Page 11

Gracechurch Street - Elizabeth

E lizabeth received her father’s letter Wednesday morning, but the house’s bustle prevented her reading it. While relieved no express had arrived from Longbourn, she remained alert for approaching horsemen.

With an evening at the theatre ahead, Jane suggested a morning walk. Elizabeth eagerly agreed, longing for fresh air and open spaces.

Over breakfast, Elizabeth’s aunt inquired about her plans for the day.

“Jane and I thought we might take a turn in the park,” Elizabeth replied, grateful for any distraction from her thoughts of Mr Collins and the impending changes in her life.

Her uncle nodded approvingly, “A fine idea. The fresh air will do you good, my dear.”

Despite her mother’s protests about the cold, they were determined. They dressed warmly against the chill.

The crisp morning air was a welcome change from the stuffy confines of their aunt’s house. As they stepped onto the gravel path of Hyde Park, Elizabeth took a deep breath, willing the fresh air to clear her mind of worries, if only for a moment. As they strolled arm-in-arm through Hyde Park.

The park stretched before them, a vast expanse of winter-bare trees and frost-tipped grass.

The Serpentine glimmered in the distance, its surface a mirror of the pale winter sky.

Despite the chill, other hardy souls dotted the landscape - gentlemen on horseback, ladies taking their morning constitutionals, and the occasional group of children delighting in the crisp air.

The gravel paths crunched satisfyingly beneath their feet as they walked, the sound mingling with the distant calls of waterfowl and the muffled clip-clop of horses’ hooves.

Even in winter, Hyde Park retained a certain majesty, its expansive grounds offering a welcome respite from the crowded streets of London.

Elizabeth reflected that at least living in Kent would offer more opportunities for such walks than town life - her first positive thought about her impending marriage since arriving.

Jane and Elizabeth carried on after agreeing to meet her later on. Despite the cold, which was more biting than they’d anticipated, Jane suddenly smiled and pointed.

Jane and Elizabeth continued their walk. Despite the cold, Jane suddenly smiled and pointed out Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy approaching, accompanied by Miss Darcy and an unfamiliar gentleman.

“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure!” Mr Bingley exclaimed.

Mr Darcy smiled, introducing Colonel Fitzwilliam and his delighted sister.

“The Miss Bennets! I’ve heard much of you,” the Colonel said .

“All good, I hope?” Elizabeth quipped.

“Indeed,” he replied, earning a warning “Fitzwilliam” from Mr Darcy.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was about thirty, not handsome, but in person and in address most truly the gentleman.

Elizabeth was puzzled by Mr Darcy’s warm greeting. Was this the same man who had so proudly dismissed her at the Meryton assembly? She wondered if his amiability was merely a product of being in more familiar company, or if there was some other reason for his altered manner.

As they walked, Elizabeth noticed Jane and Mr Bingley drifting away, while Miss Darcy contentedly listened to the conversation around her.

“My cousin has spoken of you both,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, causing Mr Darcy to colour slightly.

“He enjoys teasing,” Mr Darcy explained, to which Miss Darcy added with a laugh, “Especially my brother.”

“You are to join us tomorrow night? You’re at your uncle’s, are you not?” Mr Darcy asked her.

“Yes, Lady Rowena sent a note inviting us and we will be attending.”

He smiled broadly at her. She could not make him out - he had never spoken to her in such a friendly manner before. She could only assume that away from Hertfordshire society and in the company of his family, he was more at ease.

They continued walking and conversing easily until Miss Darcy, tiring, accepted the Colonel’s arm. Mr Darcy offered his to Elizabeth, who, still energetic, accepted. Miss Darcy slowed her pace, leaning on the Colonel.

As Elizabeth turned back, concerned for Miss Darcy, Mr Darcy assured her, “My cousin will look after her.” He then stooped to pick up a fallen object, his expression strange .

“I believe you dropped this,” he said, holding out the item.

Elizabeth looked at what it was and saw it was Mary’s letter.

She had completely forgotten she had taken it with her.

The seal which she had broken that morning was not doing its job and the letter had fallen open, “Thank you. It is a letter from my father. I would have been very sad to lose it.” She took it from him.

“I have not had a chance to read it yet.”

“I am glad to be able to return it then. I hope the rest of your family is well?” There was something about the way that he said this that made her uneasy.

