Page 145 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

Elizabeth startled and jumped to her feet when the sound of steps approaching interrupted her peaceful reverie. She quickly brushed her hands over her gown, which was wet and dirty—and only then did she raise her eyes to observe the intruder.

He stopped—just like her heart. Across the distance between them, their gazes, their hesitation, their restraint and their doubts all ran from one to the other. Then he moved again, and so did she. He was properly attired—as always—but her appearance was a mess. Self-conscious, she searched for a way to escape as politely and properly as possible, ashamed by his scrutiny, which she assumed to be highly disapproving. Little did she know how wrong she was; too mortified to lock eyes with him, she failed to notice his deep admiration and the repressed passion that darkened his gaze.

Eventually, he was close enough to address her, while she kept her eyes on the ground.

“Miss Bennet…I apologise for disturbing you…I did not expect to find anyone here at this hour.”

“Do not worry sir, I should not be here. I was just…I could not sleep and…”

“Yes, me neither…I could not sleep…Forgive me, I forgot to ask yesterday—is your family in good health?”

“My family? Oh yes…I am here with my aunt and with my sisters. All of them.”

“I am glad to hear it. I am here alone…I mean…with Bingley.”

“Oh…”

“Yes…and…if you do not mind, Miss Bennet… Yesterday I told Bingley that I met you and he is eager to come and greet you…I mean, if you approve of it.”

“Of course I do. We all do…It would be a pleasure to see Mr Bingley again.”

A little smile appeared on his face, which only disturbed her more.

“Bingley will be happy to hear that.”

“So will my sister. And my aunt.”

A moment of awkward silence followed, which she broke hesitantly. She knew she should leave, but she could not miss the opportunity to speak her mind.

“Sir, Mr Wickham is here too. With the regiment. For the entire summer.”

He frowned. “Yes, I was told.”

“My younger sisters are staying with Colonel Forster’s wife. Both she and the colonel insisted so Papa allowed it.”

It was enough for him to understand that she did not approve of the arrangement and was not pleased with Wickham’s presence. His face lit up again.

“I truly believe Wickham is not good company for any young lady. But Colonel Forster seems to be an honourable man.”

“I believe the same. Sir, I am grateful that you were so generous as to share with me the truth regarding Mr Wickham.”

Their mutual embarrassment made the conversation awkward and slow.

“I am pleased that you had the wisdom to believe my claims, considering I gave you little reason to trust me. But I expected no less from you, Miss Bennet.”

“I never doubted your honour, Mr Darcy, not even when your actions were hurtful,” she stated. “Now please excuse me, I must return home.”

“Of course.”

Their eyes met for the blink of an eye, then she departed. She felt his gaze following her, and she hurried her steps but suddenly stopped.

Torn between the desire to say more and the mortification of being refused or misunderstood, she hesitated, looking at him. He appeared surprised, waited, then moved towards her.

“Mr Darcy?”

“Yes?”

“If you happen to call together with Mr Bingley, my aunt would be delighted to speak to you about Derbyshire. She grew up in Lambton, which I understand is very close to Pemberley.”