Today was the day Katrina would be arriving at her country home and my family and I would be traveling there for dinner. I was extremely excited; perchance she had brought me a "friend" for me. She knew of how I disliked the country boys around here. Dirty peasants. I knew I was one of them but I had so much more potential than that.
I sat by my lonesome at my writing desk. Oh, how I loved to write and read I had certainly grown up differently that my sisters and brother. They all preferred to do meaningless activities while I purged myself on knowledge. Knowledge was important to me, especially if a man would hold over me that I did not have a governess growing up. I was but eighteen, but I was as educated as on old maid. Which was probably what I was to become since I did not give into the meaningless flattery of the poppycock courting around me.
"Hannah!" Someone called my name. I supposed it was time to go. We had a half an hour carriage ride the Bingley Estate. All who were to go was myself, my parents, and my only brother, Ethan.
"Hannah! It's time to go!" I hurried down the stairs as Ethan called again. I was careful not to step upon the hem of my dress. I had saved up to buy it, just for this occasion. Red satin with low hanging shoulders. It was beautiful. My hair was pinned back into tight curls. A few curls hung down by my rouged cheeks.
I ran outside to the carriage to sit beside my brother. We were like best friends. I sighed as we jerked forward and headed off down the road.
The carriage ride didn't take as long as I thought it would. I was stepping out onto the gravel drive before I knew it. I glanced upward towards the windows, I saw a tall man walking slowly. Ooh, a friend! I smiled to myself as we walked up the steps. Once inside Katrina came running through the foyer.
"Hannah! Ethan!" She ran to me, wrapping her arms around me tightly and spinning in circles. I let out a giggle and let her go as we slowed down. She then went to hug my brother, which Ethan kissed her cheek politely. They were so cute together. I remembered when Katrina had the hugest crush on Ethan, but that had long passed.
"Eh-em." Someone cleared their throat. I glanced to my right, seeing the tall dark man from upstairs. I sighed. Lord, he was handsome. I turned to face him, gently smiling. He didn't return my smile, but merely bowed. He was certainly courteous.
I curtsied in return. He nodded. I turned back to Katrina and fake smiled. He was handsome but a bit ominous.
"Darcy, let me introduce you to the Knightleys." She moved to stand at his side. "this is Mr. and Mrs. Knightley." She motioned to my parents. "Ethan Knightley, their only son." She had pointed to him. Leaving me for last she gently stepped forward to my side, gently touching my arm. "This is Hannah Knightley, their eldest daughter."
Darcy had shaken my father's and brother's hands and then kissed my mother's. He stepped to me, merely bowing again. God damn it! Where was my hand kiss? I curtsied with a smug look as he was in mid-bow before he walked back to his original spot.
"Katrina?" I turned to her.
"Yes, Hannah?" She replied.
"Perchance I may go to your library and borrow a few of your books?" I was hopeful.
"Of course, Hannah. Up the stairs, third door on the right." She knew I loved to read.
I nodded and began to ascend the stairs, there was a voice behind me. "Perhaps you can accompany Hannah to the library, Darcy."
"If Ms. Knightley desires." He still had no emotion upon his face. God. I wanted to reach out a smack a smile onto his self-righteous face.
"Of course, Mr. Darcy." I stopped and waited for him to come to my side. I couldn't help but think… Here doggy, here doggy!
He walked slowly but surely with me towards the library. I had worn flats and I was much shorter than him. He stopped at a door and waited for me to enter. I sighed.
We stayed in the library for what seemed like hours, but we barely talked. I pulled a book from the shelf, speaking the French title perfectly. Darcy turned to me and spoke, "I didn't think a peasant such as you would know how to speak such formal French. I'm very surprised."
"A peasant such as myself?" I turned to him with an angered look. "Do you have a problem with "peasants" such as myself?"
"Most of "you" need to attend some kind of educational course." He spat. "You all think life is all about breeding."
"Not "all" of us need to." I turned, walking to the door. "I sincerely hope that you change your mind by my next visit."
I walked out and descended the stairs. This was the end of this visit.