Page 95 of A Most Beloved Sister
“Come, Miss Darcy, it is time for the dance master,” Mrs. Annesley said, approaching the group. She had been briefly introduced at the beginning of the visit but chose to remain in the corner with Penny so the new acquaintances could be free to interact without inhibition.
Darcy again escorted Elizabeth down the corridor. “I cannot begin to express my gratitude, Miss Bennet. I have never seen my sister as… free as she was in your company.”
“She is a darling girl, Mr. Darcy. You have done a wonderful job with her.”
He shook his head. “What you saw today, Miss Elizabeth—that was a miracle. Believe me when I say that Georgiana spoke more words and laughed more times in the last two hours than in the last two years together.” At Elizabeth’s disbelieving look, he widened his eyes and nodded emphatically. “You may appeal to Mrs. Annesley—or even the housekeepers here and at Pemberley—for the truth if you do not believe me, but I assure you that I am not exaggerating.”
She chuckled softly. “Peace, Mr. Darcy. I believe you, although I rather wish I didn’t, for it makes me quite sad on your sister’s behalf. She has endured much sorrow, it seems, and I am glad to have been able to bring her comfort.”
“You have done much more than that, Miss Bennet. You have brought hope.”
He lifted his free hand and covered hers where it rested on his other arm. In turn, she placed her remaining hand on top of his. They stopped at the doorway in this manner, looking deeply intoone another’s eyes. His thumb moved slowly, gently caressing the hand beneath it.
A small jolt of lightning shot up from the place where they touched and went to her heart, then down to her navel. Without thinking, she leaned closer into him until their bodies were barely brushing against one another. His eyes dropped down to her lips, and her tongue darted out to lick them.
He groaned, his head lowering towards hers. Her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes fluttered closed.
“Ahem.”
The sound of a throat clearing slammed through the haze and into Elizabeth’s consciousness as if she’d been shot. She jolted backwards, nearly losing her balance, and Darcy released her hands to grasp her arms and steady her.
“I believe, Miss Lizzy, that the carriage is ready,” Jamie said with a scowl on his face.
“Are you quite all right, Miss Bennet?” Darcy asked, ensuring she had regained her balance before releasing her.
“Yes, thank you,” she answered, flustered. “Right, Jamie. I suppose… perhaps we had best be on our way, shall we?”
Her voice sounded shrill in her ears—almost like her mother’s—and she winced inwardly. Blushing furiously and looking anywhere except at the other people in the room, she finally focused her eyes on her shoes.
“Shall I see you tomorrow, then, to escort you to the disabilities home?”
Elizabeth could hear the mild amusement in Darcy’s voice, and it gave her the courage to face him. Straightening her shoulders, she looked up into his face. The retort she had prepared died on her lips when she saw the fire burning in his gaze. Instead, she licked her lips again—a small smile forming on her lips when his eyes darkened—and said huskily, “Yes, I do believe you shall.”
∞∞∞
The entire ride home from Darcy House, all Elizabeth could think about was the intensity with which Darcy had looked at her. For the first time in her life, she felt herself in danger of falling in love. Instead of feeling dismay or fear, however, she felt invigorated and alive.
She arrived at Gracechurch Street and practically floated down from the carriage, feeling lighter than air. Each step towards the house was like walking on a cloud, and she ignored the dark looks Jamie was sending her way. They would have to speak about her change in attitude towards Darcy, but for now she wished only to bask in the blissful feelings of loving and—hopefully—being loved.
When she entered the front door, however, she was greeted by an anxious Mrs. Gardiner. “Oh, Lizzy, I am so glad you are back.”
Frowning, Elizabeth said, “You knew I was to visit Miss Darcy and that it might take several hours if things went well. Has something happened?”
Mrs. Gardiner extended her hand, holding a sealed envelope. “An express has come for you from Netherfield.”
Elizabeth felt the blood drain from her face, and she started to sink to the floor. Jamie caught her around the waist with his good arm. “C’mon, Miss Lizzy, let’s get you to the parlor.”
He helped her into the room, with Mrs. Gardiner and Penny trailing behind anxiously. Once Elizabeth had been seated on the sofa, he stepped back to stand by Penny in the corner. Mrs. Gardiner rang for tea, then sat next to her niece.
“Would you like me to open your letter?”
Elizabeth shook her head, then mutely held out her hand. Mrs. Gardiner handed the missive over, and Elizabeth broke the seal and read.
Dear Sister,
As wonderful as it is to be able to call you that, I am afraid I am sending this letter with sad news. Jane’s heart and lungs have worsened significantly, and Mr. Jones says she may only have a few more weeks left to live, but it could also be a couple of months. There is no way to know for sure.
Jane has asked for your presence, and Charles has begged me to write and bid you come home.
