Three
Her solitary reverie was interrupted by a miaow, and Mr Ash appeared, jumping into her lap. Elizabeth stroked him, and after turning round and round for a while, he found a comfortable position and began to purr.
“Who let you out, you disobedient boy? How did you know I was here? Silly me, of course you knew. You are so sweet and beautiful! Do not listen to anyone who says you are wild and evil. If you despise some people, I am sure you have good reason. Do not worry, I shall always take your side, even when you puzzle me. As happened yesterday with Mr Darcy. How could you like him when he barely speaks two words together? Or maybe he was more vocal with you and Papa than he is with the rest of the world.”
“Miss Bennet?” a voice called, startling her so much that she jumped to her feet, and Mr Ash leapt to the ground.
“Mr Darcy!”
“I am sorry to interrupt your privacy,” he said, dismounting. “I just came to bring Mr Bennet the two books I promised. Bingley and I are having dinner with Colonel Forster.”
Mr Ash had been startled too and had run away, but he was now sitting a few yards from where they stood, watching them attentively.
“Oh…the books…how very kind of you. Papa will be delighted.”
“Are you returning home?” he enquired, and she hesitated a moment, but in the end she could not refuse to accompany him.
“Yes,” she said, and they walked together.
“I assume those newly published volumes are quite expensive,” Elizabeth said, attempting to begin a conversation.
“When it comes to books, their value is not measured in money.”
“A book’s value is not measured in money, and yet one needs good money to be able to purchase one,” Elizabeth replied. “Unless one who cannot afford to buy them is fortunate enough to borrow them.”
Mr Darcy showed a hint of a smile.
“It is my pleasure to share books with those who appreciate them.”
“How generous of you. I might be so bold as to abuse your kindness and ask you to allow me and my sister Mary to read them too. But that would be too much of an imposition, I am sure.”
“Not at all. Since I have already read them, I am in no hurry for them to be returned.”
Elizabeth could not conceal her surprise.
“Truly? I was mostly teasing you. My sister Mary asked Papa to request such a favour from you, but Papa was rightfully reluctant to do so.”
“I am glad you asked, and I am pleased to agree. Your father mentioned to me that you and Miss Mary enjoy reading. I have always admired young women who wish to improve their minds through extensive reading.”
Elizabeth’s amazement increased; based on his words alone, Mr Darcy’s statement had sounded like a compliment. However,his distant tone and his stern countenance revealed that he was simply stating a fact, unconnected to her or Mary.
“That is very kind of you, Mr Darcy. Mary will be most pleased, and so am I.”
“It is the least I can do after offending you at the assembly. I really cannot understand what possessed me to act in such a manner. I have a sister, and I am not in the habit of offending women, regardless of the circumstances. I should have found a more gentlemanly way of dismissing Bingley’s insistence that I dance.”
“Yes, you should have,” she responded, amused by his awkwardness. “But as I said, your attempt to apologise was much appreciated, and I suggest we do not mention the incident again.”
“That is very kind of you, Miss Bennet.”
Suddenly, Elizabeth lost her balance as Mr Ash rubbed against her ankles. She swayed, struggling to steady herself, when Mr Darcy’s hand grabbed her arm. Ash miaowed and moved a few steps away but remained in their proximity.
“I cannot understand this cat,” she said, trying to conceal her embarrassment. “He usually hides from strangers, especially men, but now he is under our feet.”
“One can hardly understand cats,” he said, smiling. “My family has owned many cats, dogs, and horses. I can safely say that the cats run the household, including claiming dominion over humans and dogs. Cats have secret reasons to like or dislike someone, and you cannot force them to change their opinion. You may feed them and nurture them, and they will still dislike you if they want. A dog learns obedience and loyalty. A cat can hardly accept being forced to act against its wishes.”
Elizabeth laughed heartily. “You sound like a real expert, Mr Darcy, and although my experience with cats and dogs is not as extensive as yours, I agree with you. In fact you just voiced my own thoughts about cats liking or disliking people without apparent reason.”
“I would not call myself an expert, but all my family loved pets. My grandfather used to say that kindness to animals is just as noble as kindness to people in need.”
