Page 34 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
“William always does what is right, not what he pleases,” Georgiana intervened decidedly. “And you should not make fun of him when he is absent, Robert.”
“You are correct, of course, dearest. Darcy always does what is right,” the colonel admitted in jest. He then turned towards Elizabeth and asked her how she had been since she arrived in town and whether she enjoyed London.
“I have always enjoyed London but have had little time to see it since we arrived. In truth, I have not left the house for the last three days. How is the weather, Colonel? Is it very cold?”
“Not at all—the snow has stopped and the weather is rather mild for the season.”
“I love when it snows. Back home at Longbourn, I could hardly wait to walk in the snow, and Lucky enjoyed playing in it. I remember returning home, both of us almost frozen.”
“Well, this is wonderful weather for a walk. Would you all like a stroll in the park? We may take Lucky too if you wish.”
“That would be a lovely idea, Colonel,” Mrs Annesley approved. “I believe a short walk in the park would be beneficial for all of us.”
“Oh yes, a wonderful idea, indeed,” said Georgiana.
Elizabeth was also happy with the prospect. A mere glance out the window affirmed sunny, inviting weather. As the Colonel hurried them to make ready, a sudden thought stopped her, and as “Mrs Darcy,” she did what “Lizzy Bennet” never would have done.
“I believe it is a wonderful idea too, Colonel. However, I suggest we wait for Mr Darcy. He will be home soon. Perhaps, he would like to join us.”
“Oh, do not worry. The park is quite close to the house. Should he wonder where we are, he will see us from the window,” the colonel replied with little ceremony.
“Still, I would like another cup of tea before we go. May we bring you something, Colonel?”
“I, too, would like another cup of tea.” Mrs Annesley took a seat near Elizabeth. “And I believe Mrs Darcy is right. We should wait for Mr Darcy.”
“I shall have a glass of wine, then,” the colonel acquiesced. “So, shall we have a little more music before we leave? ”
“And where do you plan to go, if I may ask?” Darcy’s voice drove all eyes to the door. He stepped in, a light expression on his face. “What a surprise to find you here, Cousin.”
“I was in the neighbourhood, and I thought I might have a drink with you. You were out, so I proposed to accompany the ladies on a walk in the park as the weather is so lovely. But Mrs Darcy suggested we wait for your return. Now that you are here, would you join us?”
Darcy held Elizabeth’s gaze a few moments. “The weather is lovely, indeed. A walk in the park would be very beneficial. I apologise to the ladies that I did not think of it myself.”
“Well, I am always more diligent in knowing what ladies like,” said the colonel, and Georgiana chuckled as Darcy threw him a quick, disapproving look.
“It was snowing and windy earlier, so a walk was not sensible,” said Elizabeth, smiling. “I shall go and prepare myself. I would like to take Lucky too.”
Not waiting for a reply, she hurried upstairs with Lucky at her heels, followed at a more sedate pace by Georgiana and Mrs Annesley. Darcy smiled as his wife left the room.
“Elizabeth is apparently happy with a walk. She must have felt trapped, staying in the house for so many days in a row. And should I dare ask where you have been?” the colonel asked.
“I had something to settle with my solicitors regarding the northern property. It still gives me trouble. And I took a final look through the settlements for Elizabeth. I will have them ready tomorrow and will send them to Mr Bennet for his approval.”
“I somehow doubt that the Bennets will find anything objectionable in the settlements. But your wife might complain that you had more important business than walking with her.”
“Stop talking nonsense, Robert, and do not assume that you know what my wife may complain about. Have another glass, and tell me what you are doing in the neighbourhood. ”
The ladies returned rather quickly. Darcy asked his butler to join the excursion and take care of Titan and Lucky. He wished to comply with Elizabeth’s desire but was not certain of the dogs’ behaviour, and he was in no disposition to chase after them.
Their small group exited the house, and he smiled as he saw Elizabeth stop briefly, close her eyes, and deeply breathe the fresh air.
It was getting dark, the streets lamps glimmered, and the moon shone in an unclouded sky.
For a moment, Darcy thought that he, indeed, had been thoughtless with Elizabeth as Robert implied.
He gently took her hand and put it under his arm.
She glanced at him then tightened her grip, grateful for the support.
