Page 168 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I would like to tell you again that you will be missed. But I do understand the urgency of your decision. I would have done the same in your position,” she whispered.

He said nothing.

“Will you go to London? Or to Pemberley?”

“I am uncertain yet. I must leave Brighton. That is all I know.”

“Yes…”

He looked at her and his face lit up with a smile.

“Miss Bennet, I wish you all the best in the world. Please let me know if I ever may help you in any way. I shall always be available to assist you. That will never change.”

Her heart melted. “I do not doubt that, as I hope you know I wish you much joy.”

Their gazes lingered on each other for only a moment before he threw himself into the saddle and rode off down the lane.

She remained there, following him with her eyes, unable to move, burdened by an unbearable weight.

∞∞∞

As he rode away from Elizabeth, Darcy regretted that he had called on her. He should have just sent a note to the household. Her tearful eyes and her genuine turmoil were now his last memory of her.

He entered the house and took the stairs two at a time to his rooms, remaining there for most of the day. He did call on the Bennets and Gardiners to say goodbye, then had a farewell drink with Bingley and his wife.

Upon returning to the house, he locked himself in his room, apologising to his cousins and sister. There was nobody he wished to see or be with, except Elizabeth, and she was forbidden to him.

The next morning, before breakfast, the colonel entered Darcy’s room with barely a knock.

“Darcy, how are you? You made us all worry. Are you ill?”

“No, not at all. But thank you for your concern. My belongings are almost packed.”

“Good, good. May I help you with anything?” the colonel continued.

“No, thank you. All is well.”

“Then…do you have a little time to spare? For a discussion?”

“What is it, Richard?”

“Forgive me, but it is urgent. Anne would like a private conversation with you, and it cannot be delayed.”

“Anne? Is she unwell?”

“Nothing has happened. Do not worry. Well, something has happened, but she is perfectly well. She wishes to speak to you alone.”

Darcy rubbed his temples. Surely Anne wished to insist upon their wedding date, now that he was about to leave again. And yet, he could not blame her; the present situation would only expose her to more speculation and arguments from her mother, the rest of their relatives, and society. He could not abandon her with such a lack of consideration.

“Very well. I shall speak to her immediately, Richard.”

“Yes, well…I shall be here, waiting.”

∞∞∞

Elizabeth counted every hour until she estimated that Darcy would leave. She knew he had made the best decision, yet ice caged her chest and refused to release her. What if she did not see him again for years, if ever?

After his visit, she spent most of the day in the study, reviewing some of the ledgers from which she remembered nothing.