to enjoy describing the natural beauty of the Peak district and found herself captivated by his delightful account. When she mentioned that her Aunt Gardiner had grown up in Lambton and the praises she had heard of Derbyshire, she was surprised to be told that Lambton was only five miles from Pemberley.
It was the longest time he had participated in a conversation not including her father, and he seemed quite different from his competitive personality during their previous discussions. She revelled in securing his attention for the short time they walked together. As they continued on, the subject turned to the beauties of Hertfordshire, and Elizabeth pointed out various landmarks.
She wondered at the reason for his lighter mood, especially after seeing the recent disagreeable greeting between him and Mr. Wickham; however, she decided not to spoil the moment by asking about the exchange. When the party arrived at Longbourn, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy expressed regrets and took their leave as they were expected at Netherfield Park.
But before their departure, Mr. Bingley requested from Jane the first dance at his upcoming ball, and Mr. Darcy spoke specifically to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, if you are not engaged, may I request the honour of dancing the first set with you?”
Elizabeth hesitated despite the companionable half-hour they had just spent together. She still felt the slight of his refusal to dance with her at the assembly and the confusion of her own feelings towards him, but felt honoured by his preference and decided she had no choice but to agree. She also secretly hoped to be asked to dance by Mr. Wickham, whose good looks and pleasing conversation had charmed her. However, her proper upbringing obliged her to accept Mr. Darcy’s request.
***
September 1791
Near Lambton, Derbyshire
Two young boys were observed playing alongside the River Kympton within view of the bridge. It appeared as if one was sitting on a rock and the other lying on his stomach looking into the water. As the carriage neared, Lord Shelton realised the sitting boy was actually holding the other’s head under water, while the smaller boy struggled. At first he thought they might be engaged in some harmless fun but quickly became concerned at the lengthening time the boy was submerged. Seeing the boy’s violent struggles weakening, he was horrified at the thought of treachery at work, as the tormentor was not releasing his victim.
Lord Shelton rapped on the ceiling of his carriage, and upon disembarking, called out, “Hey, there! Boy! What are you doing? Desist at once, I say! Release him!” and hurried towards them.
The villain looked up with a visage of slight annoyance, hesitated, and then released the other boy, who rolled onto his side, facing away from Lord Shelton. He could hear the boy taking in deep, whooping gasps of air, broken by choking and sputtering as he fought to regain his breath. As Lord Shelton came near the top of the riverbank, the tormentor rose, smiled charmingly, bowed deeply and sang out a saccharine apology. “As you please, sir. You mistake our folly. My friend has no complaints with a harmless soaking. He knew it was just a game and is none the worse.”
“Young man, I must disagree. This wretched boy was very close to expiring at your hands,” Shelton admonished. He climbed down to where they were on the rocks. “Pay heed to me, for this is a serious matter. You have carried your game too far. You are fortunate to have escaped most dire consequences.”
“I humbly beg your pardon. I regret to have caused any distress,” the scapegrace replied, theatrically affecting penitence. His temerity added no little fuel to the flames of Lord Shelton’s annoyance.
Thus, Shelton was astonished when the wet boy stood, faced him, and said hoarsely, “Thank you for your concern, my Lord, but as you see, I am well.”
Shelton was shocked to realize it was none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy, the son of
It was the longest time he had participated in a conversation not including her father, and he seemed quite different from his competitive personality during their previous discussions. She revelled in securing his attention for the short time they walked together. As they continued on, the subject turned to the beauties of Hertfordshire, and Elizabeth pointed out various landmarks.
She wondered at the reason for his lighter mood, especially after seeing the recent disagreeable greeting between him and Mr. Wickham; however, she decided not to spoil the moment by asking about the exchange. When the party arrived at Longbourn, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy expressed regrets and took their leave as they were expected at Netherfield Park.
But before their departure, Mr. Bingley requested from Jane the first dance at his upcoming ball, and Mr. Darcy spoke specifically to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, if you are not engaged, may I request the honour of dancing the first set with you?”
Elizabeth hesitated despite the companionable half-hour they had just spent together. She still felt the slight of his refusal to dance with her at the assembly and the confusion of her own feelings towards him, but felt honoured by his preference and decided she had no choice but to agree. She also secretly hoped to be asked to dance by Mr. Wickham, whose good looks and pleasing conversation had charmed her. However, her proper upbringing obliged her to accept Mr. Darcy’s request.
***
September 1791
Near Lambton, Derbyshire
Two young boys were observed playing alongside the River Kympton within view of the bridge. It appeared as if one was sitting on a rock and the other lying on his stomach looking into the water. As the carriage neared, Lord Shelton realised the sitting boy was actually holding the other’s head under water, while the smaller boy struggled. At first he thought they might be engaged in some harmless fun but quickly became concerned at the lengthening time the boy was submerged. Seeing the boy’s violent struggles weakening, he was horrified at the thought of treachery at work, as the tormentor was not releasing his victim.
Lord Shelton rapped on the ceiling of his carriage, and upon disembarking, called out, “Hey, there! Boy! What are you doing? Desist at once, I say! Release him!” and hurried towards them.
The villain looked up with a visage of slight annoyance, hesitated, and then released the other boy, who rolled onto his side, facing away from Lord Shelton. He could hear the boy taking in deep, whooping gasps of air, broken by choking and sputtering as he fought to regain his breath. As Lord Shelton came near the top of the riverbank, the tormentor rose, smiled charmingly, bowed deeply and sang out a saccharine apology. “As you please, sir. You mistake our folly. My friend has no complaints with a harmless soaking. He knew it was just a game and is none the worse.”
“Young man, I must disagree. This wretched boy was very close to expiring at your hands,” Shelton admonished. He climbed down to where they were on the rocks. “Pay heed to me, for this is a serious matter. You have carried your game too far. You are fortunate to have escaped most dire consequences.”
“I humbly beg your pardon. I regret to have caused any distress,” the scapegrace replied, theatrically affecting penitence. His temerity added no little fuel to the flames of Lord Shelton’s annoyance.
Thus, Shelton was astonished when the wet boy stood, faced him, and said hoarsely, “Thank you for your concern, my Lord, but as you see, I am well.”
Shelton was shocked to realize it was none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy, the son of
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