Pirates and Prejudice (27 page)

After a dance
with Kitty, Mrs. Bennet, and Maria Lucas, Mr. Darcy finally returned to
Elizabeth’s side. She grimaced at the look of exhaustion on his face.

“Mr. Darcy, I
fear you have quite overdone it tonight.”

He waved his
hand through the air and shook his head. “I am not so much physically tired as
I am emotionally spent. There is a difference. Trying to keep up with the
conversations during my last three dances has completely fatigued me! I spent a
great deal of effort trying to comprehend what one lady was saying, what to say
to another who would not utter one word and seemed terrified of me the whole
dance, and I finally gave up saying anything to the third because she talked
non-stop!”

Elizabeth looked
at him with pity. “I think I can guess who each guilty party was.”

She glanced over
at Jane and Bingley, who were sitting out. “Look, there are Mr. Bingley and
Jane sitting out. Let us go join them so you can rest.”

“I confess I
would enjoy the brief respite, but I think I would prefer to remain here.
Besides, you promised me another dance.”

“Yes, I did. And
so that you will not become more fatigued, I also promise that I will not speak
during the whole of the dance and will not oblige you to talk at all… as I was
determined to do during our very first dance at the Netherfield Ball last
year.”

Darcy’s brows
shot up. “Truly? That was your object, then? I can assume you thought it would be
torture for me, but I assure you it was not.” He leaned in towards her. “You
must realize something, Miss Elizabeth. There are some people with whom I find
it difficult to converse, who wear me down to the point of exhaustion and try
my patience, while others – a
few
others – invigorate me and make me
feel very much alive. I can speak with them with the greatest ease... and
pleasure, and enjoy the silence between us, as well.” He paused and breathed in
deeply. “I think you know how I have long felt about
our
conversations.”

Elizabeth
listened in rapt amazement at Mr. Darcy’s insight as he offered revelations
about himself and a hint at how he felt about her. The look of admiration on
his face almost said more than his words did, and it took all her power to not
reach up and stroke the face that looked down at her.

Before she could
find the words to reply, he asked, “Miss Elizabeth, is there some place where
we can go to talk?”

“Oh,” Elizabeth said
softly. She could not think of one place they could go where they would not
have a crowd of people staring and eavesdropping. She finally gave her head a
shake. “Not around here. I cannot think of any…”

As the throng of
people increased around them, discouraging any further conversation, Darcy let
out a low humph.

Elizabeth took
in a deep breath and swallowed, wanting somehow to further this discussion.
Suddenly, with a carefree voice, she said, “I certainly hope the weather
remains warm and sunny. I do so enjoy a long, solitary walk in the mornings up
to Oakham Mount. It is always such a pleasant way to begin my day. I believe I
shall take a walk first thing tomorrow.”

“Oh, I see,”
Darcy said in almost a whisper. “So now we are on the safe topic of the
weather.” He folded his arms across him and looked out across the room.

Elizabeth gave
her head a slight shake, and then looked at him with a pointed gaze. “You see,
Mr. Darcy, I enjoy taking a morning walk, and rarely – if ever – do I encounter
anyone! It is really something that
you
ought to try. I think you would
enjoy it, as well.”

The light of
dawning appeared in Darcy’s eyes – or rather, his one eye – as he looked down
at her. “Yes! Yes! You are most correct! I know I should like it very much!
Very much indeed!” He nodded at a couple as they walked past.

“I thought you
would.”

“When would you
suggest is the best time to go? I mean, since I am not from around here, I am
certain you would know these things better than I.”

“Oh, I think the
best time would be at about seven o’clock. I would conjecture that since the
ball will most likely continue on into the early hours of the morning, seven
would be a very good time.”

“Yes, I do
appreciate your assistance in this matter, Miss Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth nodded
her head slowly, despite the rapid pounding of her heart. “It was my pleasure,
Mr. Darcy.”

Chapter 27

The next morning Elizabeth opened the large wooden
door at Longbourn as quietly as she could and slipped outside. She breathed in
the fresh morning air, glorying in the songs of the birds, and squinted her
eyes as the rising sun greeted her. She walked down the dirt path, kicking a
small rock and sending it into the shrubbery that bordered it. Once she was out
of the gate, she turned and looked to the east, towards Oakham Mount. Her heart
thundered as she considered who she was going to meet.

Elizabeth’s
incessant thoughts and the strength of her feelings after last evening had not
waned. She had hardly slept at all as she recounted every word Mr. Darcy had
spoken to her at the ball, weighing them against the words her heart longed for
him to say.

A smile
brightened her face and her eyes danced with joy as she recollected him
complimenting their conversations. She winced as she realized she had had no idea
that when she purposely provoked and challenged him, he was greatly enjoying
their lively banter. She let out a chuckle as she considered that the times
they had walked in silence, it was because she had no desire to speak to him.
He, on the other hand, had cherished those times because he felt she had
understood that he needed quiet as well as conversation. She shook her head. He
was a complex man!

As she drew
closer to the base of Oakham Mount, her pace increased in time with the
pounding of her heart. She looked about her, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mr.
Darcy, but did not see him.

