An Accidental Elopement
Chapter Four
Back in the carriage speeding south sat Fitzwilliam Darcy with a woman that he had little doubt, if they were not trapped together in his carriage, he would never have met her.
After all her station in life was far below his own, her dress plainly indicated that. He had never seen her in town or heard of the Bennet family in his life so evidently she did not travel in his circle or those of the ton. She gave her opinion freely and very decidedly so she had not been taught at one of the finer women's seminaries which would have schooled her to be pleasing and agreeable, not passionate and argumentative.
He hoped that this rather serendipitous event would not be made public and he could just go about his life, keeping this as a funny antidote that he would only ever share with his cousin Richard. How they would joke about Darcy almost being caught by some poor county lass. After all she may be intelligent and pretty but the Darcy name demanded birth, breeding, wealth and, if possible, a title.
No this young woman would never do. He would marry her if it was necessary to save her reputation but prayed that would not be the case. No, she simple would not do. With that thought in his mind Darcy was determined to engage the woman no further. He was always a man of strong conviction so he knew it would be easy to not raise the woman's expectations by reflecting his interest in her. No he would speak to her no more.
"As you know by now I have a younger sister, Georgiana. She was only 15 but quite proficient at the pianoforte... Do you have any siblings," asked Darcy. He truly was determined to keep himself as distant and cool as possible but he just could not help himself. He aspired to know this woman that contradicted everything he should want.
Elizabeth couldn't help but to enjoy the awkwardness of the gentleman across her trying to start conversation.
"Yes actually. I do," smiled Elizabeth mischievously. "There are five of us at home with the youngest at 15, but only myself and one other of my sisters play. And I would hardly say we're proficient."
"Five siblings, that's quiet a good number."
"Yes us sisters are rather glad our parents didn't just stop at two." Gaining a questioning look from Mr. Darcy she continued. "Our estate is entailed away from the female line. It seems luck was not on our parents' side to have a son."
Her situation was worse then he had originally thought. Five unmarried sister in an entailed estate. There was little way they would have much dowry, especially with that many. Perhaps their father married a wealthy heiress.
"And your mother? Where does her family hail from?"
Elizabeth hid her smile behind her hand before answering.
"Meryton. It's a small town not far from our estate. Her father was the local solicitor. My uncle married my aunt and followed my grandfather's lead in taking over his practice once he past. Your sister in currently in the care of my mothers' brother. He runs several warehouses in the city dealing in all manner of goods from linen to tea. He and my aunt are truly the loveliest of people."
She finished by casting him a sweet, unassuming smile. While Elizabeth might not be as worldly as the gentleman sitting across from her, she was in no way unintelligent to his line of questioning. He was obviously worried he would be saddled with a woman of little fortune and no connections forever.
Her current enjoyment was to inform him honestly and make him uncomfortable the rest of the way back. After all there was no way anyone saw her enter his carriage, not that late into the evening. And even if they had, she was a visitor to town. They would have no idea who she was.
So even if he was handsome, delightfully intelligent and rich, Elizabeth had little interest in a man who evidently thought himself above his present company. She might as well enjoy teasing him while she can. After all in only a few more hours she would undoubtedly never lay eyes on him again.
"Don't you find both of my uncles to be of noble professions Mr. Darcy? One keeps everyone equal in the eyes of the law, the other provides goods that allow our lives to be as enriched and enjoyable as they are."
"Farming is also a noble profession," huffed Darcy.
"Yes I quite agree. To work the earth and provide food and nourishment for all men. Tell me Mr. Darcy, what kind of horses do you use to plow your fields? That must be how you got such strong brood shoulders," continued Elizabeth with such sweetness of a compliment that Darcy was sure, had it been anyone else, it would be flattery. However since he knew her to be intelligent, he surmised she was belittling him as he had her.
"I'll have to ask the next time I am home. No doubt you yourself long to get back behind the plow."
This comment from Mr. Darcy caused a wonderful sound laugh to be admitted from his beautiful traveling companion.
"Yes are right Mr. Darcy," laughed Elizabeth hardily. "Neither of us get our hands too dirty but I will confess I can make an amazing blackberry tart."
Darcy nodded his head at this and turned his attention once more back out the window. He had to control himself.
Now not only was she smart and beautiful, she was also teasing and enjoyable to talk to. There was no flirting or simpering just simple good humor.
And that laugh...
How unlike anything he had ever heard from the ladies of his acquaintance. Their laughs were forced, cold and calculating. Even Georgiana's was quiet and light. No this was a woman greatly amused and not afraid to show it. It was warm and inviting. Even though she was insulting him, he wanted to join with her merriment.
NO! This was not were his thoughts needed to go. She was unsuitable, poor, unconnected...and she made blackberry tarts. Those were always his favorite. Now he was even more determined to not turn his attention back to Miss Bennet the rest of the trip. Heaven only knows what else he'd find out about her to haunt his dreams.
At least if they were found to be compromised his future would in no way be dull.
Elizabeth on the other hand was enjoying this impromptu adventure excessively. Not only had she been able to see a part of England she more then likely would never had visited, she also got to study a rather fascinating character. He had such different responses to her that he puzzled her exceedingly.
One moment he seemed to be rather interested to engage her, the next he acted as though it were the furthest thing from his mind.
'How amusing she thought,' she though.
Well since he seem determined to be quiet and unpleasant the rest of the way she would at least enjoy the scenery and daydream about wandering among the lovely rocks and trees.
After all, only a couple of hours more and they would both be free from their current predicament never to cross paths again.
AN: Hello again. Sorry I'm posting this kind of late. I went to post on Tues but my account was acting crazy and I couldn't login. Then of course RL got in the way. Anyways thanks as always for all your delightful reviews. They truly make my day.
Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice belong to Jane Austen. This story is protected under copyright law and is not allowed to be used, copied, or republish without written consent from the author.
