Page 56 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

“Ya see anything?” a man’s voice says, in a thick accent.

“I didn’t,” says another man. “Probably nuttin’ to worry ’bout.”

“But the mistress said someone saw a couple walking this way,” says the first man.

“It’s the watchmen,” Macey whispers in my ear, her face so close, a strand of her hair brushes against my cheek, sending tiny pinpricks down my spine.

We listen until the footsteps fade away, and then when it seems like we’re in the clear, I turn to her. “We’d better go back,” I whisper.

She nods, and carefully, I slip out the gate with her right behind me.

“Oy! You!” the voice of a man says, and I don’t even look for him. I just grab Macey by the hand.

“Run!” I say to Macey, and we take off, running toward Longbourn.

The men don’t even try to chase us, but we keep running until we get back to where Macey is staying, and we’re both out of breath by the time we get to her door. But we’re also smiling and laughing, like we can’t believe we just did that.

“Are we going to get another lecture tomorrow about romantic pursuits?” Macey asks, her voice winded.

“Probably,” I say, breathing heavily.

“Of course Lady Catherine has spies out at night,” she says.

“We’ll just have to be more careful next time,” I say, and she smiles.

The door to Longbourn opens, and Mr. Bennet pops his head out.

“Oh no, Macey, I’m so sorry,” I say, my voice low. We’ve definitely been caught now, and it’s very possible we might be sent home tomorrow.

But Macey just smiles and takes a step away from me, toward the door. “Who do you think helped me sneak out?” she says.

Mr. Bennet gives me a little head nod in response.

I shake my head, laughing to myself. “See you tomorrow, Miss Bennet.”

“Good night, Mr. Darcy.”

MACEY

A letter from Zane to Macey, Wednesday, September 18, 12:00 a.m.

My dearest Miss Bennet,

I feel it my duty to inform you that I have conducted a thorough investigation into the incident at the assembly. My findings? You were correct in your assessment: My backside is apparently irresistible. It’s a burden, but one I shall bear with great dignity (and perhaps reinforced breeches). Should the offender strike again tonight at the Netherfield ball, I trust you will defend my honor.

Yours, slightly more wary of assembly halls and probably ballrooms,

Mr. Darcy

“BEFORE WE EAT, I HAVE an announcement to make,” Mr. Bennet says, sitting at the head of the table, the rest of us gathered around.

We’re eating breakfast in the small dining area of Longbourn. It’s a cozy room with pale-yellow walls and a modest fireplace, currently lit to take the edge off the morning chill. The table is simply set, with mismatched china and a vase ofwildflowers in the center. Plates of freshly baked bread, jars of marmalade, bowls of porridge, and a platter of cold-cut meats are laid out before us.

I spent last night alone in my room, as apparently staff members stay in their own quarters, whether they’re playing a main character or not. It’s not that I wanted a stranger sharing a room with me—as nice as the woman playing Jane seems to be—it’s that it was a reminder Monroe isn’t here and is instead lying in a hospital bed.

I could picture her here, sitting next to me on the bed, bubbling with excitement as I told her everything about sneaking out with Zane and almost getting caught. The whole thing was so impulsive, which has sort of always been his MO, even when we were younger—getting us to sneak off to the community pool at night after hours, or daring Amelia and me to race shopping carts around the parking lot of Safeway.

I can’t believe he remembered the letter and brought it up. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment. Still, I felt a sort of relief as I went to bed last night, knowing it was no longer a secret between us. I just hope he never brings it up again.

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