The Last Waltz: . . . another pride and prejudice journey of love by Pat Santarsiero Page B

Meryton with their cousin. Elizabeth remains the only one of my daughters at home at the moment.
    “Indeed, that is unfortunate,” said Darcy. “If I am imposing, I will take my leave and call another time.”
    “Oh no, of course not!” reassured Mrs. Bennet. “It is no imposition at all, is it, Elizabeth?”
    Both sets of eyes turned and were upon her as she looked from one to the other. “I . . . of course we are only too happy to receive you. Is there some particular purpose for your visit?”
    “It was my intention to seek an amiable companion who might accompany me on a walk on this pleasant afternoon.”
    Mrs. Bennet’s frustration that Kitty and Lydia had yet again missed such an opportunity was obvious, and now she feared poor Mr. Darcy was left with no other prospect for the afternoon than Elizabeth.
    “Well . . . Elizabeth would surely do for today; would she not, Mr. Darcy? Perhaps if you tell me when you next expect to call, I will make sure that my other daughters are here to welcome you, sir.”
    “That is most kind of you, Mrs. Bennet, but I cannot foresee my plans at the moment.”
    Elizabeth was almost amused, but not quite, by the fact that her mother could not even remotely conceive of the idea that Mr. Darcy might prefer her company. Of course, she could not either, but should not her mother think better of her than she thought of herself?
    Her mother’s total dismissal of her as a viable option for Mr. Darcy’s attentions made her temper rise, making her say the most unlikely of things. “If you wait until I retrieve my bonnet and gloves, sir, I would be only too happy to accompany you.”
    Expecting her reluctance, Darcy hid his surprise and nodded his approval as his eyes met hers. He could see the fire that had been ignited by her mother’s thoughtless remarks.
    As Elizabeth left the parlour, Darcy assured Mrs. Bennet they would not travel beyond the immediate garden paths surrounding the house. This seemed to bewilder Mrs. Bennet momentarily as she had not even given thought to such propriety. Why would she—Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? The notion was absurd!
     

CHAPTER TEN
    Darcy waited for Elizabeth by the door. As she approached, he offered her his arm, which she mindlessly took, her agitation at her mother still apparent.
    They walked in silence, and he tried to think of something to distract her from her thoughts. “I am happy to see you were so agreeable to our walk, Miss Bennet.”
    She released a long sigh. “My mother can be very direct, Mr. Darcy, but I believe in this instance her suggestion was a valid one to ensure that you do not again find yourself in such inescapable circumstances.”
    “I can find no fault at all with my circumstances, Miss Bennet. As a matter of fact, I was well aware that your sisters were from home before I called upon Longbourn, as I have just left their company in Meryton.”
    The look she gave him revealed her confusion.
    “Is it so hard to imagine that I might seek your company?”
    She remained silent, and her look of confusion transformed into a look of surprise.
    “I find that I enjoy your companionship, Miss Bennet, and I have not that many friends that one more would not be welcome. And I must admit, none are of the female persuasion.”
    “That seems exceedingly hard to believe, Mr. Darcy. I would imagine a man such as yourself would have many friends, females included.”
    “I am acquainted with many people but very few whom I consider friends.”
    “And not one of them female?” she asked with some amusement in her voice.
    Yes, he had known many women since he had become the Master of Pemberley, ranging from the titled and more patrician socialite to the meretriciously compliant and practiced companion, yet he would not describe any of them as friends. His mind briefly gave thought to Miss Marston; whatever else their relationship might entail, did he not also think of her as a friend?
    “To be perfectly candid, Miss Bennet, I