Page 80 of The Scarred Duchess
Darcy opened his eyes as the library door closed with a thud, breaking him free from his impromptu nap. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs, unsurprised to feel a bit of remorse.Will I dream of her at night as well?
“Pardon me, Brother. I did not know you were here.”
“Did you wish to speak to me, sweetling?”
“Yes. I hoped you would escort Elizabeth and me to the Serpentine tomorrow.”
Darcy smiled. “As this is your wish, so shall it be my command.”
“Thank you.” She quickly kissed his cheek. “I shall inform Elizabeth. She will be pleased.”
Darcy watched his sister run off. “Will she?” he asked the room.
They made their way to the park early the following day. The brisk morning allowed but one thing—the walker’s expelled breaths to form visible clouds into the cold November air. The trio walked together as they entered, but the ladies were soon a few steps ahead of Darcy. He listened to their conversation, smiling at the warmth between them and amazed at the changes in his sister’s manner and outlook. His father had noticed it as well, and asked him to encourage the friendship.
“I am so happy, Elizabeth. Now I know what it is to have a sister.”
Miss Elizabeth gave her a fond smile. “My mother would welcome having you at Longbourn in the spring.”
Georgiana nodded. “I would enjoy meeting the rest of your family.”
“Yes, my younger sisters will have the parlour cleared for a family assembly. Speaking of which, did I hear Lady Catherine correctly? We are to have a dance master?”
Georgiana nodded. “I believe she is worried there might be a dance or two we do not yet know. It will aid you during the Season, and I shall stay abreast of the current trends until I come out. I-I wish to have you with me when I do.”
Stunned, Darcy bit back a smile.Georgie no longer wishes to hide away from society, he rejoiced.At least while she has Miss Elizabeth by her side.
He insinuated himself between them. “May I accompany you ladies along the Serpentine?”
“We would expect nothing less, Brother.”
An hour later, the three of them returned to Darcy House half-frozen. Cups of chocolate and warm muffins thawed the adventurers handily, and each went their separate ways. Darcy sat in his sitting room and reviewed the morning.
He had taken great pleasure in the outing with his sister and Miss Elizabeth. He had enjoyed their time together, heartened by the happiness he saw in Georgiana. The warm and growing affection that he felt for Miss Elizabeth unnerved him, yet he basked in the memory—their laughter, their conversations that flowed like water over rocks, and her hand on his arm—that made him long for another morning on the banks of the Serpentine.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
“Thomas, stay near me, dear,” called Jane. Her young cousin had a habit of running ahead of her, exhibiting his comfort at playing in the park so close to home. She shifted Felicity from her right arm to her left and lowered her to the path. “May we try walking hand-in-hand, my little girl?” Hands secured, the trio walked on as Mr Stokes closely trailed them.
“Miss…miss?” called a voice loudly from across the lane.
Turning, she saw it was the man, Mr Bingley, from the day before. Remembering how uncomfortable he had made her, Jane ignored him and continued walking.
“Cousin Jane, do you know that man?” asked Thomas.
“No, dear.” She turned to Felicity. “Ladies do not acknowledge men unknown to them. Let this be a lesson to us all.” Thomas and Felicity nodded in agreement.
Mr Bingley rapidly approached. Jane stopped and pulled the children closer to her. “Mr Stokes,” she whispered to her rear.
A moment later, Mr Bingley was face down on the ground; Mr Stokes had his arm locked behind him.
“Children, we must return home.” She picked up Felicity. “Follow me, Thomas.”
Jane heard Mr Stokes’s threats begin as she rushed the children back to Gracechurch Street.
Gardiner read the cards in his hand. The first read:
To a living angel, please grant me an audience.
