Chapter 3: Of Broad Shoulders and Heavy Loads

The Darcy carriage was waiting for the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth at seven sharp. With such a good carriage, it would take a bit under half an hour at a calm pace to get to Pemberley. The Gardiners had been very impressed at this gallant gesture. The couple shared a knowing look. They knew he didn't send the carriage for them. Lizzie was being sly, but she was very affected by the gentleman. They were helped up, and the footman handed them all thick travel blankets for the cold northern morning. Lizzie marveled at the material. It was so soft, and she warmed up quickly. The carriage was the most comfortable she had ever been in. The ride was pleasant and silent.

Mr. Gardiner descended the carriage first so she could help his wife out. Lizzie put her hand out, expecting her uncle's gloved hand, but found Mr. Darcy's warm, naked hand waiting for hers instead. He helped her down and bowed to her.

"Miss Elizabeth, welcome to Pemberly," Mr. Darcy smiled.

Elizabeth always thought novels were ridiculous when describing people's reactions, but she could have swooned. He had the best smile and beautiful dimples. "Mr. Darcy, thank you so much for your kind invitation. My uncle Edward Gardiner and his wife, my lovely aunt, Madeline Gardiner."

"It is a pleasure, sir, madam. Welcome to Pemberley," He approached the stairs and helped his sister down, "My sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy."

"Miss Elizabeth," the girl smiled brightly as she curtsied. "I have heard so much about you that I feel as if we're friends already."

Elizabeth smiled shyly. Whatever she heard couldn't have been good, could it? "I am honored to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy, and I hope to earn such a distinction."

Mr. Darcy blushed slightly, "Please come in. It's a very cold morning."

The spread that was laid before them for breakfast was a feast worthy of royalty. There were fruits, fresh breads and pastries, ham, bacon, scrambled eggs, scones, clotted cream, marmalade, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Lizzie immediately went for the hot chocolate as Georgiana recommended. It was heavenly. She made herself a plate and waited to be told where to sit. Miss Darcy walked her to her seat right next to her brother. Georgiana sat on her brother's other side. The Gardiners sat in front of each other and across from the rest of the party. They had a pleasant conversation and ate their fill.

"How are the baby and the mother, Mr. Darcy?"

"Much better. Now that they are warm and well looked after, they should recover soon."

"Is she a tenant?"

"Her father was," Mr. Darcy replied but said no more and looked very uncomfortable.

"Pardon me. I didn't mean to pry."

"It's not my secret to share, Miss Elizabeth."

"I understand. Is it a boy or a girl?"

"A beautiful, healthy girl."

After breakfast, they moved to the music room. Lizzie noticed that it was clearly Miss Darcy's favorite room, as all the décor looked like she had chosen it. Soft daylight came through the large windows, making everything look fresh and young.

Elizabeth smiled, "What a beautiful pianoforte."

"My brother gave it to me. He shouldn't have, though," Miss Darcy looked down.

Mr. Darcy countered, "Yes, I should have."

Miss Darcy shrugged and smiled, "Oh, very well, then."

"Easily persuaded, is she not?" he smiled indulgently.

Lizzie's stomach did somersaults, and she couldn't help but smile back and turned to the girl, "Your unfortunate brother once had to put up with my playing for a whole evening."

Georgiana's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "But he says you play so well."

Elizabeth chuckled, "Then he has perjured himself most profoundly."

"No, I said you play quite well," Mr. Darcy corrected with a slight blush.

Elizabeth smiled teasingly at him, "Quite well is not very well. I am satisfied."

The Gardiners looked suspicious at their niece's behavior. Georgiana smiled and looked at her brother, who looked so clearly in love that she was sure this plot would be much easier than she initially thought, "Miss Elizabeth, do you play duets?"

Elizabeth grimaced a bit, "Only when forced."

"Brother, you must force her," Gigi smiled.

"Perhaps the music selection might tempt her," Mr. Darcy said diplomatically, walking over to the music sheet box and opening it. Lizzie and Gigi joined him and began rifling through it.

"That is quite a selection, Mr. Darcy," Madeline smiled.

"My sister loves playing the pianoforte, and I admit I may indulge her too much."

"There is no such thing as too much indulgence when the recipient is deserving of it," Mr. Gardiner smiled.

"True. Mr. Gardiner, perhaps we can fish in the morning instead. Sometimes, the weather takes a turn in the afternoon."

