Darcy studied his brother for a second, then nodded. “I agree.”
Theo blinked. “You do?”
“Yes, within reason. The doctor says you have sustained a sprain, nothing more. It is well strapped and with a cane you should be able to take to the Park for a short duration.”
“Capital!” said the Colonel, getting to his feet to replenish his cup.
Darcy walked over to one of the windows and stared out over the parkland. It was a beautiful spring morning with the return of a weak sun spilling soft rays from a pale blue sky. Would Elizabeth be out, thankful to be released from the confines of the parsonage? How he wished he could walk down towards Hunsford in hope of meeting her—but to what end? Had he not finally owned she did not find his company a pleasure? That was saved for his brother and his cousin.
“I will attend Theo if you have business with our aunt, Darce.” He looked over his shoulder, and the Colonel shrugged. “I know she made it plain earlier your presence is required this morning.
“The Devil may take Aunt Catherine on such a day as this! I would like to join you.”
Theo failed to conceal his surprise at this, but Darcy chose to ignore it. He was steadfast in his intent to attend more to his brother—whether he welcomed the attention or not. His conscience tried to whisper it was merely a distraction, but he firmly silenced it.
“Fine by me! The more the merrier!” said the Colonel as he retook his seat.
Darcy walked back across the room towards the door. “I must speak to Farrell before we go.”
“As you wish. So—how is our aunt’s Steward faring? His continued presence implies he has mastered the art of pleasing her.”
“Indeed.” Darcy glanced at the clock on the mantel. “There is a pheasant shoot about to start, and he will be in demand, so I must not delay. Shall we meet by the East Front in a half hour?”
The Colonel smirked at Theo. “Perfect. We shall send Hastings to inform Aunt Catherine once we are safely out the door. At his tortuous pace, it should give us ample time to make good our escape!
Darcy took his leave, but barely had the Colonel raised his cup to drain it when the door swung open once more and Anne de Bourgh entered. She walked swiftly—that in itself sufficient for both men to exchange a satisfied glance—but there was also something different about her appearance. He had pondered upon it in the morning room, and the Colonel was damned yet if he could discern what it was.
“You look well this morning, Cousin.” Theo stood and waved her into a chair, but she shook her head and walked instead over to the same window that Darcy had recently vacated.
“I shall not linger—I am merely come to ask about Darcy.”
Theo frowned as the Colonel got to his feet. “What of him?”
Anne turned to face them, a smile playing about her lips. Before she could speak, however, Theo pointed at her. “Your hair is different.”
Raising a self-conscious hand to her tumbling dark tresses, Anne’s cheeks filled with color. “Yes—Georgiana’s maid has been instructing mine.” Her hand dropped to her side and she met their gaze warily. “Do you find me foolish?”
The Colonel smiled. “On the contrary, my dear. It is very becoming.”
Theo rolled his eyes. “Yes. It is very shiny and has curls. Now, about Darcy?”
“I have just come from Georgiana—she told me of your plan regarding Miss Bennet. I wish to help but I cannot see what is to be done.”
“Hah!” The Colonel laughed. “And did Georgie confide in you willingly?”
Anne looked a little culpable. “I can be persuasive when I wish.”
Shaking his head, the Colonel placed his empty cup on the table. “Yes—or rather, you can be your mother’s daughter when it suits you!”
There was silence for a moment, and Theo, keen to be in the fresh air, turned for the door, but a sudden exclamation from Anne drew his attention. “Oh, oh, oh!!!”
“What is it?” The Colonel hurried to her side. “Are you relapsing?”
Anne threw him an exasperated look. “No, you dunderhead! I have been struck by a notion!”
Theo walked over to join them, testing his ankle warily. “The first in a good while, I fancy, from your excitement!”
Anne nodded, her eyes sparkling in a way neither gentleman could recall ever having seen before—or at least not since she was a child. “I have the perfect plan!”
The Colonel stared at her. “You do?”
