Once they had mounted the steps that brought them onto the broad pavement that bordered the Royal Crescent, Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and they walked a few paces in a companionable silence before his curiosity got the better of him, and he gestured towards her pocket.
“It is an unusual method of marking one’s page. Have you – did you make it yourself?”
She shook her head. “I cannot profess to such a talent. I picked it up off the ground the other day – on my journey to Town from Kent.”
Darcy blinked. “At a watering stop?”
Clearly confused as to his interest in such a morsel, Elizabeth frowned. “Yes – the inn at Bromley; I do not recall its name.”
“The Red Lion.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I am sure you are right. I paid it little mind, I was more intent upon stretching my legs before being once more confined to the carriage. I happened upon the neatly woven stick there and decided it would make a fine marker.”
They stopped walking as she reached for her pocket and drew out the plaited stick, placing it on her palm that they might both study it, and Darcy sighed.
“It was a childhood habit, and I could not resist an attempt the other day – when I too was travelling to London from Rosings.”
The implication had struck a chord with him; he had paid the woven stick no further mind, yet here it was, not only in front of him, but in the possession of the one person he would give all his worldly goods to.
Elizabeth raised her eyes to his, and he was astounded to see wetness upon her lashes.
“What is it? What is wrong?” He took a step closer to her but she gave a reassuring smile and wiped the tear away.
“Nothing, Sir. It is just...” she paused, then let out a soft sigh. “You will think me all manner of foolish, to be certain, but I am touched that I found it. I liked it very well, but now it has taken on great significance, and I shall treasure it always.”
Darcy smiled. “My mother did the same. I used to paint patterns on them by way of decoration – no mean task, with the surface so narrow and uneven – and she took each one from me as though it was a precious jewel. They remain even now in one of her boxes at Pemberley; except for one-”
A strange expression filtered over Elizabeth’s features, and she looked quickly at the marker again. “Which is in Mount Street.”
“How did you-”
“I saw it – in the display cabinet. It took my eye immediately, not only because it was in great contrast to the other precious items therein, but also for its similarity to my recent find.”
For a moment, they stared at each other. Then, Darcy smiled and reached for her hand, placing a firm kiss upon it. “I am glad that you found it, and-”
Just then, a hand clapped him on the shoulder. “You have not got far, Darcy. Is Lizzy being troublesome?”
Nicholas and Serena had caught them up, and Elizabeth rolled her eyes at the former as she tucked the marker back into her pocket.
Darcy merely smiled, but then he turned to Harington. “What time do you plan to depart?”
“My father is leaving directly – pressing business matters on the estate.” He glanced at his fob watch. “As such, though the plan was to set off sooner rather than later, I think we are at liberty to leave whenever is convenient, for it is not a long journey.”
“Come then, Sir.” Elizabeth took Darcy’s arm once more. “Let us make the most of the time at our disposal.” And they resumed their walk, soon out-stripping the other couple; yet, their chance for enjoyment of each other’s company did not look set to endure, for within minutes they could both detect Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam turning the far corner at the opposite end of the Royal Crescent, making their way towards them.
Darcy gestured towards them. “My sister and cousin both wished to pay their respects and say farewell. I came on ahead so that we might have the chance to talk.”
“Then we had best speak quickly, Sir!” Elizabeth laughed ruefully. “Or slow our pace, but then we are in danger of being caught from behind!”
With a smile, Darcy glanced over his shoulder at where Harington and Miss Seavington were walking some paces further back. “It is a neat trap, is it not?”
“Well, then, Sir. What next? I believe – I hope – our change in circumstance will postpone your planned journey to Dublin?”
Darcy threw her a quick glance. “It is no loss, Elizabeth. The distance that I believed would be mutually beneficial has no further purpose, nor has lingering in Bath with your impending departure.” He smiled down at her. “I believe the best direction for my travels is Hertfordshire – unless you have any objection?”
Elizabeth shook her head, though her expression had sobered, and recalling his last dealings with that neighbourhood, he felt his own spirits waver. Placing his hand upon hers where it rested on his arm, he felt comforted by the return of her smile.
