Grinning, she carefully removed a pin. “One pin will not question my decency, sir. Two, however, might leave me to censure and ridicule.”
He took the pin from her, bending it straight before inserting it in the lock.
“Oh!”
He turned at Miss Elizabeth’s exclamation and did a quick intake of breath. Her silky, dark curls cascaded down around her shoulders.
“Pray, excuse me. It seems as if that hairpin was to be my undoing after all.” She could barely meet his eyes while struggling with her remaining pins.
“Beautiful.” He sighed looking into her eyes as her gaze tentatively met his. The surprise on her face could only mean he had shared his thought…aloud! He lowered his own eyes and silently chastised himself. “I beg your pardon.”
A smile appeared before she answered him back. “Sir, you need never apologize for a compliment.”
“But I…you—”
“Mr. Darcy, it is rare that a lady hears such praise while she is in disarray.” She lowered her lashes and looked back up through them shyly. “I thank you for your sentiment. It is not often that I hear them.”
“I cannot believe that, Miss Elizabeth. But, I thank you for your forgiveness.”
“Shall Sarah get you a candle?”
“No, no,” Darcy said, turning back to the door. “I only need to manipulate the pin around until I can feel the lock catch and release. Then I will have your door… there!” He turned the handle and flung open the door, bowing gallantly. The maid quickly slipped inside the door, leaving them alone in the hallway. His eyes caught hers as he stood to his full height. “And now, Miss Bennet,” he said with all amiability, “I will return your hairpin to you with which you can tame your unruly mane.”
“I thank you, Mr. Darcy for restoring me to my chambers. I will see you in the morning. Goodnight.”
She walked past him and gently locked the door behind her, leaving him alone in the hallway with his thoughts and her lingering scent to carry him off to sleep.
Chapter 9
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy. How was your night?” she asked, picking up a plate and walking the length of the sideboard that displayed sausage, muffins, black pudding, and hard-boiled eggs but she decided on tea and toast.
“It would have been a dull night indeed without the adventure of breaking into the guest quarters at my old friend’s estate.” He smiled. “And you?”
“Well, thank you. But,” she said, in practiced ennui, “I was slightly afraid of being harmed.”
“Harmed, madam? By whom?” He set down his cup and leaned toward her.
“I was led to believe a confirmed manipulator of locks was in the house. I am grateful his intentions were honorable.” She smiled behind her teacup.
Grinning, he leaned back in the chair. “Miss Elizabeth, I can guarantee your virtue was quite safe last night. One sound from your room, and I, as well as the butler and footmen, would have been there before you could have drawn your second breath. But luckily, this lock aficionado must have been kept at bay by the howling wind and exhaustion and, of course, a complete respect for you.”
“Of that sir, I am obliged.” She took a sip of tea and glanced to the window. “It appears the storm has passed and our sojourn at Ashby Park has come to an end.”
“Yes, that it does.”Was that disappointment in his voice?“I have already sent a footman out to determine if the roads are passable in your carriage and expect him soon. If they are, I will ride alongside to provide you escort…”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy. I believe the recent weather has encouraged all highwaymen and others with nefarious intent to go on holiday. Please do not feel obligated—”
“Miss Elizabeth, it is merely the action of a friend.”
“Thank you, sir. Then I will accept. I will have Sarah pack my bag in preparation for our departure.”
He took a sip of his coffee and laid the paper down on the table. “Your bag? You were prepared to stay at Ashby Park yesterday when you arrived?”
“With the weather as blustery as it was, my mother felt it prudent to send a change of clothes in case there was an unexpected happening. My mother may be many things, Mr. Darcy, but she is always prepared for any situation.”Or prepared to make a situation for her daughters!
Darcy nodded. “A mother’s attempt to provide for her children never seems to end.”
“Too true, sir.”