“Yes! But I cannot tell you—not yet.” She clapped her hands together. “Oh this will be such fun!”
This interference in Darcy’s affairs, much as he wished to see his brother happily settled, did not sit well with Theo. “I do not see how more schemes and stratagems will help matters.”
Anne smiled. “You should have more faith, Theo. I am certain I can find a way to help Darcy and pique the lady’s interest.”
Theo’s heart misgave him. “And that is?”
With a shake of her newly arranged curls, Anne placed a finger to her lips. “I shall not speak of it. You cannot persuade me. I shall leave you now—Georgiana and I are due to meet Miss Bennet for a stroll around the copse; she will be here directly.”
“And what of Georgie?” Theo glanced from one cousin to the other. “Do you anticipate her being party to this?”
Anne shook her head again. “I think not. Georgiana has the sweetest temperament, but her feelings are writ clear upon her countenance. It is best she remains uninformed.”
Still uneasy, Theo sighed. “And Darcy?”
The Colonel grimaced. “Darcy must remain in the dark too. He does not approve of subterfuge of any kind, even if it should work in his favor.”
“Hmph!” Theo grunted. “Especially if it might work in his favor. His intentions are too noble for his own good at times.”
Anne laughed. “Indeed. Well, we shall work for his good in his stead.”
“Capital! If we join forces we cannot fail—there is a deal to be said for the unanticipated attack on all sides!”
Theo shook his head. “I still feel—”
“Nonsense, Cousin!” The Colonel escorted Anne to the door. “You will thank us for our intervention, you will see.”
With a frown, Theo turned to look out of the window and blew out a pent up breath. His apprehension was growing, not least for his brother—an unusual sensation. With Anne bent upon scheming and Richard paying marked attention to Miss Bennet, how was the matter ever to be resolved? It seemed a queer path to courtship in his limited experience.
Conscious the Colonel had rejoined him, Theo threw him a quick glance. “She has a meddlesome streak, our Cousin Anne. There will likely be no stopping her now she has made her mind up.”
“What else would you have her do?”
“We could always put her back on her medication!” Theo raised a hand as the Colonel threw him a disbelieving look. “Do not look so out of sorts, Richard. I am in jest.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam merely grunted and turned to stare at the now closed door to the library, and Theo wondered if his cousin realized how admiring his gaze was. Yet before he could speculate further upon this, the door opened once more and their aunt swept across the room towards them.
“Theophilus, I want you in the study directly. I am assured your health is little impaired now, and I wish to have some papers drawn up.” She looked about the room. “Where is Darcy? He must attend also.”
The Colonel waved a hand towards the window. “He has gone out into the grounds, Aunt. It will have to wait until he returns.”
“It will not.” She glared at the Colonel and then turned on Theo. “If you are so recovered, find him. Bring Darcy to me, and we will make use of your legal mind.”
“Devious Old Bat!” Theo muttered as the door closed behind his aunt. He caught his cousin’s eye and shrugged, then winced as his shoulder pulled. “She is intent upon free service. Never one to let an economy pass her by!”
“If her purpose is what
I suspect, she will have no need of your service, trust me!” Ignoring his cousin’s questioning glance, the Colonel grinned. “It can wait for another time, Cousin.”
Theo grunted. “Good—I have no intention of acting as Clerk to the Court of Aunt Catherine!”
*****
Darcy’s business with his aunt’s steward was soon completed, and the distant sound of beaters calling to one another in the woods indicated the shoot had commenced. He drew in a deep breath of the refreshing spring air as he waited on his brother and cousin, pacing slowly to and fro on the gravel sweep. It was time he ceased dwelling upon the past; spring was a time for newness, beginnings. He would stop asking for further advice on Theo’s condition and trust to faith all was well. He would strive to mend the rift that had developed between them, and he would also turn his attention to aiding his cousin, Anne.
