Elizabeth was waiting for them outside the carriage as they approached. Darcy gave her a lopsided smile. He was obliged to make use of her help to climb inside. His legs were shaking badly. She assisted Mr. Bennet in turn. He seemed less affected by using unfamiliar magic. Perhaps he had more of an affinity to air than Darcy did.
The two men placed their prizes on the seat, much to the delight of their travel companions.
“At least we know we will not starve before we arrive at the inn,” Elizabeth quipped.
“And we can feed the carrots to the horses,” said Bingley.
Darcy could barely hear what they were saying. Somehow, he managed to take his seat before an overwhelming drowsiness overtook him. Before he knew it, he had drifted into a gray fog.
Chapter 13
The two men fell asleep as soon as the carriage began moving. Elizabeth shifted to the far side of the seat next to the window and put Darcy’s head in her lap, trying to make him as comfortable as possible, considering the jolting of the carriage. They were about an hour away from Bromley, where they were supposed to stop at an inn for refreshments, so she hoped he would sleep for a while.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth looked towards Mr. Bingley, wondering if she should say something about Jane. She wanted to help them both out, but she had to consider Jane’s wishes. How would she feel if she discovered Elizabeth had talked about her with Bingley?
She knew the answer. Jane was reserved, and did not like to wear her heart on her sleeve. Ifshehad not addressed the issue with Mr. Bingley, what right did Elizabeth have to do so?
So Elizabeth smiled at Mr. Bingley, made some general remarks about the weather and the landscape, then fell into a companionable silence.
“I think I shall follow in the footsteps of the other gentlemen and take the opportunity to sleep,” said Bingley. “That way, when we encounter the young ladies at the inn tonight, I will be more animated.”
He settled back into the squabs and closed his eyes. Elizabeth was proud of herself for resisting the temptation to ask Bingley which young lady in particular he was thinking of.
A few minutes later, he started to snore softly.
It was past noon when Darcy awoke with a jolt. The carriage had stopped. It took a moment to orient himself, but when he looked out, he recognized the familiar sign. They had arrived at the Royal Bell in Bromley.
“Feeling better?” Elizabeth asked him with a smile as he yawned and stretched.
“Much better.” He had a headache, but that was only to be expected. And he was ravenous enough that he was even prepared to eat the vegetables on the seat. Fortunately, there was no need for that. He had been many times to the Royal Bell, and knew they would receive more than adequate refreshments to send them on their way.
When they went inside, Darcy mentioned Lady Catherine de Bourgh to the innkeeper, and immediately several servants appeared as if by magic to assist them.
Following a hearty meal, Darcy felt much better. Elizabeth needed fresh air, and she proposed going outside for a short walk before continuing their journey.
“Why did you smile when you mentioned your aunt to the innkeeper?” she asked.
“Because each time I visited my aunt, she would say the same thing. She would recommend that I change horses at Bromley. ‘If you mention my name at the Bell,’ she said, every time ‘you will be attended to’.” Darcy’s voice changed in imitation of his aunt’s arrogant manner.
“Well, it certainly seemed to work,” remarked Elizabeth with a laugh. “She sounds even more arrogant than you.”
He looked down his nose at her. “You find me arrogant?”
Elizabeth put a hand on her chin and pretended to think about it. “Let me put it this way: when I first met you, I thought you the most arrogant, conceited gentleman I had ever encountered.”
“And now?” he purred.
“Now, I think you are more conceited than ever.”
He raised his eyebrow at her.
“Very well. I will acknowledge that you are not the most arrogant and conceited gentleman I have ever met. There are worse.”
Darcy stepped forward and leaned his forehead against hers. “Perhaps you have come to like it, just a little?” he coaxed.
“Mmm. Perhaps.” She leaned forward and touched his lips with hers. “Yes, I think—”
“Stop thinking so much,” he said, deepening the kiss.
