“Why must you wait, then? Why not come with us?”
“Because we have an audience.”
She sighed. “Why can people not mind their own business?” she said, in exasperation.
“Because this is London and Society loves gossip.”
She muttered something under her breath.
Whatever it was, he agreed with her, but that was neither here nor there.
“Walsh,” Darcy ordered, in a manner than brooked no opposition. “Take her home.”
***
Mr. Darcy – Elizabeth now knew the name of their savior – expected her to go. She hesitated at the carriage door. She was grateful to him for considering the proprieties, but surely the presence of the young lady and Margaret was enough to shield her reputation? Still, she did not want to stand outside and argue. She was acutely aware of the many eyes upon her, and the way her wet clothes clung to her frame.
The young lady climbed into the carriage. Elizabeth followed. Then Mr. Darcy swung Maggie up and handed her to Elizabeth. She settled the trembling girl down, whispering reassuringly. As she sank into the seat, she risked a glance at him. He was soakedthrough, his hair dark against his forehead, and though he gave orders with calm precision, his lips were blue.
"You cannot remain outside, Mr. Darcy,” she said, softly. "Come with us."
He hesitated. Then, with a slight shake of his head, he closed the carriage door.
The carriage moved off. She told herself she was safe in the carriage, that Margaret was safe, and that she should not care about what happened to him.
“How far is it to your home?” she asked the young lady, presumably his sister. The family resemblance was there.
“Five to ten minutes, not more,” said the young lady.
In drenched clothes, exposed to the elements, five or ten minutes was a long time. A man could become very ill indeed. All because propriety did not permit it.
She did not care about propriety. A man’s life was at stake. He had endangered himself enough when he dived in to rescue Margaret. She could not allow his gentlemanly behavior to be at his expense.
“Please stop the carriage,” she said to the young lady. “We cannot leave him out there. It is too dangerous.”
The young woman nodded, looking worried. “Yes. I agree.”
She knocked for the coachman to stop. In a moment, Elizabeth had the door open. It was difficult to jump down in wet clothes, but she was determined. Once on the ground, she walked towards him, calling out his name.
He turned, and she thought he might have uttered an oath.
“I thought we had resolved this issue,” he said, striding up to her and looking vexed.
“Youmay have thought so, but I did not agree, Mr. Darcy. I insist that you come with us.”
“Absolutely not.”
“This is no time for stubbornness, sir. If you die of a chill, I could not live my life knowing I was responsible.”
He arched his brow. “So you admit your reasons are entirely selfish.”
She nodded, amused. “Entirely. And I am telling you, I will not budge until you join us in the coach. So, you must choose between the two of us perishing together or riding together.”
For a moment, she thought he would refuse. She had issued a challenge, but Margaret was waiting in the carriage, and Elizabeth could not really afford to stand out here for very long.
Then, his mouth twisted and he came to a decision. “Very well. You have convinced me. Let us make haste, then.”
Chapter 3
