One Thread Pulled: The Dance With Mr. Darcy by Diana J Oaks Page B

today, Miss Bennet.” The low voice of Mr. Darcy behind her caused Elizabeth to jump and turn with a start, her hands releasing Apollo as she did so. “You promised me most faithfully that you would not steal his affections, and now I find the two of you in a secret liaison behind the stables.” He was leaning casually against the kennel doorframe as he spoke. Elizabeth had never seen him in such an attitude, but nearly as soon as she turned to face him, he drew himself erect and was formal once again.
    Elizabeth stiffly stood up from her crouched position, her face shifting from the shadows into the sunlight that poured through the cutout windows. She could not tell from his demeanor if he was teasing her or if he was angry. “Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied, determined to be composed. “My rendezvous with your hound was no secret; I daresay every groomsman in the stable was on alert. As for your other charge, can a lady not bid farewell to a friend without raising speculation?”
    “Farewell, Miss Bennet?” Darcy looked at her, searching her eyes, a strange expression lighting his.
    “Yes, Mr. Darcy. I fear we have imposed on Mr. Bingley's hospitality long enough. Jane has recovered sufficiently to travel the distance to Longbourn, and we must return today. I have already sent for the carriage.”
    Mr. Darcy's face clouded. “Have you informed Mr. Bingley of these arrangements?”
    “Yesterday I told him that it was very likely that we would return to our home,” Elizabeth confirmed, “as soon as Jane was well enough.”
    “And knowing that you would leave today, you came to the kennels—to say goodbye to my dog?” Darcy shook his head slightly as if to challenge her account.
    Elizabeth raised her chin. “Your eyes, I believe, gave you proof, sir.”
    “But my ears,” Darcy replied, “did not hear the sentiments of a fond farewell expressed. No, I would remember it if they had.”
    “I was not finished.” Elizabeth countered with a raised brow. “Had you not interrupted me, you would have proof enough. Excuse me, sir, I must finish my walk now.”
    Elizabeth stooped to pat Apollo one last time, making a point to say “good-bye” to the beast before she brushed past Mr. Darcy, coming closer than she would have liked, since he did not step aside to let her pass easily.
    ~*~
    Elizabeth started her walk on the amber carpet found in the orchards, but she eventually wandered down a lane that rolled with the landscape, taking her past fields populated with lazily grazing sheep. She turned and circled back toward Netherfield, traipsing through a wooded area as she enjoyed the balmy, sunny morning. Returning to the house refreshed and cheerful, she found the rest of the household assembled in the dining room for breakfast.
    She greeted them all warmly, and confirmed the news that she and Jane were to away that very morning, which they had all heard from Mr. Darcy. Miss Bingley was suddenly generous in her manners again, no doubt, Elizabeth thought to herself,   because   they were leaving.
    Jane went upstairs to pack, and Elizabeth was about to assist her when the footman returned from Longbourn. The reply, written in her mother's hand, refused Elizabeth's request for the carriage. Mrs. Bennet insisted that they must trespass on Mr. Bingley's kindness for at least two more days, for the carriage could not be sent until then, and besides, Jane was not nearly well enough yet.
    Elizabeth fumed at her mother's manipulation. The dispatch she had sent to Longbourn had been clear that Jane was well enough to travel. Elizabeth vowed not to submit to her mother's ill-conceived tactics to keep Jane at Netherfield under pretense.
    She found Jane in her bedchamber, packing slowly and sadly. “What is wrong, Jane?” Elizabeth could not bear to see her gentle sister's countenance so stricken.
    “Oh, Lizzy, surely you must know.” Jane sighed, refusing to look at her sister.
    “No, Jane, you must tell me.”
    ““I am