His voice raspy, he greeted her with, “Ah, ma Tantine. Good morning!”

She went to his side and placed the palm of her hand on his forehead, satisfied that he no longer felt as if he were burning.

“Good morning, indeed, young man. I will have you know that it is practically the middle of the night.”

“I have not been out long then?”

“It has been just over twenty-four hours since you were brought home.”

“That long?” He tried to sit up but winced at the pain in his shoulder and let her gently push him back down onto the pillow.

“As much as you will not like to admit it, Maurice – for what man would – you are weak at the moment. You have lost a lot of blood. You must not try to get up for the time being, but let yourself heal and gather strength.”

He lay there for a moment, his lashes half closed as he gingerly felt his way along his injured arm trying to discover exactly where he had been shot, but he suddenly opened them wide again.

“Tidwell? They arrested him?”

“They did. All thanks to you. You do not remember any of it?”

“Oh, I remember everything. But things did become a little vague at the end. I seem to recall an arrest, but I wanted to make sure of it.”

He closed his eyes again, struggling to keep them open. “Who is this woman who was here when I woke up?”

“A gift from Mr. Darcy. He sent two of them to watch over you while you recover. I think it was to soothe his conscience.”

Vian grunted. “He owes me nothing.”

“Nonsense! He told us how you saved his life. It was the least he could do before he departs.”

Vian’s eyes flew wide open at that. “He is leaving?”

“He is indeed. He said so in his note. In fact, he said, I have decided I should leave Scotland. Perhaps the man has come to his senses at last?”

“Well,” he replied, his eyes closing again, tightly this time, “one can always hope.”

When she arose from her bed again earlier than was her usual, Arabella dressed and looked in on her nephew. She was grateful that he slept soundly. Rest was exactly what he needed to fully recover.

As she passed the room Lizzy shared with Holly, she pressed her ear against the door and thought she detected sounds indicating someone stirred inside. She opened the door quietly and noted Lizzy dressing for the day.

“You are up early,” she whispered quietly, adding, “as is your usual.”

Elizabeth only smiled.

“Vian has awakened,” Arabella informed her. “It seems he will recover nicely.”

“That is good news.”

Arabella stood there for a moment, struggling with something that she finally recognised as disappointment at Lizzy’s short response. She did not know what she had expected her to say, but certainly more than that.

“Yes,” she replied a bit more curtly than she had intended, and began to leave before turning back with another thought.

“I assume you are planning to go out this morning?”

Her niece only nodded, yet seemed to stiffen as well, as if fortifying herself in preparation for a struggle. Arabella was now more sure than ever that Lizzy was meeting Mr. Darcy on her walks. After all, he certainly was not getting his encouragement from the infrequent meeting they had at Rosefarm – the man did not have the backbone to come here – and the way she had leapt into his arms the other night spoke of much more than the few encounters she was aware of.

“I am not certain your walks are entirely appropriate considering the state of affairs, Lizzy. Our neighbourhood, while quite isolated, is not as devoid of spectators as you seem to think. Is your memory so faulty lately that you have already forgotten lessons learnt about that?”

Lizzy’s voice remained low, but her answer was quick, sharp, and left no question as to her willingness to do battle. “My memory is fully intact, but I thank you for your concern regarding it. It has been duly noted.”

Insolent girl, she thought as her niece went on with the business of dressing. It took a great deal of self-restraint to keep from stating it aloud. Yet an argument at this juncture seemed pointless – especially since the man was leaving. If he were not, she would engage in the fight without thought. For the short term she could simply lock Lizzy away in her room until she was sure he was safely away, and that vision certainly had its appeal at the moment, but it would accomplish nothing in the long run other than causing damage to any influence she still might have left over her. There was nothing that worked faster at driving the young to a forbidden object than to mark it off limits.

As she stood near the door, carefully controlling her breathing so as not to give away her anger, Arabella searched for a different solution to the problem. She was not going to condone the meetings by seeming to ignore them, nor seem to give her blessing to them simply because she chose to avoid an argument.

“Lizzy, I have letters that need sending. Among them is one that is important to send in today’s post. My ability to continue putting food on the table depends upon it reaching its destination by a certain date. I would appreciate it if you would stop by my room on your way out and fetch them, since your path can just as easily go in the direction of the post as anywhere else. Would that suit your plans? That is if you had any in particular…”

Lizzy had turned away from her as she went towards the dressing-table, so that Arabella could not read her expression. By the time the girl sat down in the chair and reached up to her hair with a pin in her hand, there was nothing to be read on the face she presented to the mirror.

