Elizabeth sighed in contentment. She could get used to the pleasure of an early morning stroll in the company of Mr Darcy. He seemed to know when words were unnecessary. She glanced up at his noble profile. He had a fresh, healthy glow in his complexion and a tint of pink from the cold.
“So, do you often loiter round the gates of Hyde Park, Mr Darcy?”
“That depends, so the answer is both yes and no. No, I have not in the past, but yes, I am of a mind to continue this new habit for as long as I have the pleasure of your company.”
“I wonder why… My beauty you early withstood—it must be my civility. I have flattered you and shown you every deference an illustrious gentleman could possibly desire.”
“Which would have been officious indeed had you truly meant a single word of your lyrical blandishments.”
“Are you not to believe a word I say?”
“I believed you when you called me arrogant, conceited, and disdainful of the feelings of others.”
“Oh dear… You heard that? Please do not repeat what I said then. These recollections will not do at all. Instead, I shall declare us too alike in one respect. We are both prone to eavesdropping.”
“You just called me dear. I heard that.”
“As you should.” Elizabeth smiled, but a change of subject was preferable lest she lose her brashness for making such a flagrant statement. “I very much enjoyed the Royal Menagerie and the opera, but I am looking forward with pleasure to our excursion to the museum. It is my favourite diversion.”
“It is mine too. I suppose that is something else we have in common.” He paused for a moment. “Actually, it is my second favourite.”
“And what would be your absolute favourite?”
“That would be anywhere I can find you under a twig mistletoe.”
Elizabeth squeezed his arm in acknowledgement, and they continued for a stretch in silence. In a light unclouded by vexation, Mr Darcy was exactly the kind of man, in disposition, attractive points, and desirable qualifications, who suited her the most. The difference in their understanding and temper would benefit them both, especially her ease and liveliness in society and his judgment and knowledge of the world.
Mr Darcy had seemed bent upon displaying her to his acquaintances on every possible occasion, and to greatest advantage in particular at last night’s opera. It was something to be considered a worthy object of his pride. Especially amongst the painted butterflies of theton, who were sparkling in costlyjewels. She scarcely dared to merit the praise he heaped upon her; in comparison to most ladies of superior society, her appearance must be plain and sober. Yet, Mr Darcy professed to have found numerous virtues and perfections that Elizabeth feared less-partial eyes would have failed to distinguish. But far be it from her to dissuade him from expounding upon her good qualities. Was that not the very essence of falling in love?
Their morning stroll soon became customary. Sometimes in quietude, other times in fervent discussions about politics and literature or agreement about a particularly enjoyable musicale they had both attended. Yet, he seemed unwilling to come to the point and ask her the question she most longed to hear. But, of course, he may have a reasonable excuse…
After escorting her to the door, she had not been long returned before Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy were announced as their first morning callers. Offering her a generous bouquet of red roses, the gentleman left his sister in her care, stating that he had business with Mr Bennet. She barely had time to express her acquiescence to the arrangement before he quit the room in eager strides.
Elizabeth was immediately made uneasy. What could Mr Darcy have to speak to her father about? If he had designs on her, she would have preferred to be asked before the rest of the family was apprised. Or rather, had the opportunity to warn her father and inform him of her altered opinion of the gentleman. Elizabeth was rather apprehensive when he finally returned.
“My sister and I wish to invite you on an excursion on the fourteenth of February. I have discussed our destination with Mr Bennet, and he has allowed you to accompany us, if you wish it. Unfortunately, there will be no room for anyone else, or I would have extended the invitation to include Miss Bennet. In her stead, Mrs Annesley will be present as chaperon.”
“Am I to be informed of what kind of excursion?”
“No, you are not. That, dearest Elizabeth, I am not prepared to tell you,” Mr Darcy said with an amused glint in his eyes, seemingly unaware of the missing title in his address. “It will be a surprise, but I urge you to dress warmly.”
Miss Darcy smiled in a hitherto unrivalled show of exuberance. “I am all anticipation. My brother has been talking about little else for months. He ordered the tickets even before he travelled to Netherfield.”
“Then you must enlighten me so that I can participate in the enthusiasm.”
“Oh no, my lips are sealed.” Miss Darcy beamed. “I promised my brother I would not divulge our destination.”
Elizabeth had a feeling that a promise between the brother and sister was as good as the law and refrained from prying any further. It added a certain quality to not know, and it allowed her imagination to run wild. A glance at Mr Darcy revealed him pursing his lips in an attempt to curb the threat of a smile. His cobalt-blue eyes were twinkling with mirth.What ever could he have planned?Mr Darcy spoke with good-humoured ease for the rest of the visit—so distant from the accent of hauteur and disdain he had exhibited upon their earliest acquaintance—and stayed well beyond the appointed half an hour.
Valentine’sDay
Mr Darcy lifted his tall sister with such ease that Elizabeth could not help but admire his strength and the stretch of his white pantaloons.
“May I offer you the same service as my sister?”
Elizabeth sucked in her breath, regarded the basket of the hot-air balloon, and quickly concluded that there was no other way to enter.
“You may,” she allowed with heat rising in her face.
