Darcy raised his eyes to meet those of Clarence. “If that is the case, sir, might I discuss a few things with you privately?”
“I would be happy to oblige.”
Both men stood silently waiting as Richard and Dr. Wiley left the room. As the door latched, Clarence turned to Darcy.
“Mr.Fitzroy.”
“You are real,” Darcy said, falling into a chair and sitting forward, staring at the older man.
Nodding his head. “Yes, I am. As are you.”
“So, it was not a dream? All of those events occurred?”
Silence was Darcy’s affirmation.
“Why? Why did that happen? Why did you show me the joy of what could have been?”
“Why did I show you? If you recall, you were the one who asked.” Clarence walked across the room and sat on the ottoman. “You were the one who in a letter said you should never have been born. I was only a steward for your wishes.”
“But how are these events occurring? The handkerchief? The letter? And who knows what will comenext? If it was all a dream, how did it come to pass?” His eyes sought the older man’s.
“But was it all a dream?” A sad smile played on the corners of his lips. “Do you not recall from your youth? ‘Do not change your destiny for false hopes. Only the purest love will recognize your soul.’”
“The gypsy?”
“The gypsy.”
“But how? Why?”
“Darcy, I know you will not be pleased to hear this, but that is something you must discover for yourself.”
A low groan escaped his lips. “I knew you would say that.”
Clarence checked his watch. “I will depart in the morning.”
“But what if I have another question? What if I need your guidance?”
“Darcy, when have you needed anyone’s guidance but your own?” The older man walked toward the door and paused. “I will see you at dinner,Darcy. All will be well.”
Elizabeth had waited for him in the library long enough to have closed her eyes, falling into an easy slumber. A wind began to blow, and she had awakened when the servants came in to close the curtains and add wood to the fire. She untucked her feet before stretching in place.
She knew Mr. Darcy had not forgotten their appointment, as he was fastidious in all his responsibilities. But the shock of the letter may have been too much.I am certain he is uncomfortable with his professed love.
Love. He had loved her. Not only in this life with that horrible proposal, but in her dreams. But now, her dreams were muddled into reality, and she did not know what to trust.How could that letter have been real? How could Mr. Darcy have known about the duel or the night in Mr. Collin’s study?
“I hope he does not believe I fabricated its existence,” she whispered to the room while walking to the window, peering out at the mercurial spring skies.
She reached up and ran her hand up and down the green velvet curtains, taking comfort in the soothing texture.I know not how to explain what has occurred, but I am certain Mr. Darcy wishes to have answers too. And if there are no answers, what is the state of my mind?
Her fingers pressed against the cold glass when the man himself walked in the room, stealing any semblance of sense from her mind.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“Miss Bennet. Forgive me for keeping you waiting. Our phaeton ride must be postponed.”
She shook her head. “I had been readingThe Tempestand lay my head down for a moment, only to open my eyes to a storm brewing.”
He raised an eyebrow. “The Tempest? ‘The clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop me…’”
