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Post by Anne on Sept 10, 2008 16:29:17 GMT -5
"...I'm sorry...I don't have a talent for making polite and pleasant conversation. Forgive me," *she said at last, catching Marilla's dark look, and feeling sorry for having made them all feel uncomfortable in varying degrees.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 10, 2008 16:31:02 GMT -5
"Easily done," he said. "I have not always conducted myself as I might have wished." He smiled warmly at his sister. "No matter what my champion might say."
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Post by Anne on Sept 10, 2008 16:38:21 GMT -5
"That is generous of you to say so, Mr. Darcy. Well, we're all as God made us, and we've each faults of our own, but He knows best what He was doing. If you and Miss Darcy will excuse us--I fear I must rest my eyes early and often, and the hour grows late. Anne?"
*Anne rose along with Marilla as a footman was sent for their wraps.*
"Thank you for a lovely evening, Miss Darcy," *said Anne, grinning to Georgiana as she clasped the girl's hand.* "Hopefully I said nothing -too- shocking."
*Turning to Mr. Darcy, she curtsied, the movement swift but graceful.*
"Goodnight, Mr. Darcy," *she said, pausing as if she wished to say more, then staying silent--which was eerie, for her.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 10, 2008 16:47:53 GMT -5
Georgiana returned Anne's grip in surprise. "I... enjoyed it, Miss Shirley," she said with genuine, if subtle, feeling.
Darcy, cordially taking his leave of Miss Cuthber, prepared himself for another thrust of Anne's wit, and was surprised when none came. "Goodnight, Miss Shirley," he said, unable to keep the warmth from his voice while considering he might never see her again.
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Post by Anne on Sept 10, 2008 17:02:50 GMT -5
*Anne paused before she turned to go, instead holding out her hand to shake Mr. Darcy's.*
"I've learned much about grudges before now," *she said.* "I wouldn't like to think we parted with one on either side."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 10, 2008 17:34:58 GMT -5
Darcy smiled, feeling able to do this, for her. She would never know that he still harbored feelings for her; it was better that way, for all concerned. Best to let her go without anything on either side to impede them.
"You should have no such worry on my account, Miss Shirley," he said. "I can truly say that I bear you no ill will."
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Post by Anne on Sept 10, 2008 18:07:37 GMT -5
*She smiled wider.*
"Then shake on it," *she said.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 10, 2008 18:21:45 GMT -5
The impulse was so American--Canadian, he corrected himself--that he had to smile. And he held out his hand.
"Very well, Miss Shirley."
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Post by Anne on Sept 11, 2008 1:42:37 GMT -5
*His grip was firm--expected--but not too firm--unexpected--and strangely warm. Anne returned his smile as she shook his hand.*
"There. Now we must act as if we've forgiven each other. We have, haven't we?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 11, 2008 9:57:07 GMT -5
"I believe so," Darcy said, with the merest trace of humor. "Though I would not dare to presume anything where you are concerned, Miss Shirley."
He had been, of course, under the impression that that was exactly how he had been acting.
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Post by Anne on Sept 11, 2008 10:02:11 GMT -5
"I think I've finally managed to rise above my red hair and forgive you everything so far," *she said with a smile.* "I've been rather silly about some things."
*She glanced to Marilla, who was ready to go, and turned back only briefly to face Mr. Darcy.*
"Goodbye, sir," *she said quietly, a trace of something wistful in her tone, but muddled, as if uncertain why it was so. Anne took Marilla's arm to help lead her through the halls--she still did not see so well by candlelight, though her vision was improving by the day, now. Miss Cuthbert and Miss Shirley were shown to where a hansom cab waited to take them back to their hotel and so they disappeared into the night.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 12, 2008 10:15:12 GMT -5
"Not as silly as I've deserved, Miss Shirley. Farewell."
He looked after them, Anne's final words sliding around him strangely. Finally Georgiana stirred at his side, and he looked down at her.
"So," she said, her mouth a study in repressed amusement, "How long have you been in love with her?"
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