Page 31 of Attempted Compromises
The evening had unfolded in ways he had not anticipated, and as he watched his sister’s fingers glide over the keys, Darcy allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. For once, the company—and the unexpected conversations—had been more than tolerable; they had been quietly extraordinary.
Chapter 9
The third day of Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield passed much the same as the second, only this time she was encouraged by Jane and Georgiana to go for a walk in the shrubbery.
“You must be greatly missing your daily constitutional, Lizzy,” Jane said in a slightly hoarse voice the next morning. “My fever is gone, and I have dear Miss Darcy and a maid here with me. I shall be quite well for half an hour.”
“I swear that if anything amiss occurs, I will send a maid for Mrs. Annesley and you immediately,” Georgiana promised.
The young girl’s companion had visited earlier that morning, and her motherly nature was in stark contrast to Mrs. Bennet’s visit. Mrs. Annesley had nursed her late husband through many an illness, she said, and would be happy to be of any assistance if requested.
“Go, Lizzy,” Jane urged. “Else you will be much too cross for me to wish to be in your company this afternoon.” She softened her teasing with a gentle smile.
Georgiana’s eyes widened, but Elizabeth laughed and agreed, collecting her bonnet and cloak before heading down the stairs and outside. The air was unseasonably warm, and the golden sunlight filtering through the trees made her surroundings feel inviting. The shrubbery paths were well-kept and offered an ideal setting for clearing her mind.
Elizabeth turned a corner and caught sight of Andrew Darcy, accompanied by a young woman she surmised to be his nurse holding a small basket. Andrew toddled ahead of her, clutching a toy horse in one hand. His laughter rang out as he bent down to examine a patch of flowers.
“Good morning,” Elizabeth greeted with a smile. “It’s lovely to see Master Andrew enjoying himself in the warm air.”
The girl looked up from her charge, startled, then relaxed when she saw Elizabeth. “Yes, it is, miss.”
“My name is Elizabeth Bennet. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure?”
Rebecca bobbed a curtsy. “My name is Rebecca; I’m the boy’s nanny.”
“He seems much happier than the last time we encountered one another,” Elizabeth remarked. “He was quite upset when I came across him.”
Rebecca shivered slightly. “Yes, that was horrible. Thankfully, young ones recover quickly, and the fine weather has done wonders for him. He’s been much less fretful today.”
Elizabeth crouched down to Andrew’s level, her expression warm. “And how are you, Master Andrew? Do you enjoy being outside?”
Andrew looked up at her, his wide eyes curious. He nodded shyly, holding up his toy horse.
“What a fine horse you have,” Elizabeth said with an approving nod. “Does he have a name?”
Andrew considered for a moment before mumbling, “Tom.”
“A very good name,” Elizabeth said with a laugh, holding out a hand. Slowly, he stepped toward her, placing the horse in her hand.
“Oh, he is quite handsome. Now tell me, does he say,moo?” Elizabeth asked, her face serious.
Andrew shook his head solemnly. “Oh dear,” Elizabeth continued. “Perhaps he says,baa?”
A small grin began to form on his lips, and he shook his head again.
“Well, I’m not good at this. Let’s see.” Elizabeth paused and tapped a finger to her chin. “I’ve got it,” she cried triumphantly. “He says,cluck cluck.”
The boy let out a giggle and shook his head fervently.
“Well, then I give up,” Elizabeth exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. “What does he say?”
“Neigh!”
“Oh, that’s right.” Elizabeth handed the horse back to Andrew and clapped her hands. “What a smart young man you are.”
Andrew beamed and neighed again, making the horse gallop through the air. Rebecca’s smile was wide as she watched the exchange. “He doesn’t warm to many so quickly, Miss Elizabeth. You’ve a gift with children.”
“We’re old friends,” Elizabeth said reassuringly. “Aren’t we Andrew?”