"I am at your disposal, sir."

"Mrs. Gardiner, please make yourself at home. If you need any assistance, you need only tell a footman or a maid... Sir, please follow me."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," Madeline sat down on the plush furnishing and saw an incomplete embroidery. She started to fix it while her niece and Miss Darcy found a sheet that they could both play.

While the men were filling buckets with fish after fish, Elizabeth started to feel as if she had known Georgiana for a long time. The girl was so genuine and transparent. She was energetic and got excited about the smallest things. Lizzie realized perhaps this is what Lydia and Kitty could be like if they had been raised properly. They would be delightful yet proper girls who no one could find fault in.

"Mrs. Gardiner?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Where do you and your husband live?"

"I grew up in Lambton, but I live in London now. My husband's business requires our presence in town. While London is very diverting, I do prefer the countryside. There is nothing better than being in nature," she smiled.

"Oh… My mother grew up in Lambton… Not that I know much else about her. I know I look like her and that she and my father were very much in love... I would have liked to get to know her better," Georgiana looked down. "My memories of her are fuzzy and sometimes I don't know what's my own memory and what's a story someone told me that I appropriated."

"We are sorry for your loss, Miss Darcy. We did see a painting of the late Mr. and Mrs. Darcy in the gallery. You are just as beautiful as she was."

"I am sure she would be proud of the young woman you are becoming, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth offered encouragingly. Her stomach dropped when Miss Darcy's face twisted into one of shame and sadness, and she burst into tears.

"P-Pardon me," Georgiana said and ran out of the room.

Lizzie shared a look with her aunt, who nodded. She went after the young girl. Fortunately, no footman or maid stopped her. Georgiana threw her bedroom door closed and almost hit Lizzie's face. Lizzie took a deep breath and knocked, "Miss Darcy? Please, I didn't mean to offend you."

After a long silent pause, she said, "C-Come in."

Elizabeth closed the door behind her and went to Georgiana's side, "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"It's just… I… I know she w-wouldn't be."

"What?"

"She w-w-wouldn't be proud of m-me."

"Of course, she would," Elizabeth squeezed the girl's cold, shaky hand.

"No… You don't understand… I almost ruined my family. If it wasn't for William… I… Oh God. I am the worst," Georgiana threw herself down and hugged a pillow to her face.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Miss Darcy, almost doesn't count… Not really."

"You don't know what I did…"

Lizzie felt horrible. She did know, but she felt it would be worse if Georgiana knew that, and heaven forbid she caused a rift between brother and sister, "You don't have to tell me, dear."

"I… I want to. I know that… you… that my brother didn't make a g-good impression on you at first, and that is e-e-entirely my fault..."

"Please, Miss Darcy. Don't trouble yourself. It's all in the past."

"I want to t-t-tell you. You have been so nice to m-me."

"If you are sure…"

The door swung open, and Mr. Darcy rushed in. He paled when he saw her red eyes and splotchy face, and he was even more scared when he saw Miss Elizabeth sitting with her, holding her hand.

"Dearest! What happened? Are you unwell?"

In a few strides, he reached the other side of his sister's bed, and she immediately held onto him tightly. "I'm s-s-sorry!"

"What? I… Why? What happened?"

"Mr. Darcy, perhaps I should go. She needs you more," Miss Elizabeth began.

"NO!" Georgiana turned to her. "Please, don't leave! I don't want to ruin this too."

"Too?" Mr. Darcy blinked, "What is going on here, Gigi?"

"Please, brother… G-Go. I need to talk to her a-alone."

Mr. Darcy's eyes widened. Gigi had never dismissed him like this. "Are you sure, dearest?"

"Yes. P-Please go."

Mr. Darcy shared a look with Elizabeth, who nodded with a small smile. "I will be outside if you need me."

The teary-eyed Elizabeth that came out of Gigi's room was a different person. She left her new friend in the room so she could wash her face and change for dinner as it was quickly growing dark. She was shocked to find Mr. Darcy sitting on the floor, his hair messy and his tie skewed. His back was resting against the door across the hall from his sister's door. Any servants appeared to have been dismissed.

"How is she?" he scrambled to stand up.

"Better, I think. She's changing and washing her face for dinner."

"May I ask-?"

"Is that a bedroom?" she pointed behind him.

