Lady Catherine paled, “No, there is no need to involve my brother into the affairs of my parish. I will have Mrs Collins attended as she requires.”
“And Miss Bennet and the good doctor as well.” Darcy added.
“Yes of course.” Lady Catherine nodded and getting up, vacated the parlour immediately. She would not have hernephew witness her smashing minor house baubles in a red rage.
***
A liveried footman opened the door to the breakfast room for Elizabeth. She had spent a miserable first night at Rosings. And now not only was she exhausted due to lack of sleep, she was also moody and very hungry.
Both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy were already in attendance. They stood as the lady entered.
“Good morning Colonel, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth said flatly.
“Good morning Miss Bennet.” Both men said at the same time.
She sat and lowering her head rubbed her forehead. The gentlemen noticed her discomfort.
“Are you well, Miss Bennet?” Mr Darcy asked, “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes... no. I did not.” She said without looking up.
Darcy looked worried, “Is there something we can do for your comfort while you are here?”
“No, thank you Mr Darcy, I am sure all I need is a turn about the garden, or a short walk into the woods and I will be as good as new.” She tried to smile but failed.
Richard looked at Darcy and winked at him and cleared his throat, “Darcy was just now telling me that he also needs to clear his head and have some fresh air. Perhaps, he could accompany you in your walk.”
Elizabeth lifted her head and looked at him chagrined, “Thank you Colonel, but I cannot stray far from the house as Charlotte may need me.”
Both Darcy and Elizabeth were glaring at him but he seemed unmoved, “Oh, do not worry, Miss Bennet, I will stay close if Mrs Collins requires anything. I will inform one of the maids and Dr Denville is also here, of course.” He smiled charmingly, “Mrs Collins is in good hands. Please go for a lovely long walk with my cousin who desperately needs fresh air.”
Elizabeth looked disconcerted and Darcy annoyed, but he recovered quicker than the lady, “It will be a pleasure to escort you on a walk Miss Bennet. That is if you would honour me with your presence.”
Elizabeth felt trapped. How could she extricate herself from his company without giving offense? After all, had he not been the architect of bringing Charlotte to the manor house? And contracted the services of his own personal physician from London out of care for her friend? For that alone she would overlook his many faults, be grateful while she was under the same roof with the irritating man and attempt to be friendlier, even when she felt anything but.
“Of course Mr Darcy thank you. Let us finish breaking our fast and then go.” Her hunger disappeared, replaced by discontent, but she forced herself to drink a cup of scolding, sweet black coffee and eat a freshly baked bun with butter. She immediately felt better afterwards.
When she came downstairs after putting on her pelisse and walking boots she found Mr Darcy already waiting for her.
“Shall we go?” He offered her his arm.
She hesitated for a split second but then she accepted his offer and rested her dainty little hand on his strong forearm.
Lady Catherine was about to enter the breakfast parlour as the young couple walked out the door. She frowned and looked uncertain but then dismissed the thought that entered uninvited into her head, the suspicion that Miss Bennet might have designs on her nephew.
The April day was clear although not yet warm. The wind picked up a little and Elizabeth shivered.
Darcy noticed it, “Let us stay near the house. The rose gardens are well sheltered from the northerly wind and the sun reflecting from the brick wall will make it seem a lot warmer than it actually is.
Elizabeth had to agree with him. She felt pleasantly warm as if thawing from inside out. She started to feel almost sleepy and she relaxed.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy started, “Colonel Fitzwilliam told me of the conversation he had with you a couple of days ago.”
“Oh,” she said flatly.
“Miss Bennet, I would like a chance to explain why I interfered with Bingley regarding your sister.”
Elizabeth had been feeling relaxed in the warm sun, but Mr Darcy’s words brought her crashing down back into intense darkness again and her ire rose unfiltered, “Mr Darcy, it is no use sir. Whatever your reasons for separating them, I will never forgive you. I do not believe you could have anything to say that would redeem you in my eyes.”
