Page 52 of The Cherry Trees of Rosings
Not even a wish to maintain a connection—of any kind—with her or her family.
Elizabeth discreetly slipped out of the parlour so as not to draw her mother’s attention. She did not wish to partake in the foolish celebrations.
She could not bear it.
The next day, Elizabeth left early for her morning walk and decided to climb to the top of Oakham Mount.
She was struggling to stifle the feelings that the news yesterday had brought out of her. She wished to stuff them back in her heart and lock them tight.
…perhaps the perspective from the top of the hill would help her regain her equanimity.
And so, there she was.
At the top of Oakham Mount.
Minding her own business. Gazing at the cotton clouds drifting over the pasture lands. Wondering when spring would finally breeze into Hertfordshire…
…when she heard the distinct sound of boots climbing up the inclination somewhere behind her.
Elizabeth turned.
And froze.
“Miss Bennet?”
It was Mr. Darcy.
He raised his top hat in a smart bow. A greeting. There was a small smile on his lips. Partly hesitant. Partly warm.
Elizabeth turned away instantly and squeezed her eyes shut. Her heart pounded.
“This cannot be real…” she whispered to herself, trying hard to compose herself.
“Miss Bennet?”
But there was that sound again!
Him calling her name. And it was closer.
Sudden fury scorched through Elizabeth’s veins.She turned around to find Mr. Darcy standing only a few feet away from her.
“Why am I seeing you?” she asked sharply.
Her heart twisted in her chest as she searched his face. He paled.
“I… had hoped…”
“No, stop this!”
Elizabeth turned away once more and fixed her gaze on the distant church steeple and the herd of sheep grazing on a field. “I cannot bear it…” The little white dots shifted and moved over the green.
“If I have done something wrong…”
She whirled around again. “The only thing you have done, Mr. Darcy, is utterly ruin my sanity!”
Then she strode straight at him, glaring her displeasure and…
…collided with a hard body!
