His feet took him the necessary steps to meet her half way and he looked deeply into her eyes. They seemed tired, confused and hurt, and his worry grew as he realised how much she must have suffered because of the misconceptions she was under. He reached for her hand, but she withdrew it and looked away.

He sighed. “Good morning, Elizabeth.”

“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”

They started walking along their usual path in silence. He glanced her way often, but she kept her eyes on the ground and would not meet his gaze.

“Allow me to apologise for not mentioning that invitation to dinner at Sir Tristan’s to you when we last met. It was unconsciously done. Had I thought it of any great import I would have remembered to include it in our conversation, but since I saw it as nothing but a social obligation it had no priority during our encounter. It would have though, if I could have foreseen that your feelings would be hurt by the omission.”

She blushed. Hearing it said in such a way made it seem as if she had overreacted for no reason at all, yet it was not as simple as that.

“Every social outing does not necessarily deserve a special mention. You are not obligated to tell me your every move…” She looked away again.

“I know, but in light of what Brougham told you…”

She listened intently while he explained Brougham’s scheme to divert his attention from her and leave her with the impression that he was interested in another. They reached their spot by the river as he finished his tale, and he gave her a moment to compose her thoughts while he secured his horse. When he drew near her again, she looked at him questioningly.

“Mr. Darcy, that may explain why you went to the dinner, but it does not give an accounting of your interest in that lady.”

“I am not interested in her, Elizabeth.”

“Not interested!? She had your exclusive attention yesterday!”

“You had my exclusive attention. Towards her I was only civil.”

“Then when you march into church with her on your arm next Sunday, I shall placate myself with thoughts of your extraordinary civility!”

His look was serious. “I did not offer my arm to her, and I do not plan to attend the next service, and you know it.”

She eyed him warily, exasperated. With the realisation that their time together was limited she tried to rein in her anger. He would be leaving Scotland soon. She strove to hold back both the tears that were welling up in her eyes and the frustration of what she had been feeling these last two days. That she still felt.

“Hear me, Elizabeth. I know what it must have seemed to you, but that is only because you were told lies. I saw her just twice, both times without any inclination for it on my part. I did not show her any preference. All I did was remain civil. If she has built up any hopes then she bases them on her own wishes because she certainly did not receive any encouragement from me.

“I rushed to meet you at Rosefarm. I tried to talk to you, but you would not listen. Yesterday I snubbed Sir Tristan’s party for a walk with you. I sought your company as soon as we arrived to the tea, but then your cousin took you off to the side, leaving me in the presence of Miss Patience. I then knew I had to converse with her until she would move on to her other guests after the customary topics were dispensed with. I intended to wait for you to be alone so that we could talk uninterrupted, but you left within a half an hour.

“Elizabeth, if you expected me to entertain you in her company then my failure must be great, indeed, but all I wished for was a conversation with you in private. It hurts to even know that you trust me so little.”

As much as his explanation had begun to placate her, she felt the sting of his last words most acutely. After all of the strength and faith she had expended in defending him of late, such scorn seemed fully undeserved.

“Perhaps I could trust you more if your words always conveyed the same meaning each time you uttered them. The last time I heard you speak of her you praised her for her beauty, intelligence and musical skills.”

“You have met her, Elizabeth. What would you answer if someone asked you?”

“If yours was only a civil reply, then might I ask what you really think of her?” Her eyes were sparkling with fire.

“I do not think of her.”

“Surely you have an opinion.”

“Of course I do, and you have heard it. But what does it matter?”

He drew nearer to her.

“Elizabeth, I know many beautiful, intelligent and skilled women. Miss Patience is no different. But it is you I cannot take my eyes from, your piano performance that brings me more pleasure than anything else, and your every word that is impressed into my memory.

“I have pursued you for almost a year now. I have withstood your rejection and dislike of me. I have asked you to become my wife. I look forward to our life together. Do my words and affections mean so little to you that they can be swayed by a mistaken impression?”

“On the contrary. They mean more to me than anyone else’s, but that does not stop the pain I feel when I see you with another.”

His voice became tender. “I know it does not. That is why I have been so worried knowing how you must have felt.” Darcy hesitated. “Do you think it does not hurt me as well to see you talking to Vian, or to hear about you walking with him, and seeing you accept his touch?”

