This email is much longer than I intended. All I have left to say is: thank you for taking the time to read this. I wish you nothing but happiness as you move back home.
Yours,
Liam Darcy
I stare at my phone. I consider reaching out to Charlie to ask if it’s true. It’s also tempting to contact Georgie. Liam gave me her email and phone number after his signature. But I believe him, and I don’t see the point of making his sister relive the darkest part of her life. I think of how glibly Noah lied about Darcy and then with shame at how quickly I believed him. I need to email him back. I need to apologize.
I read the email again, and I’m overwhelmed by Liam’s kindness and understanding. So many men would twist my rejection into bitter anger. But he didn’t. He took the time to think about where I was coming from. It feels good for him to name exactly why his offer hurt me. He should have been more supportive. He’s right, but I wish I’d been more gentle and honest. I should have told him that I didn’t want to leave. That I really like him. I’m not sure when, if ever, I’ll be brave enough to say those things.
I tell myself I will reply once I reach Iowa. I know that if I reach out to Liam now, if I see him just once, before I leave, I might not be able to go. And yeah, I misjudged him, terribly, horribly. But also, I can’t upend my plans for a guy—no matter how handsome and wealthy, even if I might be halfway in love with him.
She could think only of her letter. —Pride & Prejudice
16
“Who told you not to trust Noah?” Char says after reading Liam’s email.
“You did. Once again, you are right, and I am wrong about everything.” I cover my face with a pillow and whimper into it.
“We are all wrong sometimes,” she says. “I feel sorry for Darcy. I think he really likes you.Dearest Lettie.”
“I know! I can’t figure out why.” I think of his pained face as I left him at the riverside. I’m haunted by the look in his eyes.
“Because he’s not a snob. He simply has impeccable taste. That’s why he likes you.”
“But seriously, Char, do you think I should warn people about Noah?”
“Didn’t you say he quit a week after you gave your two weeks’ notice?”
“He did.” And then he texted me some nonsense about Bennet Parties not being as much fun without me. I’m sick when I think about texting him.
“Then I wouldn’t bother, unless you hear of someone you know getting involved with him.”
“You’re right. Liam didn’t give me permission to tell people. It’s not really my story to share.”
***
Two days later, I pack Lady withall my worldly goods and start the drive home. I listen to music and some books on tape, but really all I can think about is Darcy’s letter. I had planned on writing him when I reached Iowa. But I find I can’t wait. I’m tormented by the memory of his forlorn face. That night, alone in my motel room in Evanston, Wyoming, I compose my reply.
From: [email protected]
Liam,
Thank you for trusting me with this heartbreaking story. I am so terribly sorry for you and your family, especially Georgie. I’m not sure how you can be so kind to me when I was such a judgmental jerk. I am so sorry.
Yours Truly,
Lettie
I stare at the screen. Hoping for a reply.
The next morning, when I wake before the sun is up, my inbox is empty. I shouldn’t be surprised. There’s really nothing for him to say to me. I drive all day, thinking how wrong, very wrong I was. The closer I am to home, the bigger the sky. Something about the wide horizon cheers me, if only a little. I reach Ames around sunset when the whole dome of heaven burns pink and gold. I’m still sad about the Darcy debacle, but my heart lifts some at being home.
After dinner, I sit on the front steps with one of my sisters, watching fireflies flicker in the dark.
Three texts come in quick succession.
