I remain, of course, ready to act as you see fit, and shall ensure your instructions are carried out with all diligence.
I beg your pardon for intruding upon your time but felt it best that you should be apprised of the situation without delay.
I remain, Miss Bennet,
Your obedient servant,
Thomas Wilmot
Elizabeth rose at once, the letter still in her hand.
“I must return immediately.”
Darcy entered the drawing room at that moment. “Miss Elizabeth, what has occurred?”
She handed him the letter without a word. He took it and read quickly, his expression growing more serious as he went on.
Elizabeth crossed the room, her thoughts already in motion.
Darcy lowered the letter. “This is indeed concerning.”
Elizabeth turned toward him. “I must return at once. There is not a moment to be lost.”
The thought of careless alterations, of decisions taken without her knowledge, was intolerable.
Darcy regarded her steadily. “It is already late in the day. You would make little progress before nightfall, and the roads wouldnot be safe. If you must go, it would be wiser to set out at first light.”
Elizabeth hesitated, then nodded. “Yes… you are right. I should gain nothing by haste, only risk.”
She turned away, her thoughts still clearly in motion. “I cannot help feeling I ought to be doing something at once.”
Darcy rose and stepped closer. “You are correct. You should not remain idle. Come, let us take a turn about the grounds. It may help to settle your thoughts.”
Elizabeth glanced down at her shoes. “I must change my slippers. I shall require half-boots. I shall not be long.”
Darcy nodded, but as she turned to go, he reached for her hand, his touch gentle, yet steady enough to still her.
“You will resolve this,” he said quietly. “Do not distress yourself unnecessarily.”
Elizabeth met his gaze, her expression softening despite her concern.
“I shall return shortly.”
***
Darcy was waiting when she returned. Together they put on their coats and walked along the path behind the garden.
Elizabeth frowned slightly. “I do not like being unable to act at once.”
Darcy shook his head. “I know no one better suited to meet a difficulty. It is only natural that you should feel concern.”
She smiled at him, some of the tension easing from her expression. “I will admit your presence is a considerable comfort to me.”
They came upon a bench beneath the trees and sat down.
For a few moments, neither spoke.
At length, Darcy turned to her. “What courses are open to you?”
