Alex was just getting into her night gown, thinking about her run in with Edward Kinsley. It seemed strange to see him there, talking to himself. Perhaps Charlotte put him up to it? And why did I invite him to come and call on me tomorrow?
Her mind was all a flutter and she could hardly sleep. He did seem to possess good manners, and he was a charming young man. He was close to his family and he seemed to be well off, not that that matters much. On and on thoughts ran through her head and she could barely get a moment of silence. Eventually she dozed into a thick slumber only to be awakened hours later to prepare for her morning chores. It seemed the beginnings of a very long day.
When Alex finished all that was expected of her, she ran away to her little nook in the woods. She seemed to be the first there. Her heart was beating and her cheeks were flushed, from the exercise to be sure. She sat on the bench, in a very lady like manner and opened her book. If anyone were to walk by, they would have mistaken her for a statue. The young lady sat straight with her arms rested in her lap and her legs crossed at the ankles.
Edward saw her from a far and chuckled It seemed to him that she was forcing the illusion of grace when every fiber of her core protested. To any outsider, she looked accomplished and lady-like. To him, she looked uncomfortable.
"Good afternoon Miss Darcy. Fancy meeting you here." he jested.
"And to you Mr. Kinsley. It is fortunate that the weather permitted our meeting."
Edward looked to the sky and saw not a cloud there, "Yes well, rain can sneak up on you can it not?"
Alex's cheeks turned a pinkish hue and she remained silent.
"What book are you reading?" Edward gestured to the abandoned book.
"Oh, I am just brushing up on my..." She looked to the cover, "Cooking, apparently."
"Cooking?"
"Yes, I seemed to have grabbed Louisa's book instead of my own. Let's hope she doesn't try to make braised beef with my Wordsworth." Alex chuckled nervously.
"Is something ailing you Miss Alex? You seem, different today." Edward took a few steps closer and she couldn't return his gaze. This is rediculous! She thought to herself. I am a woman of good standing, I don't need to marry. I will pull myself together.
Her head shot up and he met his gaze full on. It seemed to startle him a little because he moved back half a pace.
"Not at all sir, I am doing very well. Thank you for asking. Would you like to take a turn about the garden?"
"It would be my pleasure." He said.
The two walked comfortably for a minute or two in silence, then Alex spoke up.
"Have you found yourself comfortable here Mr. Kinsley?"
"I have, thank you. I find that it is an easy place to call home."
"I am glad to hear of it. And your sister? She called on me a day or two ago. She seems very agreeable."
"Indeed, she had a very particular personality. But even she, who makes strong opinions quickly, can find no fault in this place. I am sure it will suit us well."
"I do adore this place. It is my home. Whenever I am away in London, I dream about this garden, and that pond. I doubt I will find any other place to compare."
"Indeed, it seems to have a certain beauty about it." Edward spared a glance at Alex.
"Speaking of beauty, my cousin, Miss Bertrand, has been invited to attend the ball in a fortnights time. She will be staying with us for a month or so. You will have a chance to mend the relationship you so eloquently began."
"Yes, well that should provide you with some entertainment I suppose." Alex smiled and something deep in pit of Edwards stomach stirred.
The night seemed to encroach upon them quickly and Edward knew he would have to get her home soon.
"May I take you home Miss Darcy?"
"You may. I find Mr. Kinsley, that an evening spent in your company goes by much faster than that in the company of any other. Is it a trick you play on me? Are you somehow responsible for the early setting of the sun?
"Indeed Miss. I am responsible for it. You have found me out."She smiled as he helped her up the marble stairs of her back patio and held on to her hand for a fraction of a second too long, "Perhaps we will see each other again tomorrow."
"Perhaps we shall. Have a good evening Mr. Kinsley."