Free Falling for Mr. Darcy by KaraLynne Mackrory Page B

He did not know how he might be received by the lady and whether their time together a few days before would be viewed by her with pleasure or pain. It was with this thought that he wondered whether his presence would cause her discomfort and he, instead, should have sent his enquiries by way of his friend. Adding to his anxiety was the fact that, even though he knew he was becoming quite lost to the lady, he was not sure he could do anything about it.
    He reasoned with himself that even if she did not look forward to a visit from him with pleasure, he had another reason for accompanying his friend that was quite proper. Bingley had finally decided on a date for the ball, and it was scheduled for a week hence. Bingley wished personally to invite the Bennet family, and as his personal friend and guest at Netherfield, it was quite proper for Darcy to accompany him in delivering the invitation. Darcy was grateful that his friend did not appear to notice the lack of conversation during their ride as he whistled a romantic tune to himself.
    Upon entering the gate and courtyard, Mr. Darcy looked around the house with discomfort. Where was Elizabeth and how did she feel about his arrival? He scanned the house as he pondered this and caught a glimpse of yellow at one of the upper windows. Immediately his gaze focused on the color, only to be arrested by one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. Elizabeth was sitting with her legs curled up to her chest, her beautiful curls framing her face, and looking down at him. He was so caught by her beauty, which struck him as even greater than he had remembered, that he thought, ‘ She is beautiful, and therefore to be woo’d. She is a woman, therefore to be won ’. He was stirred from his thoughts — and from the many other words Shakespeare might have used to describe her — by the tender smile she bestowed. All of his previous worries vanished as a glorious smile spread across his face. Oh, I am beyond hope indeed! he thought as he dismounted and prepared to enter the house.
    * * *
    Elizabeth, having nearly recovered from her injury, needed only occasional aid. Jane was her constant companion and always available to help. The two of them took a brief moment to take a calming breath before descending the stairs together. As they reached the landing, they could hear their mother’s excited chatter as she welcomed the gentlemen to the house. Elizabeth cringed as she neared the drawing room door and prepared for the mortification she was sure to feel upon entering the room where the gentlemen waited with her mother. The two sisters looked at each other, and Jane gave Elizabeth’s arm a gentle squeeze for support. Together, they opened the drawing room doors and entered.
    Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley immediately stood at their entrance, and Mr. Darcy, seeing the slight hobble in Elizabeth’s step, moved towards her to offer assistance before he stopped, realizing she did not need it. He and Bingley bowed to the ladies as Elizabeth made her curtsy. He felt foolish for his impulsiveness and wondered why he felt it was his place always to be assisting her.
    Elizabeth smiled to herself at the sight of Mr. Darcy coming to her aid. She liked the idea that he felt compelled to help her and enjoyed his protectiveness. She and Jane lowered themselves to the sofa and smiled as the gentleman came over to make their greetings.
    “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, we are come to enquire after your health,” said Mr. Bingley as he swept his eyes from Elizabeth and rested them on Jane.
    “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Darcy bowed again.
    “Thank you, sir,” replied Jane, sweetly. “As you can see I have quite recovered from my illness. You are most kind in your inquiry.” This pleased Bingley, and after briefly stating to Elizabeth his concern about her injury and his happiness in seeing her moving around so well after such a short time, he took the opportunity to occupy the seat near