Page 19 of An Accidental Meeting
All this he recalled in an instant. He thought of her question—what sort of man had he been, in Hertfordshire? In Kent? He leaned his elbows on his knees and laced his fingers together.
“In truth, Mrs. Reynolds,” he confessed, “I conducted myself poorly. Although she has not upbraided me about it, I said some unkind things to Miss Bennet before we were even introduced. I refused to dance with her and said it was because she was not handsome enough to be worth the effort.”
“Not handsome enough?” Mrs. Reynolds asked incredulously. “MissBennet?”
He lifted his shoulders. “I warned you I did not perform well.”
“Not honestly, either, for Miss Bennet has just the sort of beauty and wit that you most appreciate.”
Darcy was surprised by this claim. “How would you know that?”
She frowned and raised her eyebrows.
He held up his hands, palms out. “Do not tell me. I do not wish to know.”
“It does not require nefarious means, sir. You are not easily impressed, and it is not difficult to discern when you are. No matter. I shall be upstairs tomorrow, and we shall make such an excellent showing that Miss Bennet will never recall your error.”
“You willnotbe upstairs tomorrow. You will spend tomorrow in bed, or at least in your chambers. Promise me, Mrs. Reynolds.”
Her jaw set, and she was about to argue.
“Please,” he said softly.
She tipped her head slightly to one side and sighed. “Very well. But not one day longer, no matter what that physician says.”
“We will see,” Darcy warned her, but he was grateful enough for this concession that he did not press for more. He stood. “I will say good night, then.”
“Good night, sir.”
He paused. “Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.”
Darcy could feel her gaze on him all the way out the door.
Elizabeth had been pleased by Pemberley the day before, but this morning she was enchanted. The morning had been cool; dew still clung to the tall grasses and leaves in a few places, creating tiny prisms of light as they at last approached Pemberley House.
The coach turned onto the gravel, and just ahead, Elizabeth could make out a tall figure through the sparkling light. He was standing at the bottom of the steps that led up and into the house. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his head was turned in their direction.
Elizabeth was strangely pleased, but she argued herself out of it. Mr. Darcy was waiting for his guests, that was all.
“Good morning, Mr. Gardiner,” he said. He stood by as Uncle Gardiner stepped down from the carriage and held out his hand for Aunt Gardiner.
Aunt Gardiner took her husband’s arm and stepped a few paces away. He made as if to turn back for Elizabeth, but Mr. Darcy had already stepped forward to assist her.
Uncle Gardiner frowned at his wife.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy greeted her as he saw her safely to the ground. “Have you breakfasted?” he inquired of them all.
“We have not,” Uncle Gardiner said, grumbling. “The inn was busy, and my wife was rather in a hurry.”
Elizabeth smiled a little impishly. “You did tell us to come as early as may be.”
“I did,” he agreed.
A short silence ensued.
“How is Mrs. Reynolds this morning?” Elizabeth inquired.
“Impatient. Running her kingdom from her chambers but remaining there for the present.”
