Page 54 of A Searing Acquaintance
Darcy, who’d spent the meal seated across from an especially dry Ted Bennet, nodded. “Grandfather Fitzwilliam was a bit eccentric. He liked odd numbers.”
“Did you play baseball?” Joe asked.
“No, I spent my youth in England playing cricket and football. Er, soccer,” he amended. At Lydia’s resulting outburst, Darcy shook his head. “No, I’ve never met Beckham.”
Ted narrowed his eyes. “No sport of kings?”
“I—”
“Polo? Ha. Darcy only rides for fun,” Charles interrupted. “He took a bad fall once. Mallet to the knee, wasn’t it?” He leaned forward and,in a stage whisper, announced to the table, “Just between us, I think horses are the only animals that don’t like him.”
“It was simply a high-strung gelding having a bad day. I ride at Netherfield.” Darcy shook his head, amused. “Oh, never mind, I should let my biographer explain.” He stood and went to the sideboard to retrieve another pitcher of lemonade for the table.
“Oh, it’s true,” Jane said. “He’s very good with animals.”
Elizabeth glanced up and noticed he was blushing as he walked back to the table. Her eyes were caught by the bandages he had on two fingers, probably from the tire-changing fiasco. His forehead sported a red bump from the cupboard door, and he had a scrape and a bruise on his knee.Oh my God. He’s a klutz.
Her attention was diverted by her father. Ted cleared his throat and took a sip of iced tea.Uh-oh.He’s in ivory tower mode.
“So, Mr. Darcy, I understand you graced our fine University of Meryton football stadium with your presence last autumn.”
“Erm, yes. Charles and I attended a game.” Darcy’s tan paled a bit.
“That’s where we met your daughters.” Charles beamed at Jane.
“And you enjoyed yourselves?”
Charles took a large bite of fruit salad and nodded. A shrug and a kiss to Jane’s cheek completed his answer.
Ted, a Cheshire cat smile gracing his lined face, stared at Darcy. “You too, Mr. Darcy? Despite all the plebeian accoutrements such as orange hats, sweatshirts, and fan paraphernalia?”
Elizabeth wanted to strangle her father. And kick herself for her loud criticism last fall of the snobby Brit who complained about American football fans.
Darcy met the older man’s eyes and gave him a crisp nod. “Despite all the years I’ve lived in America, it was my first visit to a big college football game. It was an enriching experience, especially for our happy couple here, but one that I, too, enjoyed.” He reached for his own glass and took a long sip of lemonade.
Uncle Joe came to Darcy’s rescue and asked him about a model ship he’d spotted in one of the bedrooms. Darcy explained a bit of Fitzwilliam family lore, and the two men settled into a discussion of Horatio Hornblower novels.
Elizabeth said a silent prayer of thanks for her observant, always thoughtful uncle. Growing up as the younger brother of Sylvia Gardiner had given him a thick skin and a watchful demeanor, as well as a healthy sense of humor.
“What?” Jane cried.
Elizabeth glanced at her sister, suddenly pale and wearing a horrified expression.
“I said your mother should be calling in a few minutes.” Ted looked at Elizabeth. “She wants to say hello to Jane and Charles.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth replied, her face red. She stood and began stacking dishes. “I’ll get started on these.”
Darcy entered the kitchen carrying a few empty glasses. He handed them to Elizabeth, and she gasped. “Are you bleeding?”
He looked at his fingers, and sure enough, blood was seeping out of one bandage. He pulled it off and grimaced at the red, swollen cut.
Elizabeth grasped his hand and peered at his finger. “That’s from changing the tire?”
He nodded.
“Did you put anything on it? You need some antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. Are they in the powder room?”
“Yes, Doctor Bennet.”
