As Elizabeth strolled down the garden path, the cool morning dew beckoned her to embrace the serenity of the early hours. The rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds blended together into a beautiful harmony. Yet, even as she walked, Elizabeth's mind would not be still. Memories of the past few days danced before her - some still haunting her with their horror, while others filled her with an effervescent joy.
As she contemplated her return to London, she couldn't help but wonder if she would find the words to convey the many experiences she had to her beloved sister, Jane. Of course, she would have to keep the true circumstances of Lady Catherine's passing to herself.
She knew that her walks with Mr. Darcy and how her opinion of him had transformed would need to be shared. She thought back to those times when her heart had first begun to soften towards him, and the countless conversations they had had, even in his darkest moments. She realised that Mr. Darcy was not the proud and arrogant man she had once believed him to be, but instead, he was kind and considerate. She had come to understand that he was a true gentleman through and through, and as she had observed him interact with others, she had seen his generosity and compassion, and how he truly wanted the best for people. She had also grown to appreciate his sense of humour, which had previously eluded her.
As she walked towards Rosings, Elizabeth was lost in thought, contemplating how much she had misjudged Mr. Darcy and how much she had grown to respect him. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she did not notice Miss Darcy, sitting upon the grass and weeping. Elizabeth was taken aback by the distress she saw in Miss Darcy's eyes. Without hesitation, she rushed over to her and knelt down beside her. She could see the tears welling up in Miss Darcy's eyes, and she put her arm around her shoulder in a gentle embrace. With a soothing voice, Elizabeth asked her softly what was troubling her.
At first, Miss Darcy didn't respond. But after a moment of silence, Elizabeth continued to press her for what was wrong until she finally opened up. She told Elizabeth that she felt guilty for not being there for her aunt during her last moments. Hearing this, Elizabeth encouraged her to share her feelings, assuring her that it was perfectly normal to feel that way. Elizabeth reminded her that she had just learned of her aunt's passing and it was expected that she would feel many emotions during her time of grief.
"But you do not understand!" exclaimed Miss Darcy. "I know what my aunt did, even though no one will tell me directly. I should not be sad that she is gone, for taking one's own life is a terrible sin."
Elizabeth paused for a moment, considering Miss Darcy's words before responding. "Miss Darcy, it is not for us to judge the actions of others. We may not understand what led your aunt to make that choice, but it is not our place to condemn her for it. And it is certainly not a sin to feel sadness at the loss of someone you loved, regardless of their actions."
Miss Darcy looked at Elizabeth with tears in her eyes, grateful for her words of wisdom and comfort. Together, they walked towards Rosings, preparing to face the difficult days ahead. Just as they reached the gates, they were approached by Mr. Darcy. His eyes were fixed on Elizabeth, and there was a question in his gaze that she couldn't quite decipher.
"Miss Elizabeth, I was not expecting to see you here," Darcy said, his tone polite but guarded. Elizabeth could sense a tension in him that she couldn't quite understand.
"Miss Darcy and I crossed paths in the garden," Elizabeth replied, her gaze shifting from Darcy to Georgiana.
"I see," Darcy said, his eyes lingering on Elizabeth for a moment longer before turning to his sister. "Georgiana, how are you feeling?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"I am... managing," Georgiana replied softly.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth added, offering her a pat on her hand.
"I thank you, Miss Elizabeth," said Miss Darcy.
"I thank you as well, Miss Elizabeth, for being of comfort to my sister," said Mr. Darcy.
"It was my pleasure, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth's heart fluttered as she smiled at Mr. Darcy. But something seemed off about his demeanour. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. She decided to let it go for now and focus on the present moment.
"Perhaps we should all go inside and have some tea," he suggested, his tone softening slightly and gesturing towards Rosings.
"That sounds pleasant," she replied.
