Trapped at Rosings by Emily Russell

Author:Emily Russell [Russell, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Amazon: B07M7FDDM9
Goodreads: 43514350
Published: 2019-01-07T05:00:00+00:00

They reached the tea shop. Elizabeth and Darcy still spoke little to one another, but the children were a welcome distraction. They talked and laughed and were so excited about their treat that the silence between Elizabeth and Darcy was relatively unnoticed. Darcy spoke to the children and teased them as before, and Elizabeth rallied enough to do the same, but she was relieved when it was time to leave.

“How will you return to Gracechurch Street?” Darcy asked after they left the shop.

“Lizzy hired a hackney,” said Tommy. “Look, Lizzy. I think I see one now.”

Darcy raised his hand to stop the cab. He handed Elizabeth and the children in, then to Elizabeth’s dismay, he gave the address to the driver and climbed in after them. They exchanged few words and mostly addressed themselves to the children who were drowsy after their exciting day.

“Mrs Gardiner will be pleased with how well they sleep tonight,” said Darcy.

“I daresay she will,” said Elizabeth. She directed her gaze outside the window as they traveled along the Strand. Robert was asleep in her arms, and Alicia rested her head against Darcy’s shoulder. Elizabeth could feel Darcy’s eyes upon her, but he said nothing.

They gently woke the children when they arrived at Gracechurch Street. Mrs Gardiner came out to meet them and exclaimed in pleasure to see Darcy. He declined an invitation to join them for dinner. No doubt his meeting with the Metcalfes reminded him of the inferiority of their connections. Elizabeth was about to follow her aunt into the house when Darcy caught her hand. She looked up at him in astonishment. Mrs Gardiner looked back and seeing them, she ushered the children into the house to give them privacy.

“Is something the matter?” he asked. “I thought we were getting on very well today. I rejoiced in it. But you have been grave and silent all evening.”

Elizabeth had not expected him to confront the matter so directly. She was at a loss for words. What could she say? That his behaviour in the park hurt her? She already knew what he thought of her. He would probably respond as he did in Kent when he made it plain he considered her connections inferior and could not be expected to rejoice in it. She did not wish to give him an opportunity to insult her like that again. God, how could she marry a man who would see her in such a light?

“I am tired, sir,” she said shortly. “It has been a long day. I wish to retire.”

Darcy’s eyes searched her face. He nodded, but he still did not release her.

“I wish to apologise for my behaviour when we met my acquaintances. I am sure you noticed my behaviour towards them last night as well. I hoped to avoid an introduction.”

Elizabeth gasped at him for stating it so plainly.

“I am sorry you failed,” she said tartly. She turned to go. He frowned.

“I think you misunderstand me. I did not wish to avoid an introduction because of you but because of them.

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