Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Elizabeth waved at her family until the carriage slipped out of the Longbourn gates and took a turn to the right. Longbourn is no longer my home. The thought brought a pang of sadness as she turned away from the window to look straight into the eyes of her new husband who was sitting across from her.
“Are you well, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked quietly.
She looked at his concerned face, his brows furrowed anxiously, and tried to reassure him. “Oh, yes, I am well, Mr Darcy,” she said with a quick smile, and then to her surprise found herself confessing, “It is just that I suddenly realised that Longbourn is no longer home, and the feeling was a little… overwhelming.”
Darcy leaned forward to take hold of her hands and brushed his thumbs over her wrists comfortingly. For a while, there was silence in the carriage as he gazed at her hands nestled in his, pondering how to express his thoughts without causing her more distress.
“I cannot begin to imagine what your feelings must be right now, or what any young woman feels at a time like this. It is therefore somewhat presumptuous of me to expound my thoughts on the matter so freely.” He looked up at her then and gave her a wry smile before continuing, “But… I believe that a home is not just the bricks and mortar.…”
His smile widened a little. “Do not get me wrong, Elizabeth; the structure also matters… a lot—Pemberley is my pride and joy—but more than the structure, it is the people who inhabit it who make it a home. And for that reason, wherever you might live, Longbourn will always be your home while those who love you continue to be part of it.” He raised her hand to his lips and dropped a soft kiss on it before letting it go. “Obviously like all well-meant advice it is easier said than done, but… why do you not look at this way, today you have not lost a home but gained one or two more… and added to the mix are two human beings eager to welcome you to them… hmm?” he asked lightly as he settled back in his seat.
Elizabeth stared into his smiling eyes and to her utter amazement, found that she was suddenly feeling much more cheerful and very willing to follow his advice.
“That is certainly one way of looking at the situation,” she said, then added with a cheeky smile, “Especially if one of those human beings is the sweetest sister one could wish for.”
Darcy would have been concerned at the deliberate omission of the young woman’s brother had he not seen the easily discernible warmth and the teasing glint in those lovely green eyes. He smiled back when he discovered that he rather enjoyed being teased thus, especially by Elizabeth. But all he said in response was, “You must be tired, Elizabeth. Rest for a while; we will be in Great Amwell in a little over an hour.”
She nodded and turned to look out the window, noting that they had just left Meryton behind. They intended to spend a few days at Lord Seymour’s residence in Great Amwell, a small, picturesque village situated east of Meryton. According to Lord Seymour, it was a property that he and his family used sparingly, mostly when they wanted a quick getaway from London but not too far from it. The rest of the time, as now, it remained empty, kept up by a skeletal staff.
There were several reasons for their stay in Amwell, not the least of which was to keep out of Lady Catherine’s way for a while. The wedding announcement had already been sent to The Times the day before, so she would find out about it soon enough. Mr Darcy felt certain that her most likely reaction would be to make her way to Darcy House and create a racket.
“I will not have you commence your married life listening to the abuses and fulminations of my irate relatives, Elizabeth.” Elizabeth turned her head to glance at him with a soft smile as she recalled his earnest words from two days ago, when he had visited Longbourn with Georgiana and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Mr Darcy appeared to be asleep already! He had taken off his hat and was leaning back on his seat, eyes closed, arms crossed in front of him. Elizabeth gazed at him for a long moment. He looks tired…. I suppose that is to be expected; after all, he has been travelling almost continuously for nearly a month! But... why did I not notice it before?
Because he goes to great lengths to avoid showing any discernible signs of weakness... even something as ordinary as fatigue. The thought came to her even as she saw his head sway a little to his side and a curly lock of hair fall on his brow. He would definitely be more comfortable if he just leaned back in one corner of the carriage and stretched his legs to the other side, but he was sitting almost to attention, most likely to give her more space. She let out a resigned sigh as the realisation came.
Even as she pondered how to make things more comfortable for him, his head lolled some more to the side. After a while, the crick in his neck must have troubled him because he righted his head and once again sat up very straight. But before long, the entire process repeated itself, and Elizabeth realised that she could not keep watching without doing something to help.
She switched sides to sit next to him with the vague idea of providing him with a shoulder to lean on. But in a matter of moments, she understood that while metaphorically one can offer their shoulder to anyone one wants, physically it was not possible for someone who stood five feet three inches in their stockinged feet to offer their shoulder to someone who most likely stood six feet three inches in theirs. Not unless….
