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  “I suppose I shall. Well done, Miss Elizabeth. Shall we increase the challenge? Fifty yards should do nicely.” Miss Garland glanced at her brother.

  “Come help me, Fitz. The fair maidens have spoken.” Garland strode toward the targets.

  Richard trotted after him. “More Amazon than maiden, it seems.”

  “Do you not know better than to tease an armed woman?” Garland chuckled and winked over his shoulder at his sister.

  “Are you saying we are too unsteady to be trusted with so dangerous an object in our hands?” Miss Garland nudged Miss Elizabeth with her elbow.

  “Not at all, my dear. I only suggest such an intriguing creature should be appreciated, venerated….”

  “Feel free to ignore my brother, Miss Elizabeth. He fancies he inherited wit along with his title.”

  The younger Bennet sisters tittered behind them.

  Miss Elizabeth cheeks flushed. Did the levity embarrass her as much as it did him?

  Richard and Garland returned to the shooting line.

  “Is that to your satisfaction? Garland handed arrows to his sister.

  Miss Garland tipped her head. “You should shoot first this time, Miss Elizabeth.”

  “As you will, Miss Garland.” She raised her bow and released five arrows, one after the other, with silent grace.

  If Miss Garland was a Valkyrie, Miss Bennet might well be Artemis, her posture and her stance—and her profile—as perfect as a classical statue.

  Miss Garland filled the target with her own arrows. “I believe we are evenly matched.”

  “Wait, wait,” Garland called. “I believe there is one of yours just outside the third ring. Let me see.” He ran to the target and pulled out the arrow in question and peered at the hole it left. He retrieved the remainder of the arrows. “Miss Elizabeth has bested you.” He presented her with an arrow. “This one has betrayed you my dear.”

  She curtsied to him and handed him her bow. “Do not gloat. You may yet find yourself humbled.”

  “Do you care to put a small wager on that, Blanche?”

  Did no one notice the displeased expression Miss Elizabeth wore?

  “Indeed, if Miss Elizabeth loses to you, I shall play my pianoforte composition for the company. But, when she bests you, as I know she shall, you shall share with us your new play and allow us to perform it here, among our party!”

  “You know very well I do not allow anyone to see my unfinished work.”

  “Then concede defeat to Miss Elizabeth now and declare her your superior.” Miss Garland folded her arms across her waist and waited.

  “I shall look forward to hearing your new piece tonight.” He turned to Miss Elizabeth. “Shall we make this a touch more interesting? I shall shoot first. You place your arrow next to mine, then I next to you. Whoever remains truest to the line shall be declared the winner.”

  “As you say, sir.”

  “Now that is a good sport!” Bingley, Anne, and Miss Bingley whispered among themselves.

  Garland let the first shot fly. “Set the line Miss Elizabeth.”

  Darcy peered at the target, jumping only slightly when her shot landed a finger width from the first arrow.

  Garland’s brows shot up, but he should not be surprised her near-perfect form should produce such results. He fitted his bow again.

  Her own shot quickly followed until a nearly straight line of arrows stood quivering in the target.

  Richard nudged Darcy with his elbow. “Help me bring the target in.”

  They brought the target near the firing line.

  “You have an outlier, Garland!” Richard pointed to the errant arrow and chuckled.

  Miss Garland applauded. “I told you, Alex. You should never have doubted. Brava, Miss Elizabeth you have brought my brother to a much-needed place of humility.”

  Garland bowed deeply. “Congratulations, Miss Elizabeth. I shall bear my defeat graciously, I assure you.”

  Miss Elizabeth’s face flushed, and she looked everywhere but at Garland. “Perhaps we should find another amusement? Lawn Bowling, perhaps? Or shall we eat, Miss Darcy?”

  Miss Garland took Miss Elizabeth’s arm. “No need for such modesty, my dear. He is not nearly so stricken as he would seem, for now he has captive players and an audience for his new work. It will give him a rare opportunity to refine his offering before presenting it to the theatre company next Season.”

  “What?” Darcy sputtered.

