Elizabeth scowled and toyed with the edge of the paper. How simple her aunt made it sound! But the rumors had already spread.
If word of her association with Mr. Darcy also reached Meryton, it would not be long before the gossip twisted into something even less favorable. Why, any number of her more envious neighbors would be quick to point out that Elizabeth herself had few attractions that would appeal to a wealthy, well-positioned man such as Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire. They would make assumptions…
And whatever scandal clung to her name would not stop with her. It would settle over her sisters like a cloud, dimming their chances of respectable marriages. Elizabeth sighed, folding the letter carefully and placing it on the table beside her.
Mrs. Gardiner reached over, resting a gentle hand on her arm. “You will see, Lizzy. It will all come out quite all right.”
Elizabeth nodded, but the words rang as hollow. If she did not find a way to restore her own reputation, her sisters would suffer the consequences.
And that was something she could not allow.
Darcy adjusted the reinsas the open carriage rolled through the gates of Hyde Park, the rhythmic clatter of hooves muffled by the dust of the well-worn paths. Beside him, Georgiana sat stiffly, her posture impeccable, her face a careful mask of indifference.
It was a perfect day for a drive—the autumn air was crisp rather than stifling, the trees rustled gently in the breeze—but Georgiana barely glanced at their surroundings.
“You might try enjoying yourself,” Darcy muttered, steering them toward the quieter paths near the Serpentine.
”Iamenjoying myself,“ Georgiana replied flatly, eyes fixed straight ahead.
Darcy sighed. If this wasenjoyment, he dreaded to see what displeasure looked like.
They continued in silence for several minutes, the awkwardness between them as persistent as the soft creak of the carriage wheels. Darcy had hoped this outing might coax Georgiana from her sullen mood, but she remained as withdrawn as ever. What was the point? This was a waste of time.
He was about to suggest they return home when a familiar figure in the distance caught his eye. A woman, walking alone along one of the shaded paths, her bonnet tilted just enough to reveal a cascade of dark curls.
Darcy’s grip on the reins tightened instinctively.
Elizabeth Bennet.
She moved with an easy, unhurried grace, as if she belonged here—as if the bustling heart of London had no claim on her. But what unsettled him most was the fact thatshe was alone.No maid, no companion, not even a footman trailing discreetly behind.
Before he could reconsider, Darcy pulled the horses to a gentle stop. “Georgiana, shall we take a turn on foot?”
Georgiana shot him a suspicious glance, but nodded. They disembarked, and Darcy secured the horses at a nearby iron post. Then he steered them onto the path, his strides longer than usual—enough so that Georgiana gave him an odd look and tugged at his arm until he slowed somewhat. As they drew closer, Elizabeth turned at the sound of their steps behind her, her face lighting with mild surprise.
“Mr. Darcy,” she greeted, her voice as composed as if they had planned this meeting. “Oh! I do not believe I have had the pleasure.”
Darcy inclined his head. “Miss Bennet. Allow me to present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Georgiana dipped into a polite, if somewhat perfunctory, curtsy, and Elizabeth Bennet… well, her curtsy was rather more elegant.
He cleared his throat. “I did not expect to see you here.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with something that might have been amusement. “No nefarious arrangements of Lord Matlock’s, sir, I assure you. But I suppose Hyde Park belongs to all of us, does it not?”
Darcy’s lips thinned. “Indeed. However, I am surprised to see you without a companion.”
Elizabeth’s smile did not falter. “My aunt and her companion were otherwise engaged this afternoon, so I came alone. I make it a habit to walk here as often as I can while in London. The air does wonders for the mind.”
“Alone?”
Her brow lifted slightly. “Yes, I believe we already clarified that. I find it gives me time to think.”
Darcy could scarcely believe it. A single woman, unchaperoned, strolling through London’s most frequented park as if it were the countryside? It was scandalous. And now, with their names already publicly linked, her impropriety reflected on him as well.
Before he could form a proper response, Georgiana chose that moment to actually address the lady. For an instant, Darcy was proud that she was speaking when his own words had faltered.
“I suppose,” she said, her tone cool, “you must find Londonquiteoverwhelming, Miss Bennet, coming from the countryside.”
