Page 80 of Bitterness of Spirit

“I thank you for your praise, my friend. I hope Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will enjoy it as much as we do. I shall be happy to fish with Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Wilson, and the ladies will surely find several ways of entertaining themselves. Georgiana will be delighted to meet you, I am sure.”

“Louisa and Caroline will come too,” Bingley said reluctantly.

Darcy smiled mischievously. “I am aware of that. I am sure we shall all get along quite well.” He turned to Elizabeth. “I really hope that Mr. Bennet might visit us someday, if not this summer. He is most welcome anytime.”

She startled and looked at him in wonder. “Thank you, sir, you are very generous. I am not sure my father will travel again so soon, but he would be honoured by your invitation. And he might accept it when you least expect, especially if you tell him about the library,” she teased.

“I am counting on it, Miss Elizabeth.”

They continued their walk as well as their conversation. Gradually, Bingley and Jane, arm in arm, moved several steps further while Elizabeth and Darcy remained a little behind.

The park was crowded, and the paths, bordered by rows of flowers, carried a charming scent. A few minutes passed before Darcy began to speak.

“Miss Bennet, I am glad we have the chance to speak privately. To be honest, this was the main purpose of my visit today. For several days now, I have wanted to approach you about a rather delicate matter.”

They walked side by side, their arms almost touching as they moved.

A chill coursed through her. “A delicate matter? What would that be, sir?” Surely, he would not propose if he started that way, and certainly not in the middle of the park. Or would he?

“Miss Bennet, Lady Catherine has finally accepted Wilson’s invitation to the ball,” he said hesitantly.

“Has she?”

“Yes. To our mutual surprise, it was Anne who insisted upon attending. It was quite unexpected; she usually loathes such parties. I believe this will only be the second ball she has attended in London.”

“I am truly happy to hear that she wishes to come. And honoured,” Elizabeth replied sincerely.

“I believe that is what convinced my aunt to attend. There is…something different about Anne lately. She expresses her wishes and opinions more decidedly. She has grown in strength and determination. Both Richard and I are pleased to witness her improvement.”

“That is wonderful news indeed. And what have the doctors said about her health?”

“They are still uncertain, but she seems to feel better than I have seen her in the last years. And that is what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Miss de Bourgh’s health?” Elizabeth inquired, puzzled.

“No…her presence at the ball.”

“Oh…is there a problem?”

“Yes…not really… In order to convince Lady Catherine to attend the ball with Anne, Richard and I promised to take care of her and make her feel comfortable. Anne will not dance; she has never danced in public. So Richard and I decided to take turns; while one of us dances, the other will stay with Anne.”

“How generous and kind of you. Miss de Bourgh is surely pleased to have such considerate cousins,” Elizabeth responded, puzzled as to why he would make such a disclosure to her.

“We only hope to see her content and relaxed. However, many of those in attendance know that Anne and I are expected to marry,” he uttered, glancing at her. She met his eyes briefly.

“Anne and I know such an event will not occur, but still people will look at us. Therefore, I must be careful and mind my manners to avoid arousing useless gossip.”

Elizabeth’s puzzlement increased. “What kind of gossip, sir?”

He stopped and turned to her. “It was my intention to ask you for the first set, Miss Bennet. And for at least one other set during the evening.”

She held his intense gaze and allowed herself to become lost in it.

“Oh…” she whispered while he slowly resumed walking.

“However, in doing that, I would place Anne in an awkward position and provoke all kinds of rumours. That is, if I invited you to dance and you agreed.”

“Yes,” she admitted without hesitation, her heart pounding. She then stopped and he did the same. “I would have gladly accepted your invitations—both of them—and that would have indeed put Miss de Bourgh in a difficult position.”