Page 44 of Mr. Darcy's Avalanche of Desire
No.
Earning the regard of a housekeeper was far different from courtship. If Mr. Darcy had even courted with her. Likely that was the intention behind all of his staring?
Vexing man!
Elizabeth and her aunt were upstairs on the second floor, observing the detailed plasterwork and the home’s collection of Grecian statues, when a commotion came from the lower level. Mrs. Reynolds cocked her head. “Is that Mr. Darcy with Miss Georgiana?” She smiled. “He is returned early!”
“Mr. Darcy is here?” Elizabeth repeated stupidly.
Mrs. Reynolds started towards the stairs, and they followed.
The stairway opened into a large foyer that led outside. The door was open and Mr. Darcy stood just beyond Elizabeth taking off his hat and gloves and smiling down at a demure, fair-haired young woman of about fifteen years. Miss Georgiana, presumably, laughed, and he smiled. Unguarded, he looked even more handsome to Elizabeth.
Mr. Darcy looked up, and his expression froze. “Miss Elizabeth.”
“You have met?” Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes widened. “When?”
“He is friends with Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth explained. “Who leased Netherfield last autumn.”
“Mr. Bingley.” Mrs. Gardiner’s tone was still polite, if less warm.
“Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth curtsied. Her face heated as their gazes met. “We had not thought you in residence, Mr. Darcy.” Else she would have objected far more to this visit.
Mr. Darcy would be with in his right to cut her directly, and even if he did not, it would surprise her if he spoke beyond what formality prescribed.
Instead, when their gazes met, Elizabeth was surprised to see him nod.
Her face was on fire, and she shifted, letting go her skirts and swiping her fingers over them.
Is he glad to see me? Is it possible that he will not shun my very existence? As if in answer, his lips quirked into a slight smile, with an earnestness that felt to her like a delicious beam that warmed her to her toes.
Am I glad to see him?
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