“Open it, Lizzy!”cried Jane.
Elizabeth pulled back the strings and lifted the top from the box.Inside was an intricately patterned shawl, a combination of colors in reds, corals, and pinks, with a light fringe around the edge.
“How exquisite!Is it made in India?It certainly looks it,” said Mrs.Gardiner.
Elizabeth picked up the card and read silently while her aunt and sister opened the shawl and examined it more fully.
My dearest Elizabeth,
I hope this morning finds you rested and restored from last night’s exertions.I do not intend to revisit unpleasant events, but I know it was not enjoyable for you, and I hope this token offers some consolation and further evidence of my contrition.
I thought you might prefer not to see me today, so I do not intend to call, but if I am wrong, and you would like a visit, please send word and I will be with you in a trice.
I would like to take you for a drive in the curricle tomorrow or the day after, if you and the weather are amenable.Bingley has suggested we take a drive together to Kew Gardens and make a day of it.I do not know if your aunt would approve such an excursion, but I second his idea if you would enjoy the outing.
I hope you are well, dearest.Know that you are in my thoughts and ever present in my heart.I remain yours,
FD
“Is the man who delivered the packages still here?”she asked the footman.
“Yes, miss.He is watering his horse in the mews.”
“Could you please ask him to wait and take a response to Mr.Darcy?”
“Feeling any better this morning, Darcy?”Colonel Fitzwilliam asked when he joined his cousin at the breakfast table.
“Much, thank you.I have sent a message to your mother.She will receive me in an hour.Will you accompany me?”
“Of course.Do you have a plan?”
“I shall tell her an abridged version of last night’s events and throw myself on her mercy.”
“You are becoming desperate!”
“Not desperate, Fitz.Determined.Half measures will not do.”
“Very well, I will assist as I may.But do not be surprised if Mother thinks you are half mad.”
“I will take my chances.”
Blackburn House was around the corner from Darcy’s townhouse, so the men elected to walk.Darcy handed his hat to the footman at the door and took a deep breath.
“Once more unto the breach, Cousin,” whispered Colonel Fitzwilliam over his shoulder.
Darcy glared at him and followed the servant to his aunt’s favorite parlor at the back of the house.He thought it was a good sign that he was being received so informally.
“Darcy!And Richard!What a pleasant surprise.”She turned her cheek towards her son to receive a kiss and gestured for them to sit on the sofa directly across from her.“What has prompted this call, Darcy?Is Georgiana well?”
“Yes, she is, thank you.She is looking forward to returning next week.”
Lady Blackburn nodded as if she were completely unsurprised by this information.Who would not want to stay at her house?It was magnificent.
“I wished to speak to you on another matter.”
“Oh?”
Darcy shifted in his seat.“Yes.I have recently entered into a courtship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
