CHAPTER 3
Flirtations
Elizabeth was awake early the following day. Even in town, she struggled to sleep late, and it rarely made a difference how late she went to bed. She quickly dressed before going downstairs to cajole a footman into escorting her to a nearby park for a walk. While she could not walk as far or as long in town, this was a familiar routine for Elizabeth and the servant, and this morning, it felt far more necessary than usual.
Never before had Elizabeth received the attention of a man. She had participated in a few slight flirtations with boys in the neighbourhood, but there were few available men in Hertfordshire. Her cheeks burned when she recalled how she had allowed Mr. Darcy to hold her hand the previous night, knowing she should not have allowed such a liberty, but … it had felt so right to do so. Every time he touched her, she felt a jolt of energy or something, leaving her feeling … unsure.“It could not be love, could it, not so quickly,”she thought.
She was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar figure approaching her in the park as she enjoyed her morning walk. A tall gentleman gracefully dismounted from his imposing stallion and approached her.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy called out, his eyes lighting up with the excitement of encountering the woman who had occupied his thoughts the night before, “do you make a habit of morning strolls in the park?”
“I am an avid walker, Mr. Darcy,” she replied, smiling up at him. “Whenever I am at my father’s estate, I walk nearly every morning. If I neglect to do so, I become restless. It is also my preferred way to think since my mother reminds me pacing indoors is unladylike. Therefore, I prefer to wander amidst nature. However, I must persuade my uncle’s servant to accompany me to the park when I am in town and cannot venture out as frequently or as far. Fortunately, the park offers enough space he need not trail too closely, allowing me to savour the illusion of solitude.”
“You take such solitary strolls in the countryside as well?” Darcy inquired, genuinely intrigued by the lady he had met only the night before.
She flashed him a mischievous grin. “I confess, I am quite the hoyden,” she teased. “I used to take walks with my grandmother, but I have never managed to coax any of my sisters into accompanying me. For the most part, I traverse the lands belonging to our estate, and the tenants there recognise me and keep a watchful eye. Our small community rarely receives visitors, so I have never had cause to fear for my safety. Both my grandmother and uncle have taken great pains to ensure I can defend myself.”
“From both men and animals?” Darcy asked, his curiosity piqued even further.
She arched an eyebrow playfully. “Indeed,” she replied pertly. “Would it surprise you to learn I carry a small pistol during my countryside walks, and my uncle has seen to it that I am proficient in its use?”
Darcy nodded appreciatively. “I commend your resourcefulness. You see, I have a younger sister who is still in the schoolroom.Yet, I often wonder what measures we might take to protect her once she ventures out alone. She has a greater penchant for riding than walking, though a groom is assigned to accompany her. Nonetheless, there are various hazards on our family’s estate. If, for instance, she were to have an accident while riding and became stranded somewhere on the grounds, it might be quite challenging to locate her if no one is with her or aware of her whereabouts. Miss Bennet, do you also ride? If you relish the outdoors as you do, I think you might appreciate the opportunity to explore even more of the countryside.”
Her expression turned rueful as she recalled her brief encounter with riding. “I am afraid I am not a proficient horsewoman,” she confessed. “As a child, I did attempt it, but a rather undignified tumble left me apprehensive around horses. Papa would not allow me to continue afterwards, and as we never really kept horses appropriate for riding, I never pressed the issue.”
Darcy’s eyes brightened with a spark of genuine interest. “Would you consider taking it up again?” he inquired. “My family keeps horses at our stables in town, and I am certain we could find a gentle mount for your use during lessons.”
A faint blush crept onto her cheeks at his suggestion. “I believe I would enjoy learning,” she admitted, her voice a tad softer. “I imagine my uncle would be amenable to the idea, but you would need to broach the subject with him.”
A warm smile graced Darcy’s lips as he replied, “I shall certainly discuss it with him this afternoon when I call on you.” However, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his features as another thought occurred to him, making him nervous. “Did you happen to inform your uncle about my intention to call? As he is your guardian here in town, I should have spoken to him last nightbut did not. Was he, by any chance, displeased with my request to see you? Will he permit me to call?”
Elizabeth shook her head, her chestnut curls swaying gently. “We retired immediately upon returning home last night, and I have not yet encountered him this morning. Rest assured, Mr. Darcy, my uncle and aunt hold you in high regard, and I cannot envision any objection to your calling on me.”
Darcy exhaled in relief. “Mr. Gardiner has been a valued friend and mentor,” he explained. “I would hate to jeopardise his goodwill by presuming upon his permission to call upon his niece. Nor would I wish to mar our acquaintance before it has had a chance to blossom properly.”
His candour prompted her to blush once more. “Are you accustomed to speaking so candidly with every lady you meet?” she inquired archly.
Darcy, his own cheeks tinged with a blush, replied, “No, Miss Bennet, I must admit before today, I was more prone to offend than charm a lady, though I cannot say for certain which path I have chosen in your case. I have often been accused of being rather blunt. But I do believe I have not managed to offend you—at least not yet—though I would caution against ruling out that possibility entirely.”
Her laughter was like music to his ears. “I would venture to say you have been far more charming than offensive,” she replied, mirth dancing in her eyes. “Now, should I convey your intention to call upon my uncle, or would you prefer to speak with him directly? I must make my way home soon, or my family will grow concerned. I have been away longer than usual this morning.”
A gleam of hope sparked in Darcy’s eyes. “Might I accompany you to your home, Miss Bennet?” he inquired, trying to extend their time together. “I could inform your uncle that we crossed paths during our morning exercise and, if it pleases him, request permission to call upon you later this afternoon.”
Elizabeth shyly nodded her agreement. The footman who had accompanied her approached at her signal and offered to take the horse’s reins, allowing the couple to walk together. Darcy extended his arm toward Elizabeth, and she readily accepted it, once again feeling the jolt of electricity passing between them. It seemed to occur each time they touched. Their conversation was light as they walked the few blocks to the Gardiners’ house.
However, just before they arrived at the door, Darcy stopped and turned toward his companion: “Miss Bennet, I think it is important for you to know I have never been so forward with a woman. I am astounded at my behaviour last night, and while I cannot find I regret it, I do hope I did not offend you in any way. I cannot explain what impulse struck me, causing me to act as I did last night, and while you have assured me I have not offended, I did wish you to know such behaviour was not typical.”
She blushed. “Thank you for telling me, sir. I did not believe it to be so, nor would I have you thinking such behaviour was my wont,” she replied in a near whisper.
“I am glad, Miss Bennet,” he replied.
“Might I ask a small favour, sir?” she asked, surprising him.
“Of course, Miss Bennet,” he replied.
“It is … it is your mode of address, sir,” she stammered. “I am … I am unused to being addressed as Miss Bennet, and Ikeep looking for my sister to appear. Would you … that is, do you feel comfortable addressing me as I am at home? As the second sister, I am Miss Elizabeth and am far more used to that appellation.”
Unexpectedly, Darcy felt a warm sensation in his heart at her request. “I would be delighted to call you by your first name, Miss Elizabeth,” he replied, joying at the simple privilege of addressing her more informally.
