Page 48 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Indeed.” My chin inched upwards. “I shall see her at my leisure.”

Chapter 9: An Unexpected Visitor

Friday, 5 June

Gunter’s Tea Shop, Berkeley Square

Elizabeth

Iswallowed a mouthful of lavender sorbet and waved to Mr. Talbot, who approached our table. The elderly gentleman did not stop to talk but tipped his hat to us as he passed, directing an impish grin at me. Darn, did he now believe his earlier assumption—that Mr. Miles and I were courting—had been affirmed?

“Who is that gentleman?”

At Miss Darcy’s query, I put on a smile. “He is Mr. Talbot, a kind gentleman we met at Matlock House the other day.” We sat at a table for four; Mr. Miles and Miss Darcy had arrived at my uncle’s home with Miss Darcy’s companion, Mrs. Annesley. Upon meeting the lady, whom I guessed to be in her fifth decade, I took an instant liking to her; she had a gentle, calm demeanour reminiscent of my dear sister Jane.

Thus far, we had encountered just one other of my recent acquaintances, an amicable lady, who stopped for a brief chat. But we received a great many curious stares from the strangers who traipsed by.

“I have a notion that has been on my mind.” A blaze flickered in Mr. Miles’s eyes as he raised his spoon in my direction. “With your cooperation, I should like to paint your portrait as a surprise gift for Fitzwilliam. What do you think?”

Miss Darcy clapped her hands. “What a superb idea! You are such a talented artist that the painting is certain to be a fine likeness. I know Fitzwilliam will be delighted to receive such a unique present.”

“Indeed”—Mrs. Annesley grinned at Mr. Miles—“I cannot imagine a more ideal offering for Mr. Darcy.”

My stomach muscles tensed. “That is a generous suggestion. My only qualm is the time that would be required. If we spend many hours together whilst I am sitting for you, we might fuel the rumours we want to avoid.”

“In reality, I shall need much less of your time than you may imagine. I could call at your uncle’s home and make several sketches of you, which should require no more than two hours. I should use those sketches to complete the majority of the work. Then I should need you to sit for me at Darcy House while I complete the facial details—another two hours of your time ought to suffice.” He canted his head. “How does that sound?”

“That would be ideal. I have no plans for tomorrow. Shall we meet at my uncle’s house at one o’clock?” My sight flitted to Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley. “I hope you both will come as well so we may talk over tea whilst Mr. Miles completes his sketches.”

“Yes, I should like that.” Miss Darcy’s gaze shifted to Mrs. Annesley, who nodded her agreement.

Mr. Miles beamed at me. “We shall see you then.”

Wednesday 10 June

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

Barnet entered the sitting room and strode to me. “Miss Bennet, this came for you.” He held out a letter.

“Thank you, Barnet.” I set aside the handkerchief I had been embroidering and accepted the offering. The familiar handwriting identified the sender as Charlotte. A jolt of chagrin caused my smile to ebb, for I still owed my friend a response to her most recent correspondence from May.

Last Saturday, I had spent a delightful two hours with Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley, and Mr. Miles. He had completed his sketches earlier than expected, and Lydia had been invited to join us for a while. Under the supervision of my aunt and Mrs. Perry, my sister had behaved herself, though she posed too many questions to Mr. Miles and paid scant attention to anyone else.

Yesterday, Mr. Miles had taken me to Hyde Park in a phaeton. Whilst on Rotten Row, we had encountered several of our new acquaintances with whom we exchanged pleasantries. Due to the apparent success of this excursion, we planned to return there on Friday; this time, we should enjoy a walk through the park.

I settled back in my seat, tore the seal, and opened my friend’s epistle.

Monday, 8 June

Dear Eliza

How are you enjoying your stay in London? I had expected to hear back from you before now. Of course, I imagine you have been busy with Jane’s wedding and the delights of town. I could not be more pleased for your family and await your full accounting of Jane’s engagement and the wedding!

I had hoped to visit Lucas Lodge and be present for the festivities. However, we learnt the tragic news last month that Miss de Bourgh suffers from a brain tumour and is not expected to live much longer. Despite her fragile health, it is a shock for anyone so young to have been dealt this sad fate. Mr. Collins refused to even consider our leaving Hunsford with Miss de Bourgh at death’s door.

By all accounts, Lady Catherine has undergone a startling alteration. Since her return from London, I have not seen her. According to Mr. Collins, who met with her once at the end of May for a brief discussion, she has become a shadow of her former self. She no longer takes any interest in my husband’s sermons and spends most of her time in Miss de Bourgh’s sickroom. Mr. Collins is beside himself with concern for her. I share his worry,despite the fact she used to drive my husband to distraction, poring over each word he wrote and directing him to change most sentences several times before she would declare his sermon to be acceptable.

---