Chapter 33
INCONVENIENT MISHAP
A carriage mishap found Darcy and two of his postilions on the lonely road to Netherfield Park late that night.
He supposed he might seek lodging at a local inn rather than risk arriving at his friend’s after the household had settled, but upon being informed that his destination was not too much further away, Darcy ventured on.
What else was there to do? He supposed he had wasted enough time being apart from Elizabeth, whom his friend Bingley said was residing at Netherfield.
A late-night arrival meant he might be reunited with her as early as the next morning.
Who was to say what manner the delay would be were he to remain with the carriage with his drivers and the others, including his man, Waters?
Waters was more than capable of acting in his stead in overseeing the requisite repairs and the safe arrival of Darcy’s possessions to their final destination.
He arrived at the dimly lit manor house, a sure sign of the lateness of the hour, and was received by one of the household servants.
“Welcome, Mr. Darcy,” said the tall lanky man who accepted Darcy’s great coat and hat, “Mr. Bingley informed us of your upcoming visit to allow ample time for the preparation of your stay. We were told you would be here toward the end of the week.”
“My travel plans were accelerated.”
“Indeed. Please accept my apologies that no one was there to attend your luggage. I shall summon a footman post haste.”
“It is not necessary,” Darcy began, holding up his hand.
“My carriage, along with the rest of my travel party, will be delayed until sometime tomorrow.
At least that is my hope. You see, there was an inconvenient mishap with my carriage.
I am alone, save two others who have sought sleeping quarters in the stables.
“Very well, Mr. Darcy. If you will allow, may I show you into the drawing room and offer you a drink for your comfort while I oversee the final preparation of your apartment. I shall take the liberty of having a footman attend you once everything is ready.”
“I confess comfortable lodgings are precisely what I need; however, I do not mean to disrupt the household more than I have already with my late as well as unexpected arrival. I shall forego the assistance of a footman.”
“If you insist,” said the other man, his otherwise austere expression rather softened. “The drawing room is this way.”
The two did not walk very far before Darcy caught glimpse of a young woman heading up the staircase. What a stroke of luck for him, he immediately thought, if it was Elizabeth.
Dare I call out her name?
The older gentleman must have noticed the way Darcy looked at the young woman. He cleared his throat, effectively summoning her attention. Continuing her steps, she threw a quick glance over her shoulder and stole Darcy’s breath away.
Their eyes frozen on each other’s, Elizabeth stopped and turned.
“I believe I will manage on my own from here,” said Darcy.
“The drawing room—”
“—I shall find it.”
“Your apartment—”
“—Which do you intend to have prepared?”
“—The second floor, three doors down on the left.”
“Thank you. I shall require nothing else,” Darcy said, his tone meant to send the servant on his way.
Moments later, Darcy began a slow ascent up the stairway, and likewise, Elizabeth commenced a tentative descent until they stood face-to-face.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said.
“Mr. Darcy,” she responded, dropping a curtsy.
Remembering himself, Darcy bowed. Upon resuming his former attitude, he said, “I know the hour is late, and what I am about to ask of you may seem untoward—”
“—What is it, sir?”
“Might I request the pleasure of your company in the library?”
“Sir?”
“Please say yes, despite the impropriety of such a request. What I have to say to you is so very important that it will not wait until tomorrow.”