Chapter 31 Courtship #2
She turned toward him with a light laugh. “When one has four lively sisters and a mother of equal animation, the solitude of such a place is greatly to be valued. I make use of it each day.”
His expression altered. He glanced about them and then returned his attention to her. “You are unattended, Miss Elizabeth. There is no servant with you.”
“No, sir. We have but one man in service, and his duties are of greater consequence than following me about the countryside. No one visits this spot but me. I have come here since I was fourteen.”
He looked grave. “Yet I came here this morning. You are fortunate that I am a gentleman and that no danger attends my presence. I might as readily have been a man of Wickham’s character. What would you have done then? I understand that the Derbyshire militia remains quartered at Meryton.”
A flush rose to her cheeks. “Yes, sir. Though Mr. Wickham is no longer among them.”
“You cannot be assured that there are not others of a similar character, who would feel no scruple in placing a woman at risk.”
She lowered her eyes. “Yes, sir.”
Though a part of her resisted his admonition, she could not deny the justice of it. At the recollection of her former alarm when Wickham had entered Georgiana’s bedchamber unannounced, a chill passed through her, and she drew her shawl closer about her shoulders.
Mr. Darcy stepped back at once. “I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth, for naming that man. I had no wish to alarm you.”
She raised her eyes. “Pray do not apologize, sir. In truth, I had almost ceased to think of Mr. Wickham. During my father’s illness, and then in the shock of losing my mother so suddenly, the whole matter was driven from my mind.
I have not paused to reflect upon the hazard that the continued presence of the militia might present to my sister and myself. ”
He studied her face. “I observe that you comprehend my meaning, Miss Elizabeth, and I shall not press the subject further.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you, sir.”
Just then, Sparky bounded toward them and began barking at Mr. Darcy.
“Down, Sparky.”
The small white terrier lifted his muzzle toward her in appeal. She stooped and laid her hand upon his head. “You must behave. Mr. Darcy is a friend.”
Sparky’s tail moved in lively assent. With ears bent and bright eyes fixed upon her, he appeared pleased, and she could not forbear a smile. “Good dog, Sparky.”
She passed her hand along Sparky’s neck before straightening. When she lifted her eyes, she perceived that Mr. Darcy had been observing her.
“I bring Sparky with me when I walk. He is bred for work, yet he will bark at the sight of a stranger.”
Mr. Darcy smiled. “He does not serve in place of a footman, ma’am. I have been here with you for several minutes, and he and I have only just met.”
She returned his smile with a trace of embarrassment. “No, he is not a guard dog, sir, yet he affords me some comfort. When we walk, he keeps near at hand. I believe he would give warning enough to allow me to escape.”
His brows lifted, and there was a note of doubt in his expression. “Escape, ma’am? Am I to understand that you suppose yourself capable of outrunning a man?”
“Yes, sir. I am persuaded that I could. In my youth, I often outran the boys with whom I was acquainted, and I have not lost that ability.”
He regarded her with mild incredulity. “Upon what do you found such confidence? I have yet to meet a lady who could outstrip a determined gentleman.”
She answered with composure. “If I were to explain the grounds of my certainty, I suspect you might be outraged, and therefore I shall refrain. You may be assured, however, that I do not speak without reason.” She touched a small stone with the toe of her slipper.
“And once I had outrun him, if I had not succeeded in losing him entirely, I should climb a tree and remain concealed until the danger had passed.”
He regarded her with evident curiosity. “You climb trees?”
“Yes, sir.” She gestured toward a particular oak. “That is my reading tree. I am often seated upon that branch with a book.”
She indicated a broad limb, which extended some ten feet above the ground. His gaze followed her gesture, and he observed that where the branch joined the trunk, a natural curve formed a seat well suited to her slight figure.
“I cannot credit it, Miss Elizabeth. You would require a ladder or some assistance to mount that trunk.”
She laughed. “No such thing, sir. Pray, come and observe.”
His brows lifted, and she laughed again. “You need not fear that I intend to climb the tree. I intend only to show you the manner of ascent.”
She led him to the opposite side of the tree and pointed out two footholds in the trunk.
“Here, and here. Then one places the hand thus, and sets the foot there. With a modest spring, one finds oneself comfortably seated upon the limb. It is a comfortable arrangement, sir, particularly when one seeks refuge from quarrelsome sisters and a fractious mother.”
She studied his face. “Pardon me, Mr. Darcy. I did not intend to speak so.”
“Pray do not distress yourself, Miss Elizabeth. Though we are reluctant to speak ill of the departed, there are moments when memory will not be governed. I take no offense and shall think none the worse of you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. May I know what has become of Mr. Wickham, or is this an improper question?”
“It is not improper, for you were intimately connected with that calamitous affair. I have not yet had occasion to express my gratitude for your courage in preserving my sister from disgrace and lifelong suffering. Georgiana has related to me the particulars, and I can only give thanks that you were both preserved from greater harm.”
He regarded her with earnest concern. “Are you much troubled by the violence you were compelled to employ against him?”
“It did affect me, sir, though I endeavored to conceal it. I sought chiefly to divert Georgiana’s mind. On the following day, we set out upon a shopping excursion in hopes of occupying our thoughts.”
A smile crinkled his eyes. “Yes, and as a result, two colorful companions accompanied us to Netherfield. She would not be parted from them, nor from Daisy.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I am pleased they have afforded her comfort. You may be thankful that she did not fix her affections upon a primate as well. There was a small monkey of most engaging appearance, but she preferred the parrots.”
He regarded her with amusement. “Unlike Miss Elizabeth, who was captivated by the monkey.”
“Yes, sir, I confess I admired him exceedingly, yet I knew it was not to be entertained. My mother would never have permitted such an animal within our home.”