As she began to
take the dirt path up the small hill, she thought she heard footsteps behind
her. She stopped and turned her head, narrowing her eyes against the sun’s glare,
but she did not see anyone. Suddenly a deer sprang forth from the shadows of
the dense woods, startling her, but prompting her to laugh. She turned and
continued to walk.

She would soon
come to the turn which would give her the view towards Netherfield. From this
vantage point, she would be able to look out and see the direction from which
Mr. Darcy would come. Her steps hurriedly carried her along, and at length, she
reached the lookout and could see the path that came up from that direction.

A rough-hewn
wooden fence had long ago been erected along the path here, as there was a
steep cliff on the one side. She walked over to the fence and gripped the top
beam, looking out. When she did not see him, she suddenly felt apprehensive
that he might not come. Perhaps he realized he had said too much to her and
decided he could not go through with it and finish telling her all he had
planned to say. Her fingers tightened around the beam, and she felt herself
begin to sway as she leaned over to look farther out towards the path Mr. Darcy
would have taken.

There was the
sound of footsteps again, and before Elizabeth could turn, she felt a hand
grasp hers.

“Ye aren’t
thinkin’ of jumpin’, are ye, m’lady?”

Darcy pulled her
gently towards him, and elation flooded her. She stopped within a few of inches
of him and looked up into his smiling face.

“You know I was
not.” She could not conceal the nervous laugh that accompanied her words. “I
was… I wondered… I did not know whether I should wait here, go back, or
continue on.”

Darcy rubbed his
jaw. “Do you often find yourself faced with such dilemmas and decisions to make
when you walk up to Oakham Mount?” His eyes held a tender glint. “I understand
you walk up here quite often.”

“I do, and no, I
am not often faced with such dilemmas.” She peeked up at him. “Only when I am
anticipating a clandestine encounter.”

“Is that what
this is?”

She bit her lip.
“Some may consider this rather shocking, coming out here to meet… without a
chaperone.”

“I most
certainly would!”

Elizabeth winced.
“Do you think me imprudent to have agreed to it, then?”

Darcy laughed
and shook his head, giving her a pointed look. “You did not agree to it, Miss
Bennet. You suggested it!”

Her eyes
widened. She looked up and saw that his piercing dark eyes were smiling. “You
are incorrigible, Mr. Darcy. But, yes, I did! You must believe me to be quite a
disreputable lady!”

“I think no such
thing. Come.” Darcy nodded his head in the direction of the path, and he tucked
her hand within his arm, while still holding onto it with his other hand. They
fell into step, walking slowly up the hill.

They walked in a
contented silence, and then Darcy asked, “Did you fear I might not come?”

Elizabeth looked
straight ahead and then turned her head away. She finally looked back and
admitted, “It crossed my mind.”

“Hmm…” He gave
her hand a gentle squeeze. “I have been out here walking for some time. I set
out at first light, actually.”

Elizabeth looked
down at the path in front of them but knew his gaze was upon her. “I see.”

“I cannot say
that I got much sleep last night. I was rather…”

Elizabeth waited
for him to finish. He looked away and let out a sigh. She could only conjecture
what he had been about to say. If his night had been anything like hers, it had
been one of joyously recounting every moment of the previous evening and
eagerly anticipating the coming morning.

“Neither did I
sleep well,” Elizabeth volunteered.

They walked on a
short distance with neither saying a word. Elizabeth decided she would wait
until Mr. Darcy broke the silence, despite wanting – no, needing – answers to
so many questions. They came to a fork in the path, and Darcy gently guided her
to the left, which she knew would take them to a small clearing.

Elizabeth
finally stopped. “Mr. Darcy, we have not spoken at all of Lydia’s shameful
actions since it happened.”

Darcy’s head
lowered, his brows pinched together, and he looked off to the side. “There is
nothing about which to speak.”

“Oh, but there
is.” It grieved her to see the pained expression on his face, but she had to
know. “You see, my family may not have considered this, but I certainly have. I
cannot help but think that my sister was spared any arrest, trial, and possible
conviction by your hand.” She shook her head. “I do not know how you may have
done this, but I find it incomprehensible that she was merely released. I
cannot believe that she did not have to suffer any of the consequences for
doing such a horrid thing.”

Darcy looked
down at their hands. “You are correct,” he said solemnly. “But for the most
part, I did nothing but make it perfectly clear to the authorities that she was
an…” he paused and looked up. “Pray, forgive me for my words, here, but I fear
I told them she was an ignorant and silly girl who was merely following the
directions of Mr. Wickham, out of love, or lust, or whatever you want to call
it.” He took in a deep breath. “I told them that she knew nothing about what it
was she was being asked to do.”

“You had no
reason at all to do that, Mr. Darcy. My family thanks you, even though I do not
believe they fully comprehend this.”

He paused and
took in a slow breath. “You know I did it all for you.” His tender words washed
over her and filled her with a flood of warmth.

Elizabeth opened
her mouth, but nothing came out.

