Page 81 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Lizzy…” He threw his hands up. “Oh, for pity’s sake! I suppose it is futile to attempt to sway you when your mind is made up.” He raised his index finger. “Allow me to make one final point. I am proud of what you have already accomplished with your novel, and it is obvious you love the activity. I encourage you to complete the manuscript and publish your work. But keep in mind—if you became Mr. Darcy’s wife, you would have to give up writing.”

A twinge spasmed deep within me. As much as I wanted to deny his statement, I could not. “Yes, I realise that.” But he did not want to marry me, so the issue did not bear consideration.

Sunday, 5 July

Bedford

Elizabeth

Rachel drew my attention to a narrow perpendicular path ahead of us. “If you’d like to walk towards the river, we should turn left there.”

“Yes, let us go that way.” I took in the beauty of the surrounding grassland intermixed with shrubs as we entered the wooded area. In all likelihood, Mr. Darcy had referred to this location before Papa interrupted him last night. In time, I glimpsed a horse and rider cantering in the distance through a break in the trees, and my forward motion ceased. I narrowed my eyes for a clearer picture of the male figure on the black steed—Mr. Darcy.

He must have come here to find me, and I had hoped to be ready to face him. But I could no more engage him with equanimity now than I could have done last night.Dashmy wayward heart—I loved, wanted, needed him as much as ever. Every fibre of me cried out for him. Maybe after a few months I should find a way to control my emotions, but not now, not today. The news he wished to convey could be related through my correspondence with Miss Darcy. I clutched Rachel’s arm. “Come this way.” I steered her behind the sizeable trunk of a nearby oak.

“What is wrong, miss?”

I placed my forefinger before my lips to silence her. “A gentleman is riding through the woods.” I maintained a whisper. “And I do not want him to see me.”

“Is he a bad sort?” She replied in a like manner, her features compressed.

“No, not at all. The circumstances are…complicated.”

With a nod, Rachel fell silent.

A blond creature bounded around the tree and straight to me, burying his nose in my skirt.Hunter!Beside me, Rachel covered her mouth, muffling her gasp.

I knelt, burying my hands in the silky fur along the dog’s neck and back and indulged in an embrace of the cocker. I rested my temple against his pendulous ear. “It is good to see you, boy. I have missed you.” When I released him, he sneaked a wet kiss upon my nose. I gently pushed him backwards. “You must return to your master. Go on now, go.” I fluttered my hand, urging him away. Would he obey me? With a final long look, Hunter scampered off in the direction he had come.Thank goodness.

After several minutes elapsed, I relaxed. At the pace Mr. Darcy had been moving, he ought to have ridden far away from us by now.

I touched Rachel’s arm. “We have waited long enough.” I emerged from behind the tree—right into the path of Mr. Darcy! His quick motion, taking hold of my upper arms, prevented our collision. Two small knots formed between his brows.

While my respiration faltered, I focused upon the tingling areas of my arms held by him. Then his hands fell to his sides, depriving me of his touch and leaving a chill in their wake.

We could not continue staring at each other in silence. I gulped. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. I am sorry for my father’s unpardonable conduct last night. He is regretful. If he was here, I am certain he would apologise to you himself.”

“It is of no moment.” His dark irises burned into me. “I thought I had glimpsed you here. Then Hunter ran this way and confirmed my suspicion. You…youhidfrom me.”

“No, I…um…I was just…” What could I say to appear less of a goose? I searched the area in vain for inspiration. Hunter—the traitor—stood nearby wagging his tail.

“Forgive me, I never meant to impose upon you. Good day, Miss Bennet.” With a solemn nod, he turned and strode away.

No, wait!But rather than call out, I stood immobile, staring helplessly after him. My throat seemed to close in on itself. I could not allow him to leave like this. He had sought me out to share his tidings, and I had concealed myself like a child. I could at leastattemptto be happy for him. I raised my hand to Rachel. “Please wait here for me.”

“Yes, miss.”

I hastened after him, breaking into a run. When I came within ten yards of him, I slowed to a fast walk. “Mr. Darcy, please wait.”

He halted and spun round. “Yes?”

“Forgive me, I have no rational excuse for my behaviour.” I took a moment to catch my breath. “Please, tell me what you came to say.” He closed the distance between us, stopping within my reach. My fingers twitched—the desire to touch him almost overwhelmed me. I wrapped my shawl tighter around my shoulders, locking my arms in place to fortify my self-restraint.

“You may have no wish to hear this, but this time I shall leave no room for misunderstanding.” A soft glimmer stirred within his eyes. “I love you and want nothing more than to make you my wife.”

He loves me!A surge of energy shot through my body.

“However, if you believe we are better off apart, then I shall respect your decision. Either way, I wish with all my heart I could erase that terrible day at your uncle’s house—I came to you then under a misconception.”

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