Chapter 12 #2
“Miss Bennet!” Darcy knelt beside her. “Miss Bennet, I apologize. I thought you saw me coming.”
She blinked at him uncomprehendingly, “Ouch.”
“Miss Bennet, you are hurt?”
Elizabeth shook her head in the negative, but also to clear the ringing in her head. “We were not expecting you, sir.”
“Certainly not to make such an impact.” He smiled ruefully whilst she huffed out a chuckle.
“I believe I may require assistance to stand, sir.”
Eddie had run up to them by this time. “Lizzy, that was rollicking fun. You bounced. Twice! Once off of the man and again off the ground!”
Darcy appeared to be desperately holding in laughter.
“Eddie!” Elizabeth did not want to admonish the young boy in the presence of Mr Darcy. “Go tell your mama I am well and we shall follow shortly.”
He ran off leaving Elizabeth and Darcy alone. She was too embarrassed to meet the gentleman’s eye.
“Pray allow me to assist you in standing.” Darcy held out his hand for her to take.
With his assistance Elizabeth got to her feet. He held her shoulders to steady her. His hands tightened when she hissed.
“Miss Bennet?” His voice was full of concern.
“I am well; just a little sore. Nothing a hot bath and rest will not cure.”
“I sincerely do apologize, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth chuckled ruefully, “You are accumulating quite a list of apologies, Mr Darcy. It must be a humbling, everyday occurrence by now. This, however, was not your fault.”
“Might I explain my words from the other day, then?”
She arched one brow, “Proceed.”
“My only concern was for my cousin Anne. She tires easily and has no experience with small children.” The look he offered her was boyishly earnest, “I find being in your presence turns me into a complete ninnyhammer.”
Seeing her brow furrow in confusion, he continued, “I lose all capacity for intelligent speech.”
Elizabeth’s mouth twitched. “I thank you for explaining. It seems I was too quick to judge you, as well.”
They shared a look and both quickly looked away.
“You were not the only one. Mother rang a peal over my head after you left, while Father looked on, disappointed.”
They slowly walked back to their picnic area. Mrs Gardiner rushed to Elizabeth’s side when they drew close.
“Lizzy, how are you feeling? We could see the mishap and Eddie was quite descriptive in his explanation.”
Darcy valiantly tried to suppress a grin.
Elizabeth’s cheeks tinted a soft pink, and she laughed self-consciously. “Yes, I imagine he was. I need to sit down; my head is spinning.”
“You sit, and rest, Miss Bennet. I will play with the children for a while.”
Mrs Gardiner introduced her children and Darcy clapped Eddie lightly on the back. “Come. I shall teach you a game I played as a boy with my cousins.”
Elizabeth watched the two of them run off in amazement. She had never before seen young Mr Darcy so relaxed.
Maggie had wished to stay behind with all the ladies. “Lizzy, can we make flower crowns?”
“What a delightful idea! Will you and Miss Darcy gather the flowers for us?” Elizabeth shifted her position into a more comfortable one.
With an eager nod and an urgent pull of Georgiana’s arm, they started foraging for flowers.
Waiting for them to return, Elizabeth’s attention remained fixed on Darcy. Even after the two girls returned with a bevy of flowers and they made crowns, Elizabeth repeatedly sought out his tall form.
“I recall my brother made many of these for me when I was younger.” Georgiana leaned close to Elizabeth, “He has always been good with children. Some of my first memories are of Fitzwilliam spending time with me, either reading to me or playing at tea parties. He is a wonderful brother.”
“He seems so controlled. I would not have imagined he could laugh with such abandon.” Elizabeth once more tore her eyes away from where Darcy played with Eddie. She marveled at the carefree way he ran around and encouraged the young boy. A wide grin had superseded his habitually proud expression.
“He is quiet and shy, but he prefers to surround himself with others who are lively. Like my cousin Richard,” she looked at Elizabeth, “and like you, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth smiled tightly, attempting to focus on the flower crown in her hands. The handsome gentleman was stirring further turmoil in her thoughts and feelings.
When the time came to pack up and depart, Miss de Bourgh pulled Elizabeth aside.
“My Matlock relatives are giving a ball in my honour.” A blush tinted her cheeks a rosy hue.
“I asked my cousin Rosamund to send you an invitation. I would be so pleased if you would attend. And,” she paused and bit her bottom lip, “Do you think you might come to Darcy House and prepare for the evening with me?”
“And me,” inserted Georgiana. “I shall not attend, but I have longed for sisters to share such moments with. It shall be such fun.”
“I will speak with my aunt if I receive an invitation from Rosamund. And one from Lady Anne.” She gave the two girls a stern look. “I cannot barge into Darcy House uninvited.” She held her unyielding mien until her lips twitched and all three erupted into giggles.
Elizabeth shifted in bed trying to find a more comfortable position. The hot bath helped, but did not completely take away all the aches. Her aunt was procuring a cup of willow bark tea for the pain.
The door was pushed open. “Here you go, Lizzy. This should help you sleep.” Mrs Gardiner sat near the foot of the bed. “Young Darcy was quite gallant to you today after your fall.”
A soft snort emitted from Elizabeth between sips. “And he apologised this time, which is quite unlike him.” Feeling her aunt’s gaze on her, Elizabeth looked up.