Page 61 of Pride, Prejudice & Wicked Pleasure

“Sometimes, the lack of confusion denotes nothing more than a simple life or a simple mind.”

His reply surprised her, for she had been prepared for him to make a judgment of her. She lowered her guard a little.

“Enlightenment must come from chaos and conflict,” she added.

“Qui onques rien n'enprist riens n'achieva.”

She raised her brows. Mr. Darcy hardly seemed a man to risk anything. That she should be in a situation resembling agreement with him confounded her into reticence.

“Do you find yourself more inclined to take risks or seek the shelter of security?” he asked after a long pause.

What did he mean by this query? she wondered.

“I am not afraid of risk,” she answered blandly, for she had no desire to illuminate her character to him.

“It was not a question intended to assess your courage.”

“Indeed, and any attempt by me to classify myself as either one who seeks or one who shuns risk would be an unjust generality, for valuation of risk is unique to circumstance.”

He made no reply, and she was satisfied to turn her attention to the flora along their path.

“Do you confine your walks to the park?”

She looked at him. Was he truly so bored at Rosings that he sought conversation with her?

“I have walked some three or four miles before,” she said.

“I recall you once walked the distance from Longbourn to Netherfield—through mud.”

“Yes, I must have presented quite the wild appearance, especially to Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. I am sure my dirty petticoats and untidy hair did not escape their notice!”

“I find exercise can greatly improve one’s complexion.”

She was taken aback. It was not quite a compliment but certainly the only kind comment he had ever directed toward her.

“Where is the farthest you have walked here?”

Recalling the day she met Abby Trenwith, Lizzy looked in that direction. “Some four miles, I think.”

He followed her gaze. “There is an estate worthy of note down the road there. Trenwith House. Had you come across it or been upon its grounds?”

She paused. “Yes.”

“Have you met its proprietress?”

“Yes,” she replied, almost daring him to advise as his aunt had. “I had taken a fall and, luckily, Mrs. Trenwith happened upon me. She was exceedingly kind.”

“And had you formed any other opinions of her?”

“I was recommended not to.”

“But you would otherwise give your opinions freely.”

It was more statement than query, and she could not resist being a little irked. “It matters not in this event. I am sure we would not be in agreement.”

“I had not offered my opinion.”

“You need not have.”