Mark of Character: A Pride and Prejudice Soulmark Story (Enchanting Tales) by Sarah Courtney

Author:Sarah Courtney [Courtney, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-11T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

Darcy should not have indulged himself by joining in Miss Elizabeth’s conversation with Miss Bingley last night, even to escape the unctuous Mr. Collins. He knew he should not have, and yet he could not resist.

Bingley was fretting. He had received a letter from the owner of Netherfield declaring that the rent was overdue, but Bingley knew he had paid it. He had been sitting down to write to his solicitor as Darcy left, and he would have to look through the massive pile of paperwork on his desk to find the receipt, a project likely to take most of the day, so he had sent Darcy to ride without him.

Darcy had fought temptation and won. This morning, he would not allow himself to chance meeting her. Miss Elizabeth would most likely walk to Oakham Mount, as it was a fine, sunny, cool day, dry and perfect for walking. If she did not, she would walk the grounds of Longbourn and possibly the paths to the east side of the estate, where she usually did.

He would not allow himself to explore why he paid such attention to her typical paths.

Instead, he would ride into Meryton. It was not far, but he had wakened with his legs stiff and sore, so he would eschew walking. Perhaps he had ridden a bit too hard the previous day, racing Richard across Bingley’s north pasture while Bingley judged. Although his right shoulder had been aching for days. Was it the change of seasons?

Still, a slow, short ride would not overtax his legs or his shoulder. He would enjoy the surprisingly beautiful weather for December, exercise his mount, and perhaps find a bauble to send to Georgiana.

His mind was on Georgiana and on his reasons for avoiding Miss Elizabeth, and so he was momentarily confused when he dismounted his horse near the blacksmith’s only to see Miss Elizabeth standing in front of him.

From her expression, he rather thought she had come to Meryton to avoid him as well.

“Miss Elizabeth!”

“Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied, her eyes darting away from his.

“I . . . hope you are well.”

She glanced up at him. “Very well, thank you. And you?”

“Very well. I thought I would take a walk into Meryton today.”

“It is a fine day for it.”

“It is.”

They stood there for a moment. Darcy suddenly felt all the awkwardness of having arms. Was this really how he usually stood, with them hanging by his sides? He had never given it much thought.

“May I walk with you towards Longbourn?”

“You may.” They turned back towards the road that led towards Longbourn and Netherfield.

Darcy felt that odd twinge in his shoulder again, and he tried to stretch a little without drawing attention to it. He wanted to speak, but he could not think of what to say. And yet every moment with Miss Elizabeth was precious. He had not even set out to meet her, but now that he had, he could not bear to end their time together too quickly.

“Does Miss Bingley walk out as often as you do?” Miss Elizabeth asked.

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