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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 10:53:36 GMT -5
"...of course, an educated man may well move in many circles of society, particularly a physician," *agreed Anne.* "Still, it is strange...he never mentioned to us a common acquaintance with you--though he seems to know of our friendship..." *She frowned lightly.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 12:07:08 GMT -5
Not seeing any way out of this that would not result in a complete revelation of his scheme, Darcy lapsed into silence, perusing the landscape rather grimly.
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 12:09:31 GMT -5
*Too bad she was smarter than that, and the silence only allowed her to slide more pieces of the puzzle into place. Some long minutes of mutual silence later, Anne spoke, quietly.*
"...thank you."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 12:16:13 GMT -5
Darcy stared sightlessly at the horizon, his expression a mix of embarrassment and self-directed anger.
"Your gratitude was not the object of my actions," he said quietly. "You were not meant to know." There was a pause while he recalled his manners. "Miss Cuthbert is welcome."
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 12:20:03 GMT -5
"...she does not know, I am sure," *said Anne.* "If you wish me not to tell her, I will not--but you must allow me to thank you...for she will never know to whom she is indebted."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 12:29:59 GMT -5
"While I am sorry that you have learned of my actions, which in certain light might be read in a way that might well give you anxiety, I must confess that your own situation was uppermost in my thoughts. If you must thank me, let it be for yourself alone. Neither you nor Miss Cuthbert owes me anything; but I believe I thought only of you."
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 12:32:46 GMT -5
*Anne flushed lightly under her freckles, and for once found she had nothing to say, turning to look towards the far-off blue bit of sea beyond the fields, the wind stirring the grass and trees to break the silence.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 12:47:27 GMT -5
The presence of Anne Shirley without a voice, without a thought she could utter, was more disturbing than he might have thought.
"I'm sorry," he said abruptly. "I should not have come here."
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 12:53:20 GMT -5
"No...no, I--I'm glad you've come," *she said.* "I just...don't know what to say..."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 13:10:00 GMT -5
"Then let us not speak of it," Darcy said brusquely. "Georgiana and I have already trespassed too much on your time."
There were things he wanted to say, feelings he wished to divulge, but he did not trust himself to express them adequately and she had never demonstrated a willingness to spare him; his feelings were misplaced. She was merely being civil, and his presence ought to do nothing to arouse in her the discomfort he had brought her before.
"Miss Shirley," he said, more softly. "I was happy to do what I could to ensure the maintenance of your Green Gables. Having now seen it, it would indeed have been a shame to see it lost or fall into neglect. Can we not still be friends, as we once decided?"
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 13:15:56 GMT -5
"Of course," *said Anne with some surprise.* "I never meant to withdraw any part of my good will. I'm sorry if my manners or my silence has made you think I hold you in contempt."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 13:31:38 GMT -5
Darcy smiled a little, somewhat easier.
"You did not," he said. "I merely feared that this revelation would alter your perception of my motives and character."
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 13:41:19 GMT -5
"I don't know what to think...that doesn't mean I'll think the worst by default."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 22, 2008 13:46:54 GMT -5
"Of course," he said automatically, though being himself he had rather thought that would be the case. "You need... time."
He blinked, as if seeing the countryside for the first time. And at that moment, his sister came up, her cheeks flushed and a sprig of autumn leaves behind her ear.
"Isn't is just lovely, Fitzwilliam?" she asked breathlessly. He could not think when he'd seen her so animated and unstately. He found it became her. "Oh, Miss Shirley, you do have the most wonderful island."
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Post by Anne on Sept 22, 2008 13:50:12 GMT -5
*Anne smiled at Georgiana.*
"It's not entirely mine," *she laughed.* "But the sentiment is correct...the Island is the best place I know on earth."
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