He glanced sideways at the young maid who had accompanied them, noting the girl’s eyes were finally closed. A half day’s journey had turned into almost a full day, with a horse having thrown a shoe and the farrier with two horses ahead of theirs. Seizing his opportunity, he reached across the carriage and clasped Elizabeth’s hand in his, bringing it to his lips.
“My betrothed,” he whispered.
“William.You will wake her.”
He kissed her fingertips and turned her arm over to kiss her wrist before releasing it. “I have waited too long for you, my love. I will not make the same mistake as before.”
She looked at him quizzically. “Whatever can you mean?”
Gently, shaking his head, he said, “Let us concentrate on the present. The past has taken care of itself.”
And it has.
“I have written to Jane but did not tell her. I do not wish Mr. Collins to take it upon himself to divulge the information to Georgiana before you wish.”
“Thank you. I will do so in the morning. Has it been difficult to keep it from your favorite sister?”
“It has, but to see her face when I tell her the joyous news will make it that much sweeter.” She fanned the pages of her book before asking. “And how did you find my father on your trip to Meryton?”
Darcy looked up to see Elizabeth,hisElizabeth watching him with a concern etched across her brow. “I found him as I am sure he always was. Witty and sardonic. I found his dry humor…refreshing. Did his letter reflect his thoughts on me?”
Elizabeth smiled. “He said you are to be his new favorite son, although you lack the follies that he finds sodiverting in Mr. Collins. But, if your library is anything as you describe, he will grant the title upon you most willingly.”
Darcy grinned and reached over to hold her hand.
“And my mother? How did you find…her?”
He could hear the trepidation in her voice and remembered the words he had spoken in another lifetime about the ill-behavior of her relations, about what a degradation they would be to the Darcy name.What a fool!
“I found her to be a doting mother who has high hopes for all her daughters.”
“Which I am certain she reiterated to you numerous times.”
He smiled at her words. “She was most intrigued as to my purpose for being at Longbourn, but as I promised you, your father and I did not divulge the reason to her.”
“Thank you. She would swoop into Hunsford and carry me off to look at fabric, patterns, and three-hundred different types of lace just as we arrived. I could not suffer to be separated from you so soon.”
Her eyes searched his, and he could not help but caress her cheek. As the maid shifted in her seat, he dropped his hand and winked at Elizabeth, his heart racing. “I love you,” he mouthed.
How will I endure the month which her father and I agreed upon? She is almost mine!
Lizzy smiled as the young girl rubbed her eyes, and she herself took up her book. Turning to the window, Darcy allowed his thoughts to run wild.I have chosen this life. This life where the woman I love, loves me. Nothing will make me return!
The carriage rolled through the village of Hunsford as evening began to settle, and familiar sights came into view. But what caught his attention was a single rider tearing down the street, kicking up a large cloud of dust. Wickham! His countenance bespoke an anger Darcy had only seen one time before.In another life at Ramsgate when I discovered his plot to elope with Georgiana.
Darcy wondered what could have riled the man, before turning back to the interior of the carriage, and much more pleasant thoughts.
Day 17
“And our aunt is well?”
Lizzy put down her cup of tea. “Yes, she is. She was grateful for my assistance with the children. Nanny has recovered from her injury.” Elizabeth took up her cup and added softly, “It allowed us many opportunities to walk in the park and attend the theater and museums.”
“You and aunt?” Jane asked, choosing a new thread for her sewing.
“Yes. But mostly Mister…Fitzroy and me.”
Jane glanced up at Elizabeth, a knowing smirk on her lips. “He is at Rosings this morning?”
