“I am glad it was.”
Another pause. “You were with my cousin during her statement. I hope you were not disturbed by what you heard.”
“Oh, no. Though I must admit, I found her revelations quite shocking. I never imagined Mr. Collins capable of such violence.”
“Nor did I. But the evidence against him seems irrefutable, and the constable has already declared him my aunt’s murderer. Any doubt regarding his guilt was settled by my cousin’s testimony.”
“Then there is no danger that someone will accuse you of your aunt’s death?” Elizabeth asked.
“No, I suppose not.”
Her body relaxed somewhat, though she had not even known she was so tense. “I am relieved to hear that.”
He smiled at her. “So am I.”
They continued walking, Darcy reflective and stoic, his gaze lost on the horizon. Suddenly, he stopped, and facing her, began, “Miss Bennet, I can no longer go without telling you how I feel. I know we have endured trying times together, and I am fully aware that you did not always hold the highest opinion of me. But I want you to know that I have reconsidered my past conduct, and I believe your criticisms were just and well-founded.”
Elizabeth’s heart raced at his candid confession. “Do not repeat what I said then! I was terribly unfair to you. I allowed myself to be influenced by ill-intentioned people and as a result, I misjudged you.”
He shook his head and took her hand in his, a small smile spreading across his lips. “Do not trifle with me, Elizabeth. My affections and wishes are unchanged. Just tell me there is still hope for me—for us—and I shall prove to you by every civility in my power that I am worthy of you.”
“You need not prove anything, sir. I could never give my heart to a man less worthy.”
An expression of heartfelt delight spread across his features. Overcome with emotion, Elizabeth laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Darcy encircled her waist, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around, both giddy with happiness.
His lips found hers, and a brief kiss and shared laughter soon gave way to a growing ardour. Their mouths melted together in a deep, passionate embrace.
Lost in their newfound happiness, they remained oblivious to the tolling of the village bells, a harbinger of grim news: Mr. Collins’s body had been found on the coast.
Chapter 19 – Echoes of Rosings
The carriage rattled along the uneven country road, jolting through the sunbathed landscape. Outside, the countryside stretched wide and endless, greener pastures and small shoots announcing the arrival of the summer. Rosings Island might have been two days behind, but it was far from forgotten. Its shadow lingered in the minds of those within the carriage like a memory engraved too deeply to be effaced.
No one had spoken for some time. The air inside the carriage was one of quiet contemplation, each too absorbed by their own reflections and losses to engage in conversation. Charlotte sat opposite Elizabeth, hands folded in a knot on her lap, her black widow’s hat stiff and severe against her pale face. Maria, seated beside her sister, gazed out the window while she watched the countryside slip past in silence.
The carriage’s confines brought Elizabeth so close to her betrothed that their arms touched almost constantly. The contact was more than accidental; whenever the carriage lurched, her head inclined naturally towards his shoulder, and she made no effort to move away. Charlotte must have noticed, of course, but said nothing. Their gazes even met once when Darcy’s fingers had brushed Elizabeth’s in tender reassurance, but Charlotte had quickly looked away with a small smile, obviously pretending she did not see. Perhaps to see her happy at last gave Charlotte some relief from her own sorrows.
It was Darcy who finally broke the silence. “The news of Rosings is apt to reach Meryton before we do.”
“Of your engagement as well?” Charlotte asked quietly.
“No, I thought best to obtain Mr. Bennet’s consent first. I have been told that Meryton’s society may not have a good opinion of me, and I did not want to expose myself to ridicule in case he refused me.”
Elizabeth looked up and met his playful eyes. “He will not. My mother will assure herself of that.”
“We will break the news gently,” Darcy said. “This is not the time for celebration.”
“No,” Charlotte said. “But it is still a good event amidst all this sadness.”
Emotion swelled in Elizabeth’s chest. She glanced at Charlotte, steady and composed in appearance despite her great loss. Did her friend have any regrets—did she wish she had chosen differently, had not tied her fate to a man who had ultimately left her alone? But Charlotte’s gaze remained on the horizon, lost in her own thoughts.
She released a quiet breath and let her head lean once more against Darcy’s shoulder, closing her eyes. His hand, which had been resting on his knee, reached out, and his fingers gently twined with hers as the carriage continued its journey home.
***
After five weary days on the road, the sight of Longbournfilled Elizabeth with relief. A small commotion greeted her at the door, with every Bennet in the house offering a warm welcome, relieved to see her return home safely. Elizabeth was embraced by her parents and sisters, Charlotte received heartfelt condolences and kind words, and Darcy accepted the family’s gratitude with quiet reserve.
The Lucases were soon present to collect their daughters. Charlotte's reunion with her parents was deeply emotional, and many tears were shed over the recent events. Losing the composure she had maintained throughout the journey, Charlotte embraced her mother and wept profusely. Overcome by sadness, the Lucases bid farewell to the Bennets, thanked Darcy for ensuring their daughters’ safe return, and departed for Lucas Lodge to care for their dear Charlotte.
