Page 57 of To Go Against Her Heart
Elizabeth said nothing but nodded, wondering if she should inform him that she had missed his presence.
“I was hoping that you might join us,” she finally said, “but I enjoyed your sister’s company today, and she kept me well entertained.”
“I am glad to hear that and hope she will not be deprived of your company too soon. May I dare ask if you desire to return to Hertfordshire as planned?”
“I think we must,” she replied, and Darcy immediately stepped forward.
“Must you?” he asked, holding her gaze as he moved close to her, and Elizabeth gasped.
At that moment, Darcy knew it would take every ounce of his self-control not to reach out and touch the delicate blush that had risen on her cheek.
“I wish you would reconsider your decision, for my sister’s sake,” he said at last. Elizabeth could not explain why, but it pained her that he spoke only of Georgiana and not of his own desire.
“My father has been impatient for our return, and we should leave in the next week or the week after.”
“Nothing would stop you from leaving, then?” he asked, his voice pained by the prospect of separation.
Elizabeth shook her head in agreement.
“I wish you would reconsider your decision for my sister’s sake and mine. Though in the past you have openly acknowledged your disregard for my company, it would give me utmost pleasure if you allow me to call on you during your stayhere, along with Georgiana.” He stressed the last part of his words, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
Elizabeth could no longer restrain herself from offering an apology.
“Mr. Darcy, I have long wanted to apologize for what I said to you on Oakham Mount. I have regretted my words since that day and wanted to say this to you for a long while. I have been ashamed of my actions and words that day, and I would be happy to see you if you wish to call on me, along with your sister,” she stressed the last with a small, impish smile which Darcy found adorable.
Darcy boldly took another step closer to her.
“And if I wish to call on you without Georgiana, would you allow that?” he asked, unable to control himself.
“Yes, most happily,” she said, unable to lie to him, and witnessed the pure joy her words gave him.
“My aunt accompanied me on my return here and is waiting in the parlor to see you. After hearing so much about you from Georgiana in the past week, she insisted on seeing you.”
“Lady Matlock?” she asked in shock.
“Yes!”
“I would be honored to make her acquaintance,” she said, and prepared herself to meet his closest relative. However, Elizabeth found it extremely puzzling that a lady of such status had made an effort to seek her introduction. Darcy offered her his arm and led her back to the parlor, where Richard and Lady Matlock were seated.
Elizabeth expected Lady Matlock to be someone befitting the description of Lady Catherine, but the moment she set eyes on his aunt, she was pleasantly shocked to see a woman with a warm smile and friendly demeanor, just like her son.
Darcy made the introductions, and Lady Matlock was instantly impressed with Elizabeth’s confidence and beauty.Richard had given her enough hints about Darcy’s regard for her, and she did not want to miss the opportunity to meet the woman who had finally captured her nephew’s heart.
“I hope you are having a pleasant stay in town, Miss Elizabeth. I understand your aunt is a native of Derbyshire.”
“I am, madam. Yes, she is; she grew up in Lambton.”
“Oh! A delightful coincidence indeed. I wonder whether my sister had any common acquaintances with your aunt.”
Darcy explained that Mrs. Gardiner knew a couple of friends of the Darcy family. They were then interrupted by Georgiana, who was surprised to see her aunt and hugged her affectionately.
“Now, my dear, please do not expect me to believe that you miss me. You have ignored me for the past week, haven’t you?” she asked with a smile.
“I am so sorry; I meant to call on you this evening,” Georgiana said, to which Lady Matlock laughed.
“Whatever for? You can occupy yourself better with your friend here, and I can honestly understand why you have avoided me,” she said with a smile directed towards Darcy and Elizabeth.
Darcy’s demeanor stiffened, and he could sense that Richard was behind his aunt’s teasing smile.
