Page 17 of Idle Gossip

Chapter Seven

Mr. Darcy called once more before the rain began. It was the day after Mr. Bingley had hand-delivered the Bennets’ invitation to his upcoming ball.

Though Elizabeth was disappointed that Mr. Darcy had not asked for her hand yesterday, she knew he had been uncomfortable with the atmosphere at Longbourn the day before.

When did I come to know him so well? Understanding had come on so gradually that she scarcely knew when it had begun.

The gentlemen arrived, and Mr. Bingley promptly suggested a walk. “There are clouds gathering, and I fear this will be our only chance to venture out of doors for a time.”

Elizabeth had watched the coming storm all morning and readily agreed. Soon, she, Mr. Darcy, Jane, and Mr. Bingley were strolling down the lane toward Meryton.

Distance soon grew between the two couples, and Elizabeth struggled for some topic of conversation. It was not that the silence was uncomfortable; she merely wished to speak with Mr. Darcy.

“I was remiss in not requesting your first set yesterday,” the gentleman said before she could formulate any words.

“I had not noticed,” she teased.

“Liar.” Mr. Darcy returned Elizabeth’s teasing with ease, and it pleased her to see him so open to banter. “Will you grant me the first and the supper set, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Two sets? You are bold, Mr. Darcy.” It was a sign of preference; her neighbors would mistake it for more than it was.

More than it is to me, she amended. Mr. Darcy had professed his attraction many times.

“I would ask for three if I thought you would countenance it,” he replied.

Elizabeth did not know what to say. Would she countenance what was tantamount to a proposal? Mr. Darcy had proven himself to be far different from the sketch she had made of his character. His solemn demeanor relaxed the more comfortable he became. What she had read as pride had instead proven itself to be reservation and unease.

“What if I did agree to three sets?”

He paused and turned to face her. “I would count myself as the most fortunate of men to have so won your good opinion.”

“My neighbors would assume our connection to be of a permanent nature,” she warned.

“And I would rejoice in it. I am not searching for an escape.”

His meaning was clear, and Elizabeth felt her cheeks heat. “Can you comprehend my predicament, sir?”

“I can. Will you forgive me for rejoicing in the circumstances that have brought about my greatest desires?” He was in earnest, and he took both her hands in his.

“Of course.” She stared into his eyes, lost in the pools of deep blue. He was not a trial to look at, to be sure.

They continued on their walk, soon reaching Meryton. The community seemed to be preparing for the coming weather, for the streets were more crowded than usual. They wove in and out of other passersby, stopping here and there to look into shop windows.

As they walked toward the small bookshop at the end of the row, a boy rounded the corner at a run, colliding hard with Mr. Darcy. He made a noise of discomfort and put both hands on the boy’s shoulders.

“Steady on,” he said kindly. “Where do you go in such a hurry?”

“My mother sent me for a tisane from Mr. Jones,” the boy replied. He looked worried and nervous. “I am sorry, sir. I was trying to hurry home.”

The tisane bottle was shattered at their feet. The lad looked stricken as he realized it. From his clothing alone, Elizabeth thought it unlikely that he could afford a replacement.

“Come along, then,” Mr. Darcy said. “Take me to Mr. Jones so we might replace your broken bottle.”

The boy trotted off, and Elizabeth followed on Mr. Darcy’s arm. Mr. Jones’s shop was but a short distance away.

“I shall be but a moment,” Mr. Darcy said. He accompanied the boy into the shop. Elizabeth watched through the window as he paid Mr. Jones for a replacement.

“You had best hurry home. Be careful, lad.” Mr. Darcy patted the boy’s shoulder as they left the shop.