“Papa!”
Chapter 36
Darcy stood in the drawing room at Rosings, the last quiet moments of the small celebration settling about them.
The ceremony had passed without incident.
Anne stood near the hearth, pale but composed, her hand still lightly resting in Richard’s. There was a fragility to her, but also—Darcy thought—a steadiness he had not seen before.
The parson, persuaded to remain for a slice of cake, accepted it with modest pleasure.
Darcy stepped forward. “Mrs. Fitzwilliam,” he said, inclining his head and giving her a soft smile.
Anne’s gaze lifted to his, a flicker of nervousness passing through her before she steadied it. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
She hesitated, then added, with quiet effort, “I must apologize. For not coming down sooner. For your wife being… excluded.”
Darcy’s expression softened. “There is no need. My wife is both kind and understanding. She would wish nothing but your comfort.”
Anne’s shoulders eased slightly at that.
“I should like to meet her,” she said after a moment. “Perhaps… not today. But… ten minutes, in a sitting room, one day… I might be able to manage that.”
“She would be very happy to oblige you, I am certain.”
The parson soon took his leave, offering his congratulations once more before departing.
Anne murmured her farewell, and for a moment, the room seemed to settle into something almost peaceful. Darcy was eager to find Elizabeth, however, as this was the longest they had been apart in nearly a week.
He started to make his way to go upstairs when the sound of wheels upon gravel reached them. Anne tensed, and Darcy pivoted to go to the window and look out at who was coming.
A pair of boots descended from the carriage, and Darcy felt his blood run cold. His voice cut sharply through the room. “Richard—Mr. Bennet is here.”
Richard went still—then instinctively, his hand went to his hip, as though seeking the absent weight of a sword.
“Blast,” he muttered.
He turned at once, pressing a quick kiss to Anne’s cheek. “Go upstairs. All of you. Now.”
Lady Catherine did not argue. Lady Anne moved at once, gathering Anne with her, Georgiana close behind.
Darcy had already turned from the window.
“I must find Elizabeth—”
But then he looked again.
And saw her.
Outside.
Alone.
With him.
Darcy’s heart lurched violently in his chest. “Elizabeth is out there, too!”
He did not wait.
