Page 20 of Through the Eyes of Love

As he walked, he spent time in contemplation of the conversation: he must make sense of what had just happened. Who was this young woman and what was she doing here? Perhaps his fatigue caused him to speak so openly about his mother’s garden. He had never before been so candid with anyone. Miss Bennet should be going to balls and dancing with the sons of gentlemen. She may not be of his sphere, but she should not be working as a maid. Her father should be ashamed of himself.

* * *

As Mr. Darcy walked away,Elizabeth admired his broad shoulders. His voice was deep, but also soft and tender, and she had never seen such fine grey-blue eyes. Despite all he had suffered, he had a certain dignity in his mien. She admonished herself to stop thinking about her employer. She was naught but a maid in his home.

* * *

Sitting near the window,Darcy was reading when Miss Bennet entered the drawing room holding a dust cloth. She stopped to peek at what was in his hands, and he was curious. “Are you familiar with this title?”

“Yes, sir, my father and I read it together several times; it was the source of many debates.”

“You discussed a book about modern farm practices in England?” If what she was saying was true, she was a very well-educated young woman.

“I believe I mentioned my father was a scholar. Of all of his daughters, I was the one most eager to learn. I read the newssheets daily and until recently, prided myself in being up to date on current events. Unfortunately for my family, he onlyreadthat book; he was too apathetic to initiate its suggestions at Longbourn.”

“What other subjects are you interested in reading?”

“I enjoy history, philosophy, biographies, poetry, and novels.”

“The books in our library were collected over many generations, but almost all were destroyed by the fire. Thepoetry section alone had over five hundred volumes. Who isyourfavourite poet?” He did not wish their conversation to end. Richard was correct: he was lonely and needed a friend to talk to, even if she was a servant in his home. Perhaps she also would like someone to talk to?

“Is that not akin to asking a parent to name their favourite child?” Darcy nodded. “I have often read William Blake and Coleridge. I enjoy how Wordsworth’s love of nature is reflected in his works. Since my father’s death, I have often turned to Thomas Gray’sElegyfor solace.”

“I find it interesting that we have very similar taste in reading material. I might have given the same answers if asked the same question.”

“Then it is a good thing I did not have to ask,” Miss Bennet smiled as she quit the room.

Darcy could not help but notice the gentle sway of her hips as she walked away. Who was this well-read, intelligent young woman and why was she working in his house?

* * *

The followingday

Once again, Miss Bennet commented on what he was reading. He should be affronted—why was he not? Addressing him directly without being spoken to was not appropriate behaviour for a maid, yet he welcomed her conversation. Turning the book over to glance at its cover, he asked her how she felt about the book, and they began to further discuss and debate several books they both liked. “These are some of the books Mrs. Reynolds salvaged from the house for me.”

“I am familiar with several of them. My father would re-read many of the books you are holding and referred to them as hismost precious possessions. He often said that you cannot read great works often enough.”

She had a quick mind, and he enjoyed having a person to talk to about the books he enjoyed. “Books have always been a significant part of my life. My mother read and sang to me every day as a small child. My father insisted our tenants have basic reading and mathematics skills. He believed it would benefit everyone on the estate, and his theory was proven correct.”

“Sir, may I ask you something?”

“It depends on the question.”

“I just wonder why you remain indoors when the weather is so lovely. Perhaps walking outside and appreciating nature would lift your spirits.”

“Yes, well, I shall think about it.”

She was not behaving as a servant should. It was obvious she had not been trained for her situation. She still conducted herself as a gentleman’s daughter would. He scratched his head and went back to his book.

* * *

Several dayslater

Someone was playing and singing in the drawing room, and the pleasant sounds urged Darcy to become active, so he slowly made his way down the stairs. When he entered the room, Miss Bennet jumped to her feet and curtsied.

“I apologize sir, I thought you were away from home. Mrs. Reynolds gave me permission to play when you were not here.”

“You have no need to apologise.”