Page 62 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said when he caught sight of her sitting on an impressive rock jutting from the small hill.
“And a good morning to you, Mr. Darcy. Do you also make a habit of rising with the sun?” Miss Elizabeth welcomed him, moving to put her bonnet back on.
“I do, in fact. Might I join you on this throne of stone carved for you by your forest trolls?” Darcy waited until she acknowledged him, then began the short climb, facing the brightening horizon. “Please do not put your bonnet on if you prefer to have it off. No one is here to complain to your mother. I would never wish to suspend any pleasure of yours.”
“Then I am even more willing to share with you this throne of mine made of stone, as you claim it to be.”
“You are too gracious.”
Miss Elizabeth filled her lungs before exhaling with the same measured pace. When he followed her example, her lips twitched as if to repress a laugh.
“I follow well-timed advice received from Charlotte on the night of the assembly. You, however, are staring, Mr. Darcy.”
“I attempt to divine your thoughts.”
“Given such unlikelihood, I rather think you are counting my faults though you encouraged me to break propriety and eschew my bonnet.”
“I spoke true. I am not one to struggle against the impossible, Miss Elizabeth. From where I stand, I see no faults in you and suspect trying to find one an exercise in futility.”
“I have faults aplenty, sir.”
“I disagree. You welcomed my company and do not require anything more of me than friendship.”
“I do not recall allowing you an opportunity to deny our being friends, Mr. Darcy, so why suggest we might not have been?”
Surprising himself, Darcy’s laugh filled the air. He could discern not even a twitch in Miss Elizabeth’s expression but hoped she knew a mighty struggle to maintain her air of expectation. If she were not, this would count amongst the ways he, who some called unflappable, was outdone by her.
Darcy saw that she kept her eyes closed as if she had done this often. The sun’s rays bathed her face in a golden light, illuminating her with such glory.
“I once wondered what one might observe were they to find me enjoying the start of the day soon after sunrise at Pemberley,” Darcy murmured.
“Perhaps one day I might have opportunity to see it,” Miss Elizabeth said when she opened her eyes.
“Do you know what your father intends to speak with me about?”
“No, sir.”
“I am happy to talk with him. I can speak with him later this morning before you come to Netherfield.
“Whatever will our neighbors think of your visiting Longbourn on the second and third days after the assembly?”
“Hmm, I shall also come tomorrow, so we can be certain to make them wonder. Then, I shall declare to one and all I have never enjoyed such company as can be found there.”
“You would notdare. It would cause some to speculate—oh, you are jesting,” Miss Elizabeth said, laughing.
“I am certain I heard the great Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, a man worth ten thousand a year, to be above that sort of thing. But William Darcy, friend to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire? He might be known to jest with those ladies he holds in esteem.”
“I would quite fear that Fitzwilliam Darcy fellow. I am, however, very glad to claim William Darcy, the excellent brother of Miss Darcy, as a friend.”
“I shall send the coach for those who can come for the luncheon Miss Bingley has arranged in two days. Bingley intends to send his to Lucas Lodge. Then we shall just keep you all the rest of the afternoon. Might I see you part of the way back to the door?”
“You may. But your perfect plan can begin in just five more minutes. Thank you for accepting the request to speak with our father.”
“I will send a note to your father asking for a convenient time to visit tomorrow. Whatever he hopes to speak of, I think, it cannot be half so interesting compared to that which ladies discuss when gathered in your drawing rooms.”
“Why, sir, did you not know that the only topic we speak of with any enthusiasm is the gentlemen of our acquaintance? If you find conjecturing about other men interesting, please do join us.”
Darcy was incapable of doing anything but rewarding her impertinence with a laugh, contented with how the day had begun. He enjoyed her company; her conversation was easier than any other young lady of his acquaintance, save his sister.