His gaze upon his feet, he thought back to the physician’s visit earlier. When had his cousin been assailed by her condition? As a young child, she had run and skipped and played as much as anyone. Even into her teenage years, she had driven out in her pony and carriage, ridden with verve and delight. What had brought about the need for medication?
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”
With a start, he raised his head to behold Elizabeth.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet.” He bowed in response to her curtsey, but beyond greeting him, she said nothing, and an awkward silence ensued.
Racking his brains for some form of pleasantry, Darcy recalled the conversation of the previous day, of how approval should be expressed if one was to find favor. He could no more emulate his brother or his cousin than fly from the highest tree tops; yet Elizabeth liked Bingley, did she not, and she was taken by an easy manner. Was there truth in Theo’s words? Dare he attempt it?
He swallowed hard on the sudden restriction in his throat. “You look—you look well—are you—well?”
She appeared a little surprised by this question, but smiled briefly.
“As you see, sir, all limbs functioning satisfactorily and able to take my daily exercise without any undue duress.”
She had taken him literally; why must she willfully misunderstand his meaning? Did she not know a compliment when it was made? What else could he say to indicate his approval? Theo had complimented her upon her eyes, and he had long acknowledged their hold upon him. Would it be too forward? What else could he speak of—her pleasing figure? No; that way led to all manner of pitfall. The liveliness of her mind? She would likely scorn him for singling out a woman’s intelligence…
“You have—I have long admired—err,” feeling his face warm in his embarrassment, he bit his lip. What could he say? Everything about her was lovely. He cleared his throat. “You have nice… hands.” Nice hands?! Darcy gave himself a mental slap on the back of the head. “When you play the instrument, I mean. Slender—nice…”
A spurt of laughter greeted this, but the lady quickly sobered. She studied him silently for a second, then inclined her head. “Thank you. I think I may safely say that is the first compliment they have ever received. I shall treasure it.”
Was she sincere? Darcy knew not, but he did know he could make no further attempt whilst she looked at him like that. It was best he revert to more traditional civilities. Before he could summon a comment on the weather, however, she spoke.
“May I enquire after your brother?”
“My brother is well, I thank you.” He paused. “Were you calling to ask after him?”
“Not directly. Your sister sent a note inviting me to walk with her. And you, sir? Are you confined to walking in circles upon the driveway? I can assure you the mud is not too dire if you keep to the given paths.”
He shook his head. “I am waiting upon my brother and cousin to join me.”
“Mr. Theophilus Darcy’s ankle is sufficiently recovered to walk upon? That is good news.”
“Yes—the physician was here earlier and advocated some gentle exercise.”
Elizabeth threw him a thoughtful glance. “You take prodigious care of him, sir.” Then, she laughed. “Though I would imagine your brother does not take kindly to being confined indoors! I am sure he is longing for his mount.”
A little disconcerted by how well she seemed to understand Theo on such short acquaintance, Darcy nodded. “You are quite right; his first thought was for a gallop across the fields. I suspect he was disappointed by my suggestion he make use of two legs rather than four!”
Shaking her head, Elizabeth smiled. “Siblings, Mr. Darcy—they can be such a worry, can they not? Oh!” She stopped, color flooding her cheeks.
Darcy frowned. “What is it?”
“Forgive me, dear sir. I spoke unconsciously just then. I was given to understand by your sister you sadly lost a younger brother in your youth. I am so sorry, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy blinked, then glanced down at her. Her cheeks were still infused with pink but it was undeniably becoming, and he realized with a shock that, entranced as he was with her company, his mind had not—as it had a thousand times before—naturally fallen towards Sebastian.
“Do not be disturbed. I thank you for your sympathy; it was a long time ago.” He drew in a deep breath. “Though I will own the pain lingers.”
She nodded as though she understood and, conscious he wished to prolong the moment, Darcy waved a hand. “Would you care to join me in my circling? It fills the time well enough when one is waiting upon others.”
Elizabeth looked a little uncertain, but then she smiled. “I am ahead of time. Of course I will join you.”
