Page 39 of Master of Himself

“You’re teasing me,” he said, delighted by her sparkling wit.

“You love my sister, not me.”

“But, how is this possible?”

“Magic.”

Now overcome with rage, he glared into the heavens. “Begone you witches and wizards. I’ve had my fill of your sort.”

A blinding whirlwind arose, pelting him with all manner of dirt and debris.

When he regained his sight, he was standing at the river’s edge at Pemberley. The current flowed with its usual serene majesty.

He was entirely alone.

~~~~~

Darcy awoke with a start. In the midst of a disturbing dream, Elizabeth had disappeared. Worse yet, she wasn’t really Elizabeth. As if his waking hours weren’t bad enough, sorcery had also invaded his dreams.

She had been constantly on his mind these past few days, so there was no wonder she had visited his dreams. At least there he was still Darcy, but similar to his waking moments, he’d been unable to impress her. Resolving to banish all negative thoughts and influences, he threw off the bed covers and rose to face every trial and challenge the day might present.

Since he’d had no opportunity to speak with her after Services yesterday, he now had an overwhelming desire to see her again. He’d become accustomed to seeing her every day, and with any luck, she would be out walking this morning.

Eager to get an early start, he rang for the valet. When Henderson appeared with his usual sunny disposition, Darcy advised him of his intention to exercise his horse.

“’Tis a fine day for a ride – just what you need to shake off the doldrums. Naturally, we’re all relieved that Miss Bennet has recovered her health and the two ladies have returned home, but how dull things have become here without them.”

Darcy couldn’t disagree with this observation. Without knowing, Elizabeth had managed to make those first few days bearable. He could scarcely imagine how he would have endured that time without her calming presence.

As he shaved, he wondered if she believed in sorcery. Her younger, impressionable siblings might, but he rather doubted that a sensible woman like Elizabeth would be prone to such fantastical notions.

“Are we not fortunate to enjoy such splendid weather? And not a trace of rain on the horizon. My mama, God rest her soul, used to say that the rain made her bones ache.”

Eager to escape Henderson’s mindless chatter, he hurried through his ablutions and dressed in Charles’s buckskins and pale green riding coat. Finally free of the garrulous man, he rushed out of the house to collect Shadow.

He was struck with a twinge of remorse, knowing that Bart had been idle for a few days and was also in need of exercise, but he had no reasonable excuse to ride another man’s horse. He would discuss the matter with Charles later.

This morning, however, nothing would divert him from seeking Elizabeth. He set off at a trot down the driveway, cantered along the lane, then allowed Shadow to run all the way to Longbourn. As luck would have it, he spotted her walking in the grove and slowed to greet her.

“May I join you?”

When she agreed, he dismounted and left Shadow to graze. As she trod over the tall grass, she held up her skirts to keep them from getting damp.

“I wouldn’t normally call at this hour,” he said, feeling obliged to explain his presence in this part of the neighbourhood, “but when I saw you, I couldn’t ride on without inquiring after Miss Bennet. I hope she’s more comfortable now that she is home.” Charles would have undoubtedly said something to that effect.

“Mrs Hill was never happier to fix her own elixir for Jane.”

Her radiant smile put him at ease. “With so many remedies at her disposal, she is sure to make a full recovery.”

“I must thank you again for your hospitality, Mr Bingley.”

He nodded to acknowledge her civility, and her unintended reminder of his present situation. “We miss you at Netherfield. After having only our own company this past month, it was refreshing to have new friends in our midst. I hope you’ll give your family our regards.”

She agreed, and they walked on. “You were rather quiet yesterday after Sunday Services. I hope you weren’t unwell.”

Although he’d had ample reasons for being uneasy at church, he waved off her concerns. “No, just a bit tired. I’d had a restless night.”

“Mr Darcy seemed extraordinarily agreeable yesterday. Everyone remarked on his improved spirits.”