  Richard elbowed him hard and hissed in his ear. “If you had objections, why did you not speak out earlier?”

  “I did not consider it possible he would lose the bet.”

  “You cannot forbid it now—it would be entirely unseemly of you.”

  Garland gestured toward the vicar. “Assuming of course, you, Mr. Bennet, do not object to your daughters participating in a home theatrical.”

  Bennet heaved himself up from the chair with the aid of his cane. He took several deliberate steps toward Garland. “In principle I have no objections, sir, but I must be concerned with the specifics of the play. Is your work of good moral character? What values do you espouse? Is evil venerated and allowed to triumph, as occurs in some modern works?”

  “Although it is yet unfinished, I would call it a cautionary tale against vice and excess.”

  “Oh, now that sounds very dull indeed.” Miss Garland flicked her hand. “Perhaps it is not worth performing at all.”

  “She does have a point. Too much moralizing is not healthy for the soul, sir.” Bennet wagged a finger at him.

  Garland threw his head back and laughed. “I have indeed been caught! Remind me not to practice my theater tricks with you. I think you will find it far more entertaining than mere moralizing, and my heroine shall, in the end, make the right choice.”

  “Who shall play your heroine?” Miss Lydia sounded wistful.

  “There is only one appropriate to ask.” He bowed before Georgiana. “Our most gracious hostess. Will you take the role?”

  “I … I ….”

  “Go ahead, Georgiana.” Richard winked at her.

  “I …” Darcy grumbled under his breath. Richard stepped on his foot. Bother! “If my vicar approves, I can hardly do otherwise.”

  Elizabeth looked from Mr. Darcy to Miss Darcy and back again. Which of the two was more distraught?

  Miss Darcy’s panicked gaze fastened on Elizabeth, like a drowning girl clutching a rope. “Pray, Miss Elizabeth, say you will help me.”

  Poor dear. This was Elizabeth’s fault. Had her pride not demanded she win the bet with Sir Alexander, Miss Darcy would not be in this situation. “Very well, I will help.”

  “Thank you! And thank you, Sir Alexander, for the honor.” Miss Darcy clasped her hands before her chest. Was it for relief or for joy? There was no telling.

  Sir Alexander beamed. Yes, the expression was too unrestrained for good taste, but he was rendered more handsome when he did it. “Excellent. I have roles for five ladies—no, six, and four gentlemen. Perhaps we may discuss it all at length over our picnic.”

  “Do let us go to the gazebo.” Georgiana pointed across the lawn.

  “Capital notion. Sounds like quite the diversion. Caroline, you might make use of all your elocution lessons from your school days.” Bingley offered Jane his arm.

  Miss Bingley’s eyes narrowed as she fell into step beside her brother, effectively ignoring Jane all together. “If I am asked, I shall be most pleased to offer what service I may.”

  “Do not ask me. I will not take part. You have more than enough ladies from whom to choose,” Miss Garland said.

  Sir Alexander waved her off and offered Miss Darcy his arm. They sauntered off toward the heavily-laden tables set up in the shade of the gazebo.

  Elizabeth lingered behind.

  “Will you join us?”

  She jumped.

  Mr. Darcy stood closer than she expected, regarding her with a somber expression of concern, or discomfort. It was difficult to disce
rn which. His usual poised mask seemed askew on his face.

  “Please forgive my forwardness, but it is…that it seems you are displeased with this turn of events.”

  He nodded ever so slightly. “I am sorry to have been so obvious.”

  She dropped her gaze to the toes of her half boots peeking out from beneath her pale blue skirts. “Forgive me. I was out of place to allow things to have happened so.”

  “You believe you should have permitted him to best you, although you had the power to do otherwise?”

  “It would have been far more proper and would have lessened your discomfort.” Ladies did not best gentlemen in sport; it was just not done.

