An image of Miss Elizabeth being in his private sitting room between the master and mistress’s chambers, where they read together as they cuddled on the sofa in front of a warm fire, popped into his mind. They would drink wine and have complete privacy to…
He moved to the fireplace to adjust the screen closer. It was an unnecessary task that masked his growing confusion. How and why was his mind dwelling on him and Miss Elizabeth being together? Impossible!
Mrs. Hammond addressed Colonel Fitzwilliam.“But tell me, have you visited places other than the continent?”
Elizabeth was grateful when Mrs. Hammond drew him out. The colonel spoke for a length of time. He was particularly well-traveled. The man was a fascinating character with an amiable personality—quite unlike Mr. Darcy.
Each time the colonel smiled, dimples appeared on each cheek. His teeth were straight and white, and his eyes twinkled with the same look as did her father’s when he was teasing. His countenance was easy, and his conversation stimulating.
Glancing at the man at his side, Elizabeth could not help but wonder how the two were able to enjoy company together. As a matter of fact, Elizabeth also wondered the same about Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. They were as opposite as night was to day. What was it about a miserable man like Mr. Darcy that attracted amiable people? Did his cousin and Mr. Bingley feel sad for him that he likely had no other genuine friends? Wasit some sort of pact they made to attempt to pull Mr. Darcy’s attitude from the highest heavens down to where mere mortals existed?
Whatever the answer, it was easy to ignore one man while listening to the other.
Mr. Darcy unlatched the shutter behind where he stood. It was then that Elizabeth noted the silence outside.
He said, “Mrs. Hammond, we thank you for your hospitality. There seems to be a break in the storm. I suggest we leave immediately in case the weather quickly changes its mind again.”
As the men donned their greatcoats and retrieved their horses, Elizabeth said her goodbyes to Mrs. Hammond. The afternoon, despite the wind and rain, was stimulating due to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s presence. As was typical, having Mr. Darcy along—well, he was tolerable, she supposed.
CHAPTER 4
“Miss Elizabeth, although my saddle is not made for a lady’s comfort, you are welcome to ride. I will walk alongside,” Mr. Darcy offered.
The colonel also made his mount available.
“While I thank you both, I do not care for riding, preferring my own two feet to their four.”
True to their promise, the men led their horses as they escorted her to Longbourn, allowing her to set a brisk pace. On the way, she pointed out areas of note, speaking quickly after discovering that Colonel Fitzwilliam had an interest in his surroundings.
To him, Elizabeth said, “You may be surprised to learn that Egypt is not the only land with pyramids, sir. In the clearing behind those trees, the younger brothers of my good friend Miss Charlotte Lucas and I attempted the amazing feat of building our own wonders of the not-so-ancient world.”
Before Colonel Fitzwilliam could close his gaping mouth, Mr. Darcy asked, “Was there a particular reason why you took on this monumental project?”
She was surprised at his interest. Was he hoping to prove to his cousin how provincial she was? Was he finding fault…again?
Elizabeth shrugged. “My father has a large collection of maps in his study that intrigued me greatly. Once I realized that any dreams that I held of traveling to the Mediterranean would never come to fruition, I joined with the neighbor boys to build our own Hanging Gardens of Babylon and Great Pyramid. In all honesty, we were doomed from the start since none of us were skilled builders or engineers. The other issue that was too much to overcome was that John Lucas and I were a mere nine years old. Bertie Lucas was only seven. We were all too short to have anything more than a small pile of stones and bricks we scavenged from Papa’s old icehouse.” She sighed, then grinned. “We did try, though.”
Both men laughed along with her.
Mr. Darcy knows how to laugh?She never would have guessed he would know the meaning of humor.
With more boldness, Elizabeth showed them where they pretended to pull legendary Excalibur, the sword from a stone when a light rain began to fall, and the wind whipped into a gale.
“Gentlemen, you must have concluded by now that I was a hoyden when I was young. Rather than tell an untruth that I have fully metamorphosed into a fine lady, I will confess that I am likely to run through the fields without my bonnet on sunny days and when it rains.” Without even a by your leave, she took off like a shot. From over her shoulder, she said, “After one more corner, I will be at Longbourn. I suggest you ride to Netherfield Park so you do not suffer another downpour.”
She did not look back until Mr. Hill, Longbourn’s butler, opened the front door. Instead of doing as she suggested, they had mounted their horses and continued to follow her. Dipping her knee, she acknowledged their kindness. It must have been Colonel Fitzwilliam’s idea.
So,this was Longbourn, the Bennet estate.
“What an incredible lady! Miss Elizabeth is intelligent, kind, and quite pretty. What is her situation?” Richard asked on the wind as they turned toward the main road.
His question startled Darcy. “Why are you inquiring about her?” Even though the rain increased, and they should hurry to Netherfield Park, he was desperate to know.
“I am a second son with unpleasant memories that have forever seared my soul. I was not considered a handsome man before. Now, I see when a woman spies my scar. Since my return, the number of unattached ladies in England who have treated me with as much respect as Miss Bennet can be counted on one hand. Although I am not currently looking for a bride, she is an attractive woman with a heart tender enough to look after an elderly woman completely unrelated to her for the simple reason that she holds her in respect and affection. Mrs. Hammond and Miss Elizabeth’s welcome was genuine in warmth and friendliness. Miss Elizabeth may be merely curious about me, and I can accept this openly. Nevertheless, should she feel an attraction, I might remind my mother of her promise to give me a small estate attached to Matlock when I wed. That is unless you already have a prior claim.”
What!“I do not.” Darcy could feel his pulse in his neck, grateful his damp cravat covered it. What had he done to leave his cousin with the impression that he was attracted to Miss Elizabeth? Had he stared at her too long? Had he been too easygoing around her? He would need to keep on guard.
“Marriage? You are here to find a wife?” Darcy wiped the rain from his face to no avail. The thought of his cousin wedto the lady stirred his ire, disappointment, and a keen sense of competition to best his closest friend.
