Page 26 of An Interrupted Proposal
Bingley smiled at his fiancée. “Nothing that cannot be postponed. I will leave for Longbourn at first light on Tuesday and return the same day.”
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The Darcy carriage drew to a stop before the Gardiner’s residence on Monday morning. Darcy, his sister, and Mr. Bingley stepped out and were greeted by the Bennet sisters as they returned from a walk with their cousins. Master Thomas suggested they walk again with the newcomers, but he was quickly reminded that his studies were awaiting him. With a slight pout, he allowed the servant to lead him to the nursery while the others greeted Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Lucas in the drawing room.
“Are you eager to visit the museum, Miss Darcy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
“Oh, yes! It has been more than a year since I have been there, and I am anxious to see the new exhibits.”
“A full year?” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “I dare say it has been two or more since Jane or I have been to the museum. You must tell us what exhibits we have missed.”
“Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner chided. “You have always favoured the theatre to the museum, or you would have seen it in your more recent visits.”
Darcy frowned. “Would you prefer to go somewhere else?”
“No,” Elizabeth said as a light blush covered her cheeks. “I have been looking forward to this trip since you mentioned it yesterday. Especially since we are also going to the theatre later this week.” She giggled as she met his gaze directly.
“What Lizzy is trying to say,” Jane said with a teasing smile at her sister, “is that given the choice, she would choose the theatre, though her preference would be both.”
“Our time in London is sometimes limited and we cannot do all we wish,” Elizabeth explained.
“Well, perhaps in the future you will be able to stay in town for as long as you desire and enjoy everything it has to offer.” Darcy met her gaze and held it until her colour deepened and she lowered her eyes.
“Perhaps,” she said in a near whisper.
“Well, look at the time.” Mrs. Gardiner rose from her seat. “I am certain you wish to get there early so you can see as much as possible.”
The group rose, agreeing with her, and moved towards the hall. Darcy watched Elizabeth as she hung back and dropped a kiss upon her aunt’s cheek. When she joined him in the hallway, he lowered his head to whisper, “Forgive me if I embarrassed you or put any pressure upon you.”
She looked at him through her lashes as her cheeks pinked once more. “You did not, sir. I was merely flustered for a moment as I realized that could indeed be a possibility.”
“You must know that I would give you every desire that is within my power, Elizabeth.”
She slipped her hand about his arm. “I do.”
Darcy laid his hand upon hers and led her to where the others awaited them. Once everyone had donned their outerwear, they made their way to the carriage. Georgiana looked at Elizabeth sheepishly before entering the equipage.
“If you would prefer to go somewhere else today, I would understand.”
With a reassuring smile, Elizabeth slipped her arm through the young girl’s and insisted that she was looking forward to seeing the museum exhibits. A gleam entered her eye as she said, “Though I am certain we shall pass near enough to allow a visit to Gunter’s on the way home.”
A wide grin spread across Miss Darcy’s countenance. “Would that fulfil your sweet tooth, Miss Elizabeth, or do you suggest it for my benefit?”
Elizabeth laughed, but did not respond, and the ladies were handed into the coach by the gentlemen. Once seated, she leant closer and whispered, “In truth, I thought your brother might enjoy the treat as much as we would.”
“You know he enjoys sweets?” Miss Darcy asked with rounded eyes. “He normally hides that from people.”
“What do I hide?” Darcy asked as his eyes moved between the two ladies.
“Miss Elizabeth suggested a trip to Gunter’s following the museum as she thought you might enjoy it.”
His gaze fell upon Elizabeth, and he smiled. “That sounds marvellous. Thank you for thinking of it, but Georgiana and I have arranged tea at Darcy House, if you are in agreement.”
“That would be lovely,” Elizabeth replied as the pink hue returned to her cheeks.
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Jane slipped her hand about her sister’s arm as they waited in the foyer of the town home for the others to remove their outerwear. “What a lovely entryway,” she said in a soft voice. “The colours are much to your liking, I am certain. Blue like a summer sky.”
