Page 20

A hand-written sign identified the premises, which included a large stable building, barn, and paddocks, as “Smith’s Livery.” An adjacent path led from the street to a vegetable garden and a modest, yellow house. As Mr. Darcy and I walked towards the stables, a dark-haired child—Luke!—came out bouncing a ball with each step.

I veered towards him. “Good day, Luke.”

He halted, and the ball fell from his hand.

I crouched to pick up the toy. “Do you not remember me? I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, from Hertfordshire.”

The visible rigidity in his limbs waned as he stepped closer, and a grin brightened his countenance. “Yes, I remember you!”

“Your ankle has healed, I see.” I handed the ball to him.

He nodded. “Yes, I can run and jump again.” He demonstrated by leaping in place.

“That is splendid.” I glanced at Mr. Darcy, who stood at my side. “My friend and I should like to speak with your mother.”

“Oh, I’ll tell ’er.” Luke beckoned. “Follow me.” He ran towards the house, and Mr. Darcy and I lagged behind him at a more dignified pace.

My worry must have been reflected in my expression, for Mr. Darcy beheld me and touched my arm.

“All will be well, Elizabeth.”

For his sake, I forced a smile.

Mrs. Greenwood met us at the door without revealing an iota of surprise at my appearance here. We exchanged greetings, and I introduced Mr. Darcy. She directed us to a sofa in the cosy parlour and sat opposite us.

Without preamble, I recounted having given the potion to Mr. Darcy and the subsequent result. “I regret what I have done, and I hope you can provide an antidote.”

“This is an unusual request.” Mrs. Greenwood’s sight flitted to Mr. Darcy. “Is this what you want, sir?”

“My concern is to ensure Miss Bennet’s happiness.” He glanced at me. “And she insists upon this course.”

The thumping of my heart roared inside my ears. “This injustice must be rectified. I should not have interfered in his life.”

“Very well.” Mrs. Greenwood stood. “Pray excuse me for a few minutes.” She left us.

I stared after her and almost called out to say I had changed my mind. Had I been a fool to decline Mr. Darcy’s proposal? Fie, what have I done?

“A penny for your thoughts.”

His melodious baritone drew my gaze. “My resolve has never been so precarious, even though I know this to be the righteous course.”

“This is what you wanted and insisted upon.”

“Yes, I know.” A tremor plagued my voice. “But I could not bear to have you…hate me.”

He reached out and took my hand. “That could never happen.”

My fingers tightened around his. Would this be the last time I ever touched him? My grip did not release until Mrs. Greenwood’s footfalls signalled her return.

She went to Mr. Darcy and handed him a glass containing a small amount of a greenish elixir. “Drink every drop of this down, sir. The effect will be immediate.”

He swallowed it all in one gulp and winced. “That is strong.”

As the seconds elapsed, a suffocating heat surrounded me, hindering my respiration until I could not bear another moment of uncertainty. “Well, how do you feel? Do you sense any sort of alteration?”

He moved to fully face me, and his forehead furrowed. “Are you addressing me, madam?”

A gasp slipped from me, and I gaped at him. Then a slight upwards curve of his lips became evident. Gracious heavens, how could he joke at a time like this? “That is not…” I took a calming breath. “That is not the least bit funny!”