Chapter 14 The Constellations #3
Then she heard the beat of hooves and peered ahead, for the sound echoed along the bluffs and the rocks that lined the path.
A horse appeared before her, and she moved aside lest she be ridden down.
The rider checked his mount in time and brought it up well clear of her.
She stood, looking up at the gentleman upon his steed, while he regarded her with evident surprise.
His astonished gaze passed over her, and she remembered her attire.
The trousers she wore brought a flush to her face; what misfortune to have been discovered thus by the very proper Mr. Darcy.
He raised his hat and bowed from the saddle. “Miss Bennet.”
His tone held surprise. Elizabeth hesitated. Should she curtsy while so immodestly attired? Would it draw further notice to her trousers?
Habit prevailed, and she curtsied. “Mr. Darcy.”
She then heard a second horse. The colonel was with him. As the thought formed, he appeared at Mr. Darcy’s side, mounted upon a fine animal. He raised his hat. “Miss Bennet.”
She curtsied again. “Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
By then, the colonel had observed her costume. “Miss Bennet, what a clever ensemble you wear this morning. It is well suited to the exertion required to climb these hills and bluffs.”
Her eyes remained lowered. “Yes, sir.” Heat rose in her cheeks. She thought again of how unfortunate it was that she should encounter these two gentlemen of all others.
Then she heard running footsteps behind her and raised her eyes to see how they would receive their cousin so attired. Mr. Darcy’s expression grew severe, his brow drawn, while Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed outright.
“My dear cousin, you are running.” The Colonel dismounted and bowed. “You look in excellent health, Anne. Now I understand how you have regained your bloom. Do you take a daily constitutional?”
Miss de Bourgh’s caution gave way to laughter. “Richard, you are not shocked, though my cousin clearly is. We are merely taking exercise, as you are.”
Then Georgiana came round the bend, laughing. “I have caught you up, cousin. You said I should not.”
Both women lowered their heads, bracing themselves, yet no rebuke followed. Elizabeth raised her eyes. Mr. Darcy remained motionless, plainly astonished at the sight of his sister, her stockings soiled, her petticoat torn, and her gown still fastened up on one side.
Miss Anne spoke quickly. “Fitzwilliam, I was certain you would object to trousers for your sister, so I secured her skirts to keep her legs free and to prevent a fall.”
Darcy said nothing, and Georgiana’s laughter faded. Her countenance fell. “Fitzwilliam.”
He dismounted, regarded the three subdued ladies, and cleared his throat. “You have found this exercise agreeable, Georgiana?”
She raised her eyes with hesitation. “Yes, brother. It is very beneficial to my health.”
His lip lifted at one corner in the faintest suggestion of a smile. “Though your petticoat has seen better days, I think. Pray do not let us detain you, ladies. I trust we shall meet at breakfast.” He bowed.
Anne spoke for them all. “Certainly, cousin. We shall come down as soon as we are dressed.” She curtsied, the others following, and the three set off at once in a run.
Elizabeth hastened on, eager to escape his notice and his disapproval. For what cause? Yet his look had been decidedly severe. Did he suppose she ought to have restrained his sister? She had no authority, for she was only a guest.
She ran faster, as if she might outrun her embarrassment and confusion. His gaze had passed over her, and she recalled Jane’s warning when they had contrived the garments.
“Lizzy, you must take care not to be seen, not by any gentleman. Such dress is most improper, for it reveals the figure too plainly.”
She had laughed at her gentle sister, though she had agreed.
She took care to run at dawn in places unfrequented by man or beast. She slowed to a walk.
It was too late. There was no use in lament.
The mischief was done, and she would be sent back to the parsonage, and perhaps even home to Hertfordshire, in disgrace.
What would the rector say? How might it affect his regard for Mary?
Her sister would bear the consequence of Elizabeth’s folly, perhaps for the remainder of her life.
Elizabeth brushed away a tear. Would this simple pleasure bring trouble upon them all?
If Mr. Collins were inclined to talk, the tale would soon reach Meryton.
What would her mamma say? And how might it affect Jane’s prospects?
She dried her eyes with her sleeve, then composed herself and went in search of the others.
Darcy sat upon his horse, looking down toward the path that Miss Bennet had taken. It ran along the bluffs, and then he saw her. She was running fast, away from him and Richard.
When she reached a bend, he saw her slow, then she walked back the way she had come.
She was weeping. He watched as she struggled to compose herself.
Did she suppose he would speak of it to his aunt, or to the rector?
Indeed, he had intended as much. But Georgiana was attached to Miss Bennet.
He would keep this lapse to himself and see that Richard did the same.
Yet his aunt must be persuaded to find his cousin another companion, for Miss Bennet was too young to guide her, and too inexperienced to know better than to venture abroad in such attire.
His countenance darkened. She must never appear so attired before the rector, for he already showed too much interest in his sister-in-law.