Page 155 of Near Pemberley

He opened his eyes immediately. “Come in.”

Mrs. Barnes entered.

“Miss Elizabeth is here to see you, sir.”

For a moment, Darcy simply stared at her. He wondered whether he had imagined the name.

“Miss… Elizabeth?”

“Yes, sir. She insisted.”

He looked down at himself.

Then, at the state of his coat, which had been removed and replaced only by a loose shirt and waistcoat, and even that was open. The bruising upon his face and hand, and the general evidence of the morning’s events, suddenly became far more alarming than they had seemed a moment earlier.

“Good Lord.” He attempted to rise. “Mrs. Barnes, my jacket.”

“Sir, I believe Miss Elizabeth is already…”

But it was too late. Elizabeth stepped into the room.

“There is no need to put yourself out, Mr. Darcy,” she said softly. “I am not here to judge your appearance. I only wish to see that you are truly well.”

She stopped scarcely three paces inside the room.

Neither spoke.

She had prepared herself to see him injured.

She had not prepared herself to see him so utterly unguarded.

The swelling beneath one eye had already darkened. A cut marked the corner of his mouth. His right hand rested awkwardly upon the arm of the chair. He appeared paler than usual, and though he attempted to rise, she noticed the involuntary tightening of his jaw as pain protested.

“Do not.” The word escaped before she intended it.

Darcy obeyed without reflection.

Mrs. Barnes looked quietly from one to the other. “I shall send tea.”

Neither answered.

The housekeeper allowed herself the smallest smile before withdrawing. She left the door open only a little and quietly instructed the footman that they were not to be disturbed.

Silence settled again.

Elizabeth crossed the room slowly. “I received your note.”

“And you thought it warranted you checking up on me?”

“I would not have known anything had Lydia not added her own explanation.”

Understanding dawned immediately. “So that explains it.”

“If not for her, I would have remained ignorant.” She looked at his face again, and her expression softened. “You alarmed me.”

Darcy lowered his eyes. “I am sorry. That is precisely why I did not wish you to know.”

“I was frightened.”