“Perhaps tomorrow morning,” Elizabeth said impulsively, “if you are not otherwise engaged, you could take me to one of the streams and teach me to fish? Though I confess I have no desire to stand in cold water.”
Darcy laughed—the first genuine laugh she had heard from him since their marriage. “I was not expecting you to wade in like a country lad. We shall take a boat.”
“A boat,” Elizabeth repeated, smiling at the image. “That sounds perfectly civilised.”
“Indeed. Far more suitable for a lady.”
As Darcy returned to his correspondence and Elizabeth picked up her embroidery once more, she felt something she had not experienced in weeks—hope. Perhaps they could not undo the circumstances that had brought them together, but they might yet discover a way to build something worthwhile from the wreckage of their separate dreams.
Chapter Twenty-One
Elizabeth
“Fishing? Surely not.”
Charlotte’s voice carried disbelief as she settled into her chair. Elizabeth smoothed her wool gown and smiled at her friend’s expression.
“I am entirely serious. Mr Darcy has promised to teach me.”
“But fishing, Eliza? You have never shown the slightest interest in such pursuits. Your mother always said it was not suitable for young ladies.”
“My mother said many things about what was proper for ladies,” Elizabeth replied, perhaps more sharply than intended. “But I am now mistress of my own house, and if I wish to try fishing, I shall.”
Charlotte studied her with the keen perception of long friendship. “This sudden interest would not have anything to do with spending time with your husband, would it?”
Heat flooded Elizabeth’s cheeks. “Certainly not. Mr Darcy speaks of fishing as wonderfully peaceful. I thought it might provide pleasant diversion.”
“Pleasant diversion,” Charlotte repeated with a knowing smile. “You sitting still for hours with nothing but a fishing pole? I cannot imagine it. You have never been able to remain motionless for ten minutes together.”
“I am sure I can manage perfectly well.”
“Besides,” Charlotte continued teasingly, “if you wanted to spend time with Mr Darcy, surely you could find other ways? You take all your meals together, do you not?”
Elizabeth hesitated. She could hardly explain that their dinner conversations were tentative at best, or that this fishing expedition was the first genuine invitation for companionship Darcy had offered.
“We do,” she said. “Though he rarely accompanies me on visits elsewhere.”
“Does he not? How odd. I should think a new husband would wish to present his wife properly to the neighbourhood.”
“I believe he feels uncomfortable in such situations, particularly around Mama. Although he agreed to dine at Netherfield this evening,” Elizabeth chose her words with care. “But tell me—when do you leave for Hunsford?”
Charlotte’s expression grew serious. “That is what I came to discuss. Mr Collins returned to Kent yesterday and sent an express this morning, requesting I join him immediately. Lady Catherine wishes to receive me at Rosings before the wedding.”
Elizabeth suppressed her first thought—that Lady Catherine’s idea of reception likely involved interrogation and criticism. “And you feel prepared for such scrutiny?”
“I must be, must I not?” Charlotte’s smile held a brittle edge. “Mr Collins has written extensively about her expectations. I shall try to meet them.”
“Charlotte.” Elizabeth reached for her friend’s hands. “I shall miss you terribly. I only hope you will find happiness.”
“I shall find contentment,” Charlotte replied. “I shall have security, a comfortable home, and a husband who will provide for me. Sometimes, Eliza, life is not about grand passion.”
Her words echoed Darcy’s but before she could respond, footsteps announced Darcy’s approach. He appeared in the doorway, dressed for the outdoors, his greeting to Charlotte both warm and genuine.
“Miss Lucas, what a pleasure. I trust you are well?”
“Indeed, Mr Darcy. I was just telling Elizabeth that I leave for Kent soon to join Mr Collins at Hunsford.”
“Ah, then you will be staying at Rosings?” Darcy’s tone held sympathy Elizabeth did not miss. “I have had the honour of Lady Catherine’s acquaintance several times.”
