Page 52 of Saved By Mr. Darcy
Lizzy nodded eagerly, before her conscience pulled at her to tell him of all that had happened in his absence. She could not allow him to commit his life to her if he did not understand the true ramifications of such a wife.
“I must tell you something, so that you may decide if you still want to marry me. I am not sure if I will ever be able to travel again. I tried, while you were gone.”
At once he was by her side, concern etched on his face. He knelt in the gravel beside her, reaching out and placing his palm to her cheek. She leaned into his touch, smiling at the warmth of his hand. She had longed for him; though she had only known his touch briefly, she had come to need it desperately.
“You could have injured yourself,” he murmured, his thumb caressing the apple of her cheek. “Your leg is not healed. The doctor cannot have sanctioned such reckless behaviour.”
“It was not my leg that was the problem, but my mind. I could not breathe, could see nothing but darkness and the pain of that day came back to me as though I was trapped once more. I fear that you will have a wife who must remain in one place all her life.”
“If that place is Pemberley, then I should happily remain by your side for all our lives. I would stay anywhere, if it meant being with you, my dearest Elizabeth.”
“Even if that meant living with my mother?” she teased through her joyful tears. “I must write to my family; it will take time for them to travel and I would not like to get married without them. Lydia cannot come. We cannot bring Wickham here. It is not fair to Georgiana, or to you. I can barely even stand to think of the dreadful business. I am so cross with the silly girl.”
“I believe he will be unable to leave his post,” Darcy said firmly. “He must remain in Newcastle, his wife with him.”
“And your family? You must write to your aunt to tell her of our most happy news. I am sure she will have much to say in response.”
“I will do so this evening.”
“What if she objects?” Lizzy asked. “I do not know what she made of my character at Rosings, and she seemed so determined that Anne would be your bride.”
“Should she object, there shall be one less guest at the wedding breakfast.”
“Mr Darcy, did you just make a joke?”
“I believe I did.”
“I have had quite enough surprises today without that!” Lizzy teased. “Oh, what a day this has been.”
“I hope that you are happy. It was my intention to surprise you with my return, but I fear I went about it in the wrong way.”
“I am certainly surprised! Happy is too small a word. I believe I do not have the word for how I feel.”
“Nor I. I shall spend the rest of our lives trying to find it.”
Chapter Fourteen
My dearest niece,
It is with great sadness that we must decline your kindest invitation. How my heart was gladdened when I heard the news! I must admit, I held some suspicion as to the nature of Mr Darcy’s feelings whilst we were in residence at Pemberley. I have never known a man to be so generous towards strangers, or to be so caring to someone he claimed to have no attachment to. Of course, this may just be testament to his fine character - but there was a love in his eyes that I saw most clearly.
I am sorry indeed that we cannot travel to join you at Pemberley for the occasion of your marriage. My health improves a little each day, though I will admit I suffer with memories of that terrible day. I am sure you do, too, my sweet Lizzy, for I heard in correspondence to Jane that you were unable to travel to Hertfordshire. I, too, cannot travel such a distance, and I fear I may never again see my beloved Derbyshire. I can only hope that one day we both shallbe healed from the ordeal we have suffered, and able to reunite.I dream of that day, for you are very precious to me.
I wish you all the happiness in the world as you embark upon your new life as Mrs Darcy and mistress of Pemberley. You are a remarkable young lady, Lizzy. I have always thought so, but your courage and determination in such strife only confirmed that to me.
With all our love and very best wishes,
Aunt Gardiner
∞∞∞
Elizabeth’s eyes opened as the sun rose. Orange light filtered through the small gap in the heavy curtains in the Blue Room. Normally, she would not be so easily disturbed by such a small fragment of light. The dawn chorus felt as loud as a hundred thousand birds, even the gentle morning breeze disturbed her.
Today was the day she would become Mrs Darcy.
She had barely slept for what felt like a moment or two all night, the anticipation making her restless. The past month had been a whirlwind of preparations; if Darcy had had his way, they would have married on the very day he had returned, the special licence burning a hole in his pocket. There would be enough talk when society discovered their peculiar arrangement, and Lizzy had no wish to attach her family name to any further scandal.
Her family had arrived yesterday, her mother leaving the carriage first. Her fear had seemed to abate itself at the promise of a fine Pemberley wedding. Kitty and Mary had followed,dressed in new gowns of fine linen that had crumpled hopelessly during the long journey.
