The Timely Guests of Meadowlark Manor

The Language of Flowers

Mr. Darcy had at this time intended on going back to the estate when he happened to catch a glimpse of Miss Winters. She was several small, intricately designed landscapes away from him and looked, in spite of his initial prejudice, rather sweet in her concentration. Fighting against his inclination to think her dull and boring because of her quietness the other day, the man decided he would see if Mr. Bingley had been correct about her. And when he ascertained for himself that she was as boring as he thought, he would have no uncertain feelings toward her and would have no reason to continue interacting beyond the most common of courtesies.

Eileen heard the man's footfalls long before he reached her, but remained focused on her task. She was in the process of sketching out a particularly lovely little plant which had no bloom. When the footsteps stopped by her, she explained, "I'm trying to decide if this plant is a chickweed. Mrs. Cook told me what they looked like, but something about this little plant is off." She tilted up one of the leaves with the end of her pencil, thoughtfully considering the underside of it.

"That," Mr. Darcy replied, "is a blue-scarlet pimpernel. A rather common weed. I should wonder why it's in the garden at all."

"Really?" Eileen looked up with such delight Mr. Darcy was taken aback.

"Is there something special about a blue-scarlet pimpernel?"

Eileen's delighted expression shifted to one of secret amusement. "Well, not as of yet. It's still got about one hundred years before it is truly discovered." She scribbled down the name and asked, "How did you know what it was?"

Mr. Darcy paused, uncertain on whether or not he appreciated her mysterious explanation, then answered her question. "There are black spots on the underside of the leaf. This is common on the blue-scarlet pimpernel. The chickweed is far more plain."

"Wonderful." She finished a few touches to her sketch, adding the bit Mr. Darcy had mentioned himself, before standing and dusting herself off. "How good to see you, Mr. Darcy." She said amiably enough, smiling in just the way Jane might've had she been there instead. "Did you lose Beatrice and Mr. Bingley?"

"Is it a loss when one leaves intentionally?" He countered, his disapproval written loudly across his face.

"I suppose not." The woman chuckled. "I wouldn't worry so much. Beatrice is a sweet woman and she seems very taken with your charming friend."

"Miss Winters," Mr. Darcy swiftly changed the direction of their conversation, not wanting to discuss Mr. Bingley's faults with someone he didn't know, "perhaps you can enlighten me."

"On what, exactly?"

"Can you tell me why it is two American heiresses would find time to come here of all places? I cannot imagine this would be an intelligent move for anyone, or is the war not a common subject among the American elite?" To Mr. Darcy, there were only two options. Either the girls were stupid or they were ignorant.

Eileen cast a questioning glance in his direction before thoughtfully saying, "Well, to what are you referring to specifically? Are we talking about the declaration of war between Britain and America or the fact America sided with the French while you're still at war with Napoleon?"

"You've said it yourself, madame. You are siding with Napoleon. If you are aware of the war then you are aware of his faults, including his appalling desire to murder every aristocrat in the nation – including their king."

"I do not side with Napoleon." Eileen corrected with a hint of amusement. "My family has deep roots back through Europe and I am equally horrified by the French people's decision to murder via guillotine." She shuddered a little just thinking of it; she loved the drama in The Scarlet Pimpernel, but she did not love the topic. Beheadings terrified her. "Just because I live in America does not mean I'm particularly disposed to agreeing with how they go about their business." She shifted her weight and disapprovingly said, "The way they've treated the Natives of the land is absolutely unforgivable."