with a scarcity of your sharp tongue.”
Chapter Six
Mr. Darcy allowed me to nap for some time before I felt his hand on my shoulder. I sat up immediately for fear that we were in danger, but when he assured me that all was well, I felt relief that my only threat was a growling stomach. Gert’s meagre rations had not satisfied my hunger.
He bade me rise and follow him, explaining that while I slept, he had explored a short distance from our retreat, and to our great, good fortune, he had discovered a narrow country lane that might possibly lead to Hazleden.
He guided me through a brief tangle of trees, and it did not take long before we reached the edge of the forest. From there, a rough roadway lay before us, its worn ruts indicating it was travelled, although how often, of course, neither of us knew.
“We should continue our journey well back from the road within the cover of these trees, lest our captors also use this path,” Mr. Darcy said. “From here I can observe anyone coming from afar, and if it appears a harmless soul, I shall step forth and secure our passage. To be safe, you should remain out of sight, Miss Bennet, until I have found a ride for us.”
I looked him up and down and wondered if he had any idea of his appearance. The once perfectly dressed gentleman who had begun this journey some days previous now appeared bedraggled, unkempt, and highly suspect. His beard and hair were untidy, the bottom of his long coat possessed a good six inches of soil and stain from his misstep into the river, and his once polished boots were scuffed and laden with layers of dirt and mud. I entertained serious misgivings that anyone would wish to give him a ride.
“Do you not think it more prudent that we ask together, sir?”
“I do not,” he said hastily. “I do not need your assistance. It will be a simple task. Now keep behind the trees, and I shall walk nearest the open.”
I did as he said, but beneath my breath, I muttered, “Stubborn man!”
We walked for some time. The sun had climbed high in the heavens before we heard the distant clatter of a horse and cart. Mr. Darcy darted back into the edge of the forest, and we remained concealed until the transport could be viewed clearly. Seeing that it contained only an old man driving what appeared to be an empty cart, Mr. Darcy strode forth from the woods, raising his hand to hail the driver.
The poor, frightened man took one look and immediately grabbed a whip and urged the horse into a faster clip! Although Mr. Darcy ran after the driver, entreating him to stop, the man’s fear of the wild-looking stranger rushing from the wood prevailed. He and his horse and cart soon disappeared from sight.
“Stupid fellow! Why would he not stop?” Mr. Darcy was extremely vexed.
We continued plodding on through the perimeter of the woods. The day had turned muggy, unseasonably warm, and yet full of clouds threatening rain.
Eventually I removed my coat, growing uncomfortable from the steady pace at which we hiked. Mr. Darcy, likewise, stopped to take off his, and in so doing, caught it in a vicious snarl of thorns and briers neither of us had noticed. He laboured to dislodge it, accompanied by various exclamations, but the greater his attempt, the more entangled it became. I had just offered assistance when we heard the distinct sound of another rider or riders approaching.
Mr. Darcy warned me to remain hidden, and we both strained to see, hoping that the forthcoming traveller did not belong to the gang of highwaymen who had abducted us.
“It is but a single young man driving a cart,” I said softly.
“Blast! I must get this coat loose before he passes by.”
“Allow me to approach him, sir. Perchance I shall have greater success than you did, and he will offer a ride.”
“You? Absolutely not!”
I, however, had already walked hurriedly through the trees toward the road.
“Elizabeth!”
“Free your coat, sir. I shall secure our passage.”
I
Chapter Six
Mr. Darcy allowed me to nap for some time before I felt his hand on my shoulder. I sat up immediately for fear that we were in danger, but when he assured me that all was well, I felt relief that my only threat was a growling stomach. Gert’s meagre rations had not satisfied my hunger.
He bade me rise and follow him, explaining that while I slept, he had explored a short distance from our retreat, and to our great, good fortune, he had discovered a narrow country lane that might possibly lead to Hazleden.
He guided me through a brief tangle of trees, and it did not take long before we reached the edge of the forest. From there, a rough roadway lay before us, its worn ruts indicating it was travelled, although how often, of course, neither of us knew.
“We should continue our journey well back from the road within the cover of these trees, lest our captors also use this path,” Mr. Darcy said. “From here I can observe anyone coming from afar, and if it appears a harmless soul, I shall step forth and secure our passage. To be safe, you should remain out of sight, Miss Bennet, until I have found a ride for us.”
I looked him up and down and wondered if he had any idea of his appearance. The once perfectly dressed gentleman who had begun this journey some days previous now appeared bedraggled, unkempt, and highly suspect. His beard and hair were untidy, the bottom of his long coat possessed a good six inches of soil and stain from his misstep into the river, and his once polished boots were scuffed and laden with layers of dirt and mud. I entertained serious misgivings that anyone would wish to give him a ride.
“Do you not think it more prudent that we ask together, sir?”
“I do not,” he said hastily. “I do not need your assistance. It will be a simple task. Now keep behind the trees, and I shall walk nearest the open.”
I did as he said, but beneath my breath, I muttered, “Stubborn man!”
We walked for some time. The sun had climbed high in the heavens before we heard the distant clatter of a horse and cart. Mr. Darcy darted back into the edge of the forest, and we remained concealed until the transport could be viewed clearly. Seeing that it contained only an old man driving what appeared to be an empty cart, Mr. Darcy strode forth from the woods, raising his hand to hail the driver.
The poor, frightened man took one look and immediately grabbed a whip and urged the horse into a faster clip! Although Mr. Darcy ran after the driver, entreating him to stop, the man’s fear of the wild-looking stranger rushing from the wood prevailed. He and his horse and cart soon disappeared from sight.
“Stupid fellow! Why would he not stop?” Mr. Darcy was extremely vexed.
We continued plodding on through the perimeter of the woods. The day had turned muggy, unseasonably warm, and yet full of clouds threatening rain.
Eventually I removed my coat, growing uncomfortable from the steady pace at which we hiked. Mr. Darcy, likewise, stopped to take off his, and in so doing, caught it in a vicious snarl of thorns and briers neither of us had noticed. He laboured to dislodge it, accompanied by various exclamations, but the greater his attempt, the more entangled it became. I had just offered assistance when we heard the distinct sound of another rider or riders approaching.
Mr. Darcy warned me to remain hidden, and we both strained to see, hoping that the forthcoming traveller did not belong to the gang of highwaymen who had abducted us.
“It is but a single young man driving a cart,” I said softly.
“Blast! I must get this coat loose before he passes by.”
“Allow me to approach him, sir. Perchance I shall have greater success than you did, and he will offer a ride.”
“You? Absolutely not!”
I, however, had already walked hurriedly through the trees toward the road.
“Elizabeth!”
“Free your coat, sir. I shall secure our passage.”
I
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