Page 11 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

I strayed from his side to admire a striking group of peonies and moved from one stunning flower to the next.

“Mr. Darcy.”

I whirled towards the dulcet, feminine voice. Two fair young ladies accompanied by an older lady approached Mr. Darcy. All three wore elegant clothing. I smoothed the sprigged muslin of my frock, which paled in comparison to the trio’s fine attire.

Mr. Darcy bowed to them with a welcoming mien. “Good day, Mrs. Browning, Miss Browning, Miss Miriam. I hope you are having a pleasant tour of the gardens.”

The two younger ladies stopped before Mr. Darcy. The taller, blonde one—whom I presumed to be Miss Browning—fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Yes, we are, thank you. This is a most fortuitous surprise. I enjoyed our discussion of poetry last Wednesday at Lady Hampshire’s party.” Her honeyed declaration brought to mind a purring kitten.

I lapsed into a motionless state, spellbound by this disconcerting scene. So, Mr. Darcy had engaged her in conversation last week. Did he find her attractive? Most would call the elder Miss Browning a beauty. Based upon her attire and presence, she had the wealth, formal education, and social standing to make him a suitable match—unlike me.

Mrs. Browning stood behind her two daughters, resting her hands upon their shoulders. “We are having an intimate gathering for dinner on Friday, and we should be pleased if you would join us. My invitation went out to you today.”

“This is a busy time for me, so I may have another engagement.”

“If that is the case, we shall invite you for a later date.”

Miss Browning’s upper body crept closer to him. “Would you care to walk with us? Perhaps we might discuss Dr. John Donne’s poetry today.”

I seethed at her coquettish overture.What a flirt—she is worse than Miss Bingley!And yet…I had no justification for objecting to anything she did. This logic, though, brought me cold comfort.

“Thank you, but I am here with a party of friends.” Mr. Darcy sought me out and beckoned.

I set my spine and went towards him. The three Browning ladies took my measure, and their smiles waned. Nevertheless, I formed the semblance of a welcoming expression.

“I should like to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Miss Bennet, this is Mrs. Browning, Miss Browning, and Miss Miriam of Forest Manor in Essex.”

I curtsied. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances.” The ladies responded with the barest of acknowledgements.

The return of Miss Browning’s fulsome smile coincided with her fixing upon Mr. Darcy afresh. “Well, I hope we shall see you again soon.”

Mr. Darcy stepped back from her. “Good day, ladies.” He offered his arm to me. “I believe we ought to join the others.”

I wrapped my arm around his. “Yes, I agree.” My respiration calmed as we increased our distance from the three women. I glanced at him and attempted to sound unruffled. “I take it the Browning ladies are friends of yours.”

“Our association is a distant one.”

“Perhaps it is merelyMissBrowning who is a friend since you discussed poetry with her last week.”

“She is no more than an acquaintance.” He adjusted his hat higher, and his eyes settled upon me. “You once admonished me for not having exerted myself to converse with others in Hertfordshire, and I saw the justice in your criticism. Since my return to London, I have attempted to be less reserved than has been my wont.”

The thumping of my heart echoed through my ears. He had altered his conduct because ofme. A flurry of emotions threatened my composure.

“I expect that, the more I…practise being sociable, the easier it will become.” His soothing baritone calmed and stimulated me in equal measure.

“I am impressed. It is difficult to alter one’s intrinsic habits.”

“Although I shall never be as easy and open in company as Bingley or my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, I can at least be more polite than before.”

Had I fallen under a strange spell? It seemed his every statement earned my admiration. I sought to lighten the mood. “I appreciate your efforts. Do take care, though, not to effect a tremendous change—if you becometoogenial, I might resort to carrying a stick to fend off other ladies.”

A soft chuckle rumbled from his chest. “There is but one lady to whom I am vulnerable, and she can parry any opponent with her wit alone.” His engaging grin foiled the precarious state of my poise; I took an awkward step and almost stumbled. His secure grip on my arm saved me from tripping.

How had I ever earned his regard? In any case, I wanted to nurture and safeguard the sentiment—as one would any treasure.

Wednesday, 29 April

Darcy House, London

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