Chapter 68
Darcy had, surprisingly, been able to sleep rather better that night.
Perhaps it was the long toll of searching for Elizabeth, and then the joy and terror of finding her but dreading her possible choice to dismiss him from her life.
And then the journey here, the joy and responsibility of her protection.
However, now she was back at Pemberley, and safe. He could not relax completely, however, but today he might see her out walking and assure himself of her presence — he could hardly really believe his good fortune, given how ill she had been treated here before.
He hurried through his morning coffee and toast and dressed for a ride.
He did not take the time to explain to Maunder that he was going to walk out this morning.
There was time to see his horses in the stable first where he explained to his stable master his intention to ride later, and then he crossed to the paths nearer the dower house, although not in sight of it.
He was very fortunate. He saw her in the distance, striding out, her head raised, enjoying the air, and his heart hammered against his ribs. She was so very beautiful. And she was here, at Pemberley. By her own free choice.
Darcy would not approach her. It would be of her choosing if they spoke, although he ensured she would be able to see him if she looked in this direction.
It took ten minutes, but he warmed as she turned her steps towards him. “Mr Darcy. Well met.” The slight irony in her tone and her impish expression cheered him further and he smiled.
“I hope you were comfortable and slept well after such a long journey, Elizabeth.” Elizabeth. What a joy to be able to refer to her as such. One day she might agree to call him by his given name.
“I did sleep well. Even though the weather is chill, I am very much enjoying the clean air and space.” She raised her eyes to the peaks. “I love this landscape.”
She walked beside him in a companionable silence for a while. Darcy was simply content that it was so.
But then she spoke. “Sir, I understand that I have you to thank for the choice to prepare that particular small parlour, and that particular chair, facing that particular view.” She looked away, across the valley.
“I sat and watched the last of the light leave the scene and then the familiar outline against the stars as they became visible. And I was glad to be home.”
He could not have spoken had he known what to say, and he waited for the lump in his throat to ease.
“I have sat often in that guest chamber you made your own while I prayed you were safe.”
The comfortable silence was now charged with an emotion he dared not name, but that he would never forget.
After an hour or so, they parted and he made his way back to the main house, utterly content for today; that he had seen her, and she seemed well. It was all he could ask.
But now, he must turn his mind to his estate. There was much to do, and the correspondence would take several days to work through. But first, he would break his fast, then see Mr Reed and discuss all he needed to know for the entirety of the estate.
His estate. Their estate. Elizabeth had returned, and he wondered how long she might manage to rest before she wished for some useful occupation. Perhaps she would take up her previous work with the tenants again, for he had no doubt she would wish to be of use.
It was not even nearing time for luncheon when a note was delivered from the dower house.
Mr Darcy,
Mrs Kerr will be accompanying me at three o’clock while I call on Mrs Reynolds. There is no need to interrupt your work by absenting yourself. I will not disturb you.
He smiled at the lack of signature. She could hardly sign herself Elizabeth, and she had still made no real sign that she was at peace with using her married name. He wondered how she had the servants address her, and he frowned slightly at the thought.
Before three o’clock, he took some reading material and went to the chamber she had used. He sat in her chair and looked out at the view. He would stay out of her way while she was here. He would keep his promise.
But he would walk out again in the morning. On that, his resolve would not waver.