Page 79 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Think nothing of it. I will ever come to your aid. I meant what I said when you arrived. You have long been thought of as a younger sister to me,” Bingley said when he and Miss Bennet walked with her to the carriage.
After assisting Georgiana and Miss Mary into the carriage, Bingley said, “Thank you, Miss Bennet.” He bent over her hand to kiss it. “If I am able, I will call on you tomorrow. If I am delayed, I will send a note.”
“Think no further on that. I shall invite all the Miss Bennets for tea tomorrow, Charles.”
“I can speak for my sisters and say we look forward to your invitation,” Miss Bennet said, squeezing Caroline’s hand before Caroline entered the carriage.
Chapter 17
Mr. Darcy Returns to Meryton
Five days later, Elizabeth espied Darcy coming up the trail toward where she sat onher rock.
“Miss Elizabeth.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, turning to face the eastern horizon.
Elizabeth flushed when she felt his body beside her. Her breath hitched when he clasped her hand and brought it to his lips.
“I am happy to find you here this morning,” Darcy murmured, lowering their hands but not releasing hers. “I must thank you for your consideration of my sister…”
“You owe me no thanks, sir. I was honored by your sister’s trust when she unburdened herself to me, discussing with me, then Colonel Forster, what sort of wicked man Mr. Wickham was. The colonel, the Bingleys, and my sisters would hear no evil levied at you or, by association, your sister, Mr. Darcy.”
“I know no words that might express the depth of my appreciation.”
“Colonel Forster gave Mr. Wickham over to the Bow Street runners. Both you and Miss Darcy can rest assured that no one believed his attempts to besmirch your reputation.”
“I am indebted for your kindness to my sister in this matter,” Darcy said.
“There is no debt between us. I was honored by your sister’s trust in me. Your following Mr. Collins out of the shire was equally felt, I assure you, sir.”
“The friendships with you and your sisters have made all the difference to her. I am obliged,” Mr. Darcy said, his voice strained.
“You need not think of it as an obligation. I admit I cannot help but feel protective of Miss Darcy. All my sisters feel the same. Miss Darcy has a great complement of ready protectors.”
Elizabeth’s heart pounded as he said softly, “You have me mesmerized by the sun illuminating your face.”
She shuttered her eyes, and he brushed his lips to hers. When she pulled back, he frowned.
“I am grieved to have upset you.”
“You did not, sir.”
“Yet you frown.”
“Because you frowned.”
“I apologize, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I do not want your apology, Mr. Darcy. I must go.”
Turning to flee, Elizabeth stilled when his hand clutched her wrist. Turning back to him, he lifted her chin to meet his gaze.
“If you fear I have changed my mind? I have not. If you think it is impossible for me to fall in love with you, you would be wrong. Being away from you has taught me how desperate I am to be in your presence.” His thumb caressed her jaw.
“I have counted every minute that has passed since you left, though I did not know when you might return. But I amnot so foolish as to think a man of your standing would marry a woman so below him in consequence.”
“Do you believe I bestow my kisses on every fair lady of my acquaintance? I am a gentleman, you are a gentleman’s daughter. In truth, we are equal,” Mr. Darcy said, trailing his thumb along her cheek. “I am a man who sees the value of a large, loving family. A man who sees the value in a woman of your compassion and the propensity to find amusement in every situation.”