"Um… No, it's a study," his voice trailed off as Lizzie opened the door behind him and pushed him in. "Miss Elizabeth? I… What?"

Lizzie looked doubtful for a moment but launched herself to him and held onto his neck tightly. It was awkward for a second, but his arms wrapped around her almost immediately. "You wonderful, wonderful man!"

Mr. Darcy blinked, trying not to move in any way that would make her let go, "I… Sorry… What?"

She let go of his neck, but her hands stayed flat over his chest, "I hope you can forgive me for all the horrible things I have said to you. I have misjudged you our whole acquaintance! I hope we can part… as friends… or as amicable acquaintances at least."

"I don't understand," he blinked slowly. His arms were still wrapped around her waist, and she wished he wouldn't let go.

Her right hand cupped his jaw, and he couldn't help but lean into her soft touch, "Your sister… She told me everything."

"Everything? What do you mean? Why was she crying?"

"We were conversing. I told her that her mother would be proud of her, and she started crying and ran out."

"Oh…" he sighed. He would have stepped away. However, having her in his arms felt so right, and if he never got to do it again... He wouldn't be the first to let go.

"She wanted to tell me her side of the story with Mr. Wickham… I am so embarrassed, sir," she stepped back and lowered her hands to fidget with the ends of her shawl. He had to let go, much to his heart's protest to the contrary. "You didn't want to be rude. You had just been through a horrible experience, and I… I judged you horribly… I had no right."

"Miss Elizabeth, please don't make excuses for me. I had no right to be so abominably rude. No one in your hometown was anything other than curious, welcoming, and friendly until I made them dislike me with my aloofness."

"You had just been through something awful, and yet you went there to help your friend, who is a beginner in estate management… And then Mr. Wickham," Elizabeth gasped and covered her mouth with her hand when she saw Mr. Darcy grimace and turn away. "I should not have mentioned him. Pray forgive me… He is in every way detestable. And to think I believed him, even defended him, just because it was a convenient tale to give basis to the misjudgment of your character… I am so ashamed, sir."

"Eli- Miss Elizabeth, p-please l-leave this r-room," Mr. Darcy could feel his control slipping.

"Sir, please don't send me away. I would like us to be… friends, at least... I-I would like us to part on good terms," her small hand was placed over his shoulder. "It must have been so hard for you to deal with everything that happened to Miss Darcy all by yourself. I wish I could relieve you of your pain, Mr. Darcy."

"I… I h-have broad s-shoulders. I c-can carry the load."

"Yes, Mr. Darcy, you do," Elizabeth squeezed his shoulder, "But you shouldn't have to do it alone."

That was the last straw. His shoulders began to shake, and he started to cry. He didn't even know why exactly, but he tried to get away from her. To put some distance between them. She wouldn't have it.

Elizabeth knew it was all very improper, but her heart broke with his first sob. To know that such a man was crying in front of her was quite something. He tried to step away, but she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind before he could leave and squeezed him as hard as she was able to, as if to make him feel he was indeed not alone and that he could let it all go with her. At some point, he had fallen to his knees and tried to make himself into a small ball. And so, because dresses were not practical, Lizzie sat near the edge of one of the chairs closest to him and pulled him toward her. She pulled him by the back of his neck. He looked up at her with shock, confusion, and such love and adoration that she felt her heart caught in her throat. She smiled softly and brought his head close so it would rest on her lap. He wrapped his arms around the bottom half of her legs immediately and hid his face in the creases of her dress, ashamed.

Mr. Darcy didn't remember the last time he cried like this. Maybe it had been when his mother died. When his father died, he never cried. The burden of being the heir of Pemberley and a father figure to his young sister didn't leave him room to breathe, let alone to cry. Gigi needed him strong, so he put on his armor of Master of Pemberley and put a scowl on his face to keep most people away. But this… this relief… this peace that he felt on the floor, holding her close and crying while she caressed his head and hair gently… He had never felt this. He needed Miss Elizabeth more than anything else. It must have taken around half an hour until his crying receded, and even when it did, she didn't stop caressing his head or shoulders soothingly. He could imagine her with a child, their child, cozy and safe in her doting arms. She would be such a good mother one day. She was already, in his estimation, the best wife anyone could hope to have.