“I must speak to your father, Elizabeth. It would not do for our understanding to continue long without his being acquainted with it.” He could well recall that gentleman’s blatant dissatisfaction when he received intelligence of Darcy and the Colonel’s extended acquaintance with his daughter.
Sensing her grip tightening upon his arm, he glanced down at her and she met his gaze with a troubled expression.
“I know it is foolish to feel so sad, when in reality I could not be happier; yet I cannot bear to say farewell.”
“When do you anticipate coming home to Longbourn?”
Elizabeth sighed. “It has yet to be decided. Beyond our return to Somerset, naught has been said of the matter.” The gentleman at her side stopped and turned to face her.
“Then do not go. Return home to Hertfordshire – you could travel safely under my protection, Elizabeth.”
Her countenance brightened, but then she bit her lip. “I am at the mercy of the Haringtons, though I came to be companion to Serena.”
“Let me speak to them. I am certain they will see the efficacy of your returning home directly.”
At that moment, Nicholas and Serena fetched up beside them once more, and the gentleman looked from Darcy to Elizabeth, then frowned. “What is amiss? You both are sporting a disconsolate air that does not befit your circumstances.”
Elizabeth summoned a smile, but Darcy looked from her to Harington. “I wonder if it would be fitting for Miss Bennet to travel home with us. I must visit Longbourn directly, and she would be well-attended with both my sister and her companion for company.”
Elizabeth turned to her friend. “Would you have any objection, Serena? I came to be with you; I would not have you feel I have deserted you.”
With a smile, Serena reached out and took Elizabeth’s hand in hers. “Of course I have no objection. I shall be well looked after by Aunt Alicia, and there is talk of us travelling to Crossways in a few days’ time, so there will be plenty to entertain.”
“Go home to your family, Lizzy. I am certain you would wish to be with Jane also.” Nicholas turned to the man at her side. “It is a capital notion, Darcy. Besides which, Lizzy is all ready to depart Bath as it is, and as she is particularly close to her father, I suspect he would wish to see her if a gentleman is to approach him for her hand.”
Darcy’s misgiving returned in full measure at these words, for he did not anticipate an easy ride. Yet the interview was a necessity, and the sooner it was dealt with, the better, and he nodded.
“My sister’s companion returns to us this morning. If I give the instruction, we can be off by mid-afternoon.”
At that moment, they were joined by the Colonel and Georgiana, and once greetings were exchanged, Nicholas turned back towards Marlborough Buildings. “Come, then. Let us return to the house and seek my parents’ counsel.”
~o0o~
Having earlier successfully canvassed her husband on the matter of keeping the young people in company with each other, Mrs Harington was quickly able to confirm their support for the scheme. Thus it was that Mr Harington left as he had come, travelling alone, and his wife postponed the departure of her own carriage into the afternoon, that she might see her guest safely on her way, with Mrs Harington vowing to dispatch Elizabeth’s remaining possessions – most of which she had barely unpacked – upon their return home, a situation that suited all.
Darcy made quick work of instructing the servants in the packing up of the house, leaving Thornton to oversee matters before his valet headed for Town on a commission for his master. Upon Mrs Annesley’s return, the change in plan was soon conveyed, and all that remained was for Darcy to pen a quick note for Bingley announcing their imminent arrival even as the Express rider was summoned, and thus all was set.
So it was that, a little after three o’clock, Elizabeth was handed into the Darcy carriage to join Georgiana and Mrs Annesley on the journey to Hertfordshire, having bid an affectionate farewell to the Harington clan and promising Serena most faithfully to write her as soon as circumstance permitted.
The journey progressed smoothly, the ladies enjoying gentle conversation and the pleasure of each other’s company. Elizabeth was, at times, slightly overwhelmed by the stream of questions Georgiana had for her in relation to her home and sisters, but she answered her as openly as she could and made a poor attempt at curbing her wit at some of her family’s expense, conscious that Georgiana, like her brother, sometimes misinterpreted her playful manner, though she was pleased to note that Mrs Annesley was much more attuned to her sense of humour.
