“Oh…I see…”
“Forgive me for talking so much. I am not in the habit of speaking to strangers, but the master said he was well acquainted with you and your family. He said you were a friend of his and the colonel’s, and I am happy that he has guests to cheer him.”
“I am honoured to be called a friend of Mr. Darcy’s,” Elizabeth replied, fighting her emotions. She had learnt so many things from the good woman that she could hardly control her nervousness.
They walked down a long hall until they finally stopped in front of a door.
“Here is one of the rooms the master suggested.”
Mrs. Reynolds opened the door, and Elizabeth entered, her heart pounding. The first thing she noticed was the stunning view. The room was situated on a corner of the house, offering a perfect view of the gardens, the greenhouse, and the lake. A door opened onto a rather large balcony, and she stepped out, inhaling deeply while her eyes were spoilt by the beauty in front of them.
“This is beautiful!” she whispered.
“I am glad you like it. As you may see, the room is rather large. There is a small additional room here, for your private needs, as well as a small desk. The other room is upstairs…”
“Mrs. Reynolds, if you do not mind, I would like this chamber. I do not need to see another one — the view and the balcony have won my heart,” she tried to joke.
The housekeeper smiled.
“Very well, miss. I shall request your luggage be brought here immediately. The bed sheets have all been changed today, and a maid just dusted. We rarely use this room — only the master and Miss Georgiana come from time to time to draw on the balcony. You are the first guest who has used it in quite a few years.”
“Oh… Thank you! It is beautiful,” Elizabeth repeated, her turmoil growing.
“You may ring for a maid for anything you want. If you wish for something to eat, or some tea…”
“No, thank you. I shall change and come downstairs soon. Until then, I shall simply admire the breathtaking view for a little longer.”
The housekeeper left, and Elizabeth remained alone, pressing her hands to her chest. Her heart was so loud that it sounded in her ears. She looked around and noticed the chamber was elegantly furnished, the windows large, and the bed twice as big as the one she shared with Jane at home.
But all those details did not matter. The only thought that spun in her head was that Mr. Darcy had given her the room with a perfect view, the room where he came to paint, the room he had given to no other guest. He must want her there — truly want her there, not just out of politeness for the accident.
She felt a blissful relief that made her slightly dizzy, while countless other speculations burst into her head. She could not bear them but could not send them away either. She stood on the balcony, leaning over its edge, without even noticing when a servant brought in her luggage. The maid had to call her twice until Elizabeth finally heard.
In the next hour, she changed her clothes, re-pinned her hair, and slowly became accustomed to where she was. She wished to write to Jane and planned to ask Mr. Darcy for paper and a pen. That would be a good reason to approach him. But perhaps she would do it tomorrow. For that day, everything that had happened already was too much. She wished to see him again but was nervous at the thought; yet, she knew she would have to, especially since she had been invited to dine with him.
