But she did not have everything her own way. Mr Darcy was highly intelligent and extremely well educated. Not only that, but he had also had the opportunity to see more of the world than she had. As a result, he was able to refute some of her theoretical opinions with real world experience.
Elizabeth actually enjoyed this situation since she would not have been able to respect Darcy if she had been able to have the intellectual upper hand at all times. As it was, their respect for each other was mutual.
While Elizabeth mused on that subject, she remembered when she first saw Darcy at the assembly and the instant attraction which she had felt. The more primal part of her was attracted to his handsome features and trim physique. And when he smiled, those dimples weresimply devastating. Just thinking about him in that way caused a shiver to run along her spine despite the warm blankets.
Her mind drifted to the conversation in the carriage. Was he serious, giving her the choice of proposing or not?
Although he had seemed to tease, there had been a challenge in his look and a knowing smile on his lips.
Given the rocky start of their relationship, Elizabeth suspected that Darcy was uncertain whether she had overcome her negative feelings and did not want to move too fast.
She chuckled as she recalled his statement that he was hopeless at discerning the tone of a conversation. Perhaps that was why he had missed the signs that during those months which they had known each other she had gradually but inexorably fallen in love with him.
Perhaps she should?
No, it was a ridiculous idea.
~T~
Elizabeth was not the only one to consider the conversation in the carriage. Darcy was pondering the same discussion.
The day he had asked Elizabeth for a courtship he had realised that he was in love with the lady. He could not name the time or place when it had started, but he was in the middle before he recognised it. Since then, his love and respect for her had grown but he was uncertain of her feelings. Darcy thought that he had detected a certain warmth in their interactions, but he was the first to admit that his opinion could be coloured by his own hopes and feelings.
Since he was uncertain about how Elizabeth felt, he could not determine whether she was hoping for his addresses or whether she needed more time. He worried about moving too fast or perhaps too slow.
Then there was that silly discussion in the carriage. He threw caution to the wind and suggested that ladies should propose, meaning of course Elizabeth. Darcy was certain that she had understood. He also knew he had taken a gamble. Would Elizabeth have the courage to go against convention and propose to him?
While her sister Mary had done so, it had been on the spur of the moment since Richard was being an honourable idiot.
But Elizabeth would need to do so in cold blood, with her wits about her. Was it too much to ask?
The die had been cast. He would live with the consequences.
Darcy hoped that the weather would be fine in the morning, so that he could go for a ride. Exercise always made him feel better and helped him think more clearly.
Having made his decisions, he slept well despite or possibly because his dreams of Elizabeth were most ungentlemanly.
~T~
33Third option
As was her wont Elizabeth woke just as the sky started to lighten. She smiled at the thought that she would not have to make do with a ladylike stroll through Hyde Park but could walk to her favourite destination by herself.
While she rushed through her morning routine, she remembered her musings from the previous night and came to the conclusion that proposing to Mr Darcy was truly a ridiculous idea. Fortunately, those thoughts did not slow down her preparations and she shortly exited the house via the kitchen.
Elizabeth breathed deeply of the crisp air scented by woodsmoke from the chimneys where fires were being lit to keep the cold at bay. The trees and fields were dusted in frost, causing the leaves on the ground to crunch underfoot. This was the time and place Elizabeth loved above all others.
Enjoying the vigorous exercise, she strode along at a brisk pace to reach her destination before the sun crested the horizon.
~T~
When Elizabeth reached the top of Oakham Mount, she was surprised to see her favourite perch already occupied.
At the sound of her footsteps, Darcy rose and bowed on recognising her. ‘Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I was not expecting to see you.’
‘Good morning, Mr Darcy. This is my favourite spot from which to watch the sunrise,’ she answered with a nervous smile. ‘I too had not expected to see anyone.’
‘I have no wish to intrude upon your enjoyment of your favourite place. I shall leave, if you prefer,’ Darcy offered, concerned that Elizabeth might be uncomfortable to be alone with him in such a remote location.
