Page 2

Elizabeth savored the view before her, marveling at the sight and feeling a sense of rejuvenation.

A deep azure shade filled the sky, and it seemed to whisper of a future of exploration and wonder.

Elizabeth wanted to cling to the hope and wonder that it brought to her heart, at least for the length of her walk home.

Reality would intrude on her joy soon enough.

She smiled as she looked back at her sister and their young companion, the gentle breeze playing through the trees and stirring her hair.

It had been a pleasure to teach the local children that morning.

Despite her hectic schedule, Elizabeth was grateful to be able to commit to teaching at least twice a week.

She delighted in the enthusiasm with which the little ones eagerly absorbed all the knowledge they could, and Mary was doing so well with the children that she could not help but feel proud.

She had struggled to read aloud and interact with the young ones in the beginning but had improved so much.

Elizabeth had heard Mary’s joyous laughter ring out just that morning.

It was clear that Mary was really enjoying herself a great deal now.

Mary glanced at the young boy beside her, her face brightening as she observed his liveliness.

At ten, he was the oldest of their pupils, and he always insisted on accompanying them as they made their way home to Longbourn.

“Kiernan, why don’t you go with the other children to play?

You know I love your company on our walks, but you don’t have to be home so soon.

You could play with the others.” Mary had noticed for a while that Kiernan never seemed to take advantage of the opportunity to play like the other children did.

“I don’t do well with the other kids. I feel out of place and my palms sweat.

My words come out jumbled and I say the wrong thing.

‘Sides, somebody has to walk you ladies home. It’s only right.

My Mam said it was important for me to take care of my sister because the world isn’t always safe for girls.

Since you don’t have a brother or anything, you’re not safe.

I only got one sister, and we have three brothers, so I figure I can help with some brotherin’.

” Kiernan beamed up at Mary and Elizabeth, proud of his declaration.

“Why Kiernan, I have never felt so honored. I know my sister and I are privileged to have you accompany us home.” Mary smiled at the slight blush on the young man’s face. It was rather nice to have someone besides her sister to look out for her.

“I know I would find myself glad to have a brother such as you, Kiernan, and I will welcome your brotherin’ anytime.

You are growing into a fine young man. It’s hard to believe you are the same little boy who began our school four years ago.

Though actually, I have been wondering if you need more of a challenge.

Would you be interested in learning something new? ” Elizabeth asked.

“If some learning is good, I think more will be better. My Mam has always said that my learning will take me places. I don’t think I want to go very far right now, but maybe it will be fun later on.” Kiernan laughed, grateful for the acceptance he received from these two genteel ladies.

The sweet scent of the countryside was like a balm to Darcy, and he smiled with pleasure.

He could not help but take a deep breath of the invigorating, crisp air, preferring it to the thick, putrid muck in London.

Despite his love of the opera and the museum, he could not abide the city.

Between the grubby streets and the condescending aristocracy, he found visiting unbearable.

He was glad the pleasant weather had held out.

Even the short distance between London and Hertfordshire would have been miserable had there been rain.

The fact that Bingley’s carriage had needed some minor repairs had been of significant benefit to him. Without the constant observation and fawning of Bingley’s sisters, he could enjoy the ride and survey the area. Darcy was happy to continue to Hertfordshire on horseback alone.

The little town he had passed through had been quaint, much like Lambton, near his home.

There were all the typical shops and bustling that one might expect from a small market town.

There was even a charming little chapel he could see through the fiery colored trees.

He could almost feel comfortable amongst all these unknown people because there was such a sameness.

Darcy never liked to think of his struggles when around strangers, but he knew it was the reason he did not travel more.

He prayed the visit would not end in regrettable awkwardness.

One drawback of his close friendship with Bingley was being forced to socialize more than he was comfortable with.

If he was around too many people, even if he was familiar with them, his hands would shake.

His tendency to misspeak when under stress had led him into difficult situations while at Eton, and later Cambridge.

Bingley was one of the few people who welcomed him with a genuine smile, despite the clumsiness of his conversation.

Whenever Darcy’s anxiety got the better of him, Bingley’s warm smile and calming manner would save him from making a scene in polite company, at least most of the time.

Darcy hoped that Bingley’s first foray into landowning would bear fruit.

The property of Netherfield looked promising on paper.

He would, however, wait until he saw it to make any judgments.

He began contemplating what the difference the warmer climate of the south would have on crops and harvest times.

Darcy did not notice the walkers until he had gotten quite close, and his sudden arrival took them aback.

A young boy was standing protectively in front of two young ladies, each with a load of hornbooks in their arms.

“Apologies for my abrupt arrival. The scenery captivated me.” Darcy bowed over his horse’s neck and tipped his hat.

“I often find myself captivated by the majestic elegance of the natural world. I cannot begrudge someone else the same enjoyment.” A pert smile punctuated the comment made by the taller of the two girls.

Darcy froze, unable to formulate what to say or do next.

She spoke with a confident air, which was always something he preferred to the fawning he heard so often in society lately.

Though that was not what made him speechless.

Her smile was simply arresting, and as a result, his mind refused to function.

The stranger’s brown eyes reminded her of the rich chocolate she drank on frosty mornings, and his tousled brown hair made her swallow convulsively.

The cut of his coat and the knot in his cravat told her he was a wealthy gentleman, but the lack of courtesy in his blank expression and his refusal to answer her left Elizabeth feeling perplexed.

It made her old instincts come to the fore despite the way he made the little hairs on her neck stand on end.

After a significant pause, Elizabeth glanced at Mary, confusion written on her face.

Why would a gentleman refuse to respond to a civil comment?

“Well, we must be going. Do enjoy your ride.” Elizabeth made an abrupt curtsy, followed by Mary, and they turned to go on their way.

Elizabeth’s gait was more of a march than a walk, and the other two had to hurry to keep up.

Once they were well out of the sight of the gentleman on horseback, Elizabeth began her tirade.

“Just because someone did not introduce us yet doesn’t mean he needs to ignore my attempt at polite conversation.

Despite his appearance as a cultured, well-dressed gentleman, I am doubtful of his character.

” Elizabeth continued to march, her half boots digging into the well-worn path.

“And his expression!” Elizabeth swirled around to face her companions, her face flushed with outrage.

“No, Miss Elizabeth, you are looking at it sideways. I have seen that look before. It’s the same one Robby Lucas gets when Mrs. Long’s niece talks to him.

If she had hit him in the face with a fish, he wouldn’t have been more flummoxed.

Like his wits had left him dumbstruck.” Kiernan giggled at the foolishness of such a smart lady when a gent was involved.

“Robby Lucas is shy. Charlotte speaks of her brother’s bashfulness often.” Elizabeth paused abruptly as her mind began whirling along a path of new possibilities.

“Not only is he shy, Elizabeth, he is fond of Mrs. Long’s niece, but he doesn’t know what to say or do when confronted by her.

” Mary’s heart filled with sympathy and understanding for her.

Elizabeth was direct and frank, but the world and the people within it rarely followed suit.

Mary had noticed that people’s emotions were often tangled and difficult to make sense of.

“Really?” Elizabeth responded, this time in a small voice, much different from the tone she had been using. She didn’t like admitting when she had a gap in her understanding.

“You struck the gent stupid, Miss Elizabeth. He wasn’t snubbing you.” It was obvious to Kiernan that the ladies might need more brotherin’ than he originally thought.

“Yes, I believe Kiernan is correct. I think the gentleman was quite smitten with you, Lizzie; he could barely look you in the eye.” Mary watched Elizabeth struggle with this new information. This reversal of roles was new to Mary, but she was glad to be there for her sister.