Most Ardently

by Gabe Cole Novoa

“What are you doing?” Darcy asked. This seemed to delight Caroline. She giggled and shot him a buoyant smile. “Why, we’re taking a walk, of course.” “Around the room?” “Indeed.” “Why would you circle the room? It can’t possibly be that entertaining to endlessly walk the perimeter of a room you’ve been in dozens of times.” Oliver couldn’t help but agree. Still, he pretended he wasn’t paying attention to the conversation awkwardly being had over him, allowing his gaze to wander around the room instead, catching the sheen stripes of the decorated walls. “It’s a simple pleasure for simple ladies,” Caroline responded. Oliver couldn’t stop the look of revulsion that washed over his face. Even if he was a woman, he would never describe himself as a “simple lady.” Was this really Caroline’s best attempt at flirting? Darcy leaned back in his seat, stretching his legs out in front of him. “Is that truly why you’ve started this? Or have you convinced Elizabeth to take a walk around the room with you to catch my attention?” Caroline gasped in mock offense. “Mr. Darcy!” “That wasn’t a no.” Beside him, she giggled again. “I couldn’t say. Is it working?”

DARCY IS A KING 😭😭😭😭