Page 147 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I am going for a walk on the beach,” she told the butler.

“Alone, miss?” Marlowe asked.

“Oh, yes. Do not worry. I am accustomed to taking long walks every day at home. I shall be quite safe, there is nobody around.”

“Should one of the footmen not attend you? A maid?” the butler insisted. “Just for your safety.”

“Your concern is much appreciated, but there is absolutely no need, Marlowe. I shall only go as far as the beach and return to break my fast. Tell Lady Kendal and Lord Alveston, if they happen to enquire after me.”

“Very well, miss.” The man bowed obediently and opened the front door for her.

Elizabeth breathed deeply, closing her eyes to feel the breeze on her face. Crossing the lawn, the scent of the sea drew her. The beach was empty. To the right, she glimpsed the town in the distance—still silent at this early hour. To the left, beyond the Kendal property, there were no houses and no sign of people, only a strip of trees and bushes that continued for several miles.

The tide was out, and at the water’s edge, the stones and pebbles of the beach gave way to sand. She took off her shoes and smiled at the soft, cooling feeling as her bare feet sunk into it.

She walked with only her thoughts to accompany her, the waves lapping around her feet.

Despite her struggle, she kept thinking about Darcy and speculated on a possible encounter with him. She knew it was not fair to allow another man to occupy her thoughts with only a couple of months before her wedding, regardless of the peculiar circumstances of the engagement. By the end of the summer, she would be the wife of a worthy man, who deserved all her consideration and care.

A wave washed over her feet and made her mindful of her surroundings. She must find the strength to overcome any obstacles and fulfil her duty. The sea helped her, comforted her. The chill of the water and the gentle breeze raised her spirits. Her heart became lighter, and she felt drawn further and further away from any apprehensions.

As Elizabeth continued, the wet hem of her gown grew heavier with every step. She only stopped when an inlet suddenly appeared in her sight. From the cottage, it had been impossible to see, and her surprise was equal to her delight.

A bank of stones reached into the sea. Between two curves of the land, a beautiful bay was resting peacefully. Massive rocks—as tall as a wall—separated the beach from the green hill that almost invaded the sand. It looked completely different—like a small world separate from the rest of the beach.

Elizabeth, sighing with delight, stepped forward, ready to explore the stunning mix of colours and textures. The shoreline consisted of a mix of pebbles, stones, and small, sharp rocks; some greenery grew on the rocky coast, offering welcome shade to shelter from the heat of the dazzling sunshine.

The water was bright blue with shades of pale green. The waves were more prominent and more frequent, so Elizabeth’s gown quickly got wet to her thighs. She escaped a small wave and jumped from one leg to another, continuing to walk, taking one more step into the water.

She knew it was time to return, but she lingered for a short while examining the stunning surroundings. Near the rocky wall and the trees, she found a small cave and rested there. Solitude had never been so soothing, and she allowed the peace to envelop her.

With her eyes closed, her mind and her body found rest, and she eventually fell asleep.

Only when the sun’s heat burned her bare feet did Elizabeth wake up suddenly with a wince, realising how late it must be. The sun was high above her head, and her stomach confirmed it must be long past breakfast.

She brushed the sand from her gown and hurried back to the cottage, feeling drowsy from the warm nap.

As she turned to go, she noticed a path that meandered from the beach through the trees. She imagined it might lead to the main road, but she had no interest there. She had had enough of big towns and main roads. The sea and the sand were her new friends.

The moment she reached the far side of the beach, Elizabeth spotted the grove that surrounded their cottage and several people in front of it.

Her appearance was met with cries of joy, proving they were searching for her.

“Miss, miss, you are here! She is here!” Two maids ran towards her, repeating the same words.

“What is it, Jenny? Did anything happen?”

“Oh miss! No, nothing happened, but you were missing, and we have all been searching for you! We thought you were lost!”

“Lost? What silliness is this, Jenny? I went for a walk, nothing more!”

Elizabeth hurried inside, still holding her shoes, her wet gown clinging heavily about her ankles. She heard more loud voices, then Mary appeared.

“Lizzy, where have you been? Are you well? We were so worried! You really gave us a scare!”

“Elizabeth!” Lady Kendal called her. Her ladyship looked more distressed than Elizabeth had ever seen her. In the drawing room, Philip was in his chair—his face too was etched with despair.

“Elizabeth,” he whispered, stretching his trembling hands towards her. She dropped her shoes and stepped forward, kneeling before him and taking his hands.