Page 29
“For what?” he asked, almost in jest, wondering whether she still doubted his intention to marry her.
“You know very well…For your help, your presence! Did you bid farewell to Georgiana before we left?”
“Yes. I spoke to her again to make certain she was not too worried.”
“I hope she does not hold me in contempt,” Elizabeth murmured.
“Contempt? Whatever for?”
Tears filled her eyes again. “Fitzwilliam, I am uncertain whether you should accompany us to London. Your assistance in finding Wickham is invaluable, but perhaps you should have remained behind. Our journey together will involve your name and family in this scandal, particularly when Lady Catherine is ready to attack you…us. And Georgiana is alone…”
“My sister is safe. She suffers, but that has nothing to do with you. She is ashamed to remember how Wickham deceived her, hoping to secure a comfortable life through her. She also worries about your sister’s unhappiness should she marry him.”
The warmth and affection in his voice brought more tears to her eyes, and he continued, “Georgiana is a courageous young lady. I am proud of her, and I trust this scandal will do her no further harm beyond the painful memories it has brought back. My love, I must ask you something. Would you prefer to be alone? Does my presence displease you? Think only of your own wishes when you answer.”
Elizabeth made an effort to smile.
“I am grateful for your presence. And…from now on, it is us that I must consider, our happiness!”
He smiled, his expression softening again. “Be a sensible lady for once and let me attend to our difficulties. Now let us return and rest a little before we proceed.”
They were almost at the entrance when Elizabeth heard someone call Darcy’s name and turned to see Colonel Fitzwilliam and Viscount Wellford, who seemed just as surprised to see them.
“Darcy? Miss Bennet? What brings the two of you here?” the viscount asked, looking from one to the other.
Elizabeth curtseyed, more distressed than ever.
“Miss Bennet is returning to London with Mr and Mrs Gardiner. I have accompanied them, having pressing matters to attend to in Town.”
“Oh…” The explanation seemed to put both gentlemen at ease. “So your uncle and aunt are here too. I trust no one is ill?” the colonel asked.
“All are in good health,” she replied, trying to speak lightly. “Forgive me, but I must leave you now. We shall resume our journey shortly, and I must prepare.”
Elizabeth hurried away. Had the colonel and the viscount disapproved when they saw them? Could they have imagined some improper connection between her and Darcy? She wished she had remained long enough to hear more instead of leaving herself to conjecture about their conversation.
When she returned to the inn’s main hall, Elizabeth found her uncle and aunt conversing with the colonel and the viscount. The brothers were returning north after a two-day business journey. She did not hear all they said, nor did she wish to learn more.
Once they resumed their journey, Elizabeth fell silent again while her companions discussed the unexpected encounter. Neither Lydia nor Wickham was mentioned. Until they had further information, little could be said.
∞∞∞
They continued until late that evening, stopping only to change horses and take some refreshment. At the next inn, they agreed to have supper and rest a few hours before setting out again early the next morning. The ladies were weary, and even Darcy admitted that a few hours’ sleep would make the rest of the journey easier.
While the innkeeper attended to their rooms, Darcy asked for a private parlour where they might eat without delay.
“My future wife and her aunt are tired,” he added. “We should be grateful if supper could be served as soon as possible.”
Elizabeth looked at him in surprise, but he continued speaking to the innkeeper as if his words were nothing remarkable. Mrs Gardiner had heard them too and exchanged a glance with her husband.
Supper was soon served, and Darcy’s attentiveness made the meal more agreeable than Elizabeth had expected. Wisely, he did not speak of their difficulties, and she gradually found herself able to join the conversation. Afterwards, seeing that the rain had ceased, he invited her to walk with him in the inn’s small garden before they retired.
Once alone, Mrs Gardiner let her worries out in a burst. “He is eager to declare his intention to marry, even before an innkeeper, but I wonder what will happen in London when the news of Lydia is everywhere.”
“Stop, my dear. Let them be happy for now. I am certain Mr Darcy knew what he was doing. He wished to reassure us, especially Elizabeth, that he has not changed his mind.”
∞∞∞
Elizabeth and Darcy walked through the small garden behind the inn, where shrubs and flowers lined the paths. The moon appeared from behind the clouds at intervals, lighting the garden.
