“I believe that it is to your advantage to obey the colonel. You know better than I how far we are off the main trail. A wagon or a cart will not be able to reach us easily. Dulling the pain now will be to your benefit.”
“I will be well.”
“You will, will you?” she asked, amazed at his ability to minimize his trauma. He might not be complaining aloud, but she felt his body flinch with each slight move.
“Miss Bennet, I am entirely ashamed that my actions are causing you discomfort,” Mr. Darcy whispered through gritted teeth.
“Do not dare be concerned about me, sir. When you carried me from the lake, I had a mere bump on my head. If only I could toss you over my shoulder and get you to Rosings Park as quickly as you got me to Netherfield. The fact that I cannot is the only thing causing me discomfort.”
It pained Elizabeth’s heart to see anyone suffering. When added to the memory of how much worse her situation would have been had Mr. Darcy not helped her at Netherfield, her admiration grew.
“You cannot believe that the situation is the same. As a man, I am the protector.”
“As a woman, I am a nurturer, sir. This means the difference between the sexes is very small when there is a need that requires being filled. As you felt a responsibility to me when you found me hurt, I feel the same for you, Mr. Darcy. We are discussing human kindness, are we not?”
“I suppose.”
“Please, if you would take another drink, I will explain myself.”
He obeyed.
“Had you found one of the milkmaids from the local dairy unconscious on the trail at Netherfield, would you not have done all within your power to help her?”
“Without hesitation.”
“I agree that you would have, sir. The simple fact that you endeavored to help Mr. Bingley learn to run his first estate indicates your willingness to be of assistance to someone inneed. In the same manner, had an injury occurred to one of Lady Catherine’s grooms or Mr. Collins’ gardener, I would do all within my power to provide aid. Where we differ is the amount of power we possess. Where you carried me with seeming ease, I would struggle under your weight.”
She barely heard his chuckle.
“Some more, Mr. Darcy?” She again held the flask to his lips. “A question for you, sir. Who taught you how to make a daisy chain?”
“My mother died when my sister was born. Georgiana had a nurse who was brought in from Lambton, the village closest to Pemberley. Molly was the eldest of eight children. The other seven were boys who had no idea what to do with a big sister other than treat her as a second mother. By the time Molly was old enough to go into service, her character was as bold and adventurous as her brothers’. At the same time, she knew far more than me how to bring joy to the nursery. My father was right to hire her. You see, Georgiana is extremely uncomfortable around strangers.”
“Like her brother?” Elizabeth asked.
“No. She is timid where I am not.”
Stiffening her spine, she asked, “Then your reticence is because you do not want to be bothered by strangers?”
“Miss Bennet.” He sighed. “Please imagine yourself in my place, if you would. You step into a crowded assembly where you know no one other than your hosts. The very first words you hear are speculation, guessing your annual income. Then, your morals are called into question as strangers wonder what relationship you have with the sister of your host. Immediately following are commentaries about your hair, your clothing, and whether or not you were the one who purchased Caroline Bingley’s ostrich feathers and jewelry.”
“I understand your point, sir. BeforeImake another wrong assumption, perhaps you might have another swallow of your cousin’s fine brandy?”
“Before I do, I wonder, did you ever recall anything I said when we were by Bingley’s lake in between when you fell and when you woke?”
Shaking her head, she had no clue what he was talking about. “No, sir. We conversed?”
“Actually, no, since you were unconscious. However, I took advantage of the opportunity of speaking without witnesses to apologize for my grievous error at the Meryton assembly. I never should have said such thoughtless words. That my words hurt you is repugnant to me.”
“I see.” She thought back to that day. She remembered nothing from the time her feet went out from underneath her until they were on their way back to the house. “I do thank you for your apology, although I do not remember anything you said. Was it well done?”
He grinned. “Certainly. Never let it be said that Fitzwilliam Darcy ever does anything by half measure. When I insult a lady, it is thoroughly done. When I apologize, I need to be even more exhaustive with my efforts.”
She giggled. “Mr. Darcy, did you happen to break your fast prior to walking out today?”
“I did not. Why do you ask? Have the bears and lions started growling in my stomach?”
“Not at all. At Netherfield Park, you drank brandy on several occasions with Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley. Yet, not once did you giggle.”
