The tension he had not realised he carried left his shoulders. “So I am not imagining it? You are experiencing this too?”
Without conscious thought, Darcy clasped Elizabeth’s hand. It was Elizabeth’s blushes and flustered response that made Darcy aware of what he had done. As he relinquished her hand, MrsGardiner looked their way. Wanting to be sure Elizabeth’s aunt did not regret her indulgence, Darcy nodded to her.
“Elizabeth, I believe we must speak about our experiences. Do I ask too much, or would you allow me to take you for a ride in my curricle tomorrow?”
Neither one of them seemed to notice the familiarity with which he addressed her.
Elizabeth laughed. “I hope the weather remains fine, for I suspect we have quite enough to discuss that several outings may pass before my confusion is resolved.”
She wanted his company! He tried to temper his excitement, reminding himself that she was requesting time to discuss the situation they were in, not necessarily time with him, but his heart was just too elated. “I would be happy to take you on as many outings as you desire, unless you change your mind after several hours in the same carriage, in which case, I will not hold you to your promise.”
MrDarcy’s response consumed Elizabeth’s thoughts all evening. Something in it awakened a memory that lingered just beyond her grasp. Thankfully, Jane was still distracted by thoughts of MrBingley, but Elizabeth feared her restlessness did not escape her aunt’s notice. As Elizabeth readied for bed, MrDarcy’s answer returned to her again.Why would his words about my promise preoccupy me so?Then she remembered. MrDarcy quoted something she had said to him when she dreamed they had been kidnapped together. “I accept your offer. Unless, you change your mind after several hours confined to a small space with me, in which case, I will not hold you to your promise.” Had that been a dream? Had it been real? Could two people have the same dream? Elizabeth had more questions than answers. She needed something to calm her mind. She examined a stack of novels Jane had selected from thecirculating library and picked upThe Yellow Sprigged Muslinby Lily Bernard.
Elizabeth made a sniffing sound when she read the first line:It is a truth universally acknowledged that some memories are best forgotten.There were quite a few memories from these last few days that she would like to forget.
Chapter 19: The Yellow Sprigged Muslin
by Lily Bernard
Hunsford, Kent
Sunday, the 5thof April, 1812
Elizabeth observed her gowns hanging in the wardrobe and decided to wear the yellow sprigged muslin once again. When she headed out into the park, it did not take long before she encountered MrDarcy. Her initial reaction was to be displeased that he had intruded on her solitary walk, but, to her surprise, she was not unhappy at all. When had she come to enjoy his company?
“Good morning, Miss Bennet.”
“It is a beautiful day, sir.”
“And may I say how lovely you look in that yellow muslin…”
How astonishing! Her simple day gown brought about a compliment from Mr. Darcy—was it the first one he had ever paid her? He really was handsome when he smiled.
“Is something wrong, sir?”
“I hardly know. I believe I have uttered that sentence before.”
“Well, I have worn this gown before.”Yet I do not recall the compliment.
He offered her his arm, and she hesitated before she took it. “I was wondering,” he said as they continued to walk, “if we might be completely honest with each other.”
She nodded, not comprehending why holding his arm comforted her.
“I fear there have been some misunderstandings between us in the past. Is there anything you wish to ask me?”
After reading her sister’s most recent letter, Jane’s continued unhappiness weighed on Elizabeth’s mind. “Did you intentionally separate my sister from MrBingley?” A vague memory came over her as if she had already asked him this very question.
“I did not believe she showed him any preference.”
“MrBingley has reached his majority and, as such, should be making his own decisions.”
“I was acting in the best interest of my friend. If I erred, I shall write to Bingley as soon as I return to Rosings and tell him what you said.”
“I would ask younotto write to him.”
“Why ever not? Are you not eager to have them reunited?”
“MrBingley behaved in a way that led my sister to believe he cared for her—yet he listened to his sisters and his friend and left her without a word. Would a man who had real affection for a woman be so willing to abandon her, founded on the advice of others? I have heard you refer to MrBingley’s history of flitting from one ‘angel’ to another. If Jane were but a diversion, would she not be better off without him? Does my sister not deserve to be cherished deeply and by a man who knows his own mind?”
