Chapter 14 The Constellations #2
He addressed Georgiana, his voice affectionate. “Sweetling, have you heard the Greek tale of the Pleiades?”
“No, brother.”
“They were the daughters of Atlas, pursued by the hunter Orion. It is said they fled across the heavens until the gods took pity and set them beyond his reach. One, Merope, shines more faintly, for she married a mortal, which was thought a lesser match.”
Richard followed with the tale of Vega, set within the lyre of Orpheus, and their cousin surprised them by speaking of Aldebaran, the bright eye of the Bull, which the ancients believed marked the form Jupiter assumed when he carried Europa across the sea.
After several minutes had passed, Darcy invited Elizabeth to sit at the edge of the blanket and took a place beside her.
Georgiana lent him her cup, and Elizabeth poured him some wine.
Colonel Fitzwilliam drank from Anne’s cup, and the five passed the evening first in discourse on the stars and their legends, then in lighter talk.
Richard recounted Darcy’s trials upon the marriage mart.
At first, Darcy showed some embarrassment and displeasure, but as the ladies expressed sympathy and spoke against those who had treated him poorly, he was restored to good humor and added his own wry remarks until all were laughing, himself included.
When it was time to return, they gathered their things, and Richard offered his arm to Miss de Bourgh while Darcy offered an arm to Elizabeth and his sister.
Elizabeth was acutely aware of Mr. Darcy’s nearness. Once again, she caught the faint trace of his scent, and then her thoughts strayed to what it might be like to receive his kiss.
Elizabeth sat at the dressing table, taking down her hair, when she heard a tap at the door, followed by noisy laughter. Miss Anne entered, with Georgiana close behind.
Elizabeth rose, concerned. “Georgie, my dear, are you unaccustomed to wine?”
The girl giggled again. “Lizzy, it is a most agreeable sensation. I have never known it before. I cannot say I admire the taste, but I feel so light and giddy. It is no wonder it is so much admired.”
Miss Anne laughed. “I doubt your brother is well pleased with us. He will think I have not attended to you as I ought.”
“Georgie, I fear you will suffer a headache or, at the very least, a heaviness brought on by this evening’s indulgence.”
Miss de Bourgh poured a glass of water and handed it to the girl. “Here, sister, drink plenty of water. It will help.”
Georgiana took a deep draught of water and then said, “We came to ask whether you mean to run in the morning, though perhaps we have kept too late an hour, and you will choose to forgo such exertion.”
Elizabeth looked at the two women. “I am willing, if you are. I run most mornings at home, even after an assembly.”
“I believe it,” Miss Anne said. “You are one of the most resolute women I know. Then let us run in the morning.”
Georgiana made a comical grimace. “Please, I wish to come as well.”
“Very well, cousin. You may join us, but you must be ready and dressed. Wear a warm gown and keep the heavy woolen cloak. It is quite cold in the mornings. Lizzy and I shall run. You may follow at a walk, since your brother would not approve of anything more active.”
The following morning, Elizabeth carried a candle as the other two followed her down the servants’ stair.
It was still dark at six, but the track where they ran was wide and even.
They crossed the green, passed through the grove, and emerged beyond it, skirting a dilapidated barn before reaching an old path broad enough for them to walk abreast, its surface smooth and free of stones.
Elizabeth removed her pelisse, folded it, and placed it in a heavy bag, which she hung upon a branch. Miss de Bourgh did the same. The young girl watched them with wide eyes, startled by their attire.
“Cousin Anne, would this not cause a scandal if one of the tenants were to see you?”
“It would indeed, my dear, which is why we run here.” She gestured toward the surrounding woods.
“The undergrowth is thick, and no tenant has reason to come this way. One must climb the bluffs on one side or pass near the house on the other, and the rest is closed in by brush. You need not be uneasy. We are quite safe.”
Elizabeth said, “I shall begin. Georgie, if you remain upon the track, you will not lose your way. We run to the end and return, so we shall pass you every few minutes until our time is completed.”
Georgiana watched as the two women ran along the track. After their third circuit, Miss Anne stopped and rejoined her. She called out, “I am quite bored, Elizabeth. Look there. The path appears smooth enough. Let us go that way.”
“But shall we be seen? The sun will soon rise. The east is already brightening.”
“Come, do not be timid. There are no cottages or tenants in that direction. The path runs along the rim of the bluffs. The view is remarkable, and you may see the sunrise in full.” Miss Anne began to walk in the direction she had indicated.
Elizabeth asked, “What say you, Georgie? Shall we follow your cousin?”
“Yes, let us go. I shall run a little, so as not to fall too far behind.”
Miss de Bourgh turned and regarded her young cousin.
“Your skirts and petticoats will hinder you.” When she reached her, she bent and said, “Stand still, my dear. I shall secure them.” She gathered the petticoat, split it along the seams, and tied the folds to one side just above the knee.
Then she rose and examined her work. “There, that should serve.”
Georgiana was all astonishment.
“Never mind, dear. I doubt your maid will report the state of your petticoat, and I shall replace it if you wish.”
“No, cousin. It is an old one, chosen for walking, for I would not spoil my finer linens. But what of my gown? My ankles, and even part of my calf, are visible.”
“It signifies nothing, my dear. We are alone, and you wear stout woolen stockings. I would rather see your ankles than have you fall and injure yourself because your skirts entangle you.”
“Come, ladies, we should go. Lead on, Anne. We shall follow.”
The path was bordered by thick hedges and tall linden trees, and to the east, the valley below stretched as far as the eye could reach. Elizabeth was enchanted.
Miss de Bourgh, somewhat breathless, said, “Run on, Lizzy. I shall remain with my cousin. I am tiring, as we have gone farther than usual.”
“Very well. I shall return to you shortly.”
Elizabeth quickened her pace. The sun rose in bands of gold, deepening to red, and then to a darker hue. She ran on, absorbed in the stillness of the lane, the wide valley below, and the sky above.
Left to her thoughts, she found them turning to Mr. Darcy.
He was the most handsome man she had ever beheld.
It was not only the strong lines of his face, his aquiline nose, or his dark eyes, but the manner in which he carried himself, his height, and the strength of his form.
He was, in every respect, a very fine figure of a man.
For the first time in her life, she understood how a woman might fall in love at first sight, as in the old fairy tales. As Jane had done.
Even his voice drew her. His baritone was almost musical.
She laughed at herself. She was becoming poetic over a handsome face and a fine figure, and what more did she know of him?
He took prodigious care of his sister and responded to his aunt’s summons without delay.
Those must be strong recommendations as to his character.