“I have made Miss Bennet laugh often enough. I would ask if you were at the parsonage, but I do not need another of your famous scowls aimed in my direction!”
There was a brief lull in the conversation, which Fitzwilliam broke. “You seem to be in better spirits. Compared to during our journey here, that is. I had expected your mood to improve only once we are in the carriage bound for London again?—”
“We should stay longer.” Darcy was as surprised by the words as Fitzwilliam appeared to be; his cousin positively gaped at him. “I…I have been helping the steward, and we require more time.” While he did customarily review whatever matters Lady Catherine or the steward wanted his opinion on, there was nothing extraordinary to tend to. He hated the lie, but he just did not want to leave yet. Hedidfeel better than he had lately in town, likely because he was away from the gossips and people speculating on when he would finally get married—as though he was seven-and-thirty not seven-and-twenty.
Soon to be eight-and-twenty, a very good age to be married. If only you could find the right lady,one of the devils in his head said.
He experienced a momentary day-dream of Elizabeth Bennet being his wife, his closest friend, always nearby to brighten his life, but shook it away. It was caused by the obnoxious little creature who seemed determined to make his life a misery.
“You want to stay at Rosings longer?” Fitzwilliam exclaimed. “Are you mad? You know Lady Catherine will see it as evidence that you are growing attached to Anne, as will she!”
Darcy went to the window, roughly pushing aside the heavy curtain to stare into the darkness. He thought he could just make out a light in one of the windows at the parsonage. Was it Miss Elizabeth? She might be awake still, reading.Or thinking of me. She knows how…bewitching I find her, and she must wonder if I shall forget my own self-interest and propose.“I have littledesire fortheircompany, yet I have a duty to our aunt. I need a few additional days. That is all. We shall depart as soon as possible.”As soon as I can tear myself away.
CHAPTER FOUR
Attempting to prove to himself that Miss Elizabeth had no hold on him, Darcy had called at the parsonage the next day. He had found her alone, Mrs Collins and Miss Lucas having gone into the village. The visit had almost been a disaster. They had spoken of the roads and how easy a distance fifty miles was, and he had almost proposed! The words were on the tip of his tongue. He blamed the thought of her always remaining at Longbourn, withering to nothingness, her wit and the joy she radiated as the sun did light, fading away.Hecould rescue her from such a fate.
Fortunately, Mrs Collins had returned before he completely lost himself, and he had fled the house.
The following morning, he and Fitzwilliam were riding when they encountered her taking a walk. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they continued their separate excursions. Surreptitiously watching her go, the gentle swaying of her skirt and curls, Darcy experienced a sense of longing so strong he could not breathe for a moment. It was almost as if she took a part of him with her.
“She is an agreeable young woman,” Fitzwilliam said warmly, forcing Darcy’s attention back to him.
“As I believe you have said many times this past week. Since I have not disagreed, I do not understand the need to repeat yourself.” He tapped his horse’s side and began to trot, his cousin keeping pace.
“I suppose it is because I had no notion we would have such good company during our stay, or any, really.” Fitzwilliam sighed. “If only I could meet a lady like her but…better.You know what I mean. More suited to my needs.”
Darcy tightened his grip on the reins.
“Not that I have even the inkling of those sorts of feelings for her,” Fitzwilliam continued. “If I was worried about my heart, I would have left you here rather than risk injuring either her or myself. For her sake, I hope she meets a decent man who can give her a good life. It will be difficult, given her lack of dowry. What is her family like?”
There was a slight pause before he answered.Hecould give her the life she deserved, one far beyond any she likely had ever expected. He was rich enough that it would not matter all that much that she brought nothing to their marriage. But then there was her family. “I can say nothing good about the mother and younger sisters, though the older sister knows how to comport herself properly. Mr Bennet is negligent, despite his intelligence.” A wave of hopelessness almost brought tears to his eyes. How could he ever entertain the thought of marrying a lady with such relations? “Let us speak of something else.Anythingother than people so wholly unconnected to us.”
“Mr Darcy,” Miss Elizabeth said, dropping into a curtsey.
He did not return the greeting, lost in the sight of her lean figure framed by the brilliant blue sky. He had hoped to meet her that morning and had quietly left Rosings early to avoid his family, especially Fitzwilliam, who would have joined him without questioning whether he was intruding.
But I need to be with her alone! The reason I remained beyond my original intention was to exorcise her from my mind, and I can hardly do that if we are always in company with others.
If he had other motives for staying in the neighbourhood, he chose not to recall them—especially at present. She was such a tempting vision. If he did not keep tight control of his actions, he would gather her into his arms and promise her whatever she desired.
“I shall leave you to—” she said, half-turned to the path she had just taken.
“No!” Darcy gave a small cough in an attempt to moderate the urgency in his voice. “Th-that is, good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I trust you are well. You were headed towards the stream? That is a fine idea. Shall we?” He extended a hand, indicating the direction they must go.
She regarded him for a moment before giving him a brief smile and beginning to walk. The lane was wide enough to allow them to remain beside each other.
“Are you enjoying your visit with Mrs Collins?” he asked.
“I am. She is satisfied with her new life, and I am pleased for her.”
Miss Elizabeth’s voice was tight, and he wondered if she entirely meant it. She could not rejoice to know her friend was married to a fool.
“What think you of the neighbourhood? Do you find it very different from that about Longbourn?”
Her brow furrowed, and she glanced at him. “Not particularly. As you noted the other day, the two are only fifty miles of good road apart. Nevertheless, the environs are pretty and make a pleasant setting for my exercise.”
“From early in our acquaintance, I had the impression that you liked to be out of doors as often as possible.”
