“Leave Kent?” Darcy watched the controlled concern pass quickly over his servant’s face. At his silence, his valet said, “Yes, sir,” before bowing and exiting the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.
The master of Pemberley had not been alone for the last week. There was a freedom he craved and demanded, all in the same thought. He looked up at a light knock at the door.
“Come.”
The door was gently pushed open to reveal Elizabeth, her presence stunting his thoughts.
“I do not wish to intrude, but only came to see if you are well.”
She had a warm smile, one he had only seen in his dreams, with another name attached to his person. He allowed himself to savor the sensation. “Yes, thank you.”
Her eyes darted about the room, only settling on him for a second before pursing her lips with a slight shake of herhead. The room remained silent but for the sound of servants moving throughout the house.
“How do you fare, Miss Bennet?Youseem ill at ease.”
“Forgive me,” Elizabeth said, fiddling at the hem of her long sleeve. “It is only that I spent so many hours anxious for your well-being. At times, I am uncertain of my next occupation now that you are improving.”
“I see.” What could he say to hold her interest? “I would like to leave.”Fool! Not that.
“Oh. Yes, of course. I suppose my company…after our…disagreement last week…” She stood.
“That did not come out as I wished.” He attempted to stand as well, before swaying slightly. “I meant to say I wish to go out of doors.”
She reached her hand out to steady him before pulling it back. “Mr. Darcy, I do not believe––”
“El…Miss Bennet,” he said, his eyes imploring her. “You of all people must understand what being trapped in this room is doing to me? I need to get out of this house, even if only for a brief time.”
“I do understand. I could not imagine being away from the sun on my skin. But I see you are still unsteady on your feet. Shall I send to Rosings for the colonel?”
“I do not wish for the company of my cousin.” She smiled at his concession. His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “Would you accompany me?”
She paused before asking, “Can you walk?”
He shrugged. “If I have something strong to lean upon.”
Her arched brow was all the reply he was to receive until she swallowed her surprise and nodded.
“We will not go far. Just to the back garden. I would like to sit on the bench.”
“And I will have tea awaiting us upon our return.”
“And apple bread?”
She stopped and stared at him. “Apple bread? That is such a coincidence. I have only just discovered such a thing.”
“How extraordinary.” Extending his arm, he leant upon her shoulder. “Shall we?”
He was unsteady but she did believe he needed the fresh air and freedom a brief stroll could provide. His man hovered a few steps behind, and she had seen him flinch when Mr. Darcy had grasped her shoulder twice while walking from the house.
She thought it fortuitous that Charlotte had gone to call upon her parishioners, leaving Elizabeth alone—alone with this man who over a week before had professed both love and abhorrence in the same speech. She was ashamed to remember how she had matched his vitriol with her own.Heraffront had not come fromhisopinions. She had known he held them. Instead, it had vexed her he had not kept his opinions to himself.
But now, her affront was self-directed. In those long hours of quiet contemplation, while waiting days for him to wake, her anger subsided, and she recognized the truthfulness of his claims.That…and his letter.
Yes, his letter. She had not read it since that first day, before she had found him thrown from his horse. It was still tucked in her reticule tossed into her trunk. But had she not been so concerned for his immediate safety, she would have it memorized. She could not tear it from her thoughts throughout the hours since she received it. While sitting with his sister, who Lizzy’s own heart broke because of the manipulations of a cad, while sitting with his cousin, whose character was unquestionable, and his love and support for Darcy was evident, and finally while sitting alone with the man himself. It was then she felt the foolishness of her initial opinions, watching his chest rise and fall while he slept,uncertain if he would ever awaken.And when he had? He called for me…his love. His words were so much like my dreams…
She was brought back to the present by the sound of magpies and turned to find Mr. Darcy staring off into the distance. “Are you ready to return inside?”
“If you please, I would prefer to sit here with you. I believe I have found peace in this place.”
