Chapter 1.1 #5
Elizabeth remained stunned for a few moments; her mind could not comprehend what she had heard. Did Mr Darcy just say he found her…tempting? Was that not the meaning behind his reference to her wet gown?
Darcy searched her eyes and face a little longer. It had been less than an hour since they entered the cottage, though it seemed longer.
“Miss Bennet, I shall allow you full privacy to decide what is best for you. I shall go to the next room and remain there as long as necessary. Or, if you prefer, I am willing to remove myself from the cottage and stay outside near the door until we can each return to our homes safely.”
He bowed to her—a formality that looked decidedly silly in his present state—and left the room.
“Mr Darcy!” He turned to her, and she continued with a barely audible voice. “There is no reason—no need for you to stay outside, sir. The other room will suffice, thank you.”
He bowed again and closed the door behind him. Elizabeth followed him with her eyes, still under the shock of his revelation.
As soon as he was gone, she hurried to check that the door was locked.
She fixed it with a chair but then laughed bitterly.
If he were a threat to her or had any wicked thoughts, he would not be stopped by an old door.
That was obvious from the ease with which he had opened the cottage door.
All she could do was be civil to him and hope he would be the same to her.
Breathing deeply, she began to wonder what she should do.
Was she in any real danger being in the cottage with Mr Darcy?
He was indeed disagreeable, but he never gave her any reason to think him improper.
She clearly remembered his words about his younger sister—about being worried for her well-being.
Although she was trembling, she began to think rationally now that she was away from him.
Would he take advantage of a woman with whose family he was so well acquainted?
Would he risk his reputation just to…? In any case, he probably can have any woman he chooses.
He surely does not need to… Why on earth am I thinking this way? Am I losing my mind?
The next moment she was ashamed of herself.
No, in no way would she be in any danger from him.
He told her as much, and she knew it for herself.
Even if she found him to be a hateful man, she knew he would not harm her.
And his reference to his sister…she was quite impressed, considering how reserved he usually was. No, she would surely be safe with him.
She unwrapped the wet blanket from around her body and laid it down; then she looked carefully at herself for the first time that morning. What a mess. Covered in mud and soaking wet—
Suddenly she froze and blushed deeply. Her gown was white, quite wet, and extremely revealing.
Fortunately, she was wearing her spencer, but it was not enough to cover her.
Oh my goodness! What must he think of me?
I cannot entertain any hope that he failed to notice how transparent this material is when it is wet. He told me as much.
She was mortified at the thought of seeing him again, walking with him more than three miles home, and perhaps even encountering someone else! Drying the gown and top as soon as possible was not just a good idea—it was something she had to do without delay!
She removed her shoes, then her gown and stockings, squeezing them as Darcy had done with his coat, and put them on a chair.
She did the same with her spencer. She hesitated only a moment before she removed her petticoat, squeezed out the water as well as she could, and put it on again; she did the same with her undergarments.
Elizabeth shivered feeling the damp fabric on her skin; nevertheless, it was better than before.
She wrapped herself in the blanket so that only her head remained uncovered and gathered the second blanket around her as well. She then sat in the armchair close to the fire, her feet tucked under her.
Yes, this is definitely better; I must thank him for his advice. Now I can see why Mr Bingley always applauds his cleverness and asks for his opinion.
She smiled to herself at the thought, but in the next second, she found herself wondering what Mr Darcy was doing.
∞∞∞
In the other room, Darcy was trying desperately to comb his hair with his fingers; he knew how untidy he must look. He took a blanket and put it over his shoulders while thinking of Elizabeth.
This time spent with her alone was a blessing, a precious gift. Not only had he the chance of learning her true opinion of him, but he was provided an opportunity to change that opinion. He would be a fool not to take advantage of it. Now I know what I must do.
A second later, however, he changed his mind. What exactly are you thinking? You cannot possibly have any serious design on her! You must consider your duty to your family, to Georgiana, to Pemberley, to all the people who are in your care who deserve a perfect mistress…
He was abruptly roused from his thoughts by a gentle knock at the door.
“Mr Darcy, you may come in if you wish…”