“I am sorry you are in such straits.” Her words held a hint of sarcasm.Yes, his misfortunes are great, indeed.
“I thank you for your concern, but it is manageable.” He cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Are you to return to Meryton immediately when you depart, or will you stay inLondon for a time?” He hurried to add, “My sister wrote to me asking if you might attend our box at the theater.”
Elizabeth smiled. Miss Darcy had not wasted time approaching her brother with her request. “I, too, have a letter from Miss Darcy stating the same thing.”
He looked at her curiously. “I had not realized you were corresponding.”
Elizabeth immediately grew defensive. “She requested it before I left London,” she said. “It is not so odd. We were immediately comfortable with each other, and she desired to maintain the connection.”
“I do not disapprove.” Mr. Darcy spoke fervently, seeking to reassure her. “Georgiana has few real friends. I know enough of you that you do not befriend people to gain something for yourself. You are loyal and kind; just the sort of person my sister most needs.”
She blushed at his flattering words. “You have sketched my character accurately,” she replied. “I am exceedingly loyal to those I love, and when one of them is wounded, I take such affront personally.” She spoke of Jane, hoping he would understand her words and know contrition, while acknowledging it may very well be that Mr. Darcy had no understanding of the pain his friend had caused Jane.
“I am pleased that such sentiments are directed at my sister. Georgiana is the dearest girl in the world and her tender heart has been abused far more than her age warrants.” She glanced at him. With his brow furrowed and a scowl on his face, he looked quite fearsome.
He is very faithful to his sister and those he esteems.His character appeared just as Mr. Wickham had outlined; Mr. Darcy was perfectly capable of being pleasant with those he deemed worth the effort.He is being kind and amiable to me.Have I somehow surpassed being tolerable and become worthy of his condescension?
Her thoughts were tinged with bitterness, and she felt annoyed at him for ruining her morning. She struggled to refocus on the conversation. “I am sorry to hear Miss Darcy has suffered… She writes of her studies. Has she been studying with several masters?”
He nodded. “She wished most for a music master, though I insisted she have one for French and history as well.”
“She points out in her letter that ladies rarely need their manifold accomplishments when married. It is very astute of her to realize this; it is why I have always learned what interested me, not what society dictated necessary.” She dearly hoped he would raise an objection to her words; then she might put him in his place. When had she become so petty?
“Learning what one enjoys is not a crime, but it must come second to the knowledge needed for a successful life. I enjoyed learning about architecture as a boy, but my studies on the subject had to be put aside so that I could properly prepare to manage my estate.” His words were challenging, and she did not hesitate to rise to it.
“Did you learn Latin, Mr. Darcy?” Her words were sweet, and she glanced up at his face, smiling coyly.
“I did.” He eyed her warily.Good.
“And how often have you employed that knowledge since you came of age and gained your inheritance?”
He blinked and the slow grin that spread across his face made Elizabeth’s traitorous heart skip a beat.He is very handsome when he smiles. It is a shame his character is the opposite.
“Touche,Miss Bennet. I confess I have rarely used my knowledge of history, either.”
“Have you used your knowledge of architecture?” she asked, curious to know the answer.
He contemplated her question and then nodded. “I have. Several times, in fact. There have been multiple bridges and other buildings on my estate to be repaired. My knowledge helped me discover two charlatans among the men hired to do the work.”
“You see, Mr. Darcy? There is no such thing as valuable or invaluable knowledge. What we learn shapes us, useful in the moment or not. You learned and used Latin when it was pertinent for you to do so. I imagine if you suddenly gained a scientific bent, that knowledge would once again become needed.”
“Your insights are as keen as usual.” He did not seem put off by her logic. Instead, she heard admiration in his voice.
The path opened to the lane before the parsonage. “I must leave you now, Miss Bennet. I enjoyed our walk and I hope to repeat the experience very soon.” He bowed, turning to depart.
Enjoyed our…Had he been looking for her when he came upon her? She had not thought that Mr. Darcy liked her company at all.
“Hello, Eliza.” Charlotte walked toward her from the opposite direction that Mr. Darcy had gone. “Was that Mr. Darcy I saw walking away?”
“Yes. He met me while I walked and escorted me back to the parsonage.” She did not wish Charlotte to know how unsettled she felt. There were ruminations swirling in her head and she needed time to think. She and Charlotte entered the parsonage and removed their things.
“He is very kind to do so. Did you enjoy your conversation with him?” Charlotte pressed.
Elizabeth shook her head. “You know I do not like him, Charlotte. Why do you insist on saying he admires me?”
She answered firmly. “A man does not stare at a woman he finds unappealing. Nor does he escort her back to her home. Heis being more than barely polite and your insistence that he feels antipathy for you is incorrect.”
“What do you know about it? You, the pragmatic, practical Miss Lucas, have never been in love! You claim you do not need it for happiness, yet you insist that Mr. Darcy feels such sentiments for me, as if you can recognize it better than I can.” Elizabeth felt tears pricking at her eyes, and frustration gave way to guilt as she noted the distress her words caused Charlotte.