Elizabeth was shaking her head to keep her mind from wandering in uncomfortable directions when her gaze fell on some cushions on her erstwhile seat. A few moments later, she was sitting flush next to Mr Darcy on one of the cushions she had placed on the seat. Even as she was wondering how something that provided utmost comfort to one’s back could feel downright uncomfortable when one sat on it, her husband’s cheek came to rest gently on her head.
Feeling pleased that her plan had worked so perfectly, she tried to make herself more comfortable. However, she was quite disconcerted to discover that it was not so easy after all. Being pressed so close to Mr Darcy, with his warm breath stirring a tendril of her hair rhythmically, made her experience the oddest of sensations that were pleasurable and disturbing at the same time. Finally, she closed her eyes determinedly and distracted herself by thinking about her family.
∞∞∞
Darcy woke up with a start when there was a gentle rap on the carriage door. He felt disoriented for a brief moment as he glanced down at the head of dark hair resting lightly on his shoulder. When last he had seen Elizabeth, she had been sitting across from him, staring out the window. Even as he puzzled over what could have made her switch sides, she shifted and leaned towards him, and he caught a glimpse of the cushion on which she was sitting. As understanding came, his heart turned over in his chest, and he could not prevent himself from brushing his lips on her forehead. He was overjoyed to learn that she had cared so much about his comfort. He had always known that she was very caring of her sister and family, and now it appeared that she had widened the circle to include him. He would have sat there, smiling foolishly, until heaven knew when, but another rap on the carriage door put paid to any such plans.
He called out to her softly, “Elizabeth? We are there.”
Although he could not see her face, he knew exactly when she woke up from the way her body went completely still.
“Oh! We have arrived already!” she exclaimed as she righted herself and put a decorous distance between them.
Darcy stared at her beautiful face, made more beautiful by the soft colour staining her cheeks, and sighed deeply. It seems patience would not be my only penance, he thought resignedly as he got down from the carriage and turned to assist her out of the carriage.
What must he be thinking of me? I nearly forced myself in his arms! Elizabeth thought agitatedly as she stepped down from the carriage. To bring herself out of the mortification engendered by the thought, she forced herself to look around at her surroundings. Lord Seymour’s residence was a two-storied Georgian mansion made of red bricks. It was surrounded by extensive and beautifully landscaped gardens that sloped down to a thick copse of trees. In other, less awkward circumstances, Elizabeth would have been completely charmed by the quaint house in its lovely setting, but not at present.
By the time they climbed up the few stairs to the front door of the house, a welcoming party was already present there. To Elizabeth’s surprise, they turned out to be Mr and Mrs Higgins, the butler and housekeeper of Darcy House in London. They were accompanied by a footman, who if she was not mistaken, was also in Darcy livery.
“Please accept our best wishes for your future happiness sir, madam,” Mr Higgins said with a broad smile, that rarely graced his impassive face. While Mrs Higgins was no less sincere, Elizabeth saw her giving them, especially her, a searching look. She could not take umbrage at the housekeeper’s interest. It was only natural that the Darcy staff was curious about the woman their master had married so precipitately.
In order to gain her composure in privacy, Elizabeth chose to refresh herself before partaking of some restorative tea, and soon they were being accompanied to the chambers that Mrs Higgins had prepared for them.
When they were about to enter their adjoining chambers, Darcy glanced at her and saw that she had still not reverted to her normal, carefree self.
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Mr Darcy?”
“I had a very restful journey because of your kindness, thank you. I just hope you were able to have some rest yourself.”
He did understand! The relief that particular thought brought with it made her bestow a delighted smile at him. “Yes, sir, I am well rested, and to prove it to you, I am very willing to accompany you for a walk in the lovely gardens after the tea.”
Darcy blinked at the sudden radiance of her countenance, then he cleared his throat and acquiesced swiftly. “By all means, Elizabeth. I will see you in a few moments.”
Her maid, Sarah—(yes, Elizabeth had been more than happy to follow Mr Darcy’s advice and was pleased to discover Sarah was very willing to come and work for her after her marriage.)—made short work of getting her spruced up. When Elizabeth stepped out of her room, she was gratified to find Mr Darcy waiting for her.
∞∞∞
Mr Darcy appeared to know the grounds rather well, and instead of the gardens, he guided her to the copse of trees to the north of the house. Elizabeth was enchanted to discover that Lord Seymour’s house was situated on the banks of the New River.
“You have been here before?” Elizabeth was surprised that she had not thought to ask him before now.
