Her initial dislike of Mr. Darcy had stemmed from his comment at an assembly months before. And although her pride had been wounded, her thoughts were uncharitable.Her shame was heightened as she realized for the whole of theiracquaintance, she had judged him on her aggrieved vanity and the lies of someone wholly unconnected to her.
And now, Miss Elizabeth, I return to your words from earlier this evening. If my father had not had a son, might another have satisfied that role more admirably? I have never become careless in my duty, yet had I not been born the master of Pemberley, I assure you the Darcy legacy would have continued unaffected.
If after reading this, your thoughts continue to champion another, I would not wish to suspend any pleasure of yours. Still, I hope to never encounter a world where George Wickham’s power exceeds his moral limitations.
As for myself, I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My greatest failure is not within the confines of my family but in those of my heart.
I will only say, Godbless,
F.D.
“What have I done?”
The sound of a horse snorting made her start, and she looked up to see Mr. Darcy’s stallion pawing at the ground on the path. Drying her tears, she looked about for its rider, unprepared for an interview so quickly after reading his letter. With no sign of Mr. Darcy, she walked to the large animal and rubbed his muzzle. “Where is your master?”
The animal nudged her with his head. Taking hold of the reins, she prepared herself for the interview to come. But, as she turned the bend, there was Mr. Darcy, slumped on the ground, blood puddling around his head.
Day 1
Darcy’s head was pounding, and he saw bits of light shooting across his closed eyelids. His limbs felt cumbersome, and his tongue thick.I do not remember drinking into such a stupor, but obviously, the port drowned my sorrows last evening.In vain, he slowly attempted to sit up and open his eyes.
“Oh,” he moaned, leaning back.
“He is conscious,” a voice said. “Please tell Mrs. Collins that he is awake.”
Elizabeth?He willed his eyes open, but much like his torpid limbs, they were heavy and refused to obey.
More footsteps came near, and a vaguely familiar voice asked, “Has he opened his eyes?”
“No,” Elizabeth said again. “But he was moaning and attempting to move.”
“Persist with the cold cloths, Lizzy. I will have a servant fetch the apothecary.”
He heard footsteps retreat and felt a cool, wet cloth trace across his brow. “There now. Just rest,and we will take care of you.”
What has happened that Elizabeth would be attending to me, and Lady Catherine would allow it? I must be dreaming!
He forced his eyes open and discovered he was not dreaming. As the woman before him came into focus, he could see she was, in fact, Elizabeth Bennet, but he was not in his room. No, he somehow recalled that this furniture had come from Rosings years previous when Lady Catherine had chosen to redecorate her small sitting room. The faded draperies hung limply at the window, and the threadbare cushions rested on the chair by the parlor door.
“Am…am I at the parsonage?” he asked, his voice cracking.
“Oh, you speak! Yes, you are at the parsonage, and I am so grateful you have awoken. Allow me to get you some water.” She stood and retrieved a glass from the pitcher on the sideboard.
He could scarce believe she was there. Her kindness soothed him. This was not the look she gave him yesterday after so cruelly rejecting his proposal or this morning when taking his letter. And his heart swelled with hope.
With her assistance, he satiated his thirst. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. How have I come to be here?” He allowed hiseyes to meet hers and was surprised at her look of confusion. “Miss Bennet?”
“How…how do you know my name?”
“What?” He reached up and touched his head, throbbing anew.
“It is only… We have never…”
At that moment, a maid entered. “Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins has asked if the gentleman is hungry.”
Elizabeth turned back, carefully eyeing him. “Would you care for some nourishment, sir?”
“I thank you, no. But if you could have both the colonel and Dr. Wiley summoned?”
