Page 41

Yet, at other times, he was seized by doubt and melancholy.

Perhaps he was deceiving himself—reveling in a happiness that did not belong to him, delaying a decision that could no longer be postponed.

Should he remain in town through the rest of the season, as expected?

Or could he allow himself this chance at happiness, momentary though it might be?

Mr. Darcy knew that if he could not share his life with Elizabeth in the way they both deserved, it would be far kinder to let her go.

And yet, he also knew she would never accept assistance from him, even if she needed it.

She was too proud, too independent. Moreover, Georgiana was so deeply fond of her that separating them would cause distress on both sides.

For now, all he could do was enjoy the final quiet days in Kent before their lives resumed in London—where everything would be different.

"I thank you very much for accompanying me, Mr. Darcy.

I shall now take the path to the parsonage, and in half an hour, I plan to see Georgiana in the garden," Elizabeth said, careful to keep her voice light despite her growing frustration.

"I understand. If you wish, I can walk you as far as the house.

" "It is not necessary, but I appreciate the kind offer.

Once again, thank you for your company." "It was a pleasure.

.." Mr. Darcy hesitated, then added, "I know how much you enjoy walking, but you really ought to consider learning to ride.

In spring and summer, there are many places near Pemberley worth exploring—places not easily reached on foot.

" "I prefer to walk. I rode a horse once when I was a child, but it frightened me.

" "Did you fall?" "No, nothing so dramatic.

I simply felt small and unsure of such a large animal.

And we did not have horses of our own, so I never had the opportunity to learn properly.

" "I see. Still, if you ever wish to try again, I would be honoured to teach you.

Despite my unfortunate mishap, I am a very competent rider.

You would be perfectly safe under my instruction," he said, his tone growing animated.

"In fact, I plan to purchase new horses this summer.

You and Georgiana must accompany me to choose a mare—something gentle and suited to a beginner.

" Elizabeth could not help but smile. He was, as usual, making plans for her without waiting for her agreement.

She had told him she disliked riding, yet he continued to map out her equestrian future as if it were already decided.

Mr. Darcy saw her smile and misread its meaning.

He believed he understood her feelings now—she was happy and hopeful, thinking he had made a decision and that her life might soon change in a meaningful way.

And though his reason warned him against it, his heart rebelled, pounding with the hope that perhaps, just perhaps, it could be so.

On an impulse, Mr. Darcy took Elizabeth's gloved hand and raised it to his lips.

"It was a pleasure to spend this morning with you, Miss Bennet," he said quietly, his voice rich with unspoken emotion.

Elizabeth's breath caught. She had always acknowledged to herself that Mr. Darcy was handsome, but at this close distance, with his dark eyes fixed on hers and such gravity in his voice, she felt unusually flustered.

Why was he still unmarried? He was proud, yes, but wealthy, well-connected, and protective—qualities any woman might value.

"I shall see you later, sir," she said, lowering her gaze to hide the blush that warmed her cheeks.

There was something compelling about him, something she could not quite define…

but she was not prepared to admit it. Mr. Darcy saw her blush and was jolted back to reality.

He could not—must not—behave like a rake, encouraging hopes he might not fulfil.

He had not made a final decision, and until he did, it was cruel to let her believe otherwise.

"I am sorry, Miss Bennet," he said abruptly, his tone clipped.

"I must return to my work for the rest of the day.

I hope you enjoy yours." And with that, he turned and walked away, his long strides betraying his inner turmoil.

Elizabeth stared after him, bewildered. 'What a strange man!

One moment, it seems he wants to befriend me—or more—and the next, he behaves as if he regrets even speaking to me.

Well, Mr. Wickham did warn me what Mr. Darcy was like.

Fortunately, I shall only have to endure his presence for a few more days,'she thought as she continued walking toward the parsonage.

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"Caroline, you will not believe the good news I have for you," said Louisa, entering the drawing room with a lively expression.

"You cannot imagine how much I am in need of good news, Louisa.

This house grows more intolerably gloomy and dull with each passing day," Caroline replied, casting a sidelong glance at her brother, who sat listlessly with a newspaper in hand, though clearly not reading it.

Mr. Bingley appeared withdrawn, his countenance shadowed by regret and restlessness.

His solicitor had yet to deliver any news, and the silence only deepened his concern.

He could not help but imagine how much Jane must be suffering—alone, working, and distant from her family.

Again and again, he questioned why he had allowed the advice of his friend and sisters to override the urgings of his heart.

Had he remained in Hertfordshire, he might have supported his angel during her time of greatest need.

"Mrs. Edith Brown has invited us to a social gathering at her mother's residence.

It is to raise funds for an orphanage or some such charitable cause," Louisa explained, taking note of her brother's dejected posture.

She pitied him sincerely, though she remained convinced that their interference had been for his own good.

"Indeed, Louisa, you know very well that Mrs. Brown's father made his fortune in trade—and worse still, he continues to oversee his business affairs personally.

It would be rather improper to attend such a gathering.

I should think you would know better," Caroline replied with disdain.

"Edith is quite agreeable, and you are well aware that her maternal grandfather is an influential judge.

Her mother is equally well-connected. More importantly, Lady Margaret—Countess of Matlock herself—will be in attendance," Louisa added with calm insistence.

"Edith told me that the Countess has taken a young lady under her wing and wishes to present her to society.

" Caroline's interest was piqued. "Lady Matlock will be there?

" she asked with sudden enthusiasm. "Then perhaps we ought to attend.

As you know, we are counted among Mr. Darcy's intimate circle, and such a connection is not to be undervalued.

" Caroline had never had the opportunity to meet Lady Margaret in person, and she was determined not to let this occasion slip by.

If she could win the favour of the Countess, she might, at last, secure what she most ardently desired: to become the next Mrs. Darcy.

"And who is this lady the Countess intends to sponsor?

" Caroline asked, her tone carefully casual, though her curiosity was evident.

"Is she young and unattached? Someone seeking a husband?

" "No, quite the opposite. She was recently married, and now bears the title of Baroness Norton.

According to Edith, she is a dear friend of Beatrice White—they became acquainted through mutual connections.

" Louisa continued to relay all that she had learned.

"The new Lady Norton was a modest and reserved young woman, unaccustomed to the bustle of the London season.

It was whispered that she possessed uncommon beauty, and that Lord Norton had fallen deeply in love with her at first sight.

" As Caroline listened, a new strategy began to form in her mind.

If she could secure the friendship of this newly minted baroness, she would gain a direct path to Lady Margaret—and through her, to society's highest circles.

"Charles," Louisa said gently, turning to her brother in an attempt to lift his spirits, "will you not accompany us to this gathering?

" "No, Louisa," he replied with a sigh, "I am not inclined to socialize with strangers at present.

" "But it is for a good cause. The Browns and their friends support an orphanage—surely you cannot object to that.

Do at least consider it." "I promise I shall think on it," he said at last, "but if I choose not to go, I trust you will respect my wishes.

" Louisa took her brother's hand and offered him a soft smile, though her efforts to draw him into conversation proved fruitless.

Nothing seemed capable of rousing him from his melancholy.

Meanwhile, Caroline, entirely absorbed in her plans and ambitions, paid little heed to anything beyond her aspirations.

In her mind, she was already calling upon Lady Norton and strolling through thetonon the Countess's arm.

She felt sure that this new connection would at last open the doors she had long sought to enter—and perhaps bring her ever closer to achieving her most cherished ambition.

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