Music Monday: I Like You (Ben Rector)

This was one of those songs that I just happened upon while doing some random listening and the dishes. The line in this song “I like you walking next to me” made me think of the scene from And Then Love that I am sharing below. At this point in the story, neither Philip or Lucy has figured out that they might more than like each other — although Darcy seems to see it. 🙂

And Then Love, Chapter 3

The rain had only started to fall lightly as the parishioners began to file out of the small church in Kympton. The migration of people from pew to door was a slow one as each took a moment to comment on Mr. Dobney’s sermon and to congratulate him on his upcoming marriage.

Rather than joining the numbers that lined the aisle, Lucy remained seated near the front of the church but turned so that she might watch the man she would soon call husband. He smiled and laughed. He ruffled the hair of children and shook the hands of their fathers. He had always greeted people with such ease and welcome — as if he had always known them.

She rested an elbow on the back of the pew and her head lightly on her hand as she watched him nod his head and tap his lip with a finger before replying to Mr. Evans. She knew from the actions that he was giving some bit of advice, for he never did so without at least a moment’s thought. Even when they were children, he had been the one to whom the others had looked to for guidance, and he had provided it without ever making one of them feel as if they were lacking in any way.

She smiled as he leaned his tall frame down to speak closely into Mrs. Walcroft’s ear. Others might have raised their voice to talk to the woman, but he never did. Philip was cautious not to injure the dignity of others, no matter their age or frailties. It was something she had always admired about him; however, not all had found the trait admirable. In fact, there were those who, at one time, had thought it a weakness and had teased Philip relentlessly.

It was not the only thing about which Philip had been teased. He had been gangly as a young man. His arms and legs seemed to grow rapidly, much more rapidly than his ability to use them with grace and dignity. He had also been rather skinny until he had gone away to college. However, during those years, his body had finally righted itself. He had not added another inch to his height, and he was no longer skinny.

She ducked her head as she felt a bit of colour creeping into cheeks when she realized just how fine he now appeared to her. He was still taller than most, but his clothes no longer hung on him. She turned her mind away from admiring how his jacket now stretched across his back and wrapped snuggly around arms that were well-muscled and strong.

Lucy rested a gloved finger on her lips. She had chosen him for his admirable character, but since that kiss two days ago…

She swallowed and rose from her seat. This was not the place to be contemplating fine figures or kisses. However, she could not resist taking one more look at Philip before she ducked out the side door.

She pulled her wrap about her and dashed to stand under a well-leaved tree. She leaned against the tree and closed her eyes, filling her lungs with air that was washed clean by the falling rain. Expelling it, she opened her eyes and searched for things, other than Philip and that kiss, with which to occupy her thoughts. She was certain it was quite improper for her to have enjoyed it so. Indeed, in the moments when she was not applying herself to one task or another, it had often crept into her mind.

She gave herself a little shake and began watching the horses and carriages travelling along the road and the people who hurried along on foot. Despite the inclement weather, the church had been full. Even Philip’s patron had been in attendance today, but knowing what day it was, she had expected him to be there. He never missed his mother’s birthday. He had returned from town just yesterday, according to the ladies who had been sitting behind her during the service.

Her eyes wandered across the churchyard. Ah, there he was, kneeling on the damp ground, brushing away whatever traces of dirt might have accumulated on his mother’s name. She understood his need to be there. Once a year, she, too, would visit her mother’s grave, flowers in hand, words of love and thankfulness on her lips. She sighed. She would be making that journey twice a year now.

“Lucy,” Philip said as he approached, “why are you standing out here in the rain? You will catch a chill.”

Lucy glanced at Philip and gave him a small smile. “I felt a need for some air, and I knew you would not be long. Is Mr. Harker ready?”

Philip smiled and shook his head. “But he will be soon. He only had two more people with whom he wished to speak.”

“So, a quarter hour then?” Lucy asked with a laugh. Mr. Harker was not known for the brevity of his conversations.

“If we are so fortunate,” said Philip. He offered her his arm and nodded toward the churchyard. “Do you wish to visit your father?”

She smiled up at him and nodded as she wound her arm through his, stepping in close so that the umbrella might shield them both from the majority of the rain that was now steadily falling.

