Page 21 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I must try the tree if it will hold my weight.”
“I suspect so, but not today. You are too impeccably dressed. Your valet would bar you from ever coming again.”
“Perhaps not today. But do guide me to this wondrous tree of yours. Shall we go there now?”
“We must go just beyond the stables to find it,” Elizabeth said, indicating the direction he should take them.
Bingley Enjoys the Day by Being at Miss Bennet’s Side
“I am happy to see that you spoke truthfully when you said there are blooms even though winter approaches, Miss Bennet. You must take great enjoyment from seeing them everyday,” Bingley said as they chose a serpentine pathway through the beds.
“My sisters and I walk amongst the gardens near every day. These are late-autumn blooms Mary suggested. My garden bed has winter daffodils and snowdrops. Hers has crocus and a blooming garlic.”
“What would you do with such an expanse of gardens if you were the mistress?”
“Only if you tell me where you prefer your home to be, sir.”
“When I am in the country, I never wish to leave it, and when I am in Town, it is pretty much the same. I can be equally happy in either. But you, what would you prefer in your garden?”
“Not roses. My aunt Gardiner says they require more work than she can manage with young children. It is well that they are not my favorite. In a small London garden, like my aunt Gardiner has, or even an estate, I prefer lilacs, hydrangeas, and hibiscus. I planted cyclamen and viburnum for my winter garden, and I suppose I would do the same in the country or Town. Like you, I can be happy in equal measures where I find myself. Each have their advantages.”
Chapter 9
The Lane from Netherfield Park to Meryton
“I believe we chose a perfect afternoon to walk into Meryton. Charlotte and I have been planning this for weeks, and I am—”
Of a sudden, Miss Darcy was pale and trembling. She stopped walking and clutched Elizabeth’s hand.
“Miss Darcy, are you well?” Elizabeth asked in a hushed voice but received no answer. “Come, we will go to our aunt’s house. Her name is Mrs. Philips, and she and my uncle live just a few houses down the street.”
Jane, Charlotte, and Mary followed. Jane introduced their aunt to Miss Darcy’s acquaintance, and Elizabeth sent one of the footmen following them, at Mr. Darcy’s direction, back to Netherfield to request the carriage.
“Aunt, is there lemonade in the kitchen?” Mary asked, taking her aunt’s arm.
“There is tea. Oh, she does look pale. She must have had a fright on the street. Was it the smithy? He is to pull teeth today. Never a pleasant thing. I will get tea and those ginger biscuits I prefer when I have a megrim.” Mrs. Philips rushed away to the housekeeper and the kitchen.
“I do not think that was the cause, Lizzy,” Jane whispered.
“Do tell us what has happened, Miss Darcy. We must know the cause for your upset to determine how we might help,” Elizabeth said, sitting closest to Miss Darcy, who had yet to relinquish her hand.
“I will divert our aunt for a time.” Mary regained her seat when Miss Darcy denied the necessity.
“You need not tell us if it is of a confidential nature, Miss Darcy,” Charlotte said.
With the window open, they could hear a soldier from the regiment encamped near Meryton speaking to their friend Miss King. She was the one young lady of the area who could claim to be an heiress with a ten-thousand-pound bequest. They were on the walkway in front of the houses. When Elizabeth started to close the window, Miss Darcy halted her with another slice of her hand.
“His words of devotion and undying affection are so patently false, Miss King is sure to set him down,” Charlotte whispered.
“She will send him on his way in another moment,” Elizabeth said in complete agreement with her friend.
“Oh, Aunt, I just had a wonderful thought. Let me add some cinnamon to your tea. It will be perfect in this blend with the apple pieces,” Mary said, leading their aunt away when she had returned. “The one I am blending now with Miss Darcy has orange blossom and hibiscus. We will bring—”
Their aunt thanked Mary, their voices fading as they walked toward the kitchen.
Mary King's voice came through the window. “But to elope, George? We can wait just three weeks, then wed the day after the banns are read. It would be cruel to deny my aunt the chance to host a wedding breakfast.”
“Elope?” Jane mouthed. Elizabeth and Charlotte sat staring at one another in horror. Their focus shifted when Miss Darcy doubled over and started to wretch into her hand.
