Page 27 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“If you and Miss Darcy are free tonight”—my aunt employed a cheery intonation—“we should be pleased if you would join us for dinner.”

“Thank you, I accept.”

“Very good.” Aunt Gardiner set down her half-full teacup. “If you will excuse me, the children await my arrival. I had promised to read them a story.”

Fitzwilliam stood and regained his seat after my aunt departed the room. He moved to the edge of his chair. “Mrs. Gardiner is generous to allow us this time alone.”

“Yes, she is a lady of keen insight.” I searched his aspect, which I had grown to cherish. What must he be feeling now? In his place, my thoughts and concerns would be swirling in a continuous state of flux. “Are you…pleased at the notion of having a brother?”

“Yes, although I am still growing accustomed to the concept. And much depends upon Mr. Notley’s findings. Rest assured, I shall not expose you or Georgiana to anyone who lacks honour.”

“I never doubted that.” I gave him a tender smile. “I hope with all my heart he will prove to be a true brother to you and Miss Darcy.”

“That would be ideal.” With a release of breath, a grim camber shaded his face. “Lady Catherine and Anne have returned to Rosings, where my cousin wants to live out her final days. My aunt asked me and the others in the family to spend as much time there as possible. I have agreed to go there in the near future and cannot predict how long I may be gone.”

Throes afflicted my stomach. Papa’s edict, though disappointing, had seemed bearable with the assumption I should see Fitzwilliam often. Now, due to his cousin’s diagnosis, I should be deprived of his company for days or even weeks at a time. If I explained the situation to my father, would he allow us to wed sooner? Then again, would it be appropriate for us to marry while Miss de Bourgh hovered at death’s door? Yet, if we waited—

“Elizabeth.” He moved to sit beside me, and his forehead constricted. “Are you well?”

“Yes, I am.” No matter how much I despised the thought of his being away, I must follow the honourable course and support his decision. “I understand. You must attend to your poor cousin as much as possible.”

“Thank you. It is a difficult situation, and I appreciate your compassion.” Fitzwilliam reached for my hand.

My fingers threaded and locked with his. “You need not thank me.” I pressed my mouth shut, combatting the urge to share my thoughts—they would sound callous and inexcusably selfish. If we must wait an additional few weeks after his cousin’s death to take our vows, then so be it. I could endure the delay.

At the sound of Aunt Gardiner’s approaching footsteps, I forced myself to release his hand and reposed against the settee with a veiled sigh.

Chapter 6: A Return to Hertfordshire

Monday, 25 May

Longbourn

Elizabeth

Ialighted from my uncle’s coach and ran to Jane. We held each other in a tight embrace.

“Lizzy, I am so glad you are home.”

“Thank you, Jane. I missed you.”

“Papa wants to speak to you as soon as may be. Will you come to my room afterwards?”

“Yes, I shall.”

My sister released me to greet our aunt and uncle.

Lydia bounded down the steps from the house and grabbed me around my shoulders. “Lizzy, you are returned.”

I laughed. “It is good to see you too, Lydia.”

A comical, lopsided grin raised her cheeks. “Did you bring us gifts?”

“Yes, and I shall bestow them later.”

Her lips extended into a pout. “Jane bought scarves for Kitty and me and a dull, old music book for Mary. Will you not give me a hint of what you have for us?”

I patted Lydia’s upper arm. “No, for that would ruin the surprise.”

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