“That is most unfair! You know I do not desire his touch!” Her eyes filled with tears.

“ Perhaps I do, but knowing it does not change my feelings. Do you think it is easy for me to live with the fact that he spends each evening in your company and that each night he sleeps in a room that is situated far too closely to yours for comfort? Have you thought how it feels for me to know that I have to leave you behind in Scotland while he is still here? And knowing all of that, I am also to endure the fact that you would take his arm when you declined mine today?”

She looked at him, shocked at his words. He was not angry, but his voice had a hint of pain to it. She locked eyes with him, realising she had never seen them look as vulnerable as they did right now.

“It is not like that. You must know it. I spoke to my aunt after you left Rosefarm. She will not force me to walk with him again… but you need to have more trust in me.”

“We both should trust each other more, Elizabeth.” He sighed and went to retrieve the blanket. “Will you stay for breakfast?” he asked, returning to her.

She nodded and offered her help, but he declined and asked her to take her place when everything was ready. They ate in silence, each engrossed in their own thoughts, aware of the other’s feelings, yet too hurt to be able to break down the fence they had built between them. She longed for his touch and assurances, but after he cleared the blanket he lay down, propping his head on his arm, and looked up into sky immersed in his own thoughts. She realised he would not touch her since she had refused him twice now in as many days.

Tentatively, she leaned over him. He looked into her eyes, expectantly, and she brought her lips to his and touched them gently with her own. He buried his fingers into her curls and pulled her down, his other hand wandering to her waist, drawing her body closely to his. They tasted each other’s lips while they looked at one another from under their eyelashes. She placed her hand at the back of his neck. He stroked her cheek and renewed their kisses.

“I am so sorry, my love,” he whispered. “I do trust you, but I love you too much to care less.”

“I know. I was too affected then to even notice I had taken his arm. I rectified the situation as soon as I was aware of my action.”

“I feel so badly for reproaching you when it is you who is in the most uncomfortable situation.” He soothed her with his lips.

“I do understand the feelings that drove you to do it. I have defended you to everyone – my aunt, Holly, Monsieur Vian, but I could do nothing to stop my own anxieties from overwhelming me.” She returned his kisses.

“I am so sorry I caused you to feel it. I should have known better. I should have stopped Brougham before it was too late. And yet I did nothing, thinking he would best punish himself. How miserable I felt knowing how my thoughtlessness must have hurt you.”

“Tell me you are not impressed by her.”

“She is nothing to me. No one compares to you, my love.”

“I am not so vain as to not see that I am not as educated or skilled.”

He stopped his caresses and looked at her with genuine concern.

“Elizabeth, you are very different from every lady of my acquaintance, but it is why I love you so. You must not forget that when you meet them. They will always think their position and background give them precedence over you.”

“I know, and I would not let anyone intimidate me, but it feels different when I am not certain you do not give them the precedence.”

“No one will ever be more important to me than my wife, and you are the only woman I want for my wife. You are so bright, fresh and artless. You charmed and captivated me. You never cease to inspire me, to make me question myself. Even if I could love you less, I could not stop admiring you as much as I do. I am very proud of you, Elizabeth.”

She traced her fingers along his chin and smiled at him. He drank in the sight of her. “You are so beautiful.” With her still in his arms, he rolled her onto her back and hovered over her. His lips kissed the tearstains from of the corners of her eyes, trailed down her face and toyed with hers before claiming them for an unhurried, prolonged kiss.

“I have missed you so much.”

“I have missed you too.” She hugged him to herself and he lay down beside her, enclosing her in his arms. She put her head on his shoulder, both basking in the warmth and openness of their reunion.

His hand stroked her hair. “Tell me what has happened. Why did you have to defend me?”

She sighed and told him about her confrontation with her aunt, Monsieur Vian’s comment about his lateness, and Holly’s warning.

He cupped her chin and looked into her eyes with a mixture of tenderness, affection and pride. “Thank you,” he whispered softly, too overwhelmed with the meaning her confession held for him to express his feelings with words.

