However, what if one begins to love while the other’s love is slowly fading? The storm of feelings inside her proved that her opinion and sentiments towards him were changing. But what of his sentiments?
She went to the balcony and looked out into the darkness. The sky was clear, and the stars and moon were mirrored in the lake. He had chosen that room for her, which meant her happiness was important to him. He had painted her, which proved he was still thinking about her. He was friendly to her uncle and aunt and concerned for her sister Lydia.
What else could all of that mean, other than that his feelings for her were still strong and tender? Whether he would ever take a step towards revealing those feelings again, after he had been so brutally rejected once, was entirely another matter.
She heard a slight noise from the door, and she moved towards it cautiously. With disbelief, she observed a piece of paper had been slipped underneath. She picked it up with trembling fingers and with utter astonishment and equal delight recognised the image of herself, drawn in that very room, on the balcony. She caressed the paper, placed it on the bed so she could better admire it, and recognised that in the sketch she was dressed as she had been at the Netherfield ball. She stared at the picture, tearful, for a long time, her soul invaded by feelings she could not define. Finally, she placed the drawing on the table, wondering what she should do with it. The only choice was to roll it carefully and put it in her luggage, as it was a secret not to be shared with anyone.
As she did so, she noticed something written on the back. She read it, and tears fell from her eyes.
This was drawn many weeks ago when I was certain that only in my imagination and in my dreams such an image could be possible. The reality is exquisite and cannot be compared. F Darcy.
It was the strongest proof that his ardent love was still lasting, and her heart and her mind opened to receive it with gratitude and happiness.
