Page 44 of The Briar Bargain
Elizabeth’s gaze drifted once more to Mr. Darcy, who was listening to Mr. Hurst compliment the temperature of the sausages on the warming tray. She looked down at her plate, suddenly uncomfortable with the direction of her own observations.
The man had told her quite plainly that he wished to be her friend and that was all. His attentions, such as they were, could be understood as part of that declared friendship. And if he was also looking after Jane's comfort with equal care, then perhaps it was simply what one might expect from a gentleman who was serious about his responsibilities to ladies who were guests in the house, even when the hosting was technically his friend's obligation.
Well, it was Miss Bingley’s obligation, truth be told, but they all knew how assiduously she attended to it.
Elizabeth found herself reviewing her recent interactions with Mr. Darcy. Perhaps he had been more solicitous than a gentleman might normally be. But no, surely she was imagining significance where none existed. Suchspeculation was idle and, more importantly, potentially dangerous to her peace of mind.
Not unlike her dream about the white shirt and Mr. Darcy being without it. She closed her eyes briefly before training them on her plate.
There was still no sign of Mr. Bingley. She believed his absence was due to matters relating to the tenant cottages and the flood damage, though perhaps he also desired to avoid the increasingly strained atmosphere that seemed to pervade meals when his sister was present. For Jane's sake, Elizabeth found herself hoping that his attentions to these practical matters would not diminish his regard for more personal concerns.
"Miss Elizabeth," Mrs. Hurst said suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet conversation and the gentle clink of china, "you appear remarkably well this morning. I do hope your walk was not too taxing after your recent . . . accident."
Elizabeth offered a carefully measured smile. "Not at all, I thank you. A little sunshine was precisely what I required."
Elizabeth had just taken a bite of her perfectly prepared toast when Mr. Darcy spoke again.
"Bingley has mentioned that if the weather continues fair, the groundsmen hope to finish applying fresh gravel to the east path by mid-afternoon. It should provide safe footing for a longer constitutional tomorrow, should you be inclined to venture further afield."
Elizabeth met his gaze. "That would be marvellous,” she said, and she meant it. “Thank you for informing us, Mr. Darcy."
"It is kind of you to think of us, Mr. Darcy," Jane said warmly.
The remainder of breakfast passed without further incident. Miss Bingley excused herself early, citing correspondence that required her immediate attention even though no post could be sent yet. Mrs. Hurst lingered only a few minutes longer before following her sister's example, and Mr.Hurst wandered off in apparent pursuit of something stronger than coffee to accompany his newspaper.
Mr. Darcy rose when the other guests departed, but rather than taking his leave as Elizabeth had expected, he moved to the window, apparently absorbed in observing something in the grounds beyond. His profile was thrown into sharp relief by the morning light, and Elizabeth found herself noting the broad set of his shoulders and the way the sunlight made some strands of his dark hair appear almost blue.
Eventually, he turned from the window and made his way to the door. He paused as he passed their table, offering a slight bow.
"I hope you will both enjoy the remainder of such a fine morning," he said formally. "Should you require anything for your comfort, please do not hesitate to inform Mrs. Nicholls."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," Jane replied warmly. "You are most thoughtful."
Elizabeth managed what she hoped was an appropriately gracious smile. "Indeed. Your consideration is much appreciated."
He inclined his head once more and departed, leaving the sisters alone in the sunny breakfast room.
Elizabeth waited until his footsteps had faded before turning to her sister with an expression of amused bewilderment. "Is it not curious how Mr. Darcy has taken it upon himself to act as our hostess? One might almost think Miss Bingley had abdicated the role."
Jane's lips curved in a gentle smile. "You must admit he fulfils the position far more handsomely than most hostesses could manage."
She laughed despite herself. "Jane!”
"Have I said anything untrue?" Jane asked with a smile.
Elizabeth and Jane remained at the table for a few more minutes, savouring the last of their breakfast in the comfortable quiet that had descended upon the room.
"I would say that this was a remarkably subdued meal," Jane said.
Glancing at the windows where Mr. Darcy had stood, Elizabeth nodded. "Unnervingly so, I would say."
"I wonder whether something has happened," Jane mused, following Elizabeth's gaze. "Miss Bingley seemed quite unlike herself."
"You are quite right," Elizabeth agreed, though she kept her voice equally low. "But it is difficult to imagine what could have unsettled her so thoroughly.” She glanced at Jane and arched a single brow. “Perhaps her brother has finally expressed some definitive opinion she cannot care for."
Jane hesitated, then quietly changed the topic. "Lizzy, do you not think Mr. Darcy has been remarkably attentive of late?"
Something fluttered uncomfortably in Elizabeth’s chest. "To you, certainly. But that is only natural, given his friendship with Mr. Bingley. It stands to reason that he would concern himself with your comfort and well-being."
