Chapter 7 #2
Without hesitation, he replied, “You might think it would be my father’s study or Pemberley’s library, which houses an outstanding collection, but it is the nursery.
You see, I clearly recall the many times my mother would pop in, irritating my tutors when she interrupted my lessons.
She would hurry me to gather my walking boots and coat then we would run through the fields to the Greek folly at the top of the hill overlooking the property.
My father would be there. Like me, he was a tall man with long arms. I would sit between them.
He would wrap his arms around us and then tell us about our history.
After a long while, I would return to the nursery like nothing happened.
Yet, somewhere in the room was hidden an object from the day, possibly a bird’s feather, a smooth rock, or a pretty leaf mother found.
How she arranged for it to arrive ahead of me, I still do not know.
But I will never forget those years, nor will I forget that room. ”
“How wonderful to have those memories to comfort you, especially after losing your parents so young. Does your sister have memories like that?”
He exhaled. “I do not know. I left for Eton soon after she was born. During the summer months when I was not at school, Father trained me to manage Pemberley. Georgiana was brought from the nursery for only a few minutes each day. Only after our father died did I start to learn her preferences. Her shyness, added to my being consumed trying to handle the responsibilities that came with my new position as master, means that I do not, in actuality, know her at all. Therefore, I am certain I did not take care of matters with Wickham in the best way for her. I did not know what to do.”
“Where is she now?”
“She has lived with Richard’s parents since Ramsgate. Since Wickham.”
“Is that by her choice or yours?”
Closing his eyes, he shook his head. “Mine. Was I wrong?” Twisting his head, he looked directly at her.
“In truth, I do not know since we have never met. Nonetheless, hearing you speak about her, her character is much the same as Jane’s.
My sister would have felt punished if she had been sent away to live away from her family.
Even now, as much as she enjoys our aunt and uncle in London, she is aware this is temporary.
As soon as I depart here, we will travel together to Hertfordshire.
I must admit that wherever she is, she would be miserable because she feels she did something wrong to chase Mr. Bingley off, which affects her future and that of Longbourn. ”
“What do you mean? How would that affect Longbourn?”
She squeezed his hand, reminding him that her fingers were still entwined with his.
“Four daughters who are all out are easier to support than five. When each of us marries or finds a position, the burden on Longbourn is substantially less. Jane feels deeply that she is unwed at three and twenty. She fears being like Charlotte, who did not marry until she was your age. Not only does it take money to feed and clothe a child, but anything also spent on the eldest cannot be used by the youngest. Lydia complains most vocally at being misused.”
“I see.” Disregarding the pain, he sat up, turning to face her. “I hear my cousin giving orders so they will be upon us shortly. Before they arrive, I need to ask if you would be willing to start fresh.”
“To become friends? Certainly, Mr. Darcy.” She squeezed his fingers again, then let go, withdrawing her hand.
He desperately wanted to take it back. “You have promised to act to protect Miss King and all Meryton by informing my father about Mr. Wickham’s propensity for treachery.
Also, should you tell Mr. Bingley that Jane is miserable without him, then you will be responsible for the happiness of two kind and gentle people.
These are acts of amity, sir. I would be happy to consider you a friend. ”
He dipped his head before gazing upon her lovely countenance. They were so close. If he leaned in slightly, and she did as well, their lips… He cleared his throat.
“What I meant was, I wish…”
“Darcy!” Richard yelled, warning them of his approach.
Before Darcy could continue, Elizabeth stood, stepping back from him. The moment was lost when four men approached with a hastily arranged stretcher. He was soon being carried between the men, and Elizabeth trailed behind.
She finally approached him after he was loaded into the back of a pony cart. Handing the empty flask to Richard, she said, “He did as you commanded, Colonel. The flask is empty, and I did not touch a drop.”
“Might we give you a ride back to the parsonage, Miss Bennet? The day has been traumatic for us all and I am certain my cousin would be more comfortable should you join him in the back.”
“Very well.”
His cousin smiled before handing her into the back of the pony cart and then climbing onto the front bench to drive.
With a flick of his wrists, the cart jerked forward before settling into a fairly easy ride.
Enough padding was provided so that Darcy’s leg was fully supported, and he rested his head on Elizabeth’s lap.
He noted that Richard’s daffodils were gone, but the chain of daisies remained on her wrist, gladdening his heart.
Darcy loved her. There would never be anyone else for him but her.
Cursing himself for leaving Netherfield Park, for not waiting until Elizabeth recovered, he vowed not to live his life with any more regrets when it came to her.
He would do everything in his power to make things right with Bingley and Jane Bennet.
He would write to her father to warn the residents of Meryton about Wickham’s propensity for causing damage.
Then, he would pursue her to the ends of the Earth, if needed, until she fell as deeply in love with him as he was with her.
“Miss Elizabeth, I need to tell you something of critical importance. Please, would you lean closer?”
Their eyes met. When she was close enough that only she might hear, he whispered, “I wish…I wish that you would love me.”
Despite the misery that shot through him with every turn of the wheel, Elizabeth’s lovely lips parted, and her fine eyes opened wide. She gave him hope.
Upon returning to the parsonage after his accident, Charlotte warned her that Lady Catherine would likely refuse to invite guests to Rosings Park if Mr. Darcy’s wounds kept him bedridden.
Her friend’s words were prophetic since Elizabeth returned to Jane in London without news of Mr. Darcy.
The colonel did not even come to the parsonage to inform them of his cousin’s progress.
The day prior to Elizabeth’s departure, one of the maids happened to overhear a remark indicating that Mr. Darcy suffered from a high fever caused by an infection.
The colonel remained at his cousin’s side, as did his aunt, which was where they needed to be.
Had Mr. Darcy felt these same worries when he left Hertfordshire after her fall?
Did he wonder if she made good progress in healing?
Had he been as frantic as she was? If so, then his relief at discovering her in good health in Kent would have lifted his spirits.
Was that why he sought her out on the walking trails?
She had so many questions and no one to supply the answers.