Page 25 of Her Whole Heart
This did not sound like anything Darcy wished to hear. But he nodded again.
“When Anne was bothered by something, she became both silent and sharp, just as you have been of late. Perhaps you should examine your own feelings to determine what is botheringyou—and stop laying the blame for whatever that is upon Miss Elizabeth’s head.”
Lady Carlisle was of the same mind as Fitz. And they were both correct. “Very good, Lady Carlisle.”
This time she was the one who nodded. She fluttered her fan a little faster, then stood. Darcy rose as well. “It is dreadfully warm in here. I must collect my charges, Mr. Darcy. As your instructions were clearly to accompany us, shall I count on you and your cousins to join the ladies for a ride in Hyde Park?”
Darcy offered a shallow bow. He would have preferred to go home and sit by the fire with a brandy and his own thoughts, for he had much to consider. It was cold outside, and it still grew dark early this time of the year. By the time they arrived at the park there would only be an hour of light left. Even so, there would be ample numbers of the fashionable elite who would lower the tops of their carriages and wrap themselves up in their furs in order to be seen.
And that was obviously the point. After his insult, he ought to be seen in friendly company with the Bennet women and the Carlisles. He sighed. It was the least he could do.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth asked quietly, “why is your cousin staring at me? What is it you think offends him?”
Jane was inspecting the lamp, but the colonel and Lord Milton turned to look. Mr. Darcy glanced away. He seemed to be speaking with the countess. At least, she was speaking, and he was nodding.
“I do not believe you offend him, Miss Elizabeth,” the colonel said. “For whatever reason, he has not been himself of late.”
The viscount agreed.
Elizabeth did not know what to say to that. She had never met Mr. Darcy before their introduction at Lady Ashford's ball. To her, he was a man who was always appearing where he was not wanted and saying things he ought not say. His entire remonstrance about ladies using coins was based on his own poor understanding, and yet he had offered his advice with such surety that he had made her doubt herself.
“Lizzy, come and see this,” Jane said, and pulled her gently over to the table.
Elizabeth watched the current make its circuit and smiled when it began to emit a light. “Do you think that your children will have electric lights in their lifetime?” she asked her sister.
“Certainly our grandchildren shall. Is it not marvellous?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“I believe the countess wishes to take us to Hyde Park now,” Jane said when Elizabeth had finished examining the lamp and had given her place to a gentleman and lady who had been waiting their turn.
“Yes, outfitted in our matching cloaks and fur-lined muffs,” Elizabeth said with a chuckle. The countess had a strategy for this outing, though she had not enlightened them. They were only to follow her instruction. It was difficult for Elizabeth to trust anyone so far as to follow orders in such a way, but with each reasonable command, the countess nurtured Elizabeth’s burgeoning regard and respect.
The pale blue wool cloaks were only to be used when they were likely to be seen by a great number of people, for they would be very difficult to keep pristine. A less practical colour in London Elizabeth could not fathom. But Lady Carlisle had insisted.
She glanced at Mr. Darcy, who was standing now, along with Lady Carlisle. Hopefully he would take his leave now, and his cousins with him. The countess’s eyes were gleaming, and Elizabeth knew she was attempting not to laugh. Had Mr. Darcy said something humorous? She could not imagine it.
“Lady Carlisle’s expression just now is very similar to that when she read Mr. Darcy’s note,” Jane whispered in her ear.
“Absurd man,” Elizabeth muttered in reply.
Mr. Darcy’s note to the earl had resulted in her being unable to refuse the Carlisles’ largesse. Now she would not feel comfortable treating herself to anything she did not truly need, for she did not wish to put ribbons or material or even books for her own collection on the earl’s accounts.
“Mr. Darcy will be attending us on our jaunt to the park,” Lady Carlisle said as the pair approached. Elizabeth was sure she had never seen such a miserable man as the one beside the countess. “Shall you ride in our carriage, Lord Milton? Colonel?”
“We have our horses, Lady Carlisle,” Lord Milton said with a smile. “Shall we ride along?”
“That would be lovely. There is even a chance you might meet Simon today. He said he would be there.”
“I do apologise, Lady Carlisle,” the colonel said with a quick look at his brother. “But I must return to Whitehall yet today.”
“You prefer the duties of war to facing down the terrors of Rotten Row, Colonel?” Elizabeth asked teasingly. “How disappointing.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Believe me, Miss Elizabeth, I would rather engage with the most determined denizen of the ton than my general when he is kept waiting.”
“My goodness, thatisserious,” Elizabeth replied.
“Will you be with us for dinner?” Lord Milton inquired.
