All Hallow's Eve by Wendi Sotis Page B

accepted my level of skill after such a short time . I should thank you for not forcing me to prove myself constantly as so many others have done in the past . ”
    “ There is no re ason to thank me for recogniz ing the truth , Miss Elizabeth . I can only be grateful that you willingly cho o se to share your abilities with me. What I was about to say was that you know some tactics which our adversaries will not. ”
    Elizabeth blushed slightly at hearing what he would have said if she had not interrupted him. “ This is true, but they probably will have some strategies that we do not expect as well. Especially since they might not fight fairly. ”
    “ Yes, my father warned me of this. It is not part of my nature to think as if I were someone who cheats , but I was trained to fence by a master who included th at as part of his lessons, in case there was ever a need to truly defend my self instead of simply engaging for sport. I found it very difficult to do at first, but it did serve me well once. ”
    She hesitated momentarily, and William thought that she would ask a bout the time he had needed to use this approach, but then seemed to have thought better of it. “ Well, then, Mr. Darcy, you already have an advantage over most of those who come to my father for instruction. Shall we begin? ”
    ~%~
    William had walked Elizabeth home and retrieved his horse from the stables at Longbourn, with enough time to return to Netherfield and refresh himself before he met with the rest of his party for a mid-day meal . Along the way, they touched on a great many subjects of conversation, finding they had many opinions in common. Whe never their sentiments differed, the two debate d their own point of view, making for some very lively discussion s . Upon reaching their destination, William found himself wishing there had been a greater distance between the meadow and her home , and he hoped for a repetition of this morning’s friendly repartee —a s well as Elizabeth’s smiles and laughter — during future rambles .
    What he did not guess was that Elizabeth’s thoughts were surprisingly similar to his own .
    ~%~
    Bingley found a few moments to speak to William alone on their way to the dining room for luncheon . “ After using Jane’s first name for most of yesterday, I hope I will not find it difficult to change back to ‘Miss Bennet’ in public. ”
    William raised his eyebrows quite high. “ Miss Bennet permits you to use her Christian name? ”
    “ Yes, she said that it is not common for those within the T ribes to use last names or refer to each other as formally as it is within British society , except for those with titles of nobility , such as your cousin . All of the ladies have made the same request of me . ”
    “ Miss Elizabeth did not grant me permission to do the same , ” William stated, and then added as an afterthought, “ N either did her sisters. ”
    “ Oh? ” Bingley looked a little sheepish.
    “ Bingley, what are you not telling me? ”
    “ Well , I do not wish to upset you, Darcy. ”
    “ Bingley, please! ”
    “ They did ask it of everyone else—including Eli — Miss Elizabeth. ”
    William closed his eyes momentarily, and sighed. “ I see. ”
    “ Perhaps they have only... ”
    William placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder to cease his speech. “ There is no thing you can say to ease my mind , Bingley, but I do appreciate the effort. ”
    ~%~
    “ Caroline! ” Bingley exclaimed, “ I had told you that we were go ing out and that you should plan for a quick meal—which does not include three courses ! We will be able to stay for one . Arrange it so with the cook. ”
    “ You and the gentlemen were not at home all day yesterday, Charles! ” Caroline whined. “ You owe it to me and your sister and brother to stay home long enough to eat a decent meal. I insist . ”
    “ No, Caroline. This is business that cannot be delayed , ” Bingley stated firmly , doing his best at