“I er-, well enough I believe considering the time of year.” Her concern was acute then, he could only have seen a word or two, a sentence at most. But she feared that he might have seen. She resolved to read it the moment they returned to the house.

There was an uncomfortable pause before he spoke again. “How long are you staying in town?”

“A week or two I believe, not longer. I would not like to be away longer.”

“And- Mr Collins?”

“He has returned home to Kent.” She realised as she spoke that she had misunderstood him. “He has written a few times since he left.”

“He is coming back into Hertfordshire,” he paused again, seeming to choose his words. “Before the wedding I mean?”

“The plans have not been settled yet, but yes, I believe so.”

He looked thoughtful. “I was very surprised to hear of your engagement to him.”

There was something in his voice that she did not recognise. She tried to look at the expression of his eyes, hoping that would give her some clue, but he was not looking at her, instead off into the distance.

She was not sure how to respond, but she had the sense that he had not finished speaking. Or at least there was something else that he wanted to say that he could not say for some reason. They continued in silence for a minute or two. Elizabeth was beginning to feel very uncomfortable.

Elizabeth’s mind raced. Mr Darcy’s strange expression when he returned her letter haunted her.

Had he truly seen its contents? And if so, why did he seem more concerned than triumphant?

She had always thought him proud and disdainful of her family, yet his behaviour now suggested otherwise.

What could have prompted such a dramatic shift in his demeanour?

At last she replied, “I am surprised that you take an interest in the matter. I would not have thought the marriage of your aunt’s clergyman would have interested you.”

It was his turn to be uncomfortable. “I-,” he coloured but then continued, “had I not met you, then I wouldn’t have taken an interest. But as things are, I am interested.”

She knew not what to make of his words. Why should he take an interest in her engagement to Mr Collins because he had met her?

They had been standing still while this little conversation took place and Elizabeth was slowly becoming aware of just how cold it was.

A slight wind had gotten up and she was shivering.

As they strolled, Elizabeth found herself stealing glances at Mr Darcy. His smile, so rarely seen in Hertfordshire, seemed to come easily now. She pondered what could have caused such a change. Had his opinion of her altered? Or was he simply more at ease in London society?

Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam caught up with them, “Darcy, Miss Bennet, I think we had better get something warm to drink. Your sister is quite frozen.”

“Are you indeed?” Mr Darcy smiled at his sister, “Let us go, Miss Bennet.” he said, offering his arm to her again. Elizabeth took it this time, relieved to feel some warmth return to her as they began to walk again. She could feel the warmth of Mr Darcy’s arm through his sleeves.

“I do not see Jane nor Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth said.

Mr Darcy discreetly indicated Jane and Bingley nearby.

“They’ll join us. Shall we seek warmth at the inn?”

Soon, Elizabeth was thawing by the fire, sipping chocolate Mr Darcy had brought her.

Mr Darcy’s solicitousness in procuring her a warm drink left Elizabeth bewildered.

She recalled his cold demeanour at Netherfield and struggled to reconcile it with his current behaviour.

Could his improved manners be an attempt to make amends for his past conduct?

Or was there some other motive she couldn’t fathom?

“I think we stayed out a little longer than is wise at this time of year,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, shaking off his coat.

“Oh don’t scold, Richard,” Miss Darcy laughed. “It’s a fine day, just a little cold. What do you think, Miss Bennet?”

“I do not think there is such a thing unless the ground is completely covered in snow,” she declared, “I miss being able to walk in the countryside.”

“Bingley and Miss Bennet should have been here by now,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said looking towards the door, “Darcy, if you can look to the ladies, I will see if I can find the other two?”

Mr Darcy nodded, Colonel Fitzwilliam put his coat back on and left the Inn quickly.

“Do you walk often then?” Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth.

“Miss Bennet walked over three miles to visit her sister when she was sick at Netherfield.” Mr Darcy said.

“It is not three miles,” Elizabeth said, “but yes, I do walk often, I enjoy it a great deal. There is peace in it.”

“I have not walked around Pemberley as much as I should like,” Miss Darcy said thoughtfully.

“We’ll have to do something about that this summer.” Mr Darcy said thoughtfully.

They spoke for a while of Pemberley and being in the countryside, Mr Darcy said little, he was enjoying the conversation between the two ladies.

“And you will play tomorrow evening, will you not?” Miss Darcy asked shyly.

“Indeed, if you wish it.”