Page 37 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
Mr Darcy sighed good-naturedly, his gaze meeting Elizabeth’s.
The match began, with Kitty and Georgiana showing surprising enthusiasm and energy. Elizabeth stood beside Mr Darcy, her own racket in hand, the pair ready to counter their challengers.
“You had better keep up, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth quipped, her eyes twinkling. “I will not tolerate failure.”
“Fear not, Mrs Darcy,” he replied with mock solemnity. “You could hardly find a better partner.”
The shuttlecock flew over the net with a sharp smack from Georgiana’s racket. Mr Darcy lunged to meet it, sending it back in a precise, powerful stroke. Kitty scrambled to hit it, but Elizabeth leaped in, intercepting the return with a high swing that sent the birdie straight back at Kitty’s feet.
“A valiant effort, but to no avail!” Elizabeth announced triumphantly. Mr Darcy raised a brow, clearly amused by her performance.
“I believe we agreed upon teamwork,” he murmured as the game continued. “Not solo heroics.”
“I’ll thank you to stay out of my way unless absolutely necessary,” Elizabeth teased in reply.
The rally continued, with Kitty’s overenthusiastic volleys sending the shuttlecock wild on more than one occasion, while Georgiana moved with quick determination to make up for it. Mr Darcy’s precision paired comically with Elizabeth’s exuberance as they collided in their attempts to hit the same shot more than once.
“Will you leave something for me to do?” Mr Darcy asked after one such near-miss, where he had pulled back just in time to avoid Elizabeth’s dramatic swing.
“Only if I must,” she replied, with a smile. “I should not want to make you feel superfluous.”
As the match continued, Elizabeth’s foot caught on an uneven patch of ground. She stumbled awkwardly, her arms flailing as she tried to regain her balance. The effort failed, and she fell backwards onto the grass with a thud. A sharp jolt of pain caused her to gasp.
“Elizabeth!” Mr Darcy exclaimed, dropping his racket as he rushed to her side. Kneeling beside her, his brow furrowed with concern, he asked, “Are you hurt?”
Elizabeth winced, propping herself up on her elbows. “I’ll be fine,” she said, though her voice wavered. “It just… startled me.”
Mr Darcy placed a steady hand on her shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle. “Where does it hurt?” he pressed.
“My back,” she admitted reluctantly. “It’s nothing serious, if anything, I think my pride was injured more.”
He frowned but helped her sit up slowly, his arm supporting her. “You ought to be more careful,” he said softly, though there was no reprimand in his tone—only worry.
“I would never have thought that you cared so deeply for my welfare, Mr Darcy,” she teased lightly, attempting to ease his concern.
His lips twitched into a faint smile. “Of course, I do,” he said quietly. “Now, sit for a moment before you attempt to get up. There is no need to rush.”
By now, the others had gathered nearby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and worry. Mary’s voice rose above the rest. “Elizabeth, are you truly unhurt?”
Elizabeth waved a hand dismissively, already feeling the sharp pain ebbing. “I am perfectly fine, I assure you.”
Mr Darcy gave her a sceptical look but said nothing as he continued to hover protectively by her side. After a few moments, he extended a hand. “Allow me to help you up.”
She took his hand, warmth blooming in her chest as he pulled her to her feet with surprising ease. “I suppose that concludes the game,” she said, brushing the grass from her skirt.
Mr Darcy’s eyes met hers, a mixture of relief and amusement. “Perhaps it is for the best. I should hate to see you injure yourself again trying to impress us all with your daring leaps.”
Elizabeth laughed, the sound carrying over the lawn. “And here I thought you appreciated my solo heroics.”
“Always,” Mr Darcy said with a small smile, offering his arm to lead her back to the others. “But even the most daring heroine requires a moment of rest.”
The group dissolved into chatter as the tension dissipated, and soon they were laughing again, enjoying the waning hours of the summer day. However, Mary suddenly grew quiet.
“Whose carriage is this?” she asked.
Elizabeth looked up and along with her sisters, fell into a collection expression of puzzlement. The carriage was familiar but she could not recall where last she’d seen it. However, when she glanced at Mr Darcy it was clear that he knew it perfectly well. And whoever was contained therein, had to someone he did not wish to see.
Chapter 21
