He gave me a slow nod. “Very well. You may be certain that if anything happens to you, Georgiana and I shall provide Elizabeth and Bennet all the support they need.”
“Thank you.” The tension in my chest abated.
Elizabeth
To my mind, Bennet’s buoyant chatter set the perfect mood for our picnic. Everyone had taken seats in a flat, grassy area covered by tarpaulins and blankets and furnished with pillows.
On a nearby blanket sat Jane, Charles, and Papa. On the other side of them, Georgiana and Richard rested under the shade of an umbrella. Graham took a seat with Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson, whilst Lady Catherine and Lady Rebecca sat near the food table. Her ladyship had never looked more austere, and it seemed odd that she and Anne had not sat together.
Bennet, situated between Fitzwilliam and me, exuded a joyous energy and elicited smiles and grins from those around him. Our cook had planned a tasty meal that included several of my son’s favourite foods, including apples, sliced ham, rolls, lemonade, and peach tarts. Fitzwilliam removed his pocket-knife and sliced a pear, handing a piece to Bennet.
My father gestured to them, a familiar wry curve to his mouth. “Your son is the image of you, Darcy, although I dare say his innate liveliness must be ascribed to his mother.”
I shared a smile with Papa. The comment brought levity to Fitzwilliam’s visage as well. How could he not be pleased at such a flattering statement, even if my father had intended to tease as well as compliment?
“No doubt you are correct, but I have had more reason to smile these past three years than ever before.” Fitzwilliam’s gaze flitted from our son to me. His tender look paralysed my tongue for a moment.
Soon, though, I wrested my sight from him to face my father. “Bennet’s tendency to smile may have come from me, but without a doubt, he has Fitzwilliam’s dimples.”
“Oh?” Papa rested upon one elbow to inspect my husband. “I did not know Darcy possessed that trait.” At this, Fitzwilliam’s complexion flushed.
I rested my hand upon my husband’s wrist, meeting Papa’s gaze. “With luck, you may glimpse them during your stay here. They are a rare sight—one that I treasure.”
Graham
I sat across from Miss Anne de Bourgh and her companion, the grey-haired Mrs. Jenkinson. The younger lady drew my curiosity, for her arrival had thoroughly disconcerted Lady Catherine.
Although average in looks, Miss de Bourgh had noble features and expressive, brown irises. In contrast to her mother’s comportment, Miss de Bourgh’s shoulders bowed inwards and her back hunched a bit as though to evade drawing attention toherself. The Darcy boy often drew her sight. She espied the child with a slight smile on display.
Of course, she also stole glances at me—quick ones designed to be surreptitious. My hand brushed hers when I passed her a basket of rolls, and the workings of her mind became visible. My robust appetite amused her, and she could not account for why I had chosen to sit with her. She hoped I would not engage her in conversation for fear that she should become flustered, as she often did with new acquaintances. Alas, her desire did not coincide with mine.
I edged closer to her. “Miss de Bourgh, do you share your mother’s interest in music?”
She flinched and gulped a mouthful of ham. “Music? Well…um…I do enjoy listening to others perform.”
“What other pastimes do you favour?” She blanched like a deer confronted by a wolf. This would not do. I sent her a silent communication:Be easy. I am a friend.
Miss de Bourgh blinked, and her mouth parted as she received my message. She fiddled with the scarf around her neck. “Well, I have always loved to read. For most of my life, I have suffered from poor health and have not had the opportunity to pursue many activities. In the past few months, though, my health has improved, and I have discovered that I enjoy long walks. I should like to take up horseback riding again, which I have not done since childhood. In the future, I hope to travel and see my family more often.”
My gaze drifted towards Lady Catherine, who sat under an umbrella with Lady Rebecca. “May I presume you do not share your mother’s rancour towards Elizabeth?” Based on Miss de Bourgh’s thoughts, the answer seemed clear, but I should be certain.
Her pupils enlarged. “Why would you ask me this?”
“My concern for Elizabeth prompted the question. I believe your mother may intend to cause her harm, and I hope you are not of the same mind.”
“In the past, my answer might have differed.” She cast her eyes down. “But now, I wish my cousin and his wife all the best.”
“That is good to hear. Darcy and Elizabeth are well suited to each other. Anyone who spends time in their company can see that. Yet from my observation, most marriages are not so felicitous. Women are urged to seek husbands, but many are more content to remain single, provided they have sufficient financial means.”
Her brows knitted, then released. “Yes, I believe you are correct.” Chuckles from the Darcy child drew her sight and engrossed her. Across the way, Mr. Bennet stood holding Bennet’s hand. Based upon what I gleaned from his conversation with Elizabeth, he prepared to take the boy on a stroll.
My attention returned to Miss de Bourgh. Ah, she wanted to accompany them but lacked the courage to approach Mr. Bennet and the child, both almost-strangers to her. She needed a little push.Go ahead and join them. They will welcome you.
In a bustle of movement, Miss de Bourgh set down her plate and glanced at me. “Excuse me, but I want to take a walk.”
“Yes, of course.”
She touched Mrs. Jenkinson’s forearm. “Pray remain here and finish your meal.” The elder lady nodded. Miss de Bourgh rose, approached Mr. Bennet, and the two exchanged a few words. She took hold of Bennet’s free hand, and the trio set out together with the collie traipsing after them. I refilled my plate and tucked into the delicious victuals.
