Page 59 of Until My Last Breath

“A lady, Richard?” Darcy asked, his face lit.

“Yes. Miss Bennet,” Richard said distracted.

Darcy stared at him, confused.

“I am sorry, Darcy,” Richard said smiling. “I meant to say, MissJaneBennet.”

“Oh, I see,” Darcy said, actually not seeing anything.

Richard was now looking down at a chain dangling around his neck. “I believe I love her.”

Darcy’s brows raised, mouth agape.

His reaction amused Richard. Not even he could understand it. “We have not had the opportunity to talk about it, but after you and Miss Elizabeth were kidnapped, Mrs Collins wrote a letter to Mr Bennet at my request. He arrived that same afternoon with Miss Bennet to keep him company. We spent a lot of time together, talking and sharing our pain, encouraging and comforting each other.” He looked at his shocked cousin. “We did not know if either, or both, of you were dead or alive. When we heard about you and Miss Elizabeth being held hostage at Eastbourne, I promised Miss Jane I would do whatever was necessary to bring her sisterback. As we were saying our goodbyes, she gave me this.” He showed Darcy the golden cross hanging around his neck. “She asked me to come back and return it to her.”

Darcy nodded, once side of his mouth curving up. “I see.”

The sudden prospect of having Richard not only as his cousin, but also as his true brother, brightened Darcy’s countenance. He knew Elizabeth would be very happy. Richard was the best husband he could desire for his future sister-in-law.

“What can I say? If you are serious about it, I will give you all my support. You could not have made a better choice, especially considering Elizabeth is no longer available,” Darcy said mischievously, resting his hand on Richard’s shoulder, remembering his initial thoughts about Bingley and Miss Bennet’s unsuitability. “I dare say you two would be perfect for each other. Miss Bennet is the most amiable and kindest lady I have ever met.”

Richard chuckled. “I thought you should be saying that about your betrothed, Darcy.”

“Elizabeth is very kind too, but in another way. While Miss Bennet has a serene and loving nature, Elizabeth is more passionate and impetuous. She has a peculiar way of showing her concerns, and love. You know what she is capable of doing.”

Richard nodded, but his levity was gone. “Was Miss Bennet the lady Bingley snubbed? Was it about her family you were talking when you mentioned her unsuitability and lack of decorum?”

Darcy averted his eyes but nodded.

“And how is it that you ended up betrothed to Miss Elizabeth after all?” Richard asked, truly confused. “The day before you were kidnapped…” Richard lowered his eyes, ashamed. “I… inadvertently confirmed your prejudiced views of their neighbourhood.”

“I had my suspicions. I remembered the way you were silently trying to warn me when I left Aunt Catherine’s drawing room.” He paused and then said, “I asked for Miss Elizabeth’s hand in marriage that night.”

“Well, I should hope so. You have been informing everyone that sheis your betrothed,” Richard said, laughing.

“Unfortunately, you are partially correct. She rejected me.”

Richard frowned. “W–what do you mean?”

Darcy slapped his cousin’s back in jest. “It seems we are destined to shock each other today. I went to her that night, so sure that she wanted me as much as I wanted her. I poured my heart out to her, but not without mentioning some of my feelings for her family…” Darcy paused at the sound of Richard’s gasp. “Let me just say she was not very subtle in her displeasure. Actually, she was quite vocal. In truth, she despised me for the way I had treated her, her family, and indirectly for supporting Bingley in his decision to leave Hertfordshire, and for treating Wickham in an unfair way.”

Richard’s jaw fell as Darcy revealed not only the details of that fateful night, but also how later they had the opportunity to clarify everything and to unmask the truth about their feelings for each other. “I have been an arrogant ass,” he concluded. “Both Elizabeth and Miss Bennet have forgiven me for my shameful behaviour, Richard. Could you do the same?”

Richard was surprised by his cousin’s humble request, and opened his mouth to reply, but could not find the words. He loved Darcy more than he loved his own older brother. In his cousin, just two years his junior, he had found a true friend and companion for their childish adventures. Unfortunately, as the years passed, adult responsibilities gradually replaced their leisure time. England’s war against France had taken Richard to the Continent, and Darcy’s father’s unexpected death had thrown him into a world of duty, responsibilities and work; they were as far away from each other as it was possible. In Richard’s absence, Darcy had turned into a bitter, cynical and arrogant man. Richard remembered his surprise when he returned. He had found Darcy to be almost a stranger. But he could not blame Darcy for it. Had he not seen the horrors of war, he probably would be the same. English society could be very hypocritical.

“I could, but there is nothing for me to forgive,” Richard said. “I cannot judge you. You always were a good man, and the best of friends. We were raised to fulfil our duty. Unfortunately, that also changed ourperception of the world; always waiting for those outside our circle of friends and family to prey on us. But I am pleased to know you realised your mistakes and are determined to change your ways without needing to go to war as I did.”

After a moment of silence, Darcy looked at Richard with some mischief in his eyes. “Miss Bennet said she believes you can bring Elizabeth back to her. She said she trusts you. I confess I was a bit embarrassed to remind her that, actually, it was I who was going to rescue her sister… but—”

Darcy’s words were interrupted when a strong hand gently squeezed his good shoulder. “Do not dare to mess with my girl,” Richard said frowning.

They both burst into laughter.

Richard let go of his cousin and looked back at the sea, so different from the day before. “We will soon return home, Darcy. You will see. And God will help us.” He closed his fist around the little cross and kissed it.

To their great surprise, a strong wind began to hit the ship.

It did not take long for the captain to shout a new command. “Mr Chase, we have good winds! Set studding sails.”

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