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“Miss Bennet was livid, and nothing I could say reversed the damage done in having learned of my plans in such an abrupt manner. She somehow thought that I had been keeping my plans a secret from her. She accused me as much. I do not recall ever seeing her so disappointed.”

“It seems a capricious response to me. Are you sure it was not fuelled by those matters of a feminine nature. I have come to expect those periods and a lady’s excitability to go hand in hand.”

Darcy blew out a long breath. “How on earth you suppose that I would be privy to such a thing is beyond me.”

“A man ought to know such things about the woman he plans to marry.”

“After the wedding, perhaps.” Exasperated with Richard’s cavalier attitude, Darcy threw his hands in the air. “Why am I even discussing such a delicate matter with you, Brutus? The fact is, she is young, and she wants what she wants when she wants it. She has not learned temperance.

“Once she has time to consider it, she will understand that my leaving has nothing to do with any sort of lessened regard for her. I shall call on her before we leave tomorrow.” Darcy headed towards the door.

“Where are you off to now?”

“I must see Lord Holland.” Darcy could only imagine what his friend would say about his precipitous plans, especially if he learned of the argument with Elizabeth. Lord Holland’s words hounded him: We both know it is solely a matter of time before you do take your leave—rendering the young woman broken-hearted, and when you do, I promise I will be here to pick up the pieces and help mend it back together.

The next morning, as Elizabeth and her aunt were sitting together in the dining-room, their attention was suddenly drawn to the window by the sound of a carriage. They perceived a chaise and four driving up the lane. Curious as to who would be calling at such an early hour, Elizabeth went to the window to command a better view as well as satisfy both of their curiosities. Elizabeth recognised the vehicle’s crest and immediately drew herself away from the window. “Mr. Darcy!” Having now decided that it was better that things had turned out as they had before her heart was truly engaged, he was the last person in the world she wished to see. Heaven forbid that a few well-spoken sentiments on his part might weaken her resolve.

“Pardon me, Lady Vanessa, but I find I am ill equipped to receive guests. Please, make whatever excuse you deem necessary in explaining my absence.” She hurried out the door and sped up the stairs.

When Darcy was shown into the room, he greeted her ladyship cordially.

She was equally as cordial. “Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure seeing you this morning, albeit an unexpected one, but a pleasure nonetheless.”

“Your ladyship, as you heard my cousin say, he and I are taking our leave today.”

“No doubt you are anxious to arrive in Kent ahead of the upcoming race. Which of your beautiful bays will be running?”

“Perseus will do the honours, your ladyship. He is stabled in Kent” Not intent to engage in small talk a second longer, Darcy cleared his throat. “It is my ardent wish to speak with Miss Bennet before I leave.”

Her ladyship threw a cursory glance about the room. “As you can see, sir, Elizabeth is not here.”

“Do you suppose she took a walk?” He looked at his watch. “I am familiar with all her favourite lanes. I believe I will seek her out if that does not meet with any objections.”

“Actually, sir, Elizabeth is upstairs in her apartment. Furthermore, my niece is aware you are here. She saw you coming. I am afraid she does not wish to see you. Perhaps you had better take your leave. In fact, I insist you do not delay your departure a second longer.”

Darcy’s astonishment in her attempt to dismiss him could not be repressed. “Pardon me, your ladyship. I simply want to assure her⁠—”

She held up her hand. “Mr. Darcy, let us not quarrel over the matter. The fact is there will always be another race.”

CHAPTER 10

CROSSED IN LOVE

Not a day had gone by over the past weeks that Lord Holland did not call on Elizabeth and her aunt at Barrington Hall. She attributed it to the less varied society, what with so many of their friends in London for the Season.

“I received a delightful letter from Lucy today,” said Elizabeth.

“I should imagine she is enjoying a gay time with this being the height of the Season.”

“Indeed. I wonder that you do not go to London as well.”

“Why on earth would I do that when everything I want is here?”

Puzzled by his reply, Elizabeth arched her brow. “I should imagine your father would be eager to see you and your mother.”

Lord Holland’s expression turned sombre. He said nothing.

“Forgive me if I spoke out of turn. It is just that I have yet to meet your father in all the time I have been here. I imagine you must miss each other’s company.”