Page 97 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I should leave you, but I know I find my regret only in walking away when I have not yet taken my first step, Princess Elizabeth.”
“I, too.” Elizabeth kissed him quickly, though with a greater confidence than before.
Watching Mr. Darcy reach into his coat pocket, she saw him pull out two notes. Looking at them, he showed her one that read….
If you feel regret, I apologize.
The other, he folded around her pink camellia, then held it out to her.
“I would like to bring my sister to Longbourn today.”
“Please. And do bring with you Mr. Bingley. You will find that the company of my younger sisters has improved even after these few days. They are quite determined to make better impressions on her and you both.”
“And we shall let them. I look forward to seeing you this afternoon.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, thinking how happy her sisters would be for the opportunity. As did hers increase with knowing she would see him again that same day.
“You cast a spell on me, if you recall.” Mr. Darcy winked, causing her to laugh.
“Maybe I shall never release you.”
“Be safe on your walk home. There are strangers in the shire with the encampment, and not all men are trustworthy,” Darcy said, his voice thick with concern.
“Should any think to importune me, I shall push them back with a wave of my magic wand.” Elizabeth held up her pink camellia. “I apologize. I see you are earnest in your concern.”
“Not all men in uniform are gentlemen. Be on your guard. My cousin, a colonel in the Army, could tell you there are too many tales of such instances. I never want to see you harmed,” Mr. Darcy said, resting his hand on her face as she had against his in the gardens the previous morning.
“I shall warn my sisters.” Mimicking his actions yesterday, Elizabeth turned her head to kiss the palm of his hand, then tucked his note deep into her pocket.
Together, they both turned, making their way back to their sisters.
“What is your favorite flower color?” Darcy hailed her.
“Pink is becoming my favorite.” Elizabeth tossed him a smile over her shoulder, then was lost to him in the trees.
Chapter 8
A Longbourn Kind of Day
Entering through the service entrance, Elizabeth rushed to her room, relieved to have avoided everyone. She placed the camellia in a small glass that she filled with water. Later, when it began to wilt, Elizabeth would press it between the pages of a book. Staring at it, she wondered if Jane would notice the bud. Elizabeth did not know how she might answer any questions that might then arise. Unable to resist any longer, she pulled the note from her pocket…
Thank you for another perfect memory, Princess Elizabeth
Was he presumptuous or just hopeful?Elizabeth wondered, her thoughts circling about their encounters. She had turned into quite the flirt and would be horrified if any of her sisters did the same. Still, she found regret to be impossible.
Elizabeth pressed her hands to her face to cool her blush. She knew she would give herself away if she did not think of something else,anythingother than him. Her thoughts were interrupted in quite an unexpected manner.
“I require you all in the breakfast room. Now,” Mrs. Bennet called out from beyond the door. Elizabeth’s shoulders fell. She made every attempt to cling to the wondrous feelings the morning had brought her, but they faded with the first sound of her mother’s voice filled with anger.
Walking to the breakfast room, Elizabeth saw her sisters coming from all directions. When Mrs. Bennet stared at Mr. Bennet in expectation, he bid them break their fast. He only spoke when all at his table had filled a plate. “I have reason to expect an addition to our party, one who will stay with us a month complete.”
“A month complete? Who is coming?” Mrs. Bennet asked. By her vexation, Elizabeth surmised it was not the first time their mother had posed the question.
“I want you all to make every effort in welcoming our guest,” Mr. Bennet said, his eyes sweeping all seated around the table.
“I resent your implication that a guest has come whom I have not welcomed. Tell us, Mr. Bennet, who you expect to visit. Do not keep us in suspense,” Mrs. Bennet said again.
“My heir. He comes to heal the breach in our family,” Mr. Bennet said, looking at each daughter in turn with deliberation. “He declares a hope to make amends for inheriting my estate. I believe he means to choose a wife from among your daughters, Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth is the perfect choice.”
