Page 31 of Saved By Mr. Darcy
“The path to the flower garden is smooth,” Georgiana interjected. “Would you like to see the flower garden? The roses are beautiful; I have heard they are blooming.”
“I shall see anything your poor brother can push me towards before he realises I am too heavy.”
She turned back to look at him. He caught her gaze, his face still. She was sure she saw a tiny sparkle of amusement in his eyes, but perhaps she was imagining it. the master of Pemberley’s amusement was a rare prize, and one that she hoped she might soon earn.
Elizabeth settled back, smiling as she began to roll along the gravel path of the long driveway. It felt so wonderful tomove, a liberation she had not expected. So long lying still had been difficult, and as much as she had appreciated her hosts efforts to entertain her, she had sorely missed her favourite pastime. Walking, as simple as it was, cleared her mind. And thoughthere was not the same physical exertion, this was a wonderful diversion.
“Do you care for the flower garden, Mr Darcy?”
“It is very fine. I am most fond of the rockery, and the waterfall. I fear the chair will be unable to navigate the path.”
“Then I shall have to return when I am well again and able to clamber over the rocks like a happy mountain goat,” Elizabeth teased. “I fear you shall never be rid of me, Miss Georgiana. There is so much to see here at Pemberley. I shall be bothering you for an invitation to stay.”
“That would be wonderful! You have been such a pleasant guest, Lizzy. I am sure we could never tire of your presence here at Pemberley. Oh, is that a squirrel?!”
Georgiana ran ahead, laughing gleefully as she chased the fat grey squirrel along the path and into the distance.
“I have not seen her like this for some time,” Mr Darcy said softly. “She is a girl again. You have given her that.”
“I am glad that she is happy. She has been the most diverting company during my respite. And you, Mr Darcy. I really must thank you.”
“It is nothing.”
“No,” Lizzy said sharply. “It is not nothing. You treated my aunt and uncle with great kindness. You have taken such care of me these past weeks. And now with this chair, you have given me my freedom back.”
“These chairs are quite the thing in Bath, and Matlock too for those who come to take the waters. I had this made specially, so that it might accommodate your leg comfortably.”
“So quickly?”
“Yes.”
“Such fine workmanship must have cost you dearly, Mr Darcy. I shall pay you back, of course. I owe you far too much already.”
“You shall do no such thing.”
The chair came to a stop on the path, and Lizzy felt her heart race in her chest as she realised she had offended him. She had not meant to do so, but she realised that much of Mr Darcy’s pride lay in what he did for others. She had not understood that quality of his for so long; he cared deeply, though it was hidden beneath his exterior nonchalance and awkward manner.
“I apologise if I have offended you.”
She turned to see him. He stood stiffly in place behind her, his hands curled so tightly around the handles of her chair that they were white. He looked down at her briefly before fixing his eyes straight ahead. She turned back, not wishing to make him any more uncomfortable than she already had.
“Have I not made it clear that I would do anything to make your recovery a little easier, and to bring you some happiness? Anything at all.”
“Thank you,” she said softly, wishing that she was brave enough to turn and look at him “Sincerely. Thank you.”
After a silence that had lasted entirely too long, he spoke.
“I…Miss Elizabeth, there is so much I wish to say.”
“Not now,” Elizabeth murmured. “I believe I also have things I should like to say. Would you visit me this evening?”
“This evening?”
“I would like to speak without Georgiana. If there is a way I could speak to you with some privacy, I would be grateful.”
“I overstepped last night. I would not put you in that position again.”
“Of course. Forgive me for asking such a thing; you must think that I…”
