagine, staying out of the Olympia because of an injury! And with the Nations Cup so close! Your chances to compete there could have been ruined!"

"Fortunately, nothing happened."

"Yes, fortunately." Caroline rubbed Darcy's arm.

He shrugged himself off her grasp while muttering, "I must continue to warm up."

"Elizabeth," said Caroline, "that's all here. I'm sure Charles and Louisa are needing your help right now."

At any other moment, Elizabeth would have been incensed by having to take orders from Caroline but now she found her dismissal almost like a blessing. "Excuse me."

Confused about Darcy's behaviour, Elizabeth walked away, thinking that if she weren't so sure that he disliked her, she would swear that the man had been flirting with her.

Continue reading Belén's story here

---

Authors love feedback. Please express your appreciation for Belén's story here