“I requested the attendance of her father so I could honorably offer my hand in marriage.”
Richard’s eyebrows shot up almost to his hairline. “You are betrothed?”
“Not only did she refuse to dance with me. She soundly refused to marry me.”
His cousin’s mouth gaped open.
“I, too, was shocked beyond belief.” Tracing a pattern on the carpet with the toe of his boot, Darcy continued. “She was injured. Her pain must have been incredible. I thought she lashed out because of this. Two weeks later, at the ball, I discovered from a crass comment made by her youngest sister that Elizabeth Bennet had no love for me at all, that she did not even like me. The next morning, I left for London with no intention of ever seeing her again.”
“How is that working out for you, Darcy? Here you are. And here she is.”
“Yes, she is here.” Darcy sighed. “For four months, I tried everything to purge her from my mind and heart, but not once since late November has anyone else tempted me in the slightest. I find myself comparing others to her, and they always fall short. As it is, all it took was one glance two days ago to realize that I was done searching for my mate. I only want her. Need her.”
“Well, Darce, it sounds like Miss Elizabeth does not want or need you.”
“I know.”He rubbed the discomfort from his chest.
“What are you going to do about it? Just know that whatever you plan, I will support you. However, Lady Catherine and Anne will not. You are walking along a dangerous line here at Rosings Park, trying to court someone under our aunt and cousin’s noses. Are you sure that this is the best field of battle? Would it not be better to wait until you are back in London, or could you return to Hertfordshire when the lady goes home?”
“This is the only opportunity I have, Richard. I will not pass up this chance to make a better second impression.”
“Might I ask what you talk about during your walks?”
“Talk?” Darcy was flummoxed. “Like me, she enjoys silence when walking out of doors. We are each unwilling to speak unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room and be handed down to posterity with all the éclat of a proverb.”
“Of you, I can believe this, Darcy. Of her? I do not know her. With that said, it sounds as if you do not know her well either.”
“I intend to remedy that neglect.”
“You have already walked with her twice by your own account. Do not wait too long, Cousin. Seize the day.”
Carpe diem!
5
Within ten minutes of taking the path veering off to the right, Elizabeth gazed in wonder at the visage in front of her.
Daffodils, crocus, and daisies dotted the verdant field, opening their blooms to the warm sun. Birds filled the air with song. Bees danced from one petal to the next, sipping nectar from each plant, and a babbling stream wound like a ribbon through the glen. The morning mist vanished, leaving behind the fragrance of healthy soil and the freshness of spring flowers.And no sign of Mr. Darcy.
Grinning from ear to ear, she removed her bonnet. Facing the sun, she silently praised the Creator as the rays warmed her with peace and contentment.
Elizabeth wished she had tucked a book in her pocket. Here, she might rest under an oak with newly opened leaves, enjoying the quiet sounds of nature as she read. The setting was perfect for poetry. Flinging her arms wide, she recited Wordsworth’sI Wandered Lonely as a Cloudaloud as she turned in a slow circle.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as thestars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
