Page 55 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

With a nod, the maid left the room.

Mr. Miles glanced back at the canvas. “If you would be good enough to resume your former position on the chair, I should complete the portrait in less than thirty minutes.”

“Yes, of course.” I stowed my plate on the table and returned to my former seat. Mr. Miles raised his palm to halt me when I attained his desired pose. He strode to the easel and began to work.

At least fifteen minutes passed before Mr. Miles stepped back and glanced my way with his paint-brush held aloft. “You may be at your leisure now. I can finish this last bit on my own.”

“That is welcome news.” I stood from the chair and approached the refreshment table. I poured a new cup of tea and munched on a biscuit.

Five minutes later, Mr. Miles set down his paint-brush and wiped his hands with a towel. He beckoned to me, wearing a broad smile. “Would you like to see the painting now?”

“Indeed, yes.” I sprang from the chair and strode forth. He backed away to allow me room before the easel.

I stared at the portrait and froze. My stars, he had captured me so well; the image conveyed the illusion of standing before a mirror. For no justifiable reason, I had anticipated he would idealise my appearance to present me in the best possible light. Instead, he had included my flaws along with my finer attributes.

“What do you think?” Mr. Miles stepped to my side.

“You did an exceptional job. The likeness to me is amazing. If anything, it is too exact.”

“How could that be?” A lop-sided frown distorted his lips.

“For a more universal attractiveness, you might have made my nose straighter and my eyebrows a touch more symmetrical.” I maintained a light tone.

His expression softened. “No, I never considered any such alterations. To my mind, they are aspects of your unique charm and singular beauty, and I have no doubt Fitzwilliam agrees with me.”

Does he?I dearly hoped so. “Well, there is no question of your remarkable talent, and I am honoured to have been your subject.”

“You are most kind, Miss Bennet, and I am in your debt. I could not have created this portrait without your help, and I cannot imagine a better gift for Fitzwilliam.” His palms slapped together. “And now, we must return you to Gracechurch Street before your aunt and uncle fret over your absence. Please apologise to them on my behalf for having kept you so long today.” He rang the servants’ bell.

“It has been my pleasure.” I caught a glimpse of the bracket clock, which showed the time as half past three. I should return before causing my aunt Gardiner any apprehension.

Chapter 10: Grim Tidings

Saturday, 20 June

Darcy House

Elizabeth

At Slade’s announcement, I entered the drawing-room. When Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley approached me, my anticipatory smile abated. My blonde-haired friend moved in a sluggish gait, and her complexion lacked its usual rosy glow. The lacklustre picture she presented preoccupied me, delaying my return greetings to her and Mrs. Annesley.

I found Mrs. Annesley’s habitual amiable comportment to be absent as well. Did she fret for her charge’s welfare?

“Thank you for calling, Miss Bennet.” Miss Darcy’s blue eyes roved around the room, meeting mine for brief moments. “I am sorry for not attending you yesterday.”

“Pray, do not apologise. Are you still unwell?”

“No, not any longer. But the pain persisted until late into the night, so I did not sleep for more than an hour or two.”

“Have you been seen by a medical professional?”

“Yes. Although I had told Miles it was not necessary, he insisted upon calling for the apothecary. Mr. Knight examined me and found nothing of concern.”

“I am glad for that.”

Miss Darcy gestured to a sofa. “Please sit here, and I shall call for tea.” She maintained the stoop-shouldered appearance of someone either in pain or suffering from exhaustion. She ought to have made her regrets, but she must not have wanted to decline to see me a second time.

At any rate, I should not have my friend pretend to be hale for my sake. “Thank you, but I shall take my leave now. I believe a long nap will set you to rights again.”

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