Chapter 6 #4
The following weeks passed in much the same way.
Elizabeth was becoming more and more comfortable with him, but what did Mr. Darcy feel when he was around her?
He behaved as if he enjoyed their time together—in her opinion, at least. They took long walks and discussed books and the music they liked.
Were they both sensing the growing affection between them?
She attempted not to allow her sentiments for him to show.
Such unreciprocated attachments could only lead to heartbreak.
They played chess, and he expressed how astonished he was at how well she performed; her father had been an excellent teacher.
Her mother would have severely criticised her if she knew her daughter was not intentionally losing to a gentleman.
Her heart was full of pride despite what her mother might say.
They agreed on most things, but when they did not, their debates were good natured and not confrontational.
When he looked at her, was there esteem in his expression?
She scolded herself for the thought. With his wealth and connexions, she was not for him.
* * *
They were leaving church one Sunday when Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, and Mrs. Reynolds stopped to speak to Mr. Martin.
A handsome young man stood beside the cleric.
“Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Reynolds, Miss Bennet, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Henry Butler. In a few weeks he will assume the position of vicar of the church in Lambton. He will worship with us until the parsonage is made ready.”
Each of them expressed their pleasure in making the acquaintance of the new man and wished him luck. “I remember discussing your position with Mr. Martin. The Lambton parish is one of my preferments, but I have forgotten where you are from,” said Mr. Darcy.
“My father has an estate in Chelmsford, sir. As the second son, I studied for the church, which I always felt was my calling.”
“Miss Bennet is from Hertfordshire, not too far from Essex.”
“Not far indeed. Perhaps we can discuss our home counties one day, Miss Bennet.” From the moment she quit the church, Mr. Butler had not taken his eyes from Elizabeth, and both her companions seemed aware of where he directed his attention.
She simply smiled and curtsied before walking away.
Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Reynolds followed close behind her.
When they were seated in the carriage, Mrs. Reynolds said, “I was wondering when they were going to replace Mr. Duncan. Bless his heart, his age and health have prevented him from ably performing his pastoral duties for years. Mr. Butler is young enough to serve Lambton for a long time.”
“I hope you are correct,” Mr. Darcy responded. “What did you think of the young man, Miss Bennet?”
“Me? We spoke with him for such a short time. It was hardly long enough to form an opinion.” The carriage was quiet for the remainder of the trip back to the cottage; her companions apparently lost in their own thoughts.
Mr. Butler had not taken his eyes off Elizabeth.
Was he attracted to her? More likely he could not keep himself from staring at her imperfect face.
* * *
Several weeks later, Elizabeth was in Lambton doing errands for Mrs. Reynolds. After placing an order for candles at the chandler’s shop, she was consulting her list when she nearly collided with someone as she walked out the door. “Pray forgive me sir.”
“Miss Bennet, I thought it was you I saw earlier. What a delightful surprize.”
“Mr. Butler, I am happy to see you again.” She was being honest.
“It is such a cold day. May I invite you to join me at the tea shop for some warm refreshment?”
“You are very kind to ask, but I have many other stops to make before the carriage returns for me. Perhaps another time?”
“I shall hold you to that promise.” Mr. Butler smiled. He had a charming dimple in his right cheek. The gentleman was attractive and kind, and she was not ready for their encounter to end.
“How are you settling in at the parsonage?”
“Very well, thank you. Mr. Duncan’s housekeeper was as old as he was, and she retired to her daughter’s home in Derby. I hired a new woman who seems to know everything a housekeeper should.”
“I hope she will serve you well.”
“She has not yet poisoned me with her cooking, and the house is clean. So far, I am pleased.”
Elizabeth smiled. When was the last time she was so at ease with anyone she had only recently met? “I bid you good day, Mr. Butler.”
“Goodbye, Miss Bennet. I hope our paths will cross again soon.”
* * *
After her encounter in Lambton, Elizabeth had a strange dream.
“Will you help me with this passage, my dear?” asked Mr. Butler. She walked slowly to where her husband was seated behind his desk. Before continuing, he turned and kissed her growing belly. “How is our little Butler doing today?”
“He is very busy kicking his mama as often as possible. How can I help you, Henry?”
“I wish to reword this sentence and have been unable to make it sound the way I intend it to.”
She scrutinized the page, made a few suggestions, and when she uttered the exact words he must have been searching for, he rose to his feet and embraced her.
“Elizabeth, you are the perfect vicar’s wife. Pray tell no one that most of my sermons are written by you.”
“You, sir, exaggerate! I am honoured to help the man I love.”