Chapter 5 #3
They started walking short distances and then they sat together on the stone bench in front of the cottage.
She demonstrated the movements he needed to do to improve the function of his leg muscles.
He tried to hide the pain, but his agony was obvious.
In an equal way, she sucked her breath in through her nose so she would not show her sympathy on her face.
When away from him, she dwelt on how it hurt her to see him in anguish.
Much of the time, while trying to do the exercises, Mr. Darcy’s discomfort made him short tempered, but Elizabeth attempted to be sensible and reassured him that he would get stronger in time.
It did not take long until he began to show signs of regaining the strength in his injured leg.
It raised a sense of pride within her to be a part of his improvement.
“After Mrs. Murray was strong enough, we walked longer and longer distances every day, and you should consider doing the same.”
“Will you walk along with me? I mean, in case I lose my balance.”
“Of course, as long as I am not needed in the cottage.”
“You need not fret about that. I shall make the arrangements with Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Very well. You will enjoy walking farther while appreciating the abundant beauty of nature. As much as I love the spring, I enjoy watching the leaves turning these beautiful colours.” Mr. Darcy said not a word, but he actually smiled.
* * *
Later that day, Darcy spoke to his housekeeper about his plans to walk with Miss Bennet every day.
He had recently written to Richard that the pain in his leg was gone but only to ease his cousin’s mind.
The truth was that every step still pained Darcy and only served to remind him of the fire and his failure to protect the Darcy family legacy.
Perhaps he deserved this agony. He could not say for certain.
Since he spent a great deal of time alone with Miss Bennet, he made it clear to Mrs. Reynolds that the walks were to help him strengthen his leg.
During their time together, the young woman remain in service, nothing would change.
The housekeeper must not think he was interested in anything more than the young maid’s assistance in his recovery.
He would do nothing to give Miss Bennet false hope about their association, but her help had been invaluable to his recovery, and he wished it to continue.
“Yes, sir, I shall allow her all of the time necessary to help you.”
More was behind his request than Miss Bennet helping him regain his strength. His growing affection for her became more obvious every day. You could never predict what could happen in an enchanted cottage! But it did no good to show how much he cared to his servants.
During their daily walks, they never seemed to run out of matters to talk about.
Some topics were very serious: the war on the Peninsula, and their frustration with the current laws banning slavery not going far enough.
Other conversations were frivolous: debating which flavour biscuits were the best. That debate led to several fits of unrestrained laughter, releasing all the tension he usually had due to his misgivings about the fire.
She was nothing if not special. Darcy was an educated man, and he came to recognise Miss Bennet’s ability to discuss many of the subjects he studied at Cambridge.
Living in the country, she may not have learnt the social graces of the ton, but her understanding of all she read was obvious.
Admiration for her mind was not at all difficult for Darcy.
* * *
“Did you ever visit town?”
Why was he asking? Did he wish to know if she had ever been exposed to London’s cultural attractions?
“Once or twice a year I stayed with relatives in town. They often took me to the theatre and the opera. I also enjoyed visiting Covent Garden, shopping at Hatchards, and feeding the ducks in Hyde Park with my young cousins.”
“I have never gone longer than two days in London without visiting that bookshop. Do you enjoy music?”
“I was never a devoted music student. Perhaps if I had practised more, I would play better. My father never engaged masters to come to Longbourn, and I was left to my own devices to pursue my interests.” Rather than take care of his children, he hid himself in his book room.
Her father’s negligence was once again in evidence.
Her mortification must show on her heated face.
“I am surprized. You play the pianoforte and sing quite well. I enjoy hearing you perform. You may practise whenever you wish.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. You are very kind.”
“I have forgotten, are you an only child, Miss Bennet?”
“No sir, I have four sisters.”
“Are your other sisters in service?”
“No, only me. Two of my sisters are married and well settled in their own homes. My mother and two youngest sisters live with my aunt in Meryton. Those young women do not possess any practical skills, and my mother has done nothing but indulge their nonsensical pursuits. The only areas they have ever studied are the latest fashion trends in La Belle Assemblée.”
“So that left you to be the only sister who was forced to obtain a position.”
How should she respond to his statement? She remained silent as they walked back towards the cottage.
One of the things she liked was that when they debated the merits of a book, they respected the other’s views.
Although they might not agree, he was interested in her point of view and made her feel as if her ideas were important.
If only she had experienced a similar formal education.
The deference with which he answered her questions made her proud—she was appreciated and appreciated him in return.
Every day they came to know more about the other and Elizabeth was particularly pleased that Mr. Darcy listened to her opinions.
He did not talk down to her but spoke to her as an intellectual equal.
The question remained: could two people who came from such disparate backgrounds find their joy together?
Would their regard for each other be enough to overcome their differences?
The gentleman was surely singular and she admired his mind a great deal.
* * *
Mrs. Reynolds told Darcy that she had hired another maid so Miss Bennet could spend as much time as necessary helping him with his exercises.
This was fortuitous because now Miss Bennet had almost no responsibilities in the cottage and could spend almost all day with Darcy.
He was changing for the better because of this lively young woman who had come into his life.
If there had not been a fire, they would never have met.
His admiration was growing, yet he had not yet spoken of any affection towards her.
He was uncertain as to why he had delayed such a statement.
* * *
Darcy gulped for air as he sat up in bed. Why was he dreaming such things?
He had been admiring her lovely figure as she stood with her back to him.
She must have sensed him looking at her and turned towards him.
He then opened his arms and pulled her close.
Giving her a most passionate kiss, her naked body was soon beside him, and all the sensations that went with that situation.
Elizabeth had appeared so peaceful while she slumbered in his dream.
He would rather watch her than close his eyes and join her in sleep.
When did Miss Bennet become Elizabeth? His breathing was almost back to its usual pace.
His thoughts must return to reality as well.
It was important to retain control of himself or he might act in an inappropriate manner when she was with him.
She was a maid. Well-educated and kind, but a maid, nonetheless. He would not deceive himself: even if he did have any affection for her, his family would never accept her. She was unworthy to be his bride.