Page 34 of The Heir and Spare
“Does he, now?” Her steps altered themselves to match her mood and resembled more of a stomp than the delicate placing of feet of most ladies.
By the time she arrived at the school door, she had quite forgotten the warm feelings toward a man who found it amusing to treat young people so.
The carriage returned just as she opened the door. It was again moving way too quickly, and a group of women scurried out of the way to avoid being trampled by the horses.
She could feel herself tightening up.
Her wave to Georgiana was briefer than before and with an air of irritation but she paused a moment for a warmer smile. It was not as though her new friend owned that carriage.
Mr. Darcy was long gone when she stepped back out onto the street. But her thoughts were not. Her sisters exited the bakery just then and waved to her.
Kitty ran toward her. “Oh Lizzie, that is the most scrumptious place. You must try nearly everything they make.”
She laughed in spite of her irritation and then linked arms with Kitty. “Must I? What is your favorite sweet?”
She tried to douse her irritation with Darcy while getting another tour of the bakery, this time from Kitty. Was there a way she could possibly avoid attending dinner hosted by a man she could not respect?
Unless she became violently ill, she was likely to be compelled to go. She could never offend those at Pemberley, particularly not when accompanying her aunt who loved this area and grew up admiring all in the house.
The best she could do was try to distract her mind with anything else until she was forced to think once again about the man.
Chapter 21
Arthur Darcy
For many miles, Darcy rode slowly toward his aunt’s home, Rosings Park, his mount restlessly trying to move faster than a slow walk, but with Darcy holding him back. Both rider and mount were unhappy with the situation. The carriage followed at whatever pace he set. Darcy did a lot of things he did not want to do. He was always putting duty before just about everything in his life. So why was this redirection to his aunt’s house in Kent such an inconvenience to him? Not just an inconvenience; he was dreading it. He pressed a thumb on the bridge of his nose. Why could his brother not simply do what he was asked? Darcy’s lip twitched. Because it was not Arthur’s place to be telling the heir of Pemberley how to behave. How many hours had he spent wishing his brother would simply take over and fulfill his responsibilities well? And now that he was wishing to be home—and hopefully taking an interest—Arthur should be celebrating.
But it didn’t feel quite like Fitz was taking it all on. He felt more like Fitz was sloughing off what seemed unpleasant to him for his brother to handle. And that was the problem. For one of the few moments in Arthur’s life, he seriously consideredgoing to Pemberley anyway. His aunt would be just fine. She had a capable steward. And last he heard, his cousin Anne was in moderately good health. He pulled up on the reins. There was quite a long list of things Darcy would rather do than his brother’s bidding at Rosings. Miss Elizabeth’s smiling mouth came into his mind unbidden. He would very much like to pay a visit to the beautiful Miss Elizabeth. He’d like to stay at his own estate. Since meeting Miss Elizabeth, he was more and more restless about Pemberley and more desirous to spend time where he would be building his own legacy, where he would be building a family, where his wife would be. Again, Miss Elizabeth overtook his thoughts. He was certainly not finished with her. He wasn’t certain he ever would be. She had overtaken his thoughts, his heart function, and had seized full control of his ability to smile.
Without bidding, his lips curled up. He shook his head. She had bewitched him. And he wasn’t certain what to do about it.
Should he turn and head to Longbourne?
He was itching to do so. His feet were about ready to urge his horse exactly there when he heard the galloping of hooves coming toward him.
Instinctively, he moved to the side but sat tall in his seat.
The rider pulled up. “I’m looking for a gentleman, Mr. Darcy.”
“You have found me.”
The man reached in his pocket to hand Arthur a note, with the Darcy family seal. “Are you awaiting a response?”
“Yes, sir, I am.” He dipped his head.
Darcy broke the seal and scanned the letter quickly. “No need to respond. I suspect I’ll ride faster than you. Take a break, man.” He reached for coins to give to the man.
He smiled. “My thanks to you then.”
“Certainly.” His brother was now summoning him back to Pemberley. He would be annoyed but instead the smile that filled his face might have cracked it. He was heading home. And from there, he could then visit Longbourne. And what was more? His brother mentioned a lady. Could it be that he was at last attempting to settle down? The fact that he’d written of tenant difficulties was encouraging. He’d never showed an interest in them before, even though they were the greatest source of the Darcy income.
He raced back in the direction of Pemberley. He’d need to head straight for the families involved. There had been flooding and a small dispute between residents as well as some family need, sickness. He’d care for them first and then find his way to a hot bath.
While he raced along the mostly deserted roads to Pemberley, the rhythm of his horse beneath him felt calming. It was the only sound he could hear, and his breathing matched every second set of feet falling on the earth. Things began to feel more clear. He would move into his own estate. He’d set up his rooms there. He would finish the renovations while living there himself. It was time to tell his brother that Pemberley was his.
Thoughts of the tenant families came immediately to mind. But Darcy nodded to himself. Fitz could take care of it. If he knew he was the only hope for someone, he would rise to the occasion. Look what happened with the Wickham situation. He had notion of Arthur’s prior involvement and took matters into his capable hands. Wickham was now shipped off to Australia. Fitz was ready.
This woman he mentioned briefly showed promise. He had said something about her not being easily swayed. That he would need to work for her good will.
