“Did your late aunt and uncle seem happy together?”
“They did.”
“And perhaps they were,” Mr. Darcy said. “A union of warm friendship is still better than some. And if they were content, would that satisfy you?”
“I should hope neither of them were unhappy. I wonder if my aunt knew about me. And I almost fear to ask who my mother is.”
“Surely some other lady similar to Lady Allen,” Mr. Darcy suggested. “Would you ever wish to know her?”
“I should wish to know why he did not marry her!” Elizabeth let out a heavy sigh, her next thought weighing heavily on her heart. “And then, there is some wicked part of me that wonders what it might have been like to be his daughter, to have grown up in London, perhaps to have grown up with Cathy and Harriet.”
“And your sisters only cousins to you? No, you are too devoted to them,” he said with a glimmer in his eye.
“I am,” Elizabeth agreed. “And I cannot repine any part of my life at Longbourn. I suppose it is futile and perverse to wonder what might have been, and why my uncle did not desire that outcome.”
“Would you have liked a life in London?”
“Oh, perhaps,” she mused aloud. “Could I have traded my country rambles for lengthy strolls through museums and galleries, and promenades in the park? I hardly know.”
He laughed. “And this is life in London as you imagine it. Happy thought indeed! But you are a young lady of decided opinions, considerable persuasion, and high courage. You might ask to spend more time with Sir Edward in London, or with your half-sisters, or you might resolve to remain at Longbourn until you marry. Nobody involved would deny you if you wished to do any of these things, or something else entirely, for you are treasured by all your family.”
“This is high praise indeed! I have come a long way in your estimation since last year, when I was merely tolerable, and not handsome enough to tempt you to dance.” Elizabeth could no longer resist the urge to tease him, for she knew not how else to receive his compliments.
Mr. Darcy blanched. “I did say something horrid to that effect to Bingley. Lord, and you heard it! Miss Bennet, I am mortified, and quite possibly entirely stupid.” He stumbled over his steps as he took her hand in his and moved closer to steady himself. She held his gaze, her shock at his apology softening to something that turned her stomach most pleasantly.
“I am sorry,” he breathed.
She twisted her lips into a playful smile. “You are forgiven, if you can bear me accusing you of murder an hour ago.”
“I fear we shall all be accusing one another ere long. All the more reason you should make amends with Sir Edward. His affection for you must surely be a solace.” Mr. Darcy still held her hand, and he lightly stroked her palm with his thumb.
Elizabeth nodded. Her lips parted, but only a shaky breath came out.
“I think your newly found sisters must surely be a blessing to you, as well. Miss Morland, in particular, might prove to enrich your life even after we leave this castle. Miss Smith is not unlike Mrs. Bingley in her disposition, I believe, and her chosen friend shares your playful ebullience.”
Elizabeth smiled widely, feeling something ease in her chest. “You are right, and determined to flatter me, I think. I am glad to have met them, and I would like it very much if we might all visit Sir Edward in London together. And Jane, too. I love her so dearly, and I would not wish her to feel herself any less dear to me.”
“I am sure that is not possible – and, in fairness, not a reason to be cross with your uncle.”
“You are right,” Elizabeth admitted. “What got my ire up was that I had to face the revelation in the presence of so manystrangers, and at such a horrific moment! I knew he was hiding something and beseeched him to tell me along our journey, when we were quite alone. But only when his hand was forced did he confess, and announce my shame to the world. You heard what Miss Denham called me.”
“If she were a man, I would have called her out, or seconded Sir Edward.”
Elizabeth sighed. “He did little to defend me. It seemed his thoughts and feelings were all for Lady Allen, or my sisters.”
Mr. Darcy gave a sudden laugh and eyed her teasingly. “Do you know, I think I have just sketched your character, as you once asked to do of me. I understand you perfectly, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth fell into easy laughter with him, and they drew closer as they slowly ambled along the battlements. “I am all astonishment! Do enlighten me; what epiphany have you had?”
“I have deduced, as Miss Morland might say, why you are cross with your uncle. There are three new women you must share his affection with.”
Elizabeth grew a little dizzy and held onto his arm as she began to shed a few tears. “I meant to tease you, but you are utterly right. Oh dear, how selfish of me! He ismyuncle, my indulgent friend since I was a girl, and I was always his favorite. I was but eleven when my first cousin was born, and I recall I was very cross then, too. And yes, last night all I could think of was that I wanted his attention and comfort, and I was vexed to see him bestow it on strangers. I am not only mortified for my aunt’s sake, but if he marries Lady Allen now, I fear I might somehow lose him, that things will change.”
Mr. Darcy retrieved from his coat pocket the same crumpled handkerchief he had given her the night before, butthis time instead of offering it to her, he began to dab at her tears himself.
“And now that you understand yourself, you are a little wiser. I believe there is goodness in you that wishes everybody to be happy.” Mr. Darcy brought the tear-soaked handkerchief to his lips, and then returned it to his pocket. Elizabeth thought she might fall over. It was this same handkerchief, and not a fresh one, that he had carried with him today.
“Mr. Darcy….” Her fingers curled around his arm, and she tipped her face up as she stared at him, every thought of her uncle replaced by amazement at the man before her, and his tender gesture.