“I will see that your letters are posted, Aunt,” her reflection said in response, before she turned around to fully face her.

Lizzy’s eyes were sharp and steady as they found hers, making Arabella almost shiver at the sadness and loss she saw in the depths of those looking back at her, almost a sort of recognition and resignation, making her wonder if Lizzy was only sorry to be missing a planned rendezvous? As they held each other’s gaze, Arabella could not shake the feeling that it was something much deeper than that, and she suddenly felt she had lost something of great value in that brief moment but could not quite put her finger on what it was.

Uncomfortable, Arabella broke off the unspoken communication by being the first to turn away, letting her glance brush gratefully over her still sleeping daughter as she exited, like a balm to her frayed nerves. She softly closed the door so as not to wake her even as she thankfully pondered the fact that she would never have such problems with Holly.

Returning to her room, she immediately sat down at her desk; the letter to her brother lay there, finished yet still unaddressed. She had left it unsealed on the possibility she might think of something else to add to its carefully worded contents. She was glad now that she had, since she had written it before she had received Mr. Darcy’s note informing her that he was going.

She pondered it for a time, wondering if sending it were still necessary at all, yet every fibre of her being felt sure that his leaving did not necessarily mean he had given up. It had only been one sentence that he should go after all. For all she knew it might only mean he had business elsewhere or that he would simply try his luck later once Lizzy had left Scotland. The necessity was still there.

After adding a brief postscript, she folded it carefully and sealed it, finishing just as she heard Elizabeth’s knock on her bedroom door.

Darcy walked outside of the stables and took in the foggy morning view. The air was gray and heavy. It was not raining any longer but the ground was muddy, and so he decided to take a horse for Elizabeth as well.

His thoughtfulness was rewarded by the gleam shining in her eyes upon sighting her old friend. Darcy gave her some time to reacquaint herself with the horse before helping her to mount it. They rode slowly, Darcy wanting to assure himself she had not forgotten what she had learnt from their lessons.

“Elizabeth, if you like the horse so much maybe I could persuade Brougham to sell it to me?”

He was rewarded with a grin. “I must admit that this horse does hold very fond memories for me. I should like to have her very much, but I would not wish to put Lord Brougham to any trouble to replace her. I am sure she has a fond place in his heart too, for she is such a kind and gentle animal.”

“I am sure he values the horse since he keeps it, but it is just one of his horses, not his favourite one. It is rather too small for him. An appropriate price can be inducement enough.”

“Well, if you are sure and can arrange it, I would like to have her as my favourite to always ride.” She smiled at the happy thought that this would be her horse. She bent down to hug its neck, gave it a pat and said, “Can I give her a name?”

“Of course.”

“I would call her Amber. Do you think she would like coming to live with me in England? I am sure we will both like our new home very much!”

Darcy smiled at the happy prospect, observing her riding the horse with new ease and confidence.

When they reached the clearing near the river, and Darcy had helped his lady to descend from her mare, he embraced her and kissed her warmly. “I have missed you even more since yesterday.”

She blushed, reading more into his words, and lingered in his embrace. He soothed her hair, and whispered, “I am leaving tomorrow, Elizabeth.”

He heard her sigh as she held him closer. “How long will you be gone?”

“Not more than two weeks, I hope.” He kissed her forehead. “Come, we still have this day.”

They sat under their tree where Darcy enwrapped Elizabeth in his arms. Both quiet, savouring their last time together. Darcy looked around, as if saying farewell to the place as well. It was difficult to leave her.

He asked her about news from Rosefarm, and she told him that Vian had regained consciousness, that the nurses had been accepted, and about her conversation with her aunt.

“I am sorry, Elizabeth.”

“Sorry?”

“For leaving you here as things stand. I should have done more.”

“What could you possibly do?”

“If I knew I would do it.” He sighed.

“You cannot blame yourself for all circumstances.”

“It is my duty to take care of you.”

“And I am certain you will always do it very well. I can bear a few unpleasantries when it is needed.”

“I asked Brougham to take care of you while I am gone.”

“Lord Brougham?” She sounded surprised.

“Yes. You do not need to like him, but I can trust him, and I will feel better knowing you have someone to turn to.” Darcy put his fingers on her chin and turned her face to look at him. “He is obliged to fulfil your every wish. You can approach him with any request just as if he were me. Promise me you will not hesitate if you need anything.”

