“How singular,” she whispered shaking her head.
“Come, Cousin,” Anne said, before addressing the other party. “We will look forward to your arrival for dinner this evening. Good day.”
The women turned back toward Rosings, and Elizabeth looked up toward the handsome man. “Mrs. Wickham’s locket was quite lovely.”
Mr. Fitzroy assented. “The Darcys looked just as I remembered, save a bit younger. A wonderful couple.”
As the three walked toward the village, Jane dropped back, allowing Elizabeth to walk alongside Mr. Fitzroy. “Mr. Darcy cut quite a dashing figure.”
She noticed a quick smile cross his lips. “Yes, he did.”
“It is odd…how much he…how much he resembles…” She glanced up at the man beside her.
“Yes?”
“Why you, sir. He looks like you.”
Darcy grinned widely. “Miss Bennet, remembering the man as I do, I believe no one in this life has given me such a compliment. I have heard somewhere in the world we all have a twin.”
She acquiesced, dropping that vein of conversation and instead began to discuss the weather and books and then:
“I have always found it curious how you know so much about the Darcy family…”
He turned his gaze forward before replying. “If you recall, my father and mother were their contemporaries.”
“Yes.” She tugged at the cuffs of her pelisse. “Are you not at all related to Mrs. Wickham, maybe? Could you be a distant cousin?”
He gently laughed. “I can promise you that I amnotMrs. Wickham’s cousin. But I do have fond memories of the family. Quite possibly, it is just that affection which you recognize.”
“Possibly.”
They walked along in silence until clasping his hands behind his back, he asked, “Might I confess to a failing?”
“A failing? I am all anticipation.” She felt her insides roil, and her cheeks begin to burn as he looked at her with apparent pleasure.
“When I come to care for something, I do so with my whole heart.”
“And that is a failing, sir?”
“Some might call it so. It has recently placed me in situations which I do not believe I can escape.”
She attempted to modulate her breathing as his brown eyes penetrated hers.
“I am sure, whomever you care for would be honored by the attention.”
He considered her words before replying. “I thank you for your frankness, Miss Bennet. I hope your prediction proves true.”
They walked on together, his words saying more than Elizabeth dared to hope.
“Miss Bennet, an express has come from London. The rider is waiting for your response. Mr. Fitzroy, there is a letter in the post for you as well.”
Elizabeth stopped abruptly in the entrance of the parsonage. “From London?” She tore it open with Jane hovering behind her. “It must be from my aunt Gardiner.”
Darcy’s unease at the unspoken news grew with every passing moment.
“It appears there has been an accident,” she finally said, still reading the missive, before a long sigh escaped her. “The governess has twisted her ankle and must remain in bed for at least a week. Aunt has asked if I might come and help with the children.”
“The poor dear. Yes, you must go, Lizzy,” Jane said, nodding. “When does our aunt request your assistance?”
