Meanwhile, Darcy climbed the stairs to the chamber assigned to Elizabeth. He knocked, and the muffled conversation within ceased. Elizabeth opened the door and stepped out.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am leaving for London. I will be away for most of the week, depending on how long it takes to obtain the license and for my solicitor to prepare the settlement. Your father will need to review and sign it before the ceremony.”
Elizabeth flushed. “Mr. Darcy, are you certain you wish to go through with this? It is not too late.”
He looked pained. “Miss Elizabeth, is this your way of saying you wish to be released? Have you decided against marrying me?”
She faltered. “No, sir. I am determined. I must marry, and I prefer to marry an honorable man rather than a scoundrel. But I am sorry for you, sir. This marriage has taken away your freedom to choose.”
A wry smile tugged at his mouth. “Well, madam, I am glad you do not think me the scoundrel, though if you truly think about it, it was my unruly tongue that caused this debacle.”
“I will not argue, sir, as we would only go round and round in endless reasoning. I wish you safe travels.”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. Do not walk out alone. Take a groom. I moved you here because I do not trust your cousin, and I would not put it beyond him to attempt something even now.”
She shivered. “No, sir. I will stay within the house or gardens, and I will take one of my sisters with me when I take the air. It was a hard lesson, but it is learned.”
He nodded. “Very well, madam. I will see you in five to seven days.”
He took her hand, pressed it gently, and turned to leave. Elizabeth watched him descend the staircase. He was a fine-looking man, and, even after all that had passed, she was reminded of her first sight of him and how she had thought him the gallant Sir Lancelot. And now, here he was, rescuing her from her own folly.
Chapter 13: Miss Bingley’s Wrath
Elizabeth quietly closed the door behind her and turned to face her two sisters, who were watching her anxiously.
“Mr. Darcy has just taken his leave,” she said softly. “He is traveling to London to obtain the marriage license.”
Her composure faltered; she covered her face with her hands and sank to her knees. Both sisters rushed to her side, kneeling beside her.
Jane spoke first. “What is it, Lizzy? Was he rude? Is he angry?”
Elizabeth shook her head, her face still hidden. “No, he was so kind, so good. If I am faint, it is with relief. I offered him release, and I trembled, fearing he would take it and leave me to Mr. Collins. But he did not. I was so afraid he would abandon me to my just reward. The uncertainty has left me weak.” She remained as she was for a few minutes. When she had recovered her nerves, she stood, moved to the bed, and sat heavily. “And though I am thankful that he chose to stand by me, I cannot help but feel sorrow on his behalf. I pray he had not set his heart on another, for he will surely feel the loss of an unrequited love.”
She lifted her eyes to them, clearly distressed. “What if, in the passage of time, he should come to look upon me as our father looks upon Mamma? At times, I believe he despises her. He regards her with such scorn, and she makes matters worse with her prattle and vulgarity.”
She moved until her back rested against the headboard. “Perhaps there are things in me that will strike Mr. Darcy in the same manner, and, over the years, they will grate upon himas our mother grates upon Papa. Such are the consequences of marrying outside of one’s sphere. And now they are to be mine.”
Jane put an arm around her shoulders. “Lizzy, you need only speak with him. He is a rational man, and by your own admission, a kind one. Tell him your fears, and ask that he speak openly to you of any habits that displease him. Perhaps this will save you from becoming like our parents.”
Hope sparked in her eyes. “He has been kind. I will speak to him, every day if I must, until all my vulgarities are rooted out.”
Her sisters laughed. Jane clarified. “Not vulgarities, Lizzy. You go too far, let us call them quirks.”
“Quirks then. I am feeling better, more at ease about this marriage. But now I need to get out.” Elizabeth walked to the window and looked out. “The weather is fine, and I have missed my walk today. Will you ladies come out with me? Mr. Darcy extracted a promise that I should not walk alone, for fear that Mr. Collins might yet attempt some outrage.”
Both sisters agreed, and within minutes, they were descending to the first floor together.
The butler met them at the foot of the stairs. “Miss Bennet, may I assist you, ladies?”
“Grayson, our outerwear, please. Lizzy has missed her walk this morning.”
The butler turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Lizzy, you have taken a daily walk since first I knew you. How old were you then, about five years of age? You were quite the favorite of the Barnet sisters.”
Just then, Mr. Bingley entered the hall from his study and smiled broadly at the young women. “I thought I heard voices,” he said.
The butler’s expression became more reserved, but he winked at Elizabeth before withdrawing.
Jane addressed their host. “Mr. Bingley, we are preparing to walk in your garden. Sir, you approve?”
