“And you, Richard, take care along the bluffs. Branches fall in such winds,” she cautioned.
“I shall,” he said, and then he too left in the face of the storm.
Anger at his aunt’s treatment of Elizabeth drove Darcy forward at too great a pace, and he missed the brook path. He doubled back, and by the time he found it, the wind had risen and rain began to fall. The path kept close to the brook, which had already risen to its banks and threatened to spill into the meadow. The ground turned sodden beneath his horse’s hooves.
After nearly two miles, the tower appeared in the distance. He left the path and cut across the meadow. Pools had already formed, and mud splattered his legs. When he reached the tower and passed beneath the wide archway, he was relieved to escape the sheets of rain pouring down around him.
He dismounted, removed the saddle, and tethered his horse to a thick growth of ivy that climbed the ruin. Movement stirred in the shadows to his right.
Elizabeth.
She wore no pelisse and held her arms tight about herself.
“Miss Bennet.”
“Mr. Darcy, how did you find me?”
“Anne said you favored the brook path, and I judged that if the rain overtook you, I might find you here. Where is your wrap, ma’am?”
“My pelisse is soaked through, sir. I could not outrun the storm, for I ran into it to reach the tower. The landing offers better shelter.”
He removed his hat and set it upon a bare branch of the ivy, then followed her up the stair. With each step, the wind lessened.
“What lies above, ma’am?”
“I have not gone higher, sir. It is dark, and I confess I feared to proceed.”
“Remain here. I shall go up and see whether there is a more secure room.”
He returned after some minutes. “There is a chamber in the upper level. The walls and ceiling hold sound, and with no window, it affords good shelter. There is space enough for you to lie down, should we be obliged to remain the night.”
“Sir, we must not remain under any circumstances. I would be ruined, and you…”
She broke off.
“There can be no question of leaving at present. The rain is falling in sheets. The brook is flooding its banks, and Ares might come to harm, for the ground has turned to mire.”
A shiver passed through Elizabeth, whether from the cold or from dread of what such a situation might imply.
“Come, Miss Bennet. Your lips are blue. Let us go up before it grows darker. The wind cuts too sharply here.” He extended his hand, and she took it. He drew her arm within his. Together they ascended with care, each keeping a hand upon the wall.
The chamber above lay in darkness, yet it offered greater comfort. He unfastened his heavy coat and opened it.
“Sit beside me, Miss Elizabeth, and I shall wrap my coat about us both. We shall keep warmer if we remain close.”
She settled beside him without hesitation while he drew the coat about her.
“I believe we should lie down, with your back up against me. Between the warmth offered by my greatcoat and the heat of our bodies, you will soon warm up.”
She rose while he lowered himself and opened the coat. She lay beside him, and he warned, “I shall bring you nearer, ma’am.”
“Yes, sir, I understand.”
Her teeth were chattering. “Sir, my gown is damp. It will wet your clothes.”
“Do not concern yourself, Miss Bennet. Our warmth will soon dry it.”
His arm encircled her waist and drew her against him. The warmth of his body eventually drove away her chill, and the trembling ceased.
