Update ch 27

Mr. Darcy expertly walked with Elizabeth through the back rooms to the greenhouse and out of the house towards the rose bushes. "There is not much to see today."

Elizabeth flushed slightly. "I believe I stated that already. My purpose is to walk and energize. The roses are as good a place to start as any. Besides, they are likely bursting with new growth from all the rains we have had, so they are likely vibrant in their own way."

"Are you always so optimistic?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"When preparing for a walk, absolutely! And I am rarely disappointed by plants."

They walked on in silence. As they approached the rose garden, Mr. Darcy began listing the names of the different roses. His knowledge astounded her, and she listened attentively. Eventually, she asked how many varieties they had.

"Fifteen," Mr. Darcy stated triumphantly. "More if they pollinate each other. They are planted between each other, and new seed pods are planted as often as possible. The master gardener is determined to have at least as many varieties as James Mean."

"Mr. Mean wrote of his work in Hertfordshire. My grandfather was given a couple of varieties from Mr. Mean. They are the highlight of our garden."

"Do not let Hampstead hear you? He might follow you home for a cutting." Mr. Darcy laughed. "Perhaps I ought to call on your mother to ask her for a cutting for Hampstead and for my own gardeners. My mother has only ten varieties, half of which spend most of the year in our glass house for they cannot handle the harsh Derbyshire winter."

"My mother has not given a cutting in over twenty years. She will not share with just anyone. We have had many entreaties. One person even attempted to court Jane a few years ago. When my father found out that he was only hoping for a cutting, he was run off. My mother was devastated and had been about to give him a cutting."

Mr. Darcy chuckled slightly. "Is this the gentleman who wrote terrible poetry?"

Elizabeth laughed at the memory. "Yes, the very same. While he did say she was lovely as a rose, it was clear he cared not one whit for her."

Mr. Darcy nodded thoughtfully. "Was Miss Bennet hurt by the loss?"

"What she felt for him was nothing compared to what she felt… feels for Mr. Bingley." Elizabeth paused to observe the new growth in the bush beside her. "I thought she was heartbroken then, but it was nothing to how she behaved when Mr. Bingley abandoned her."

Mr. Darcy wished to say that was in the past now, but he knew it was too soon. Bingley and Jane had reconnected, but they were likely still getting past some awkwardness. Instead, he took her hand when she rose up again and they continued on.

Elizabeth smiled contentedly, thinking of her elder sister. "I should get another letter from Jane any day now. Should you like to know how your friend is faring?"

Mr. Darcy pondered over his answer. He wished to know his error had no lasting impact, but beyond that, he had not thought about Jane and Bingley since he had returned from London. "It is unlikely that Bingley will remember to send any intelligible word of his success or failure to me."

"I hope he is not cross with you." Elizabeth stated calmly.

"No, he has forgiven me, as little as I deserve it."

Elizabeth chuckled under her breath. "You do yourself a disservice. You acted to protect him with good intentions. When you learned of your error, you acted to correct it as quickly as possible to minimize the effect to your friend. Your friendship is invaluable. Mr. Bingley is lucky you have you as his friend."

"As I am lucky for his friendship. There are not many who put up with my ways."

"Surely you have a decent number of friends. Mr. Bingley and the colonel are known to me. There must be others that I have not yet met. Perhaps I will meet another friend of yours at the ball."

Mr. Darcy chuckled. "It is not likely. I have no acquaintances here in Kent except for my aunt." His face turned grim as he realized his loneliness.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "You have me. I hope I can be counted as a friend of yours."

Mr. Darcy paused and looked away. Eventually, he turned back and was about to speak when Elizabeth, feeling self-conscious, added, "I should not have spoken so. Forgive my impertinence."

Mr. Darcy took her hand that rested on his arm and squeezed it lightly. "There is nothing to forgive. I greatly count on your friendship, though we have not known each other long."

Elizabeth shivered at the intensity of his gaze. She would have responded, thanking him for being a friend, but a light shining in a window caught her attention. "Is your valet attempting to get your attention?" she asked.

Mr. Darcy turned around reluctantly. "There is no need today. That is not my valet. It is a woman." He squinted to see better. "That is my cousin, Anne. I never told her about the light. What could she want?"

Elizabeth blushed and looked down contritely. "I might have mentioned the system to her on one of our talks. I promised to spend the day with her, and she is expecting me."

Mr. Darcy was at first annoyed that his system was known to more people, but he realized no harm came from Elizabeth and Anne having a closer friendship. "Then I shall escort you to the house. My cousin has benefitted from your presence. I can see the difference your influence has wrought."

Elizabeth hurried ahead, embarrassed that she had been seen staring at Darcy by his cousin. She did not even register his compliment. On the steps, they parted as she hurried up the stairs and out of sight. Mr. Darcy watched her go reluctantly before moving to check on his correspondence for the day.

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