Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Pemberley, that evening

When Arthur joined Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and some of Elizabeth's family for dinner, he was devastated to find one chair empty. Elizabeth explained that Miss Lucas had not been feeling well and that a tray was being sent to her room. Arthur barely heard a word said for the rest of the evening, so great was his concern. No small feat considering he was sat next to Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth's outspoken mother.

Later, after they were all entertained by Georgiana and Elizabeth in the drawing room, Arthur found an opportunity to speak to Elizabeth discreetly and ask if an invitation to the Harvest Ball could be extended to Miss Lucas.

"I was speaking to her today after Mrs Pearce departed, and I think the time away from home and something festive to look forward to would do her some good."

Elizabeth eyed him shrewdly. "Yes, I thought I saw the two of you in the garden from my sitting room window." Arthur winced internally; this intelligent woman missed nothing. "I'm sure she is feeling the loss of her friend keenly. It was kind of you to speak with her." Is that a knowing glint in her eye , Arthur wondered? "But I agree with you. There is not much excitement for her at home, and we would be happy for her to stay here a while longer. I shall mention it first thing tomorrow."

Arthur nodded his head in gratitude. When he looked up again, there was a sparkle of mischief in Elizabeth's eyes and her lips were tight with a barely suppressed smile. Damn. She had guessed his secret. Arthur clenched his jaw, to keep from exclaiming ludicrous things like , He didn't know what she was talking about , or Nothing like that at all . But she would know.

"Do not worry, Cousin, your secret is safe with me."

Later, in bed, the day's events and conversations plagued him. He scrutinised everything he had said, trying to find any faults with himself, and recalled everything she said, searching for any clues as to how she might feel. Arthur didn't know what good might come out of this self-inflicted punishment, except that he might find something to hold on to, something that would give him a thin thread of hope that Maria Lucas returned his affection.

Maria.

It had been bold of him to ask to use her given name in that moment, but oh so worth it to hear her say his own name, and so tenderly. Like King Arthur. If only he could live up to that legend.

His mind wanted a strategy, to devise a plan like a military campaign; but this was not a battle, this was a person. A lovely, bright, warm, kind, intelligent, beautiful, and interesting young woman.

It will be nice to have another familiar face here and be able to speak like this with a friend.

Familiar face. Friend. Familiar Face. Friend!

Her words swirled around his thoughts and jabbed at his consciousness. Did he go too far by naming himself as her champion, her shining knight? Did she understand his meaning behind it ?

Perhaps it would be better to plan for how to deal with his likely rejected suit. One of the things he admired most about Maria Lucas was her warm and gentle personality. Any hint of affection he thought he saw earlier could easily be attributed to her caring nature.

He folded his arms over his face and sighed.

Creak.

A floorboard outside his room protested under someone's footfall. Arthur heard a brief hesitation, then the steps continued. A faint glow also travelled along the small crack under his door. Someone walking the halls by candlelight at this hour? It couldn't be anyone in the Darcy family, their rooms were in a different wing.

It must be her. Who from the Bennet side of the family had any reason for a sleepless night? Blood pounded in his ears. His chest felt as though a rope had been tied around his ribcage, pulling him towards the door. But should he follow?

He leapt out of bed and hastily changed his nightclothes for a shirt, breeches, and dressing gown. It would have to do. He lit a candle and went in the same direction, in search of whoever else was awake at this hour. Hoping it was Maria.