Sorry for being gone so long! I picked this up again and hope you like the direction we are going. :)
Anne looked out from the third-floor window facing the path that led to Rosings Park.
Every day, the weather permitting, Darcy would leave the house to walk about with the letter he intended for Miss Elizabeth. Why he did not just call on her directly was a mystery to her. Even more of a mystery was the dry, unromantic letter he refused to alter! He was hopeless, no wonder the woman turned him away. She wondered if he would be successful today, not that she minded. The longer it took, the more time she had with Richard.
Was it any wonder he was the object of her affection with a smile that lit up a room no matter the time of night? He spoke to her plainly, as much of an equal as she could hope, and was wise with world experience. He bragged at least twice in her presence that should he marry, he would take his wife with him wherever the winds blow. Such dedication to a life together was all she could ever hope for.
Ruminations of Richard's dimples distracted Anne so that she did not notice the footsteps behind her.
"If your mother catches you by the window, I can imagine the words she will have for you. You may just end an early evening in your bedroom, covered in blankets lest you get a chill." Richard said, catching her off guard.
"Richard, do not scare me like that! I almost jumped out the window now you startled me," said Anne whirling around to meet him. "Nevermind Mother, she will do as she wants regardless of what I do. I am just wondering when Fitzwilliam will return. I pity him, going out every day for the past week. He is so stubborn."
"Now now, this test of patience will only make him stronger. See it not as pitiful torture but a labor of love." Richard waved his hand at her and smiled. "Miss Anne, I know there is a lack of society but surely a young lady such as yourself has better things to do than obsess over your cousin's failure in love."
"Mr. Richard, have some care! He has not failed, just set back. I believe if he perseveres he will win her over. He must.." she trailed off.
"AH, I see I have upset the lady, you address me so formally now. Believe me, I want nothing but happiness for Fitz, however, even I can see a losing battle. Perhaps it is the pragmatic soldier in me. If Miss Elizabeth does not accept his letter, all the better, for that means we will no longer need to impose on your hospitality. If she does, we may have yet more business here, trying your esteemed mother's patience."
Anne turned away from Richard. Was he so set to leave this house, to leave her? She did her best to push down the feelings of frustration but could feel the blush creeping in her cheeks. Turning around to face back out the window she did her best to sound formal and light. "Sir, I believe you misunderstand me. You and my cousin are welcome at Rosings for as long as you like. We have ample space and as you have said, there is a lack of society here. Your company is greatly appreciated. "
"My, I have vexed you, is it 'sir' now? Very well, Miss Anne, please accept my humble apology." he said with a bow, though Anne was not looking." I am at Mister Darcy's mercy. I believe you when you say we are welcome for indeed it has felt that way. I hope you can overlook my insensitivity; of course, you would not want your beloved cousin to leave in a rush."
She wanted to be seen as mature and intelligent. Instead, she felt silly and emotional around him. Surely Richard has heard of the proposed marriage between Fitzwilliam and herself. 'Where is that man?' she thought. 'I feel so much calmer when Darcy is around. Richard flusters me so and I am just a silly goose.' Taking a deep breath, Anne pulled away from the window to face the still bowing Richard.
"I will have you know, the look on my mother's face when her plans do not come to fruition is enough for me to hope for this union. She has planned since my birth to have Fitz and me married." She said with a bright smile. Then in a slightly smaller tone and turning away from Richard so he could not see her blushing cheeks. "...It follows then if he marries another, I will be free from our arrangement to pursue another… Oh look there he is! Come let us go meet him on the path!" she exclaimed sighting Darcy.
Anne moved speedily towards the stairwell and nearly tripped on her hem. Richard came up from his held bow just in time to witness her almost fall. Holding back a laugh he quickly caught up to her as she steadied herself. Offering an arm to guide her, they walked together down the stairs to meet Mr. Darcy. Anne was grateful for the late afternoon dim lighting, hiding her reddening cheeks yet again.
'Why can't I ever be as I wish around him?' she thought.
"How now Darcy? Are your pockets lighter?" Richard asked as they approached the man outside.
"If you mean to ask have been successful in delivering the letter, then yes." Mr. Darcy said, straightening his jacket and continuing on. He paused long enough to bow to Anne.
Anne greeted him and picked up where Richard left off. "Come cousin, you cannot just tell us you gave her the letter and nothing else."
"Well, what details do you require? I handed her the letter, she took it. I said good day and that was that. Honestly, Anne, you are spending too much time with Richard, I hear his influence in your voice," he said stopping his walk and offering his arm to her.
"Oh Now!" exclaimed Richard, clearly feigning offense as Anne left his side for Darcy. "So, you mean you just handed her the letter and then said good day? You did not try to speak more, explain yourself or even ask after her?"
"Well..." Darcy said pausing for effect, "Upon seeing the lady I told her that I had been hoping I would catch her and she did say she was doing well. I handed her the letter and left her with her own business," Darcy said flatly.
"Well did she look well? I suppose accepting your letter is a victory in itself," Richard asked.
"Oh yes, she looked very well," Darcy said with sadness as he started leading Anne back to the house again.
Anne stopped moving and dropped Darcy's arm. Darcy now a few steps in front of her turned with a puzzled look. "An -" he began before being cut off.
"Did you at least invite her to write you back or meet in the future now that the misunderstandings have been cleared? Ask her to consider friendship so there is still a connection?" She spat insistently.
Darcy looked at Richard standing behind her as if asking for help. The ire in Anne's voice rivaled that of a woman scolding her drunk husband.
"It is not necessary. She has my word on paper. It would be improper to write her and there is no point in further defending myself as the letter is exactly what I would tell her. Anne, I appreciate...,"
"You are exhausting! After all our talks… 'there is no point...' the point is love, you silly man! Do you know how hard it is for a woman to have a footing in this world? The least you can do is help out a bit by meeting her halfway. Truly your only concern was to clear your name? Have you no hope of a friendship with her even if you could not attain her fully? You have the ability to chase love and all you do is run away, well then I wish you well for truly there is nothing else that can be done for your hopeless love!" She said brushing past him to go into the house.
Darcy addressed the equally stunned Richard, "That was unexpected. I thought she would be happy that I was able to give the letter we had worked hard on, even if I did not accept any of her prescribed alterations. "
"Do not take it personal Darcy." Richard said putting a hang on Darcy's shoulder. "She confessed to me she hoped a union with Miss. Bennet would put an end to the hope of nuptials between you two. I think she may have another in mind for herself, though you arrived before I could press her."
Darcy let out a knowing laugh and shook his head. "You know Richard, I believe you are in the best position to help us in that matter then, thwarting the planned marriage of me and Anne I mean."
Turning to face Richard, Darcy continued. "I can tell by your face you do not know what I mean, just think about it. I believe you will know what to do. There is no one else I would trust with this than you."