He thought, however, that he should at least try to explain the accounts she had heard. “I do not know exactly what your cousin overheard, but I did quarrel with Brougham. After our encounter at Rosefarm I knew he must have done something to make you doubt me, but he did not want to give me the particulars until I pressed him. Perhaps your cousin overheard some bits when I could not hold my voice down, but I assure you that what she has told you was not my true meaning.”

“I know.” She sighed. “But I do begin to wonder, pray tell, why does Lord Brougham dislike me so?”

“He does not. In fact, I think he had liked you very much until his doubts arose.”

“What doubts?”

“He thinks you are toying with me while at the same time encouraging Monsieur Vian.”

“It seems that my naivety has caused many problems.” She sighed softly.

“You did nothing wrong, my love, and I made sure that he knows I do not believe it of you. Although I still feel guilty for not discouraging him as soon as I saw through his schemes. Since I knew he would not be easily deterred, I thought it useless to try and curb him. But I also thought it harmless then, knowing in advance that he would fail. I was even pleased to see how he cornered himself, as his own attraction to the lady was obvious. I did not approve of his plans or encourage him, but I could not blame him. His intentions, though mistaken, were good. He was only trying to help me, as I would for any of my friends, although I would never succumb to such underhand arts.

“Elizabeth, I did make sure to not favour the lady in any manner. You must believe that of me. But I could not suspect he would cross the line and talk to you directly, using you to employ his plan. He had no right to approach you and tell you lies about me. I would never do something like that myself, but he lost sight of his original purpose. Seeing that he was not succeeding with me he turned it all into a game of two rivals, even forgetting about the rules of fair play. You cannot know how dismayed I have been with myself since I discovered how much pain my inaction caused you. I have since made sure he knows where my interest lies, and warned him that he would endanger our friendship if he ever hurt you again, but that could not lessen your pain. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course. None of us can be responsible for the actions of others. And I know that you would always behave the same when fulfilling social obligations. I have seen you talk to Miss Bingley, and although you never seemed to encourage her, it did not deter her. I understand it was not the truth then, that you wished to be seated with Miss Patience?”

“No, that was Brougham’s suggestion and I did not object. He thought her disposition would be more to my liking, I knew that where two daughters exist I would be seated with one of them anyway, and parents are usually more eager to marry off the elder.”

“Was her disposition more to your liking? You said Lord Brougham was attracted to Miss Patience himself…”

Darcy smiled. “She is more cheerful than the other, and such people always make me feel more at ease, as I am not required to speak as often in their presence. She chatted all evening, finding new topics to draw my attention. In theory, Brougham chose his weapon well. In practice he would have failed in his scheme even if I were not as much in love with you as I am. The reproach I once heard from you might very well be directed to her.”

“Reproach?”

“Yes. You had once told me that even if we read the same books it could never be with the same feeling.”

“You should not remember everything I say!”

He smiled. “But I do. And although I do not believe it applies to you and me, it describes Miss Patience strikingly well.”

“Then why did you say you found her entertaining?”

“Her opinions are quite amusing.” He reached the tips of his fingers to her lips. “Elizabeth, I hardly know her, but all this does not matter in the least. Even if she were more beautiful and intelligent, it could neither touch my feelings nor influence my preference. I want only you.

“I know that I expressed myself during my first proposal exceedingly ill, but my determination did not change. I want to marry you. Not only because I love you, but also because I cherish you above everything else.”

They allowed their reunion to last until just before noon, when Darcy finally released her from his arms and then led her by the hand through the forest until they reached the path to Rosefarm. Once there, Elizabeth reluctantly removed her hand from his and whispered in surprise, “Are those not the Misses Torence?”

“Indeed.” Darcy looked at the situation that revealed itself in front of them as they came closer. The two ladies occupied a curricle that was strongly bent to one side because of a broken wheel. He turned to Elizabeth uncertainly.

She read the question in his eyes and laughed. “You must help them of course.”

“Thank you. I would not dare anger you again. ”

“You do not think me that unreasonable, I hope?”

“I do not, but I would not dare it all the same.”

When they arrived at the scene of the mishap, Miss Patience immediately expressed her relief.

“Mr. Darcy, how lucky that we have met you! This must be the most secluded road in Scotland. We have been sitting for half an hour here and no one has passed by.”

Elizabeth smiled at Miss Patience. “The village is very close. You might have reached it in a quarter of an hour on foot.”

