Darcy was glad down to his bones that he would not have to worry over Elizabeth. Yet something told him he would always think of her and worry over her. As he looked out the window, down at the drive, he could no longer deny the truth: he was falling in love with her. A coach pulled up to the front of the house, the coach that would carry the Bennets away from Strathalt House and out of his life. For now.
He comforted himself with the thought that the separation would not be of much duration, for he intended to pay his promised visit to the Bingleys at Netherfield, which he understood was not far from Meryton. Elizabeth had spoken of the village as being very close to Longbourn.
He and Mr Bennet were in the breakfast room when the note came from his sister. He scanned it quickly, then looked over at Mr Bennet. “My sister has requested our presence in the drawing room, if you have a mind. I believe she and Miss Bennet would like to show us something.”
He had an inkling of what it was, but he was still curious as to just how it would play out. Over the last week since Elizabeth had found the key, the “lady lessons” had resumed in earnest, knowing they had little time left to complete Georgiana’s transformation. His sister and Elizabeth had spent the days and evenings in the study of how to eat politely when invited out, how to engage in conversation at a public function or ball, and even the playing of cards. She had even gone as far as to teach her how to glide across a room in an evening gown, attracting just enough attention — but not too much. Of course, Darcy’s attention had been unwaveringly fixed on Elizabeth as she had shown his sister just what to do to move elegantly through a room. As the days drew nearer for their departures, he found himself soaking up every moment he could with the ladies and offering to help with dance lessons, or anything else for which a male partner might present, just so he might be near Elizabeth.
Was it only his imagination, or did she dread the day of their separation as much as he did? As they would be the first to leave, she had grown more morose as the days went on, although she tried to keep up her spirits for Georgiana’s sake.
When he and Mr Bennet arrived in the drawing room, Darcy was struck by Elizabeth’s dress. She was ready to leave in her travelling clothes, gloves, bonnet, and wrap. However, his attention was quickly drawn to the elegant young woman standing in the centre of the sitting area. Dressed in an exquisiteblue silk gown, with her blonde hair done up in the latest London style, she looked like a princess ready to ascend the throne. She gave him a brilliant smile, then bowed gracefully. “Hello, Fitz. What do you think?” she asked.
Darcy smiled proudly. He could tell she was nervous, but only because he knew her so well. No other man would have known, for her voice was as steady and smooth as the silk of her gown.
“Georgiana?” he asked. He was stunned for a moment, for in his sister, he felt as if his mother stood before him, young and fresh. A tear came to his eye, but he did not allow it to fall to his cheeks. He went to her and took her hands, spreading her arms outward and then nudging her to spin. “You look breathtaking. A fine figure of a lady.” She was a far cry from the painfully shy girl who had accompanied him to Scotland.
“Thank you, Brother. It is all thanks to Elizabeth. I could never have dreamt of this day without her.” She smiled at her compatriot, and he turned his attention to her. “I will forever be in your debt,” Georgiana added earnestly.
“Nonsense. You owe me nothing, my friend. It was my pleasure to help,” Elizabeth said. She met his gaze, and a tinge of sadness came into her features. She sniffed bravely, though he could see the effort her cheerful smile cost her. “I think you deserve a little promenade in the gardens. You will see to it, won’t you, Mr Darcy?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“But you must come and see us off first,” Mr Bennet said. “I believe our carriage is ready to depart.”
Georgiana linked arms with Elizabeth, and as Mr Bennet retrieved his hat, and the last of their luggage was loaded, theyall stood in the foyer to say their goodbyes. Even Mr Campbell’s dog joined them, wagging his tail at Elizabeth as though to say he would miss her terribly. Darcy rather understood the sentiment.
His sister, too, looked heart-sick at the thought of saying their farewells. “You will allow me to write to you, won’t you?” Georgiana asked eagerly. “I shall miss you so much!”
“Of course. I would be so glad to hear from you on every occasion,” Elizabeth said.
Darcy shook hands with Mr Bennet. At last, they could no longer find a reason to delay, and walked outside to the carriage. Mr Bennet was the first to enter, as his goodbyes had been short and to the point.
Elizabeth and Georgiana remained by the door to Strathalt House. “I hope you will not blame me, Elizabeth, if I leave you now,” Georgiana said, her voice a little shaky. “It is only that I do not want you to see me cry. You will write back to me, won’t you?”
“Of course,” Elizabeth replied without hesitation. “I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Georgiana. And whenever I am lonely, I shall touch my beautiful pin, and think of my dear, dear friend.”
At that, Georgiana could no longer hold back her tears. “Goodbye! Goodbye! I shall miss you dreadfully!” she cried out, and ran back into the house.
Elizabeth stood there for a long moment, looking after her. And when she at last turned back, Darcy bit his lip, for written on her face was a love and fondness for Georgiana equal even to his own.
He said nothing, only stayed beside the carriage as Elizabeth came down the steps. She joined him beside the open carriage door. She clasped her hands in front of her, seeming reluctant to climb in. “I suppose this is goodbye,” she said softly. If his wishes did not deceive him, she very much looked as though she did not want it to be their last meeting.
He drank in every aspect of her person to tide him over until they could meet again. It would be weeks before they made it back to London. And as he had some business to attend to before setting out for Netherfield, it would be almost a month before they would see each other again. But he did hope that Longbourn was not so far from Netherfield that he and Georgiana could visit.
“I have enjoyed our acquaintance,” she said, her voice quaking ever so slightly. “I very much hope we shall have occasion to meet again someday.”
He stepped closer, wishing he could take her hand. “It will be sooner than you might think. Georgiana and I have been invited to an estate called Netherfield Park, which I believe is quite close to Meryton. You have spoken of the village before, I think.”
Her face brightened. “Netherfield Park? Why yes, it is only three miles from Longbourn!” Elizabeth exclaimed. Belatedly, she seemed to realise how loudly she had spoken, and lowered her voice. “That is, it is not far from where we live. Perhaps we may meet at public functions, or even call upon each other?”
“Yes, that is precisely what we had hoped. Three miles is nothing, and we may pay visits nearly every day, if it would be agreeable to you and your family.” Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “Iknow my sister would crave your presence, and she has spoken of her longing to meet your sisters.”
“She would be most welcome to visit anytime.” She paused, then looked up at him, her brown eyes sending a shock through him. “You are both most welcome.”
“Lizzy! It is time to go,” Mr Bennet called gently from the carriage. No doubt he was eager to begin, so that they might make good headway before dark.
Elizabeth sighed, then turned to climb into the carriage. He offered her his hand, privately rejoicing at the touch of her hand and the privilege of handing her into the carriage. She sat down, then placed her hand on the windowsill as he closed the door for her. “Safe journey, Miss Bennet, Mr Bennet,” he said and nodded toward the older gentleman. “We will pray for your safe travels and that our paths will bring us together again soon.”
“As will we, sir. Thank you for everything. This journey has been brightened by your and your sister’s presence. I shall look forward to our next meeting,” Mr Bennet said. He called out to the coachman, and they were off.
