Chapter Three
The two saw each other daily for the next six weeks. Each morning, Elizabeth arrived at Pemberley around ten in the morning, and then Darcy would accompany her and Georgiana to meet the tenants. On the first day, Elizabeth brought a blank notebook with her, and it was quickly filled, requiring them to order more from the shop in Lambton.
It was also discovered on that first day that Elizabeth did not know how to ride. They had intended to ride out to visit the tenants, but upon learning that Elizabeth had never learned, they had a small carriage hitched up that Darcy could drive them in. However, that afternoon, he insisted on teaching Elizabeth to ride.
The afternoons were soon spent in first teaching Elizabeth the necessary skills of riding and then taking her on frequent rides, not just to visit the tenants but to explore the estate and its environs. She learned quickly, and after a fortnight of lessons, they began to pack picnic lunches and visit scenic spots around the estate to eat between tenant visits.
Elizabeth and Georgiana developed a close friendship, as did Elizabeth and Darcy. Since neither of the ladies could mount the horse without a mounting block, they frequently relied on Darcy for assistance. While aiding Georgiana did not bother him, Darcy found himself increasingly affected by Elizabeth's proximity during these moments. It did not take long for him to observe her blushes, realising she, too, was disconcerted by their closeness.
Instead of avoiding her, as he might have done with other ladies of his acquaintance, he began to encourage Elizabeth. He found opportunities to touch her, even slightly, and delighted in seeing her blush when he did so. Too quickly, she became aware of what he was doing and found ways to turn the tables on him.
A little over a month after they met, the three were riding together when something startled Elizabeth’s horse, causing it to rear up. Despite her efforts to hold on, she was unseated and landed in a heap on the ground. Darcy leaped down and called for Georgiana to remain where she was, intending her to be ready to ride for help if needed.
Darcy rushed to kneel by Elizabeth’s side, his heart pounding as he saw her eyes closed. He feared she might have struck her head during the fall. For a brief moment, he stood frozen, gazing at her pale, still face, an overwhelming pain flooding him. The thought of losing her, even before she was truly his, nearly shattered him. He recoiled at the idea, but just as quickly, a realisation hit him—he could not imagine his life without her. He wanted her by his side, now and forever.
He whispered, “Elizabeth, my darling Elizabeth, please wake,” while checking her arms and legs for broken bones. “Please wake, my love.”
A moment later, her eyes blinked, and she looked straight into his eyes. She saw the pain there and a hint of something else. Her own eyes softened, and she became aware of his whispered pleas.
“Elizabeth!” he breathed. “Are you well, my dar… Miss Elizabeth?”
“I am well,” she managed, her voice uneven as she drew in shallow breaths. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, the effort to steady herself evident as she struggled to reclaim the air knocked from her lungs in the fall.
“Oh, Elizabeth, I thought I had lost you,” he confessed, almost unaware of what he was saying.
She blinked at him again, confused by his words and uncertain she heard him correctly. “Whatever do you mean, Mr. Darcy?” she whispered.
Darcy started. “I apologise, Miss Elizabeth. I spoke without thinking.”
“Oh,” she said, her eyes casting downward. She had come to admire the gentleman greatly and wished he felt the same. However, she was acutely aware of the difference in their circumstances and knew she was far too young. No matter how often she reminded herself of these truths, her growing feelings for him did not waver.
He seemed to recognise at least a little of this and spoke to reassure her. “I… I, well, Miss Elizabeth, my sister cares for you greatly. She would be devastated if something happened to you.” He closed his eyes and shook his head slightly, then opened them and looked at her again. His eyes softened, and he whispered, “So would I.”
She reached up a hand and almost caressed his cheek. Before she could do so, a noise made her aware of Georgiana nearby. Darcy’s back would have hidden them from the young girl’s view, but it made her hesitate.
He did not allow it. He captured her hand in his and brought it to his lips to kiss. “I have come to care for you greatly, Elizabeth. I… I was devastated when I thought you were injured.”
This time, she did not stop but caressed his cheek. “I have come to care for you too, Mr. Darcy.”
“Fitzwilliam,” he breathed, desperately wishing his sister were not so near. He wanted to kiss her.
“Fitzwilliam,” she replied softly.
“I would like to court you. I believe it is too soon to consider marriage, and frankly, I imagine your father would believe you to be too young, despite your mother pushing you out so early. I might be wrong, but I…” Darcy trailed off, uncertain how to say what he wanted to.
“Sixteenistoo young for marriage. While I know I cannot remain in Lambton for the next year, I would appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better. My aunt plans to remain here another month, so we might continue our acquaintance during this time. After a month, if we want to further our relationship, perhaps we can find a way to correspond.”
Darcy smiled at her, delighted to discover that she could help him express thoughts he could not quite manage to put into words. “Yes, that is precisely what I was thinking.” Sighing, he looked back towards Georgiana. “Come, my sister will be worried if you remain on the ground much longer. How do you feel?”
He offered a hand to help her sit up. She groaned. “I believe I will be a bit sore. The ride back might be unpleasant.”
Nodding, he stood before helping her to stand, his hand lingering on her waist to keep her steady. “Are you well?” he asked again.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and moved her limbs a little. “I will be well,” she replied. “We will need to take it slowly on our way back.”
Looking around, he realised her horse had left them. Instead of being annoyed, he grinned at her. “I think you will have to ride back with me.”
Startled, Elizabeth looked around and discovered what he had already. She laughed lightly. “I suppose I will, since I do not believe Georgiana’s horse will carry both of us easily. Very well, Mr. Darcy, you will have your way,” she said, smiling impishly even as she winced at the pain from turning.
