Page 6 of An Interrupted Proposal
“Oh, no.” She reached out but stopped just short of laying her hand upon his arm. “I must ask your forgiveness. I was angry with you when you arrived yesterday and did not consider my words . . .”
The gentleman shook his head. “You were justified in your anger. It was not my place to act as I did regarding your sister and Mr. Bingley.”
They stared at one another for a time before Mr. Darcy cleared his throat and motioned towards her hair. “I would like to walk with you, if you would allow me, but perhaps you should repair the damage to your appearance first?”
Elizabeth lifted her hand and found a lock of hair had escaped, or more likely been pulled, from its pin. “I must be quite the sight, Mr. Darcy.” The absurdity of their situation struck her and her lips tugged upwards on one side. She removed her bonnet, not allowing the awkwardness of their situation to cause her to miss the opportunity to show him she was not the dreadful woman she had presented the previous evening. “Would you be so kind as to hold this?”
Hesitantly, he accepted the bonnet as well as the soiled handkerchief, and Elizabeth removed her hair pins, placing them in his outstretched hand, before gathering her hair andtwisting it into a simple knot. Once the pins had been replaced and the bonnet covered any stray strands which attempted to escape, Mr. Darcy held out his arm and Elizabeth lightly laid her hand upon it.
They walked a short distance in silence. Elizabeth noted he was leading her away from the parsonage, but not towards the park where they had met on more than one occasion. She lifted a hand to hide her smile. It appeared they were both intent on avoiding trails they had explored in the past.
“I fear I was in quite a state when I returned to Rosings last evening. Luckily, it was my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who saw me; but unfortunately, he demanded a full accounting of my condition.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I, too, was found in a less than satisfactory state by my friend, Mrs. Collins. She was equally as concerned and curious as your cousin.” She swallowed. “It was she who encouraged me to meet with you and apologize.”
“For what?” Mr. Darcy stopped and turned to meet her gaze. “What did you say that was not true?”
“Truth does not excuse my unladylike response to your genuine declaration, sir.” She bit her lip and stared at the ground before them, but he spoke before she could continue.
“Did you truly have no idea of my regard for you?” His voice was low but relayed his continued amazement.
“I suppose I should have. Both Charlotte and Jane had suggested its possibility, but I refused to believe them. Not after your comment at the assembly.” She suddenly realized how she had allowed that one comment to fully colour her impression of the gentleman at her side and could not hide her embarrassment.
His hand lifted and brushed over his chest just over his heart. It was not the first time she had noted this action since they had met that morning, but it was the first she heard a rustlingsound. Elizabeth lifted her head to study his profile and found him looking at her. Their steps slowed until they stood still, now facing one another. She saw him swallow.
“I must apologize for my atrocious behaviour upon entering Hertfordshire.”
His hand once more brushed over his coat and Elizabeth’s eyes followed the motion. With a sigh, Mr. Darcy reached inside and withdrew a folded packet.
“I never dreamt you would agree to walk and speak with me this morning, so I wrote out my apology and explanation for my behaviour. I fear it is still lacking, as there can be no excuse for my ungentlemanly words and actions.”
Elizabeth cautiously took the letter from his hand and stared at it. “Will you tell me what it says?” she finally asked, making no move to open it.
Mr. Darcy inhaled deeply. “If you wish.”
He offered his arm again and they walked a bit farther down the lane, but he did not speak. Elizabeth’s patience began to wear until she spotted a structure of some sort through the trees. As they neared it, she realized it was an old folly that had seen better days but provided a place to rest. Mr. Darcy used his handkerchief to wipe away debris from one of the benches before motioning for her to sit, and she did so.
Still, he did not immediately reveal the contents of the letter, which now felt as though it might burst into flames in her hand. Instead, Mr. Darcy paced in front of her, much in the same manner as he had the previous evening before making his unexpected announcement. Her impatient nature attempted to raise its head once more, but she inhaled deeply and bit her tongue.
Finally, he stopped his pacing but remained facing away from her. “Forgive me,” he said in a soft voice which lacked theassuredness he had previously exuded. “I fear the words which filled the paper last night refuse to coalesce in my mind today.”
“Shall I read the letter?” she asked hesitantly and saw him nod.
Elizabeth broke the seal and began to unfold the paper, but Mr. Darcy turned about and stopped her.
“I pray you will read it with an understanding of my . . .” He seemed to search for words and she took pity on him.
“You must certainly have been under an onslaught of emotions, much as I was last evening. I am impressed that you were able to compose a letter, as I am certain my thoughts were entirely too chaotic to follow.”
He nodded and gave her a tentative smile. “You understand then.” He motioned towards the paper lying in her lap and she began reading silently.
“Rosings Park
Dear Miss Elizabeth Bennet,
Be not alarmed on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing further avowals of my affections which were last night so surprising to you. I write to humble myself and beg forgiveness on two parts,while warning you of potential danger on a third.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide, and she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “Danger?”
