Page 45 of Attempted Compromises
“Please give him my regards. He is a charming young lad.”
His gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes searching hers, before Mr. Collins pushed forward, his excitement barely contained. “Mr. Darcy!” he exclaimed, his voice nearly trembling. “What an honor to meet you at last, sir! I am WilliamCollins, the rector of Hunsford. I must express my deepest gratitude for the living you have graciously bestowed upon me.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion, though he replied with measured courtesy. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Collins, though I believe the living at Hunsford was granted by my aunt while she was still managing the estate; I myself had little to do with it.”
Mr. Collins’ chest swelled visibly. “I consider it my sacred duty to uphold the high standards set by Lady Catherine. And, of course, I am deeply honored to serve under the patronage of such an illustrious family.”
Blinking, Darcy took a step backwards from the man, overwhelmed by his effusiveness. “I trust you are settling in well?” he asked neutrally, though Elizabeth thought she detected a flicker of impatience.
“Indeed, sir!” Mr. Collins replied , bowing deeply again with effusive enthusiasm. “I am most humbled to serve under the auspices of such a noble family. Your reputation, sir, is unparalleled, and I am delighted to assure you of my utmost dedication. Your aunt has…”
Mr. Collins, oblivious, continued to expound upon his gratitude for the living and his admiration for Darcy’s management of Rosings Park. Lydia and Kitty, meanwhile, grew restless.
“Oh, let us not stand here all day!” Lydia cried. “I must have some new ribbons, and Kitty says she’s seen the prettiest bonnets.”
Elizabeth sighed, but before she could respond, Bingley turned to Jane. “I hope you will allow me the pleasure of seeing you again soon,” he said earnestly. “Perhaps at Mrs. Phillips’s card party tomorrow evening?”
Jane inclined her head. “That would be lovely.”
Elizabeth’s gaze shifted to Darcy. “And will your sister be joining you, Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy hesitated, his expression tightening slightly. “Georgiana has not yet been introduced to society.”
Elizabeth nodded, her tone gentle. “I understand. But I assure you, Mrs. Phillips’s gatherings are small and intimate—more of a family affair than a grand social event. I believe Miss Darcy might enjoy the company.”
Darcy studied her for a moment, his eyes searching hers as though weighing her sincerity. At last, he inclined his head. “If she wishes to attend, I will permit it.”
With the plan settled, the group began to disperse. As Elizabeth turned toward the shops with her sisters, she found herself smiling. All thoughts of the odd interaction with the new officer had vanished from her mind when she saw Darcy riding towards them. There had been something undeniably striking in his bearing, something that made her heart leap unexpectedly.
Could I be developing feelings for him?she wondered. Her rapid pulse refused to be ignored, a sensation that was equal parts unsettling and exhilarating.Is this… could this be the beginnings of love?
She glanced back as he and Mr. Bingley mounted their horses once more, their figures framed against the autumn sky. Darcy’s expression remained composed, but there was a gentleness in his gaze when it flickered toward her. A small smile played at her lips as she followed her sisters into the shop, tuning out Mr. Collins’s chatter.
Chapter 12
Caroline Bingley sat in the carriage, seething with rage. How dare they! She nearly screeched aloud, watching the exchange with her brother, Darcy, and the Bennet chits. How could everything go so wrong?
The morning had begun with so much promise. She had been attempting to write a letter— something she never did— in an attempt to impress Darcy whilst in the the library. Instead, all she managed to do was ruin the sleeve of her dress.
She stared down at her arm in fury, scowling at the black mark on her favorite dress, a divine burnt-orange creation. The delicate French lace that had cost a fortune in London was complete ruined.
If only my maid weren’t such a stupid creature.
Caroline had attempted to send the girl into Meryton to fetch some lace to make repairs, but the simple-minded girl didn’t know the difference between tangerine and apricot. Thus Caroline had resigned herself to journeying into the backwater hamlet to personally oversee the purchase.
Bingley and Darcy had offered to escort her, which thrilled her until she realized their intent was to leave her in Meryton and continue on to Longbourn to inquire after the insipid eldest Bennet girl. Once in the village, however, she was quickly abandoned as the very girls she had hoped to avoid were directly in the road.
One of the officers standing with the Bennets had stared at her brother and Darcy, turned pale, and then hastily left the group. “Interesting,” Miss Bingley mused aloud as she watched the scene play out before her.
She watched helplessly as she saw Darcy’s eyes fix on Miss Elizabeth. He dismounted and engaged the impertinent chit in conversation, causing Caroline to nearly tear out her hair in frustration. By the time she had composed herself, the party had disbanded, and Darcy and her brother were nowhere in sight.
Descending from her coach and entering the shop, Caroline sniffed disdain.This is a far cry from the high standards of London.
She made her purchase and left the shop, nearly crashing head-first into the same officer who had practically run from Darcy and Bingley. “Oh!” she exclaimed, dropping her parcel as she stepped back to avoid a near collision.
“My apologies!” The handsome soldier in regimentals dipped a low bow with a flourish, his eyes raking down her body as his head descended. She would have been offended, were she not so flattered. He spied the dropped bundle and smoothly picked it up, handing it to her.
“Thank you, Mr….” Miss Bingley’s voice trailed off.
