Returning to Rosings, Mr. Darcy found only the housekeeper had remained behind. It was as it should be, but he would have preferred to have more help to care for Elizabeth. The housekeeper followed him to a guest chamber and watched as he gently placed Elizabeth on the bed, taking the time to brush the few curls that had escaped her coiffure out of her face. He chuckled lightly as one curl bounced back over her eyes before he attempted to remove it again.
"Does my hair amuse you, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked as she watched his delighted mien.
Coughing in embarrassment at being found out, Mr. Darcy stood up slowly and attempted nonchalance as he continued to watch Elizabeth. The housekeeper broke into his reverie by coming to the other side of Elizabeth and asking Mr. Darcy to leave, stating that this was highly improper.
"Oh, it cannot be improper," Elizabeth smiled slightly, "for Mr. Darcy would never do anything improperly." Glancing at the housekeeper, Elizabeth attempted to be serious. She turned to Mr. Darcy with a smile. "Mr. Darcy, thank you for bringing me to safety. I shall be well after I rest. I assume the doctor has been summoned, so you can trust that I am in safe hands here. Perhaps you could find out how Mr. and Mrs. Collins are faring. I was the only person in the house when I fell asleep. Mrs. Collins and Miss Lucas had visited some parishioners in need."
Mr. Darcy nodded and agreed to his task. "It might be some time before I return. I should be helping the efforts to stop the fire." Before he could say more, and fearing he might say far more than he ought, he departed. His heart ached as he walked away from her, despite knowing it was precisely what he should do.
The parsonage did not survive the flames. The fire had grown from the kitchen with no one to stop it for too long. Elizabeth had been too far away to be awakened by the flames until it was too late. She was lucky to have survived.
Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were among the last to leave. As representatives of Lady Catherine, they wished to ensure everything was seen to and no serious injuries were sustained. Exhausted, they returned to Rosings on foot. Covered in soot, they entered the side door and crept up the servants' stairs to their rooms. Their valets were prepared as they had returned earlier.
An hour later, they were presented in the drawing room impeccably attired, so long as no one took notice of how tired they were.
Thankfully, they were saved from conversation as Mr. Collins spoke with Lady Catherine about how grateful he was to have been given a place to stay at Rosings. He would certainly not soon forget how gracious her condescension had proven to be.
Unable to withstand such platitudes, Mr. Darcy moved to Elizabeth's side and took his seat. "As you probably have already heard, there were no injuries from the fire. You were the only one in the house."
"And if I had woken earlier, I might have been able to…"
Mr. Darcy cut her off, unable to hear her scold herself. "It does no good to discuss might haves unless you intend to use the knowledge you gain to improve yourself. You did not wake sooner, and that is all that can be said. Everyone is safe. The parsonage will be rebuilt. Your cousin seems… happy with his current circumstances."
Elizabeth chuckled lightly as she glanced over at Mr. Collins whose eyes were wide as saucers as he continued to explain how grateful he felt. Her laughter died as she thought of her friend. "Charlotte is less than pleased to have lost all her possessions, and a place of her own, even if the loss is temporary."
Mr. Darcy bowed in defeat of the point, but he could not let her continue to think negatively. "Possessions can be replaced, and they shall be."
"Yes, of course. Forgive me for lamenting at the loss. I am relieved no one was hurt."
Mr. Darcy watched her carefully before asking, "How are you feeling?"
Elizabeth smiled slightly. "I shall be fine. My head aches, but the doctor does not believe there will be any lasting damage." She blushed before adding quietly, "I hope you can forgive any nonsense I may have said after I woke. The housekeeper suggested I may have behaved a little silly."
"There is nothing to forgive. You were… universally charming."
Elizabeth laughed lightly, "Mr. Darcy, you will make me think you hit your head today, giving such pleasant compliments. We all know your view of my person."
Mr. Darcy stammered as he responded that he might be a little tired. He was confused by her statement, but he did not have the mental capacity to understand her words or contemplate their meaning. Instead, he watched her interact with Miss Lucas until dinner was announced.
At dinner, Mr. Darcy enjoyed sitting beside Elizabeth as he ate quietly. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Collins dominated the conversation. Perhaps it is better to say Mr. Collins dominated the conversation while Colonel Fitzwilliam kept trying to turn the conversation to include others.
The rest of the parsonage's former inhabitants were quiet, a more predictable response from having lost everything. Lady Catherine urged everyone to retire early, stating that the day had been entirely too exhausting for a long evening. Mr. Darcy fell asleep that evening counting how many doors were between him and Elizabeth.
AN: Thanks for reading!