Her hands stopped touching him, and he felt cold instantly. He was scared to look at her face and see disappointment in her expression. He heard her sniff, and the ruffling of fabric told him she was trying to find something in her pocket. His good breeding won against his deep wish to stay in this position. He leaned back, sitting on his ankles, and pulled out his own handkerchief. "Please," he offered it to her.

Elizabeth smiled but shook her head. "You need it more, sir," she took it and bent toward him, dabbing his tears away gently. No one except for his mother had ever touched him so gently. His heart squeezed painfully in his chest. Elizabeth handed his handkerchief back to him and stood up, turning away, pulling hers out from her pocket, dabbing her eyes, and blowing her nose as discreetly as she could. Mr. Darcy quickly imitated her and pocketed the handkerchief. As she turned, he saw with dismay a large wet spot where his face had been.

"Oh no… Miss Elizabeth, I have ruined your dress," he colored and looked down.

"Nothing is ruined, Mr. Darcy," to herself, she added 'just me.' She knew that if someone saw them in the study, she would be ruined and ruin her entire family as well. But, most concerningly, she felt ruined in a different way. What hope could she have of ever marrying someone else? This man had her whole heart now. "I have many sisters. This is not the first time someone has cried over me. I assure you it's alright."

Mr. Darcy chuckled and took a deep breath so he wouldn't start laughing sardonically or crying hysterically again. He knew it wasn't her intention, and she wasn't taunting him, but he realized a part of him was indeed crying over her. Over the idea of never getting to have her here again, so close, so warm, so attentive… so his. He couldn't help but feel her as his. Now that she was here, in his home, in his mother's old study. She looked so beautiful, and her soul was so sweet and caring, and it made him ache to kiss her, to put a ring on her finger, and finally get to call her Mrs. Darcy out loud. He knew it was all very delusional. She was just being kind, as was her nature, but he wished for nothing more than to beg her to reconsider.

"Mr. Darcy?" her eyes widened.

He hadn't realized his feet had a mind of their own, and he was now right in front of her. He was so close, and yet he felt it would never be enough. Instead of tasting her lips like he wanted, he lifted her face with a finger beneath her jaw. She closed her beautiful eyes, and his heartbeat quickened. Did she… Would she welcome a kiss? No. Get a grip. He kissed her forehead adoringly and gave her a soft hug, relishing in her fragrance and the warmth he could feel, "Miss Elizabeth, I… You have shown me kindness that perhaps I do not deserve after the things I did. I have never… No one has ever…" he sighed.

Lizzie's insides were melting. She was sure of it. He couldn't still love her. But she felt loved beyond measure in his arms. "I am glad I could be of service to you, even if it was with something small. May we please forget the past, sir? I try to think of the past only as it gives me pleasure. Perhaps you could try doing the same?"

"No, Miss Elizabeth, I can't. Please understand… I don't want to go back to a life when I didn't know you… when you hadn't taken me to task and made me want to be a better man," Mr. Darcy let go of her slowly. "Despite how spectacularly I ruined any remote chance I could have ever had to win your affections… I want you to know that you are always welcome here. That I…" he sighed. "That if I was a better man, I would perhaps ask you to forget all my unkind words and-"

"Sir, I-"

A particular knock resounded on the door. They jumped apart.

"Brother? Are you there? Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner say they haven't seen Lizzie in a while. I thought she was going back to the music room, but she wasn't there."

Lizzie looked like a deer who noticed a hunter in the distance. She paled.

"Perhaps she is in the rose garden. She loves the outdoors," he replied.

"Are you alright?" Gigi's tone was suspicious.

"Yes, I am just writing a letter. I will join you in a bit."

"I'll go to the garden, then," her steps sounded further away after a while.

"Didn't you abhor deceit, sir?" she said with a teasing smile.

"Yes. I do. But-"

"But it's your sister… I understand," she smiled.

The corners of his mouth lifted teasingly as well, "You could have said something…"

"You wouldn't want to be compromised by me, sir…"

"Miss Elizabeth, I-"

"Please tell me where to go."

"Lizzie!" her aunt called from the hall as she approached.

Miss Elizabeth gasped.

Mr. Darcy whispered, "Do you trust me?"

Lizzie nodded, albeit confused.

He took her hand and touched a knob on one of the wall panels. It moved, revealing a very dark, very narrow passageway. He pulled her in behind him and closed the panel. It was a bit dusty, but luckily, there were no stairs. They walked for a while until he whispered, "There are some stairs going down next. Just move slowly. One foot after the other."

