19. Chapter 19

Chapter 18

Upon entering Darcy House after dinner at Matlock House, Richard asked to speak with his cousin. He followed Darcy into his study with a single purpose; he needed answers. He was concerned with the look of sadness on Miss Bennet's face and he knew, judging by the look of anger he witnessed on Darcy's that he knew something. Sitting in his favorite chair before the fireplace, he stretched out his legs, seemingly at ease but inside he was tense and anxious.

Darcy took the chair across from him, rubbing his hand tiredly over his face. "Just spit it out, Richard. I am tired. Tonight drained me."

Richard snorted. "You feel drained! You didn't have to force Lady Emily's attention away from you all night."

Darcy smiled wearily, "For which I thank you profusely, cousin."

"Good, because I want answers."

Darcy sat up, looking at his cousin in surprise. "Answers? About what?"

Richard ran his hand through his hair. "Why were Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth so distraught after the set down Miss Elizabeth gave Lady Emily? And don't think I didn't notice your murderous expression." He leveled a serious look at his cousin. "I want to know what is going on."

Darcy looked thoughtfully at his cousin. He suspected this had more to do with Miss Bennet than him and Elizabeth. He sighed. He could trust his cousin. Staring gravely at Richard, he took a deep breath before telling his cousin what he had learned from Gardiner the day he asked to court Elizabeth.

Richard listened attentively, his eyes narrowing in barely concealed anger and disbelief. When his cousin was finished, Richard sat quietly trying to contemplate what type of woman; no, what type of mother would act so despicably towards her own daughter? He sighed heavily, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Looking at his cousin, he noted the anger blazing in his eyes. "I didn't think it possible that there was a woman more despicable than our Aunt Catherine. But, Mrs Bennet has proven me wrong." Richard shook his head, smiling slightly. "It makes your Miss Elizabeth all the more remarkable. How a young woman can endure a mother like that and still be so good and kind. It defies disbelief."

Darcy smiled. Yes, his Elizabeth was a remarkable woman.

Hesitantly, Richard asked, "Are you sure Gardiner said nothing about Mrs Bennet's behavior toward any of her other children?"

Darcy leveled a serious gaze at his cousin. "You mean, Miss Bennet?"

Richard leaned back, exhaling loudly. He should have known how Darcy would take his probing questions. He had deliberately evaded Darcy's question about whether there was a young lady who had captured his interest. He couldn't even admit it to himself, let alone his cousin that he was developing a deep regard for Miss Elizabeth's lovely sister. "Yes. I admit that I was concerned to see such a look of sadness on her face."

Darcy smiled wryly. "I am not the only one who noticed, either." At Richard's enquiring look, he said, "Lady Worthington saw your unguarded look directed at Miss Bennet during Elizabeth's performance this evening."

Richard stood, cursing and began to pace. "That woman! "

Darcy laughed. "I don't see what the trouble is, Richard. She has proven...valuable. Indeed, I am grateful to her for her ah...assistance this evening."

"Darcy, you don't understand! I can't let my feelings for Miss Bennet be known. To anyone!" Richard grew more agitated as he paced.

Darcy stared at his cousin as comprehension dawned. Tentatively, he asked, "Does this have to do with your reluctance to marry while still in the army?"

Richard stopped pacing, his shoulders slumped. "Yes. I am almost certain I will be sent to the Iberian Peninsula. I will be gone for months, maybe years. I can't ask a woman to wait for me knowing that I may never come home."

"Richard, stop talking in such a fatalistic way! You may be sent there, and if you do, you will come home. Do you understand?" Darcy glared at his cousin.

Richard smiled. "Giving me orders, Darcy? I feel like I should salute you."

"Richard, it is no laughing matter! I understand, even if I don't agree with your decision to not marry, but why don't you let Miss Bennet decide? If you care for her, take a leap of faith. If she returns your regard, she will wait."

