“At the parsonage?”
“No. In this garden. In nature.” Then, he glanced up at her. “Forgive me for sounding maudlin.”
“Not at all. I am glad to hear it. You have all manner of responsibilities which demand your attention. I believe,” she said, biting her lip, “that for a man of leisure, yourtimefor leisure is little. For you to find solace is…a comfort for those who…care for your well-being.”
He turned to her. “And what would make you say that?”
She looked out across the garden before answering. “I had the most remarkable conversations with your sister while you were ill.”
“Georgiana? What did she say?”
A soft smile graced her lips. “Had I been as good a judge of character as I imagined…nothing which I should not have already deduced.” He looked at her curiously. “It is only that I…I believe, and have for some time…I owe you an apology.”
He lowered his head, his dark hair falling forward before he brushed his hands through it. “Miss Elizabeth. It is I who should apologize. You have neither done nor said anything which was not deserved.”
“I am afraid that you are more of a gentleman than I have given you credit. I believe you know of what I am speaking, but you deserve to have me say it. I should never have given credence to Mr. Wickham’s words. It was done out of spite, and because he…he…”
“He did not insult you.” His tone was without malice, but instead held a sadness which permeated her soul. She raised her eyes and turned to him. “For quite some time, I have known you overheard my words at the assembly. But I was at first too proud, then too ashamed to seek your forgiveness.”
“I––”
“No, El––Miss Elizabeth. Please allow me to speak.” He waited before looking back at her. “I have lived two lives––one of pride and another of anonymity. In both, I have been who I always was. But in the latter, I was forced to humble myself, to recognize both my insignificance and consequenceat the same time. My responsibility for others is great, but I learned I am responsible for both my own actions and inactions.” A look of reflection crossed his features. “I have been deceiving myself and refuse to do so any longer. Therefore, although your apology is appreciated, it is unnecessary.”
She took a breath and looked straight ahead. “You are mistaken, sir, if you believe my apology was to the man who insulted me at the Meryton assembly. Of him, I have little regard. My apology was for the man who over the last several days I have grown to know and understand better through the words of those who love him—his sister and cousins.”
The chorus of magpies had ceased. Only the sound of the wind broke the hush.
“Thank you for your consideration. It has been many years…since…someone has been so…solicitous of my person.” He was drumming a tattoo on his leg, the calming rhythm lulling her before he spoke. “Might I ask…if you read my letter?”
She nodded but remained silent.
“Forgive the harshness of my words. They were written in spite and should have been destroyed.”
“But they did not anger me, sir. In truth, I only felt shame.”
Incredulous, he turned to her. “Shame? But why? You did nothing to be ashamed.”
“Yet, how else was I to feel after having been fooled by Wickham?” she asked.
“You are not the only one. My father and I can also be counted amongst that circle.”
“Yes, but it is not easy to accept when one has been so thoroughly deceived. Especially by someone who does not deserve our good opinion.”
“And did it change your opinion ofme?”
She weighed her response. “It has made me think quite differently.”
She heard him take a breath, the sound of a smile in his voice. “That is all I could hope for.”
He was gone. He had been packed and moved within a quarter of an hour. Lady Catherine had swooped in demanding his relocation to Rosings. Darcy had vocalized his objections but also expressed his concern for how taxing his presence must be on the servants and Charlotte. Therefore, in the end, he gave in, whether it was because of exhaustion, or a need to leave the parsonage, Elizabeth knew not.
“So, against the direct instructions of the doctor, and even the apparent desires of the man himself, Lady Catherine removed Mr. Darcy. Really, Charlotte. Does it not get tiresome with all the interference in your life? I know that he is his own man, but Mr. Darcy seemed only attempting to keep the peace yet was too weak to fight. I would not be surprised if he had his man pack his things and was on his way to Pemberley tomorrow.”
“Lizzy,” Charlotte hissed, attempting to quiet her guest. She glanced at the maid removing the trays after their light supper, then responded with a raised voice. “I understand you have not had thegood fortuneto be surrounded by the condescension of such a noble person in your lifetime, with my father’s knighthood being the closest thing you have experienced to those in elevated circles. However, you must realize Lady Catherine does everything for the betterment of those who she has the ability to assist. I am only grateful my household could aid Mr. Darcy, and I am certain my husband will feel Lady Catherine’s gratitude most acutely when he returns from London from Her Ladyship’s errand.”
Charlotte glanced up at the girl waiting at the door. “That will be all, Elise.”
“Yes, ma’am.” And with a curtsey, she closed the door behind her.
