Chapter Eleven
Friday, May 22nd, 1896.
Elizabeth felt more embarrassed she'd run away from Mr. Darcy than she did as she stared at herself in the mirror.
She was preparing for another social gathering with Abby and Lillian but she couldn't shake aside the fact she'd run off like that. Reason was because she'd looked into his eyes, they were so warm and gentle, she couldn't' help but feel unworthy to be touching him! Let alone seen with him!
"And there was another reason for my flight," she thought as she drew herself up.
Oliva was finishing that last bit of her hair when the woman noticed Elizabeth's expression. Pausing in her work, she narrowed her eyes as she asked her mistress.
"Miss Bennet? Is something wrong?"
Feeling like she should tell the truth, Elizabeth answered.
"Yes, Olivia. I made a fool of myself when I ran out on Mr. Darcy after I-"
"You ran out on the beast?!" The woman exclaimed and this rang in Elizabeth's ears.
When she looked over at the servant, she had her eyes as wide as Lizzy buds. Elizabeth was a bit surprised at Olivia's reaction.
"Yes, Oliva. I ran out on him. Why are you acting surprised?"
"Miss Bennet?! You did that to him?!"
"Yes." Elizabeth answered and she felt her suspicious surface. Remembering how Francis seemed to want to rid her from seeing Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth leaned forward in her seat as she asked.
"Is there something you're not telling me? And should I know about it?"
"Miss Bennet? I think it would be best that you avoid all contact with Mr. Darcy." The lady answered and she quickly resumed finishing up Elizabeth's hair.
"Why is that?" Elizabeth asked and she wasn't one to leave someone without prying some information out of them. She felt her heart beat when the woman's hands started to shake as she replied.
"I believe it is best you leave him alone, Miss Bennet. Besides," she tried to soothe the moment when she smiled at Elizabeth in the mirror, "you are the queen of beauty. And she doesn't deserve to be seen with a man such as him."
"Very well," Elizabeth said aloud but when the woman left, Elizabeth made it an effort on her part to know why she shouldn't be seen with Mr. Darcy… or the 'Beast' as they called him.
When she peered over at the vase, she remembered the Lizzy he'd given her. It was still alive and fresh as she reached out and touching it, brought it to her nose as she inhaled the fragrance. Remembering how Fitzwilliam looked into her eyes not too long ago… she pushed away the feeling of embarrassment as she made a resolve.
"I am going to find out why I'm not supposed to be seen with him. And I don't care what they will say or think about me… something about how the servants are acting doesn't seem right… and it is unsettling."
