Speaking so the others could not hear, he said, “I prayed for your safety daily, along with that of your father. Learning that you did not suffer as I did is a relief, though I am grieved to hear that your father was also ill.”
“I thank you, sir.”
The look she bestowed upon him was softer than he had ever seen in her fine eyes, and hope kindled in him for the first time since Netherfield Park.
Colonel Fitzwilliamand Mrs. Bell walked behind the cart that carried Darcy to the inn.
“Your cousin seems taken with our Miss Bennet,” Mrs. Bell observed.
“Our Miss Bennet? You are her friend, then?” At her nod, the colonel studied his cousin. The attraction Darcy felt for the lady was blatantly obvious to any casual observer. “You are correct,” he replied with a rueful smile. “Has been for months. Darcy was raised to put caution before impulse, you understand?the consequence of being master of a great estate from too young an age.”
“Miss Bennet’s uncle has tasked me with protecting her on this journey. Therefore, I must ask, what is his character beneath all that consequence?”
“He is good and kind, the most honorable man I know. I have seen him sacrifice his own comfort for his tenants, spend his own funds to help those in need, and show unwavering loyalty to his friends and family. The problem is that, because his parents died so early, he learned to hide his feelings behind duty and propriety.”
“And Miss Bennet? Do you know her feelings on the matter?”
“That remains to be seen. I have never seen her look at him the way she is now. Maybe seeing him like this will allow her to see past the pride that has stood between them.”
Mrs. Bell nodded. “There is nothing like shared adversity to reveal true character. And there is nothing like genuine need to call forth genuine compassion.”
“Amen, Mrs. Bell. Amen.”
When Darcy was bathedand shaved, settled in a clean room at a respectable inn, and provided with a cup of healing tea that now warmed him, he allowed himself to ponder the miracle of this encounter.
Portugal. He had dreamed of showing Elizabeth the wonders of distant lands. Here she was, already familiar enough with Porto to guidehim.And she had regarded him without their previous wariness.Why?
“Well,” the colonel said, settling into the chair beside Darcy’s. “I must say, Cousin, I believe you made a most favorable impression on Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Darcy looked up from his contemplation, raising an eyebrow. “I am not certain how that could be possible. My appearance was appalling.”
“Yes, you did look as though you had been dragged behind the ship rather than sailing upon it.”
“I was hardly at my best.”
“On the contrary, I think this may be the most human she has ever seen you. No elaborate cravat to hide behind. No perfectly polished boots to remind everyone of your situation. Just a gentleman weakened by circumstances that he could not control. You appealed to her soft heart, I would imagine. Learn from this, Cousin.Show her who you really are when you are not trying to impress anyone.”
“I was not attempting to?”
“Of course you were not. That is precisely why it worked.” Richard leaned back in his chair, studying his cousin with amusement. “The question now is: what do you intend to do next?”
“What do you mean?”
“How long is theMary Catherineremaining in port?When will you see her again? Do not waste this opportunity.”
In his humiliation, Darcy had not thought to inquire about Elizabeth’s plans. “I need to speak with Mr. Bennet,” he said slowly. “Discover their intentions.”
“Yes, you should. We need to find out what he knows about this first clue. He is of the age that he might have gone on a Grand Tour as our fathers did. And Darcy? Whatever you felt for his daughter before this voyage, it is written all over your face now. You should tell her how you feel. You will never get a better opportunity.”
Darcy nodded, though the prospect concerned him. After his previous behavior, Elizabeth had every reason to refuse any interest from him. Besides, how could he have made such a confession after looking like a scarecrow and smelling of salt water and far too many days without a bath?
His cousin was right about one thing. Experiencing her kindness and practical wisdom had deepened his certainty that she was the only woman he would ever love. He would never hide his feelings for her behind a mask again. If his journey so far had taught him anything, it was that life was too uncertain to let anything stand in the way of truth.
Now that he looked the part of a gentleman instead of a shipwrecked sailor, he would begin to reveal himself to Elizabeth. The thought made him smile for the first time in days.
13
The inn’s small parlor buzzed with quiet conversation as Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth arrived the following day to find Darcy and Richard seated at a round table covered with charts and maps. Late afternoon sunlight streamed through diamond-paned windows, illuminating the careful spread of documents that spoke of serious planning.