His eyes were serious, and she acquiesced. He brushed her lips with his in a silent thank you.

“Can I ask something of you as well, Fitzwilliam?”

“Anything.”

“My aunt asked me to post her letters, but I chose rather being here with you.”

“I will post them for you.”

Elizabeth reached for the bundle in her pocket and passed it to him.

“This one is to your father. I can take it with me.”

“Whatever is in this letter I think it concerns us.”

“I know.” Darcy pushed some loose tendrils from her forehead. “Do you think he may object?”

She grew worried now. Worried that she would wound him in some way by what she might say, and concerned for what her father would feel as a result of Mr. Darcy's coming visit. She could not look directly at him when she began to speak.

“It is no secret that I let my pride get in my way when we first met. We have laughed about it already, but I am afraid I was not very generous when speaking about you to my family. I... I encouraged talk that stroked my own vanity at the expense of your character. They think you very proud and believed the lies that were told by Mr. Wickham.”

She looked into his eyes.

“I am afraid that my father will be worried that I accept you for all the wrong reasons. He will not know the real man you are, and he will think I make a mistake. But also, I know that it will bring him anguish when he realises that he has to give me up. You see, I will not only distress him by my choice, but also by the fact that he will have to dispose of me from his own company and give me to someone whom he will think is not right for me.”

“I see.” Darcy looked away to hide his disappointment, but he knew well that he could not expect anything else.

“Elizabeth, I cannot help but sympathise with your father’s wish not to part with you. I also would not like to cause you any grief by separating you from your family. I know how much you love them, and I hope to know them better and gain their respect with time as well. I will do my best. You may be assured of it.”

He took her hand in his. “Do you have any advice for me?”

“You will do best to just be yourself. He will listen to what you have to say to him. If he can see the man I meet every day he will understand why I love you.”

“I am not certain I know how to do that.”

“You will do your best. I know you will.” She cupped his chin in her palm. “Fitzwilliam.”

“Yes.”

She looked into his eyes. “Whatever he says I will be waiting here for you. I have given you my word. I do not intend to take it back.”

He held her gaze, trying to read the pledge he hoped for.

“I do love my family, but I am determined to share the rest of my life with you. I would not give that up for anything, not even for them.” She squeezed the hand that held hers.

“Thank you. I would dread a long engagement, or even being parted from you more than this one time before we are married.”

She then had another thought.

“I would wish to write a letter tonight that you could take to him. Since I will not be there to reassure him of my true feelings in person, the least I can do is to reassure him with my written words. You can give him the letter when you speak to him. Would you do that for me?”

“Of course.” He paused. “It is also probable that I will have to share some of our history here. Whatever your aunt wrote I should be able to explain.”

“I trust you will know what needs to be revealed.”

He seemed unsettled, and so she strove to change the subject.

“How will your family take the news? I think that your aunt will not be happy, as she wishes you to marry her daughter. Will she make it difficult for you?”

“Pray, how do you know about my aunt’s plans for me?”

“It was Mr. Wickham who told me. Was that a lie as well? I thought it was not, as your aunt's statements at Rosings seemed to support it, but I could have misread those.”

Darcy sighed heavily. “Wickham! Yes, of course! I feel like an open book with him around me.

“Well, those are her wishes, indeed, although I did nothing that would encourage them. I hope you did not believe that I was engaged.”

“I admit that I did think you destined for Miss de Bourgh, although I could not detect any interest in her on your part. I had assumed that you would marry her out of familial duty and obligations. Of course I only thought that until certain happenings at Hunsford, after which I knew you could not have such leanings.”

“How could I have such leanings?! I have a lot of respect for my family, but not so much as to let them dictate my life. I could never marry Anne. Even before I met you I had never considered the thought.”

He smiled at her rakishly. “But I am glad to know that you were occupied with detecting such an interest on my part. Shall I assume that it was done out of spite?”

She gave him her most innocent look, and he laughed.

“There is nothing wrong with flattering your husband’s vanity, Elizabeth.”

“On the contrary, Sir. My plan was to have you marry me so that I could make you suffer my aloof company for the rest of your life!”

“I earnestly hope to suffer your anger to the end of my days.”

“Is there no way I can displease you, Sir?”

“I am always pleased to be the centre of your attentions.” He nuzzled her ear and she blushed.