"That's just it, Darcy. I don't want her to wait. She is young and beautiful. She will meet some young, dashing gentleman and be swept off her feet. I will not have her wither away, waiting for me." With a defeated sigh, he said, "She deserves better than that. Better than me."

Darcy stared at his cousin, astonished. "You really do care for Miss Bennet?"

Slowly, Richard nodded his head, "I believe I do."

With conviction, Darcy said, "Then fight for her, Richard! Don't let happiness pass you by because you are afraid."

Richard's head shot up. "I am not afraid, Darcy. I am trying to do the right thing. For her."

Quietly, Darcy asked, "What about you? What is the right thing for you? Are you really willing to watch her marry someone else? Because with my marriage to Elizabeth..." Darcy trailed off, seeing the look of abject despondency on Richard's face. "Richard," Darcy waited until his cousin met his eyes. "You, more than anyone I know deserve to be happy. If Miss Bennet will make you happy, then don't let her slip through your fingers. You will regret it for the rest of your life if you do."

Richard stared at Darcy, wavering in his resolve. Could he? Would she wait for him? How could he be so selfish to ask such a thing? What if she didn't return his regard? Richard shook his head. No! He would not. Richard looked at Darcy, his eyes resolute, his decision firm. "No, I will not be so selfish, Darcy. I will let her go. There is no other way."

Darcy looked at his cousin with sadness. He couldn't let Richard give in so readily, not when such happiness was within his grasp. "You could still sell out. Retire, become a country gentleman."

Richard looked at Darcy in exasperation. "Never. I would wither away from inactivity. No woman would want to be near me; I am an absolute beast when I am bored." He ran his hands through his hair. "No, I am determined, Darcy. Miss Bennet will live a happy and blessed life." In a voice so quiet, Darcy almost didn't hear, he added, "with someone else."

"And what of her?"

Richard looked at Darcy in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Exasperated, Darcy exclaimed, "What of Miss Bennet's feelings? You have considered your own feelings and your wants. But what of hers? Doesn't she have a say?"

"If she does hold any regard for me, my absence will make her forget." Richard sighed dejectedly. "She will move on."

Darcy stared at his cousin. "Do you really think so little of a woman's feelings? Good heavens, man! Listen to what you are saying! Would you so easily forget a woman who had captured your heart?"

"Of course not!"

"Then why do you think she would forget you? She would suffer as much if not more. She would suffer from unrequited love, thinking that you never cared for her. You talk about being selfish, Richard! Well, you are being selfish. To protect your own heart at the expense of hers."

Richard was incensed. "How dare you? You do not have the right to lecture me, Darcy."

Darcy stood, facing his cousin, his expression grim. "I have no right? You forget, Richard. When I marry Elizabeth, Miss Bennet will be my sister. Her concerns will become mine, not only because of familial duty but because my soon-to-be wife cherishes her sister above all others. How can I, in good conscience rejoice in my newfound happiness while my new sisters pines for you! I cannot let this go, Richard. Unless you give me a very good reason besides you wishing to protect her from possible heartbreak." Darcy and his cousin stared at each other, neither one breaking their gaze. Each resolute in their decision.

"You want a reason, Darcy?" Richard exploded. "Well, I can't afford to marry a penniless, country squire's daughter, no matter how beautiful and good she is!"

Darcy clenched his fists to prevent striking his oldest friend, his breath coming fast. He took a deep breath, relaxing immediately, knowing Richard was lying. He didn't have to marry for money due to his wise investments with Gardiner. Besides, he was not so attached to his station in life that he would forgo happiness for something so mercenary as a lack of money. Darcy rolled his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, Richard. You could care less about that. Besides, if your parents knew you were settling down and that Miss Bennet was your choice?" He snorted. "Well, needless to say, they would reward you handsomely. With money. Lots of it."

Richard sat, his head down, shoulders slumped. He shook his head. "That was unkind of me. I did not mean it." He glanced up, smiling wryly. "But it would make everything so much easier if that was the main impediment."

