"Ms. Elizabeth, I have been looking for you everywhere! I should have known you would be here."

I opened my eyes and drew back instinctively after seeing Ms. Bingley's face so close to mine. It was as though she was making sure that I was here and nowhere else.

"Ms. Bingley!" The high pitch of my voice brought me out of drowsiness. "I am sorry to have fallen asleep in your library. Fatigue must have overcome me after reading this wonderful novel."

I held up the book and quickly got up from the settee, and away from her, to put it back in the shelf.

"If you would excuse me, I shall make myself presentable for breakfast. Lovely morning, Ms. Bingley."

I curtsied and quitted the room with as much grace as possible. As I hurried back in order to avoid any more awkward encounters, I ran into none other than Mr. Darcy. Of all the people...

"Mr. Darcy!" I shut my mouth, frustrated by my inability to escape. He looked freshened but somewhat bemused. Startled by my voice, he looked straight into my eyes, his confusion turning into a mixture of surprise and something else upon seeing me... in my dressing gown.

Drat my old gown. I refocused on my destination which was, thank goodness, a few steps away.

Taking advantage of his momentary distracted state, I left without a word, nearly breaking into a run. However, I took no more than three steps before his hand captured mine quickly and almost forcefully that I found myself in his embrace once more.

In that moment, my breath was lost. The look in eyes was intense enough to stop my heartbeat. I pushed him away, taking two steps back. My eyes could not contain the shock that was closely mirrored by his own.

"I apologize, Ms. Elizabeth. There is something I must know." He stopped, not knowing for a moment how to continue. "I do not know how to ask this. Damn! Pardon me, there is no other way to ask. Please tell me, how did I come to be in your room last night?"

While he was speaking, I forced myself to regain composure, tremendously difficult it was, and offered the piece of explanation that I prepared the previous night.

"Mr. Darcy, I was not aware that you were in my room. I am embarrassed to admit, but I had spent the night in the library and had not been able to return until now. Perhaps, you mistook my room for yours?"

I asked the question with a voice so calm and contrary to my nervous hands and darting eyes. When no response came, I saw clear as day that he has been staring at my lips––seeing but not hearing.

Temptation was instant, but a lady needs time to think. I discarded courtesy and ran. Now safely ensconced within the room, I dropped to the ground to recover my wits. Giggles burst forth as amusement and embarrassment struggled to co-exist in my heart. Nevertheless, my mind knows that I am not ready for anything else from Mr. Darcy.

Not yet.

No.

No?

~o~

Breakfast is lovely. Toast, jam, tea, and most agreeable company. Open windows invited in fragrance of flowers, music of birds, light breeze, and sunshine warmth. I am experiencing no amount of tension or discomfort from the ones I encountered early this morning. Everything is forgotten. All is well.

"Lizzy, why are you here with me?"

For now.

"You don't need to stay. I know you are eager to be out walking miles, for it is day too lovely to keep you in. I would join you, but perhaps, it is wiser to do so after my recovery."

Jane is lovely. Have I told you that? There is nothing I enjoy better than a long walk to Oakham Mount. The trouble lies in the necessity to navigate my way out of this house without coming across certain people. Even so, I cannot go on hiding. Jane is right. I need to try.

"Thank you, Jane. I shall not be long." Her eyebrow raised at this. I laughed and moved forward to hug her. "Fine! Not too long, then."

I was making my way towards the door when she called out my name.

"Lizzy, do take a moment to thank Mr. Bingley for me."

I let out a breath and turned to smile at Jane.

"Yes, Jane, I shall instruct my new found brother to visit you. Don't forget to ask for a chaperone!"

"Lizzy!" I heard before closing the door behind me. It is such a joy to tease Jane, knowing that she would never run after gentlemen and soldiers as Lydia would do, because only the truest of love can win her affections. She has the most unassuming nature and kindest heart that unwaveringly believes in the good of people. Does it surprise you that I tend to use superlatives when describing her?

Quietly, I made my way downstairs and walked along the hallway, greeting some of the staff and seeing none of my gracious hosts.

Out the front door, a small grin graced my lips, as I started my journey for the day.

I lost track of time and beauty, experiencing all that nature could offer me. An hour or two must have gone by when a large oak tree welcomed my arrival and provided both shade and comfort for my two tired but happy feet. I was humming notes from a favorite piece when I heard first the snap of a twig, second, the familiar sounds of hooves, and third…

"Ms. Elizabeth, may I join you?"