Page 103 of Her Whole Heart
As Darcy finished his prayer, a sense of calm and purpose settled over him. With Elizabeth’s love, he would become a husband she could be proud of, and he vowed to spend every day of his life working to be worthy of the blessing her love would give him.
After sleeping soundly from nearly the moment Mr. Darcy had left her the day before until this morning, Elizabeth woke feeling refreshed. Though she still felt a little fragile, she knew she was on the mend. The rest of the family had attended church, but Elizabeth had slept too late to join them. Instead, she sought out the small chapel tucked away in Carlisle House.
Elizabeth sat on a short pew in the quiet room, her head bowed, and her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The soft glow of the April sun through the windows cast a bright light over the floor. A few errant tears tracked down her cheeks, but they were tears of gratitude. She had come to this sacred corner of the house seeking solace and guidance, her heart heavy with the weight of her past, but also hopeful for the future.
“Dear Lord,” she whispered, “today I ask for the strength and courage to trust again. Not only Mr. Darcy, but all those who love me. I have been hurt and betrayed and my soul is weary, but you have sent me a good man who loves me and wishes to build a life with me.”
Her cheeks were damp and she lifted a hand to wipe her tears away. “Please, give me the wisdom to see past my fears and the grace to open my heart. Help me to trust in your plan for my life and in the love that Mr. Darcy offers. Guide me, support me when I falter, as I know I will. Help me to support, trust, and love him so that together we may face any trials that come.” She rested her forehead against her clasped hands. “And Lord, help me be a woman he can trust without reserve, for he has suffered many losses and has lived a lonely life. I wish to ensure that he will never be lonely again. Above all, help me to be the woman he deserves and the woman he needs as long as we both shall live.”
A sense of peace washed over her as she finished her prayer. If Mr. Darcy gave her his strength and courage, she could give him hers.
“You are taking a gift, are you not?” Georgiana called as Darcy was preparing to leave for his call at Carlisle House. She took the last two stairs quickly and made her way to him.
Georgiana had become quite imperious of late. “I am taking a gift,” Darcy said.
“Good,” she said. “I want you to bring Lizzy home as my sister, and whatever it is that you have done, I am sure you have much to make up to her. What is it?”
“We are not engaged, so I cannot take jewellery,” Darcy said, amused. “But she loves marzipan.” He showed Georgiana the little box he held in his hand.
Georgiana smiled. “She does love marzipan.” She lowered her chin to peer at the box. “Do you have the lemon pieces?”
“Yes, I have the lemon.”
“Good.” She nodded. “And you look nice. Very well, you may go.”
Darcy chuckled. “May I?”
His sister’s cheeks pinked. She laughed softly and nodded. “Yes, you may.”
Georgiana was an entirely different girl than she had been at the beginning of the year, and he had Elizabeth to thank for that. So many things to thank Elizabeth for, and so many reasons to be grateful that she had forgiven him.
The sun was shining brightly again. Easter was at the end of the week, and spring seemed to finally be on its way. Darcy stepped up into his carriage, enthusiastic and anxious about his visit. He stroked the ribbon on the box with one finger and tried to convince himself that she would not have changed her mind over the one day they had been apart.
He was shown into the parlour, where Miss Elizabeth sat. Miss Bennet, Miss Hamilton, and Lady Carlisle were in the room as well, but once he had greeted them, his eyes were all for her. Miss Elizabeth was smiling softly at him, and his anxiety eased. She appeared almost herself again, rested and cheerful.
“Mr. Darcy,” she greeted him warmly, extending her hand. “Thank you for coming.”
Darcy took her hand eagerly and placed a gentle kiss upon it. “There is nowhere else I would rather be.” He offered her the little box. “For you.”
Miss Elizabeth untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. “Marzipan!” Her smile grew broader. “Did Georgiana tell you?”
He shook his head. “She did tell me, but not until after I had already procured them. Miss Hamilton ordered them at Gunter’s, but you were the only one who ate them. Do you not recall?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“I do,” Miss Hamilton said. Lady Carlisle nudged her in the side with an elbow.
“How lovely that Mr. Darcy noticed your preferences so long ago, Elizabeth,” Lady Carlisle said with a little smile. Miss Bennet and Miss Hamilton kept their eyes on their sewing, but Darcy noted that they were smiling too.
Miss Elizabeth cast her eyes up to the ceiling. “Yes, Lady Carlisle,” she said teasingly. “Quite impressive.”
“Well,” Darcy said carefully, “I do have an excellent memory formostthings.”
She tipped her head and studied him. “Hmm. Well, you have brought me lemon marzipan, so whatever you are apologising for this time, you are forgiven.” The look she sent him was simple to read—she had not changed her mind.
He glanced at the other ladies in the room and asked, very quietly, “Have you been able to rest?”
She glanced at him, her clear eyes both relieved and mischievous. “Yes, Mr. Darcy. Once I poured all my memories over your head, I have slept very well indeed.”
