An Accidental Meeting: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Melanie Rachel

Author:Melanie Rachel [Rachel, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Contemporary
Amazon: B0CTHWRCMR
Goodreads: 206147371
Publisher: Independent Publisher Group
Published: 2024-04-15T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

In the morning, Darcy stood before his carriages next to the mews and judged each one. As much as he enjoyed the curricle or the phaeton, they only sat two. Fine when he was out driving with Georgiana, but Elizabeth’s uncle would never allow it. They were not engaged, after all.

“Good morning,” said a voice from behind him. Elizabeth’s penchant for walks before breakfast continued.

“Pardon me, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said. “I was . . .” He motioned at the carriages, lined up and stored in their own set of mews.

“My goodness,” she said. “I had believed Mr. Bingley was exaggerating, but you must have ten coaches here.”

“Eight,” he said. “But each has its own purpose.”

She chuckled. “I am sure.”

“No, truly. The phaeton, for example . . .”

“Where is the high-seated phaeton? I have never seen one.”

“I do not own one, though I did take the opportunity to drive a friend’s.”

“With all of these coaches, I admit I am surprised.”

“It was a thrilling ride, but it is also rather dangerous, and I have too many responsibilities to put myself at risk for such a thing. I would certainly not take Georgiana out on one.”

Elizabeth was quiet for a moment, her eyes on his face. “You are a man of duty, Mr. Darcy.”

It was not a question.

“I hope so, Miss Bennet.”

“Hmm.”

Darcy was unsure what she meant but did not venture to ask.

“What is this one?” Elizabeth inquired, her interest caught by an open coach with a folding roof and glossy black and gold paint. “It is very pretty.”

He smiled. “That is a barouche.”

“Had I seen one, perhaps I would have allowed your aunt to convey me to London in hers, for it is rather handsome.”

“Did my aunt promise you a ride in her barouche? You must have impressed her, Miss Bennet.”

“I believe it more likely that she found me entertaining, sir.” She turned back to survey the barouche. “Are there many carriage makers who produce barouches?”

“Not many. This is one of Mr. Hooper’s,” he told her proudly. “I had to place my name on his list and wait a year for it.”

“And is it worth the wait and what I presume was considerable expense?” Her fine eyes shone with good humour.

“Every minute and every shilling, madam.”

She laughed. “I am not so enamoured by carriages, sir, but this is a very fine one. Although my father might complain that boarding and clothing six women costs nearly as much.”

Darcy chuckled. “Somehow, I doubt it. Though the horses are the higher cost in the end.”

“I would imagine so, for you must have only the finest horses pulling the finest of carriages.”

He adored this—just the two of them, alone, having an easy conversation. “It sits four.” He motioned at the coach. “Is this the carriage you would like to take around the park today?”

Elizabeth’s countenance lit up like a child who had been given an unexpected holiday from her lessons. “May we?”

“Of course.”

She smiled at him, then took a few steps further down the line of conveyances.

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