The three of them walked towards the house, with Elizabeth walking between Darcy and Georgiana. As they entered the house, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the Darcy's and the rest of their family. She knew that Lady Catherine's passing must have been difficult for them, but she also sensed that it was bringing them closer together. While she still felt a bit uncertain about Mr. Darcy's feelings towards her, she was willing to wait and see what would happen. For now, she was content to enjoy the company of her friends. As they walked through the halls of Rosings, they came across Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Tea is already set in the morning room," he said. "My mother sent me to fetch my wayward cousins, but now I see we are to have the delightful company of you, Miss Elizabeth, as well."
"Whether or not my company is delightful is not for me to say, Colonel," said Elizabeth, "but I have been invited to stay for tea, if it is not inconvenient."
"Of course it is not!" the colonel replied, gallantly bowing. "Your company is more than welcome. Allow me to escort you thither." He offered her his arm, and she took it. However, as she looked up at Mr. Darcy, she couldn't help but notice the hint of irritation in his gaze. Could it be that he was jealous? Her mind raced with possibilities as they walked towards the morning room, keeping a close eye on the enigmatic Mr. Darcy.
As they entered the room, Elizabeth saw Lord and Lady Melbridge, as well as Lord Barlow and Mrs. Annesley, already seated. They stood to greet her, and she could feel their eyes on her. Elizabeth smiled politely and greeted the assembled guests before taking her seat. Miss de Bough, Lord Barlow explained, was resting.
"Miss Elizabeth," Lord Melbridge acknowledged with a subtle discomfort in his demeanour, "it's delightful to have you join us for tea."
"Thank you, Lord Melbridge," Elizabeth replied calmly, trying to ignore the tension in the air. She noticed Mr. Darcy's eyes on her, and she could sense his family's curiosity about her. Lady Melbridge, on the other hand, seemed to be genuinely interested in Elizabeth.
"How do you find Rosings, Miss Elizabeth?" Lady Melbridge asked, trying to start a conversation. "It is a beautiful estate," Elizabeth replied, smiling at Lady Melbridge. "And I have enjoyed exploring the surrounding countryside."
Lord Melbridge, who had been listening intently, then asked, "And what of your family, Miss Elizabeth? Are they as accomplished as you are? According to what I have heard from my son and nephew, you are quite the paragon."
Elizabeth felt a pang of annoyance at the condescending tone in his voice, but she maintained her composure. "My sisters and I each have our own unique talents." Lord Melbridge's dissatisfaction with her vague answer was clear.
"Do you paint, Miss Elizabeth," he then asked. "I do not, my lord," Elizabeth replied politely. "But my sister Jane is quite talented in that regard."
Lord Melbridge nodded, seeming slightly pleased with this answer. "And what of your younger sisters? What are their prospects?"
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, not wanting to divulge too much personal information. "They are all currently unmarried," she finally said, hoping that would suffice.
Lord Melbridge raised an eyebrow. "And their dowries?"
Elizabeth's annoyance grew at this line of questioning. "I'm afraid that is not something I feel comfortable discussing, my lord," she said firmly.
"Father," said Lord Barlow, "I heard yesterday that Lord Forsby and Miss Baker are betrothed."
Lord Melbridge dismissed his son's attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere and inquired of Miss Elizabeth, "Have you had dance masters, Miss Elizabeth? Are you acquainted with the most current styles of dance popular in London's ballrooms?"
Elizabeth held back a sigh and forced a polite smile onto her face. "Yes, my lord. My sisters and I have had many dance masters over the years and are quite proficient, although whether the dances we have learned are what is popular among the ton, I cannot say. I have never attended a London ball."
Lord Melbridge raised his eyebrows. "Never attended a London ball? I see." Lord Melbridge nodded thoughtfully before sipping his tea.
He then continued with a series of questions about her family's wealth and prospects, which Elizabeth found intrusive and uncomfortable to answer. She deftly avoided any direct answers, and instead steered the conversation towards more pleasant topics, such as her recent travels and her love for literature. When they had finished tea, Mr. Darcy and his sister, Miss Darcy, cordially offered to escort Elizabeth back to the parsonage.