Darcy nodded. “Oh, yes! Once Seymour had invited a group of us classmates for a short visit. I had found the place quite delightful at the time.”
“It is rather captivating,” Elizabeth agreed.
Darcy smiled at that. “I was sure you would find it so, that is why, when Seymour became adamant to repay, what he considered to be a favour that I did him that evening at The Swan, I requested the usage of this house for a short stay. It sort of killed two birds with a stone. We can wait out Lady Catherine’s tantrums while exploring this charming village.” And give an impression to the ton that our marriage is all that is normal, he thought, but did not say it aloud.
“How ingenious and resourceful of you, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied with an amused glance at him.
Darcy’s lips lifted in a smile even as he suggested that they turn back before the sun went down and the air became uncomfortably chilly.
Mr and Mrs Higgins between them ensured that the newly married couple was served a delectable meal in sufficiently romantic surroundings. The delicious food accompanied by Mr Darcy’s intelligent conversation kept Elizabeth in excellent spirits till they retired to the drawing room for the after-dinner tea. However, as soon as Mrs Higgins removed the empty tea service, leaving them alone, Elizabeth started feeling a vague sense of disquiet as the time to retire for the night loomed large. He promised me that he would not put any pressure on me, but since then, we are on a friendlier footing. Would he expect…? After all, he would be well within his rights if he did so…. But I have not seen him go back on a promise… For the life of her, she was unable to decide how she would really feel if he did decide to change his mind.
Her confused and disjointed musings left her feeling anxious, and she suddenly got up from the sofa. To gather her composure, she made her way to the pianoforte kept in one corner of the drawing room.
To calm herself, she gently played with the keys of the instrument and discovered that the excellent instrument was perfectly tuned.
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Mr Darcy?”
“Would you play something for me?”
Elizabeth was greatly relieved. “Of course! Let me see what music we have here.”
“Umm… could you sing the same song that you sang that day in Lucas Lodge. I remember you did not need any sheet music at the time.”
“With pleasure, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth was momentarily disconcerted to realise that he had not been staring at her in Meryton to find fault, or only to find fault, she corrected herself, even as the first strain of the music filled the drawing room. She followed the requested song by an Irish ditty and an Italian love ballad.
Elizabeth might have thought his applause after each performance a diplomatic endeavour to encourage her, but for the genuine pleasure in his face and the gold flecks in his warm eyes. It was because of this easily discernible enjoyment that nearly an hour after she began her performance, she still found herself asking, “Do you want to listen to something else, Mr Darcy?”
Darcy shook his head as he got up from his seat and came to stand in front of her. “If it were up to me, Elizabeth, I could spend the entire night listening to your beautiful voice. But I am not such a selfish fellow; I can see that you are tired. Also, if we are to explore the village tomorrow, we will both need a good night’s rest. Come, let us turn in for the night.”
Before Elizabeth could once again start worrying about his intentions, he held out a small velvet box to her.
“What is it…. Oh!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she saw the dainty diamond earrings inside the box.
“Oh… but it is too much, Mr Darcy. Yesterday you gave me that pretty shawl and the lovely ivory combs,” Elizabeth protested.
“Those were your Christmas present, Elizabeth,” Darcy countered, even as he closed the box and wrapped her fingers around it.
“This on the other hand is a small token of my appreciation for my lovely wife on our wedding day.”
She opened her mouth with the intention of deploring the need for such extravagance, but he interrupted with a quick grin, “I can only hope that you have overcome your revulsion of diamonds by now.”
Elizabeth giggled at that. “Absurd man! You know why I said that!” she said while still chuckling.
“Hmm… I suppose I do, and I am grateful to you for that.” Darcy smiled back as he placed her free hand on his arm and made her accompany him out the drawing room.
“Good night, Elizabeth. I will see you in the morning,” he murmured as he dropped a kiss on her hand.
As Elizabeth saw him walk away to his bedchamber, she felt heartily ashamed of her earlier suspicions of him going back on his promise.
∞∞∞
The next day dawned bright and cold. They left for their outing after a sumptuous and leisurely breakfast.
“So, where are we going, Mr Darcy?”
“Well, it is a surprise, madam, so I will ask you to sit back and enjoy,” Darcy said mysteriously.
They began their outing with a ride along the river taking in the beauties of the small riverside town. Their ride culminated at the beautiful parish church dating back to the 11th century. Elizabeth could not but be amused as Mr Darcy took up the role of a guide with great enthusiasm and expounded on the history of the church’s nave and chancel.
