Page 36 of Saved By Mr. Darcy
He sat in the parlour in silence until the lamps flickered low, the fire dead in the grate. There was a soft cough from the corner; his valet, asking if he might retire for the night soon. And so, he trudged to bed like an infant reprimanded by a governess.
He dismissed his valet, half readying for bed. He removed his jacket and waistcoat, leaving his shirt and breeches on. His feet were bare against the floor, which was remarkably cold even in summer. He sought no comfort, standing in the same place staring at the wall. His whole body felt numb, his mind somehow silent and screaming simultaneously. The pain of another rejection was something he was not sure he could endure, and yet he could think no ill of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Chapter Ten
Mr Darcy’s gift changed Lizzy’s life. Some may have believed it a terrible thing to be confined to a chair, but Lizzy saw it as a vehicle to freedom. Time had seemed so slow, confined to that bed and that room. Everything had changed now. One day seemed to slip into the next, the blissful summer air filling her lungs as she roamed the grounds of Pemberley. Georgiana was always by her side, skipping along merrily.
Mr Darcy’s behaviour was the one shadow across the brightness of her days. He seemed intent on avoiding her, refusing to join their walks and retiring immediately after dinner. Elizabeth cast glances to the men pushing her, hoping somehow that they might have been replaced by Mr Darcy instead. She missed his presence, though he was never inclined to chatter in the same manner as his sister. His was a steadying personality, and she saw him as a rare flower, slowly blooming in the light. Pemberley was his light, his sister too, drawing him out and allowing her to see what he was.
Dinner each night was a strange affair; something thick hung in the air between them. He seemed desperate to escape her, squirming beneath her gaze. He spoke only when spoken to, andwas not inclined to join them for entertainment after dinner. He was a ghost, drifting through Pemberley silently. She was certain that she heard his footsteps in the hallway outside her room, but when she called for him, there was never a reply.
Almost two weeks after her Aunt and Uncle’s departure, a letter was delivered to Mr Darcy at breakfast. He took it in silence, opening it and reading it quickly. He cast a glance towards Lizzy.She looked away hurriedly
“Miss Bennet,” he said, clearing his throat. “I have a letter from your aunt. I believe you should read it.”
He stood, walking around to her place at the table. He handed her the letter, and as she took the letter from him, their fingers brushed against one another. She inhaled sharply, the contact taking her by surprise. She swallowed heavily, taking the letter from him and reading it at once. She hoped that she could hide the blush she felt spreading over her cheeks.
The letter, however, distracted her from any pleasant feelings she had.
Mr Darcy,
I must once again thank you for your generosity in aiding my family during our time of need. You did far too much for us, sir, and I am gratified that you are as upstanding a man as your father before you. You do the Darcy name great credit, and we shall be eternally in your debt.
Reasoning with my husband’s sister in person did no good. I must say with regret that my eldest niece will not be able to travel to Pemberley to assist in the care of her sister. Jane was eager to travel, for she loves her sister fiercely, but hermother has all but barred the door in her efforts to prevent her departure.
Mrs Bennet is soothed by the promise that Elizabeth is properly chaperoned by Mrs Annesley, as well as Mrs Reynolds who I know to be a fine woman. Please take care of our precious Lizzy, Mr Darcy. I know you now to be a man unlike any other I have met - your care for others is a remarkable quality so rare to see. I hope you shall forgive my impertinence, sir, in stating that I consider you to be a great friend to our family now.
We are resting at Longbourn for a day or two before continuing on.
I shall write to Lizzy with my wishes for her continued recovery, though I fear I have tired too quickly and must write to her another day. Send her my sincerest apologies, and tell her that I think of her constantly. She is a remarkable young woman - I see her as a daughter also, and one I would be proud to call my own. I have no doubt that she will overcome this trial and make a good recovery. This shall be in no small part down to your infallible efforts in ensuring her welfare.
Please send dear Georgiana our very warmest regards.
God keep you,
M Gardiner
When she had finished the letter, Lizzy handed it back to Mr Darcy. She truly desired to crush it in her hand and throw it into the fire, but she could not. It was not her letter, and she knew that her aunt was not to blame for the anger she felt.
“I ought not be surprised. My mother’s silence has spoken volumes. I have written and begged her for her assistance, andstill she was not moved to write to me. Forgive me, Mr Darcy, for involving you in this.”
“You owe me no apology. How might I help you?”
“You have done enough, truly. I have been sorrowful enough. No, I shall just have to make the best of things. I am blessed in many ways – I have the company of your sister, and you, sir. My aunt and uncle have made safe passage and will soon be at home with their sweet children. There is much to be thankful for, I believe.”
“I see.”
“I will put this out of my mind. I grow stronger each day, and soon I will make the journey south myself. I will be sorry to leave Pemberley, I am sure of it,” she said softly.
He could not quite meet her eyes as she said that, his posture stiff and awkward. Every moment of their conversation seemed to pain him, the affection she had seen so briefly gone now. She did not know why she longed to see it return to him; he had no duty to her. He did not have to return whatever feelings she held for him - she barely understood them herself.
“We shall be sorry to see you go.”
“Thank you. Mr Darcy, I was wondering if you would be so good as to push me along the lake? Georgiana is occupied with her lessons, and I would like to take the air.”
“Of course. I will ask my groom to accompany us.”
“Thank you. Please, will you take me to my room?” Lizzy asked a footman. “I will change.”