“I would not walk that far on foot, Miss Bennet. Nor, I am sure, would Mr. Darcy,” and she glanced significantly at his horse, “if he were not showing politeness towards you.”

“Indeed, I have just been complimenting Mr. Darcy on his impeccable manners.”

“I am certain, Mr. Darcy, that you and I are alike. You must love speed just as I do.”

“Not so much as to endanger a lady in my charge, I assure you.” Darcy smiled. “Miss Torence, might Miss Bennet wait here with the two of you while I go for help?”

“Certainly, Sir,” she sent her sister a quick look before they both reluctantly moved over to make a place for her on the bench.

“I will only go to the inn to fetch my men, and I will be with you right away.” The assurance was addressed directly to his beloved, which gained him a warm smile from her. She was still smiling as she watched him ride away. Miss Patience, observing her, decided some conversation was in order.

“Miss Bennet, have you enjoyed your stay at Mrs. Tournier’s?”

“I have. It has certainly been an eventful visit.”

“Has it? Here? I assumed it would have been very quiet. I do not mean to imply that any of you are boring individuals, only that with three women alone in one house with no man around to help provide opportunities for socialising… Well, things might grow rather dull for you.”

Miss Torence chimed in, “But it is not three women alone, sister. I am guessing things would have become much more varied and interesting once Monsieur Vian arrived.”

“I assure you, if you were to become better acquainted with Mrs. Tournier and her daughter, you would not think it possible for things to become too restive in their company.” Elizabeth replied.

“And Monsieur Vian?” Miss Torence pressed, “He seems a very lively and captivating man. I am certain one could not help but be delighted by his arrival and his presence. Is that not so, Miss Bennet?”

Elizabeth took a deep, silent breath as she thought of a word she could honestly use in describing him. “I think I might safely say that Monsieur Vian always diverts in some way or other.”

“And I am sure others come to call as well. One assumes Mr. Darcy might visit frequently?” Miss Patience fished. “Although I am certain one would grant him a different label. After all, most men are easily entertained. One only has to smile and they are all attention, but a rare few require more substance and effort. It has been my experience that such men are not usually the type one calls diverting. Discerning might be a better word.”

Elizabeth smiled sweetly. “Mr. Darcy never disappoints.”

“Then you must read extensively, Miss Bennet?”

“I do, but we seldom speak about books.”

“Oh, I see,” Miss Patience sounded surprised. “It seemed to me that books were the only topic that might possibly interest him, but likely you do not read the kind of literature he does, and of course, having a sister that will soon be married to his closest friend he must approach you mostly about this subject.”

“Indeed, we often talk about marriages.”

The conversation proceeded in the same general direction, with the Torence ladies most curious about Monsieur Vian and Mr. Darcy, although they did not dare ask anything of substance openly, and when her answers were not as forthcoming as they desired, they finally moved on to the topic of Jane and Mr. Bingley. All three breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Mr. Darcy returning.

He informed them that help was on its way and glanced at Elizabeth, the look on her countenance an indication that the Misses Torence had not been the most pleasant companions.

“I am very glad to hear that,” Miss Patience offered, smoothing the wrinkles on her skirts that were seemingly created by the crowded seating conditions. “All this dust is insufferable, and the constant exposure to the sun is highly unpleasant.” She glanced at Elizabeth’s tanned complexion meaningfully.

“Interesting,” the corners of Darcy’s mouth twitched in the hint of a smile. “I would never expect to hear such scorn for the pleasures of nature from such an admirer of the picturesque as yourself.”

“Some things are better left to the world of imagination than to personal experience, Sir.”

Elizabeth could not refrain from questioning the lady’s way of thinking. “Is not experience more important on the path to enlightenment than the whims of our imagination, which can so easily lead us astray?”

Miss Patience offered a short glance at her before again turning to Mr. Darcy. “The world of imagination is much richer than any experience. Poetry, for example, is the food of love. The trials of experience could never create such an elevated feeling.”

“Indeed?” Darcy’s brow rose a bit. “I am rather of the opinion that poetry is no less efficient in feeding love than driving it away.”

“You do not believe in love, Sir? How very typical for a man!”

“Believe? On the contrary, Madam, I know love very well.” Darcy smiled.

