Wind whistled through the trees as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth made their trek away from Pemberly. There were many paths to walk around the estate, and Lizzie was fond of all of them. However, there were two in particular that caught her fancy, and though she never mentioned either of them to Mr. Darcy, he led her toward her absolute favorite. A small smile formed on her face and she relaxed a bit, feeling this walk would yield the answers she desired.
"What is on your mind?"
Lizzie looked up, startled by Darcy's voice. "Whatever do you mean?"
A smirk formed on his face. "I know you well enough, Lizzie, to know when something is on your mind. You have a certain air about you, when something is troubling you."
She frowned at his deduction of her character. "You believe to know me so well, do you?"
He said nothing, but gave a small nod. This answer only added fuel to the fire of her uncertainty of his true heart. While she had difficultly peeling back the layers of his character, he seemed to be able to read her like a book. A thick silence fell between them, chasing the contentment away she had once felt. Mr. Darcy did not seem to be effected by this silence. After a few moments, Lizzie stopped their walk promptly and turned to look at him.
"What is it?" He asked, concern touching his voice.
"You puzzle me, Mr. Darcy. You puzzle me more exceedingly now than before we were married."
He looked at her in confusion, but again said nothing.
She sighed, trying to keep her temper. "May I ask you a question?"
He nodded, remaining silent.
"Do you really love me?" Her words came out sharper than she intended them to. Regret clouded her heart as she realized how unloving the question sounded. Of course he loved her, that much was true. No one in their right mind would marry her for anything less than love. Lizzie was an odd brand of woman for her time. With a quick tongue and an even quicker mind, it would take a special kind of man to be her husband.
"Forgive me for my frankness," He said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "What type of question is that? Of course I love you."
She smiled at the emotion in his voice. Now they were getting somewhere. "Forgive me, for such a silly question. I know you love me, Fitzwilliam; of course I know. It's just..."
Before Lizzie could continue, the sound of carriage wheels coming up the lane interrupted them. She could see Mr. Darcy wanted her to continue with her statement. However, her train of thought was broken, and continuing now would only result in unjust words. Looking toward the carriage, joy filled her heart as she realized who it was.
It was her sister; Jane Bingley.
The carriage came to a stop beside them, revealing a smiling Charles and a radiant Jane. It had been two weeks since their last visit to Pemberly. In that time, they had been visiting various friends and family in London. The excitement of the trip still glowed from Jane's features as she stepped out of the carriage, grinning from ear to ear.
"Lizzie," She said, giving her a warm hug. "We were going to surprise you with our visit, but it seems our surprise has been spoiled."
"Not at all," Lizzie responded. "I am just as surprised here as I would have been in the house. We are delighted to see both of you."
"We are delighted to be here," Charles said, laughing at Lizzie's apparent excitement, before turning to Mr. Darcy. "How are you, Darcy?"
Mr. Darcy nodded. "I am well, thank you. How was your trip to London?"
"It was wonderful!" Jane said softly, answering for her husband. "We had a lovely time. I look forward to returning soon."
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley walked away from the sisters, leaving them to discuss whatever private affairs they desired. The sisters moved in the opposite direction, toward the end of the large lake that sat in front of the estate. Their walk was taken in silence until they reached the end of the lake. It was Jane who broke the silence.
"Lizzie, there is something I must tell you."
Concern colored her face. "What is it? Is something the matter?"
Jane laughed, smiling softly. "Oh, of course not! On the contrary, something is wonderful."
"Well, do not leave me to dwell in suspense. What is it?"
"Before I reveal my secret, I must ask you yours."
Lizzie looked at her sister, puzzled by her expression. "There is no secret I have kept from you."
"I believe there is. However, if you wish not to speak of it, I will submit to your wishes. It is just...as Charles and I were coming up the lane, it looked like Mr. Darcy and yourself were having quite the conversation."
She blushed, realizing now what Jane was speaking of. "Oh, yes; you will forgive me, as I must retract my last statement. I do have a secret which I have kept from you. However, I will not speak it to you now. In this moment, I wish to here your secret."
Jane laughed softly and paused a moment. "I suspected it to be true for about a week, but my suspicions were not confirmed until I saw the doctor yesterday."
Her eyes widened, and a smile spread across her face as she realized the news. "You are not?!"
She nodded. "Yes, it is true. I am expecting a child."
