Page 120 of Colour My World
She looked down at the board. His next move was painfully obvious.
“Checkmate.”
She stared at the board. She had not played so poorly in years.
“I daresay, my dear, you have much to consider.”
Elizabeth said nothing as the storm raged without. And for the first time in her life, Elizabeth understood precisely what she had been fighting against.
She had not been jealous of Jane. She had been jealous of Mr Darcy’s attentions. She needed air.
As she stepped away, her father’s voice tapped her shoulder. “Take heed, my dear, with your next move.”
Chapter 43
Netherfield Park, the following morning…
“Inform Cook I shall take a tray this morning.”
Barty looked at him.
Is that pity on his face?
“Sir, I regret to inform you that Lady Catherine has forbidden trays for the nonce.”
“She’s what?”
“I quote,” he said, lifting his chin to where Darcy could see up into his nostrils. “Unless injured or an invalid, we shall dine as the English are meant to do. In good humour and exquisite manners.”
Darcy gaped.
“Yes, sir, the irony is, well…” Barty laid out the day’s armour. “Shall we gird up, sir?”
* * *
Darcy entered the breakfast-parlour to find... Anne.
“Good morning, Fitzwilliam.” She flicked her wrist, her hand extended just so.
Darcy kissed it. “Anne.” He filled a plate from the sideboard. “May I prepare something for you?”
“Ever the gentleman.” She sipped from her teacup.
Darcy shrugged and looked about.
She chuckled.
“May I ask what has tickled your fancy?”
“Hoping for an escape, are we?” Anne said.
Darcy smirked.
“Fear not, Cousin. Even the most artful players cannot hold the board forever.”
* * *
Later that afternoon, Hudson opened the drawing room door and gestured for Darcy. He announcedsotto voce, “Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.”
