Chapter 22
Eleanor awoke to Marcus covering her face with gentle kisses as he whispered in her ear, “It is time to wake, Mrs Sinclair. Today is our last day in this wonderful place, my love, and I should like us to walk along the beach after breakfast.”
“General, if you are so strict about keeping to a schedule and so fond of rising early, I suggest you do not keep your wife awake until such an hour,” Eleanor replied with a laugh as her husband kissed her once more.
“May I remind you, Mrs Sinclair, that you did not seem so eager to stop and go to sleep early either,” said Marcus.
“It is true, I bear some guilt in that. But we have so much lost time to make up for.”
“And we have foolishly tried to fit it all into this past week’s evenings!” laughed Marcus.
“I love you, Marcus,” said Ella, “and, remember, we now have the rest of our lives to make up for lost time.”
“And I love you, Ella. And yet, no matter how much time we spend together now, I fear it will never feel like enough!” Marcus cried. “Even if we had those twenty years back, it would still feel like not nearly enough time to be with you,” he said as tears spilt out of his eyes.
She looked into his shining eyes, in the sweet misery of loving someone so completely and so thoroughly that you know you can never get enough of them.
She thought of how time flies in the presence of true love and the happiness it causes, and she said wisely, “We must be happy for the time that we are no longer missing.”
“You are right. And you are so wise, my sweet Ella. And that is yet another reason I cannot ever spend enough time with you!” He stopped and thought. “Do you want to know another reason? It is because now I get to do this…” he said as he leaned forward to kiss her tenderly upon her lips.
The lovers continued kissing for a little while longer.
Just as Marcus began to seek more than kisses, Eleanor slipped out of bed and said, “My beloved general, only five minutes ago you were eager to rise. We had better leave this bed at once and spare ourselves any further temptation, do you not think?” she asked with a mischievous smile.
“You shall pay dearly for such unworthy treatment of your husband tonight, Mrs Sinclair.”
“I beg your pardon, General. I know you are a brave soldier and that your enemies have no doubt trembled at the sound of your name. You should know, however, that your wife is not afraid of you.”
Marcus tried to catch hold of Eleanor and steal another kiss, but she darted across the room, laughing merrily as she escaped him.
It was nearly an hour before they were finally dressed and seated together at the breakfast table.
“Your husband, the general, would like it noted for the record that he won that last battle.”
“I do not believe you can call that a true victory in battle when your opponent surrendered,” replied Eleanor.
“Your nightgown did make for an excellent white flag,” laughed Marcus.
Eleanor was so happy to be with her husband that she silently thanked her brother-in-law for insisting that they should spend at least a few days away together.
During those precious days, they loved one another deeply, but they also wept for the years they had lost. Eleanor had seen the scars upon Marcus's back, cruel reminders of the floggings he had endured during his months in captivity.
She felt almost ashamed when she remembered how self-conscious she had once been about the scars on her own legs, and especially that she had feared Marcus might love her less because of something so insignificant.
After breakfast, Marcus and Eleanor walked along the beach, enjoying the last day of their peaceful retreat.
They had decided to speak to Elizabeth only after Jane's wedding.
Both agreed that it would be selfish to reveal such life-changing news beforehand, for it would inevitably overshadow the celebration.
Jane and Matthew deserved a day devoted entirely to their happiness, especially since Marcus and Eleanor intended to confront Thomas Bennet once Elizabeth had learned the truth.
“You know, Marcus, although I have enjoyed every moment of these past few days with you, I cannot deny that I am longing to be with our daughter again.” Eleanor paused, overcome with emotion.
“The night before our wedding, Lizzy fell asleep in my arms. I have been without her for so many years that I do not believe I shall ever make up for all the time we have lost. But I cannot deny that Elizabeth is not the only one who holds a place in my heart. Over these past months, I have come to love my dear nieces as well—especially Mary and Kitty, who have given me so much affection.”
“I understand you perfectly, my dear. I am very fond of my niece as well, and I am delighted that your nieces will be living with us. When I think of our daughter, all I want is to be by her side, to spoil her, care for her, and protect her. In fact, there is something I must tell you. I did not mention it before because I wished us to enjoy our honeymoon without any worries. But tomorrow we shall return to London, and I think you ought to know.”