“I can hardly believe such cynicism could agree with love.”

“This is not cynicism, Madam, rather a logical study that I have learnt to greatly appreciate. Poetry, as anything else, can only add to a real, healthy feeling, but when the sentiment is weak, even a good sonnet can starve it completely away.”

“That I can concur with. People so often fancy themselves in love, while their feelings have nothing of strength and constancy.”

Darcy smiled triumphantly. “This is a great compliment to your understanding, Miss Patience. Would you not agree, Miss Bennet? Anyone who can concur with the striking inquisitiveness of your mind must earn your approval.”

Elizabeth smiled, clearly amused with the scene.

“Oh?” Miss Patience, who had wanted to earn Mr. Darcy’s approval and not that of Miss Bennet, responded, “I am glad to hear that your faith in love was strong enough to resist the opinions of your friends.”

“Indeed, my experience of love is only nourished by the strength of their opinions.”

“Have you loved often, Mr. Darcy?” The lady smiled, amused. She did not think the gentleman was really capable of impassioned romantic sentiment, and his openly admitting to it seemed to her rather an attempt at mockery than a genuine confession.

“Not often, but constantly.”

“What a charming answer!” she exclaimed. Her encouraging smile reached her eyes. “It could satisfy every woman!”

“I hope not. I would care about only one.”

Miss Patience, not certain if she should feel complimented or rather let down, welcomed the sight of approaching help with relief. “It seems we will soon be rescued from our sad predicament. Could I entice you, Mr. Darcy, with an invitation to tea?”

“I am sorry, but I have to decline. I promised to see Miss Bennet home.” He smiled at Elizabeth, and she returned the gesture.

“Miss Bennet’s home is close by. Since she seems to be so fond of walking I am sure she can very well find her own way.”

“Without doubt, but I would be very sorry to miss the pleasure of Miss Bennet’s company.”

Miss Patience smiled at the lady now. It seemed Mr. Darcy’s fondness for her should not be ignored. “Very well then. I am certain my father will favour you and Lord Brougham with an invitation to dinner very soon anyway.”

“I cannot speak about Lord Brougham’s plans, but I hope mine will soon require my following them in England rather than Scotland.” His eyes warmly caressed Elizabeth’s.

“Oh, indeed, your friend’s impending marriage. Are you leaving very soon?”

“In a few days I hope.”

“And you do not plan to return in the near future?”

“I do, but that will only be to collect Miss Bennet and bring her safely to Hertfordshire.”

“I see that you take your duties to your friends very seriously, Sir. Such a long tiring way only to assure the comfort of your friend’s future sister.”

“I see them rather as an honour. Especially if I admire my friend as much as I do Miss Bennet.” He offered his hand to Elizabeth and helped her descend from the carriage. “Miss Torence, Miss Patience.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said when they were far enough away from the ladies.

“For?”

“For making the conversation so amusing even though I was not encouraged to speak.”

“I was surprised to see you stay so quiet.”

“I was not intimidated, but I was rather tired of them. They interrogated me as thoroughly as they dared while we waited, and my answers left something to be desired I suppose, since I did not choose to give full and careful reports about yourself, Mr. Vian and Mr. Bingley.”

“I am very sorry, Elizabeth.” He looked at her with warmth in his eyes.

She smiled. “Please, do not be. Actually, I rather liked hearing you speak. You have just proved that one can enjoy their company as much as that of Mr. Collins.”

Darcy laughed. “I knew you would find them as entertaining as I did.”

Elizabeth gasped as she realised her error that day. “I see now I will always need to pay special attention when you speak, or one day I might mistake your scorn of me for a compliment.”

“It is enough if you always remember that I will tell you things I would not tell others.”

“I will, and you should too, for I have just described Monsieur Vian as diverting to the ladies.”

Darcy’s brow rose, but she only laughed. “There is nothing to tell really.

“I wonder though,” she mused, “why Miss Patience seems much more interested in you than Miss Torence is in Lord Brougham. Oddly enough, they did not ask me one question about him.”

“Miss Torence showed a great deal of attention to Brougham during the dinner, but during the tea it seemed that she chose a Count over a Baron.”

“While you have won the attention of two women over a Count.”

Darcy smiled. “Perhaps I am more handsome.”

