Chapter 9: Richard

He saw it all. He knew it. Right from the moment he set foot on Hertfordshire he had been observing his cousin. He had never seen him look at a woman in such a way. Even though he tried to hide his regard for her, Richard knew Darcy admired Elizabeth. And as the days passed, he knew it was not just admiration, Darcy was in love. Richard stood on the fields of Netherfield smiling to himself, finally, cupid had struck his cousin. Darcy did not realize that Richard was standing close to the stables.

Darcy almost ran into Richard.

"Richard, what are you doing here?" he asked with surprise.

"I might as well ask you the same Fitz. You never informed me about your riding plans today."

"I went for a quick ride."

"Well the ride must have been quick, but you spent a good time interrogating the stable boy."

Darcy coughed.

"It was not an interrogation Richard."

"Oh! Please enlighten me then."

"Richard, will you stop playing your games?"

"I am not playing my games. You are the one who is trying to be coy with me."

"What do you mean?"

"You saw Miss Elizabeth hand him a paper, and that unsettled you, did it not?"

"Why would it unsettle me?" asked Darcy not liking the direction in which the conversation was headed.

"Because you cannot think clearly when it comes to her, can you?"

"Richard, I want you to stop this now," Darcy said angrily.

"Stop what Fitz? You are in love with her are you not?"

Darcy stared at Richard.

"Is it that obvious Richard?"

"It is to me man; I have never seen you look at any woman the way you look at her. Even if you try to hide your feelings, it is obvious to me. But my question is why do you choose to hide your feelings? Can you not court her? I know she is not from a wealthy family, but Darcy, I have not seen an intelligent woman like her even in the ton. Are you afraid that you will lower your status by offering for her?"

Darcy let out a low laugh.

"I do not think she will lower my status, Richard. But I know that even if I offer for her, she will reject me. She thinks very ill of me that she even refused my friendship a few days ago."

"Good heavens, what have you done to earn her wrath?"

Darcy went on to explain how he had slighted her at the assembly. He told Richard that they had a heated argument and Elizabeth even accused him of not being a gentleman. Richard listened with shock.

"Fitz you seem have put on your worst performance here. I had warned you before that you are allowing people to misjudge your character, now see where this has brought you. Did you explain yourself to her after your argument?"

"I do not have the art of explaining Richard. Each time I try to do that, she ends up thinking more poorly of me. I am hoping to show her that I can change, until then, I do not have a chance with her."

Richard was silent. He was proud of his cousin. He hoped Elizabeth would see the real Darcy soon. Richard liked Elizabeth and knew she would make Darcy very happy.

Both Darcy and Richard walked towards the house deep in their thoughts. They stopped abruptly, hearing the sound of laughter. It was Georgiana. Richard smiled at Darcy. It had been some time since they both had heard her happy laughter.

They stopped as their path coincided with that of Elizabeth and Georgiana. Georgiana was excited to see them both.

"Oh! William, did you go for a ride? You could have taken me too. It has been so long."

Darcy smiled. "It was a quick ride Georgi maybe we can go tomorrow."

"Miss. Elizabeth, would you like to ride with us tomorrow?" Georgiana asked eagerly.

"I am sorry Miss Darcy. I do not ride."

Darcy could not make out the expression on Elizabeth's face, he thought he saw some sadness in her beautiful eyes.

Darcy looked at her keenly. He could not stop himself from asking her the reason.

"Are you not fond of riding Miss Elizabeth?"

"No Mr. Darcy. I once fell off a horse and broke my leg. Since then I have never been inclined to try the sport again." She said dryly.

"Oh! I am sorry Miss Elizabeth. Was it a serious injury?" asked Richard.

"I recovered sir. But I had to be in bed for almost two months and I was not a very cooperative patient like my sister. It was a trying time for my mother."

Darcy smiled. Yes Elizabeth, you love the outdoors, wonder how your parents kept you in the house for two months.

"I would have liked to ride with you Miss Elizabeth. But maybe I can do it sometime later. Will you accompany me to the village? I want to go to the bookstore tomorrow."

"I am sure I can Miss Darcy, Jane can spare me for a few hours."

"Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, I am so excited. Will you both join us brother?"

Darcy looked at Elizabeth, she smiled at him. What are you thinking Elizabeth? Do you still despise me? How I wish I could read your mind.

"We will try to join you Georgiana. We have an invitation to Mr. Lucas's tomorrow, maybe we can go in the morning."

The four of them walked into the house in happy spirits, not realizing the danger lurking close to them in Meryton. Darcy understood from Georgiana that Elizabeth would be leaving Netherfield that Friday. I have three more days in your company Elizabeth. What am I to do in Netherfield after you leave? I wish I could tell you how much I love you, before you leave. He looked at her longingly as she disappeared up the stairs with Georgiana.

He never knew that he would indeed tell her that he loved her before she left, only that Elizabeth would not be conscious to hear his words.