  “I hardly think so. It seems clear to me that this theatrical scheme would have hatched sooner or later. Better have it done with earlier.” He tapped his foot on the soft lawn. “Besides, seeing anyone pretend to be less than they are disturbs me. It is too like disguise which I abhor. I would not ask that of –”

  “Come along, Darcy. It looks like you are off sulking.” Colonel Fitzwilliam slapped Mr. Darcy’s shoulder. “Thank you for keeping him from storming off entirely.” He offered his arm to Elizabeth. “Permit me to escort you to our repast.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam released her just outside the gazebo and strode in to take a place near her younger sisters. He must be amused by silly company—or perhaps he enjoyed the way they doted on him, lingeringly calling him ‘“colonel” as often as they could. They were so unruly in Papa’s absence. Where had he gone? Was it possible he sought Mrs. Reynolds for a cup of mint tea for his stomach?

  Miss Garland claimed Elizabeth’s arm. “Come sit beside me. Tell me, where ever did you learn to shoot?”

  All manner of cold delicacies lay expertly arranged before them: cold ham and chicken, pickles—at least three varieties—biscuits and jam, a pigeon pie, a cold salad, a pyramid of fruits, a blancmange, and several jellies.

  “It is of very little interest, I assure you.”

  “How can you say that, Lizzy?” Lydia looked up from her plate. “It is a very amusing story, very much like what happened today.”

  “Indeed, I am all agog—do tell.” Was that genuine interest or an affectation? Miss Garland seemed accomplished enough an actress for either to be true.

  “Lydia, please, say no more. It is of no import.”

  “La!” Lydia rolled her eyes and dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “Our cousin, William, came to visit one summer. Dreadfully freckled little thing he was, just older than Lizzy, but younger than Jane. He told Lizzy he thought girls too stupid to be bothered with and that he was quite put out to be sent to a house full of them.”

  “I do believe there is an age at which all young men say such things.” Miss Garland winked at Elizabeth, a hint of conspiracy in her eye.

  “Well, Lizzy did not take very well to his highhandedness,” Kitty said more loudly than necessary.

  “Lydia, Kitty, stop! It is not a flattering tale and if you persist, I shall—”

  “Do what? What shall you do to me?” Lydia’s eyes flashed.

  “I shall go home as I do not wish to be party to this conversation. You may explain the reason to Papa.” Elizabeth rose.

  “You will only punish yourself and miss all the good fun,” Lydia said.

  Kitty and Mary had the good grace to look a bit more concerned, but they remained silent. That was nothing unusual.

  “There is little pleasure to be had in company whose chiefest pleasure is embarrassing me. Excuse me, Miss Garland.” Elizabeth curtsied and turned away.

  Where was the quickest path out of public view?

  A small clump of trees marked the start of the footpath to the parsonage. She paused in the cool, deep shade when the gazebo was out of sight.

  Why must Lydia delight in embarrassing her? She wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. When in company, it was Lydia and Jane who were always in great demand. Few seemed to care whether or not Elizabeth was there, unless an obscure fact needed recalling or a conversation needed starting … then she was useful—like a counting horse or intellectual pig. Something one brought out for the sake of show and novelty.

  What an imprudent move to agree to shoot today. She should have demurred modestly and allowed the Garlands to enjoy each other’s competition. What a fool she was! What good were all the skills, facts and information the world had to offer if she could not somehow put them into proper use?

  She dragged the back of her hand across her eyes. No, she was not going to seal all that thoughtlessness with tears. Not today.

  “Miss Elizabeth?”

  She looked up into Mr. Darcy’s disturbed eyes. When had he left the picnic—or had he even sat down?

  “Miss Elizabeth? Are you unwell? Why have you left—”

  She turned from him. “Forgive me. I must return to the parsonage.”

  “What has happened?” He matched his paced to hers.

  “I fear my youngest sister—she is high-spirited and sometimes becomes insensitive to the feelings of others.”

  “I understand.” How kind he seemed; in this moment, it felt like that was his true character. Her heart did a tiny butterfly flutter. Oh, he was handsome.

  “I am sorry that you do.” Somehow, the thought of someone vexing him the way Lydia vexed her drove a sharp stab into her heart. “If I may be so bold, you do look quite displeased. Is there something I might offer for your relief?”

