Page 45 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

The weight of her words pressed upon me, and my bearing shrank. What if Fitzwilliamhadmade a mistake? Could his affection for me be a transient sentiment? Nothing would be worse than being married to a man who regretted having chosen me. No, that would not happen; Fitzwilliamlovedme. I braced my back at the sound of footfalls and attempted to regain my poise for Mr. Talbot, who approached me.

He lifted a small plate before me. “Have you tried the sponge-cake, Miss Bennet? It is divine.”

“No, I have not, but it looks delicious.”

He pressed the plate into my hand. “Please, take this. I have had two slices already.”

“Well, in that case, thank you.” He watched me expectantly, so I took a small bite. The moist, delicate confection filled my mouth. “This is very good.”

“I am glad you like it.” He glanced at Mr. Miles, who stood with Lady Ayles. “You and the young artist make a handsome couple.”

For a moment it seemed I should choke on a morsel of cake, but a hard swallow precluded any difficulty. “Oh no, Mr. Miles Darcy and I are no more than friends.”

The gentleman’s grey brows lifted, and his blue eyes sparkled. “Ah, that is a surprise. I noted your banter with him when you arrived, and the affinity between the two of you is overt.”

“In actuality, our acquaintance is new, so even the thought of a courtship between us is premature.”

“Well, I hope you will forgive an old man for his fanciful imaginings. Nothing warms my heart more than observing young people happy and in love.”

“There is nothing to forgive.”Darn, Papa had not realised the trouble his decree would cause. How many others would imagine a romantic association between Mr. Miles and me?

Thursday, 4 June

Matlock House

Darcy

A footman entered the drawing-room and strode to me. “This just came for you, Mr. Darcy.” He held out a small note.

“Thank you.” I stood, accepted the correspondence, and stepped out of the room. Elizabeth and Miles appeared to have won the approval of the select group of guests Lady Matlock had gathered today, much as they had done yesterday. Thanks to my aunt’s efforts, their entry to society had a fine beginning. I appreciated her assistance all the more in consideration of her initial doubts towards Elizabeth—and, to a lesser extent, towards Miles. By now, though, she must recognise Elizabeth’s many admirable qualities.

I skimmed the brief note written in Lady Catherine’s distinctive hand. She begged me to come to Kent at once. Anne’s health had deteriorated in the last two days such that she may have little time remaining.Damn, I ought to have gone therebefore now. But I had not wanted to leave before ensuring Miles would be content living in London, and I had been loath to miss the parties Lady Matlock had planned for Elizabeth and him.

“Darcy, is anything wrong?”

I shifted towards Lady Matlock. “Lady Catherine wrote to say Anne’s condition has worsened. I must go to Rosings at once.”

“Oh dear.” She raised a hand to her chest. “Wait here, and I shall send Miss Bennet to you so you may make your farewell. I shall tell the others you had to leave. Please let Lady Catherine know I shall return to Rosings tomorrow.”

“Yes, I shall do so.”

“Our driver will take Miss Bennet home.”

“Thank you.”

My aunt left. A minute later, Elizabeth appeared and rushed towards me. “Is anything amiss?” Upon receiving my explanation, she took my hand. “I am very sorry for Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh…and I am selfishly grieved that you must go.”

“If that makes you selfish, then I am far more so.” Although we lacked privacy, I could not resist a brief kiss. Her eyelids closed as I made contact, and her exquisite softness posed a tremendous temptation. Despite my longing to continue, I pulled away.

She opened her eyes and took a slow breath. “I do not suppose you know how long you will be away.”

“No, I do not.” I raised her hand and kissed her slender wrist. “I shall return as soon as I may.”

“Will Georgiana accompany you?”

“No. We have discussed the topic, and she does not want to go. She is uncomfortable around Lady Catherine even in the best of circumstances. And since Mrs. Annesley returned yesterday, there is no question of impropriety if I leave her at home with our ‘cousin’.”

“Then I shall call upon her whilst you are gone.”

---