Waving off Elizabeth’s struggles to speak coherently, Lady Matlock assured her all would be well. “No need to discuss it until things are settled.”
“And they may never be. He has not asked, and I may yet decide against a future with Mr Darcy.” The younger woman crossed her arms in front of her, wearing an almost petulant expression.
“Of course, Elizabeth. Shall we see to the packing? My son and nephew will be back in no time at all with an elaborate plan.” She smiled serenely at Elizabeth, who could not hold her pique for long.
“Shall I order fresh tea, Lady Helen? There truly is not much to pack, and the maids will assist.”
“Splendid.” With a pleased sigh, Lady Matlock resettled herself more comfortably in her seat.
~ /~
“You addle-pate, you failed again. And now the house is empty.” The irate man grasped his hair with both hands and pulled. As if he was attempting to pull it from their roots.
“They will not have gone far. I know they did not leave for Pemberley. Darcy and his chit sister are still in residence.” He sneered. “The guards were more diligent than I expected, and I had to flee or be caught. But I know Darcy. He cannot take his eyes off the woman. If he remains in Town, the woman and her brat did not go far. There is nowhere they can go to be safe from me. And if Darcy is wounded in any way, so much the better.”
“Just. Get. It. Done.” With a jaw so tight his speech was garbled, the older man no longer seemed sane.
The younger man looked at him askance.I should just kill him and steal his valuables. I could be on a ship before anyone knew to look for me. But I have a score to settle, and I cannot wait to watch it all burn to the ground.Without looking back or bidding farewell, he started walking, sticking to the shadows.I need a place to hide until I can make my move. A sly smile contorted the lower half of his face.I know just the place, where they’ll never look for me.
~ / ~
Ten days later Elizabeth woke in her comfortable bed at Matlock House, not believing how much her life had altered over the past several months.It has been less than a year since my marriage to Gregory, yet I was widowed, became a mother, found out my son is an earl, and I am receiving the attention of an obliging gentleman and the handsomest man I have ever met.
Still laying on the pillow, she gave her head a shake to halt that line of thought and peered around the room still dim in the early morning light peeking through a crack in the curtains. The rooms she and Jane had been appointed were beautifully decorated in light and airy colours. To Elizabeth’s relief Alex and Dorothy were down the hall, not in the nursery on the floor above.
Darcy had proven to be a devoted admirer. He had called every day, each time bringing a small token of his admiration. More importantly to her, they were proof he listened when she expressed herself or her opinions.
For one who said precious little in larger company, he was quite verbal in a more intimate setting and positively verbose when it was just the two of them conversing.
He had yet to shy away from a debate with her whether it be about literature or politics. They had discussed childhood games running all over their respective estates with friends, from morning to evening.
“I was the fastest tree climber,” Elizabeth claimed.
“I was the best swimmer,” came Darcy’s retort.
“You swim?” Elizabeth marvelled. “I always wanted to learn. Mama declared it unladylike and forbadeit.
“I shall teach you one day.” His voice dropped to a deep rumble. “Soon.” His eyes were hooded as they took her in, and she broke out in goosebumps and her breath hitched in her throat.
The following afternoon, Darcy called with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley, at the same time Bingley arrived to call on Jane. Everyone was in the music room enjoying tea before pairing up to converse. Georgiana went to sit at the piano and began to play a lilting tune. The notes caught Elizabeth’s attention, and she fell silent enjoying the music. Her applause had been enthusiastic when Georgiana finished.“You played that piece beautifully, Georgie. ‘Robin Adair’ is one of my favourite-”She had stopped and turned to look wide-eyed at Darcy, who bore an expression like a cat with a saucer of cream. Her eyes latched onto his, and as his expression softened into one of adoration, she forgot anyone else was in the room with them.
He recalled her favourite colour. Bringing, on a subsequent day, a large bouquet of hot house blooms in its various shades. And the very next day he gifted her a small box of her favourite treats, lemon-flavoured shortbread biscuits from a popular bakery on Bond Street. When he and Georgiana had another commitment, a book of sonnets arrived for her sent by Georgiana. However, judging by the pages marked with scraps of ribbon, the sender wasDarcy, the sonnets portraying a testimony to his love using Shakespeare’s words.
Three days past, the weather being very fine, she and Jane had walked in the Matlock’s back garden with their beaux. The two couples separated to walk in different directions. Darcy told her about Pemberley. He described the land, the tenants, and the burden of duty. He even expressed his concerns over failing all those who depended on the estate for their livelihood. Elizabeth had placed her free hand over his which covered hers on his arm.“You never shall. These worries prove your dedication and concern. A man such as yourself will always strive to do his very best for the people under his care.”She squeezed his hand before releasing it.
He thanked her for the confidence she had in him. Lifting her hand from his arm and bestowing a lingering kiss on her wrist, above her glove. He kissed it once more before replacing it on his arm and continued on the path.
After a short silence she hesitatingly shared the brief self-defence lesson Gregory had given her before he shipped out.“He instructed me to not be a hero, but cause as much hurt as possible to give me time to run away.”
“And what was his suggestion?”
With a blush, Elizabeth shared the advice, which Darcy confirmed would be most hurtful for any man.“It is comforting to know he held you in such affection.”
“Gregory had… he had been a very good man.”
Just yesterday Darcy had been tardy, finally arriving bedraggled and unkempt. From behind his back, he had pulled a small collection of wildflowers tied with a ribbon.
“Did you pick these yourself?” she inquired when he had handed them to her.
