Page 20 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“We must. I am in great anticipation of hearing about the time you rode the horse your father said you should not.”
“And you will tell me of the time you jumped off the roof into the snow when your father said you should not.”
“Then we must make time to discuss favorite dishes, so we cannot get lost in our stories, Mr. Darcy. My mother would never forgive me if I did not inquire, should you ever come to dinner at Longbourn.”
“Were your mother to extend an invitation, I would very much enjoy the occasion. We might then continue speaking on any number of topics, Miss Elizabeth.”
Bingley and Miss Bennet Stroll Through the Gardens of Netherfield Park
“Miss Bennet, I cannot tell you how pleasant today was for me.”
“Miss Darcy is a wonderful hostess. And it was very thoughtful of you and Mr. Darcy to come sit with us during our tea, Mr. Bingley.”
“I admit I am glad you are particular friends of Ana and Miss Lucas. Thank you for agreeing to walk out with me. It is too perfect a day to be indoors the whole visit.”
“It is lovely. We have had a warmer autumn than usual. The trees have not yet lost all of their leaves, and the colors are like a painting.”
“A painting? Are you an artist then? Tell me a little of yourself, Miss Bennet. Do you enjoy painting tables, or do you favor drawing?”
“Of those two choices, I prefer drawing, but I take a greater pleasure from making samplers and caring for the gardens with my sister Mary. It may not be through the same activities, but my sisters and I all take our greatest pleasure while out in nature’s environs.”
“I shall ask to walk in the gardens at Longbourn the next time Darcy and I visit.”
“It is less colorful now than it was even two weeks ago, but there are blooms every season.”
“I want to know whatyouwould prefer in your gardens, Miss Bennet?”
“In turn, you will tell me what hopes you hold, sir. Learning about a woman’s garden design is akin to learning about what a gentleman would like to plant in the fields or to shepherd on them.”
“Would it surprise you, Miss Bennet, if I said I prefer running my father’s business and have no wish to purchase an estate just now? Would that make you think less of me?”
“Not at all. My dearest uncle Gardiner has warehouses.”
“I am very well acquainted with your uncle. My business makes treasure boxes. Ana displayed one yesterday at tea.”
“Oh, yes, they are very beautiful. My uncle is selective about those he does business with.”
“He is an excellent gentleman. Darcy and I have great respect for him. In my opinion, he is an impeccable connection, Miss Bennet.”
“And in my opinion, the world is a more interesting place with these treasure boxes, Mr. Bingley. The ones I have seen at Uncle’s Emporium are fascinating.”
“Tell me, Miss Bennet, would you object to living a greater portion of your life in Town?”
Weeks Later, Elizabeth Walks in the Gardens at Longbourn with Mr. Darcy
“Thank you for bringing your sister and joining us today, Mr. Darcy. She intends to spend the afternoon with Charlotte and Mary in the stillroom.”
“I worried it would be overwhelming, but Ana has learned much from your sister and friend these last weeks. She spends a great deal of time in our gardens, but I never gave her a plot to make her own. I shall do so that I can one day claim her aunt designed it when I walk with my daughter amongst the beds.”
“What a lovely idea. Mother gave us each a small area to plant our favorite flowers or, in Mary’s case, a garden bed for her flowers and herbs. I gave mine to her when hers was overfull. I still tend the part with my favorite blooms, but she has a particular love of working in the stillroom. I cannot pretend to equal her fervor, so I am glad to help her grow stores. I findmyself always thinking of the book that remains unread, so we are both happier for the arrangement.”
Darcy patted her hand in the crook of his arm and said, “That would make it difficult to attend to other things. I regret some mornings when I must consider the planting to come, in particular when the snow is thigh-deep. But being prepared makes an easier spring for myself and the tenants alike.”
“Our last time on Oakham Mount, we discussed our parents, poetry, and pets. What shall we talk of today, sir?” Elizabeth tapped her gloved finger to her lips as if in thought. “It is your turn to choose the topics.”
“I should like to see your favorite places and where your memories of youthful adventures occurred here at Longbourn. I can think of no better time to learn of them.”
“I would be glad to, Mr. Darcy, but you must not judge when I show you my favorite tree to climb or my favorite alcove to hide in when I read.”
