Saturday.
In a café.
10.46 in the morning and Darcy's computer is updating. February sun, bright but cold. Outside, on the walls, geometrical shapes of light and shadows.
Computer, still updating. Didn't warn, didn't ask for permission, now Darcy can't work. Infuriating.
Or at least it should be. But really, it's a pause, even if a forced one.
Ugly place. Distracted waiter. Computer STILL updating.
Darcy is thinking of Elizabeth Bennet again.
No reason. Darcy was invited to Bingley's yesterday. Jane and Elizabeth would be there, so Darcy did not go, he did not talk with Elizabeth, not that he ever does. He doesn't insert himself in conversations where he's not wanted. But, yes, she's funny.
If Elizabeth was here with him, she would have said something clever about Darcy's computer and the forced update. Something bizarre, like… "The yoga lobby is in cahoots with Microsoft. Your computer updating at random moments is the way of the universe to force a meditation break."
Except Darcy is not meditating. He is thinking of her.
Again.