Page 65 of Colour My World
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. “Eliza does have rather strong opinions on the matter of music. Perhaps you might attempt to sway her with your own.”
“I would not presume to change Miss Elizabeth’s mind. I merely wish to know it.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth, but nothing came. Her wit, her certainty, all stalled by his candour. Mr Darcy bowed and walked off.
Charlotte leant in. “It seems you have caught Mr Darcy’s attention after all.”
Chapter 22
Road to Meryton, two days later...
Longbourn Pond stretched before her, the surface smooth as glass, save for the rippling reflection of a great oak tree leaning from the raised bank at the north end. Its shadow sprawled across the water, each leaf rendered with exacting detail in the soft play of light and dark.
Elizabeth stood in front of Kitty’s current landscape. She traced the line where the mirrored branches met the ripple.
“Was that caused by a fish?”
Kitty nodded. “It was. You have an eye for colour, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth kissed her temple.As if I could see aught else.
“Elizabeth, dear.”
“Yes, Mama?”
“Would you mind visiting your Aunt Philips? She was rather put out when Mr Philip’s return from Town was delayed once again. It would be a kindness.”
“Of course, Mama.”
Elizabeth asked Kitty, “Will you join me?”
“I would be delighted.”
* * *
Elizabeth and Kitty held hands and skipped every four or five steps—a childhood echo of garden play outside the nursery. They giggled as their muslin skirts slapped against their legs.
For one hour, propriety could be cast off like an old shawl.
The road, rutted from recent rains, bore the deep grooves of carriage wheels, perfect for a hop, skip, and a jump. They stepped carefully to avoid the muddier patches.
As they rounded a bend, they encountered two men. One mandressed in livery stood beside a chestnut horse, bridle in one hand, the other stroking its neck. The second crouched at the foreleg, focused on a hoof.
A second horse stood tethered to a low branch—a striking beast, tall and dark, with a glossy coat like midnight glass. Its eyes, deep and intelligent, turned towards them. It looked directly at Elizabeth—and nodded once.
She smiled, delighted.If this magnificent creature had an aire, his would be glorious.
“It appears Mercury here has picked up a stone.”That was Mr Darcy’s voice!
“Sir, you need not trouble yourself—”
“Hold him steady,” Mr Darcy interrupted. With a final flick of his blade, a stone flew through the air and bounced at Kitty’s feet.
Kitty giggled.
Mr Darcy rose. “Miss Elizabeth.” He looked at Kitty, too, and raised his eyebrows.
“Mr Darcy. This is my sister Catherine.” She rarely used the name, but it seemed to suit the moment.