“I will write to my aunt, as well as to the rest of my family, after I have your father’s consent, and we will see what they say.”

“I am content then, as long as you will not suffer if she takes issue with your choice, for I am sure she will.”

“I would rather wish to be able to promise you that they will be delighted by my choice, but I am afraid that will not be the case. Whatever they say though, we will be together, and that is what matters.”

“Yes.” Her eyes smiled at him.

He took her hand in his and slowly removed her glove. His fingers played with hers before he brought it to his lips and kissed it tenderly. He looked into her eyes and put a ring on her finger.

She gasped. “Fitzwilliam, this is so beautiful.”

Darcy smiled. “My solicitor brought it yesterday. It was my mother’s, and now is yours.”

She looked at it with new wonder.

“Your mother’s? I am even more honoured to wear it knowing this.” She examined her finger. “Would your mother approve of your bold choice in a wife, Mr. Darcy?”

He sighed. “My mother and my aunt were of similar opinions concerning my future. She wanted the best for me, I am sure, but now… I think that now, when she is no longer in the world where money and position matter so much, she must love you, Elizabeth, and she must be especially pleased seeing how happy you make me.”

She smiled. “But is it not too soon for you to give me this? I cannot wear it since you have not spoken to my father yet.”

“It belongs to you, Elizabeth. There cannot be another Mrs. Darcy, and you promised to wait here for me.”

“That I will.”

“There is a matching pendant to the ring, and I thought you might wear them together on a chain until I come back.”

He held out his hand again revealing those items, and she threaded the ring onto the chain and handed it to him to help her put it on. He pulled the collar down from the back of her neck, fastened the clasp, and slipped the chain under her dress.

“It will be difficult to part from you.” His lips trailed the chain on the nape of her neck while his hands reached in front of her to pull her against his chest. “Come to me now. I believe I need some additional kisses to sustain me for such a long journey.” His fingers began to unbutton her gown. “And I need to see where exactly you are going to wear the ring.”

She sighed contentedly while leaning against him and reached back and clasped her arms behind his neck, exposing her bosom to him. Her lips trailed his chin while his fingers bared her cleavage. He smiled with satisfaction upon seeing that her undergarments were as low cut as they were yesterday. He traced its neckline with soft kisses until reaching the cleft that hid the token from him. His tongue felt the beat of her heart quicken in response to his caress.

He cupped her breasts and lifted his head to look into her eyes. “Is the outfit meant to flatter my demands?”

She leaned her head against his shoulder and held his gaze. “Would you really expect me to displease my teacher after he told me what he approved of?”

He smiled and she reached for his lips with hers, tasting them tenderly before opening his mouth with her tongue and inviting him to apply the same kind of disciplinary action he had used the day before to curb her improper behaviour.

Vian could hear the birds chirping outside his open window in their enthusiastic greeting of a new day. The dim light of the rising sun entering the room allowed him to better see the outline of the things residing in it. His nurse was slumped down in her chair off to one side of his bed, snoring softly, her head cocked off to one side and resting against the back of the chair.

He did not think he needed her to stay there all night, especially now that he had been awake for some length of time, thereby proving for the last twenty-four hours that he was not going to die – at least not just yet. His aunt insisted, however, and had not let him attempt to get out of bed once since he had regained consciousness for fear that he was not strong enough.

He slowly sat up now, taking care not to move his arm too much, and tentatively swung his feet over the edge of the bed. Upon standing up, he immediately found himself dizzy enough to be forced to sit back down again. The force of his body’s impact with the bed jarred his injured shoulder, not only making him let out a small grunt of pain, but also making him reluctantly agree with their assessment of his current weakness. He glanced at the woman and noted that, although she stirred slightly, she still slept soundly enough. Not willing to admit defeat, he slowly hoisted himself up again, standing there unsteadily until his vision cleared and he felt his feet more solidly under him. He made his way to the window with mincing steps and leaned against the sill as he stared out gratefully into the garden below.

He breathed in deeply, imagining he had caught a whiff of perfume on the breeze, and turned in the open window, sticking his head out into the open air, only to see Elizabeth leaning a little way out of her own, her elbows on the ledge, her hair falling about her shoulders as she gazed off into the distance, seemingly deeply lost in thought. He realised she would not wish to be seen like this, as lovely as the sight was. She must think she was the only one up and therefore quite safe to indulge in her activity, especially since her hair was still down and she was dressed in a robe. He pulled his head back into his room, realising that as much as he wanted to continue staring at the vision of her, he somehow felt it was an intrusion upon her privacy and found he could not. Besides, he thought as he made his way back to his bed, if she saw him there gaping at her so blatantly it would certainly not help his suit.

