“Do you have Mary’s letter to my father?”
He patted his breast pocket. “Yes, it is here. I have yours as well.”
He kissed her then, long and tenderly. Holding her close, he rested his cheek against the crown of her head.
“Take care, darling. Do not go out alone. The gamekeeper is watching for animals afflicted with hydrophobia. Within afew weeks, we should know if any others have contracted the disease.”
“I shall take care, sir, and I wish you safe travels. Please do not expose yourself to any unnecessary danger.”
Reluctantly, he released her. Neither wished to part, but duty called him away.
Her eyes filled with tears. He withdrew his handkerchief and gently dabbed them away.
“Come, darling, I must be on the road.”
Together they walked to the entrance hall and joined the others gathered with Mary.
He kissed Georgiana and bid her behave herself.
“Take care, brother. Return to us as soon as you are able.”
He bowed to Mary and offered his condolences once more before mounting his horse.
Elizabeth’s gaze was fixed on him. He looked exceedingly handsome atop his black stallion, clad in his greatcoat against the threatening clouds. He turned to her one last time and smiled, his heart in his eyes.
The four women stood in the doorway watching as the little cavalcade departed. They remained there until the riders reached a bend in the drive and disappeared from sight.
Chapter 56: Summer
“Mistress, a letter for you.” Walters held out a silver tray bearing a single letter. Elizabeth recognized Mr. Darcy's hand at once. She took it.
“Thank you, Walters.”
Breaking the seal, she unfolded the letter and began to read.
June 18, 1812
Elizabeth, dearest,
We arrived at Longbourn while it was still dark, and Mr. Collins was laid to rest in the family plot by ten o'clock that same morning. Your family and neighbors are much shocked, though they consider it a great mercy that Mr. Collins left two sons as his legacy.
Your Uncle Phillips says that Mr. Collins had five thousand pounds set by. Under the terms of his will, it all passes to your sister.
Should your sister wish it, I shall instruct my solicitor to invest it. It may serve as a portion for the younger son. By the time he reaches one and twenty, the sum will have increased considerably.
Send a letter conveying her wishes by the hand of one of my footmen to Grosvenor Square, and I shall make all the necessary arrangements before returning home. I intend to spend two days here at Longbourn to rest the horses, after which we shall travel to London. I must ensure that everything stands in readiness for Wickham's transportation to Australia later this month. I have other business to attend to as well, but I expect to return toyou no later than the twenty-sixth of June. Have Walters send an express to London should you have need of me. Inform Georgiana that I am to interview an applicant for the position of her companion. The woman’s name is Mrs. Annesley, and if she is qualified, she shall return with me.
Your loving husband,
Fitzwilliam
Elizabeth turned to Georgiana.
“Fitzwilliam is to interview an applicant for the position of companion. He hopes to return on the twenty-sixth.”
She held the letter out to her sister-in-law, who accepted it eagerly. She and Kitty bent over the letter and read it in silence.
Walters entered the room once again. “Mr. Selkirk, mistress.”
