Page 30 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Well, Sir William and Lady Lucas had a garden party last week, and…”

Throughout her discourse, my thoughts returned again and again to Fitzwilliam. I had grown accustomed to being in company with him each day. If he felt compelled to spend many weeks at Rosings, how should I bear the separation?

Tuesday, 26 May

Longbourn

Elizabeth

I slipped out of the side door into the bright morning sunshine and went towards the grove. Last night, we had attended a dinner at Netherfield Park hosted by Miss Bingley. Under my father’s scrutiny, I had restricted my communication with Fitzwilliam. Thus, I could not contain my eagerness to see him this morning and fought the urge to run.

His familiar form strode in my direction, and he raised a hand to me.

I returned his wave. High-pitched barks drew my sight to the left, where a blond ball of fur bounded towards me.

“Hunter—oh!” In his enthusiasm, the cocker did not halt in time; he slid on the loose rocks and collided with my legs. I crouched, burying my hands in the dog’s soft fur.

“Hunter!” Fitzwilliam rushed to me. “I am sorry, Elizabeth, it is not like him to be so ill mannered. Are you well?”

“Yes, perfectly so.” I grinned up at him to ensure he would not doubt me.

Nevertheless, he frowned at Hunter. “What do you have to say for yourself, boy?” The cocker lowered his head in a sheepish fashion.

I stood. “In truth, it is pleasing to be remembered and appreciated.”

“His appreciation for you does not compare to mine.” He took my hands, and our lips met in an exquisite, but all too brief, kiss. “I hope that is evident inmygreeting.”

“Well…” I made a show of contemplation. “If pressed, I must say yours is even better.”

“That is a relief.” He offered his arm, and we walked along the path towards the meadow.

“I regret to say Mama is adamant I return by half past eight. She insists we all prepare ourselves early. After all, ‘one never knows what could go wrong’.” I imitated Mama’s voice to recite her oft-repeated refrain.

“Your mother will rest easy soon enough.” He viewed me with a smile. “Do you expect you and Miss Lydia will be ready to leave for London by four?”

“Yes, I believe so. Lydia is in anticipation of her stay in town.” Last night, Fitzwilliam obtained Papa’s agreement to allow my sister and me to ride to Gracechurch Street in his coach, which would follow the Gardiners’ carriage. Of course, in Lydia’s company, we should be compelled to limit our conversations to general matters.

I regarded his profile, and Papa’s admonition from yesterday echoed in my mind. “Have you considered what our lives will be like after we are married?”

He angled his head towards me. “That is a broad question. Do you have a particular area in mind?”

“For instance, shall we spend the Seasons in London and the rest of the year in Derbyshire? Shall we give and attend parties and balls often? Shall we travel to distant lands?”

“Yes to all, if that is what you would like.”

“But you must have a preference. How and where doyouwant us to live?”

“Foremost, I want you to be happy. In the past, I erred by focusing upon my desires rather than yours and will not repeat that mistake. Certain obligations may require my presence at Pemberley or in town at times, but whenever possible, I want us to make those decisions together.”

“Oh.” What a gratifying answer! And how extraordinary of him. I doubted many men of his station paid their spouses this courtesy. “I appreciate that. I imagine this will be a significant change for you.”

“Yes, and for you as well. I value your judgment and hope you will not hesitate to tell me your opinions.”

I halted our forward movement and stepped before him. “You may depend upon my propensity for making my thoughts and inclinations known.” I tenderly caressed his facial muscles until they relaxed beneath my fingers.

Fitzwilliam covered my hand with his and kissed my palm. “Although we are not officially engaged, I want you to have a small token of my affection. With your affinity for such creatures in mind, I attempted to find a frog, newt, or lizard for you this morning, but alas, I had no success. Instead, I can offer this.” He pulled a ring from his coat pocket and held it before me. My sight riveted upon the stunning emerald solitaire set within theelegant gold band, and I gasped. The green gem sparkled in the sunlight.

“It is beautiful!”

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