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The azure sky was blindingly bright and dusted lightly with fluffy white clouds. The sun shown brilliantly and birdsong floated on the light breeze that fluttered the curtains. He knew it was a bit early, but Darcy could wait no longer. He needed to see Elizabeth. Darcy had to know if she still despised him as she had in April. He believed that her opinion of him had changed—had improved—but he needed to be sure. After dressing carefully, Darcy descended the servants’ stairs and made his way to the stables. As the stable hand saddled his horse, Darcy paced and tried to think of what he would say. Within moments he was on his way, and though he wished to gallop full out to arrive quickly, he kept the horse to a gentle canter.
As the Gardiners and Elizabeth prepared to depart for a visit with one of Mrs. Gardiner’s childhood friends, the maid delivered two letters for Elizabeth. They were from Jane.
“There is still some time before we must leave, Lizzy, so your uncle and I will walk to the church and back while you read your letters,” Mrs. Gardiner said.
“Thank you, Aunt Helen. I have wondered why Jane did not write sooner and am anxious to hear the news from home.”
“We shall return shortly, Lizzy,” said Mr. Gardiner as the couple exited the sitting room.
Elizabeth curled into a comfortable chair near the windows, briefly forgetting the letters in her hand as she relived the memories of the previous day at Pemberley.
Throughout the day, Elizabeth had received considerable attention from Mr. Darcy. He had been open and pleasant in each of their encounters. Mr. Darcy had encouraged her closeness with his sister and been solicitous to her needs. Elizabeth was grateful for the opportunity she had to apologize for her offensive behavior and touched by the way he had attended to her comments regarding his conduct. She had been pleased with the level of ease they had achieved by the end of the day. Elizabeth hoped there would, indeed, be another opportunity to visit with the Darcys before she returned home.
A knock at the door interrupted Elizabeth’s thoughts. She called for the maid to enter and was surprised when Hannah announced Mr. Darcy. Placing her letters aside, Elizabeth rose to curtsey to her visitor.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy’s cheeks were red and his hair somewhat windblown due to his ride from Pemberley. Elizabeth’s heart began to race and her breath caught in her throat. She had always considered Darcy to be a handsome man—even when she disliked him. This morning his rugged appearance caused her knees to feel weak.
Finally remembering how to breathe, Elizabeth replied. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. I am surprised to see you so early this morning after your hosting duties yesterday. My family and I enjoyed the day immensely. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to get better acquainted with Miss Darcy. She is a delightful young woman. She asked if we might write to each other when I return home. I was happy to comply, provided that meets with your approval. It was also a privilege to be permitted to see Pemberley and enjoy its hospitality.”
Darcy could not believe his luck in finding Elizabeth alone. She wore a white muslin dress embroidered with cherries and trimmed with a red sash. It was very becoming and a favorite of his, even though he had seen her wear it many times. He thought the bright red cherries matched her luscious lips. Darcy noted the way her cheeks flushed as she stared at him when he entered. Her reaction made his heart beat faster and increased his determination. He had made a decision during his ride and intended to act upon it immediately. Darcy did not want to waste any more time. Elizabeth’s day at Pemberley had proven to Darcy that she owned his heart and was the only woman who could ever fill his mother’s role.
“I am glad you enjoyed your visit, and it was my pleasure to have the opportunity to host you. I did not dare to dream I would ever see you again, much less have the opportunity to show you the changes you inspired.” A deep flush covered Elizabeth’s face as she attempted to speak. Darcy gently placed a finger against her lips to prevent her from doing so. The touch was an intimate one, and Elizabeth again felt her heart race. Her breathing became rapid, and she needed to sit down before her knees buckled beneath her.
Elizabeth remembered her manners and waved Darcy to a seat. He took the chair opposite her and moved it closer. Leaning forward, he reached for one of her small, soft hands and held it between his large, warm ones. Elizabeth tingled from head to toe at his touch.
“Miss Elizabeth, I must beg your indulgence for a moment. I never expected to have the opportunity to see you again, but determined I would work to overcome the weaknesses in my character that you revealed to me. Since I have been so fortunate as to encounter you again here, I cannot waste this chance the Lord has given me. My feelings for you have not changed since the spring, except perhaps that I now love and admire you even more ardently. Your presence in my home has served to prove to me that you are the only woman I could imagine as my wife, the mother of my children, and the caretaker of those who depend upon Pemberley for their livelihood.” Darcy still possessed Elizabeth’s hand and unconsciously rubbed circles on the back of it as he spoke. Between the sensations his touch caused and the tender, loving expression in his eyes, Elizabeth was having a difficult time with coherent thought. “I know I was greatly mistaken in your feelings once before, but I hope that I now understand you better. After these last two days, it appears those sentiments may have changed; at least, I hope and pray they have.”
Elizabeth could only nod; the hint of uncertainty and hesitation in his voice touched her greatly.
