“Oakham Mount?” Feigning curiosity, he asked, “What is that?”
“Oh, it is nothing more than a small hill, but that is what we call it. It lies between Longbourn and Netherfield. Meryton is to the east. From the summit one may look out across the fields for miles, and it is a particularly fine place to watch the sunrise.”
If more people only knew how much they revealed in idle parlour talk, the world would be filled with recluses. The girl is giving me all I require, and more.
“Do you walk alone?” He inclined his head, as though the notion troubled him.
Miss Elizabeth laughed merrily. “There is no danger to me here, sir! I know every soul in Meryton and the surrounding parts. They would never harm me. No, I am quite content to keep myself company on my adventures.”
He studied her laughter as another man might study a ledger—estimating its value, the weight it might carry with her father, the cost of owning it entirely.
“Much to her mama’s despair.” Bennet rose and joined them, taking a chair opposite the settee where his daughters sat. “Elizabeth comes home with muddy hems and filthy petticoats more often than not.”
“Headstrong girl!” Mrs Bennet interjected sharply. “She has no consideration for my poor nerves. But Jane is the picture of propriety, do you not think so?”
And dreadfully dull. There would be no amusement at all in…Fiennes checked the thought and inclined his head with practiced grace. “Miss Bennet is everything that is lovely.” His courteous nod encompassed both the matron and the young lady.
Later that evening, Fiennes sat before the cold hearth in his chambers. A single candle burned, its wavering flame throwing unsteady shadows across the room. His elbows rested on his knees, fingers steepled as he glowered into the darkness, deep in thought.
For the first time in his life, he desired something beyond money. After only the briefest acquaintance, he wanted Miss Elizabeth Bennet—wanted her with a desperation that eclipsed any craving for estate, business, or jewel. He longed to make her his—to own her, and capture that bright, defiant spirit—only to crush it, to mould her into his own design.
Had someone known what he was about, they might wonder why the younger sister and not the elder. The answer was simple: Jane Bennet presented no challenge. Compliant and soft-spoken, she would give way too readily; there would be no satisfaction in shaping her. Only in mastering the wilful and impertinent younger sister could his hunger be appeased.
Chapter Three
August 1805
Longbourn
Elizabeth
“Andjustwheredoyou think you are off to, Miss Lizzy?” Mama stood in the doorway, hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. “We are to go to Lucas Lodge to dine, and I will not have you delay our departure!”
Elizabeth sighed. “I meant only to walk a short distance.” She smiled in appeal to her mother. “I have been inside all day!”
“Exactly what a proper young lady ought to be doing. No husband will want a wife who traipses about the countryside without a chaperone or care for her hems. Now, I insist you go upstairs and begin your preparations.” Mrs Bennet crossed her arms and nodded firmly. “You and Jane must share a maid, after all, and it will take longer to prepare.”
Elizabeth sighed and pretended compliance. It would not take Sally four hours to dress two young ladies, particularly as Mama had her own maid. She waited on the stairs until she heard her mother’s steps fade towards the back parlour and then skipped down them again and out of doors. If she moved at a brisk pace, no one would miss her.
The path to Oakham Mount was familiar, and she scarcely attended to her steps as she proceeded along the well-trodden lane. It was not a widetrack, nor was it well-maintained, but her frequent walks in this direction kept it from becoming overgrown. The path ran from Longbourn’s little wilderness through the grove of trees on the estate, opening at the base of the mount into a broader trail. Trees dotted the slope, and wildflowers still bloomed. It was lovelier in the spring, but summer had its beauties, too.
She ascended with eager steps, relishing the exertion and the sense of freedom it gave her. Whoever had declared that ladies must remain within doors and avoid all exertion deserved a sound tongue-lashing.
Elizabeth gained the summit and paused to catch her breath. The view never failed to delight her. Though the vantage was not grand, it was high enough to afford a pleasing prospect for some distance.If Oakham Mount is this beautiful, I can only imagine what the Peak must be.Her aunt Gardiner’s tales of the north fascinated her most, and she longed to see all of England. The northern shires would be hers to behold someday; of that she was determined.
A strange sensation stole over her, and she glanced about with unease. She was certain she was being watched. Yet she saw nothing and began her descent. Freedom had always been a simple thing—open fields, unguarded steps—but now she felt it slipping, though no hand yet claimed her.
Having accomplished her aim, she must now return to Longbourn and submit to being laced into her gown. As the newest article in her wardrobe, Mama had insisted she wear the rose-coloured silk that evening. Silk was lovely, but Elizabeth always feared she would damage the fabric.
She took great care as she entered Longbourn, alert lest her mother should have discovered her absence. When she was not met by a barrage of angry shrieks, Elizabeth grinned and hastened upstairs to her chamber.
“Lizzy!” Lydia hissed from her chamber door. “Come here!” Ten-year-old Lydia Bennet beckoned, and Elizabeth hastened to follow.
“What is it?” Elizabeth asked, stepping nearer.
Lydia grinned. “Mama is very angry with you! We had a gentleman caller while you were out, and no one could find you!”
Elizabeth groaned. “Dare I ask who it was?” Her mother would be furious when she found out Elizabeth had deliberately disobeyed and ventured out of doors.
