Page 35 of An Interrupted Proposal
Her eyes narrowed and her lips twitched. “I do not remember you saying it quite that way before.”
“Perhaps life lessons have adjusted my thoughts,” he said with a slight lift of his shoulders.
“Life lessons?” she asked.
“Oh yes, I have returned to the schoolroom recently and have had several tutors. You have taught me humility and your uncle has urged me to relinquish responsibility for issues that are not of my making.”
She nodded. “My sisters.”
“You did not seem disappointed when I mentioned spending several months at Pemberley alone.”
They had arrived at the parlour and Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley, Jane, and Maria Lucas began removing their outerwear. Elizabeth continued to hold Darcy’s arm and met his gaze.
“I believe I would like to stretch my legs a bit more, sir. Might we take a walk before refreshing ourselves?”
Darcy nodded. “Bingley, Elizabeth and I will be in the small garden behind the inn. We will return shortly.”
Once outside, Elizabeth laid her head against his arm. “I was a bit surprised when you suggested Georgiana remain either in London or at Longbourn, but relieved as well. There will be much to do and learn once we arrive at Pemberley. We will want time alone, and I will have to learn my way about and where I fit. Your home has run without a mistress for over a decade, am I correct?”
“It has, nearly fifteen years.”
“Your housekeeper will need to know that I am not planning on overturning her ways in a fortnight.” She blushed. “And you and I will have to learn how to work together. It will be easier to do so without worrying about our sisters.” Elizabeth looked up at him and smiled bashfully. “I thank you for considering these things.”
Darcy brushed a light kiss over her lips. “Do not thank me, my dear. Thank your uncle. It was he who reminded me that we would want to be alone for a longer period of time than I was allowing. Of course, I have no desire to share you, but I also did not want our sisters to feel abandoned.”
“And they will not,” she said as they reached the end of the small garden path. “May we return now? I find I am a bit hungry after all.”
“Of course.” He turned them back towards the inn. “You are certain that Lydia will not be too disappointed about not going to Pemberley with us immediately? I did tell her that we would have to discuss it, but I also feel as though I have made her a promise.”
“A promise without a date,” Elizabeth replied. “And we will fulfil part of the promise by providing her with a companion to begin her training. If Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana return to London, we will simply find someone else to fill the role.”
Darcy nodded and opened the door to the parlour.
***********
Mr. Bennet waited outside the door to Longbourn, his arms folded across his chest and a frown fixed firmly upon his lips. His wife and youngest daughters were at his side, each expressing their excitement in their own unique way. Mrs. Bennet was already speaking before the door of the carriage was opened while Miss Mary stood at her mother’s side, a calming hand resting upon the lady’s arm. The younger sisters might have attempted a mature countenance, but they veritably vibrated with excitement and bounced on their toes every few minutes.
Darcy and Bingley dismounted and waved the footman away from the carriage so they could assist the ladies within. Darcy opened the door while Bingley stepped ahead of him and reached inside to hand Miss Bennet down. He smiled jovially atDarcy as he walked his lady towards her waiting family. Darcy reached inside and took Elizabeth’s hand. She grinned at him and quickly rushed towards the others, allowing him to hand his sister and her companion out of the equipage, having delivered Miss Lucas directly to Lucas Lodge along the way. He escorted the remaining ladies towards those gathered by the house.
“Mr. Bennet,” Darcy said with a bow. The older gentleman’s frown deepened, and he barely tipped his head in acknowledgement.
“Shall we conduct introductions inside?” Elizabeth asked, seemingly unaware of the exchange between the gentlemen.
The party relocated to Mrs. Bennet’s drawing room once the travellers removed their outerwear, and Elizabeth introduced Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley to the Bennet family. Miss Lydia was the quietest Darcy had ever seen her as she studied his sister and her companion. When tea was delivered, the youngest girl mimicked Georgie’s mannerisms, suppressing her normal exuberance.
Darcy glanced at his host and found the man watching the girl with an unreadable expression upon his countenance. Taking the opportunity of Jane and Elizabeth discussing their recent time in London and their engagements with their mother and sisters, Darcy stepped closer to Mr. Bennet.
“Are you displeased with me, sir?” he asked in a soft voice.
Mr. Bennet glanced at him, sighed, but then crossed his arms over his chest and frowned anew. “It was my understanding that a discussion would be held between Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, you, and me when you returned to Longbourn. After your departure, I learnt that you had already spoken to Lydia.”
“Forgive me, sir.” He glanced at the ladies, then back to his host. “Might we speak in private?”
“Should we include the others now?” Mr. Bennet’s left brow arched, his displeasure remaining upon his features.
“I oweyouthe apology, sir, and would like to speak to you alone first. We may include the others later, if you wish.”
Mr. Bennet released a soft huff but rose and led Mr. Darcy from the room. Stopping at the door, Darcy looked back at Elizabeth and winked when her brow rose in question. Her nod allowed him to continue with a sense of peace over what must be said next.