Darcy continued. “I find myself compelled to ask if there may be a chance for us in the future.” He slipped to one knee, still grasping her hand. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife? I love you most ardently, and I will strive every day to be a better man and continue to be worthy of your love and respect. Please let me add, if you need more time before committing, that I would be willing to accept a courtship first. I just could not survive should I lose you completely.”
It brought tears to Elizabeth’s eyes to see the once proud Mr. Darcy kneeling so humbly before her. She raised her hand and placed it over those that clasped her other one. With the tears still glistening, Elizabeth gave her answer. “Mr. Darcy, after reading your letter and gaining a better understanding of the situations you addressed, I found myself horrified by my behavior. I prayed for an opportunity to be allowed to apologize. Then I spent much time in reflection and came to realize that you were exactly the man who in talents and temperament would suit me, but I feared it was too late. As a gentleman, you may have permitted me to apologize, but I knew I could expect no more. I tried to adjust to the reality of my situation but doubted I would ever again meet a man who suited me so perfectly. You are the best of men, Mr. Darcy, and I can imagine nothing that would give me greater pleasure than to accept your hand. I am not worthy of this second chance to become your wife, but I shall spend my days trying to make you happy and proud of me.” Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Elizabeth looked him directly in the eye. When she spoke, her voice was soft and steady and a lovely smile filled her face. “I love you as well.”
Darcy’s eyes never wavered from Elizabeth’s. He saw the tears fill her eyes and felt a flicker of heartache, then a reigniting of the hope he had felt since the day before. In spite of her tears, Elizabeth gazed back at him with the love and devotion he had always wished to see in her expression. As she gave him the answer he longed to hear, the smile on his face widened until it revealed both of his dimples. When he heard her acceptance, his eyes, too, became misty. Darcy entwined his fingers with hers and squeezed gently. Then, when he heard her declaration of love, he could contain himself no longer. Darcy stood and pulled Elizabeth up with him. Placing his hand under her chin, he tilted it back until she met his eyes. He stared at her intently for a long moment, then slowly leaned his head down until his lips met hers. The kiss was brief and gentle, but it moved them both.
Darcy broke the kiss and pulled back so he could gaze into her eyes. Seeing a look of awakening passion, he wished to kiss her again. However, as they were unchaperoned, he did not desire to put her in an embarrassing situation should the Gardiners return. “Do you expect the Gardiners to arrive soon? I should like to speak to your uncle until I may travel to Hertfordshire to meet with your father.”
“I do not believe they will be much longer. The Gardiners were to walk to the church and back to allow me to read my letters from Jane before going to visit with one of my aunt’s friends.”
Darcy lifted Elizabeth’s hand to his lips, kissing the back softly. He turned it over and placed another kiss in her palm. “How fortunate for me to come upon you at such an opportune moment. Perhaps you would permit me to order tea and wait with you while you read?”
“That would be lovely, Mr. Darcy.”
“Miss Elizabeth, with our betrothal, would you do me the favor of calling me Fitzwilliam or William, as my family does?”
“I would like that very much, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy felt a thrill of passion at the way she caressed his name when she replied. Before he could give in to temptation and kiss her again, Darcy moved to summon one of the inn’s servants as Elizabeth returned to her chair and letters.
After closing the sitting room door, Darcy moved to gaze out the window, allowing Elizabeth a bit of privacy while she read her letters. He could hear the shuffle of the pages behind him.
“Oh, no! How could she do this?
Darcy turned from the window at Elizabeth’s outburst. Her face was pale and her eyes wide with what appeared to be horror. “Good God! What is the matter?” He moved to kneel before her, taking her free hand in his.
“Oh, this is dreadful! Lydia has run away from Brighton. She believes she is going to Gretna Green with Mr. Wickham!”
At her words, Darcy released her hand and began to pace.
Bereft with the loss of his comforting touch, Elizabeth nonetheless continued. “Fortunately, Colonel Foster has put out that she is ill. He attempted to track the runaways but has found no evidence of them beyond London. At that point, he notified my family by express. Papa is ill, and Jane begs for Uncle’s return to search for her.” Elizabeth looked at the anger and disgust on Darcy’s face as he paced, and her heart contracted painfully. Darcy had previously expressed his displeasure at the behavior of her younger sisters. Now, Lydia’s thoughtless actions would bring disgrace on all those connected to her. Swallowing a sob, Elizabeth looked at the floor. “I release you from our engagement. I would not wish the scandal from Lydia’s decision to touch you or Miss Darcy.”
Darcy was immediately on his knees before Elizabeth’s chair. He took both her hands in his and squeezed them. “No, Elizabeth. I will not allow you to end our engagement. I love you and my life would be meaningless without you. We will handle this together. I should have stopped Wickham sooner; this would never have happened.”
“How could you possibly stop him without exposing and ruining your sister?”