A picture of strolling just like this after every service formed unbidden in his mind and a sense of peace and comfort washed over him. He shook his head. His reaction to her continued to amaze him. He had definitely felt a certain amount of friendship with her for many years. Her loyalty, as well as her honesty, had always impressed him. It was something he had treasured about his friendship with her. In fact, he had treasured it so much that she, though she did not know it, had been one of the few people he had ever asked for advice. Then, when she had proposed the idea of marriage, he had felt a certain amount of duty to her ─ a responsibility to see her safe and well-cared-for ─ much as he had when they were young and his mother had assigned him to look out for Mary Ellen and Lucy. But then, he had kissed her, and that had set off a full range of new and wholly unexpected emotions. And now, with her here walking next to him…

“Is something troubling you?” They stood before her father’s grave, but instead of leaving his arm and attending to whatever bit of information she wished to speak to her father, she stood, holding his arm firmly and looking up at him in concern. “You look rather pensive and perhaps a bit puzzled.”

“I was just thinking about our future,” he said looking down at her.

“And it makes you draw your brows together and frown?”

He laughed lightly. “I do that when I am thinking especially hard. It does not mean the topic of consideration is unpleasant.” He was relieved to see her expression soften.

“And how do you see the future, Mr. Dob ─ Philip?” she corrected as he raised a brow at her.

He patted her arm and a joyous smile lit his face. “Happy, Lucy. Very, very happy.”

Lucy gave Philip’s arm a squeeze before releasing it. “I believe you are right. We will be happy,” she said before turning to her father’s grave.

“Mr. Dobney,” Lucy heard a gentleman calling to Philip as she spoke softly to her father telling him that the first of the banns had been read that morning and assuring him that her future would be secure and happy.

“Mr. Darcy,” Philip greeted the gentleman who had called to him. “It was a pleasure to have you amongst the faces in church today. I trust you are well?”

“I am well.”

“And your sister? Does she still find school a challenge?” Philip remembered the shy young girl who had peeked out from behind curtains and doors when he had visited his friend at Pemberley.

Darcy sighed. “She does. My cousin and I are considering removing her from school.”

Philip cocked his head to the side and looked carefully at his friend, who had in the last three years since his father’s death grown so much more serious than he had even been as a child. The responsibility of an estate as grand as Pemberley and the guardianship of a younger sister must be an immense weight to carry.

“It might be for the best,” he said. “Individual instruction can be most beneficial to some, and as long as you find her a proper companion, she may do very well. Of course, one can never be certain.”

Darcy nodded a greeting to Lucy as she came to stand at Philip’s side. “No, my friend, nothing is ever certain.”

“Uncertainty does not have to be something to dread,” said Lucy, “though it does make one feel ill at ease. I find a plan the best remedy for the feeling.”

Darcy could not help but smile at her comments. She had always been the most positive of his acquaintances. “And,” he cocked a brow, “Philip here is part of your plan?”

Lucy laughed and wrapped her arm around Philip’s. “He is now.”

“Now?”

Lucy’s eyes flicked quickly to her father’s grave. “My plans to spend some time in finding a suitable match were altered, so the process had to be hastened.”

“I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing,” Darcy said.

“Thank you.” Lucy looked at Philip. “Would this conversation not be much better if we were out of the rain and perhaps had a cup of tea or a meal in front of us?”

Philip chuckled at her gentle way of making a suggestion. “I believe you are correct. Mr. Darcy, would you care to join us for our repast? I believe Mr. Harker will be ready to leave soon.”

Lucy waited long enough to get Darcy’s acceptance before telling Philip she would inform Mr. Harker.

“A marriage of convenience?” asked Darcy as he watched Lucy walking toward the church.

Philip nodded. “Her uncle offered to take her if she was not married in two months, and you know what he is like. I would not wish to subject any young lady to his care.” He knew Darcy was familiar with Angus Tolson’s proclivities. “So, when she presented the idea of marriage, I could not refuse.”

Darcy studied the look on his friend’s face. “You do not seem displeased with the idea. In fact, I am not sure I have ever seen you look so at ease.”

Philip shrugged slightly. “I admit there is a certain amount of peace that has taken up residence in my heart knowing that one aspect of my future is secured.”

Darcy shook his head. “No, there must be more to it. I have seen many who have married for convenience, and it is rare to find one who looks as you do.”

“Perhaps it is because she has always been my friend,” Philip suggested. “I know her. Many who marry do not truly know each other ─ at least, not as I know her.”

“Perhaps,” agreed Darcy, though his tone spoke of his disbelief. However, their discussion of Lucy was soon to come to an end, for the very lady was presently assisting Mr. Harker toward where they stood and the carriage waited. “She will make a fine parson’s wife.”

“Yes, I know,” said Philip as a strange feeling of pride filled him. “She told me she would.” He reached into his pocket. “She had a list.” He handed the list to Darcy. “Make sure I get that back, and please, do not let her know I have given it to you. I am sure she would not mind your seeing it since we are all such good friends, but I would rather not find out I am wrong.”

Darcy chuckled and slipped the paper into his pocket as Philip left him to assist Mr. Harker and Lucy into the carriage.

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