He stopped walking as they came to a meadow and he looked out over the prospect. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said gently, “like myself, you too are part of where you have come from. I would say, no, the young man fortunate enough to inherit your home will never love it as you will.Thatis what makes Longbourn a home and not just an estate: the people residing inside and the dreams they have. He may not appreciate it as you but he might come to love it. Surely his children will. They will grow to see the beauty and tramp through the woods you love so dearly.”
A feeling of warmth rushed through her as she realized that he understood and must feel the same for Pemberley. “I believe you must be correct, sir.”
As they continued their ramble, Lizzy spied Mr. Darcy through the corner of her eye and scrutinized his fine person once again.I like the way his eyes seem to sparkle with mischief while he maintains complete control of his mien. Such a very handsome man with his tanned skin and wavy, dark locks. That one lone curl keeps licking at his forehead.She stifled a giggle as he pushed it under his hat brim for the third time.
“I believe you are laughing at me.”
“No, sir. Not at all. I was laughing at that curl that keeps escaping.” Her eyes met his and held longer than they should before she looked away. With rapid speech, she began to stammer. “That puts me in mind of a most pleasant thought. Might I wish you joy, sir?” A shadow seemed to pass across Mr. Darcy’s face before he checked himself. “I heard Mrs. Hurst say you were engaged to be married to a Miss de Bourgh. Might I also ask when the event is to take place?”
His shoulders tensed and his voice seemed stilted. “Yes, thank you, Miss Elizabeth. It is to take place in three months’ time.”
A strange feeling swept over her at his reply. “That is wonderful news. Is she a very accomplished young lady? That must be where Miss Darcy finds her example.”
“Unfortunately, Anne does not have a strong constitution, therefore, she does not play or sing.” Further along the path he professed, “I believe her painting and drawing is very limited as well.”
“Oh, then she must be a great reader or master of foreign languages…”
“Truthfully, no. She speaks a little French, yet even less Italian.” Mr. Darcy seemed to realize too late he had confessed all the obvious deficiencies of his intended and his voice trailed off into silence.
Noticing his introspective turn, Lizzy interpolated, “Oh. But. Does speaking Italian or French truly make one woman accomplished?” She continued in her attempts to put him at ease. “In my opinion, a woman worthy is not one who plays the pianoforte or draws exceptionally well. In fact, an accomplished woman uses her intellect and natural goodness to put others at ease and, if I may be so bold, to help her husband with his responsibilities. Now, with that in mind, I am certain your Miss de Bourgh will do an admirable job.” She sighed feeling regret—but for what, she was not quite sure. Yet, she was rewarded with the seldom bestowed dimpled smile upon Mr. Darcy’s face as he turned to her.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. It is a rare young lady who fails to take the opportunity to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing another.” Lost in thought, they passed over a small bridge and coming around the far end of the lake, Mr. Darcy said, “My engagement with Miss de Bourgh is of a peculiar kind. It was the express wish of my dear mother. I could never disappoint her memory.”
She could not explain it, but it felt more like an apology than a conversation. “Quite commendable. A mother is a son’s first love, just as a father is a daughter’s. It takes a truly great man to adhere to the responsibilities which he could easily brush aside.” Her voice caught a little, and once again, she knew not why. She believed in her statement, but…I think it is unfair that Mr. Darcy is to be engaged to a woman he had no choice in marrying. What about love? Admiration? He has the means to choose. He is a man entitled to freedoms…
Lizzy unconsciously stopped in the middle of the path, warring with her thoughts.
Darcy’s browsknit together as he gazed at her. “Miss Bennet? Are you unwell?”
She began walking again and dismissed his concern with brief smile. “No, no. Pray, excuse me, Mr. Darcy. I was wool-gathering. What were you saying, sir?”
“I was speaking of James Hamilton. And should I wish you joy?”
“No, Mr. Darcy. As of now, there is nothing to declare.”
He wondered if he saw resignation in her posture, an uncertain wavering which could be construed as hesitation.
“He is a good man. I was impressed with his knowledge of agriculture and estate management when we were at Cambridge together. He seemed to quickly understand concepts which many of us in the same courses had been exposed to at a much earlier age. And even then, some of his peers still had difficulty with comprehension.”
“He is a good man, I agree. I believe my childhood friend has grown up quite admirably!”
Enjoying the silence for a moment longer, they continued companionably on their walk, crunching leaves underfoot until their path crossed a small stream. Looking ahead, Darcy noticed the rest of the party had already traversed the obstacle. He walked three paces until he was standing atop a slight rise by the water’s edge and extended his hand to her.
“Miss Elizabeth? If I may…?”
Her teasing smile made his heart thump in his chest. “Mr. Darcy, I appreciate your gesture but have been wandering these woods since I could wake before the servants and slip out Longbourn’s doors.” Her light laugh flitted in the air as she stepped past him on the rocks and stopped mid-stream.
Darcy chuckled. “Then maybe it is I who should ask for assistance?” He watched her nimbly maneuver across the slick stones without soaking her boots, all the while marveling at her abilities. Darcy could not look away from the pretty picture she made, breathless from her exertion.Though she be but little, she is fierce. He continued to watch her, waiting until she reached the shoreline before moving himself, when a step from her destination, a small cry came from her lips.
Darcy looked up just in time to reach out and catch Miss Elizabeth as she fell toward the water.
They stood their awkwardly for a moment, her light and pleasing form pressed against his chest while he attempted to balance on two stones. He finally exhaled, and looking her directly in her eyes, he hoped those windows to his thoughts did not betray him. “Miss Elizabeth. If you would allow me to carry you to shore, I feel I will save both our clothes and pride.”
She hesitated only a moment before nodding.
He quickly scooped her up, attempting to ignore her scent of lavender or her warm breath on his neck. He put her down gingerly on the bank and she brushed herself off, all the while looking around to ascertain they had not been observed.
“I can assure you, Miss Elizabeth, your reputation is safe. No one was witness to either your fall or my—”
