Page 26 of Through the Eyes of Love

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Elizabeth had reflectedon certain aspects of her own life after she had last spoken to Mr. Darcy, and overall had no cause to repine. Their time together was precious, and made her feel more special than she had in her life. However, they had been silent for a while, and that concerned her. She glanced at her walking partner with curiosity and determined that the conversation was not over. “Mr. Darcy, did you have an enjoyable childhood?”

“Yes, very much so. My father taught me to ride and introduced me to our tenants at an early age. He showed me how to treat other people with kindness, and I have always endeavoured to follow his example. He instilled in me a great sense of pride in what I. . .did before the fire. My mother loved music; she played the pianoforte and sang beautifully. She read to me every day, and I could read on my own before I had my first tutor.”

“Why does that not surprize me?”

They exchanged a smile. “Georgiana was a baby when my mother died and since then, nothing has been the same. My father never got over her death and stayed alone in his study for months. I had no choice but to assume most of his duties. I spent time with my sister every day I was home from school, and I read to her just as my mother did for me. When my father died and I became master, I was overwhelmed by the responsibility. I pined for my carefree life at Cambridge, but I could not travel or mingle with others as my contemporaries did. I only went to town for business and have been alone here with my sister for the past five years. Thankfully, on the night of the fire, she was visiting my aunt and uncle.” Mr. Darcy became very quiet. Was he thinking about the events he had just described? After a few moments, he seemed to clear his mind and asked, “What of your childhood?”

“I grew up in a loving household; often loud but cheerful. My father paid particular attention tomyeducation, and I thrived under his tutelage. We debated and played chess and every day was full. My birthmark caused me anguish but, overall, my sisters and friends treated me like everyone else. Yes, I was happy growing up.

“Regrettably, my father took little interest in the goings on of our family. Rather than intervene when he ought, he mocked my youngest sisters’ inappropriate conduct and walked away. Hecould not be bothered to temper their behaviour or punish them. My mother has no regard for the feelings of others and says whatever comes into her head. My father did nothing to stop her and often instigated her outbursts for his own amusement. I love my mother, but she is singularly focused on marrying off her daughters. Jane and I often cringed at her conduct and took advantage of every opportunity we were offered to stay with our relatives in town. My youngest sisters are silly, but they always came to my defence if anyone remarked on my face. At times, I did not alwayslikemy family, but I do love them, faults and all.” She found that in airing her family’s woes that she was relieved to be confident to know Mr. Darcy would never criticize her situation.

* * *

The followingweeks 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 forthe thought. With his wealth and connexions, she was not for him.

* * *

They were leavingchurch 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 didyouthink 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.”