She was not in her bed as he expected but at the desk. It was morning and the light was beginning to trickle over the windowsill and through the curtains as his tall frame entered the cozy hermitage. Her form was curled around a small letter shaped object, the candle had burnt itself out and her hair lay over her back and shoulders. He assessed her features and was sure that there was a sadness he had not seen in them in wakefulness, and most certainly not in sleep. Steps even and quiet he approached her, squatting so he was level with her precious face. He called her name gently and though she stirred the expression was not then turned to one of ease but of increased depression. Her hand moved to cover the letter protectively. Worried, he stroked her shoulders to wake her but she flinched and froze, eyes tightly shut.
"Dearest Lizzy, please wake." Her eyes snapped open and caught his. The shock of seeing him so early and at Longbourn at all made a reply impossible, but she sat up and her hands settled in her lap, the letter underneath them. An open draw was within convenient distance but Elizabeth knew that an action such as slipping the document into confinement would cause suspicion with her husband and when his curiosity was aroused he did not stop until they matter was unearthed.
"You came." She said after a considerable pause.
"How could I not when there was such at stake? Your father has always been the dearest parent to you and as we have not spoken in civil terms for far too long…" her smile was wry and it caused him to smile too.
"I was less than kind to you, I am very glad you are here." Her tone was slightly cold but Mr Darcy persevered regardless. It had been three days since he had left Pemberly and he was most anxious to restore the good opinion of his beloved wife.
"Did you really think I would not be with you when you need me most, dearest?" The laugh was short and something in it was concerning. Concealing a frown he awaited her reply.
"In truth I had thought you would not trouble yourself. I had not expected to see you so soon at least."
Darcy was now able to frown freely and did so, the expression on his face caused the corners of Elizabeth's lips to curve ever so slightly in reply. A knock sounded at the door and her hands suddenly went to her face.
"I am not half dressed." Taking a breath she called, "I shall have to beg you await me in the house, I will be there shortly." Footsteps sounded on the path and she hurried to the closet where her clothes were kept. The letter fell to the ground as she moved and Darcy retrieved it, noticing that it was addressed to him and sealed with the ring he had given his wife when she had desired to borrow his once too often to write to Jane. Her ring stayed on a long chain around her neck as the seal looked large and out of place on her delicate yet strong hands. He toyed with the idea of opening and reading the letter but decided that if his wife had wanted him to have it then she would give him permission to open it. She could not choose a dress and stood with her hands on her hips.
"The white dress with the blue top you had before is very becoming on you." He supplied and was amused to note the shy dip in her head and the colour that stained her cheeks as she turned to him.
"I must beg you to excuse me while I dress…"
"Nonsense, there is no maid to aid you and I am sure it cannot be difficult to take a maids' place. I shall be honoured if you allow me to assist you." He was so sincere she could not help but smile and agreed on the condition that there be no delay as there was someone waiting for her at the house. Smiling the tall Mr Darcy agreed and before long his wife was dressed and her hair neatly tucked into a bun, her faced framed, as it had been when Darcy had first seen her, with gentle ringlets. He was awed again by the genteel beauty he had wed with eyes that betrayed her inner thoughts and amusements. She turned to him and raised an eyebrow delicately.
"Are you not coming?" Her hand was on the door handle and he joined her, offering his arm which was accepted softly. Together they walked to meet the mysterious visitor who had knocked on the hermitage door.