Page 20 of Stranded at Michaelmas

They had not been speaking long before Jane and Mr Bingley approached. Mr Bingley appeared every bit as taken with her eldest sister as he had during his first call at Longbourn. Jane plainly enjoyed his company as well, though Elizabeth would have to discover later that evening precisely what her sister thought of the gentleman.

Soon afterwards, her parents joined them with a decidedly petulant Lydia. Her youngest sister had not accepted her changed circumstances with anything resembling good grace. Elizabeth could sympathise with her to a point. Lydia had been permitted a great deal of freedom and then had it abruptly withdrawn, and Mama had done little until now to ensure that any of her daughters were properly instructed in what was expected of them.

Still, Lydia had brought at least some of her present difficulties upon herself.

With their parents’ arrival, the Bennets began making their way towards the carriages, accompanied by Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, and Georgiana.

Mr Darcy remained beside Elizabeth while the rest of her family climbed into the carriage.

“Will I see you at church tomorrow?” Elizabeth asked.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“And then you will call at Longbourn on Monday.”

“I will.”

For a moment, his gaze held hers, and Elizabeth suddenly remembered another parting scarcely a se’nnight before, when they had stood beside her aunt’s carriage at the Falcon, neither of them knowing what their acquaintance might become.

“Then I suppose I shall see you again very soon,” she said, her tone teasing.

Recognition flickered in his expression.

His dimples appeared once more.

“I shall look forward to it,” he said in that same grave tone.

Then he offered his hand to assist her into the carriage. Elizabeth placed hers in it, lingering perhaps a moment longer than was necessary before taking her seat.

As the carriage pulled away, Elizabeth glanced back once and saw Mr Darcy turn towards Georgiana before the darkness swallowed the scene.

Scarcely a se’nnight ago, Elizabeth had thought it wiser to enjoy Mr Darcy’s company only while she could.

Now, for the first time, she allowed herself to look forward to what might come next.

Chapter Eight

Although Darcy saw Elizabeth on Sunday, they had little opportunity to speak beyond a few moments before and after the service.

On Monday morning, Darcy rose early and made his way to the stables to saddle Xanthus, the gelding he had brought with him from London. The horse was a particular favourite, and Darcy generally kept him in Town whenever he expected to remain there for any extended period.

He had not ridden for long before he reached a gentle rise overlooking several fields. From there, he could see Longbourn in the distance to the west.

As he drew nearer, Darcy realised he was not alone. A short distance away stood a young woman, her bonnet draped over one arm as she watched the rising sun.

“Miss Elizabeth,” he called, not wishing to startle her.

“Mr Darcy,” she said, turning towards him.

Her smile was brilliant as her eyes met his, and Darcy wondered how he had ever persuaded himself that such a woman ought to be beyond his consideration.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, unable to keep the pleasure from his voice.

“You have found one of my favourite places to watch the sun rise,” she said after a moment. “I am often to be found here on fine mornings.”

Drawing nearer, Darcy dismounted and looped Xanthus’s reins over a low branch. “Then you will not object if I join you when I am able?” he asked.

It was perhaps a little forward to suggest that he might seek her out here again, but he had named neither a particular day nor hour. Surely that did not test the bounds of propriety too greatly.