Gradually, Elizabeth’s breathing slowed, and she was able to focus on her sister’s concerned expression.
“Jane,” she swallowed, her throat thick.“The most unbelievable thing has just happened.”
Jane looked surprised.“What happened?I was only apart from you for a few minutes.”
“It is him.”
“Who is him?”
“Mr.Darcy.”
“What about Mr.Darcy?”
“The man in my dreams.”
“Oh.”Jane’s eyes widened.“Oh!Oh, Elizabeth…Mr.Darcy?”
Elizabeth nodded slowly.
“How do you know?”
“Do you remember how I said there was a dream in summer, and you and I were sitting on a terrace watching our husbands play with our children?”
“Yes, I remember.You have had that one more than once.”
“More than a dozen times, and variations of it.It is indelibly pressed on my mind.”
Jane watched her steadily.“Go on.”
“It is him!When Peter ran toward him and he lifted him up, it was exactly like the dream.”
Jane looked confused.“So the dream was about Peter and not your own children?”
“No!The child in the dream was not Peter.It was Mr.Darcy’s silhouette I recognized from the dream.The way he moved…his laugh.”She looked down, thinking she sounded ridiculous.“I know it is strange, Jane, but I simply knew.It is him.I am certain of it.”
“But you do not even like him!”
Elizabeth shook her head.“I did not say it made sense!”
Jane was flabbergasted.She could only stare at her sister and open and close her mouth without speaking.What could she say, after all?
“Oh, what am I to do?”
Jane took her hand and squeezed.“There is nothing to do.You will not pursue Mr.Darcy any more now than you would have before.It would be immodest and likely make him uncomfortable.”
“And make him think I’m a fortune hunter,” grumbled Elizabeth.
“You will simply be open to him.If he asks you for a walk, say yes.If he wishes to sit near you, encourage him.Converse with him.Make an effort.That is all youcando.”
Elizabeth nodded.“I suppose you are right.”She looked at her sister with a grim expression.
“You were wildly happy in the dreams, Elizabeth.Remember that.”
Elizabeth nodded and rose, hoping the nausea in her stomach would abate soon.
Mr.Darcy!Her future husband!Who would have guessed?
Chapter 9
