Knight’s Manor
Darcy
I followed Hayward and his wife into the drawing-room. A beaming Miss Barton came forth to meet us, resplendent in a yellow satin gown. Weexchanged salutations with Mr. Barton and his son when Miss Bennet glided into the room with a bright smile and a pleasing flush to her cheeks. She seized my attention with an iron grip, and I forgot to breathe.
“Forgive me for being late. My hair must take the blame—a few of my most errant locks caused my abigail more trouble than usual tonight.”
Miss Bennet’s remark drew my sight to the dark silken tresses framing her heart-shaped face. Unruly they may have been, but the result justified the wait. Miss Bennet far outshone her cousin; she presented a tempting appearance despite her unremarkable muslin gown. I perused her expressive hazel irises, animated eyebrows, and plump lips in an attempt to divine the reason for my attraction to her. I had met many beautiful ladies in my life without any of them moving me. What made her so special? At any rate, I must keep a certain distance from her—she would not make me a suitable wife.
Thus far, I had escaped her notice; the Haywards occupied her with an exchange of warm greetings and pleasantries. At last, Miss Barton took Miss Bennet by the arm and drew her towards me.
“Lizzy, allow me to introduce Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley estate in Derbyshire. Mr. Darcy, this is my cousin Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Miss Bennet’s mouth compressed, and she froze in a taut position, staring at me.
I bowed and managed a smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet.”
Several long seconds elapsed before she stirred with a rushed exhalation and curtsey. “Mr. Darcy.” She uttered my name in a whisper and stepped back from me, her sight roaming to the others present. “Forgive me, but I have a sudden headache. I beg you will excuse me.” She turned and fled the room.
On the verge of my vision, Mr. Noah Barton took a step as though to follow her but stopped himself. His response, which may have revealed an affection for Miss Bennet that went beyond a platonic bond, added to my inner turmoil.
Irrational as it may have been, my first impulse reflected that of Mr. Noah Barton, for I anchored my knees to forfend the inclination to go after her and demand she hear my explanation. Her rejection of me—for her actions could be viewed in no other way—pierced me like a lance through the breast. But I soon came to my senses: she had no wish to hear from me. I had injured her, and my apology would be poor compensation.
“I am terribly sorry, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Barton’s hand raised to her chest. “I cannot explain or excuse my cousin’s rudeness. This is not like her.”
“You need not apologise on her behalf. I hope your cousin’s discomfort is of short duration.”
I shifted towards Mr. Barton. “Hayward informed me of Miss Bennet’s fondness for Lily.” I used an even tone to avoid sounding accusatory. “I well understand the close bond one can share with a horse.”
He moved closer, wincing. “I take full responsibility for my niece’s discomposure just now.” He touched Miss Barton’s arm. “And I echo my daughter’s apology. I should not want you to be ill at ease.”
“I am sorry to have occasioned pain to Miss Bennet, however unconscious my part may have been.”
Mr. Barton waved his hand. “You have no cause for regret. I agreed to sell Lily in order to establish an account for Lizzy. She has made it clear she would rather I had refused your offer. Nevertheless, I expect one day she will find the money useful.”
So, he had given the funds to Miss Bennet. “That was generous of you.”
“Indeed.” Miss Barton glanced at her father. “Papa gave Lizzy a remarkable gift, and she ought to be grateful to both of you. Without this thousand-pound allotment, she would have nothing to her name.”
Mr. Noah Barton shook his head at Miss Barton. “Cassie, you must allow Lizzy time to accept the loss of Lily. Since you are not fond of horses, you cannot comprehend how she feels.”
Miss Barton gave her brother a sharp look but did not reply. Soon thereafter, she announced dinner, and I escorted her to the dining-parlour.Throughout the rest of the evening, whilst she directed the majority of her attention to me, I took pains to give polite, if succinct, responses. Meanwhile, my primary focus never strayed from Miss Bennet. How did she fare? Had she recovered any part of her earlier good spirits? The knowledge that I had caused her anguish engrossed me. Would she ever forgive me?
Chapter 5: Lily’s New Owner
Knight’s Manor
Elizabeth
Idarted upstairs, entered my chamber, and collapsed upon the bed. What must they all think of me?
My earlier belief that I could endure this evening without incident had been proved wrong. Despite the welcome presence of Mr. Hayward and my dear friend Dame Hayward, I could not remain in that room. When I came face to face with Mr. Darcy, I had peered at him, my insides turning to ice. Once I regained enough presence of mind to make my excuses, I fled.
I could not deny that the hateful Mr. Darcy made an impressive presentation; for once, Cassie had not exaggerated when she had described his physical attractiveness. But handsome or not, I could not abide the prospect of spending an entire evening in his company. Even though I ached to know how Lily had spent her first days at Springvale, it would have been a waste of time to ask Mr. Darcy; he probably took no notice of her and considered her to be nothing more than one of his many possessions.
Tomorrow, I should ride Thea to the estate and see her for myself. The head groom there, Tim, could be relied upon to relate how Lily had adjusted to her temporary home thus far. For the remainder of Mr. Darcy’s stay in the neighbourhood, I should avoid him as much as possible.
A maid brought me a tray of food. Someone—Noah?—must have given the order. But I lacked an appetite and ate no more than a few bites. For a couple of hours, I played the small pianoforte in the family wing’s sitting-room.
