Sir Andrew’s request startled her. She had not expected him to wish her company for any longer than necessary for politeness. “You wish to risk being trapped into marrying a poor spinster?” she asked blandly. His words still stung, and though he had proved this afternoon that he could be polite and make good conversation, she did not wish to be subjected to the harsher aspects of his personality.
He had the nerve to chuckle. “I believe I am quite safe from entrapment. The matrons of thetonhave declared me an old bachelor, have you not heard?”
“Is that the gentleman’s equivalent of being on the shelf?” Her words were spoken in an innocent tone, her eyes wide as she waited for his reaction.
He laughed out loud then, causing the other group to turn and look at them.
“What has you in stitches, eh, Sir Andrew?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
“Miss Lucas’s humor,” he replied. “It is refreshingly unique. Tell me, Colonel. Have you any marriage prospects, or has thetondeclared you to be a confirmed bachelor as well?”
“I am barely three-and-thirty. I do not think one could say I am aconfirmedbachelor.” The colonel looked bemused at the question.
“Miss Lucas wishes to know if confirmed bachelorhood is the gentleman’s equivalent of a lady being on the shelf.” He chortled again and the colonel joined him in his mirth.
Charlotte frowned. “Are you laughing at me?” she asked quietly. She did not like being laughed at or made a joke of.
“No, my dear Miss Lucas, of course not. I am laughingwithyou. Now, will you walk with me tomorrow?” He turned to face her, his expression betraying his earnestness.
Charlotte wondered why he wished for her company.He must think I am safe. I have no expectations, and he can speak to me without inciting them.
“I suppose I can make time for a stroll,” she said hesitantly.
“Wonderful. Will ten o’clock be acceptable? I shall call for you at the front gate.” He grinned, and his handsome features became even more attractive.
She nodded. Mr. Darcy stood, signaling their need to depart. Charlotte glanced at the clock. Thirty minutes had gone by, twice the length of what the visit ought to have been.
“Until tomorrow, Miss Lucas,” Sir Andrew said, bowing crisply and then following the other gentlemen out.
Until tomorrow,Charlotte thought.
Chapter Fourteen
March 25, 1812
Hunsford, Kent
Elizabeth
Elizabeth walked her favorite path, humming quietly to herself. There were more flowers now, and their beauty enticed her further into the trees. She preferred nature to take its course rather than being forced into uniformity. Rosings Park’s gardens were lovely, but they did not appeal to her as the loveliness of nature did.
She entered the bluebell meadow and sucked in a deep breath. Spring had finally taken complete hold of the Kentish countryside, and she reveled in it.
A snapping twig caught her attention and she turned. Across the meadow, on the other path that led toward Rosings Park, was Mr. Darcy. He sat atop a large horse. The animal’s coat wascompletely brown except for a white streak on its neck that went from its jaw to its shoulder. The streak marred the otherwise perfect coloring and Elizabeth marveled that the fastidious Mr. Darcy would deign to ride a mount that was anything less than flawless.
“Miss Bennet,” he said, dismounting. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, sir,” she replied evenly. “I hope you are well.”
“I am. I wished to ride out earlier, but now can only be pleased to have been delayed.”
Her expression must have shown her confusion, for he continued after a pause. “Had I accomplished my morning ride earlier, I would not now have the pleasure of your company. Do you often walk the paths?”
He spoke amiably, politely, his demeanor kind instead of censorious. Was this the same Mr. Darcy who had glared at her so severely yesterday over tea? “I walk out every morning, when the weather permits. You may recall Miss Bingley’s assertions that I am a great walker. She is correct; I enjoy the exercise and the opportunity to observe the beauties of nature.”
“Might I join you today?”
His request came as a surprise. Why would he voluntarily be in her company? “Of course,” she said. She hesitated. He most certainly asked because politeness demanded it. “This is one of my favorite walks.” If he knew it, he could avoid having his ride disrupted in the future.
