“Hush, Sparky. Leave the poor creatures in peace.”
He ran from one tree to another, setting his forepaws against the trunk and barking upward at the small russet forms that peered down as though to mock him.
She had slept little the night before and feared that her wakefulness was evident in her countenance. A faint shadow lingered beneath her eyes, betraying her unrest. She hoped it might fade before Mr. Darcy should call at Longbourn.
The walk had refreshed her somewhat, and as she stood beneath the oaks and heard the birds in song, she drew a measured breath and regarded the prospect before her. Her gaze traveled from Longbourn to Meryton and onward to the distant horizon, where the estates lay scattered across the valley. She distinguished Netherfield among them, soon to become her sister’s home.
Her heart swelled with satisfaction for Jane, who need no longer dread the attentions of Mr. Goulding.
Then she saw him. Mr. Darcy. He approached on a fine black stallion. She had not before enjoyed the sight of him upon horseback, and the ease with which he held his seat did much to enhance his already striking appearance.
He rode at a brisk pace, urging his mount along the lane. Elizabeth followed his progress until she perceived that OakhamMount was his destination. Her heart began to beat with unwelcome force as he drew nearer.
What was she to say? Could she conceal her feelings from him? She resolved not to appear grasping, nor give the impression of presuming upon an acquaintance beyond her sphere.
Before she had mastered her agitation, he had reached the summit. She drew a slow breath and watched as he surveyed the meadow. His eyes moved along the line of trees, taking in the prospect, and she observed the slight curve of his mouth, signaling his approval.
He must soon discover her presence. She stood motionless, scarcely daring to breathe. The strain pressed upon her so heavily that she considered retreating down the hill rather than endure another moment of heady anticipation. She feared that her internal discomposure would betray her.
At last, his gaze fell upon her, and she saw him start in surprise; then he smiled. It was no restrained expression, but a true, open smile, unlike the measured emotions she had so often witnessed while in his company in London. She watched intently as he guided his horse nearer, dismounted, and dropped the reins on the ground.
“Miss Elizabeth, it has been months since I last had the pleasure of seeing you.”
She observed his gaze travel from her face downward and then return, as she bobbed a curtsy.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“You appear remarkably well, even in the severity of your mourning attire. I confess I was uneasy for your health. Carolinerepresented that you were much altered and that she should scarcely have known you again.”
Elizabeth felt the warmth rise in her cheeks, vexed that Caroline had sought to diminish her in Mr. Darcy’s estimation.
“I am relieved to discover that she was mistaken. You look exceedingly well.” He paused, searching her face, and she noted that his complexion had heightened. “You must forgive me. I am extremely relieved to find you in good health and have perhaps spoken with more animation than is proper.”
His expression grew more serious as he regarded her more closely. “Yet I perceive that you have endured much. Have you found it difficult to sleep?”
“No, sir, I am quite well. I thank you for your concern, but there is no reason, that is to say, I have nothing of which to complain.”
“Yet, I can see there are faint shadows beneath your eyes. I am sincerely grieved for your loss. Georgiana informed me that you were apprehensive for your father’s life, and that your mother’s death followed soon after. How does your father fare?”
“My father is greatly improved, sir. We no longer fear for his health. As for the loss of my mother, it was a severe blow.”
“Yes, I comprehend it well. My own mother was but one and thirty when she passed. It was a grievous loss to my family, and most particularly to my father, who was devoted to her. He chose to remain single and dedicated himself to his two children. Sadly, Georgiana was in her infancy when our mother passed and has no remembrance of her.”
“I am sorry for your loss, sir. In our situation, I believe that had my mother permitted us to attend her more closely during her illness, she might yet have remained with us, but she refusedassistance. I was occupied with my father during the first week, for his breathing was greatly distressed and the influenza had settled upon his lungs, producing inflammation. As his strength returned and we began to hope, my sister Mary informed me that our mother had died in the night, alone.”
Her composure faltered as tears gathered unbidden. She had not wept when the news was first delivered, and she wondered at herself that she should now betray such feeling before Mr. Darcy.
She turned her gaze from him and indicated the valley spread beneath them. “What is your opinion of this prospect, sir?”
He looked not at the landscape but at her. “It is breathtaking.”
“Those are my sentiments precisely. This is my favorite retreat. Whenever I have required solitude in which to think, I have come here to find it.”
She turned toward him with a light laugh. “When one has four lively sisters and a mother of equal animation, the solitude of such a place is greatly to be valued. I make use of it each day.”
His expression altered. He glanced about them and then returned his attention to her. “You are unattended, Miss Elizabeth. There is no servant with you.”
“No, sir. We have but one man in service, and his duties are of greater consequence than following me about the countryside. No one visits this spot but me. I have come here since I was fourteen.”
