“I imagine so. She did remark that she had it custom built to hold as many as six–in addition to the driver,” Darcy answered politely, though he made no effort to smile.
Lord Ramsgate had proved little better than Mr. Thomson. Though why such a man would wish to join them when he saw himself as superior was entirely beyond his comprehension–he had heard the rumours surrounding the Darcy family, and that made him one connection Lord Ramsgate would be disinclined to continue.
“Here,” Lord Ramsgate said as he held out his arms to Miss Bennet and Miss Mary, “allow me to escort you.”
Brows furrowed, Darcy watched as the two sisters reluctantly accepted his offer.That made little sense either. If not arguing with Miss Mary he had been actively avoiding the Bennets.
“Do you have any notion as to what he is up to?” Miss Elizabeth questioned as she neared him.
Extending his arm for her, he shook his head, “You noticed too?”
Walking toward the awaiting carriage she frowned. “Lord Ramsgate is not the type to spend a great deal of time in the company of untitled gentry if he can help it. I mean no insult to your family or mine when I say that we are unlikely to be his preferred companions… I also do not believe him to be a lover of sleigh rides, see there, already he shivers. Something has changed from even an hour ago; though I am at a loss to know why.”
Reaching the sleigh Darcy took her hand to help her in, whispering as he did, “I agree, and promise to keep watch.” Louder he questioned her sisters, “Are there enough blankets?”
“Ample,” Miss Mary laughed, Lord Ramsgate beside her rubbing his arms vigorously. “Are you warm enough, sir?”
“Of course I am; surely you do not doubt the fortitude of a man such as myself?”
Blinking as she observed him beginning to rub his hands together she answered, “Why should I doubt that?”
Lips tight, Miss Elizabeth’s eyes danced in delight as she observed her sister; the driver steering the sleigh onward as soon as Darcy was settled.
Covered in a thick layer of snow, the road vanished, the tracks made by the carriage Bingley and Fitz had taken the only marks as far as the eye could see, save the footfalls of man and beast which reminded the frozen world that not all slept.
Veering nearer the woods, the group observed the land around them in silent wonder, the great, gleaming bells decorating the sleigh and the four horses pulling it proclaiming their coming whether they wished it or not.
“Lovely,” Miss Bennet hushed as their driver ducked under laden bows, the disturbing of one showering them with powdery snow. “I do not know if even the poets could do it justice.”
“Compared to the ladies in this sleigh,” Lord Ramsgate declared suddenly, his attempts to keep warm ceased as he motioned to the Bennet sisters, “it–nature itself–pales and, indeed, becomes the vanquished! For fairer than the snow white of the world, these three hold true claim.”
The wide eyes of the three Bennet sisters met in confusion as Lord Ramsgate began to rub his arms and hands again.
The man must be insane,Darcy mused, one brow raising as he considered the Baron.All but ignoring the sisters since he arrived, then forcing his company on them, and now… strange attempts at flattery which were as pathetic as any he had heard. It made no sense.
Observing the way Miss Mary sat as far away from Lord Ramsgate, her arms crossed as she avoided his company, Darcy’s eyes flitted around him.If only Bingley had not chosen to view that estate today, Fitz would have been seated where the Baron was and her expression would not be one of discomfort.
Frowning, Darcy sought to enjoy the landscape as he had before, the sun peeking from behind a cloud causing the world to sparkle as fine jewels in candlelight.
Attention drawn by Miss Elizabeth as she pointed to a swift moving fox, Darcy instead focused on her, the pink of her face in the cold and the excitement in her eyes captivating.
Selfish as it might be, he had no desire to offer his place to Miss Mary–even if he could think of a reason which would not insult Lord Ramsgate. No. He would not readily leave Miss Elizabeth’s side… not at present… nor in the future.
Chapter 18
Staffordshire, England – 1812 – Day 7
“Lady Charmane!” Elizabeth called, the woman in question all but running into her study; Elizabeth fast on her heels.
“Lady Charmane!” she called again, her voice stilling as she rounded the corner and skidded to a stop.
Empty.
The room was empty.
But… how?Elizabeth mused, her brow furrowing as she searched the empty space.She had seen her come into THIS room. Surely?
Checking behind the curtains, desk, and any other place a woman might hide should she choose, Elizabeth came to a halt in the center of the room, hands set on her hips as she studied the space around her.
