Elizabeth was enjoying a warm muffin Cook had wrapped in a cloth for her when she had traversed the kitchen on her way to the stables earlier that morning. The wind was blowing from behind her so she recognised William’s scent—sandalwood and spice—before she heard or saw him. She placed the remainder of the muffin on the cloth which she had opened across her legs and breathed his scent in deeply. Only when she heard the crunch of his boot on something did she turn around.
“Good morning, Elizabeth, are you enjoying the morning?” Darcy asked.
“And a good day to you, William. I was not sure anyone else would be up so early today after the late night thanks to the assembly. I was sneaking some solitude while none but Papa, who is in his study, was up,” Elizabeth replied.
“If I am interrupting your solitude, I beg your pardon.” Darcy bowed. He was prepared to leave; her response had disappointed him.
“You certainly are,” Elizabeth replied, her emerald-green eyes shining with amusement, “but it does not follow that the interruption must be unwelcome.”
“I should be sorry indeed if it were,” Darcy responded. “We have been good friends for some time, and now even more than that, thanks to our courtship.”
“True. Are any others at Netherfield Park up and about yet?”
“I saw no one, not even Hurst, and he is usually up at, or before, the time I rise from my slumber.” Darcy paused and grinned. “He is not getting younger, and he did dance practically every set at the assembly.”
“As did you. Except for the two you very gallantly sat out and kept me company. If one was not aware you were partnering me while I sat out for those sets, they may have assumed you were not tolerable enough to dance with and were being slighted by some of the young ladies at the assembly who refused to give you consequence.” Elizabeth giggled at her witticism and rested her head on William shoulder.
He grinned at her ridiculous statement. “Do not stop eating your snack because I arrived.” Darcy pointed at the partially eaten muffin in the cloth on her lap.
Elizabeth blushed but picked up the two-thirds of the item remaining. She broke it into two pieces and offered the larger one to William. When it looked like he was about to demur, she insisted he take it. “I will be well with the piece I have remaining,” she assured him.
“Very well, thank you, Elizabeth.” Darcy popped the piece of muffin into his mouth. After chewing it, he admitted that it was very tasty.
“I will tell Cook; she will be overjoyed at your compliment.” Elizabeth smiled as she broke off small bite-sized pieces, which she fed herself slowly. As she sat next to William, drinking in his comforting presence, Elizabeth knew she was closer than ever to tumbling over the precipice of love.
For the rest of the time, they sat in companionable silence, each enjoying the presence of the other. Once the sun rose, even if it did not warm the air too much, it was time to leave.
Darcy stood and helped Elizabeth up. Thereafter, they began the walk down to where their horses were being held.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
A few days later, while the Hursts, Darcy, and Bingley were calling, Bennet entered the drawing room with a grin on his face. “I have just read the most drivel-laced, ridiculous letter ever. I am sure you will all be diverted. Hence, I will read it to you.”
“We will take our leave if this is business for only your family,” Hurst volunteered. Darcy and Bingley nodded their agreement.
“Your advice will be welcome, so please remain with us,” Bennet requested. “It arrived this morning and it took more than one reading to realise it was written by a man with less sense in his whole being than most of us have in a single finger.”
“Surely it is not so very bad,” Mary stated.
“You may tell me I was wrong after I read it to you,” Bennet challenged. He sat in an armchair and slid his spectacles down from his forehead to his nose. He cleared his throat and began to read.
3 October 1811
Mr Bassenstoke’s Boarding House
42 Cherry Street
Westerham
Kent
Dear Sir,
The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; but for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone with whom it had always pleased him to be at variance. This was made more difficult considering how the Collins line has been denied the estate, which should have been the property of my great-great-grandfather.
My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, as my profession teaches that with our elevated status, clergymen like me should bring peace to families wherever possible. I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in line in the entail of the Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch.
I received ordination some months before Easter of 1810. Unfortunately, since then, I have not been so fortunate as to be distinguished with a living of my own, and I now serve as a curate at the Church of St Mary in Westerham. As such, I am ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which are instituted by the Church of England.