“Miss Bennet, if
your feelings are what they were in the spring, just say so. I would hope those
impressions I came away with last evening were everything I believed them to
be, but I will not speak words of my love and devotion for you if they are
still unwelcome.”

Elizabeth’s eyes
welled with tears. She shook her head slowly. “No, Mr. Darcy, they are not
unwelcome. Not in the slightest. In fact, I can think of nothing I would rather
hear you say.”

They began
walking again, and he did not seem inclined to say anything further, which left
Elizabeth somewhat perplexed. But again, rather than breaking the silence, she
would wait until he did.

At length, came
upon the clearing. It was a natural small meadow of grass, bordered by low
shrubs. Wild flowers grew in patches throughout, adding a myriad of colours to
the serene setting, and a bench was situated on one side. A coverlet was laid
out in the middle of the clearing, and a basket had been set on the coverlet.
Her heart leapt in her chest at the sight.

“Mr. Darcy, this
is lovely!”

He patted her
hand. “I am glad you think so.”

He led her over
to it. “Would you care to sit down?”

“Yes, that would
be very nice.”

He directed her
to the coverlet and helped her down, finally releasing her hands as she sat. He
stood for a moment merely gazing at her. Then very slowly, he lowered his tall
frame down to her side. Instead of sitting, however, he came down on one knee.

Elizabeth had to
tell herself to breathe and hoped that her heart would bear the excitement she now
felt, after the exertion this morning of the climb, the momentary fear she had
experienced, and the pounding that accompanied all the feelings that this man
evoked.

“Miss Bennet…
Elizabeth, I do not know what I have ever done to warrant a second chance with
you, but I am grateful for it, all the same. I have never ceased to love you,
and that love has continued to grow with each passing day. I will not bore you
with details about how I have changed… how I hope I have changed. I can only
hope you have seen it for yourself and can be assured that I desire nothing
more but to make you happy. I ask you, Elizabeth, will you make my joy complete
and consent to be my wife?”

Elizabeth’s
shoulders began to shake as her tears began to fall. She nodded her head and
mumbled, “Yes, I will!”

Darcy drew to
her side and pulled out a handkerchief. He gently wiped her eyes with it.
“Come, Elizabeth, I had hoped this would make you happy, not sad!”

Elizabeth
laughed between sobs. “I am happy. I am very happy! You cannot know how deeply
I have come to love you!”

Darcy sat down
next to her, a wide smile gracing his face. He opened the basket and pulled out
a bottle of wine and two goblets. Then he set out a plate with cheeses and
breads. “Would you care for something, Elizabeth?”

She smiled and
looked up at him with brows raised. “Yes, that would be very nice…
Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy had just
tilted the bottle of wine to pour it, but stopped. He looked up at Elizabeth, his
dark eyes shining. “I like the sound of that, Elizabeth. I have often wondered
what it would be like to hear you say my name.”

They sipped some
wine and ate the bread and cheese in silence. Elizabeth actually began to enjoy
the silence between them, as if they shared something special.

When they had
finished, he took her hand and cradled it between both of his. “You have no
idea how happy this has made me.” He patted her hand, causing her to look down.

Elizabeth placed
her other hand over his and studied them. “You know, Fitzwilliam, it is the way
you held my hand that made me realize how much I adore you.”

“It all began
when I reached out and grabbed it, then?”

Elizabeth
chuckled. “I may not have fallen in love with you then, but you know that I
noticed your hand. I could not ignore how soft and smooth it was; I told you
that. I came to realize how warm and protective and strong it was. I believe
from that very moment you clasped it, there was nothing that would get in the
way of my falling in love with you.”

Darcy smiled.
“Truly? And what of David? I saw him holding your hand on several occasions.”
He raised a brow as he asked.

Elizabeth licked
her lips. “Hmm. Yes, he did hold my hand. But…” She gave him a sideways glance.
“I realized that when he held my hand, I did not feel all those things I felt
when you held it.” She bit her lip and widened her eyes. “It felt like any
other gentleman who had ever held my hand.” She looked up and saw his brow
lift. She quickly added, “I will have you know that has occurred solely during
a dance; so pray, do not fret about a dozen men who have taken my hand in
theirs.”

“Oh, I will not
fret, but I do wish to know more about how you felt.” He looked down at their
hands, then stole a sly upward glance.

She blushed,
wondering how she would ever explain those feelings that were so personal, so
intimate. She also knew it was something she should not discuss with him – at
least now. She raised a single brow. “I shall only say that when I held your
hand in mine at the end of our dance on the ship and you warned me that I was
in dangerous waters…” She paused and waited for him to acknowledge it.

“Yes?”

“I have often
felt very much the same way when you hold my hand in yours.” She glanced up and
met his penetrating gaze. “Or look at me in that intense way.” It was true. The
way he looked at her made her feel as though she would melt away.

Darcy began to
move towards her, lowering his gaze to her lips. When he was but a few inches
away, Elizabeth pushed herself up and walked over to the edge of the clearing.

“Is something
wrong?” Darcy asked, standing up and walking over to her. “You do not wish for
me to kiss you?”