Chapter 54
Chapter Fifty-Four
The next morning, Georgiana attempted to insist on accompanying Darcy to the inquest, but he refused.
He sent word to Longbourn inquiring about Georgiana spending the day with the Bennets.
An affirmative answer came before he had to depart Netherfield, which was a relief, for he would be able to see Elizabeth and know that his sister was cared for in his absence.
Elizabeth was in a yellow gown that he loved, though when he approached, he saw her cheeks were pale and her eyes filled with concern, which made him sadder than he could remember feeling in ages.
He took her hand and asked if they might go somewhere to speak privately.
She led him to the copse where his aunt had collapsed, which seemed a fitting locale. He did not say a word about the connexion. Had she done this purposefully? Did she see him as a dead man? No, he could not think such a thing.
Once they were ensconced in the trees, he said, “My dearest Elizabeth, I am sorry for the toll this is taking on you.”
“Me? You worry for me? Oh, Darcy!” She embraced him, squeezing him hard and pressing her cheek against his chest. “They cannot take you from me. I shall not allow it!”
He smiled despite himself. “Shall you fight them off as they come to shackle me?”
She pulled back so she could see his face. “If need be, I shall!”
“Your weaponry is at the ready?”
“Naturally. The arsenal is hidden in my father’s library, and each Bennet has secretly been training for battle. Fear not, Mr Darcy. We shall break you free!”
“And take me where?”
“Wherever you say. The Himalayas or-or the Isle of Skye.”
“Perhaps some warmer clime.”
“Polynesia, then.”
“And we shall live on coconuts and make a house of fronds?”
“Obviously.” Her lips twisted this way and that, seeming caught between laughter and tears.
He kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose, then lightly on the lips. If he could have, he would have stayed with her for all of time there amongst the trees.
“I must depart,” he said at last.
“Shall I accompany you?”
He thought to say no, but then he nodded. “I would have been too proud in the past and refused, but in truth, I shall be stronger with you at my side.” She took his hand and began to walk, but he tugged her back gently. “I admit to being afraid.”
“Of the outcome?”
He nodded. “There is a part of me that believes I shall go free, but there is another that fears the foolishness and the jealousies of men. If others see opportunity in my downfall, they might find me guilty simply to take advantage.”
She stepped closer. “I know you see the worst in others.” When he started to react, she held up a hand. “And with good reason, I admit. But these are my neighbours, and at least one friend of yours. I believe all shall end well.”
He stroked her cheek. “My dear, I wish to believe such a thing, but in case it does not—”
“No. I shall not hear of it.” She began to walk away, but reached behind her, and he jogged forth to catch hold of her hand. It made him feel lighter, this playfulness, as well as her belief in him.