Marcus then told his wife everything that had happened in Kent involving Lady Catherine and Mr Darcy.
“That dreadful woman dared to strike my daughter?” Eleanor exclaimed in horror. “Oh, Marcus, you should have told me sooner. As soon as I return to London, I shall go to Kent myself and tell her exactly what I think of her.”
Eleanor was outraged by Lady Catherine's behaviour. “And I shall instruct Mr Taylor to begin gathering information about that woman. I give you my word, my dear, that she shall regret ever laying a hand upon our daughter.”
“I understand, my love. Believe me, it took all my self-control not to confront her then and there. But do not worry. Reginald will speak to Matlock and make it absolutely clear that Elizabeth is now a member of the Sinclair family. What concerns me most is why Darcy wrote our daughter that letter if there is no understanding between them.”
“Marcus, ever since I met Lizzy, I have suspected that man was fascinated by her. But he thinks far too highly of himself, and I am convinced that his intentions are not honourable. Oh, Marcus, as soon as we return to London, please tell him to leave our daughter alone. I cannot bear to see Lizzy suffer for a man who does not deserve her.”
“I shall, Ella. If his intentions are not honourable, I shall tell him to put Elizabeth from his mind, or he shall have to answer to me. But there is something else, my love. I should like you to speak with our dear girl. Perhaps she will tell you what was in that letter.”
“Yes, I shall speak to her about it. I only hope she will feel able to tell me what passed between her and Mr Darcy. The other matter that troubles me is that Thomas tried to contact Elizabeth to force her to return to Longbourn.” Eleanor knew her brother only too well and knew he would seize upon any excuse to achieve his purpose.
“What reassures me, my love, is that my brother does not know we have discovered the truth. That gives us a certain advantage.”
“Yes, I agree. If he knew that we were aware of everything, he would undoubtedly use that knowledge to harm us. The fortunate thing is that we shall see him again at Jane's wedding. In the meantime, my brother will continue investigating the best way to resolve this situation.”
Marcus and Eleanor continued their walk along the shore, talking quietly together. They knew that, once they returned to London, they would have to face many painful truths. Yet they took comfort in knowing that, whatever lay ahead, they would face it side by side.
◆◆◆
Mrs Bennet was in awe of everything she saw.
Eleanor's house was spacious, elegant, and situated in one of London's most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Lydia, however, was far less impressed. Her sisters were living in a magnificent house in London while she remained at Longbourn.
More determined than ever, she resolved to demand that her mother bring Kitty home.
“Madeline, I think Lydia and I shall stay in this house. It is much larger, and Jane is here,” Mrs Bennet declared.
Fortunately, at that moment, Mrs Taylor entered the drawing room. The instant she caught Elizabeth's pleading look, she understood exactly what was expected of her.
“I am sorry, madam, but I am not authorised to allow anyone to remain in the house without Mr and Mrs Sinclair's permission. They will return tomorrow, so I suggest you speak to them then.”
Mrs Bennet immediately began to complain, but her daughters explained that Mrs Taylor had been left in charge of the house until Aunt Eleanor's return. After several minutes, Jane finally succeeded in calming her mother.
Meanwhile, Mrs Gardiner had taken a seat beside Elizabeth.
“Please, Lizzy, would you take John and Laura to the museum? I must go shopping with Fanny and Lydia.”
“Please, Lizzy, take us with you,” both children pleaded.
“One more conversation about lace or about how handsome the officers are, and I shall die,” John said dramatically.
Elizabeth could not help laughing.
“You sound exactly like my father, John.”
“But it is true, Lizzy. Aunt Bennet and Lydia never talk about anything else,” Laura added.
“Do not worry, Aunt. I shall take my cousins to the museum, so you may go shopping with my mother.”
On the other side of the room, Mrs Bennet was still insisting that Jane should leave with them immediately.
“Mother, I have already explained that Mr Andrews and his father are expected at any moment. I cannot simply leave and fail to receive him,” Jane said patiently.
“But, Jane, the shops will not remain open forever,” Lydia protested. “If we do not leave immediately, they will begin to close, and I still have so many things to buy.”
“She is quite right,” Mrs Bennet agreed. “Jane, it is time we left for the shops. We cannot spend the entire afternoon waiting for your betrothed.”
“But, Mother...”