Page 18 of He Taught Me to Hope (Darcy and the Young Knight’s Quest #1)
Geoffrey Collins had awakened early that morning with his mind pleasantly engaged in the same thoughts which had carried him off to sleep the night before.
For the second night in a row, Elizabeth had acceded to his request to spend time alone with him downstairs in the drawing room after everyone else in the household had retired for the evening.
As it had been the night previous to last night, it had been again a private and intimate setting.
He had enjoyed it immensely as she had seemed to become less and less uncomfortable under his steady gaze.
That she had allowed him to walk with her to her bedroom door pleased him exceedingly, as did the warm smile that had graced her countenance after he had bestowed a lingering kiss to the back of her hand.
He could only think of a single thing about his betrothed that had failed to please him.
In the light of the day, he had to admit to a sense of unease as regarded her rearing of young Ben.
He had not been impressed with the child’s behaviour on the day of their outing.
He recalled how Elizabeth had eagerly pretended to go along with Ben’s insistence on Rosings Park’s actually being Camelot.
Where does he get such fanciful ideas, and why does she not do more to discourage it?
He had little doubt had he not interceded as sternly as he did, the child would have raced off towards the grand home, encroached on its aristocratic inhabitants, and thereby embarrassed and brought shame upon them all.
He also considered Elizabeth’s thinly disguised dismay in witnessing her son having been spoken to as authoritatively as he had done.
She was wise enough not to speak on it, he considered.
It is something she soon will become accustomed to, no doubt.
A child must know his place. I will be no sterner towards the child than my own father was towards me. He shall be a better man for it.
The Hunsford party sat around in the drawing room enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Mr. William Collins opined on their immense misfortune in not having yet received an invitation to dine at Rosings Park.
To his older brother’s inquiry on the venerable Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s family, the younger Mr. Collins began a soliloquy.
“She has only one daughter, the sole heiress of Rosings—a most charming young lady, indeed.
Lady Catherine herself says that in point of true beauty, Miss De Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex because there is that in her features which marks a young woman of distinguished birth.
“She is, unfortunately, of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her making progress in many accomplishments, of which she could not otherwise have failed, as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education and who resides with them still.
“Indeed, Miss Anne de Bourgh is quite indisposed even as we speak. I am sure that explains why we have yet to be invited for dinner. However, I have taken it on myself in calling on the family to commiserate with Lady Catherine. This is what I have learnt. It seems Mr. Darcy of Pemberley and Derbyshire, the nephew of my esteemed patroness as well as her soon to be son-in-law has been summoned to attend her daughter.”
In the midst of her husband’s ramblings, Charlotte considered what a peculiar engagement it must be as she recalled how Mr. Darcy had yet to visit his intended in all the time since she had lived in Hunsford, and especially as she reflected upon how he had regarded her friend whilst they were in Hertfordshire .
Collins’s last statement drew in Elizabeth, who rarely listened to anything her ridiculous cousin had to say.
She considered the audacity of Mr. Darcy not to let her in on that particular fact, especially as he was so happy to inject his strong opinion in her own personal affairs.
It has been weeks since I last thought of Mr. Darcy and the devastating effect he has on my composure.
Her body reacted in recollection of their encounters as well, to such an extent she wished she were not in a room full of people.
In the midst of her titillating reverie, the door of the drawing room flew open. Ben rushed in, leading a somewhat reluctant Mr. Darcy by the hand.
“Mama! Mama! Look who is with me!”
“Mr. Darcy! What are you doing here?” Elizabeth questioned before she even realised what she was saying, seeing as how she was a guest in Mr. and Mrs. Collins’s home herself.
Still, the sight of him in the company of her young son was indeed a source of considerable astonishment mixed with intrigue.
Ben adamantly stated, “No, Mama! This is King Arthur. You see, I told you he is real. He is a real human being. He is my best friend in the world, and I found him at Camelot.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Geoffrey Collins noted with some deep measure of concern the singular manner in which Elizabeth greeted the gentleman. He noted with serious disquiet the “manner” in which the gentleman regarded her !
He unapologetically broke the awkward silence. “Ben, you have had quite enough excitement for one afternoon. It is time for you to go upstairs to your room whilst the adults entertain the new guest.”
Ben insisted, “King Arthur is my guest! He is here by my invitation. Why should I not remain to entertain my own guest?”
Darcy did not fail to notice the strong undercurrent of tension in the room.
Who is this gentleman to speak to Elizabeth’s son as he does?
Darcy bent to Ben’s level to meet him eye to eye.
“Perhaps you should do as the gentleman suggests,” and anticipating Ben’s protest he spoke in a manner only Ben and Elizabeth might hear.
“Do not fear. I shall see you before I return to Camelot. ”
Ben eagerly embraced Darcy about the neck. This time Darcy was prepared for Ben’s show of affection. “Do I have your promise?”
Darcy looked up tentatively at Elizabeth. “I promise to do my best. Now, run along.”