Not that he knew what would, but he still would not give up hope. Not yet. Not entirely anyway. Elizabeth had granted him a small fleeting smile last evening when Arabella had brought everyone up for a short visit. Granted, it was only one of pity and compassion for a wounded man, but at this point, he would take what he could get. And Darcy was leaving. That was something as well.

Darcy awoke when it was still dark. His things were packed and the carriage was waiting. He stretched his arms and opened the window to let the brisk air awaken his senses. His head now reminded him of the late farewell brandy taken with Brougham the night before. He groaned, but without delay he put his clothes on and descended the stairs.

Breakfast had been prepared and extra provisions were waiting for him since Brougham had advised Mrs. McLaughlin that his friend would be leaving early on business matters. Darcy ordered his coachman to go on ahead and meet him later at the Green Goose Inn along the road. He took his meal consisting mostly of a couple cups of coffee, and mounted his horse just as the first morning light started to brighten the day.

Elizabeth was already waiting. All his weariness was forgotten when she greeted him with such a joyful smile that only she could send his way. He dismounted from his horse and kissed her fervently.

“Good morning, My Love.”

“Good morning!” She smiled. “I am so happy to see you. How long will I have the pleasure of your company before you will leave me desolate without you?”

“Not long, my dear. I have to go very soon. Did you write to your father?”

“Yes,” she handed him two letters. “One is to Jane. I tell her to take special care of you for me, and the other is to my father.”

Darcy smiled at her care of him, but soon his countenance grew serious. “I am afraid that your sister has every reason to dislike me. I cannot blame her for that, but your wishes may be premature.”

She laughed at the thought of Jane disliking anyone.

“Mr. Darcy, she likely does not even know of anything that would cause her to dislike you unless Mr. Bingley shared your good intentions for him with her, for I have never said anything to her myself. I must say that even if he did, Jane would have cast it in a positive light long ago, especially after I have told her of my feelings for you. She would only wish us happiness. She is a very charitable person. She will greet you with the open arms of a sister.”

“You are probably the only person in the world who can make me happy by proving me wrong.”

She smiled. “And as to being premature in my wishes, I have every confidence that you will succeed in your quest. I am sure all will be well, and you will come back for me in two weeks’ time. It shall be so. I know it.”

He enveloped her in his embrace. “Of course, Elizabeth. I will be back for you no matter what. And I will marry you. Nothing can change it.”

“I do not doubt it, as you always take care that I am well, and I will not be well unless I am with you.”

“It will be a very long two weeks.” He traced the curves of her countenance with his eyes trying to memorise every detail. Eventually, he decided he already knew them by heart. He bent his head, and his kisses which were at first delicate and soft soon turned passionate and hearty. He held her close, tracing the vein on her neck until his lips found a sensitive place pulsating with the rhythm of her heart. He nuzzled it and sucked, delighting in her quiet gasps, while she buried her head in his chest and clung to him tightly. He wanted to carry the memory of her responsiveness with him.

When his lips parted from her neck she touched her fingers to the newly awakened place and he smiled guiltily, pulling her collar away to examine it better. He brushed her neck with the tips of his fingers. “I am afraid you will need to wear shawls with your evening gowns. It appears I left you with a small mark.”

“You mean it shows?”

“Yes, I am sorry.”

“Shh.” She brushed his lips with hers. “I am not.”

He leaned in to kiss her once more, a tender farewell kiss.

When he looked into her eyes again he whispered, “I must go.”

As he began to move away from her, she stopped him with her hand on his arm.

“I have something for you,” she said shyly. “It is really nothing, just a token. A small thing to remind you of me from time to time.” She handed him a small cloth tied up with one of her hair ribbons.

Darcy untied it. In his hand lay a handkerchief with the embroidered initials EB. He could smell her scent emanating from it as the delicate fragrance of almonds reached his nostrils. “Elizabeth, if there is anything I really fear, it is that one day I might wake up and it would all appear to be only a dream. Thank you, it will help to keep my senses sound.”

He took her in his arms and kissed her again. “I love you so much, Elizabeth, that the only evil I can imagine would be losing your love.”

“There is no danger of that. Not ever,” she whispered to him before giving him one last gentle kiss to send him on his way.

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

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