Chapter 1 #2
Mr Darcy nearly smiled at this, and Elizabeth sensed that this was an ongoing topic of conversation.
Elizabeth studied their new acquaintances.
Both were handsome, that was certain. Mr Bingley was attractive in a sweet and welcoming way, but she found herself drawn to Mr Darcy, looking again and again at his imperfect yet alluring features.
Long face, hair mussed, and dark eyes—eyes which searched and judged.
This ought to have made her look away from him, yet she could not.
“Have you completed this solemn gathering?” Mr Bingley’s question pulled her away from this reverie.
Jane stammered, staring at Mr Bingley, so Elizabeth answered once again.
“Yes, our sister’s pet guinea pig has just been buried with all the honours he deserved.
” Her mouth twitched between a smile and sympathy, and she found that Mr Bingley’s expression mirrored hers.
When she looked to Mr Darcy, his gaze darted away.
“My Peter!” moaned Kitty, and Jane kissed the top of her head.
“I find,” said Mr Bingley, “that when I have suffered a sadness, a walk and sweets do me a world of good. Would you all find a stroll into Meryton and the procurement of a treat pleasing?”
Kitty suddenly brightened. “Indeed!” Then she paused and looked to Jane, a more careful mother figure than their own actual mother who seemed to dash past propriety when a marriage prospect appeared.
Jane nodded.
“Wonderful! Would you allow me to escort you, Miss Bennet.” He said her name with such a wistfulness that Elizabeth nearly laughed.
Jane took a few steps towards Meryton, and Mr Bingley’s body turned like a sunflower facing the drifting sun.
Elizabeth found this charming, more so when Jane looked back and offered him the tiniest of smiles.
Elizabeth knew that small smile meant more than he would know, for Jane was so reserved that many could not comprehend her true feelings.
They all began to walk, save Mary who chose to return to the house, promising to advise Cook of their plans. Elizabeth hoped the mouthwatering apple tart would make an appearance after supper.
Jane and Mr Bingley strolled at the front of the group with Mr Goulding, she pointing out items of interest, and Mr Bingley smiling and nodding.
Elizabeth wondered if Mr Bingley was always so affable or if Jane’s looks were the cause.
Men were attracted to her beauty, something which their mother spoke of so often that it had become comical, though it occasionally stung Elizabeth to always be put second.
When at last they arrived in Meryton, they approached the bakery and entered.
Mr Bingley bought an assortment of sweet buns, which delighted them.
Mr Bingley declared the shop exquisite, and Mr Darcy, after frowning a moment, conceded that the Chelsea bun was well made and delicious.
Mr Goulding said that, while he preferred much about London, he had to admit that this bakery topped any he had encountered.
Kitty and Lydia quickly finished their Bath buns and ran to see what new ribbons might be on display in the neighbouring shops, leaving the others bemused.
“I hardly remember such speed in my youth,” Mr Darcy said, watching the girls disappearing through the doorway.
“Were you ever young?” asked Mr Goulding.
Mr Darcy glared at him a moment, then sighed in surrender.
She looked to Mr Darcy, and noted his frown deepening.
“Are you quite well, Mr Darcy?” When he nodded while continuing to frown, she thought her family might have troubled him.
She was caught between laughing at the absurdity of her blood relations and crying that they were, as usual, exposing themselves to all manner of judgement, and that she and Jane might once again suffer for it.
Proving her point, Lydia and Kitty came screeching up to them a moment later, begging for money to purchase “the most divine lavender ribbon.”
When Jane asked if they had brought their own coins, they flapped about, announcing they had already spent their pin money.
Elizabeth feared their new companions might wonder if the entire Bennet family lacked frugality.
Mr Bingley suggested that he might purchase the ribbons, which was met with more screeches, this time of delight. Elizabeth could not help but notice Mr Darcy cringing more than she was. In fact, his expression would have been comical if she were not so embarrassed.
“It would not be proper to accept gifts,” Jane said.
When Kitty made to argue, Elizabeth took hold of her black sleeve. “On this day of mourning we ought to avoid frivolities.”
As Lydia began to protest, Kitty wiped a tear away from her cheek and said, “I wish to go home.”
Elizabeth said, “Yes, perhaps we ought to return to Longbourn. Mr Goulding, your companion seems to find our town less than diverting.” She thought Mr Darcy might protest at this, but he said nothing, which deepened her concern.
“Darcy is not satisfied in most towns. Do not think he is singling out Meryton.”
“Do you prefer London?” Elizabeth asked Mr Darcy.
The group began to walk, and Mr Darcy eased next to her to answer. “Town is full of people who gossip and do not appreciate the culture it has to offer.”
“Do you appreciate the culture?”
“I do. I enjoy the book shops, as well as concerts and lectures and museums. However, there is altogether too much chatter by those who have merely attended to socialise, which I find difficult to ignore. As such, I prefer walking in nature.”
“Do you prefer to do so on estates or in the wild?”
He paused a moment and said, “I am not sure I have a preference. I appreciate both. Pemberley, my family home in Derbyshire, is where I spend most of my time. It is a favourite, for the lands are expansive and varied. That said, our estate in Scotland is near some of the most magnificent hills and lakes. They take my breath away.”
“How many estates does your family have?” Elizabeth feared the question was too direct, but had asked without thinking and now it was too late.
Mr Goulding called over his shoulder, “Many!”
Mr Darcy tensed, and Elizabeth said, “I apologise, Mr Darcy. I did not mean to pry. Tell me of your preferred terrain.”
This seemed to put him at ease, and they spoke of their favourite walks as they continued to Longbourn.
As the house came into view, Mr Bingley asked, “How long shall your mourning period last, ladies?”
“In proportion to the length of Peter the guinea pig’s life,” offered Elizabeth, “as well as his station. Thus, we shall return to our full array of colours before dinner.”
“I shall remain in black for longer as he was like a brother to me,” said Kitty.
Elizabeth laughed, imagining a giant Peter at the dining table with a napkin draped across his furry lap. Kitty looked up at her with hurt, so Elizabeth bit the inside of her bottom lip to regain her composure. “Then you wish to wear black for three months?”
Kitty sucked in a breath. “That is . . . Well, perhaps the balance of the week.”
Lydia stopped walking and folded her arms across her chest. “Kitty, we are meant to play cards with Clara Watson on the morrow. Her brothers might be present!”
Kitty looked from Lydia to her gown and back again. “I . . .”
“If you insist on continuing with this farce,” said Lydia, “I shall refuse to bring you.” Lydia ran towards Longbourn’s gates and Kitty chased after her, announcing she would don a new gown if that was required.
Jane’s expression was mild as she watched the girls depart, and Elizabeth said, “I hope that her devotion to us is better than what she is showing poor Peter.”
Jane smiled. “Kitty is young.”
“We were not as she is, even when we were far younger.”
Jane shrugged and looked upon Mr Bingley, whose face coloured.
Mr Darcy said, “You seem to still be a free-spirit.”
Elizabeth’s step hitched. What did he mean by that statement? Was it complimentary or an insult? On the heels of Kitty and Lydia’s foolishness, it felt less than favourable.
Mr Goulding said, “Elizabeth has always been simultaneously able to pursue those things which delight her while remaining impeccably well-mannered.”
“My delights have remained within the bounds propriety, which makes the balance easier.” She had hoped the answer was both modest and light, though the line of enquiry had left her feeling uncertain, so she studied the autumn crocuses lining the path, happy that these hearty blossoms could provide a distraction.