Lizzie followed him in the pitch-black passageway, trusting he knew his way around his ancestral family home and that he wouldn't make her fall. When they reached the tiny landing, if it could be called that, he placed his ear against a wall. When he apparently heard nothing, he pushed the panel, which gave way. The well-lit room blinded her for a bit. He seemed to be very aware of this, for he led her to a chair and helped her sit. Once she blinked a bit, the light stopped bothering her, and she gasped.

"Welcome to Pemberley's library," he smiled, showing his dimples once more. "My favorite room of the house."

She stood and turned around in awe. She could never read all the books here. "I can see why. Dear God, it is enormous!"

"Mr. Darcy!" a maid exclaimed, almost dropping her cleaning bucket.

"Corinne," he nodded.

"I didn't hear you come in, sir," she had her hand on her chest.

"No, I suppose you did not. You were so focused on your work, as usual," he smiled. "Thank you for all you do."

"Of course, sir. It's my pleasure."

"Can you please tell a footman to fetch Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner?"

"Right away, sir."

Elizabeth walked away toward one of the bookcases.

"Miss Elizabeth, would you like a tour? You can borrow any book you'd like."

"I… I couldn't, sir. I know we are leaving soon. I would not be able to finish a book and return it."

His tone grew softer: "Please... any book. It would be my great pleasure to give you a traveling companion."

Elizabeth looked up and stared deeply into his eyes with a shy smile, "Only… Only if you promise to get it back, sir."

His heart stopped for a few seconds. She wanted to see him again! He nodded slowly, "There is nowhere I wouldn't go to… to get the book back."

She blushed. His meaning was very clear. "Fine, then. Do show me around, sir."

"Lizzie!" Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed as she entered the house. Although she was very impressed with every room, knowing her niece, this one was the best for her.

"We've been looking all over for you!" her uncle slapped his thighs.

"Ah, now I see why we lost you! Nothing can hold a candle against a grand library in your eyes, my dear," her aunt smiled teasingly.

Lizzie blushed, thinking that she would take Mr. Darcy over his library any day. "It is breathtaking," she smiled, looking up at Mr. Darcy, who looked surprised but happy.

"Let me show you all around. This section is mainly agriculture…"

The Gardiners followed them a few steps behind. Eventually, Lizzie took William Blake's The Book of Thel. Her eyes were drawn to the gilded page borders and the ornate illustrated hardcover.

"I didn't know there was a hardcover version," she caressed the book.

"Take it with you, please. It is one of the most beautiful books we have."

He had stared deep into her eyes as he said this. She blushed prettily. "I'm honored you would trust me with it, Mr. Darcy."

I'd trust you with anything, Lizzie, he thought.

"Mr. Darcy?" a footman approached them.

"Yes?"

"Miss Georgiana needs you. She's in your study."

"I'll be with her in a minute."

The Gardiners looked at each other; it was growing dark fast. "We should really get going, sir."

"No!" both Mr. Darcy and Lizzie said in unison, then blushed furiously, looking pointedly away from one another.

The Gardiners were startled by the passionate, slightly panicked response. "Sir?"

"My apologies. I meant to say, please stay and join us for dinner," Mr. Darcy corrected himself. "I had the cook prepare the fish we caught. It would be most unfair for us to enjoy them and for you not to have a chance to taste the results of our earlier efforts."

Mr. Gardiner's eyebrows shot up. Mr. Darcy had already given him a small barrel of salted fish. "That's most generous of you, sir. Do you want to stay, my dears?"

"Of course."

Mr. Darcy smiled at them, "Marvelous. Excuse me. I must attend to my sister."

"What is going on, dear?" her aunt whispered as they perused the shelves.

"I can tell you a summary, but please don't make me say more."

Madeline nodded, and Lizzie pulled her further away to make sure her uncle wouldn't hear. She rapidly whispered the gist of things to her aunt, her face going through all possible expressions. Lizzie left out their earlier crying session; the last thing she wanted was for them to worry or say she was potentially compromised. She would never corner Mr. Darcy like that.

"Lizzie… Your feelings toward him seem to have changed, right?"

She nodded. "How can they not? That letter-"

"He should have never given you that letter. It was most improper."

