Page 88 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
Elizabeth stood at the entrance with Darcy, watching as trunks were secured to the two carriages.
Phillip walked up and said, “The entire household has been thrown into an uproar, cousin. Are we bound for Windermere, or embarking upon a military campaign?”
“Both,” Darcy replied dryly.
Phillip grinned. “I shall be glad of it either way. A holiday to the Lakes with good company will be vastly more entertaining than being hunted at endless balls, routs, and card parties.”
Abby and Anise descended the steps together, and Phillip moved forward at once. He greeted them both, then offered his arm to the quieter sister. “Miss Anise, are you well? You appear a little discomposed.”
Anise flushed, her gaze fixed upon the ground. “No, my lord. I am perfectly well, thank you for your concern.”
Abby, walking on her sister’s other side, slipped her arm through Anise’s. “My sister is not so free in manner as others, my lord, but she is feeling quite well.”
Irritation flickered across Abby’s face, quickly masked by her usual poise. Elizabeth and Lady Helen caught it, their eyes meeting for a moment, Elizabeth’s amused, but Lady Helen’s held concern.
Georgiana followed, reticule in hand, and turned to her sister. “I hope I have not forgotten anything important. I spent more time packing books, sketchbooks, and pencils than on which gowns to bring. I mean to sketch a remembrance of this holiday with family.”
Elizabeth turned to the girl. “Never fear, my dear. Should you want for anything, I will lend it. My maid packed more than enough for two of us.”
Richard emerged with Anne upon his arm, and they stood together next to his mother.
Darcy surveyed the gathering. “Very well, the carriages are packed. Our servants left two hours ago and will arrive at our lodging in time to secure our rooms and our dinner. The grooms stand ready with our mounts. Lady Helen, we are ready to depart.”
Phillip handed his mother and the two Stanton sisters into the first carriage, and Darcy handed Elizabeth, his cousin, and his sister into the second.
The men mounted their horses, and the cavalcade moved forward. Three hours later, the carriages stopped under the shade of an oak grove where they would rest for an hour. The horses were led to a stream to drink, and the women were handed down to walk and stretch.
Richard reached for Anne, taking her by the waist as he helped her down. He bent close, whispering something that brought a blush to her cheeks, and as they walked away, his head remained bent as he continued to speak privately with her.
Phillip turned toward the quiet sister and, extending his arm, said, “Miss Anise, will you do me the honor? A short walk now will make the rest of the journey easier.”
Lady Helen filled an awkward pause by turning to the sister she favored. “Abby, my dear, give me your arm. We shall take a little turn together.” Abby complied at once, slipping her arm through her ladyship’s and falling into step beside her.
Phillip led Anise down the shaded lane, a short distance ahead of the others.
“Miss Stanton, are you well? You appeared earlier as though you were preparing to stand trial at the Old Bailey.”
Her cheeks colored, and she kept her eyes fixed on the path. “No, my lord, as I said before, I am perfectly fine. You need not concern yourself.”
“Hmm,” he replied, one brow arched in disbelief. “Perfectly fine. That is your polite way of saying you are uncomfortable. Is there anything I might do to render your journey more tolerable?”
The woman’s cheeks deepened in color, and she gave a slight nod without raising her eyes.
“My lord, you refine too much. I prefer the company of family and long-held friends. New faces and occasions leave me uneasy, though I already begin to feel more at home. Pray do not trouble yourself on my account.”
Phillip inclined nearer, his tone lowered just enough to draw her glance. “Then I must conclude that my very attentions add to your discomfiture. I shall endeavor to mind my manners, ma’am, and strive not to press my attentions with undue boldness.”
Anise faltered in her step, uncertain whether to laugh or protest, but Phillip’s smile was so easy, and his expression so at peace, that she was able to calm and enjoy the walk.
Behind them, Elizabeth observed the group as they spread along the path.
Lady Helen, walking arm in arm with Abby, kept her eyes fixed on her son, though she was careful to school her face to an expression of indifference.
Abby’s composure never wavered, and she talked easily with her companion.
Darcy, oblivious to the little drama, walked contentedly between Elizabeth and Georgiana while they spoke of plans for their holiday.
Elizabeth glanced behind and saw Richard and Anne strolling arm in arm, his head inclined to catch her replies.
She took a deep breath to relieve her nerves.
At least that attachment was going well.