The treasure hunt was entertaining; the clues being diverse enough so that each member of the team could work at least one. On more than one occasion in the midst of the hunt, Elizabeth’s thoughts went to the gentleman who would put so much effort into providing this type of diversion for his guests. She would have never imagined the man she knew in Hertfordshire to be capable of something like this.
There were puzzles, clues from literature and poems, as their first one was, and a few simple ones for the children that merely had a word written that was missing several letters. Gladys was easily able to decipher “sandbox” and “carriage house.”
When they found their last clue, they quickly made their way back to the canopy, hoping to be the first team back. They had only sought out Mr. Darcy’s help on one clue. They affirmed each other with confident expectation that they may, indeed, be the winning team.
Rosalyn sat underneath the canopy next to Mr. Darcy, having returned early due to fatigue. Elizabeth watched her friend laugh gaily at something he said, yet she noticed a look of anxiety etched upon her features. She was certain that Rosalyn may have returned to allow Mr. Darcy the opportunity to express his intentions toward her. It was apparent by her expression that he had not.
As the other teams returned, refreshing drinks and tea cakes were offered. Everyone laughed amongst themselves as they recollected their different adventures and how they either did or did not decipher the clues readily. Mr. Darcy seemed satisfied that everyone enjoyed themselves.
He drew their attention to announce the winners. As it turned out, Mr. Hamilton’s team came in first, Mr. Goldsmith’s team came in second, and Mr. Willstone’s team came in third.
Georgiana handed out the prizes. All the men received fishing rods, the ladies received beautiful lace handkerchiefs, and the young girls each received a kite of their own, which pleased them immensely. Georgiana explained that while the treasure hunt did indeed have winners, the hope was that everyone enjoyed it, and so she and her brother decided all would receive a prize of equal worth.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent playing games. Elizabeth remained with the girls, and later, when they wanted a bit more activity, she walked with them over to the children’s play area, where they had earlier found several amusements. It was in a slightly sheltered area in the back courtyard of the house.
Elizabeth sat on a bench that faced an open area to the west, a view of the woods beyond. She could relax here, away from Mr. Hamilton’s curious looks and Mr. Darcy’s unsettling presence. She no longer felt awkward in his presence. Instead, it was his accommodating behaviour toward her, the way in which he ensured her comfort, the very nearness of him, and seeing the good in him that prompted within her a discomfiture of a very different kind.
Despite the warm afternoon, she shivered as a chill coursed through her. She twirled a ringlet of hair around a finger as she pondered what had brought about such thoughts and feelings. She slowly shook her head as the realization came unbidden to her.
Her head leant back abruptly against the wall of the house behind her, and she dropped the ringlet of hair, slowly bringing her hand down and placing it over her heart. She could feel its steady, but very strong and erratic pulsing. Perhaps this was what he had intended all along—for her to fall in love with him and to experience what he suffered at her hands. She was now a governess! He could never love her again, would never make her another offer. What man of his standing in society would?
She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, staving off the tears that threatened to spill down her face. With her eyes closed, she could feel the slight breeze tease her face just as it whipped around the building; she could hear the leaves rustling in the great trees and smell the fragrance of the flowers that grew in the gardens. She could not escape the fact that she was at Pemberley. While all this could have been hers, it was more the realization that its Master was a good, honourable, and respectable man who would now have been her husband if she had only accepted his proposal.
The Goldsmith girls soon grew tired and departed. Emily no longer found it to be as diverting without them, so she and Elizabeth also returned indoors. As they walked past the library, Emily remembered Mr. Darcy’s words about the books.
“Miss Bennet, may we go in and find those books Mr. Darcy told us about?”
“Perhaps it would be best to wait for him. He has far too many books in there, and I would have no idea where to find them.”
“We can at least look.” Emily looked up with pleading eyes.
“Very well,” laughed Elizabeth. “We can try.”
They walked in and Elizabeth closed her eyes as she breathed in the scent of the leather-bound books. Again, memories of her father’s library swept over her, and she steeled herself for the grief that often and unexpectedly consumed her.
Tears began to pool in her eyes, and she chided herself for her sentimentality. She reached into her pocket for the handkerchief she had just been given. Before dabbing it on her eyes, she fingered the silky material and perused the intricate lace. She had never owned something so beautiful.
“Miss Bennet, have you found it yet?” Emily called out from behind one of the rows of books.
“No, no,” Elizabeth replied, pocketing her handkerchief.
“Do you ladies need some assistance?”
At Mr. Darcy’s voice, Elizabeth’s heart lurched. She was grateful when Emily answered.
“We are looking for the book on birds you told us about.”
“Ahh! It is over here, quite close to where Miss Bennet is.”
The two walked over to her, and she watched him peruse the bookshelves. He stood so close to her that she felt as though her heart would burst from beating so violently.
Emily, so enthusiastic for the prospect of this book, leaned into him, which in turn caused him to bump into Elizabeth, sending her slightly off-balance.
“Pardon me, Miss Bennet,” he said as he quickly reached out and placed his hands on her shoulders to set her aright. Her eyes met and held his for the short duration he kept his hands there, steadying her.
Elizabeth tried to appear calm, indifferent even, as his eyes searched hers, but she felt he could see all that she wished to hide from him. He finally released her shoulders and turned his attention back to the shelf, knowing exactly where to locate the book.
He cleared his throat and said, “Here it is, Miss Willstone. I daresay you will not find a book with finer drawings.”
She opened the book, and after looking at some of the drawings said, “May I show my mother?”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “Certainly. I believe she is in the drawing room.”
Emily began to skip out of the library, and Elizabeth gave her a soft reminder. “Emily, remember to walk inside the house, and take care with that book.”
She stopped and turned around. “Yes, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy watched Emily disappear from the library. He turned slightly toward her, and then looked away, as if wishing to say something but sensing her unease. He absently reached up to a row of books and straightened them. His eyes remained straight ahead on the bookshelf in front of him.
“I understand Hamilton apologized to you earlier for his remarks.”
Elizabeth’s mouth suddenly felt very dry. In vain, she licked her lips before answering. “Yes, he did. I accepted his apology and forgave him.”
Darcy nodded, still fingering the books on the shelf. “He had no right to press you as he did!”
Elizabeth lowered her head and said softly, “He had no way of knowing…” Her voice trailed off.
Darcy dropped his hands to his side. “He is young and often speaks without thinking. He has much to learn.”
Elizabeth nodded silently.
Darcy turned his head and looked down at Elizabeth. Her head was still lowered away from him. “Please excuse me. My steward is waiting to see me in my study.”
As he began to walk away, Elizabeth put a hand on his arm. He stopped and looked down at her hand, prompting her to quickly pull it away.
“I would like to thank you, Mr. Darcy, for a very enjoyable afternoon.” The smile on her face conveyed a hope that she could be in his presence with a degree of equanimity.
