Page 16 of When Elizabeth Said Yes

They both stood there, seemingly unsure of what to say or how to proceed, until Elizabeth said, "Well, I should return," at the same moment Darcy said, "My condolences on the loss of your father."

◆◆◆

It was as though he had summoned her.

He had ill-advisedly been thinking of her, and then she had appeared there in the field before him, where he certainly had not expected to see her.

His aunt had not said that the Collinses had company.

Would she be dining with them tomorrow?

But then she was clearly in full mourning, and so he could not imagine it was likely.

They had spoken over one another, and she looked almost surprised that he remembered.

"Thank you," she said.

"The loss of a father," he said, unable to stop himself, "especially one beloved, is a great loss indeed."

She swallowed, and looked away, and he did not continue for fear of upsetting her. "You are out walking alone?" Darcy asked instead.

Miss Bennet nodded. "I needed some fresh air, and no one quite likes to walk as I do."

"I remember," Darcy said, visions of her entering the parlour at Netherfield, her skirts covered in mud, coming to mind.

Miss Bingley had, of course, been horrified, but Darcy had rather admired how much effort she had gone to in order to see her sister and assure herself that she was well. After all, he would walk farther in worse weather if it meant making certain Georgiana was cared for.

He rather thought the Bingleys did not enjoy such a strong sibling relationship.

"They believe I have a headache," she said with a shy half-smile, "so please do not tell them you saw me. Mr Collins would think it very inappropriate for me to be out alone, and I do not wish to upset him when he has so graciously hosted me."

"Indeed, you should not be out alone, especially when it is growing dark, Miss Bennet," Mr Darcy said, although his concern was less for propriety and more for her safety.

Who knew whom she might have encountered out there alone?

It did not bear thinking of.

◆◆◆

Lizzy bristled.

She had been a fool to tell him that she was out in secret. She had thought he would probably see Mr and Mrs Collins while he was visiting, and she did not wish to be exposed.

But of course, he would think it improper of her, for what could be more important than making sure everything was done as society dictated?

"Indeed. I am sure you are right," she said, irritation colouring her tone. "Pray do not allow me to linger any longer where I should not be."

Then she turned on her heel and strode in the direction of the parsonage at Hunsford.

"Miss Bennet," he called.

She almost stopped, surprised to hear him calling after her, but she pressed on, presuming that whatever he wished to say could wait until they happened upon one another again.

"Miss Bennet," came his call once more.

Well, perhaps not.

She stopped and turned, and was surprised to find him but a yard behind her, striding in her direction. He stopped abruptly, for otherwise he would have walked straight into her, and she fixed him with what she hoped was an imperious stare.