Richard gave a short laugh, visibly relaxing. “So, this boy has single-handedly kept the runners off the estate through fear of a ghost?”
“Yes, he has. Every now and then, he shows himself to keep the legend alive. Mother encountered him recently.”
She shook her head. “I had no notion the story had spread so widely. Lady Grace told Mamma that the ghost was most often seen upon moonless nights. It never occurred to me that Mamma would station a footman in the grove near the folly to watch for it.”
Her smile widened despite herself. “The poor mandidsee the ghost and was terrified. He ran all the way back to the house and told Mamma exactly what he had witnessed. He now refuses to venture out upon moonless nights.” She laughed. “Benny was exceedingly amused when I recounted the story to him.”
“Annie, Darcy rides to London this afternoon, and he intends to report the cache of brandy to the Board of Customs. We shall remove ourselves from Rosings before the revenue officers move against the smugglers.”
“And what of Mamma?”
“Let us consult Dr. Miller regarding her condition. I recall him saying he did not expect her to survive the week.”
Anne lowered her eyes. “From what I observe, she cannot have long remaining. I can no longer detect her pulse unless I feel for it at the base of her neck, as I have seen Dr. Miller do. And even there it beats with alarming rapidity.”
Darcy rose. “I shall go upstairs and pack my things. I expect to be absent for two or three days. I will leave Georgiana here in your care, Annie.”
“Of course. I shall keep her near me. She will not ride out unless Richard accompanies her.”
“Thank you, cousin.”
Darcy left the study and returned to the drawing room only to find it deserted. Sir Gareth Beaumont was likely out walking with Jane Bennet, while Elizabeth had probably retired above stairs. He resolved to seek an audience with her.
He mounted the stairs two at a time and proceeded directly to her chamber.
At the tower, she had all but confessed she would accept him. Rationally, he knew he had little to fear, yet he found himself strangely hesitant all the same.
At last, he raised his hand and knocked. A moment later, he heard approaching footsteps, and then Mrs. Collins opened the door, surprise plainly visible upon her countenance.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“Mrs. Collins, I should like a word with Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps she would consent to visit with me in the parlor next door?”
His gaze moved over the room. The bed was made, and she was not sitting on the fainting couch. Then he saw her seated beside the window in a cushioned chair, a book resting in her hands. She was watching him.
He saw her rise to her feet.
“Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied. “I shall join you, sir.”
She drew her shawl more closely about her shoulders and crossed the room to him.
“Mary, I shall return in only a few minutes. You need not be anxious on my account.”
“Of course. Call if you require anything, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth took Mr. Darcy’s proffered arm and accompanied him into the small adjoining parlor. He led her to a couch and settled himself beside her. He appeared unusually grave.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am aware that I have spoken neither of courtship nor openly of my intentions, but I wish to do so now. I…” He paused.
Elizabeth’s complexion deepened. He was about to speak to her of marriage. Her heart raced as she raised her eyes to his beloved face and lingered upon the curve of his lower lip. Then she realized he was speaking once more, and she lifted her eyes to meet his.
“Elizabeth, I love you. I have loved you almost since the first day I met you. I wish to marry you. This week. Here at Rosings Park. It has been very difficult to be sent away from your side when my only wish has been to care for you during this illness.”
He took her hands in his. “I have had no right to aid you. More than once, I was tempted to stand outside your door until I might see you again.”
He was earnest, yearning. “What say you, Elizabeth? Will you marry me?”
She was looking intently at him, wonder shining in her eyes. She had stepped into a world where every cherished dream had suddenly come true, beginning with this beautiful man who now offered her his hand and heart.
