“Of course. He will be so relieved that you are safe.”
“Safeis not the word I would use, but yes, I am not in danger at this particular moment. If you give me a moment, I will tell you where Darcy is.”
The journey through the mirror had weakened her magic. It took longer than usual to find him.
“I think he is on the way to his bedchamber, which is perfect. But Jane, it is absolutely crucial that no one should know I am here, not even Lord Matlock.”
Jane did not look happy. Deception did not come easy to her, and she had already lied about the mouse.
“I understand.” She threw her arms around Elizabeth. “Lizzy, I am so glad you are back.”
Chapter 19
It did not take longfor Darcy to arrive. He barged in without knocking. She scarcely recognized him as he entered. His clothes were crumpled and disheveled, and he looked as if he had slept in them, if he had slept at all.
“Elizabeth! Oh, my dearest love.” He picked her up and showered her face and throat with kisses that were wet with tears. “I thought something terrible had happened.”
He crushed her to him. She gripped him tight, reveling in his scent and the solid, familiar feel of him, half laughing, half sobbing.
“I imagined the worst—” Darcy’s voice was raw with worry and pain.
“I am here, my love. I am back.”
“I was convinced the French mages had you.”
It was uncomfortably close to the truth, but not the way he thought. She owed him an explanation, but for now, she wanted to stay in his arms forever.
It was Darcy who finally stepped back and put a distance between them.
“So where were you? Please do not tell me you fell asleep in the stable or something ridiculous like that.”
“I am not so fond of horses that I would wish to spend the night with them.”
She laughed shakily. She wanted to make light of her disappearance, but he scowled.
“It is no laughing matter, Elizabeth.”
