Page 42 of Master of Himself

Charles squeezed his eyes shut in dread as Darcy continued.

“And, that your spirits appeared vastly improved.”

Recalling his relief that they had creditably passed themselves off with the neighbours, Charles chided himself for his presumptions. “We ought to have known that they would notice the slightest difference in our behaviour.”

“You did nothing wrong, Charles. I’m entirely to blame,” Darcy said in a remorseful tone. “I told Elizabeth that I was only a bit tired, and she seemed to accept that explanation.”

Charles acknowledged that this could have been far worse. “You must take care when we’re in public, Darcy. If anyone were to discover our secret—” He dared not to imagine that outcome.

“You’re absolutely correct, and I’ll be more conscious of my surroundings in the future.”

Although he faulted Darcy for his performance at church, Charles couldn’t entirely justify his own. “In all honesty, I can’t allow you to take all the blame. I was so happy to see Jane again, that I forgot myself. I must have looked like a fool.”

“No, no, I assure you…”

Darcy didn’t continue that thought, but Charles couldn’t deny that he had also erred.

“Perhaps it was a bit unlike my usual deportment, but I’ve been known to smile – occasionally,” Darcy said with a crooked grin.

Despite his friend’s joke, Charles knew it was untrue, or at least a gross exaggeration. “I’ll also take care in company,” he said, fully aware that had been distracted by the sight of Jane Bennet.

“You’ve handled this challenge far better than I, Charles,” Darcy said as they walked on. “I’ve been foul-tempered and unreasonable throughout, but I intend to follow your example and assume a more positive approach.”

“Enough of that,” Charles said, now weary of their recurring regrets. “I’m parched. Shall we return to the house for some ale?”

Darcy brightened at this. “An excellent suggestion.”

Upon their return to the house, they encountered Henry, who was in the highest spirits. “Where have you been? I’ve had a grand idea,” he said. “Boxing!”

Charles exchanged sceptical glances with Darcy.

“You’ve been beating each other to pieces lately, why not do it in style?” Henry said in high alt. “We can clear a space in the billiard room and practice our technique.”

Despite Henry’s enthusiasm, Charles still had his doubts.

“I’ll admit to having some interest in the sport,” Darcy said, apparently warming to the idea. “I’ve had the honour of a round with Mr Jackson.”

“There you have it, Charles. We can tone our skills and get some exercise,” Henry said, assuming a wide stance with his fists clenched, as if poised for a match.

Charles had, of course, heard of the acclaimed pugilist, but had never sought access to his exclusive salon. Although he didn’t share his brother’s zeal for the sport, he had no better suggestion. Besides, there were worse ways to pass the time. “Let’s do it.”

“That’s the spirit,” Henry said with a triumphant grin, clapping Charles on the back. “We can move the furniture aside and give ourselves plenty of space to spar.”

Charles agreed and followed his brother to the billiard room, then remembered the ale and rang for a servant. If he was going to brawl with his friends, he would need fortification.

Chapter 15

Tuesday 19 November

“Good morning, Mr Darcy. It’s seven o’clock.”

Squinting at the blazing candlelight, Charles groaned and covered his eyes. “No, no, not today.” He had asked Mr Hobbs to wake him at seven so that he and Darcy could shoot at first light, but now thought better of it. After a late night, he was in no fit state to shoot, or anything else, for that matter. “Maybe tomorrow.” He rolled over and went back to sleep.

“Will you sleep in today, Mr Darcy? It’s half nine.”

Although Charles thought this impossible, the light filtering through the windows proved him wrong. He would have preferred to stay abed, but since Darcy was an early riser, he sat up. Any change to his habits would raise questions Charles would rather not answer.

When Hobbs offered the usual black coffee, he readily accepted, knowing it would clear his head and reduce his fatigue.