The gentlemen opted to ride, the weather remaining dry for the time being, and by dusk they had reached a coaching inn just beyond Marlborough where they rested overnight.
~o0o~
On the following morning, the travelling party arose to break an early fast and continue their journey. With the ladies travelling inside and the gentlemen on horseback, there was little opportunity for conversation or each other’s company; thus, Elizabeth and Darcy were intent upon making the most of the first watering stop.
Leaving the Colonel to order some light refreshments, Georgiana and Mrs Annesley opted to stroll around the gardens adjacent to the establishment, and Darcy and Elizabeth took themselves off for a short walk through a small wood they had espied across the road from the inn.
After ambling along for ten minutes or so, engaged in gentle conversation, Darcy suggested they turn about and make their way back, time being of the essence if they were to reach Longbourn before nightfall, and they had gone but a few paces along the path when he threw Elizabeth a questioning glance.
“You are a little quiet this morning. I trust there is nothing amiss?”
The concern in the gentleman’s voice was apparent, and Elizabeth shook her head as she looked up at him.
“Forgive me, Sir. I was merely preoccupied by something that had occurred to me overnight. It has just come back to mind, that is all.”
“Did you not sleep?” He hesitated. “You are not – you do not regret your decision? It was so soon after-”
Perceiving his troubled countenance, Elizabeth came to a halt, quick to reassure him.
“Not in the slightest, Mr Darcy. Please believe me; I meant all and every word that I spoke on Sunday afternoon.”
He released a long breath, and she realised just how difficult it must be for him, the time being so short between the proposal that failed and that which succeeded. Boldly taking his hand in hers, she once more pressed a kiss upon it before raising her gaze to his.
“It is a pleasurable enough conundrum, nothing to disturb.”
Clearly relieved, he smiled. “Then tell me, Elizabeth. What is on your mind?”
“I am unsure of how to address you, Sir, in our changed circumstances. Though I am of course obligated in company to call you Darcy – and have faith, I am quite in countenance with such a notion – yet…”
“Yet?”
Elizabeth stared at their clasped hands. She could sense his eyes upon her still and, raising her head, she met his gaze with a serious look. “’Tis quite simple. Were I to call you by your given name of Fitzwilliam – well, suffice to say, the name has long been synonymous for me with your cousin, and thus it is whom it brings to mind when I hear it.”
Darcy gave a short laugh. “Point taken; perchance best avoided.”
She smiled up at him then, her fingers now laced with his, and they turned to continue their amble back through the wood.
“Elizabeth, I would not have you uncomfortable. If you wish to call me Darcy in private, I have no objection.”
Shaking her head, she looked up at him. “I wish for something more... more personal. Do not mistake me; I am honoured to take your name, Sir. I am, indeed, proud of all things Darcy!”
He laughed at this and shook his head. “Then, I fear the only answer is an abbreviation.”
“And is there a form that I should be aware of – within the family, I mean?” She paused, then let out a rueful laugh. “If I were to take the liberty, Sir, of shortening it to ‘William’ – well, I must own it would not sit well with me to address you by the same given name as my cousin, Mr Collins, or indeed my friend’s father!”
Darcy smiled. “Heaven forbid!”
“Then guide me, Sir! What is it to be?”
Coming to a halt once more, Darcy turned her about so that they faced each other. They were under the eaves of some trees, but steps from emerging into full view of the inn. He glanced over towards said establishment and then took her other hand in his.
“Georgiana calls me Fitz, as do my close family, though the Colonel has all manner of names that he applies whenever the fancy takes him.”
Conscious of the warmth of his grasp upon her fingers and their comparative closeness, Elizabeth drew in a steadying breath.
“Then it shall be so. You are Darcy in public, but Fitz in the privacy of our own home.” She stopped, conscious of warmth filling her cheeks, but then pressed on. “How well that sounds. Must we delay long to be wed?”
Darcy blinked at these words, parted his lips as though to speak, but no words came forth. Before, however, Elizabeth could reflect on her lack of modesty, she found herself swept into a strong embrace, and with little hesitation she raised her face so that the gentleman could convey in no uncertain terms just how much he appreciated the sentiment she had so recently expressed.