Page 10 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Alas, I cannot hope to compete with that.”

Miss Darcy giggled again. “I have a cocker spaniel too—a black-and-white female named Sally. Of course, we have many dogs, but Sally and Hunter sleep in our bedchambers. You must come to our home and meet Sally.”

“That reminds me…” Mr. Darcy rested a hand on his sister’s shoulder and faced me. “If you are free, we should be pleased to have you for dinner tomorrow night. Your family and Bingley are invited as well.”

“Thank you. I should be happy to accept if my aunt and uncle have no objection. Shall we ask them now?”

“Yes, by all means.”

We waited for the others, and Mr. Darcy presented the invitation. Although my uncle declared a need to work late at his warehouse that night, he urged my aunt to go. She agreed, and accepted Mr. Bingley’s offer to provide our transport.

Mr. Darcy met my aunt’s gaze. “I appreciated hearing your anecdotes of my mother, and I wonder whether you would mind repeating them for my sister. She has fond memories of our father but none of our mother, who died ten days after her birth.”

“I should be happy to do so.”

Thus, Miss Darcy joined my aunt Gardiner, and Mr. Darcy and I took the lead again.

My sight settled upon him. “You must have been a child when you lost your mother.”

“Yes, I had just turned twelve.”

What a tender age to sustain this bereavement.My chest constricted, and an image came to me of how he may have looked then. “I am sorry. You must have been desolate.”

“Thank you.” His voice grew softer. “Yes, though my father suffered more than anyone else. He…cherished my mother.”

I bit my lower lip. On countless occasions, I had lamented over Mama’s embarrassing remarks, yet I ought to be more thankful to have my parents alive and well.

“Are you having a pleasant time?” His inflexible bearing betrayed a scintilla of anxiety, disputing his easy tone.

“Yes, I am. Although I have been here before, I never enjoyed the experience as much as I have today.”

“No doubt the menagerie pleased you, but I hope my company addedsomebenefit.” His brows edged higher.

The twinkle in his expressive eyes stole my focus and delayed my response. “Your presence provides a distinct advantage.”

He murmured under his breath—words akin to ‘thank goodness’. A few moments passed before he beheld me again. “How long will you stay in London?”

“Jane and I had planned to return to Longbourn in two days, but my aunt has suggested I extend my stay at her home.”

“Would that suit your wishes?”

“Yes. I think it would be…preferable for you to call upon me here instead of in Hertfordshire.”

His lips parted. “Then you anticipate seeing me often. Does that mean your opinion of me is improving?”

“Yes, without doubt.”

A radiant smile brightened his aspect. “If you agree, I shall speak with your uncle tonight and make my intentions clear to him.”

“That is a fine idea.” Uncle Gardiner did not share Papa’s lax outlook; he would expect this courtesy. I glanced at Miss Darcy, who appeared to be engrossed in my aunt’s narrative. “I presume your sister is aware of your…interest in me.”

“Yes, she is. Georgiana already likes you very much, and it is unusual for her to be comfortable so soon with a new acquaintance.”

We stopped at an area with several benches and shared a light meal prepared by the Darcys’ cook consisting of chicken, breads, pickled carrots, and a special treat: delectable grapes courtesy of Mr. Darcy’s greenhouse. I partook of the nourishment and marvelled at the rapid progression of my favourable sentiment for him.

His gentle manner towards Miss Darcy won my regard. As for his treatment of me, I could not ask for better. For some fortunate lady, he would make an excellent husband; he was intelligent, reasonable, caring, and…yes, even articulate. In the next instant, my appetite vanished, and the food I had already ingested seemed to congeal into stones.Drat, I could not entertain the concept of his marrying another with equanimity.

After the meal, we continued our exploration of the gardens. At my aunt’s suggestion, Miss Darcy returned to her side, and they became immersed in conversation. Mr. Darcy and I made frequent stops to remark on the unusual flora present. This time, we fell behind the others.

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