Charlotte peered out at the sleigh. “It looks wonderfulhere, too, even if I am not quite myself yet.”
“We will have a splendid time, Charlotte,” I assured her. “Today’s for joy and fresh air.”
The door opened, revealing Mr. Van der Meer, looking dapper in his winter attire. “Ladies, are you ready for a brisk ride through the park? Come! The day is fine, the horses are ready, and the bricks are hot.”
As we stepped outside, the world was transformed by last night’s fresh snowfall. Trees shimmered with their queenly new coats, and the air was alive with winter’s touch. Snowflakes spiraled in the wind, painting everything in white. Charlotte gasped. “Oh, I am so glad I could come out today! It’s a winter fairy tale on mornings like this.”
Jane laughed softly. “Better than the theater.”
“And this is just the neighborhoods,” declared Mr. Van der Meer, offering his hand to assist each of us into the sleigh. “Wait until you see Hyde Park in all her winter glory.”
As we settled ourselves onto the plush velvet cushions, I could not help but cast my gaze about the park, my eyes straining to catch a glimpse of oneparticulargentleman who might also be enjoying the wintry scene. It was a vain endeavor, I knew, for what reason had I to believe that Mr. Darcy would choose this exact time and place to take his daily constitutional? But he did have a knack for turning up when I least expected him… and more than once it had been in the company of our driver.
“Are you searching for someone, Miss Elizabeth?” inquired Mr. Van der Meer. “You look as if you were expecting to meet somebody.”
“Ah, no,” I stammered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “I was merely... admiring the view.”
“Indeed, it is quite breathtaking,” he agreed. With a flick of the reins and a skillful command, he set our sleigh to glide effortlessly through the snow, the horses’ hooves crunching softly as we traversed the pristine landscape.
I settled back in the seat, forcing myself to be content. It was a lovely day, I was with my sister and my dearest friend, and it seemed that at least some of my hopes for them were on the cusp of fulfillment. What more could I want?
That was when a familiar figure in the distance stole my attention. Another sleigh, cutting a path nearly opposite from ours. It carried an older couple, a gentleman in a red coat, two young ladies… and the unmistakable form of Mr. Darcy.
“Jane,” I whispered, nudging her discreetly, “look there, across the park. Isn’t that Mr. Darcy?”
She followed my gaze, her eyes widening slightly in recognition. “It is. And he’s not alone.”
True enough. Mr. Darcy was not attempting any subterfuge, either. He sat tall, his broad shoulders and distinct profile setting him apart. I would know his figure anywhere, and apparently, he knew mine, too. Though they were at some distance, I felt his gaze meet mine for a brief, heart-stopping look.
“Enjoying the scenery, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Van der Meer’s voice broke into my thoughts, pulling my attention back to our sleigh.
“The park is especially beautiful today,” I replied, deliberately vague. My pulse had quickened, and I hoped my face didn’t give away too much.
Mr. Van der Meer chuckled, “Indeed. But sometimes, it’s not just nature’s beauty that captivates.”
What, had he seen me staring at Mr. Darcy? Impossible. I made some little retort, but said no more.
Would the other sleigh catch us up? I sent a few glances that way, hoping… what did I hope? That they would drive by us and Mr. Darcy would look longingly at me, to the offense of that lady at his side? That was silly. More likely, if they did drive by, he would cheerfully introduce us all to his betrothed and her family.
What rot.
I fell to dark brooding, my chin resting on the edge of the sleigh, save for when the other vehicle appeared to pop around the bend in the path. In those moments, I always made sure to be sitting up proudly, and laughing for all I was worth. Who needed stuffy Mr. Darcy and that… rich… beautiful… sophisticated lady in his carriage? Not I.
Laterthatafternoon,wetook another outing—this one less designed to capture our fancies and more intended to boost our vanity. Mine, at least. I am sure Jane and Charlotte do not possess a vain bone between them, but I most certainly do. Moreover, my vanity was somewhat bruised by the morning’s outing, and in need of a bit of pampering.
“Ah, Mesdemoiselles Bennet, Miss Lucas!” Madame Duval’s voice rang out warmly as we entered her little modiste’s shop, her eyes shining with genuine delight. “Your couture masterpieces await your final approval.”
She guided us towards the fitting alcove, and all three of us gasped in amazement. My gown, a lush emerald satin with delicate gold embroideries, draped the form with an elegance that left me in awe. Slipping into it was like stepping into another world. Every inch of the fabric seemed to mold to my form, making me feel like royalty. Me! If ever there was an impostor stealing fine feathers, it was me in that silk gown. But I didn’t think I cared anymore.
Jane, bathed in the glow of a candle, turned to me, her azure gown capturing the essence of her gentle beauty. “Elizabeth, you are a vision!” she breathed.
I chuckled softly, “And you, Jane, are the very definition of the word ‘stunning.’ That hue was made for you. Mr. Bingley won’t be able to take his eyes off you!”
But it was Charlotte, emerging like a regal figure in her plum silk gown, who caught our collective attention. The richness of the color brought a rosy hue to her cheeks, a welcome sign after her recent bouts of ill health. She was… she was gorgeous. No one had ever accused Charlotte of being beautiful, but with her eyes sparkling with energy once more and that gown that fitted her the way nothing ever had, even Jane paled by comparison.
“Charlotte,” I began, my voice cracking with feeling, “you areradiant. And that color is a perfect choice!”
“You don’t think it is too pretentious?” She swished around, twisting the skirts and trying to see how it fell over her ankles.
