Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
It had taken all of his will not to approach her.
To be too obvious could be a disaster, and this day was about his aunt.
These guests expected his attention and deserved it.
He did not need to smile, and did not think he could, even if the occasion called for it, as Miss Elizabeth was so close but still untouchable.
If he did walk towards her, would she walk away?
Would she shout at him? Blame him yet again for her sister’s misery?
It had been weeks since Miss Lucas’s—or rather, Mrs Slade’s—wedding, an event that had surpassed his expectations of misery, and even longer since Mr Collins’s unfortunate…
It seemed Elizabeth might have gathered herself by now, found a way to forgive him.
Then again, he could never forgive the one who did his sister wrong, so he understood her reticence. And her grudge. But did he, really?
As Georgiana began a conversation with a favoured distant cousin, James walked up and leaned in. “Let us speak with her.”
Darcy thought to pretend he did not know of whom his cousin spoke, but that would be foolish. Instead, he gave the smallest nod, and the men began to walk.
“Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Collins,” he said with a bow.
Miss Elizabeth’s gaze met his, and the warmth in her eyes set his insides on fire.
Suddenly, Mrs Collins paled and crumpled.
All near to them began shouting for help and calling for a doctor.
Mr Bennet lifted Mrs Collins with the help of a servant, and they hurried her into the small sitting room at the end of the hall.
Miss Elizabeth ran after them. James and Darcy attempted to follow, but Miss Elizabeth spun about and said that Mrs Collins could not withstand laying eyes on them, and insisted they depart.
Darcy returned to the reception, sorrier than ever that he had run off the night of the accident.