“Yes.”
“May I see it?”
“If you wish. I only hope you shall not walk away from me this time, as you did once in the grove at Rosings.”
He chuckled. “I walked away then because your verse struck me with a truth I refused to acknowledge. I recognized myself at once as the man who turned from both the dryad and the mermaid. At that time, we believed ourselves to inhabit separate worlds, never to be joined.”
He paused. “How mistaken we were, and how much time we wasted in learning the truth.”
Elizabeth reached out and touched his arm. “And yet, here we are, together, and very happy.”
She handed him the journal and then turned away while he read her latest verses.
After some time, he turned to her. “The Dryad is still my favorite, but this ballad of the minstrel is very fine. I shall look forward to reading it once it is complete.” He shifted closer. “How did your meeting with the doctor go today?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “He is presently training his younger brother, who, by his account, would rather play than work. The doctor himself is very busy, and I doubt he will have time to consider marriage for some years.”
She sipped her tea. “Nevertheless, the stillroom shall be of use to him. Charlotte and I shall begin preparations shortly. I mean to speak with Mrs. Reynolds to see if any of the maids are skilled with their sums, for when Charlotte returns to Meryton, I will need someone to assist in the stillroom regularly. I shall help as I may, but I cannot make it my chief concern.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “We must also establish a fund to assist those in the parish who cannot pay for the physician’s services. If we wish to retain a capable doctor, we must support not only his work, but his livelihood.”
Elizabeth looked at him with interest. “What do you propose?”
“I shall call on the principal landowners in the area. We will form a committee and establish a fund. I will write to your uncle to inquire after any sound investment opportunities to grow the fund over time.”
Elizabeth leaned against his shoulder. “Fitzwilliam, it does my heart good to see how deeply you care for your family, your tenants, the community, and even the doctor.”
Darcy drew her closer. “We all depend upon one another, darling. If we desire a good physician among us, it is our duty to help sustain him. As matters stand, the man is caring for all who come to him, regardless of their means, and in the case of the indigent, he receives no payment.”
The next morning, as Stevens sorted through Charlotte’s wardrobe, Elizabeth mentioned a third gentleman whom Charlotte had not yet met.
“Mr. Seton inherited his estate only nine months ago, Charlotte. I have not yet met him, but I shall ask Mr. Darcy to invite him for a day of fishing.”
Stevens interrupted. “Miss Charlotte, I do not mean to wound your feelings, but whoever selected these gowns has no eye for color or fashion. You must choose which gown you wish to wear to the doctor’s today and allow me to make it more becoming.”
Charlotte replied, “That is my mother’s taste. She would not heed my wishes when it came to colors or patterns.”
Stevens held up a deep green day gown. “May I suggest this one, ma’am? The warm tone of the forest green suits your complexion. Your hair has a touch of strawberry, and earthycolors, such as coral and deep green, will flatter you. Warm pinks and reds would do well for evening wear.”
She began to remove the high collar. “Is your mother of the Quaker persuasion, miss?”
Charlotte laughed. “No, my mother is not particularly devout. Her austere taste arises from a dislike of change. That is why I appear as though I belong to another century.”
Stevens raised her brow. “If you wish to catch a gentleman, miss, you must alter your style. I shall rework this bodice now. Mrs. Darcy, might Miss Charlotte borrow your red pelisse? It would be far more flattering than her pale blue one.”
Stevens held up the ice-blue pelisse to Charlotte’s face. Elizabeth looked startled. “Charlotte, that color makes you appear haggard and drawn. You must do away with it. I should not wear it myself, not if I were hoping to attract a gentleman’s attention.”
Elizabeth changed the subject. “I meant to ask, do you still fish?”
Charlotte laughed. “One moment I look haggard, and the next, you ask if I am still able to cast a line.”
Elizabeth grinned. “If we take Mr. Seton fishing, you must look beautiful standing at the stream, rod in hand.”
Charlotte shrugged. “I have not held a rod since we were fifteen, but I imagine it is not something easily forgotten.” Charlotte began to laugh. “Lizzy, do you remember casting your line and catching Alexander's scalp?” Elizabeth buried her face in her hands. “That is when I first knew my brother was in love with you.” Charlotte looked stricken and hurriedly added, “Forgive me.”
Elizabeth raised her head, still laughing. “No, Charlotte, never mind. I was horrified, but it was funny. I also realized that day we loved each other.” Elizabeth wiped her eyes. “Well, now, as I was saying, we must practice. Mr. Darcy has a collection of bamboo rods, though I’ve not seen his flies. Perhaps we should have our own. Do you remember how to tie them?”
Charlotte laughed. “It is like the pianoforte, once learned, it’s yours forever.”
