Georgiana’s smile deepened. “I thought it might suit you. My brother said you were fond of the outdoors.”
She moved to an adjoining door and opened it. “This leads to a small sitting room. It is shared with my own chamber.” She hesitated slightly. “I hoped… that we might sit together there in the evenings, if you would not object.”
Elizabeth turned to her with genuine warmth. “I should like that very much.”
***
Elizabeth changed only what was necessary, exchanging her slippers for sturdier boots and adding a warm pelisse and gloves before returning downstairs. She had no wish to be unprepared.
Darcy looked at her with quiet approval. “You are well prepared for the weather, I see.”
He hesitated, a trace of concern in his expression. “I have received a note from my aunt. She requests that we attend dinner this evening.”
Elizabeth nodded at once. “Then you must certainly go. We shall be quite well.”
Darcy smiled faintly. “I fear I was not sufficiently clear. She wishes for all of us to attend.”
Elizabeth paused. “Oh… I am uncertain when my parents and sisters will arrive. My father does not enjoy traveling, and I think it unlikely he would welcome plans for this evening.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I would not expect it of him. If you, Miss Bennet, and Miss Mary will accompany Georgiana and myself, my aunt will understand your parents’ absence.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened with relief. “That would be much better. I am still amazed we persuaded my father to come at all, but to ask him to go out on the very day of his arrival would be asking too much.”
Darcy’s smile returned. “Then shall we go?” He offered his arm.
Within minutes, they reached Hyde Park.
“You were not exaggerating,” Elizabeth said, looking about her with pleasure. “You are very near the park. I think town will be much more tolerable with this so close at hand.”
Darcy glanced at her. “You do not care for town?”
She shook her head. “It has its pleasures. I enjoy the shops and the booksellers, and I admire the museum and the theatre. But I value walks in the country more, seeing the land and the people who tend it. That matters to me.”
Darcy’s expression warmed. “It matters to me as well.”
They walked for some time, though their progress was occasionally interrupted by acquaintances of Darcy’s, who insisted upon being introduced.
At last, as they were able to continue uninterrupted, Darcy exhaled quietly. “That is why I generally come here earlier in the day.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Then next time, we shall do the same.”
After some time, Darcy suggested they return so there would be sufficient time to dress for dinner.
When they reached the house, the butler admitted them at once. Something in Darcy’s expression changed at once. “What is it, Simmons?”
“Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh have arrived, sir.”
Darcy sighed, though his tone remained controlled. “Of course she has. Thank you, Simmons.”
He turned to Elizabeth. “I am not surprised she has come to London, though I had expected she would remain at Matlock House.”
Elizabeth gave a small shrug. “She does not alarm me.”
Darcy’s expression softened. “I admire that about you. You are not easily unsettled.”
Elizabeth colored slightly. “Yes, well…” She glanced toward the drawing room, where Lady Catherine’s voice could already be heard. “Once more into the breach?”
***
