Darcy reached for her hand, and the look in his eyes sent a thrill down her spine. “Ask Walters to send the Miller brothers with you.”
“Yes. I daresay Walters would not dream of sending us out with anyone else, knowing what your orders are concerning our escort.”
“I am glad to hear that, Elizabeth. I have ordered luncheon in baskets for the fishing party. Do not expect us until this afternoon. If you need anything, Walters knows where to find me.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He bent and kissed the top of her head, then he froze, uncertain how she would respond to this liberty. He straightened and watched her eyes. She did not appear to mind and behaved as though it were the most natural thing in the world. He felt relief and pleasure. “I will see you at dinner then, my dear.” He turned to leave but then said, “Mrs. Darcy, not all men of my station hold women in such low esteem as you suggest. I certainly do not.” Then he bowed and left her.
Elizabeth stood watching him go, reflecting on his words. She had spoken unkindly of men, especially those of his station, and she realized there had been no cause to do so.
Mary was practicing on the pianoforte in the music room when Mr. Lewis passed through the hall. He paused, wondering if it was her. The pianist was repeating a single phrase again and again.
He opened the door quietly and peered inside. From where he stood, he could see only her profile. She sat very straight, intent upon the passage she was perfecting. She was a beautifulwoman. What had possessed him to behave so poorly in the garden? He had been angry, angry because of Richard.
The blood rushed to his face as he wondered where Richard and Isabella were now. Neither had appeared at breakfast; perhaps they were out walking together. He must have made some slight sound, for the music ceased and Miss Bennet raised her eyes to study him.
“Sir,” she said, “is the sound of the pianoforte painful, or is it the sight of me that offends you?”
He shut his eyes. He had offended her again.
“Miss Mary, I apologize. Something else intruded upon my thoughts just now. I was not frowning at you, nor at the music.”
“Well, that is something at least,” she replied. “Thus far, we have met three times, and on each occasion you have turned your frown upon me. It must be a habit of yours, sir. I feel it is my duty in Christian charity to warn you that when you decide to marry, I doubt any amiable woman will have you. With such a habit, only dragons and harridans will want you.”
He frowned again, but caught himself doing it and realized what she said was true. Frowning had indeed become a habit with him, but he could not think why he had become so disagreeable. He pushed the thought aside and said, “Excuse me, ma’am, for intruding upon you.”
With that, he turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Mary sat still and silent for several minutes, thinking of the man. Mr. Lewis was a very good-looking gentleman. In truth, he was as handsome as Mr. Darcy and the colonel. He was dark,tall, and had a fine figure. It was a shame that he should be so disagreeable.
Disagreeable? No, not disagreeable, he was rude, obnoxious, and mean. She shook her head. He would make some poor woman a very miserable husband, and she would lead a miserable life. It was a pity and a shame.
She turned back to her music and began to play again. A few minutes later, she was interrupted once more, but this time by her sister.
“Mary, I am driving into Lambton today to the confectioner’s to purchase puddings. Do you come? I also plan a visit to the bookstore. I have been told they carry a fine selection of music as well as books and women’s journals.”
Mary stood and began to gather her music sheets. “Yes, does Georgiana come?”
“I am going upstairs now to find her, and Isabella and Louisa,” Elizabeth said.
“Then I will go change my dress and meet you in the drawing room.”
Elizabeth left her to prepare and went in search of Isabella, imagining the young woman might be walking with Richard. She wondered how long it would be before Mr. Lewis attempted to put a stop to their courtship. At least the couple had enjoyed an evening and now a morning together after being apart for so many years. Isabella was old enough to choose for herself; she did not require her brother’s consent. Yet perhaps she did not wish to go against the head of her house.
Elizabeth paused as another thought occurred to her. Was Isabella’s mother still living? She would ask.
Stepping out the back door, she caught sight of the colonel and Isabella walking along the path that led from the castle. Elizabeth went out to meet them.
“Isabella, the men will be out fishing today. Do you come with us women to Lambton? We plan a bit of shopping.”
Isabella turned to Richard. “Do you fish, my love?”
“I must,” he said. “Lewis will notice if I am not there.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “I am surprised he did not miss you at breakfast. The rest of us were there, all except the two of you.”
Both lovers flushed.