"Then what is it, Richard? I understand you think you are doing the right thing by walking away. But somehow, I think it goes deeper than that." Darcy looked steadfastly at his cousin.

Richard looked at Darcy before turning away, embarrassed. Swallowing his pride, he hesitantly said, "You were right, Darcy."

Darcy raised his brows. "Right about what, Richard?"

Richard met his cousin's penetrating gaze. He sighed. "I am afraid."

Darcy stared at his cousin. He had always looked up to Richard, admired him. He was closer to him than a true brother could ever be. He was without doubt the most courageous and most honorable man Darcy knew. To see his cousin brought to his knees by a woman only raised him in his estimation. With a small smile, he clapped a hand on Richard's shoulder. "Then you are doing something right, Richard."

Richard looked at him in astonishment. "I didn't tell you what I was afraid of."

Darcy smiled. "You didn't have to. I know, because I feel the same thing."

Richard raised his brows, "What?"

Quietly, Darcy said, "You are afraid that you are not good enough for the woman you love." With a sigh, he added, "And you are not. And that, Richard, is a good thing. Because you will spend the rest of your life proving to her that she didn't make a mistake in choosing you."

Richard blinked at Darcy, lost in thought. He mulled over his cousin's words, knowing they were true. He sighed deeply, "Well, this is all debatable as I do not know if Miss Bennet has any regard for me."

Darcy laughed, relieved. "Well, then. Find out."

Richard smiled. He stood and approached his cousin, giving him a brotherly embrace. "Thank you, Darcy."

Darcy huffed in mild exasperation. "Don't thank me, Richard. Do something. You are a man of action. So act."

Richard laughed, his heart light as he left his cousin's study. Maybe I will.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth sat in her Aunt's Drawing room, waiting impatiently for Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam to arrive to collect her and Jane for a surprise outing. It had been a week since the dinner at Matlock House and Mr Darcy had called every day but once. When the weather was fine, they preferred to spend time out of doors; walking the many paths in the park nearest the Gardiners townhouse. When the weather was inclement, Mr Darcy would come to spend the afternoon in her Aunts Drawing room.

Elizabeth looked forward to each encounter with Mr Darcy with eagerness. Each visit only increased her good opinion of him; her respect and admiration for Mr Darcy continuing to grow. The majority of their time together was spent conversing on a wide range of topics; both eager to learn as much as possible of the other. Oftentimes their topics of conversation led to some very spirited debates. Although Mr Darcy was more well read and had more experience in the ways of the world; more than anyone she had ever met, he never made her feel that she was lacking in any way. He always listened to her opinions and even when he disagreed, which was often; he was always respectful. Indeed, Elizabeth strongly suspected that he enjoyed it when she disagreed with him, which she found strangely endearing.

Sometimes, they sat or walked in companionable silence; neither feeling the need to speak at all. It was in those moments of silence, that Elizabeth became better acquainted with her hearts desires. Those quiet moments confirmed in her heart and mind that Mr Darcy was truly perfect for her in every way. She felt completely comfortable in his presence; more so than she ever thought possible in the short amount of time she had known him. She never felt she had to prove anything or be anything other than who she was. She found it liberating.

One subject however, was never mentioned. By unspoken agreement, neither of them discussed the one subject that was most painful for each of them: their mothers. Elizabeth didn't introduce the subject of his mother because it would lead to him asking questions about hers. And she was afraid. Afraid of what he would think if he knew what her mother thought about her second eldest daughter; that she was unworthy of any man's esteem. She knew it was cowardly of her. Indeed, if their courtship progressed to an engagement then he would undoubtedly meet her mother and hear the vitriol she felt towards her second eldest. But she hoped by then, he would be committed to her and would not listen to what her mother had to say. And Elizabeth did not doubt that when her mother learned of her relationship with Mr Darcy, she would not remain silent.

