Page 9 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

My eyes widened. Of course—Mama!How would she receive Mr. Darcy if he called at Longbourn as my suitor? Withoutquestion, she would be insufferable and fawn over him as she had done with Mr. Bingley.

“If you agree, we should be pleased to have you here for as long as you wish. You could travel back and forth with us when we stay in Hertfordshire for the wedding.”

“I appreciate your offer. I should prefer to remain here and shield Mr. Darcy from my mother’s effusions for as long as possible.”

“Splendid. And I insist upon ordering new gowns for you.”

“Oh no, you are doing so much for me already.”

She raised her palm. “Allow me to do this. It would give me the greatest pleasure.”

My aunt was too generous. Of course, itwouldbe gratifying to have new, more fashionable garments whilst I sojourned in London. In truth, I wanted Mr. Darcy to see me at my best. “Thank you, Aunt. That is most kind of you.”

Chapter 3: Gauging Mr. Darcy’s Character

Tuesday, 28 April

Vauxhall Gardens

Elizabeth

With Mr. Darcy and his sister on either side of me, I strolled the paths through bountiful gardens of colourful, fragrant blooms and exotic verdure. I could not have wished for a more agreeable excursion.

Upon my enquiry, Mr. Darcy described the terrain and flora native to Derbyshire. He expressed himself with an endearingmixture of pride and awe, and I developed a keen desire to visit his beloved country.

Behind us, Jane and Mr. Bingley ambled arm in arm, and my aunt and uncle brought up the rear of our group.

We reached a miniature menagerie featuring insects, small animals, and reptiles. I edged around each glass container to examine the creatures from various angles.

Miss Darcy gasped and pointed at one of the reptiles, a venomous pink-and-black lizard. “Merciful heavens, what a repulsive creature! I am thankful we do not have any similar reptiles in England.”

“I grant you, that one is not pretty.” I moved forwards and crouched for a better perspective of a cobra. The snake coiled its body and flicked out its tongue.

“Unlike my sister, you appear to have an appreciation for these animals.” Mr. Darcy’s familiar baritone drew my attention, and I glimpsed him standing to my left.

“For the most part, yes. I appreciate this opportunity to observe these creatures from foreign lands.” I stood, maintaining my observation of the serpent. “I find reptiles interesting, although I can do without the poisonous ones. As a child, I sneaked lizards and frogs into my room, much to my mother’s displeasure.”

Mr. Darcy’s laughter—sonorous and captivating—pulled my eyes from the snake. I savoured the sound, even after it faded away. He grinned. “We shared the same pastime as children.” His glowing countenance presented a model of masculine allure and prompted a tingling sensation in the pit of my belly.

In my peripheral vision, I caught Miss Darcy gaping at us, and I turned to her. “You may be easy. I am no longer inclined to hunt wild creatures, and I do not imagine your brother is either.”

“I most certainly am not.” He set his shoulders in a show of feigned umbrage. “Unless, of course, you count the odd toad Imight capture on a Sunday evening with no other task to occupy me.”

Miss Darcy peered at him for a long moment before she burst out in giggles.

A joke—from Mr. Darcy?Who would have thought him capable of drollery? He held me riveted.

“Are you fond of dogs, Miss Elizabeth?”

At Miss Darcy’s enquiry, I prised my sight from him. “Oh yes, very much so. I met Hunter in Kent, and he is quite charming.”

“More charming than me?” Mr. Darcy raised his brows.

“Well…” I drew my head to the side in a show of considering the matter.

He raised his palm. “On second thoughts, I see the folly of my question and retract it.”

“A wise move on your part. Hunter is irresistible, especially when he is jubilant and wags his entire backside.”

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