Although Edward didn't know exactly what he did that was wrong, he couldn't help but feel a bit a shame as well as swelling in his left eye. He knew he had offended the lady, clearly, however he had no reason to suspect his words were not truthful. He was merely trying to help the young woman who obviously didn't know how to accurately perform an experiment. Not that he expected much less. He was always taught from a young age that women were not allowed to educate themselves beyond men, and he never encountered such a woman in all his life, so therefore it had to be true.
He marched into his estate, with a flurry of servants still trying to get the family unpacked. He was deep into his thoughts when his sister interrupted him.
"My God Edward, what has become of your face?" Charlotte Kinsley asked him.
"Nothing a man can't handle Charlotte. It is of no consequence, but I can see you will not have peace until I explain. I have offended Miss Darcy, Charlotte. She took proper action and left me with this display of color upon my face."
Charlotte looked stunned, "She doesn't seem like much of a lady." Edward could do nothing but laugh. It was true, she didn't appear to be much of a lady, but then again he didn't appear to be much of a gentleman.
"Well you can make your mind up yourself when we go to call upon the Darcy's this evening. Mr. Darcy had called upon us and now we must go to meet the family." Their father interrupted, "and for God sakes, Edward, ice that bruise, we mustn't meet the Darcy's looking like savages."
Edward went to the pond outside to pool some cool water onto his slowly healing eye. He had not blamed Miss Darcy for hitting him, even though he hadn't quite understood what possessed her to do so. He also couldn't understand how she could have much muscle. From what he saw, she was a relatively thin girl, with very thick dark hair. She was very pretty, there was no doubt in that, and she was very wealthy but there was also a small spark in her, one that kept curiosity in her eye, and bravery in her heart. Once again, she took him by surprise, but he would not be so unprepared this time.
Alex had never acted so rashly in her entire life. The level of shame and embarrassment was quite acute. She had hit a gentleman! This realization kept her thoughts in a wild goose chase of right or wrong. Clearly he was in the wrong, clearly he had offended her, but it wasn't acceptable for her to hit him. She was disappointed in herself but she could never let Mr. Kinsley see that. The pain in her fist would be sufficient punishment.
"Miss Alexandria, Mistress told me to inform you that there will be guests arriving tonight for dinner, the Kinsley's from the north." Alex thanked the servant and began to dread the evening. She would act like a perfect lady, she would have to if she didn't want to be disowned by her father. She stuck her chest out and put on a perfect smile. She marched into the house to get ready.
Alex was just finishing the trim on one of her bonnets when the Kinsley's arrived.
"Mr. Robert Kinsley, Mrs. Jasmine Kinsley, Mr. Edward Kinsley, and Miss Charlotte Kinsley for you ma'am." Mrs. Landle introduced.
"Thank you," replied Elizabeth, "Welcome to our home, please take a seat, Mrs. Landle will be in any moment to serve tea."
"Thank you Mrs. Darcy."
"Forgive me, these are my children Miss Alexandria and Mr. James. Their father should be in, in a moment, he has seemed to preoccupy himself in the library where there is always so much to be done." Elizabeth made short talk while Alex admired her handiwork on the gentleman's face.
"My goodness sir, what happened to your face?" Alexandria asked quite stonefaced.
"Alex dear, its rude to ask company that. You know that." Alex looked down at her lap.
"No ma'am its quite alright, to answer the ladies question, I had a run in with a particularly vexed acquaintance of mine and well, I was shown my place." Edward smiled quite righteously and Alex attempted to hide a smirk.
"Miss Alexandria, will you accompany me to the garden, I have heard it declared the most beautiful piece of land in all the county, I would very much like to see it." Charlotte asked graciously.
"Of course, please excuse us."
The ladies walked to the back patio with the setting sun basking the lovely scene in a pinkish glow.
"My lady, surly you have to know that my brother is looking for a wife. He is of age and my family is persuing the matter quite aggressively." Charlotte began, "You must also know, that you are the best prospect for Edward. My father and mother are quite fond of your family and all it can provide. I don't mean to imprudenent but after the display on my brother's face, I must say I haven't met anyone quite like you before ma'am."
"Miss Charlotte, please forgive me for my actions this afternoon, to your brother I am deeply shamed and deeply apologetic. It was very unladylike for me to do such a rash thing and I apologize. I hope this does not render us in becoming friends."
"Of course not ma'am, in fact I find your demeanor rather refreshing. I feel you could be good for my brother." To that, Alex had nothing left to say.