Page 32 of Saved By Mr. Darcy
“It is because I hold you in such high regard that I would protect you. There is much I wish to say, much I need to tell you. You must know what I would ask you, but I have done things poorly before. Allow me to do them as etiquette commands.”
“And what would that be?”
“I would write to your father.”
“Oh?”
“You must know what I desire, Miss Elizabeth. You must. More strongly than ever, I need you by my side. I came so close to losing you forever, and I believed you hated me. These past few days, perhaps I have reason to believe this might have changed.”
“Mr Darcy, I…”
Georgiana stopped, turning and skipping over to them with a wild, mischievous smile on her face. Lizzy glanced back towards Mr Darcy, who had grown even more stiff in his posture.
“Come along, you two! We shall never see all that we must if you dawdle. The stable boy said there is talk of rain later, so we must hurry along!”
Lizzy looked up at the blazing blue sky. There were no clouds for miles, and she laughed at Georgiana’s feeble attempt to get moving. Mr Darcy dutifully began to push her again, and Georgiana fell back beside their side. She spoke easily, and Lizzy was pleased with just how much the girl seemed to have come out of her shell. Miss Bingley had always spoken of Miss Georgiana Darcy as a meek little creature; how delightful it was that she had been entirely wrong. Oh, Lizzy was sure that Georgiana would be shy and obliging in the right company, but how dull that would have been!
The morning slipped into afternoon, the happy trio exploring the gardens. Mr Darcy did indeed know much about the horticulture and history of the gardens. Lizzy had found herself utterly engaged by his commentary, and she realised that it was the most she had ever heard him speak consecutively. It was remarkable to note the change in him in his own surroundings. He was like a hesitant flower living its life in the shade, coming to life in the sunshine.
“I am very hungry,” Georgiana said suddenly as they neared the lake. “I am going to ask Cook for some bread and cheese. You two stay here!”
Before they could protest, Georgiana had darted off back towards the house.
“She forgets herself,” Mr Darcy said softly. “I have never seen her like this, Miss Elizabeth. She…”
“She’s a girl,” Lizzy smiled. “I suspect I bring out the worst in her, sir. I do not like to take life too seriously, and perhaps I have encouraged some secret mischievous nature.”
“She is happy. I must thank you for that.”
“I could never have expected that I would feel so content here. There is a part of me that never wishes to leave.”
Their eyes met at last, and she could not tear her gaze away from him. His hair blew softly in the gentle summer breeze, the sun shining on him. He had always cut a handsome figure, but here, staring at her on this perfect day, he was beautiful to her.
She opened her mouth to say something that might break this spell he had seemed to cast over her, but he spoke first.
“Then stay. Stay here with us. With me.”
“Mr Darcy, I…”
“Georgiana,” he called, loudly enough that the figure in the distance stopped. Lizzy had flinched at the noise, and he shot her an apologetic glance. “Georgiana, come back.”
Georgiana dutifully ran back, her golden hair flying around her in the breeze. Her cheeks were pink with exertion, her smile wide and bright.
“Yes?”
“I will fetch what is needed. Stay with Miss Elizabeth here.”
He had already begun to walk away before either of them could protest.
“What is wrong with him today?” Georgiana huffed. “He will not bring the good cheese. You have to steal it when Cook isn’t looking. Oh, really Miss Elizabeth, he can be so…”
Georgiana continued to speak, but Lizzy did not hear her. She stared after Mr Darcy, watching as he walked, shoulders hunched, towards the house. She felt his loss keenly, his words echoing around her mind.
Around fifteen minutes later, a footman appeared carrying a basket. Georgiana looked at Lizzy quizzically, before reaching up and accepting the basket eagerly.
“Mr Darcy sends his apologies, but he finds himself engaged for the rest of the afternoon. I am here to assist with Miss Elizabeth’s chair when you require me.”
“Thank you,” Lizzy said with a stiff smile, her throat tight. “I will eat a little, and then return to the house. I find myself quite weary after all the excitement.”
