Page 167 of The Mistress of All & Torn

No, there was no hope, no choice, no chance. She could only pray for him to find some tranquillity and as much happiness as he deserved. As for her, if she might see him on occasion, even if from afar, she might be content. She had the memories of everything they had shared to comfort her, including their last encounter.

∞∞∞

A revelation came to Darcy with the new day after the storm. Staying longer in Brighton would bring no good to anyone. When he had brought Anne and Georgiana to the town, he had decided to stay for only as long as was necessary to get them settled. He had since ignored that plan, and the consequences were as devastating as he had feared. It was time to end the distress.

“I will leave by the end of the week,” he informed his family during breakfast.

“Leave? Why? Where will you go?” Georgiana enquired with worry.

“To London first. Then my schedule is undecided. I shall inform you about my plans as soon as they are clear.”

“But why so suddenly?” Anne continued. “Has something occurred?”

“It is not sudden. Please remember that I planned to bring you here but not to stay. I have already delayed too long. So, unless you need me to remain, I shall leave.”

“We do not need you—not in a manner that would force you to abandon your plans,” Anne said.

“Thank you.” Darcy smiled at her warmly. “As soon as we all return to London, we should discuss our plans for the wedding too. It is time.”

“True. It is time,” Anne said quietly.

“Cousin, do you wish me to join you?” the colonel interjected.

“Not necessarily. Do not change your plans for me. Perhaps it would be better if you remained with Georgiana and Anne, to keep them company.” In truth, he preferred to travel by himself, as he was still uncertain of his destination.

“When do you intend to leave, Brother? You will be dearly missed. I am certain you know that,” Georgiana declared.

“I have not decided upon a date for my departure, but it will likely be later this week.” He was still uncertain. He knew that leaving was the right decision, but he had not yet gathered the resolve to part from Elizabeth. Even knowing she was in the same town was more soothing than the idea of not being able to see her at all. But it had to be done. Soon.

Chapter 18

Elizabeth’s heart raced when Darcy, alone, called one morning later that week. Anne, Georgiana, and Colonel Fitzwilliam had visited the previous day, so his presence was confusing. She felt flushed but managed to mumble a greeting. Her astonishment increased when Darcy took a seat, engaging in conversation with Lady Kendal and with Philip. She had not seen him since the storm, and now she realised how much she had missed him and how much joy his mere presence brought her. At the same time, she was tormented by his reason for calling.

Elizabeth could see he was as distressed as she was. How could they not be, when their lives were a raging storm with no expectation of a lull?

Eventually, after half an hour of turmoil, he said, “I have come to take my leave. I shall depart Brighton the day after tomorrow.”

He frowned at Elizabeth, holding his teacup tightly. Stunned, Elizabeth stared, her own cup of tea trembling in her hands.

“Oh, so soon? I hope you have no worrisome reason for such a hasty departure,” Lord Alveston said.

“If you remember, even when we were in London, I mentioned that I would only bring my sister and cousin and could stay no longer than a few days. I have already delayed longer than I intended.”

“Yes, I do remember that,” Lady Kendal said. “We shall regret your absence, but we wish you a safe journey. We hope to meet again soon.”

“Thank you. You are very kind. I have no fixed plans yet, so I am uncertain where I shall be in the next few months,” Darcy said, glancing briefly at Elizabeth again.

He rose and put his cup on the table. “Well, I must leave you now. I still have things to accomplish before my departure. I wish you all the best.”

He bowed politely and, with apparent uneasiness, glanced around again, then went to the door.

Before she could think it through, Elizabeth smiled nervously at the others and followed their guest outside.

“Mr Darcy!” she called as he was ready to mount.

He turned in disbelief.

“Miss Bennet…”