“No, they did not. You have to admire the fact that she has read your intentions and acted accordingly. You know as well as I not every young woman would do so, especially when it is clearthat her mother wishes for a match between you.” Darcy paused, his eyes narrowed in thought. “Come to think of it, this also explains why Miss Elizabeth suddenly announced that everyone would join you two in the parlor. She was coming to her sister’s aid in the face of her mother’s obvious machinations.”
Bingley shook his head, puffed his cheeks, and blew the air out.
They were silent for a moment, then Bingley asked, “Did you know they were going to London?”
“I did. Miss Elizabeth had mentioned it to Georgiana. However, I was not sure when they were to leave or for how long."
“So, this is not a sudden trip?”
“No,” Darcy said, shaking his head. “Do not worry that she is fleeing the country to escape you. I believe the only new piece to it is that Miss Mary is to accompany them on the visit. They have had this trip planned for some time,” Darcy assured him.
“Good. I am relieved to know that is the situation,” Bingley said.
Darcy had to admit he would be sorry to see them leave the area. It was obvious from Bingley's reaction in the garden earlier that he felt the same way. After the ladies' departure, Darcy and Georgiana would remain in Hertfordshire for almost two weeks. No doubt, the ladies' absence would be keenly felt. Of course, Miss Elizabeth would not return the sentiment, at least not in his case. By visiting Longbourn today, Darcy was able to confirm his suspicions—she did not like him at all, and he had no idea why.
Chapter 8
Darcy rode in the direction of Oakham Mount. When he reached it, he dismounted and walked to the lookout point that had the best views of the valley. Darcy took his hat off and ruffled his curls. His eyes searched for Longbourn and found it. He stared at it for a moment, then looked back to see Brutus chewing on some clover.
Darcy had trouble falling asleep the previous night. He tossed and turned until finally he got out of bed, determined to work through the problem in his head. Darcy had Elizabeth Bennet on his mind. It bothered him that she disliked him. He wanted to know why. He wanted to fix it. It was unlike Darcy to care so much about what a young woman thought of him, but he could not seem to help it. He had to get to the bottom of it, or else it would continue to eat at him. After he made the decision to speak with her, he was able to get some sleep.
Darcy looked back and scanned the grounds around Longbourn again. He knew that meeting her on her morning walk would give him the best chance to have a privateconversation with her, so he set out with that intention. He had planned to ride in the direction of Oakham Mount and then lie in wait somewhere along the route. However, he realized she could decide to walk elsewhere that morning, in which case his plan would not work. So, he decided to ride to Oakham Mount and use its vantage point to hopefully catch a glimpse of her and ascertain where she was walking.
As Darcy stood looking out over the valley with the wind blowing through his hair, he considered his options. Should he greet her and immediately state his reasons for seeking her out? Or, would it be better to have some polite conversation first and then bring the matter up eventually? Before he could decide one way or the other, he saw a flash of yellow heading in the direction of the border fence.So, she is coming to Oakham Mount after all.Darcy quickly mounted Brutus and rode towards Miss Elizabeth.
He decided not to ride all the way to the stile. If Miss Elizabeth saw him before she crossed over the fence, she might turn around and go back the way she came. So, he waited for her where the path bends toward Oakham Mount. He did not want to startle her, so he positioned Brutus and himself where she could see them before she came upon them.
Darcy heard Miss Elizabeth approaching. He busied himself with checking his saddle so that he would not look as if he were waiting for her. When he was certain she had seen him, he looked up and smiled. Darcy removed his hat and ran a hand through his curls.
“Miss Elizabeth.”
“Mr. Darcy,” she replied with a polite smile.
“How are you this morning?”
“I am well, thank you. And yourself?”
“I am very well, thank you. Are you on your way to Oakham Mount?” he asked.
“Yes, I am.”
“May I walk with you?” Darcy asked.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Of course.”
They walked in silence for several minutes, with Brutus trailing behind. All the while, Darcy was desperately trying to think of something to say. Suddenly, he remembered her trip to town.
“You mentioned that you and Miss Bennet are very close with your aunt and uncle in London.”
“Yes, we are. We have spent a great deal of time with them over the years. Jane and I usually go to stay with them for extended visits a few times a year. We have done so since we were very young, and we always look forward to those occasions. They also come to Longbourn twice a year.”
“It sounds like they are your favorite aunt and uncle,” Darcy said, smiling at her.
“Yes, they are.” She smiled, her eyes on the path beneath her feet.
“What do you enjoy most about visiting them?”
When she hesitated to respond, Darcy looked at her and noticed she seemed unsure how to answer.