Elizabeth wanted to ask Mr Darcy about his mother, if only to help him see that his sister was suffering from not having anyone to share her feelings. She knew Miss Darcy desperately wished to remember her mother; the few memories she had were fading due to her young age when her mother died. She hoped that Mr Darcy would open up to her about his mother, but she couldn't expect it as she was not willing to talk about hers.

Elizabeth glanced at the mantle clock, and sighed softly. It was still too early. Needing a distraction, she picked up Macbeth, wrinkling her nose in distaste. They had discussed at length their different preferences for Shakespeare's plays; she had promised to read his favorite tragedy if he promised to read her favorite comedy. After attempting to read for several minutes, she shut the book with a loud thump! placing it on the table beside her.

Unable to sit still she stood and began pacing, causing her sister to exclaim in exasperation, "Lizzy, enough! They will come soon enough."

Elizabeth smiled sheepishly at her sister. "Forgive me, Jane." She sat with a slight huff. "I don't like surprises." A note from Darcy House had arrived before breakfast with an invitation for an excursion. Although, the note had not specified what that outing would be, just that a carriage would arrive to collect her and Jane at one o'clock.

With a playful smile, Jane asked, "even if the surprise comes from Mr Darcy?"

Ignoring her sister, Elizabeth asked, "Where could he be taking us?"

Jane stood, gazing out at the rain drenched street and said, "Somewhere indoors, hopefully."

Elizabeth gazed at her sister's profile as she looked out the window, biting her lip to keep from smiling. The past week had proven to be quite...interesting. Nearly every time Mr Darcy had come to call on her, the Colonel had accompanied him. He had shown very marked attentions to Jane. What Elizabeth could not discover is what Jane thought of Colonel Fitzwilliam's attentions. Whenever Elizabeth pressed for information on the Colonel, Jane had been uncharacteristically silent on the subject. So Elizabeth watched and hoped. She had even asked Mr Darcy about his cousin and his intentions towards her sister. But that enigmatic gentleman had simply smiled and said nothing.

Precisely at one o'clock, the door to the Drawing room opened and Mr Darcy was announced. He entered wearing a large smile, his eyes bright with unconcealed excitement. Bowing, he said, "Good morning, ladies. I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

Jane glanced at her sister in amusement as Elizabeth responded. "Not at all, Mr Darcy. We were just speculating on where exactly you were taking us today."

Darcy smiled wider. "That, my lovely Miss Elizabeth is a surprise."

Elizabeth huffed slightly. "You are here now, why not tell us?" She gave him a hopeful look, smiling triumphantly when she saw him waver.

Darcy shook his head. With resolve, he said firmly, "No. You will have to wait and see."

Mrs Gardiner entered, hearing Darcy's last statement. She laughed. "You will quickly learn, Mr Darcy that Lizzy is not fond of surprises."

Darcy gazed at Elizabeth with a small smile. "Yes, I am learning Mrs Gardiner. But she will just have to get used to it, because I am rather fond of surprises."

Jane and Mrs Gardiner laughed. Elizabeth raised a brow and with a teasing smile said, "Is that so, Mr Darcy? If you are so fond of surprises, then why are you so determined to discover the book your sister bought for your birthday?" The past week, Mr Darcy had been relentless, asking at random intervals to see if she would reveal the name of the book. She had simply laughed at his feeble attempts.

Darcy leaned in and in a low voice, whispered, "Because you chose it, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth stared at Mr Darcy, a blush suffusing her face. He always managed to say what she least expected to hear. He was so forthright, so honest that it was quite unsettling to the state of her heart. She took a deep breath to calm her suddenly racing heart at his bold statement. She glanced at her Aunt and Jane who had discreetly moved away to allow them some privacy. With a mischievous smile she said, "Then what would you say I wonder if you knew what I bought you for your birthday?" Elizabeth hadn't bought it, yet. She was not even sure if it was entirely appropriate to buy a gift for a man who was only courting her.

Darcy's eyes lit up with pleasure, "You did? What is it?"