Once they had explored the church to their satisfaction, they came out, and Mr Darcy pointed to a hill not far from the church. “The ruins of that Iron Age fort are our next destination, Elizabeth,” Darcy said, smiling at the way her eyes brightened at the suggestion. “But before we go, let us partake of the cold meal that Mrs Higgins has sent with us.”
“Why do we not take our meal up there?” Elizabeth asked eagerly.
“And why not?” Darcy agreed, then smilingly called out to Michael, the footman accompanying them, and conveyed his request to do the needful.
Everything went as per plan, and Darcy was chuffed to see Elizabeth enjoying their walk upwards and the beautiful view from the top. The cook had excelled herself, and they felt replete after a hearty meal that boasted of deviled eggs, chicken sandwiches, fruit cake, and fresh oranges. However, he felt concerned when he saw that Elizabeth had lost some of her enthusiasm on their downward journey.
“Elizabeth? Is something the matter?”
“Of course not, Mr Darcy,” she replied with a quick smile, but worryingly, she did not meet his eyes. For a moment, Darcy rued that fact that he did not feel that he had earned the right to hold her by her hand and tell her to quit being so foolish. To compel her to tell him what was troubling her.
He kept watching her surreptitiously to see if he could figure out what ailed her, but she continued walking by his side doggedly, although much slower than before. She even made small talk, if infrequently.
Perhaps she is tired, he concluded. Disaster struck when they were about ten minutes away from the foot of the hill. With a sharp cry of pain, Elizabeth grabbed hold of his arm and leaned on him.
“What is it, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked in consternation, even as he put an arm around her protectively.
“It is my foot that was injured last month. I… I am sorry, Mr Darcy, but I will not be able to walk any further.”
“Oh, God! I am an inconsiderate fool. I should have known that your foot would not have healed properly in such a short time…” Darcy said anxiously even as he swung her up in his arms.
“Mr Darcy.”
“… and I made you walk such a long distance... that too, uphill, all because I thought you would enjoy the magnificent view from the top…. I am so sorry.…”
“Mr Darcy!”
Darcy stopped speaking at her sharp tones and stared at her in surprise.
“Can you kindly stop being so foolish? How would you know that my foot is not ready for this kind of exertion if I, who owns that appendage, did not know it?” she asked tartly. “Especially since I have been walking around comfortably all this while.”
“Umm…” Darcy stammered even as he controlled a strange urge to burst out laughing. It amused him that where he had been so diffident to call out Elizabeth’s foolishness just moments ago, she had had no such reservations when it was her turn to call out his. She believed that she had that right. The thought made him want to smile, even when she was scolding him. He came out of his reverie to find that she was still addressing him.
“The problem is that I was so preoccupied last month with shopping, travel, and other preparations for our wedding that I never had a chance to really exert myself, or rather my foot, and discover that it is still tender. So, if it is anyone’s fault, then it is mine, because when I felt the first twinge of discomfort while going up, I did not stop and tell you.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, and I did not do so because, as you rightly predicted, I was very keen for that view from the top of the hill. And despite the fact that I am currently in pain and that I am forcing you to carry me to the carriage, I am almost certain that given a chance, I would do the same thing all over again!”
“Oh.”
“Yes, so could you stop this dilly-dallying and take me home, please?” she asked a little plaintively and then, with a sigh, placed her head on his shoulder, even as one of her arms stole tightly around his neck. For one long moment, Darcy stood stock still, his heart squeezing at that demonstration of her trust, and he could not stop himself from pressing a whisper of a kiss on her hair.
“Of course, Elizabeth,” he murmured and started walking, his heart bursting with happiness and hope for their future. Suddenly, she rubbed her face on his chest to make a comfortable space for it between his cravat and his vest, and he nearly stumbled at that unconsciously uninhibited and strangely feline act. His arms tightened around her, even as an involuntary smile came to his lips at that very incongruous analogy.
I hope she does not look up suddenly and ask me why I am grinning like an idiot! he prayed as he walked on, steadily but carefully.
∞∞∞
When Elizabeth woke up that evening, her room was in shadows since only a few candles were lit. She felt thirsty, and her left foot throbbed. It took her a few moments to remember why it should be so, and then the memories came rushing in.
When she had asked Mr Darcy to take her home, he had arranged that as quickly as he could. Once there, he carried her directly to her chamber, then relinquished her to the care of Mrs Higgins and Sarah. While her maid got her ready for bed, Mrs Higgins prepared a poultice and pain-relieving tisane. In exactly an hour after her request to Mr Darcy, she was sound asleep on her bed.
