“Comfortable?” she asked archly. “I wondered where you had gone. Naughty children, sneaking off to the library.”
“We have done nothing but sit, Grandmother,” Elizabeth replied in mock affront. “Sit, and talk, and watch the fire.”
“Very well, I believe you. Darcy is an honorable man. He would not dare betray my trust. Now, it is time to be off. Your mother has called for the carriages, and the servants have the clearing up well in hand.” Lady Montrose turned and departed, glancing over her shoulder to ensure the couple followed her.
Darcy withdrew his arm from around Elizabeth and rose. He turned and extended his hand, helping her to her feet. She adjusted her shawl, then tucked her arm through his. Together, they went to the entrance hall, where she retrieved her outerwear.
Mrs. Bennet bustled into view. “Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed, beaming. “I trust you will join us for Lizzy’s birthday celebration on the eighth? Miss Bingley and Sir James are welcome, too.”
Elizabeth smiled. The Bennets would not attend her ball. Though they wished her every happiness, they believed it best for her prospects if they were not present. Moreover, though Mrs. Bennet delighted in society, she had no desire to field prying questions about her adopted daughter.
“I should be honored, madam,” Darcy replied with a respectful bow. I shall extend the invitation to Miss Bingley and Sir James. They intended to return to town, though I am uncertain when they mean to leave Hertfordshire.” Darcy turned to Elizabeth and took her hand, raising it to his lips in a gentle kiss. “The view from the mount must be spectacular in the morning,” he murmured.
She caught his meaning at once and gave a small nod. “Yes. I have often walked there. I believe I might enjoy it again.”
He leaned a little closer. “Bring a footman,” he said beseechingly. “And take care.”
“Of course. At dawn?” He inclined his head. “Dawn.”
“Come, Elizabeth!” Lady Montrose called, her walking stick tapping smartly against the marble floor. “The carriage is waiting. I am not as young as I once was, and I need to rest.”
Elizabeth stepped forward and offered her grandmother her arm. Together, they descended the steps and climbed into the waiting carriage. She settled on the rear-facing seat opposite her grandmother, leaned into the plush squabs, and closing her eyes, she breathed deeply. The gentle motion of the carriage soothed her as they trundled away toward Longbourn.
Worrying over the identity of her assailant would only bring added anxiety, and so Elizabeth resolved to put it from her mind. Her past had been marked by fear and uncertainty; now she longed for a future shaped by security and peace. In Darcy, she would find both. His steady presence calmed her troubled heart, and she felt deeply grateful that her grandmother would remain a constant part of her life. Lady Montrose had become as dear to her as any of the Bennets.
Life would change considerably after her presentation at court. There was still much to learn about her role as countess, but Darcy would guide her. His uncle was an earl, after all, and he himself oversaw a vast estate; who better to assist her in learning her new responsibilities? All would unfold as Providence intended. What must be, would be; and no one could stand in the way of it.
Jane had married, too, bringing further change to Elizabeth’s life. And Mary was betrothed to Mr. Collins. Her heart ached, just a little, for the simple days of her girlhood, even as she rejoiced in the happiness that these changes had brought to those she loved.
Change was inevitable. She would embrace it and live her life to the fullest.
Early the next morning, Elizabeth awoke and selected a simple gown from her wardrobe. It was nothing compared to the garments her grandmother had bestowed upon her, but its plainness pleased her. She could dress herself without the assistance of a lady’s maid. After tying her hair in a modest knot at the nape of her neck, she took up her cloak and slipped quietly to her chambers.
Jameson awaited her in the vestibule. She ought not to be surprised. Her grandmother’s faithful servant had taken her safety as his personal responsibility. Once her father’s valet, Jameson had shared many stories of her father with her that she would otherwise never have known—some, he claimed, that even her grandmother did not know. A second footman stood ready to accompany them, ensuring she would not go unguarded.
She walked briskly, hoping the exercise would soon drive away the morning chill. Though spring had arrived, the air still carried a bite, and whilst her cloak and pelisse were too warm, neither alone seemed quite sufficient. No matter. At the end of her walk, Darcy would be waiting, and she would find warmth in his embrace.
As Oakham Mount rose into view, she quickened her pace. Her escorts trailed behind, their labored breathing testifying that they could benefit from more vigorous exertion. The mount, little more than a hill, truth be told, ought not to have posed such a challenge. Yet they huffed and puffed as they trudged after her. The slope gradually evened out, and she slowed as she crested the summit.
He waited for her. Darcy sat on a fallen log, elbows resting on his knees, his head bowed. At the sound of her approach, he looked up and smiled. Rising, he opened his arms. Elizabeth slipped her hands inside his greatcoat and wrapped them around his waist, sighing as his warmth surrounded her.
“It is colder this morning than I expected,” she murmured, burying her face in his lawn shirt. “It is not fair that gentlemen may wear breeches or trousers. Surely, they must be warmer than a gown.”
“I cannot say, and I have no intention of donning a gown to find out.” His teasing made her giggle, and he chuckled in reply.
“I cannot picture you in one,” she said, her smile spreading ear to ear. “What a sight it would be! I shall ask Georgiana to sketch the image I have in mind.”
“Do not dare! My sister would never let me forget it.” He affected a scowl and kissed her nose as she looked up at him.
Sighing, she stepped back and moved to the log. She sat, and he joined her. “June seems so far away,” she said quietly. “I only want everything to be over…to have it all made right again.”
“That is no small wish. Life offers trials and misfortunes, and you have known more than your share of both. And though I do not doubt there will be more ahead, I believe the worst of your troubles is nearly behind you.”
“You have more faith than I,” she muttered.
“Dearest Elizabeth, I have your love. That alone gives me cause for hope.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, then lifted his other hand to her cheek and kissed her gently. “In a few short months, I shall carry you off to Derbyshire, and we shall hide ourselves away at Pemberley for a month. The knocker will be down, and every visitor will be turned away at the door.”
“That sounds delightful.” He kissed her again, and they remained agreeably engaged for several quiet moments in one another’s arms. Then something caught his attention, and Darcy broke their embrace.
