Page 201 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“She is facing a difficult time,” the lady interrupted him. “And I know there are seven more months of her mourning period, but I am sure she is already able to decide upon her future. She would have done so long ago if her honour had not been opposed to her wishes. And yours…”

Darcy was again puzzled, wondering about the lady’s meaning.

“If I dare make a suggestion, you should escort me home and take this opportunity for a private conversation. I will support whatever you decide.”

“Thank you,” he said briefly.

“There is…I only have one favour to ask, and I am shamelessly counting on your kindness, Mr Darcy. Would you allow Elizabeth to come and visit me from time to time? She is as dear to me as my own daughter, and I cannot imagine living without her.”

Darcy’s astonishment was now complete, and the sadness on the lady’s face broke his heart. He moved closer and took her hands in his.

“Lady Kendal, if you imagine that I would interfere between you and Elizabeth, you certainly do not know me well enough. And if you imagine that Elizabeth would accept anyone forbidding your relationship, or that she would ever abandon you, you certainly do not know her well enough.”

He respectfully kissed her hands and, with tears running down her cheeks, the lady leant forward and embraced him.

∞∞∞

When Elizabeth rang for the maid to help her prepare for the day, she first enquired after Lady Kendal. She was informed that her ladyship was in the library and would like to speak to her. In the light of day, she felt guilty for having confessed so much to Lady Kendal about Darcy.

Elizabeth felt relieved to have her secret out in the open, but she feared her ladyship’s reaction. Lady Kendal’s health was precarious, and Elizabeth wished to protect her from unnecessary anxiety. She knocked on the library door and entered without waiting for a response.

As she stepped in, she gasped. Lady Kendal was having a cup of tea with Darcy! He immediately rose and bowed.

Lady Kendal smiled at her. “Please come in, my dear. Would you like some coffee or tea? I had a strong coffee earlier as I barely slept last night. I paid an early visit to Mr Darcy, and he was kind enough to accompany me home.”

Elizabeth continued to stare, incredulous. “I was just telling him that I believe he has been away too long in the last year. His friends and family miss him and need him, so we hope he will stay around in the future. Would you not agree?”

“Lady Alveston, would you care to sit?” Darcy asked, appearing as anxious as she was.

“Yes. Thank you,” she said, and he gently took her arm and led her to a chair.

She sat, looking from one to another, while Lady Kendal continued. “I also told him how excellently you have managed our entire business and how useful his advice has been. I know you still read his notes and recommendations often, do you not?”

Again, there was no response, only a puzzled, tearful stare. Then, Elizabeth heard herself say, “I do agree…about Mr Darcy being away. But he should not stay only because his friends need him. He should do whatever his heart chooses.”

She lifted her eyes to meet his. There was no uncertainty in his dark gaze, only a tenderness that warmed her heart.

“For my own, I would never depart again,” Darcy said.

Suddenly, everything else around them disappeared. There were but two hearts, their feelings breaking the barriers to claim their rights.

And then Lady Kendal’s voice interrupted them. “Oh, well...I shall leave you to speak more about this as I am going to check on breakfast. Mr Darcy has been invited to join us.”

She exited without anyone responding. So captured were they by each other, that neither noticed the content smile on the lady’s face.

Alone in the large room, hidden from the curious eyes of the household staff—and with Lady Kendal’s approval—Elizabeth felt overwhelmed by emotions. There were too many words she wanted to express, but she felt so much that she spoke none of them. As certain as she was of their mutual love, she felt uneasy, carrying the weight of the past, fearful to hope for anything yet.

“So, she came to speak to you,” she finally whispered.

“Yes…very early this morning.” He smiled. “Imagine how surprised I was to learn Lady Kendal was at my door at such an hour. She said she finally understood why I had stayed away for so long and that it was enough.”

Elizabeth smiled. “So, she brought you here?”

“She pushed me and hastened me,” he admitted. “I would have come to call on you anyway. I would have found my way towards your heart and back into your life. But I am relieved she understood by herself.”

“I would have told her myself, if there was anything to be revealed.”

“I would have come to speak to you weeks ago if I did not fear I would be imposing my presence on you. Although Lady Kendal’s intentions are generous, all that matters to me are your wishes. I do not want to hurry you.”