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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 14:41:36 GMT -5
Darcy hurried down the stairs, slowing to a walk as he left the house and entered the garden. He had not even asked where he might find Miss Shirley. It had been rather obvious. His manner seemed less agitated now that he was properly attired, even if his hair was still damp and especially curly.
"Thank you for waiting," he said, taking the other seat. "I appreciate the invitation, on behalf of myself and Miss Darcy."
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 14:57:27 GMT -5
*There was something disturbingly...active about him, even when he was sitting still...a constant alertness and energy. Here on the Island, people took rest when and where they could find it...but Anne doubted Mr. Darcy would tutor himself in Avonlea ways any time soon. Anne smiled and sipped her lemonade.*
"It's no trouble at all," *she said.* "I thought you and your sister might like to meet some Avonlea folk. Georgiana says you don't make social calls very often, and perhaps some people are too intimidated to call on you first."
*Seeing her gaff, she hastily blurted--*
"Not that you're frightening or repellent...merely that as an Englishman of...great consequence, well--we're simple folk here in Avonlea, Mr. Darcy, as you have no doubt noticed."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 15:43:38 GMT -5
"Not so great a consequence," he murmured. Even before all this. "But rest easy, Miss Shirley. I am not unaware of what you describe. I do not make social calls--not uninvited. I would appreciate the opportunity to... to demonstrate my willingness to be part of the community, in whatever small way I can. I have found nothing here but good, honest people; who may well be unaware of the intimidation your town's natural frankness and communal feeling may represent to the outsider."
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 15:50:01 GMT -5
"You are afraid of Avonlea?" *she said with no censure, only frank amusement at the notion so foreign to her.* "I recall being afraid when I first arrived, though it was only as I assumed Marilla might send me back to the Hopetown asylum or to Mrs. Blewett--Mrs. Blewett is about as mean as one can get in Avonlea...I won't pretend everyone here is worth knowing."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 15:52:38 GMT -5
"That is true of any society," Darcy pointed out. "But Georgiana and I are not unaware of our difference in background. Such things may seem imposing, from both directions. Your charming suggestion might allay fears on both sides."
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 15:59:48 GMT -5
"It certainly won't be like anything you've been used to, I imagine," *said Anne with a laugh.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 16:12:51 GMT -5
Darcy smiled, and even if it was a more subtle expression than, say, Bingley's, it was unmistakable. He was already feeling more at ease, her presence familiar and calming in contrast with the confusing straits he'd been thrown into.
"I have no doubt of that, Miss Shirley," he said. "As I've come to expect, where you are concerned."
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 16:16:38 GMT -5
"Don't worry--the novelty should wear off soon enough. Habits and ways are rather set in Avonlea. I'm afraid I'm something of an anomaly."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 16:35:43 GMT -5
"I was aware of that, Miss Shirley, almost from our first meeting."
An entire town of Anne Shirleys would be somewhat difficult to handle, he thought privately.
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 16:46:19 GMT -5
*Anne chuckled at that.*
"No doubt. I was terribly rude on several occasions. I never did quite learn to control my temper."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 16:58:24 GMT -5
"We all have our crosses to bear, Miss Shirley. Your temper, and my... lack of imagination."
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 17:12:11 GMT -5
"Well then perhaps we can learn from each other," *she said with a grin.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 17:34:54 GMT -5
"I think, perhaps, we already have," he said quietly.
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Post by Anne on Oct 6, 2008 17:48:00 GMT -5
"...perhaps," *she agreed, absently picking up a fallen leaf and twirling the scrap of red between her fingers.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 6, 2008 18:05:57 GMT -5
Darcy was momentarily distracted by the motion of her fingers, but recalled himself.
"Do you like autumn, Miss Shirley?" he said, casting about for a safe topic of conversation.
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