Page 138 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“He gave his word. He will not change his mind. And he already admitted he was reluctant due to some concerns that I can understand,” Bingley said.

“I would have preferred to be informed that you intended to ask for Mr Darcy’s assistance,” Elizabeth finally said.

“Do you disapprove of our idea? We may withdraw it at any time,” Lady Kendal offered.

Elizabeth cheeks flushed. “No,” she said briefly. “If you will excuse me, I shall find Philip. I will speak to you later, my lady.”

“Philip is eager to see you. You know, I noticed something rather strange. Mr Darcy always refers to Miss de Bourgh as ‘his cousin’. Never as his betrothed or future wife. Do you not find that rather peculiar?”

“I did not notice it,” Bingley responded. “I have spent so little time in his company lately that I have rarely heard him speak at all.”

Elizabeth had noticed. She said nothing, struggling to concentrate on her own betrothed.

Chapter 9

The following days passed in great trepidation and equal distress.

The preparations for the journey to the seaside were in full flow in each house. Darcy and Mr Gardiner met at Lady Kendal’s house four mornings in a row, spending hours together and with her ladyship’s solicitors.

Darcy was still anxious to understand the details of Elizabeth’s settlement with Lady Kendal and Lord Alveston. He was tempted to ask Bingley for more details, but he tempered his improper curiosity. It was not his right to intrude!

What he did discover—and Lady Kendal’s solicitors mentioned several times—was that after her wedding to the earl, Elizabeth would be granted full power over an impressive fortune. Lady Kendal would keep her own money and two of the estates, but most of the decisions would belong to Elizabeth. The solicitors were also worried about the complete trust her ladyship and the earl had bestowed upon Elizabeth. If she was a dishonest, unworthy character, she could easily ruin them. Darcy knew there was no such danger, and he heartily expressed his conviction on the matter. Details of the Kendal holdings soon became clear to Darcy, but on matters of the heart, his bewilderment remained, as his own feelings defeated his reasoning and wit.

Rather often, Lady Kendal joined them, bringing Elizabeth with her. Even Lord Alveston participated in some discussions.

Elizabeth was thrilled and tormented by Darcy’s nearness. During their encounters, she asked him several direct questions, and he responded kindly and patiently. She noticed his caution in always putting some distance between them. If she asked about financial figures, he gazed at the page from a few steps back. That was even more obvious compared with his behaviour towards Lady Kendal, whose arm he often held to help her sit or stand, or he sat by her side so they could study the books together. Elizabeth dreaded to speculate about the reason for his self-imposed coldness and forced her mind to ignore it. She knew she had no right to think of him, except to be grateful for his involvement and support. But that resolution met with constant failure.

On the morning of the fifth day, Darcy arrived soon after breakfast. Elizabeth and Jane, Lady Kendal, Bingley, and Lord Alveston were all gathered in the drawing room, and they greeted him. He bowed politely, meeting Elizabeth’s flustered face for a moment only as brief as a heartbeat.

Lady Kendal invited him to sit, but he declined.

“I shall only stay for a moment. Since we have finished our examination, I have made my conclusions and suggestions. We have already discussed much as we progressed, but I thought it would be helpful and easier if you had everything written down,” Darcy said, showing them several sheets of paper.

“How lovely and considerate of you,” Lady Kendal said. “This is exceedingly helpful! We are deeply thankful for your time, Mr Darcy. I imagine you stayed up all night to write everything down! You can hardly imagine how much we value your generous commitment.”

Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other, both faces colouring slightly. Both recollected another instance when he had stayed awake all night writing to her.

“Mr Darcy, you must know that we are all impressed by your extensive knowledge as well as by your dedication to us,” Lord Alveston added his gratitude. “I cannot thank you enough on behalf of Miss Bennet and myself.” He took Elizabeth’s hand and brought it to his lips briefly. She looked at him, blushed, then withdrew her hand, glancing at Darcy again.

“Thank you, sir,” she whispered.

The small gesture by the man who would soon claim Elizabeth as his wife was devastating to him. “None of this is necessary, I assure you. I only did what Bingley and Lady Kendal asked of me. Just as anyone would have done for a friend. Please do not speak of gratitude again,” Darcy answered, suddenly impatient to leave the room. It was even more dreadful as he had come to understand and appreciate both Lord Alveston and Lady Kendal. They did love Elizabeth, and she seemed to return their affection. He had lost her, and there was nothing he could do to change the past.

“Mr Darcy, please give your notes to Elizabeth. She will study them. May we bother you with some additional queries, if needed?” Lady Kendal enquired.

Darcy stood still in the middle of the room. Elizabeth rose to her feet and took a few steps, waiting. She was flushed, he was stern, while the others watched them. He walked towards her and stretched out his hand to offer her the papers. She took them, and for just an instant their fingers touched. Both startled and she almost dropped the papers. Darcy hurried to grasp them before they fell on the floor and his fingers pressed into hers. Their hearts and movements stopped, stealing another moment to linger in that thrilling sensation.

He then folded the papers into a neat pile and gave the sheaf back to her again.

“Thank you,” she repeated.

“You are welcome.”

“Could we bother you with more questions, if needed?” Lady Kendal repeated.

“Of course,” he answered absently.

“We look forward to seeing you again in Brighton. And perhaps you and your sister and betrothed will join us for dinner sometime. I promise we shall not bother you with any business questions,” Lady Kendal declared in jest.