Page 47 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

Darcy stood next to Elizabeth, and she looked up and saw the joy he took as he watched his father play. Charmed, she watched the light in his eyes, the dancers, and the performer as a warmth she had never experienced before washed over her, and a new feeling, almost like a weight, nearly painful yet exhilarating all at once, settled upon her chest.

1 Smallpipes are quieter, indoor-friendly bagpipes with a sweeter, mellower sound than traditional Highland pipes.

Chapter Twenty

Tuesday 28 July 1812

Elizabeth was shown into Lady Barry’s drawing room the day after the lady returned from Hunsford. Lady Barry was wrapped in her shawl, fortified by tea and cakes, and wearing an expression akin to disapproval.

“You are late.” The elder woman was imperious.

Elizabeth removed her gloves as she consulted the clock. “Only three minutes.”

“Three minutes is sufficient time for disaster, as your recent experience has proven to us all, Lizzy-girl.” Lady Barry sniffed.

“I am sorry if my experience worried you in any way,” Elizabeth murmured.

“It merely confirmed for me what I already knew…that men should never be permitted to wander unsupervised.” Lady Barry turned from the scene outside the window to Elizabeth and held out her palm. “Let me see your hand. Your father said you scraped it.”

“It heals quite well. I was fortunate.” Elizabeth obediently extended her hand. “I fell on my knee as well, but it sustained no injury that prevents me from walking.”

Lady Barry examined Elizabeth’s scraped palm and turned back to the window. “Hmmm.”

“A promising diagnosis,” said Elizabeth in an attempt to cheer Lady Barry, for she could see the lady was disturbed.

“You remain conveniently alive,” Lady Barry replied. “Were you at least accompanied here today?”

“My father’s stableboy accompanies me now,” Elizabeth assured her.

“That is hardly adequate. Bennet is a fool. Ring the bell, Lizzy-girl.” Lady Barry shook her head in disgust.

When the butler entered, she gave instructions. “Inform Peter that he is assigned to Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s safety for the remainder of her stay in Ramsgate. He is to accompany her everywhere, even when she is with her friends. She is not to walk out alone, nor is any man permitted to importune her. When she is at home, he may make himself useful to Mrs Bennet’s household.”

She turned to Elizabeth. “Can your stepmother board him?”

Elizabeth was surprised. “I am certain that she can, but it is hardly necessary, my father’s servant–”

“Is some silly young rascal who probably needs supervision himself. Peter is the most feared footman in Ramsgate. You will humour me in this, Lizzy-girl.”

“Very well,” Elizabeth capitulated as the butler left them. “I still cannot quite believe it happened at all.”

“You might have been badly hurt,” Lady Barry replied, her tone almost accusatory.

“I had a rock.” Elizabeth grinned. “It was sufficient.”

“Of course it was. What are men compared to rocks and impertinence?” Lady Barry sniffed again. “You frightened many people.”

“I am saddened that anyone was alarmed.” Elizabeth bowed her head.

“Miss Darcy was weeping in rage and fear of what might have happened to you when I arrived at Darcy Cottage. I thought she might assault her aunt with her bare hands. Her father was so pale, I nearly sent for my physician. Your father was so grave when he entered my drawing room, I was quite alarmed that you had died.”

“And the other Mr Darcy?” Elizabeth could not help but ask.

“He was more rightfully angry than any man I have ever seen in my life,” Lady Barry answered.

“At his aunt and Mr Collins?” Elizabeth asked.

“At the entire world, I believe,” Lady Barry confirmed. “And mostly at himself, no doubt, for feeling so powerless because he was not there when you needed him.”