She looked at the window, but the curtains were drawn, and although it was already dark, she could not tell how long she had been asleep. She turned her head to peer at the clock on the wall in front of her but could not make out the time because of the shadows in the room.
All of a sudden, a wave of loneliness hit her, and feeling quite sorry for herself, she burst out rather dramatically and incorrectly, “The odious man dumped me here like a sack of potatoes and has not even bothered to check if I am dead or alive!”
“Now, now, madam, I take great umbrage at you calling my wife a sack of potatoes.” The voice, laced with laughter and sympathy, came from the far side of her bed.
“Oh!” She gave a frightened gasp and looked over her left shoulder towards the armchair placed near the head of the bed.
Mr Darcy had already risen and was approaching her. “And I must also tell you that this odious man has been sitting here with you for quite some time, although he feels rather ashamed to admit that for the past half an hour he has only been wondering when you would wake up so that we can have some supper!” He grinned as he came to stand before her.
Elizabeth let out a strangled cry. “Ooh… I am sorry, Mr Darcy; I did not mean that. I…” Darcy’s smile vanished when he saw that she was crying! This time, however, he did not let his inhibitions stop him, and with a smothered exclamation, he sat next to her and drew her into his arms.
“I know you did not mean it, Elizabeth. I was only teasing you, you foolish girl. Please do not cry; I beg you,” he protested as he hugged her to him and caressed the back of her head. When he took her in his arms, his only intention was to offer her comfort and beg pardon for his untimely teasing. However, as she pressed herself against him, hugging him back, the sharp frisson of desire he felt left him highly discomposed.
He squeezed his eyes shut and rested his chin on her head, trying hard to bring his errant body under control. Oh Lord, what have I done to deserve this torture? After a long moment, he slowly pushed himself away from her and said heartily, “I think I know what the problem is. What you need, Elizabeth, is a warm drink and some sustenance, and see if you do not feel more the thing in a matter of moments.”
Elizabeth could not tell him that it was a mixture of embarrassment and shock that had made her cry. Embarrassment at being caught being so childishly petulant and shock at the sudden realisation of how desperately she had desired his presence when she woke up.
“I do not know about food, but I could definitely do with some water,” Elizabeth said with a faint smile, trying to push away her embarrassment.
“Of course, how remiss of me!” Darcy cried and hurried to get her a glass of water. Then, as she watched in bemusement, he got busy with his customary efficiency to ensure all that was needed to be done was done for her comfort and to lift her mood.
In a few minutes, the room was well lit, and he had gone out—ostensibly to ensure that they were served a sustaining meal. For a brief moment, she wondered if she should remind him of the bell pull in the corner, but she immediately thought better of her impertinence; he was being discreet for her comfort.
As Sarah was assisting her back from the chamber pot, Mrs Higgins came bustling in with a footman carrying their supper, followed closely by Mr Darcy. While they ate, he kept the conversation light-hearted, and by the time they finished their meal, he had made her smile so many times that she was feeling very much restored to her normal self.
Once the footman left with the used trays, Darcy too got up to leave. “I will bid you a good night, Elizabeth, as I believe you should rest now,” he said as he made his way to the door.
“Rest? How can I rest now when I woke up less than an hour ago?” Elizabeth protested, then some imp of mischief made her add, “Well, sir, yesterday I entertained you with my musical skills; should you not undertake to entertain me today when I need something to keep my mind from boredom? Or do you believe it is only the wife who is entrusted with this divine duty?”
Darcy halted at her words and turned to stare at her with a raised brow. Briefly, she worried if she had upset him with her teasing manner, but no… his eyes glinted with those comforting gold flecks that told her he was amused. And sure enough, his lips quirked up in a smile before he walked away with a shake of his head.
∞∞∞
“Well, really, the man is so overbearing! He has decided that I must rest, and what I need or want is of no importance!” Elizabeth grumbled, but soon she remembered how kind and solicitous of her comfort he had been ever since she hurt herself, and her anger slowly drained away.
Oh, well, no harm in trying as he suggested, she thought, and for a while, she tried hard to fall asleep, but alas, it was no good.
PerhapsI should call Sarah and ask her to fetch a book from my valise. She was in the process of reaching for the bell pull when there was a knock at the connecting door between her chamber and Mr Darcy’s.
She stared at the door anxiously, disconcerted to realise that her heart had begun to pound in her chest. “C-come in,” she croaked after a moment.