“I appreciate your help to prevent my falling. Surely, you have just cause, considering my history. It must be a relief that there are no swamps around here,” she said with a large smile. Her cheeks quickly turned rosy from the cold, and her eyes sparkled.
He let out a laugh and said courteously, “It is my pleasure to have you on my arm.”
The colonel had offered his arms to both Georgiana and Mrs Annesley while Stevens followed with Lucky and Titan on their leashes.
The park, which they reached within minutes, was empty.
As it had snowed for several days in a row, the bright powder rested on the paths and clung to the tree branches—fresh, clean, and untouched.
Elizabeth released her husband’s arm and slowly stepped along the path through its white coat of snow.
Lucky, set free, played happily, running back and forth to his mistress while Titan waited obediently near his master.
Georgiana tentatively followed Elizabeth, stepping in her tracks.
Darcy finally encouraged Titan to play, and the dog—tall and impressive—ran joyfully along the path and quickly chased after Lucky.
Elizabeth laughed and called both dogs to her, petted them caringly, then threw fresh snow at them.
The dogs barked and tried to catch the flakes.
They resumed their slow progress along the path.
Elizabeth took Darcy’s arm again, holding tightly for support, as the ground was slippery.
The colonel supported the other two ladies, and they maintained a steady pace for almost half an hour in friendly conversation before the colonel mentioned his parents’ dinner and ball.
“So, Elizabeth, would you do me the honour of securing me a set—perhaps even two?”
“Thank you, Colonel. I will gladly secure you any dance not claimed by my husband. Although I did not imagine this would be a regular ball.”
“My mother’s notion of a dinner party is quite peculiar. And do not worry about Darcy. He does not enjoy dancing. Besides, it is not fashionable to dance with your wife.”
“Be so kind as to allow me to decide what I enjoy,” Darcy said. “And I surely will not have a debate about what is or is not fashionable. I intend to dance a few sets with my wife.”
“Several sets? Truly? You are suddenly fond of dancing? Quite a shocking change!”
“One can easily change after marriage, you should not be surprised,” Darcy responded in earnest, and the colonel laughed. Elizabeth blushed and smiled back, slightly embarrassed. She wondered whether her husband was joking, considering his serious mien.
After the dogs frolicked around Elizabeth for some time, their interest turned to Darcy.
Titan found a long, thick branch half-frozen on the ground and brought it to his master.
Lucky attempted to take the branch with little success.
The dogs’ playing amused all of them, and Elizabeth moved towards Georgiana to allow Darcy the space to discipline the dogs—who cared for little else except their play.
Lucky jumped on Darcy to be petted, and immediately, Titan did the same—except that his impressive stature pushed his master backwards.
His feet almost slipping, Darcy reached for support and stumbled against a tree.
His abrupt contact shook the snow from its branches with a predictable result.
He glanced at the others, who laughed shamelessly, and then at the bewildered dogs.
He attempted to maintain a serious countenance as he brushed off the snow.
He felt melting snow dripping on his temples, his cheeks, and his neck, and he removed his hat to clean it, precisely as he heard both Elizabeth and Georgiana cry, “No!”
A moment later, a small avalanche fell on his head, and he closed his eyes before he shook his head and tried to dust the snow off with a gloved hand.
As all the others laughed, Darcy began to feel uncomfortable.
Then Elizabeth suddenly stepped up to him, took off her gloves, and gave them to him, saying, “Here, let me…”
He helpfully leant his head towards her, and she gently cleaned the snow from his hair then moved slowly to his temples, his face, and his neck, covered by its cloth and now full of snow.
Her fingers were soft and gentle, and they warmed his chilled flesh.
He closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment to be spoiled by her unintentional caress.
When she stopped, he opened his eyes and met her sparkling gaze and red cheeks. Her lips wore a smile as she asked, “Is that better?”
“Much better. But your hands must be cold and wet. You cannot put them in the gloves.”
He took off his own gloves and held her hands in his.
Elizabeth admitted that he was right: her hands were damp and frozen while his were warm and comforting.
She could hardly take her eyes from him as she vividly recollected the astonishing sensation of touching his hair and his face, wondering why she was affected by such a small gesture.
Her knees became weak when he closed his palm tightly. Sheltering her hands, he lowered his lips and blew hot air on them. She felt his lips touching her fingers, and she was unable to move. Even as her hands warmed, cold shivers unsettled her .