“Or far too smug.” She laughed.

Darcy glanced around to assure that they were unobserved and pulled her into his arms to kiss the triumphant smile from her lips. “If you do not stop teasing me I will not even care for a priest to witness our vows. I will simply follow the ancient ritual and take you to Clyne, telling everyone I made you my wife.”

She blushed and leaned against him. Her words contrary to the actions of her body, she whispered into his ear. “I might be hard pressed to surrender.”

“I would not take a ‘no’ from you.”

His eyes were smouldering, and she felt the effect they had on her as they lingered on her flushed countenance. He brought his lips to her ear, allowing his breath to nuzzle the lobe as he whispered, “The longer I have you the more I want you”. She trembled with the realisation of the intimate sensations his nearness could awaken in her even on a public road. Darcy released her from his embrace and they began to walk again, their thoughts quietly floating to calmer shores.

“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth interrupted their musings. “I think we both trust each other, it just does not mean that we would not be afraid to lose each other’s affections.”

“I know. I try to remind myself of it daily. It is not the things I know which make me anxious, but those I fear.”

She agreed with him and squeezed his hand lightly.

When Darcy had gone to fetch Nichols at the inn, the man led him to understand he had some news for him, and so after seeing Elizabeth to Rosefarm he went directly to Clyne to await the meeting.

Nichols arrived shortly after and apprised his master of his findings. He had followed Tidwell on his late night escapade and had observed him receiving a shipment of silk and spirits. The vessel’s crew spoke French. Another consignment was expected tomorrow night.

Darcy thanked him and sat in silence pondering his next move. It was difficult to overcome his personal feelings and work on this as a team, but he would not allow resentment to get the better of him. He sighed and headed for Rosefarm.

The whole party was seated in the parlour and Darcy was offered a cool greeting by everyone except for the smile Elizabeth sent his way. He smiled back and allowed his eyes to linger a bit longer on the charming countenance of his dear one, before explaining that he came to speak to Mr. Vian in private.

The gentlemen went to the garden. Each eyed the other warily before Darcy spoke.

“I have news about Tidwell that you may find crucial in your quest.”

“I am all ears.”

Darcy explained the contraband in which Tidwell was involved, no doubt abusing the power of his office, and the upcoming event that might allow them to catch him red-handed.

“Tell me where and I will take Downshire there. Tidwell works for him.”

“I know he does.” Darcy was unimpressed with Vian’s investigation. “It is somewhere near Edinburgh, but only my man knows the exact place. It might be difficult to find even with his instructions.”

“Can you lend me your man then?”

“No, but I can offer you a place in my carriage tomorrow afternoon.”

Vian looked at him slyly. “You are not going to be easily rid of, are you?”

The door to the house opened and both gentlemen looked that way to see Elizabeth standing there with an uneasy expression on her face.

“My carriage departs at noon from the inn.” Darcy uttered to Vian and went to his betrothed.

“I thought that perhaps you were arguing because of me,” Elizabeth said softly after Vian paid them an unhappy look and returned to the house.

“No, we were not, although I feel the urge to every time I see him.”

“What was it then, if I may ask?”

“Tomorrow we will go to meet Lord Downshire and deal with Tidwell. If everything goes well we should have the man imprisoned and out of your family’s way.”

“Will it be difficult, do you think?”

“I hope not. Downshire should have armed men at his disposal, and I will take mine as well.”

She gasped. “Is it that dangerous?! Could something happen to you?”

He smiled. “I promise to be careful. You should not worry on my behalf.”

“Do not think this will calm me. I could hardly imagine you would tell me anything else.”

“It needs to be dealt with, Elizabeth.”

“I know,” she said, but her voice had not lost its frustrated tone. “Will you come in for tea?”

Darcy looked at her, unsure what to answer. “Only if you insist, but I would rather not. I am not really welcome here and I could not talk to you either.”

She looked hurt, but on his behalf, not her family’s or her own. “I am sorry.”

“And I am pleased that we will meet tomorrow morning. I am not leaving before noon.”

“I will pray for clear skies.”

“Me too.” He smiled and bowed to kiss her hand. “Till tomorrow, Sweeting.”

She laughed.

This story is written by Laura and Sylwia, and they own full © copyrights to it.

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