When they were well away from Rosings, Mr. Darcy sighed and said, "I must apologise for my family, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled warmly and replied, "There is no need for apology, Mr. Darcy. I understand that your family is only looking out for your best interests."
Miss Darcy, who had been walking silently beside them, suddenly spoke up. "I hope you do not think ill of us, Miss Elizabeth," she said softly. "They have heard very much about you and are curious. I fear it might be my fault, Miss Elizabeth, that you were asked so many questions today. My aunt sought my opinion of you, and I mentioned that my brother had written extensively about you, which may have sparked further interest."
Elizabeth tried not to show her embarrassment or wonder about what Mr. Darcy might have written about her. "Do not fret, Miss Darcy. I am glad to have been able to meet your family today and answer some of their questions. They are all very kind, and I enjoyed their company."
Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth with admiration, grateful for her understanding and poise in handling his family's questioning.
"Brother," Miss Darcy inquired, "May I have your permission to return to the gardens? I seem to have misplaced one of my gloves."
Mr. Darcy assented, promising his sister that he would join her shortly, as he intended to make his way back to Rosings.
When the remaining couple reached the parsonage, he took her hand and said, "Thank you for being so patient with my family today, Elizabeth. I hope their questions did not make you uncomfortable."
She felt her cheeks flush with warmth, and her heart fluttered in her chest. His gentle eyes held her attention, mesmerising her.
He stepped closer to her and gently took her hands in his. "Elizabeth, I am truly sorry. Please know that the questions they asked do not reflect my own feelings towards you. I am very fond of you, and I hope that you can forgive me," he said softly.
Elizabeth felt her heart beating faster, and she was unable to look away from his gaze. She was filled with an intense emotion that she had never experienced before.
Then Mrs. Collins opened the door. Elizabeth quickly withdrew her hands from Mr. Darcy's, feeling embarrassed that they had been caught in such a private moment. Mrs. Collins greeted them all warmly and invited them all inside. Mr. Darcy reluctantly declined, stating that they had other engagements to attend to.
As they bid their goodbyes, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a sense of longing and sadness. She wanted to spend more time with Mr. Darcy, to get to know him better and understand his complex personality. She knew that there was something special about him, something that drew her to him like a magnet. But she also knew that their social status and his family's expectations were major hurdles that they would have to overcome if they ever wished to be together.
"Well!" said Mrs. Collins, when they were alone. "You looked cosy. Am I to wish you joy?"
Elizabeth blushed. "How can you think such a thing? He is in mourning for his aunt. There has not yet even been a funeral!"
Mrs. Collins laughed, "My dear, I know that. But the scene I saw was quite... telling. You two are clearly smitten with each other."
Elizabeth couldn't deny it. She had been drawn to Mr. Darcy from the moment she met him, despite her initial prejudice against him. And now, after spending more time with him and getting to know him better, she found herself falling in love with him. But she could not let herself get carried away. She knew that Mr. Darcy's family might not approve of their match, and she also had her own reservations about marrying someone of such high status. Her family and friends would not understand, and society would surely judge her harshly. And yet, she couldn't help but hope that somehow, they could find a way to be together. She sighed, lost in thought, as Mrs. Collins watched her with amusement.
"What are you thinking of?" asked her friend.
"I am thinking about the obstacles we will need to overcome if we are to be together," Elizabeth replied. "There are so many factors to consider, and I do not want to bring any shame or dishonour to Mr. Darcy or his family."
Mrs. Collins nodded sympathetically. "I understand your concerns, my dear. But it might be worth the risk. He is an excellent match for you, and you seem to have affection for each other. You cannot say no if he asks you."
Elizabeth smiled at her friend's words, feeling grateful for her support and understanding. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest, wondering what the future might hold for her and the man she loved.