Elizabeth laughed and shook her head as she responded, "That, Mr Darcy, is a surprise."

Darcy smiled. "I suppose I deserved that." He offered his arm to Elizabeth. "Well, shall we go? I am sure the others are wondering what is taking so long."

Elizabeth smiled, taking Mr Darcy's arm. She found it endearing that he always offered his arm to escort her anywhere, even within the house. There were few proper ways a gentleman could show his regard for a lady and Mr Darcy made use of them. Often.

Inside the carriage, Miss Darcy was vibrating with excitement. "Oh, I can't wait until you see where we are going! It has been years since I have been."

As Elizabeth settled herself in the carriage next to Jane, across from Mr Darcy, she innocently asked, "Oh, where are we going?"

Darcy leveled a mock glare in her direction, bringing his boot to rest next to hers. "Patience, Miss Elizabeth."

"Lizzy is not known for her patience, Mr Darcy." Jane said with a laugh.

The others laughed as Elizabeth made a face at her sister. Silence fell as the carriage moved through the wet streets of London. Elizabeth looked out the rain drenched window to determine their direction. They were headed North. What was in that direction? As she sat mulling over the possibilities, she felt Mr Darcy tap her shoe with his boot. She looked up to meet his amused gaze. She raised her brow in a question.

"Stop trying to guess, Miss Elizabeth."

"I am just pondering the possibilities, Mr Darcy." Elizabeth said archly.

Colonel Fitzwilliam said, "You are rather silent, Miss Bennet. Are you not curious where we are headed?"

Jane looked at the Colonel, seated across from her. "Of course I am, Colonel Fitzwilliam." She turned to her sister with a smile and added, "But whereas Lizzy can be impatient, I am not." She glanced up, meeting the Colonel's penetrating stare. "I can wait," she added softly.

Richard stared at Miss Bennet, his heart filled with a tentative hope. He smiled and winked. "That is good to hear, Miss Bennet. I hope your wait will not prove to be a disappointment."

Jane stared at the Colonel as she said carefully, "Then the anticipation will have to sustain me until the wait is over, Colonel."

Elizabeth looked back and forth between the Colonel and her sister, smiling in satisfaction. She glanced at Mr Darcy who had a pleased look on his face. Elizabeth settled back against the squabs, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

Before long, the carriage pulled up to a large stone building. Elizabeth looked out the window and gasped, "Oh! The Royal Menagerie!" (1) She turned to smile brightly at Mr Darcy. "I haven't been here since I was a small child."

Darcy watched in delight at the excitement dancing in Elizabeth's fine eyes. "I am glad that it is a good surprise, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, it is." She eagerly stepped out of the carriage with the assistance of Mr Darcy.

The party made their way to the top floor where the Royal Menagerie was housed. As they entered the enormous room, Elizabeth wrinkled her nose at the distinctive, pungent smell. Cages lined the room in front of her, housing the various animals.

Darcy gently took Elizabeth's hand and placed it around his, leading her to one end of the room; Miss Darcy, the Colonel and Jane following behind. They approached the cage housing Chunee, the elephant (2) as the elephant's keeper bowed to their party.

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Royal Menagerie. Would you like to see Chunee perform a few tricks?" At their agreement, he turned to Mr Darcy, "Would you step forward please, sir?"

Darcy complied warily. The keeper gestured with his hand and the elephant stuck his truck through the bars and plucked Darcy's hat off his head. He reared back in surprise, causing everyone to laugh. The keeper smiled as he made another gesture. Chunee responded by lowering one knee, carefully placing the hat back on Darcy's head.

As the ladies clapped in delight, Richard came forward to stand beside his cousin. Rubbing his chin in amusement, he said wryly, "I wonder what Fletcher would do if you requested he place the hat on your head instead of just handing it to you?"

Darcy snorted and responded in like manner, "Yes, the elephant is much more accommodating than my butler."

Jane approached and asked the keeper if the elephant knew any other tricks.