“I am not sure yet, but there must be something.” Darcy began pacing again. “I have been paying Wickham’s debts for years; I imagine I have collected enough to put him in debtor’s prison and keep him locked up for many years. If Colonel Foster managed to keep Lydia's disappearance quiet, we might be able to return her to Brighton without anyone being aware of the situation.”
“What if Lydia refuses to leave him?” worried Elizabeth. “She can be incredibly stubborn and has often spoken of wishing to be the first sister to marry.”
“Let us worry about that later. For now, we must find your aunt and uncle immediately and be on our way to London.” Darcy stepped into the hallway again and called for another servant. When one appeared, he commanded, “Please fetch Mr. And Mrs. Gardiner immediately. They walked in the direction of the church.”
“Certainly, sir,” said the maid before rushing away to fulfill her task.
Darcy was still pacing and thinking when, a short time later, a knock sounded at the door. Elizabeth rushed to open it, expecting it to be the Gardiners. She found Hannah with the refreshments Darcy had ordered. Elizabeth held the door for her to enter and remained there, watching the maid put the tray on a table near the window before quickly exiting the room.
Elizabeth closed the door securely and moved to pour them each a cup of tea. In spite of the situation, Darcy took enjoyment in watching her perform this simple task. She handed him a cup, and he took a sip. Elizabeth had prepared it exactly as he liked without needing to ask him his preferences. He gave her a smile as he took another sip and set the cup on the table before returning to his pacing. Elizabeth sat sipping her tea and watching him. She could almost determine his thoughts as she observed the expressions that crossed his face.
Darcy was still pacing and Elizabeth still silently observing when the Gardiners rushed into the room. They hurried to Elizabeth’s side, asking what had occurred. Darcy’s comforting presence allowed her to calmly explain the content of Jane’s letters.
Mr. Gardiner turned to Darcy. “It was kind of you to remain with Elizabeth until our return. I am sorry that this family emergency shall force us to leave before we intended. I shall miss the opportunity to fish one more time before returning to the city.” Darcy noted the rueful expression on his face as well as the disappointment in his eyes.
“Mr. Gardiner, I believe we must make some plans before we depart. I have —”
“We, Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, as I was about to say, I have known Wickham since childhood. I have knowledge of some of his friends and favorite places in London and have something that may be useful in dealing with him. I also have an interest in protecting the Bennet family’s reputation, as Miss Elizabeth accepted my offer of marriage barely half an hour ago.”
Darcy’s words could not have surprised Mr. Gardiner more. He looked first at his wife, who merely shrugged, then at his niece. Elizabeth’s face showed her happiness even through the concern she felt for Lydia. Her eyes blazed with love as she stared at Darcy. Mr. Gardiner’s gaze returned to his wife, who had also seen the look on Elizabeth’s face. This time she gave him a slight smile and a nod.
“Our congratulations to you both,” was Mr. Gardiner’s exuberant reply as he reached out to shake hands with Darcy.
“Thank you, sir. I remained to speak to you about this, but Miss Lydia’s problem must take precedence. I understand the need for urgency, but I would like to propose that we depart first thing in the morning. There are a few things I must attend to, and if I might secure a ride with you in your carriage, I can have Georgiana follow in mine. We shall have plenty of time to make our plans as we travel.”
“Perhaps we should leave today so that I may deliver Elizabeth to her family at Longbourn?”
“No!” Darcy and Elizabeth cried at almost the same moment before turning to look at one another in surprise.
“Forgive my outburst, sir, but I believe that Miss Elizabeth may be of some use in recovering Miss Lydia.”
“Indeed, Uncle, I insist you allow me to help. I have some knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s habits of which Lydia is unaware. I may be in a better position to speak with her than you or Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Gardiner glanced at his wife, seeking her opinion without words. “All right, then. Perhaps we should order additional refreshments and work out our plans for the morning before we both begin to make preparations for departure.”
Darcy nodded and seated himself at the table. Elizabeth sat beside him and gave him a grateful look for valuing her opinion and assistance. Darcy placed his hand over hers briefly, caressing it before releasing it.
Elizabeth poured tea for her relations. Once the servants had delivered the order items and departed, the conversation turned to travel plans. Darcy spoke of the preparations he needed to make and agreed to meet them at the inn at six in the morning. After a pleasant luncheon, Darcy took his leave of the Gardiners, who permitted him a moment alone with Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth, I hope you will take pity on me and agree to a short engagement. Knowing that you have finally accepted my hand makes parting from you far more difficult than I anticipated.”
Darcy held and caressed her hands as he spoke, and Elizabeth briefly wondered if he even realized what he did. “I feel bereft at the thought of your leaving and do not know how I will manage until I see you again.”
Thrilled with her words, Darcy wished to remain, though he knew it to be impossible. There was much that needed his attention for him to leave early in the morning. Darcy leaned in and sweetly kissed Elizabeth’s forehead before departing. Elizabeth rushed to the window and observed Darcy mount his horse, then hurry in the direction of Pemberley.
She let out a sigh and moved to her bedchamber to begin packing her trunk.
