“He could have simply found me separate accommodations, maintained proper distance,” Elizabeth continued. “But when the storm worsened and we were forced to share that small space…” She blushed, remembering. “There was tenderness between us. Understanding. He told me he had admired me for longer than I knew, that even in Hertfordshire, when I was determined to think the worst of him, he found himself drawn to me.”
“And did you believe him?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said without hesitation. “In that moment, I did. He had nothing to gain by such a confession—we were already compromised beyond salvation. And the way he looked at me…”
She fell silent, remembering the intensity in Darcy’s dark eyes and the reverent way he had touched her.
“He sacrificed everything he had formerly wanted in a marriage,” she said softly. “His family’s expectations, a socially advantageous match, proper settlements and negotiations. He did it to protect me, yes, but also because, as he put it, our marriage merely hastened what he believed was inevitable.”
Mrs. Gardiner studied her niece’s face. “You care for him.”
It wasn’t a question, but Elizabeth answered anyway. “I do. It makes no sense, I know. We barely know each other. But in those few hours, something changed.” She looked down at the ring again. “Now I may never have the chance to discover what it could have become.”
“Don’t lose hope,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “Your uncle is a determined man, and he has connections throughout London. If Mr. Darcy can be found, Edward will find him.”
“And if he is found, what then?” Elizabeth asked, voicing the fear that had been growing since her flight from the Red Lion. “What if his family rejects me? I know that if Mr. Darcy weren’t injured, he would be here right now. But the fact that he’s still missing…”
“We shall see what your uncle discovers. He will leave early.”
“Oh, what if it’s too late?” Elizabeth worried the edge of the shawl. “What if he’s…”
Mrs. Gardiner took Elizabeth’s hands in hers. “Then you will face that challenge with the same courage you’ve shown thus far. You must rest and regain your strength. Your husband will need a wife in full health when he is found, not one exhausted by worry.”
The simple confidence in her aunt’s words—”when he is found,” not “if”—gave Elizabeth a measure of comfort she hadn’t dared hope for.
“Thank you, Aunt,” she whispered. “For believing me. For believing in him.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled gently. “Family stands together, Lizzy.Always.” The unspoken contrast with the Bennets’ behavior hung in the air between them.
All Elizabeth could do was rub the heavy gold band on her thumb and kiss the signet. She was a Darcy now, but what had become of him?
“Will Uncle inquire at Darcy House?” she asked as her aunt rose to leave.
“Yes, he is sending a note, although he will not mention you or your circumstances. Not yet.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE ERASED MARRIAGE
Elizabeth satby the window of her uncle’s study with the latest copy of the Morning Post spread across her lap. It was a grim daily ritual, checking the death notices. Her heart stayed in her throat as she searched each column, fearing to see the name of her husband.
No mention again. She let out a breath and touched the ring she now wore on a ribbon around her neck.
Her uncle Gardiner had set out on his investigations well over a week ago. Her letters to Jane had gone unanswered, and Mrs. Gardiner had received no letter from either the Bennets or Elizabeth’s Aunt Philips.
“Hopefully nothing again?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, entering with a tea tray.
Elizabeth folded the newspaper. “Thankfully no. Have you heard anything from your friends?”
“We aren’t in the same social circles,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “Although surely, a man of Darcy’s standing would be noted if he had passed.”
“Perhaps he returned to Pemberley and is not even in the City.”Elizabeth accepted a cup of tea. It seemed to calm her stomach. “Uncle Gardiner should return today, should he not?”
“Barring any delays on the road.” Mrs. Gardiner studied her niece with concern. “You haven’t been sleeping.”
It wasn’t a question. The dark circles beneath Elizabeth’s eyes told their own tale.
“I keep thinking that if he were able, Fitzwilliam would have come for me by now.” Elizabeth’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Something prevents him.”
