Page 58 of The Heroic Mr Darcy's Bad Manners
“Not entirely on his own,” the viscount refuted. “I suppose you had something to do with it, Darcy? Do not try to deny it because I recognise your footmen.”
“I have no wish to deny it,” Mr Darcy stated firmly. “I have simply provided what my cousin wished.”
With all eyes on Mr Darcy, the colonel used the gentlemen’s distraction to hand Jane into the first sleigh and secure a seat beside her.
“We had better take a seat close to Lady Jane,” the viscount prompted Mr Bingley.
That spurred the other gentleman to haul himself into the second sleigh, and the viscount quickly followed. Which left Elizabeth and Mr Darcy with no choice but to share the third.
The gentleman pulled back the blankets and handed Elizabeth into the sleigh. She was happy to find heated bricks to tuck under her cold feet and sheepskin on the seat. She clandestinely regarded Mr Darcy whilst he seated himself. She could detect no vexation in his expression. His lips curled into a ghost of a smile that belied any regrets at being deprived of Jane’s company. Quite the contrary, his countenance was one of marked pleasure. It made her believe that he thought better of her than he had done in Hertfordshire, which in turn sent a frisson down her spine.He is solicitous because you are now a lady, she reminded herself.
“I did not know the colonel was such a romantic,” Elizabeth remarked to distract herself while Mr Darcy tucked the blankets firmly around them. He was particularly diligent in securing her blanket; no draught could be felt when he was finished, and the warmth of the fur relieved the tension in her taut muscles.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam certainly is a romantic at heart, though he is not prone to ridiculous displays.” Mr Darcy, quite unnecessarily, defended his cousin when he was satisfied with her comfort.
“Would you deem this a ridiculous display?” she enquired incredulously.
“No, you misunderstand me. He would never act to embarrass or injure but would gladly provide those small gestures that ladies enjoy. In that I have much to learn,” he admitted with chagrin. “See.” He nodded almost imperceptibly towards the colonel and Jane. Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled a pair of hairpins decorated with a single pink flower from his pocket. He offered them to Jane, who secured the ringlets framing her face to prohibit any loose strands from ending up in her food. If you stretched your imagination, the flowers on the pins resembled peonies. The colonel was nothing but thorough, it would seem…
The footmen served them wine before they were offered an assortment of cold meat, bread, cheese, and pies.
“You look particularly well today, Lady Elizabeth. Is that a new riding habit?”
Elizabeth almost choked on a piece of cheese.
“Yes, it is. Thank you!” She regarded him quizzically because his speech sounded rehearsed and his compliment was baffling.
Mr Darcy inhaled and opened his mouth as if to speak. She looked at him expectantly, but no words left his lips. He simply stared at her, and at such close proximity the familiar tug of his allure provoked her to turn her gaze towards the park. Fortunately, the servants had left a wall in the tent open to allow the guests the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view. The canal was covered with ice skaters, which provided amusing entertainment to those who observed them.
“The frost-covered trees are so beautiful,” she remarked in awe. “I adore how they sparkle in the sun. Everything becomes so light and bright it almost scorches your eyes.”
Mr Darcy swallowed audibly and nodded. Mr Bingley complained about not feeling his toes, to which the viscount added his loud agreement. Jane offered the gentlemen her heated bricks, but the men at least had the sense to decline her generous offer.
“Lady Jane, unfortunately, business will keep me occupied and deny me your lovely company for a most insufferable week, but I would be delighted if you would go for a ride with me on Saturday next?” Mr Bingley asked.
“We should all go,” the viscount interjected.
“My phaeton only seats two.” Mr Bingley smiled. “You may follow in your own conveyance. Lady Jane and I formed an acquaintance when I leased the neighbouring estate to Longbourn last autumn, and business has kept us apart for far too long. We have much to talk about since last we were in each other’s company, at my ball on the twenty-sixth of November.”
It was a clear warning that he wanted Jane for himself, and even Viscount Crawford saw the futility of his endeavour. He conceded the day in Bingley’s favour but not without a jab at the gentleman.
“Business often keeps you occupied, I presume.” The viscount’s smile looked more dangerous than pleasant. “Although I have had the pleasure of seeing you at several social events, and most interestingly at the theatre with the most questionable company.”
Mr Bingley’s face reddened, and he scowled at the viscount, who did not appear the least perturbed.
“I was the Duke of Argyll’s particular guest. Besides, I cannot be expected to seclude myself like a hermit in the evenings, even if business occupies my days.”
“Of course not, but—”
“Crawford!” the colonel roared, and that gentleman wisely closed his mouth.
The viscount looked sheepishly at Jane. “Do not concern yourself, Brother. I would never mention such debauchery in the presence of a lady.”
You just did,Elizabeth thought. But it was a comfort to see Mr Darcy’s glare directed at someone else for a change.
“Crawford! A word if you please. In private.”
The viscount nodded, and it looked as though he had realised his mistake. “May I suggest that we return to our horses? It is becoming rather cold, and I am concerned about the ladies’ comfort.”
