Chapter 1.11 #4
The youngest, Rebecca, only four and a half, was a bittersweet mix of all the children: intelligent, precocious, pretty like her older sister but full of energy like her brothers and equally inclined to join them in their play, from catching frogs to climbing trees whenever the opportunity arose.
She had been scolded more than once by Mrs Burton and Mrs Gardiner, but the most difficult task for both ladies was to explain to her why she was not allowed to do such things.
Her astute mind and young age made it difficult for the ladies to offer her proper and understandable answers to her endless questions of “why” and “what is this,” but made her the favourite of her father and cousin Lizzy and, consequently, spoiled by them both.
The day after Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy’s visit, the children were hoping to have a chance to spend more time in their company.
An extraordinary event had occurred; that night it had snowed again.
Everything was white as in a fairy tale, and they prepared themselves more quickly than ever for their daily walk in the park, reclaiming their cousins’ company.
Elizabeth was always happy to spend time out of doors, and the weather was so magnificent that she accepted without hesitation. The excitement of Becky, who was able to play in snow for the first time in her life, was so overwhelming and contagious that Jane agreed too.
Though it was early, several couples were enjoying a walk along the streets, rejoicing in the beauty of pure whiteness.
The Gardiner children had no restraint in playing and running about, throwing themselves to the ground and fighting with snowballs—except Margaret, of course, who held Jane’s hand—in spite of Mrs Burton’s horror and her vain attempts to demand proper behaviour.
They became quite noisy, and Elizabeth joined them in their play, allowing them to hide behind her in their fight, laughing and falling down together until their cheeks were red from the cold, their eyes were brightened by the effort, and their clothes were in great disorder.
Jane, holding Margaret’s little hand, watched from afar, smiling understandingly. Mrs Burton, however, tightened her lips in gentle disapproval of such bizarre behaviour—and from such a lovely lady as Miss Elizabeth.
No more than half an hour after their arrival in the park, they were surprised by the unexpected appearance of Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy.
While Jane managed to meet them with her usual grace and elegance, Elizabeth stared at them in shock, deeply embarrassed by her doubtlessly unladylike appearance.
So abrupt was their arrival that she could not recollect herself soon enough.
Self-consciously, she joined them with little Becky holding tightly to her pelisse and the boys following along.
She greeted the gentlemen properly, and while they bowed elegantly to her, she sought a way to hide her gloved hands, now dirty-white, a gesture that made Darcy’s lips twist in a smile. Both gentlemen politely greeted Mrs Burton and the children, who responded seriously and graciously.
“Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, what a pleasant surprise. We did not expect to meet you today and especially not in the park.”
“It was a surprising decision for us too,” answered Bingley. “We had some business to attend to in this part of town and decided to make a short call. As you obviously were not at home, Mrs Gardiner was so kind as to tell us your location.”
“We hope we did not interrupt you,” Mr Darcy intervened, a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
“In fact, you did, sir, but the interruption was not at all unpleasant,” answered Elizabeth teased somewhat flirtatiously. She had regained her cheerfulness, but Mr Darcy’s intense gaze made her a bit flustered.
“However, we have stayed too long in the cold and it is time to return home. Would you not agree, Mrs Burton?”
“Indeed I would, Miss Elizabeth,” the lady answered. She discreetly signalled to the children to stand next to her, and they obeyed immediately.
“We were wondering whether you would allow us to keep you company on your way home?”
Elizabeth lacked the strength to refuse Mr Darcy’s compelling voice and insistent gaze even had she wanted to. However, refusing his company was the furthest thing from her mind; his closeness was the only thing missing for her to fully enjoy the wonderful morning’s walk.
Mrs Burton and the young maid walked slowly in order to allow some private space for the couples, while the children chased each other a bit more before leaving the park.
Each gentleman offered his arm to a young lady, and while Jane accepted Mr Bingley’s arm graciously, Elizabeth had a moment of hesitation as she looked ruefully at her dirty, wet gloves, not daring to put them on the sleeve of his elegant coat.
She directed a shy, apologetic look at Mr Darcy, peeking at him through long lashes that almost covered her laughing eyes.
Darcy understood perfectly but, heedless of the state of his coat and bewitched by her liveliness, was only afraid he would not be able to overcome the powerful impulse to kiss her bright eyes.
His desire was so strong that he could almost feel the softness and the taste of her skin tantalising his lips.
What would she say if he simply lowered his head and touched her crimson cheek with his lips?
He dared not discover the answer, but boldly, allowing a smile to spread over his lips, he seized her reluctant hand and brought it to rest on his forearm.
He could barely restrain himself, wanting to take off those useless gloves and warm her hands with his.
Holding her hands was still an incredibly vivid memory, one he desired to experience again.