Chapter 1
Elizabeth was happy to be in London, but eager to return home to Hertfordshire at the end of the week. She needed time to herself to wander the wilderness and put her thoughts in order after the events in Kent. Mr. Darcy of all people had proposed to her! She still wasn't certain if she was more shocked that the haughty arrogant man she believed distained her had proposed or that he had done it in such an offensive manner. She had unleashed her months of ire at him, endeavoring to hurt and offend him as much as he had done to her. Too late she realized she had allowed her anger to get the better of her and she had overshot her mark. Mr. Darcy had looked more pained than she had ever seen anyone in her life. The man she thought was eaten up with pride had seemed small and broken as he hung his head and retreated from the parsonage.
Elizabeth shook her head, determined to set aside the turmoil of her confusing thoughts and guilt. She and Jane were in the Gardiner's carriage, taking their cousins to Gunter's for ices. Her cousins' young faces beamed with excitement as they approached Berkeley Square. She laughed watching them struggle to restrain themselves from running after they had descended from the carriage in front of the tea house. As they approached the entrance, someone ran into her, almost knocking her to the ground.
After catching her balance, Elizabeth looked up to see a girl who appeared to be near her youngest sister Lydia's age. The poor dear's face was wet with still flowing tears. Her hair was wild, having come loose from its pins, as she had obviously been running from something. Despite her disarray, she appeared to be a young gentlewoman by the quality of her gown. The girl was trembling in fear, so Elizabeth took her into her arms.
At first the girl became stiff, as if the hug frightened her further, but after a minute she clung to Elizabeth as if her life depended on it. Elizabeth looked wide eyed at Jane, unsure of what to do with the girl clutching her as she sobbed. After a moment, Elizabeth overcame her shock, and made every effort to comfort her. She rubbed the girl's back soothingly, and softly whispered words of reassurance. Despite her best efforts, the girl continued to sob while holding onto her tightly.
A few minutes later, a footman appeared. He breathed a sigh of relief upon having discovered the girl. He turned to signal a carriage, which was soon stopped before them. "Are you alright Miss?" asked the troubled footman. The girl didn't respond as she continued crying. Realizing the girl was incapable of answering for herself, Elizabeth asked the footman if her home was nearby. After being assured it was, she decided to escort the girl, who still hadn't released her grip, home. She felt sorry for abandoning her cousins, but knew they would be diverted by the visit to Gunters and well cared for by Jane.
Elizabeth's supposition that the crying girl was a young gentlewoman was proven correct when the carriage stopped in front of a large, elegant home in Grosvenor Square. The girl still hadn't released her or regained her composure, so Elizabeth had no choice but to escort the poor child inside.
Upon entering the stately home, the housekeeper rushed forward asking, "Miss Darcy, are you well?" Elizabeth stared at her in shock. Did she say Miss Darcy? DARCY!