Darcy
“Bingley,mayIspeakfrankly for a moment?”
We were standing on the kerb, awaiting his carriage, while the ladies wandered inside a nearby shop. He was smiling like a simpleton, his gaze unfocused, and he scarcely attended me. I had to repeat my question before he blinked and shook himself.
“I beg your pardon, Darcy. You were saying?”
“I was saying that there are things you ought to know about Miss Bennet—her family, her situation in life. You seem quite enamored of the lady.”
His brow wrinkled. “Well, it was you who introduced me to her. Do you disapprove?”
“Far from it. Miss Bennet appears to be everything that was claimed about her. But you ought to know that an alliance with the Bennet family will bring you few advantages. I would expect she has very little dowry to speak of, and I have some reservations about the manner in which Mr. Bennet conducts his family.”
Concern darkened Bingley’s cheerful countenance. “Anything specific?”
I sighed and looked out on the street. “Nothing I can share without violating a confidence. And do not think I am attempting to warn you off the lady. I have seen…” How to say it? “There is a rare strength and quality present in Miss Elizabeth that I should think would override almost any objections. Perhaps the same is true of Miss Bennet. I only wished to advise you to proceed with caution before forming any sort of attachment.”
“But Darcy, I have never known anyone like Miss Bennet! What care have I for fortune or politics? I have quite enough money to suit me, and my sisters are well-looked-after.” He frowned. “I suppose there is still Caroline to marry off. You would not, by any chance, have a taste for redheads?”
“Sorry to disappoint, but I have discovered a fascination for brunettes.”
“Ah, well. I know Caroline would like me to choose a wife who could bring her into higher circles, but I should rather select a lady who delights my eyes and my soul. So, while I appreciate your words of caution and shall take them into consideration, I would not turn from Miss Bennet lightly. I fancy I have met the lady I shall marry.”
I smiled. Then laughed. “Bingley, I like you.”
He looked bewildered. “I rather hoped you did. This is not some condescending way of telling me I am simple and guileless, is it? I know I am, and it is not necessarily fashionable—”
“No, nothing of that kind. I have few enough friends who count character above circumstances. It is refreshing.”
“Is that a compliment, Darcy?”
“Of the highest order. Ah, here is the carriage. And look, the ladies are coming out to rejoin us at precisely the right moment.”
Bingley and Miss Bennet locked gazes, and there was no talking to either of them after that. It promised to be a quiet carriage ride, with the two of them simply staring into each other's eyes. I chuckled and went to Elizabeth to offer my arm.
But she did not take it.
As Bingley helped Miss Bennet into the carriage, Elizabeth held back, her shoulders high and her eyes flashing.
“Miss Elizabeth? Is something amiss?” I asked.
She swallowed. “I have questions. Mr. Darcy.”
Eighteen
Elizabeth
Hedidn’tflinch.Noteven an eyelash flickered. But his smile cooled, and his chest lifted in a thoughtful sigh. “I imagine you do. Perhaps we might discuss your questions somewhere more… advantageous than a public walk. If you are amenable?”
That was as good as a confession of sorts. I stared at him for a few more seconds, but Jane was already in the carriage with Mr. Bingley, and there was little else I could do. I walked past Mr. Darcy and got into the carriage with the footman’s help. He followed a vast deal more slowly, and settled on the opposite end of the cushion. His eyes never left me, but I was determined to ignore him, so I turned toward the window.
“Miss Bennet, do you fancy a turn in Hyde Park tomorrow?” Mr. Bingley asked.
I looked over at my sister. Had Mr. Darcy suggested that? How could he have echoed my very words? It had seemed a pleasant solution to the problem of leaving the house tomorrow without arousing my aunt’s concern, but now, I was not so sure. I had just unmasked my “burglar,” and it sounded like he was not at all the person I thought he was when we first met.
But Jane knew nothing of my reservations, and she accepted immediately. So, that was that. Jane, at least, would be going on a romantic outing tomorrow. And I would take my chances with Mr. Darcy. I glanced his way—quite accidentally, I assure you—and found his unblinking gaze still fixed on me.
The longer I sat beside him, the more questions I had.
