“We cannot remain hidden here forever,” Darcy said at last.
Elizabeth drew a slow breath.
“No,” she agreed.
He glanced at her. “I imagine Richard grows impatient. He means to settle his own affairs without delay, and he asked if I would stand up with him. With the special license, I believe he will wish to wed as soon as we emerge from our rooms.”
“And Lady Catherine…” Elizabeth hesitated slightly. “Her claim of being my mother cannot be ignored, however much I might wish it so. Either she is mad, or confused, or else I have been lied to my entire life. I am not sure which is worse.”
Darcy reached for her hand. “You shall not face any of it alone.”
She looked at him, holding his gaze. “I know,” she said.
That, at least, had not changed.
They said little more that night, other than Darcy informing her he had given a note to his valet to inform the household they would be down for breakfast in the morning.
“I shall be glad to walk outside again,” she said with a small smile.
When they finally lay down, it was with a quiet understanding that the days ahead would not be as gentle as those just passed.
Elizabeth turned toward him, fitting herself against his side as though she belonged there—because she did.
His arm came around her at once.
Even in sleep, he held her close.
And Elizabeth, drifting at last into rest, found that whatever waited for them beyond those doors—
She did not fear it quite so much.
∞∞∞
Breakfast was announced shortly after they had dressed, and Darcy found himself pausing just outside the door to the morning room.
For the first time since their marriage, he felt—if not uneasy—then at least… aware.
Of himself.
Of Elizabeth.
Of the change in their situation.
He glanced at her.
She met his eyes, and though there was warmth there, there was also the faintest hint of shared self-consciousness.
He offered his arm.
“Mrs. Darcy.”
A small smile curved her lips as she took it. “Mr. Darcy.”
They entered together.
If there was any curiosity in the room, it was very well concealed.
Lady Anne greeted them with gentle composure. Lady Catherine with brisk approval. Georgiana flushed faintly but could not hide her delight, rising at once to embrace Elizabeth.
