Chapter 9 #3
Elizabeth’s eyebrows shot up. “Discussing music, are they?”
“Yes!”
She laughed, “I believe Mr Vernon is a connoisseur of the arts, especially music.”
“That is all well and good for my dear sister. However, let him be such elsewhere and at another time.” Mr Mansfield huffed in feigned exasperation.
Lady Rosamund grinned at her dear friend, Abigail. “Elizabeth, Mr Mansfield, shall we leave these two here and continue our tour without them?”
Mr Mansfield agreed, but spoke to his sister before continuing with Lady Rosamund and Elizabeth. “Abigail, you will stay within my sight lines. Vernon, I have my eye on you.” Mr Vernon just waved them away like they were pesky flies, whilst Abigail blushed and giggled.
Their small group toured the garden. Elizabeth was fascinated, asking many questions about the different plants she saw, wanting to know when and where the garden had been designed.
“I feel quite ashamed. I have no ready answers to your questions.” Lady Rosamund sheepishly replied.
Darcy, who had joined their tour, now stepped forward, “Perhaps I can find someone who does, Miss Bennet. Lady Matlock, or a gardener at the least?” He was determined to make amends for his earlier faux pas.
The last thing Elizabeth wanted was to draw Lady Matlock’s attention. “That is not necessary. I assure you.” Her smile was tight.
“’Tis no trouble.” Darcy was in earnest.
“Thank you, but it is of no import, just a passing curiosity.”
Captain Fitzwilliam had caught up with them and nudged Darcy in the side with his elbow. “Darce here does like to be of use to his friends.”
Darcy’s smile looked pained. “Richard, desist,” he growled quietly through gritted teeth.
Sensing an undercurrent she did not understand, Elizabeth chose to ignore both men.
Instead, she took Lady Rosamund’s arm and said, “Why do we not gather up Miss Mansfield and see about something cool to drink? She has been speaking to Mr Vernon long enough.” She leaned closer and continued in a whisper, “She must leave him wanting more…” Both ladies giggled.
Mr Mansfield folded his arms over his chest, “Am I now to be discarded? That is a fine thing.”
“You may keep Mr Vernon occupied,” tittered Lady Rosamund. “I am sure he is capable of discussing topics other than music.” With that, she pulled Elizabeth in Miss Mansfield’s direction.
Darcy sighed, he was forever watching Miss Bennet walk away.
Captain Fitzwilliam clapped Darcy and Mr Mansfield on their shoulders. “Come. Let us see what delicacies my sister arranged for our culinary pleasure. It is sure to be better than the soldier’s rations I usually eat. If the punch is uninspired, I have a flask with something a bit stronger.”
The day passed, filled with conversation and laughter.
Small groups ebbed and flowed amongst the young people, like leaves floating down a river.
The delicious edibles and cool lemonade had been readily consumed.
Lady Matlock looked on proudly as Lady Rosamund received many compliments on her arrangements.
Elizabeth grew weary and wondered if it was too soon to mention a departure.
Every time she turned around young Mr Darcy seemed to be hovering, listening in on all her conversations.
When he was not near her he stared most disconcertingly.
She could not imagine what he found so objectionable about her person.
Lady Anne noticed Elizabeth standing alone and joined her. “Miss Bennet, are you well?”
“I am, my Lady, I thank you. I suppose I am merely tired from the excitement of the day.” She thought for a moment, then in a small voice spoke, “May I ask a question of you, Lady Anne?”
“Of course, my dear.” Lady Anne looked intently at a troubled Elizabeth.
“Can you explain what about me offends your son, so? He has not ceased scowling at me all day.” Elizabeth cast her eyes toward the disagreeable man and pressed lips together.
Lady Anne looked in the direction Elizabeth indicated. Sure enough, her son’s eyes were resting on Miss Bennet. He turned away when he saw his mother looking.
It did appear as though he had been scowling, however Lady Anne knew her son. He was his father’s image and that look was not unfamiliar to her. Attempting to hold in an embarrassed chuckle, she took one of Elizabeth’s hands, “That, my dear, is not the look a man has for a woman who offends him.”
“Is it not?”
“Can you consider no other reason a man cannot remove his eyes from a young lady?”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed in confusion and Lady Anne took pity on her. “Come, my dear, you are fatigued. Let us see about getting you home. Did you arrive in the Gardiner carriage?”
At Elizabeth’s negative reply and brief explanation, Lady Anne arranged for Elizabeth to be taken home in a Darcy coach accompanied by a maid and footman.
Elizabeth took leave of her hosts and friends with hopes to meet again soon. All during the ride back to the Gardiners Lady Anne’s words repeated in her thoughts. Can you consider no other reason a man cannot remove his eyes from a young lady?