The keeper winked. "Of course, Miss." The elephant slowly turned, picking something up in its trunk before turning back around, revealing a red rose. The elephant stuck its trunk through the bars, placing the red rose in Jane's outstretched hand.

Darcy leaned in and whispered, "Upstaged by an elephant, Richard. You're losing your touch."

Richard glared at Darcy. "I don't believe you have given Miss Elizabeth any flowers, dear cousin." At Darcy's horrified expression, Richard laughed, slapping him on the back. "Save it for when you have your first fight."

The party moved down the room in a leisurely fashion, commenting on the various animals and birds until coming to a stop in front of the cage housing the hyena, following its keeper around.

Darcy leaned in and in a low voice, said, "Remind you of anyone, Richard?"

Richard raised his brows, watching the apparent fondness of the hyena for its human keeper. He grinned, "Yes, it definitely reminds me of you, trailing after Miss Elizabeth."

Darcy snorted. "I meant you, following after Miss Bennet."

"Surely not! I would never behave so injudiciously. I would behave in a much more...dignified fashion." At that moment, the hyena made a noise that could only be described as an hysterical laugh.

Elizabeth came up beside Mr Darcy and said, "You were right, Mr Darcy."

"About what, Miss Elizabeth?"

With a teasing smile, she said, "The hyena does sound like Colonel Fitzwilliam when he laughs."

Darcy threw back his head and laughed loudly, causing Elizabeth to blush in pleasure. Georgiana tried unsuccessfully to smother her giggles. Jane just shook her head, a small smile on her face.

Richard turned to Elizabeth with a frown, "I am hurt, Miss Elizabeth. Besides, I believe my cousin likened myself and his sister to a laughing hyena."

"Oh, but Miss Darcy is much too refined to be compared to a hyena." Elizabeth said, smiling sweetly at her young friend.

"No, she is a monkey." Richard said under his breath.

"I heard that, Richard!" Georgiana gasped in mock outrage.

Richard winked at his young cousin. "Well, it is true. Look." He pointed to several monkeys, swinging on ropes. "You act the same way, Georgiana whenever you are excited."

Everyone laughed as Georgiana shrugged, a blush creeping over her face. "Well, then what type of animal does Fitzwilliam resemble?"

With a roguish smile , Richard moved down the room, stopping in front of a cage. As the others stood beside him, Darcy snorted. "Really, Richard? A sloth?"

Richard raised his brows, "Of course. Compared to me you are extremely inactive, dull and well, slow."

Darcy rolled his eyes. "Richard my lifestyle is anything but inactive, dull and slow."

Richard waved his hand dismissively. "Compared to the life of a soldier, Darcy, everyone's lifestyle is dull and slow. Especially a country gentleman like yourself."

Elizabeth, coming to Mr Darcy's defense said, "I have to disagree, Colonel. I may not know the particulars of Mr Darcy's lifestyle, but I am sure his life is very busy trying to manage a large estate. I wager when he is in the country he is from home for a large portion of the day. Am I right, Mr Darcy?"

Darcy looked at Elizabeth with pride. He bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Yes, you would be correct, Miss Elizabeth. Although I have a very competent steward, I take a very active role in the management of my estate." Darcy leveled a mock glare at his grinning cousin. "And my life, especially at present, is anything but dull." Darcy smiled softly at Elizabeth, his eyes filled with warm intensity.

Richard turned to Elizabeth with a twinkle in his eye. "Then what animal would you suggest resembles my active cousin?"

With a mischievous smile, Elizabeth walked to stand between two cages; one holding an Ostrich around 11 feet tall and the other, a sleek, black panther.

Darcy approached to stand close by Elizabeth's side. As he gazed at the two animals, he turned to her with raised brows. "So, which is it, Miss Elizabeth?"

With an arched brow, Elizabeth replied teasingly, "Why, I thought it would be quite obvious, Mr Darcy."

With a wry smile, Darcy replied, "Let me guess. The Ostrich, because I am exceptionally tall?"

