Chapter 18 Peril and Partnership #4
It was only when little Edward mentioned that he hoped there would be geese as well as ducks to feed at the pond that Mr Darcy became discomfited, and a frown briefly crossed his brow.
When he caught Elizabeth’s inquiring look, his ears pinked as he reported, “I have a newfound respect for geese.” Coolly, he turned to young Edward.
“If we do encounter any, I hope they shall find us and our bread worthy.”
It was Elizabeth’s turn to start. She managed not to make a noise, but she could tell Mr Darcy noticed.
Here was yet another clue that Mr Darcy might also remember their previous encounters.
Could he be testing whether I remember? To Edward, she said, “It would be quite magical to see geese, would it not?”
When Mr Darcy’s questioning glance met hers, she maintained her composure and did not look away. Was that relief in his eyes?
Darcy could hardly contain his excitement. Elizabeth remembered; he was sure of it. He would have to find a way to speak with her while they were at the park.
Luckily, it seemed Mrs Gardiner was also of a mind to let them speak privately.
After some initial games with her young cousins, Darcy and Elizabeth sat on a bench where they could still see the group playing by the pond, but where their conversation would not be overheard.
Now that he had the freedom to speak, he did not know where to begin.
Luckily, Elizabeth had no such difficulties. “I know we have much to discuss, but first, you must allow me to thank you for assigning one of your grooms to bring news from Hunsford. I cannot express how much it meant to know that Maria will be well.”
“I only did what any other gentleman would do.”
“I disagree, but I see that my thanks makes you uncomfortable. Would you tell me about your conversation with your uncle?”
“He was appropriately alarmed and disgusted in turns by her behaviour and the repercussions of it, and is preparing to depart for Rosings with the family solicitor.” Thinking of his aunt’s latest scheme also served to remind him of how much his happiness depended on the courageous woman beside him.
Darcy found his own courage rise. “Miss Elizabeth, before we start discussing this week’s events in too much detail, I must ask, do you remember the last time we met in a London park? ”
Elizabeth’s whole body seemed to quiver with excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she replied, “When I met Miss Darcy? And impertinently passed along a letter?”
The tension he had not realised he carried left his shoulders. “So I am not imagining it? You are experiencing this too?”
Without conscious thought, Darcy clasped Elizabeth’s hand. It was Elizabeth’s blushes and flustered response that made Darcy aware of what he had done. As he relinquished her hand, Mrs Gardiner looked their way. Wanting to be sure Elizabeth’s aunt did not regret her indulgence, Darcy nodded to her.
“Elizabeth, I believe we must speak about our experiences. Do I ask too much, or would you allow me to take you for a ride in my curricle tomorrow?”
Neither one of them seemed to notice the familiarity with which he addressed her.
Elizabeth laughed. “I hope the weather remains fine, for I suspect we have quite enough to discuss that several outings may pass before my confusion is resolved.”
She wanted his company! He tried to temper his excitement, reminding himself that she was requesting time to discuss the situation they were in, not necessarily time with him, but his heart was just too elated.
“I would be happy to take you on as many outings as you desire, unless you change your mind after several hours in the same carriage, in which case, I will not hold you to your promise.”
Mr Darcy’s response consumed Elizabeth’s thoughts all evening.
Something in it awakened a memory that lingered just beyond her grasp.
Thankfully, Jane was still distracted by thoughts of Mr Bingley, but Elizabeth feared her restlessness did not escape her aunt’s notice.
As Elizabeth readied for bed, Mr Darcy’s answer returned to her again.
Why would his words about my promise preoccupy me so?
Then she remembered. Mr Darcy quoted something she had said to him when she dreamed they had been kidnapped together.
“I accept your offer. Unless, you change your mind after several hours confined to a small space with me, in which case, I will not hold you to your promise.” Had that been a dream?
Had it been real? Could two people have the same dream?
Elizabeth had more questions than answers.
She needed something to calm her mind. She examined a stack of novels Jane had selected from the circulating library and picked up The Yellow Sprigged Muslin by Lily Bernard.
Elizabeth made a sniffing sound when she read the first line: It is a truth universally acknowledged that some memories are best forgotten. There were quite a few memories from these last few days that she would like to forget.