New chapter of Darcy's Chilling Proposal

Chapter 18

“Your mind is so brilliant,” Darcy murmured and squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. She replied a thank you. Elizabeth felt the intensity of his gaze. She felt lucky that her husband included her in discussion with the Colonel and the Captain and did not resent her quick mind. Elizabeth would feel stifled if she was married to someone who did not respect her intelligence. One thing came of this whole sad business with Jane was that she sought Mr. Darcy’s help and ended up married to him. He was nothing like Elizabeth had initially thought. He was the best man she had known. Her heart beat faster, and she had an urge to lean over to kiss him on the mouth. Elizabeth blushed about having such unruly thoughts. Rather than examining her feeling, she darted her eyes to look at the books in the library and tried to think about Jane. Mr. Bennet was out visiting bookshops, or they would not have the library to themselves. Elizabeth’s eyes landed on a map of England hanging on one of the walls.

“Do you think we can stage an accidental meeting to come across the Hursts at Cheshunt?” She asked.

 “You want to interrogate Mrs. Hurst there?” Mr. Darcy sounded surprised.

Elizabeth turned her head back to him and said, “as you said, you do not think they have murderous intent on us. I would like to know more about Miss Bingley as quickly as possible. We could bring one or two footmen, to guard us.”

Her husband pondered for a few minutes. “That is possible, my dear, provided Mr. Hurst and Miss Bingley venture out of the estate of Lord Allen’s friend. Cheshunt is about 17 miles from London. We could be there with a fast team of horse slightly over two hours. If we are delayed in returning, we can stay for a night in one of the good Inn on the way back. I shall need to ask Georgiana be hostess for your family.”

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