Page 78 of The Briar Bargain
The conservatory, he decided, would serve admirably. Miss Elizabeth had not been able to see it properly when he had last found her there.
The glass-walled space was one of Netherfield's more agreeable features, filled with the exotic plants that Miss Bingley had insisted upon but never visited. The paths were dry, the temperature pleasant, and most importantly, it offered the possibility of private conversation without the impropriety of being entirely alone. If he could contrive to encounter the Miss Bennets and suggest the diversion, it might appear a spontaneous kindness rather than a calculated scheme. And perhaps he might have a chance to discover what Miss Elizabeth thought of him.
The fact that he was reduced to such machinations should have mortified him, but as he considered his strategy, it seemed entirely reasonable behaviour for a man in his situation.
Fortune smiled upon him. A short time later, as he made his way towards the main staircase, he encountered the Miss Bennets descending from the upper floor. The sight of Miss Elizabeth lifted his spirits immeasurably.
"Good day, ladies," he said, executing a proper bow. "I trust you both slept well?"
"Very well, thank you," Miss Bennet replied with her customary sweetness. "Though I confess I am eager for some exercise. The confinement, though comfortable, begins to wear upon one."
Miss Elizabeth's laugh was like music. "Jane is too polite to say so, but we are both growing rather restless. We had thought to go into the garden, but I fear the wind is too strong and biting even for me. I fear we shall soon be reduced to racing each other up and down the gallery for want of proper occupation."
The image this conjured—Miss Elizabeth running through Netherfield's halls with her skirts in one hand and her cheeks flushed with exertion—was so appealing that Darcy nearly forgot to respond. He cleared his throat, hoping his expression remained appropriately composed.
"Then perhaps I might suggest a remedy," he said, pleased that his voice remained steady. "The conservatory is warm, and I had wondered whether the two of you might find it agreeable to walk there.”
The ladies exchanged a glance, and he cleared his throat gently. “Miss Bingley rarely ventures beyond the music and drawing rooms, so you are unlikely to be interrupted."
He held his breath, waiting for their response. Miss Elizabeth tilted her head slightly, considering, and he found himself studying the graceful line of her neck and the way the morning light caught the auburn lights in her dark hair.
“Oh, I fear I must finish my letter to Mamma,” Miss Bennet said quietly. “John is riding back before midday, and you know she will worry if he does not bring her some word from us.”
“I thought you wished for a walk,” Miss Elizabeth said, sounding genuinely puzzled.
“The truth is, Lizzy, thatyouneeded one, and I thought you might require supervision,” her elder sister teased. “Now that Mr. Darcy has offered to take on that role, I find myself wishing to complete that letter.”
Miss Elizabeth made a face at her sister but then smiled. “I have already written mine to Papa. It is on the writing desk in my chamber. Would you include it with yours?”
“Of course. Enjoy your walk, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy, though he bowed with grave civility, could scarcely help marvelling that Miss Bennet understood his wishes more plainly than her sister, and, with angelic generosity, had set herself to removing every obstacle from his path.
"This is very kind, Mr. Darcy," Miss Elizabeth said when her sister was gone.
"I am pleased to offer the distraction," he replied. "Perhaps this time you will allow the gardeners to deal with the pots?”
Miss Elizabeth gave him a sly look. “I am certain I can findsomethingthat needs to be done.”
The casual way she accepted his company, as though spending time alone with him were the most natural thing in the world, thrilled him so thoroughly that he hoped it was not visible on his face.
"Shall we?" he asked, extending his arm.
She placed her hand lightly upon his sleeve, and he was grateful for the layers of fabric that prevented him from feeling her touch upon his skin. Together they walked through the passage to the conservatory, and he found himself acutely conscious of her presence beside him.
"I hope you will not find the plants too exotic for your taste," he said teasingly. "Miss Bingley has horticultural ambitions."
"I shall endeavour to contain my provincial shock," Elizabeth replied solemnly, though her eyes danced with mischief. "Though I cannot promise I shall refrain from swooning, should it all become too much."
"I shall be prepared to catch you should the need arise," he said, then immediately regretted the boldness of the remark. What had possessed him to say such a thing?
But Miss Elizabeth only laughed. "How gallant of you, Mr. Darcy. I shall do my best to swoon only where it will cause no inconvenience."
They had reached the conservatory doors, and Darcy paused to collect himself as they stepped inside. Exotic blooms in shades of orange and crimson cascaded from elevated planters, while orange and lemon trees stretched their branches wide. It was, he had to admit, rather impressive.
“It truly is beautiful,” Miss Elizabeth said beside him.
Her genuine pleasure transformed the space for him. What had seemed merely Miss Bingley’s extravagant whim now appeared as something wonderful, a small paradise hidden within the ordinary walls of an English country house. Miss Elizabeth moved from plant to plant with the enthusiasm of a child exploring a new world, asking questions about their origins and care with such sincere interest that he found himself wishing he knew more than he did.
