A Noteworthy Courtship by Laura Sanchez

Author:Laura Sanchez [Sanchez, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Pride & Prejudice Alternative, Romance
ISBN: 9781449904555
Google: ttAhQwAACAAJ
Amazon: B0037QGL16
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2009-12-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The following day, Miss Elizabeth dressed early and headed towards the breakfast room, in hopes that she might refresh herself with a quick cup of tea and a muffin before heading out for a solitary walk. She had yet to make sense of the confusion brought upon her by the previous evening’s events, and the addition of her talk with Jane combined with her continued embarrassment over her previous conduct were hardly conducive to her attempts at discernment.

Her plan was not to be, however, as upon entering the breakfast room, she observed a lone figure seated at the head of the table, almost completely hidden behind an open newspaper, his presence only distinguishable by the fingertips supporting the printed pages and a steaming cup of coffee on the table. Wishing rather than believing the gentleman to be Mr. Beaumont or Mr. Bingley, Miss Elizabeth averted her eyes and moved quietly towards the sideboard. As her figure passed the window, temporarily obstructing the morning light and casting a shadow upon her silent companion, the newspaper was folded down, and its reader blessed his good luck at finding one of his ambitions for the day already accomplished.

“Good morning, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth could no longer ignore the other occupant of the room, as any guise of remaining silent for the polite purpose of allowing him to read undisturbed was rendered inapplicable by his address, and would now be considered rudeness.

“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”

As Elizabeth turned to greet the gentleman, revealing the full plate and fresh cup of tea she had now prepared herself, he rose and pulled out the chair beside him, and gesturing with his hand, invited her to be seated. As she reached the table, he silently took her plate, placing on the table, and allowed her to seat herself as he pushed in her chair. His wordless manner of conduct she may have found officious or at the very least a reluctant sacrifice to civility, if not for the subtly gentle expression in his eyes, which upon reflection she would admit was not entirely unfamiliar.

Mr. Darcy then poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and resumed his seat, but left the newspaper aside as he addressed Elizabeth.

“I trust you are enjoying your stay at Ashingdon?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth smiled weakly, “the Beaumonts have made for excellent company, and I cannot be averse to witnessing my sister’s felicity with her new husband.”

Mr. Darcy did not immediately reply, instead fidgeting with his cup for a few moments before inquiring further. “And do you find the environs here to your liking?”

Elizabeth could not comprehend why he would make such an effort towards amiable conversation, especially in light of unpleasantness of their last discourse, but nonetheless appreciated his endeavors and replied in kind. “Indeed I do. I have not many opportunities for travel, and as much as I enjoy exploring new countryside, I find the sea air is also quite refreshing.”

Mr. Darcy held her gaze for a moment before again taking up his coffee, seemingly content to gaze out the window as he nursed the warm contents of his cup.

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