The next morningdawned just as the day before, beautiful with a crisp bite about the air. Lizzy had not slept well. Between her throbbing head and her rampant thoughts, she had welcomed the crow of the rooster like the plague. Her exhaustion after only a few hours of restless sleep only added to the confusion about the character of the man who had briefly secured her admiration.
No, it is not that I no longer admire him. He is a very handsome man with a sharp intellect. And I very much enjoy speaking with him.She gritted her teeth and ignored her headache as she allowed Sarah to help her dress to depart for Longbourn.But to flatter me and then profess his love for a gift from his betrothed, shows an inconstancy of character, I think. Yes, we were thrown together these last two days in an unusual circumstance. But how could I have been so wrong to think this was more than a flirtation! And, as he is betrothed, he should not have been so attentive.
Closing the door behind her she made her way down the hall toward the stairs which would lead her out the door and away from Ashby Park.
“I will inform the master of our discussion, Miss Bennet, and your preferences.”
“Once again,” Lizzy said with an awkward grin, “it is of little consequence what my opinion is, but if Mr. Hamilton feels it is of some import, then I thank you. And thank you for your prodigious care of both myself and my maid. I do hope we were not in any way a burden.” She noticed Mr. Darcy in the doorway. Mrs. Wallings replied that she was pleased to have been of service to one of Hertfordshire’s dearest ladies. She curtsied at the older woman and walked toward the door acknowledging Mr. Darcy with a quick nod, ignoring his questioning look.
As he tookhis great coat and top hat from the footman, he cast another befuddled look toward Miss Elizabeth. “Yes, thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Wallings. I will be sure to apprise Mr. Hamilton of the excellent nature of his staff.” He nodded quickly and strode out after Miss Elizabeth.
What the devil happened that she will not even look me in the eyes? Did I offend her by my proximity to her last evening?Brushing his hand through his hair before securing his top hat, he said, “Miss Bennet, according to my watch, with the roads as they are, it will take us at least four hours to arrive back in Meryton. Are you quite well enough to make the journey?”
“Sir—” she looked quickly at her maid then at him “—I am quite prepared to return home,” she said with strained civility.
“At this early departure, we are sure to arrive back in Meryton, and then Longbourn before the noon hour, assuming the roads are as dry as Hamilton’s groomsman stated they were.”
“Yes,” was her succinct reply.
“Miss Bennet,” he said lowering his voice and looking around. “How have I offended you?”
After a brief pause, she said with a strained expression, “Sir, I merely have much to ruminate.”
* * *
Two hours had passedas Lizzy lowered the curtain determined to get some much needed rest. She had tried to ignore the vision of Mr. Darcy on horseback outside her window for the trip thus far but found it more difficult as the miles passed.
Turning her attention to her traveling companion, she said, “Sarah, we are almost home. I hope the last two days have been pleasurable for you.”
“Why yes, ma’am, they have. It’s been nice attending to one lady instead of five.” Her speech was interrupted by a quick sneeze and then another.
Reaching for a handkerchief in her reticule, Lizzy was surprised to find a letter inside. She remembered Kitty handing her the reticule and how she had thought no more of it. Sarah sneezed and she handed her the linen.
She broke the seal and recognized Kitty’s handwriting at once.
Oh, Lizzy,
I am at a loss of what to do and need your counsel. I have assured a friend that I would not break a confidence but am concerned for her well-being. Miss Darcy has secretly been meeting with Mr. Wickham these last weeks. She has not sought out these meetings but he finds her no matter if she is riding her horse or sitting in the garden. She said he has also been very forthcoming with his admiration and affection, professing his love and honorable intentions.
However, I do not feel his intentions are honorable. He has spent many a day with Lydia walking out in the gardens and to Oakham Mount, and then finds his way to Netherfield to woo dear Georgie. Lydia has spoken with no little anticipation for an engagement, yet he tells Miss Darcy that he loves only her. I have attempted to speak with Lydia, but she will have none of it.
Miss Darcy confided in me yesterday that Mr. Wickham has asked her to run away with him to Gretna Greene tomorrow evening and how it will be a wonderful relief for Mr. Darcy, who with the stress of Pemberley and his own upcoming nuptials, will be overjoyed that his sister will be betrothed herself. She does not like the idea of disappointing her brother, but Mr. Wickham has convinced her that Mr. Darcy will welcome her marriage.
Lizzy, please return with haste and advise me. Do not dally at Ashby Park. I fear Mr. Wickham will only lead Miss Darcy and Lydia in ruination.
Kitty
She feltthe blood drain from her face as she was reading the missive. Her worry increased as she realized the letter was written two days ago and the fateful elopement must have taken place the previous night. She looked out the window to Mr. Darcy but he had ridden ahead. Hopefully, they would be nearing a village soon and she would speak with him then.
Lizzy waited, tying and untying the ribbons of her reticule, earning curious looks from Sarah. When the carriage stopped, she threw open the door and stepped out, not waiting to be handed down.
“Miss Bennet!” Mr. Darcy exclaimed in surprise.
“Never mind, that sir. I must speak to you at once,” she whispered softly, clutching her reticule with the offending letter within. “Might we take a turn around that courtyard, Mr. Darcy?”
“I am grateful for this opportunity to apologize to you but am uncertain as to the cause of my penance. However, guide my words and they shall be said.” His smile was so unpracticed that for a moment, she almost forgot that she was both upset with him and about Kitty’s letter.
“Please, sir. This is of the gravest importance. Upon entering the carriage at Ashby Park, I noticed my reticule had been forgotten in the confines of the vehicle for the last two days. When I opened the bag, I found this letter...” She looked about to make sure she was not observed. “It is a letter from my sister Kitty… It is in regards to Miss Darcy.”
