The Companion by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2017-09-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVIII

The first opportunity Darcy obtained to put his newfound resolve into action arrived the following morning. It had been clear to all present in his house that Miss Bennet had longed to visit Hyde Park and indulge in the beauty of nature, and though she had exercised laudable restraint, she declared her resolve to go the day before her relations were to come to dinner.

“I am only surprised you have managed to hold yourself in check this long,” said Anne when Miss Bennet made her intentions known. “I thought we might lose you yesterday.”

Georgiana giggled along with Anne’s assessment, but Miss Bennet only smiled. “Well you know my habits, Anne.”

“I do, indeed. But I am sure we can spare you for a time. I would only ask that you take a footman along for your protection. London is not Rosings, after all.”

“Of course, I will,” replied Miss Bennet.

“If I might impose, Miss Bennet,” said Darcy, “I believe a little exercise would do me some good as well. Perhaps I could accompany you in the footman’s stead.”

That Miss Bennet was surprised by his application, Darcy could easily see. She turned to look at him, and for a moment, Darcy thought she might refuse his company. To his relief, however, she voiced her acceptance, though quietly. Anne shot him a smirk, which Darcy returned as blandly as he could, and they soon quit the room and left the house.

The streets which led to the park were clear and relatively free of other walkers, the fashionable hour for walking being later in the afternoon. Darcy had always known he was fortunate to live in such a locale where the avenues were broad and pretty and the problems of crime were distant. The park itself was a welcome boon, as it was a retreat from the bustle of the city, though he tended to avoid it during fashionable hours.

“Have you ever walked in Hyde Park, Miss Bennet?” asked he when they had arrived.

“No, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Bennet turned what he thought was a shy smile on him. “There is a park near to my uncle’s house in which I have often walked, but I have no experience in so grand a place as this.”

“Then you are in for a treat,” replied Darcy, feeling remarkably at ease with this young woman. “You could come to Hyde Park every day for a month and not explore every path it has to offer. There are many different types of trees and bushes, and the flowers are quite beautiful. And then, should you become more adventurous, you could enter Kensington Gardens and explore all they have to offer, including Round Pond and the various formal gardens.”

“You are intimately acquainted with all these sights?” asked Miss Bennet, a hint of teasing in her manner.

“I do live nearby for at least part of the year. Georgiana and I often come here to walk or ride in a curricle, though on occasion we have ridden our horses together. When I come myself, it is usually on horseback.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.