  He blinked at her, indecipherable thoughts flashing behind his expressive eyes. “What do you think of this home theatrical notion?”

  “You are uncomfortable with it?”

  “Exceedingly.” Dry leaves and small twigs crunched under his feet. “There is nothing intrinsically wrong with it, I grant you; it is a commonly done thing. As your father noted, there are plays enough that have redeeming value. Those I would not repine seeing Georgiana take part in.”

  “But Sir Alexander’s work is an untested quantity? You do not know what he considers appropriate?”

  He paused and caught her gaze. “You have seen it, too, then?”

  “I would not presume to criticize your guests and your friends.” She stepped around him to continue walking.

  “I did not mean to imply anything improper toward yourself.” He lengthened his stride to catch up to her. “Pray tell me your thoughts.”

  “I have noticed a liberality in his manner that is quite different to your attention to all forms of propriety. It seems you might be best served to rescind your permission—say that you have reconsidered.”

  “Though sorely tempted, I fear to do so would provide great offense to my guests, my sister, and even your good father.”

  “Papa is not apt to take offense, you know. He says offense only allows our offender to live without rent in your heart and continue to grieve you.”

  “He is very wise and a very worthy man if he is able to accomplish that feat.” Mr. Darcy chuckled softly. It was a pleasant sound that no one heard enough of. “I fear for Georgiana. She is not even out. I did not anticipate a house party might lead to her performing to an audience.”

  “It certainly was not in my mind when I suggested it, either. Perhaps Miss de Bourgh might be able to step in and ensure—”

  “Suffice to say, I have little faith in Anne’s ability to set aside her own interests to protect my sister’s.”

  “And Miss Bingley?”

  “Is entirely focused on making connections and furthering her own position in the marriage mart. Like Anne, she is too preoccupied. Besides, my sister does not hold them in high regard. She does not value their understanding, not as she does yours.” He stopped and studied her. “She has nothing but praise to offer for your good sense.”

  “I am flattered she might regard me thus.” Why did he have to look at her that way? Her cheeks burned.

  “Were you serious when you offered assistance?”

  “I am not in the habit of saying things I do not mean.”

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p; “Then would you consider an invitation to Pemberley, to join our house party? I know your regard for my sister. I trust you to guard her delicacy and alert me of anything untoward.”

  “I will not be your spy. I am her friend and will not violate her confidence in me.” She pulled her shoulders back.

  “I would not ask you to do so. I need only be involved if you foresee any danger to her. Under the guise of helping her learn her part, as you already promised to do, it should be easy enough. Perhaps you would be more comfortable if Miss Bennet is also included? We might then say it is for the sake of the theatrical, that all may be available here to practice and prepare at a moment’s notice. My good will as a host is evidenced, and none need be the wiser about the particular service you are rendering my sister.”

  “I thank you for your confidence. I do not take it lightly. If my father permits it, then you have my agreement.” She curtsied and turned away.

  “I shall approach him straight away. Will you not return to the picnic?”

  “I think not.” Pray he keep any remarks about the fragility of her constitution to himself.

  “I have been told on rather good authority that my glower is entirely effective at intimidating others into silence. Perhaps I might use it on your behalf, should you choose to return with me.” Was that a hint of mirth lurking in his dimple?

  Her heart fluttered. “I suppose then, under such a promise, I might be persuaded.”

  They returned to the gazebo in companionable silence.

  “Lizzy!” Papa clambered up from his seat at the table. “My dear, I have been concerned. No one knew where you had gone.”

  “Lydia was well aware.” Elizabeth turned over her shoulder to gaze at her sister, laughing in the company of Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  His face grew dark. “I am sorry. She knows better.”

  “It makes little difference to her behavior.”

  “Then I shall see her home and discuss the matter with her.” From the look in his eye, the discussion would be rather one-sided. “I think she shall not participate in this theatrical project, either.”

  “She will be very disappointed.”

  “As am I in her. I have spoken with her on the matter before. Several times. She needs to feel the weight of her choices. Excuse me.”