Elizabeth bit her lip, suddenly nervous. Gathering her courage, she leaned in slightly and in a soft voice, she said, "Good guess, Mr Darcy. Although you are extremely tall, I was going to say the panther, because it is remarkably...handsome."

A slow smile stole over Darcy's face at Elizabeth's pronouncement. With raised brows, he responded, "So you think I am remarkably handsome, Miss Elizabeth?"

Blushing slightly at her audacity, Elizabeth said, noncommittally, "Perhaps."

Darcy smiled, kissing Elizabeth's hand quickly before placing it securely around his arm, leading her away. As he passed the others, Richard muttered, "Lucky devil."

As they walked slowly down the room, Elizabeth felt a sudden prickle of unease, sensing someone's gaze on her and Mr Darcy. Glancing around inconspicuously, she noticed a man a short distance away staring intently at her; his face pale, eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Disconcerted, Elizabeth looked away, gasping slightly.

"Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked, concerned. "Is something wrong?"

Elizabeth shook her head, as she said quietly, "I am not sure. There is a man staring rather intently at us." At me. Elizabeth nodded her head in the man's direction.

Darcy stopped, turning abruptly in the direction Elizabeth indicated, his eyes searching for the man who had caused Elizabeth discomfort. He located the man, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He disengaged Elizabeth's arm before walking purposefully toward the unknown man, his expression forbidding. As he approached, the man's eyes widened in alarm and he turned and practically fled. Darcy scowled in frustration. He knew he had never seen the man before. Judging by his apparel he was well to do, but lacked that air of confidence that came from being a gentleman. His brow furrowed in thought, he did not notice Elizabeth's approach to stand silently beside him.

Elizabeth touched Mr Darcy's arm as she said quietly, "Do you know him?"

Darcy looked down at Elizabeth, noting the lingering unease in her eyes. He sighed, removing his hat to run a hand through his hair. "No, I did not recognize him."

Elizabeth bit her lip, thinking. "Maybe he is an acquaintance of my Uncle Gardiner?"

Darcy frowned. "Perhaps. But why would he behave in such a way? If he is an acquaintance of Gardiner he would not have run off when I approached him." Darcy felt a growing unease that he could not shake. He wondered if the man had been staring intently at him or Elizabeth. He glanced down at her in concern. What could he want with Elizabeth? He felt a powerful wave of protectiveness come over him as he gazed at her lovely profile. She was biting her lip, her brow lowered in thought.

Sensing Mr Darcy's gaze, she glanced up at him, smiling softly. "I am sure it is nothing."

Darcy sighed. He hoped Elizabeth was right and the man wanted nothing with Elizabeth or him.

Richard came up beside them, noting their concerned expressions. "Is everything well, Darcy?"

Darcy nodded his head, distractedly. "Yes, everything is fine." He straightened, replacing his hat. "Well, have we seen enough?"

As they left the Royal Menagerie, Darcy scanned the crowds in front of the Exeter 'Change, looking for any sign of the man. Darcy was so intent in his search, he did not notice a nondescript black carriage behind his. As the Darcy carriage pulled away to head back to the Gardiner Townhome, the unknown black carriage followed closely behind.

A/N: Well, the plot thickens. *rubs hands together deviously* I know the Royal Menagerie is just a bunch of fluff, but I got the idea in my head and it Would. Not. Leave. So I had to write it :) A little bit of drama coming up in the next chapter between ODC. Their stubbornness and pride are going to rear their ugly heads - just a heads up.

I know I have said this before, but you are all amazing! Thank you so much for your support, and especially your uplifting reviews.

(1) The Royal Menagerie was housed at the Exeter Exchange, or Exeter 'Change from about 1773 until 1829 when it was demolished.

(2) Chunee, the elephant was the star attraction of the Royal Menagerie, arriving in England in 1809. On Feb 26, 1826 he killed one of his keepers and was subsequently put down for safety reasons.