Darcy on the Edge by Charlotte E. Robins

Author:Charlotte E. Robins [Robins, Charlotte E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-06-23T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 4

Early the next morning Elizabeth rose with the sun and knew she should have left earlier. She hurriedly threw the counterpane aside, finished her ablutions and dressed for the cold so as not to keep Mr. Darcy waiting. After eating a piece of toast and drinking some coffee she hurriedly put on her outer clothes and bonnet and gloves and left her house to meet her friend. It was quite cold but the coffee and toast fortified her and the sight of sunlight streaming through the trees invigorated her, in spite of the cold. The previous night she had thought of this walk with the man and there were many things she wished to discuss and questions she wished to ask him. Elizabeth also anticipated a fine day for all at Netherfield and thought of how her parents would enjoy a day mostly free of their daughters. These thoughts and others were on her mind as she began her walk. It did not take her long to see Mr. Darcy waiting for her near the small foot bridge where they usually met.

“Good morning, Miss Bennet,” he said, bowing as she offered a curtsey. “I have hoped to see you today. You look very handsome with the early sun shining in your face.”

“Thank you, the sun portends a warmer day, though it is still cold. At least it teases us that things will warm up. I expected to see you ride.”

“Because of the cold I decided to walk and warm myself. I also wished to give Sampson some rest.” Yes, and then I can walk closer to you without dealing with my horse. That thought alone warmed him and she saw him smile.

“Look, Mr. Darcy,” she said, startled to see a rider intent on delivering an express post to Netherfield. Darcy stepped in front of her as the rider approached and pulled up.

“I am looking for Netherfield and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy,” the man said, looking weary from his ride.

Darcy replied that he was the man and took the letter and asked the man to stay until he had read it. Elizabeth looked worried as she watched Darcy’s reaction to the letter. “Miss Bennet, we must go to Longbourn now and I must speak with your father without delay. There is pressing business that calls me to London and I cannot delay.” She watched as Darcy spoke to the rider and reached in his pocket to pay the man. The rider next heard Darcy say that he would leave for London within the hour and the man left them seconds later. Both watched him ride off, but Elizabeth was the first to speak.

“What is this business and why must you speak with my father? I hoped we would not keep secrets from each other.”

“Please trust me, Miss Bennet, this letter requires your father’s perusal. If after reading it he wishes you to be aware of the contents, then I shall tell you. For the present, I will not betray his confidence.”

“I have a bad feeling about all of this, Mr.

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