"Aunt-"

"Lizzie, if that letter was found out… If the contents are what you say, and someone was to discover them, both you and Georgiana could be ruined. You would be compromised because you are receiving correspondence from a single man as an unmarried woman," Madeline reminded her. "What if you lost it?"

"I haven't."

"Where is it? You sound very sure that it's safe."

"I always keep it on me. It's in my pocket," Lizzie said, looking down at said pocket.

"When they come to pick us up for dinner, we will walk ahead with Miss Darcy. Return the letter to Mr. Darcy. Burn it. Make sure to stay until it's completely gone. I will handle your uncle."

Lizzie could only nod.

Back in the study, Georgiana paced until her brother opened the door.

"Brother," she smiled.

"What is wrong, dear?"

"You have made little progress in keeping her here. I am so sorry. My outburst may have scared her away…"

His eyes softened, "It didn't, sweetling."

"No?"

"No… Mine was worse, and she didn't run away."

"Yours? What do you mean?"

He told her what happened… The abridged censored version, of course. He supposed it wasn't the best idea, but she had been so sad and clearly was blaming herself.

Miss Darcy and her brother returned with bright, welcoming smiles, "Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Lizzie," Georgiana said. "Please join us in the dining room."

"Thank you, Miss Darcy. Are you feeling better?"

"Much. Mrs. Gardiner, I wanted to ask how you managed to fix my embroidery before. It looks so much better. That stitch is always giving me grief," Miss Darcy held onto the woman's free arm, whose other arm was holding onto Mr. Gardiner, and they walked away.

Mr. Darcy stepped toward her and offered her his arm. "May I escort you?"

"No. We need to do something first, sir."

He looked puzzled. "Miss Elizabeth-?"

She pulled her hand from her pocket and handed him a bent envelope. He immediately recognized his own handwriting. He took the offered item and looked down at her questioningly.

"As much as I have come to cherish your letter, it terrifies me to think it could accidentally fall into the wrong hands and harm your sister's or your reputation, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth looked down. "I think we should burn it."

He stared at her with deep longing, "Yes, of course. You are correct. I shouldn't have… I… It was a terrible lapse in judgment, and I am deeply sorry-"

"Please don't be."

"What?" he frowned slightly.

"Don't be sorry. Without that letter… I would still think awful things about you, and I would have had to run away from the peak district immediately as soon as I saw you."

His expression turned pained, "Don't say that… I would never suspend any pleasure of yours. Even without the letter… If I had found you in my home, I would only have been happy to have you here."

"But why, sir? After how horribly I acted and how much I hurt you and offended you-"

"May I speak plainly?"

She nodded.

"Miss Elizabeth… I… I had dreamed of you walking these halls, sitting about in these rooms, strolling around the gardens… for so long… I know… I know I shouldn't speak of it. But I need you to know it filled me with great joy and trepidation to see you here in my home… When I first saw you again, I thought I was hallucinating… Maybe even daydreaming…"

Lizzy blushed deeply. He had dreamt of her for months. It couldn't be, "Mr. Darcy-"

"Please, Eli-Miss Elizabeth. Let us burn the letter before I lose my bearings once more."

He walked toward the fireplace and deposited it there, grabbing the poker and moving logs around. They watched intently until it was completely gone. All he wanted to do was to hold her, kiss her, and beg her to marry him. All he actually did was touch the side of his hand to her own.

"Brother?" Georgiana poked her head through the open door. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, dear. Miss Elizabeth asked me to burn something for her. We will be right there."

"Oh, alright. We are waiting for you to begin," Georgiana walked away with a smile. They had been standing so close. It looked promising.

Elizabeth took a step toward the door. Mr. Darcy's hand wrapped around her upper arm. She stopped right away and looked over her shoulder, "Sir?"

"Thank you."

"Whatever for?"

"For keeping it safe and for letting me burn it… I… I realized a little too late that any other woman could have used that letter against me," Mr. Darcy smiled at her gratefully.

"It pains me to lose it. I read it almost daily for a long time."

He gasped, "Y-You did?"

"Yes. It… It made me feel somehow closer to you…" she whispered.

His heart stopped, "Miss Elizabeth-"

"We should go to dinner, sir," she blushed. I said too much.

"Of course," he offered her his arm once more, and she took it. He placed his hand on top of her smaller one and said, "Thank you for staying for dinner."

She nodded, "Thank you for having us."

I would love to have you til death does us part, he sighed.