Page 111 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

“Yes, very well.” She blushed.

“We have excellent news: the master returned last night!” Janey continued while helping her dress.

“That is excellent news, indeed,” Elizabeth admitted as Janey began to arrange her hair. “Is anyone downstairs yet?”

“Only the master. He is already in the library.”

“Very well.”

“May I bring you something to drink? Or eat?”

“No, thank you. I shall go to greet Mr Darcy,” she said with another blush.

“Do you know the way to the library, miss?”

“Not yet. I would appreciate your being so kind as to guide me.”

She followed the maid, her heart beating faster with each step. She was so nervous and eager to see him again that she barely looked at anything around her. Finally, Janey stopped in front of a heavy, elegant, wooden door and excused herself.

Elizabeth hesitated a moment then knocked. His beloved voice invited her in, and she stepped in hesitantly.

The first impression was stunning; the room was like Pemberley itself—perfect in its elegance with a manly scent and rich volumes lining every wall.

Darcy was sitting in front of the window at a large, dark desk. At her entrance, he rose to welcome her with a wide smile brightening his face.

“Good morning, my love! I selfishly hoped you would wake up early as I already missed you.”

“Good morning, my love,” she repeated while he held her arm and guided her to the settee.

“Would you like a cup of tea or coffee? I just ordered some.”

“Tea will be fine.”

He poured her a cup whilst she watched his every move. She took the tea, sipping a little, and it was his turn to gaze at her.

“I still cannot believe all this is true,” he confessed lightly, and she nodded in amusement.

“Neither can I. I woke up thinking I had dreamed it all. Luckily, I saw my shoes.”

He laughed. “Very thoughtful of me to retrieve them.”

Slowly, they grew easier with each other, and after the second cup of tea, they began making plans for the day. He started by writing the all-important letter to Mr Bennet under Elizabeth’s amused supervision.

As they sat side by side, the door opened, allowing Georgiana and Anne to enter. They stopped, obviously surprised.

“Forgive me, brother. I was told you were waiting for us in the library, and we were eager to greet you. Good morning, Miss Bennet.”

Darcy went to them. “Good morning; please take a seat.”

“Good morning, Miss Darcy, Miss de Bourgh,” Elizabeth responded. “Mr Darcy, I shall return to my room; I shall see you again at breakfast.”

“No. Miss Bennet, please stay.”

Elizabeth hesitated, then reluctantly accepted and resumed her place. She was nervous as she understood what was about to happen.

“I am so happy to see you. How was your journey, brother?”

“Long and difficult. But I am glad to be home.”