They walked slowly, making a large circle around the sweep of stones, their boots crunching on the gravel. Neither said anything for a while, but it was a comfortable silence.
Then, Elizabeth threw him a quick glance. “I was told recently, sir, you only ever speak the truth.” He threw her a startled look. “An admirable trait; yet, not if the truth is painful.”
Cursing his foolish blunder in Meryton, Darcy sighed. “Sometimes, Miss Bennet, what one may perceive as a given at one moment, may be proved otherwise. Perhaps what matters is to realize the genuine from the false—that is when one owns the real truth.”
Elizabeth smiled at this, but said nothing, and determined to prove to himself he meant those words, he drew in a breath before saying, “You said the other day your eldest sister had been in Town these few months?”
“Indeed I did.”
“And does she remain there yet?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes—she is staying with my aunt and uncle in Gracechurch Street. Why do you ask?”
Darcy came to a halt and turned to face her. This was perhaps a mistake, as looking down into her face was a pleasing distraction and it was only when her lips began to twitch into a bewitching smile and she spoke that he pulled himself together.
“Mr. Darcy?”
“Er—yes, quite. Forgive me.” He swallowed and then spoke in a rush. “I have been considering—I mean, if Miss Jane Bennet remains in London, I feel I should advise my friend of it.” A raised brow was the only response to this, and he cleared his throat. “Yes—well, I had planned to write to Bingley, and as I will be able to share the intelligence of old acquaintance in the neighborhood, it seemed only fitting I also advise him of your sister’s being in Town.”
A strange expression filtered over the lady’s face, but before he could discern its implication, she gave him a wide smile, one he had seen often in his careful observations of her, but it had always been reserved for those who had her approbation, and his heart swelled with delight.
Unable to stop himself, a smile overspread his features too. “I wonder, in the circumstances, whether I might request the direction, that he might put right the oversight and pay a call?”
“I am certain my sister would be honored to receive him, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth’s expression sobered and she bit her lip. “But surely Miss Bingley has the direction? She has called upon Jane before now?”
Darcy falter
ed; what was he to say that did not implicate others? How he hated disguise of every sort, yet complete honesty was beyond him at this point. In the end, he opted for prevarication.
“My friend does not reside with his sisters when in Town—Bingley prefers the comforts of a hotel, or he will make some stay with me. He will receive the information more directly should it come from my hand.”
Elizabeth stared up at him. “Then I will leave the direction with Miss Darcy, if I may?”
Darcy nodded, then turned about as he was hailed. His cousin and brother had rounded the far end of the building, making slow progress towards them, and he turned back to catch the traces of a smile on Elizabeth’s face as she acknowledged their shouted greetings.
“I will bid you farewell, sir.” She curtsied, but before she could mount the steps to the entrance, he stayed her with his hand.
She gave him an enquiring look, and he released her quickly, desperately seeking words, something, anything, that could be considered approbation.
“It has been a pleasure, Miss Bennet.”
She eyed him warily. “It has?” Then, she laughed lightly. “Yes—I suppose it has. It is a fine day for taking the air, is it not?”
He shook his head quickly. “No—I mean, yes, it is. But I did not mean—I speak of—you. I—it is most enjoyable to be outdoors, but the greater pleasure was in the company.”
He bowed deeply, unable to say more, and unwilling to see mockery in her eye, he turned away, but this time, she stayed him likewise.
Darcy stared at the small, leather-clad hand on his arm, then raised his eyes to hers as she removed it. A strange look settled over her countenance, but she met his earnest gaze with an open expression. “Indeed it was, sir.”
With a small smile, she turned and soon disappeared inside, and Darcy turned to join his brother and cousin, a glow of something close to contentment warming his breast.
*****
The three gentlemen walked for some distance at a gentle pace along the path towards the small copse of trees bordered by the stream. Conversation was sporadic as they all took enjoyment from the fine weather and the opportunity for exercise.
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