The sound of rain pattering against the window awoke Lizzy from her calming sleep. For a moment, she did not know what day it was. However, as memories of yesterday flooded her mind, a smile played on her lips. Today, Mr. Darcy and herself would be taking a trip to town.
Most women wouldn't see a simple trip to town as something exciting. Elizabeth Darcy was not most women. The anticipation alone could have roused her completely from her morning fatigue. For five days, she would have her husband all to herself. Well, almost all to herself. Of course, he would need to spend time taking care of the business this trip required, but all his time would not be so occupied. Rolling over slowly, she took in the sight of her sleeping husband.
Though Mr. Darcy oftentimes looked perfectly miserable while awake, he looked perfectly lovely sleeping. His facial features were softened to that of a young child, and his expression always gave way to what he was dreaming about. As Lizzy looked on, another smile formed on her lips. Mr. Darcy must be dreaming of something positively wonderful.
Without warning, Mr. Darcy's eyes fluttered open. He looked as uncertain of what day it was as she had. However, when his eyes caught her's, he smiled softly.
"Good morning, Mrs. Darcy," He said softly.
The sound of that name made her heart skip a beat. "Good morning, Mr. Darcy. How was your sleep?"
He sighed, stretching his arms out above his head. "Fine, and yours?"
"Fine."
Looking over at her, he smiled again. "You do not hide your excitement well, you know."
Lizzy laughed softly, sitting up so her head rested against the bed post. "I would be more so, if the rain would let up."
"It should ease up by the time we leave, which by the way, is in two hours."
She nodded, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. Stretching slightly, she rose and walked over to the window, pulling the curtain back slightly to see the view better. A frown began to form on her face. The clouds outside were black and ominous looking. Whatever fair weather Mr. Darcy believed was coming, he was certainly mistaken. This storm looked as if it would stay for a week, maybe two.
Lizzy turned to say something to Mr. Darcy, but to her surprise, he was no longer lying in bed. Looking around the room, she found no trace of him. The frown on her face deepened, and a bit of anger rose within her heart. Sometimes that man infuriated her. One moment he was sweet, another he was the same old indifferent Darcy.
Coming back around to her side of the bed, she sat down. Thoughts of the trip began to appear within her mind once more, but with a different tone to them. The moment her eyes opened to the morning, Lizzy was certain this trip would be just what Mr. Darcy and her needed to make a change. It would be as if they were engaged again, with all the sweetness and light of new love. Now, as she ran her hands along the edge of the bed, Lizzy Darcy was certain of one thing only. She would do all she could to seek the truth from Mr. Darcy, and figure out why he had fallen into his pattern of indifference once again. She loved him too much to sit idly by, while doubts of his love for her grew. No, she was much more determined than that.
"Charles, we should go downstairs quickly. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy will be leaving any minute now."
Charles looked up from the book he was reading, and smiled. "Let me just finish this page, and I'll accompany you."
Jane sighed softly as she watched her husband slowly turn the page of the novel he was reading. Memories from what seemed like ages ago flooded her mind. She remembered the dance where Mr. Bingley had tripped over his words, trying to convince her he was perfectly able to read. A small smirk formed on her face. She should have known in that moment, as his eyes searched hers, that his heart would be hers forever. Oh! How uncertain she had been of his affection toward her.
Walking behind him, she slowly wrapped her arms around his shoulders, nuzzling her face into his neck. He squirmed slightly before letting a laugh escape his lips.
"It will take me longer to finish with you distracting me like that," He said playfully.
"What do you mean?" She asked innocently. "You can't concentrate when I do this." She tickled his neck once again, as she nuzzled her face against him.
Another laugh, louder this time, echoed from Charles. Turning around, he surprised Jane by pulling her toward him, capturing her lips with his. They stayed like that for a moment, before he pulled away from her. The excitement in her eyes made his heart sing.
"Who can't concentrate now?"
"Come on," She said laughing and walking around the chair to take his hand. "We must see the happy couple off."
Mr. Darcy watched from the entrance to the carriage, as Lizzy hugged her sister and mother goodbye. He knew, despite her abounding excitement for this trip, her joy was clouded. She would miss Jane greatly, that much was certain. She would even miss her mother. However, part of him did not mind whisking his bride away from Pemberly. It would give him a chance to be alone with her, and to straighten out what he knew was on her mind. Oh, Lizzy thought he had no idea what was going through her mind. On the contrary, Mr. Darcy was more aware of it than she could even fathom.
The question she posed to him all those days ago still rang in his ears, as if the words were freshly spoken. Do you really love me? Up until that point, Mr. Darcy would have bet his entire life on the belief that Lizzy knew the depth of his love for her. How could she not? Thoughts of their courtship – if you could call it that – floated through his memory. Everything that could prove his love for her was done. And when she – much to his delighted surprise – accepted his second offer of marriage, Mr. Darcy assumed the heavy labor was over. Their love for each other was proven; now all that needed to be done was to reap the harvest of it. Apparently, he was mistaken.
"Mr. Darcy?"
He looked up to see Charles standing before him. "Yes?"
"Where was your mind running off to? I have been standing her for almost two minutes, trying to get your attention. Am I to expect this distance every time I want to speak with you?"
Regret filled his heart. "Forgive me, Charles; I have not been myself lately. Is Lizzy ready?"
He nodded, turning toward his wife and sister-in-law who were now beside him. "It would seem so."
"Shall we go?" Lizzy said, looking at Mr. Darcy with expectation.
He nodded and held out his hand, helping her gently into the carriage. A small smile formed on his face as he felt Lizzy squeeze his hand before letting go. Mr. Darcy bid farewell to his friends and family, and stepped into the carriage himself. Looking up, he smiled softly at his wife, whose eyes were dancing with excitement. Reaching out his hand, he took hers and entwined their fingers together. Whatever doubt Lizzy had in her mind of his love for her would be dealt with immediately. The primary reason for this trip may have been for business, but Mr. Darcy decided in that moment to change his focus. Yes, he would complete whatever business he needed to complete. More importantly though, he would do all in his power to make this trip a milestone in their marriage. Doubt would be replaced with absolute certainty, as Mr. Darcy did everything in his power to win Lizzy's heart.
Again.
