Chapter 2.13 #4
She spoke while their eyes remained fixed on each other, and a smile twisted his lips. The colonel was only inches away, but they seemed oblivious to his presence.
“I shall not say that you are mistaken,” Darcy replied, “because you could not really believe me to look at you to find fault. If I make you nervous, I heartily apologise; I shall do anything I can to make you more comfortable in my presence. Would taking a seat, as the colonel suggested, help?”
Elizabeth laughed heartily. “Taking a chair would be a good start—thank you.”
“Now, as my cousin is neither frightening nor intimidating, and he does not make you nervous, he might as well stand. Cousin, be so good as to allow me to sit by Miss Bennet; I shall turn the pages for her.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam stared at his cousin in disbelief. He had little time to react before Darcy gently but disarmingly grabbed his arm, removed him from the chair, and then seated himself. Elizabeth was as shocked as the colonel, blushing and barely concealing her laughter.
“So, Miss Bennet, what shall we play?” asked Darcy while the colonel, shaking his head in disapproval, moved to the other guests and was immediately claimed by Lady Catherine.
“Please forgive my aunt’s rudeness. Your performance is lovely as I have told you many times,” Darcy said, his voice a whisper.
“You are too kind as I have told you many times.” She smiled. “Lady Catherine is right; I should practice more if only I had a real interest to do it.”
“Perhaps you should do it. Perhaps you should come and practice every day as my aunt suggested. I would be delighted to follow your daily performance.”
She glanced at him, and her cheeks reddened while he continued.
“Or perhaps you could employ your time better. Walking is very beneficial, and this season is perfect for such activity. Practicing indoors can wait until the rainy, cold days.”
She suddenly stopped her song and tried to find another.
Darcy offered her the music sheets, and she took them, her hand trembling slightly.
Their fingers touched for a moment, and neither hurried to withdraw them; when he finally did, his fingers brushed against her in a gentle, tentative caress.
Turning the pages became impossible for her.
“I have to tell you, sir, that you are not successful in making me less nervous.” He released a low rumble of laughter, though she could see he was also ill at ease.
Here they were interrupted by Lady Catherine, who called out to know what they were talking of. Elizabeth immediately began playing again. Lady Catherine approached and, after listening for a few minutes, said to Darcy:
“Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss, if she practised more and could have the advantage of a London master. She has a very good notion of fingering though her taste is not equal to Anne’s. Anne would have been a delightful performer had her health allowed her to learn.”
“I heartily agree with you, Aunt, with regard to both matters. I have no doubt about Anne’s exquisite taste, and yes, Miss Bennet has a very good notion of fingering. She only has to practice more under the close guidance of a master.”
While Lady Catherine demanded that her nephew take her back to the couch, Elizabeth stopped her playing and watched after them in disbelief. What had Mr Darcy just said?
∞∞∞
The rest of their stay in Kent passed with little event.
Three more days it had rained; the three dry days, as in mutual understanding, Elizabeth and Darcy spent the entire morning on long walks, discussing such varied subjects as music, books, weather, Georgiana, Bingley, Longbourn, and Pemberley.
Nothing more personal was attempted between them, but each day made them more familiar with each other.
Elizabeth did not dare to ask about his plans after leaving Kent; it was only decided that she would remain a few days in London with her aunt Gardiner while Sir William and Maria returned home.
Lady Catherine was very displeased that her nephews decided to leave so soon; she insisted that at least Elizabeth should stay longer and was highly displeased to receive a rejection.
Her ladyship insisted on knowing all their travel details.
She showed surprise that her nephews would leave the same day as the other guests; she insisted several times that their carriage was too small and uncomfortable and it was fortunate that the gentlemen would ride back to London.
As they took their farewells, her ladyship did not forget to mention that Darcy’s attachment to Rosings seemed to increase every year.
Elizabeth spent most of the journey watching through the window, admiring the beauty of the fields and the splendid posture of Thunder, who was riding proudly near the carriage under the gentle guidance of his master.
In a few hours, they would be in London, and there would be no opportunities for long walks and private conversation.
Suddenly, Elizabeth realised she did not like London quite as much as she did before.