The door opened and in stepped Mr Darcy, wearing a mischievous smile and a delicious-looking marine blue dressing gown. She stared… and… could not stop staring. She told herself that it was because she had never seen a man dressed so informally, except, of course, for her father and Uncle Gardiner. But the truth was that she had never seen one who was so heart-stoppingly handsome… and… yes… beautiful. She could not have looked away, even if she tried. So, she swallowed and stared some more.
“Well, Elizabeth, I am here to entertain you like a dutiful husband.” He grinned and added, “Unfortunately, I cannot play the piano to save my life, so I have come up with an alternative. I can read to you if you would like me to.”
“R-read what exactly?” Elizabeth asked eventually.
He raised the book he had been holding all this time in his right hand, which she had somehow failed to notice.
“As You Like It!” She smiled and nodded enthusiastically. “I would like it very much.”
“All right, then, madam, let us begin,” he murmured as he made his way to one of the armchairs.
“Oh, wait!” she exclaimed, and he turned and raised an enquiring brow at her.
“I have got a better idea. Could you please give me that valise?”
“Of course,” he said, and proceeded to do so.
Elizabeth took out a slim volume from her valise and offered it to him.
Darcy took it from her and read the title curiously. “Aha! One of those lurid novels Mr Bennet mentioned! Well, I am all agog.” He grinned and took her valise and the book he had brought with him and placed them both on a table.
“I have not read it yet, so I cannot say if it is lurid or not, but given the author, it is more than likely.” Elizabeth grinned back.
“All right then, let us begin.” He opened the book and began to read. “The Blackhearted Count, Chapter 1,” he read a little dramatically.
Elizabeth was enchanted. She could not have imagined that the reserved and dignified man she had known until now could read with such joie de vivre. He was clearly in the habit of reading out stories for the enjoyment of his listeners. He gave each character a unique voice and accent, and he read them with such distinction and consistency that she could easily tell which character he was playing.
The story began predictably enough; it had a customary, dangerous-looking count falling in love with the very young and orphaned heroine, who lived, again predictably, with her cruel aunt and uncle and their two exceedingly mean-spirited children.
Elizabeth sat riveted for nearly an hour, listening to Mr Darcy bring the characters to life. The heroine continued to encounter the misunderstood hero and, despite her misgivings, fell increasingly in love. By the time Mr Darcy arrived at Chapter 5, the hero and the heroine had not only resolved their misunderstandings, but were already married in a beautiful ceremony.
“Well, this is unexpected. Usually, they get to marry only in the last chapter,” Elizabeth protested in puzzlement.
“Obviously, the evil forces will separate them soon.” Darcy grinned and continued to read. And sure enough, the sultry neighbouring Contessa finally succeeded in seducing the Count after a couple of failed attempts.
“Oh, such a faithless man!” Elizabeth exclaimed angrily. “One would have thought he would have more respect for the vows he took before God.”
“Hmm… at least in this particular case,” Darcy agreed and continued to read ahead.
“In which particular case is someone allowed to disrespect his vows?” Elizabeth asked pointedly.
Darcy looked up at her, amused to see her flashing eyes and compressed lips. Just for a moment, his thoughts flitted to the many men in the ton who kept mistresses or wives who strayed, and then, with a rueful shake of his head, he replied, “Ideally, never.”
“And not ideally?” Elizabeth persisted.
“Well, in reality, is not every promise or a vow only as good as the person who takes it? Someone who wants to keep their vow would do so, and it does not matter if they took it before God or not. And vice versa,” Darcy replied with a shrug.
“Sometimes…” Darcy began to speak, recalling his cousin, Viscount Raymore.
“Sometimes?” Elizabeth prompted.
“Well, sometimes two people knowingly enter into matrimony for reasons… other than usual. And perhaps when they take their vows, they already know that they do not mean them and would not be keeping them,” he said with a sigh. Had he known how much this discussion would trouble him later on, he would have only confessed his personal views on the promises he made—that he kept them no matter what.
Elizabeth could see that he was talking about someone specific and wondered who it could be. The conversation left her feeling tired and vaguely dissatisfied, and all of a sudden, she yawned.
Darcy quickly closed the book and rose from his chair. “You should sleep now; Elizabeth, you are tired. I shall bid you good night.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Good night, Mr Darcy,” she said, and watched him cross the room to the connecting door to the adjoining chamber. Suddenly, a smile graced her lips. Apart from the disquieting discussion just now, Mr Darcy had kept his promise to entertain her.