Page 6 of Until My Last Breath

“Allow me to disagree, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy intervened, a little stung by her words. “I would rather say Iagreeto assist thanoffermy assistance. I am always glad to assist my friends and family whentheyask for my help.” Darcy made a great effort to remember anything he had done in her presence to create such an impression. He could be guilty of pride,but meddling? Was she talking about Wickham?

“Would you say then, sir, that it would not be your custom toofferhelp, even when you see your family or friends, are making a mistake?”

Well, not Wickham then. Darcy paused. It seemed she was referring to Bingley in some way, but he could not grasp how. He decided to answer honestly. “I would say you are correct, Miss Elizabeth.”

Mr Collins asked the colonel how he was finding Rosings Park this time, distracting Richard from his cousin’s conversation.

Taking advantage of the respite, Elizabeth pondered about Mr Darcy’s reply. Could it be that he was not responsible for Mr Bingley’s desertion after all? She needed to find it out.

As he kept his intense gaze on her, she gave him an enigmatic smile. “Well, it seems I have had the wrong impression after all.”

“I would be happy to oblige you, Miss Elizabeth. It would be my pleasure to clarify any… misunderstanding,” he responded in the same tone, hoping with all his being that he could do exactly that.

Elizabeth bit her lip and lowered her gaze to her empty cup. To her eternal vexation, she was tempted by the chance of having Mr Darcy explaining himself. During that fateful evening at the ball, she had provoked him to do exactly that. His answers, however, were… elusive. He did not admit or deny anything.

She turned back to him and wondered what he would say given the opportunity. Something in his eyes encouraged her. She smiled. “I would be delighted, sir. How long do you intend to remain in Kent?”

Darcy blinked. He could not believe the sudden change in her attitude and felt pleasantly… confused. He decided to be cautious. For the life of him, he could not understand what she was about and decided to keep his strategy of honesty, as it seemed to be working. Taking a deep breath, and choosing well his words, he replied, “We usually stay for two weeks, but we are always inclined to spend the necessary time to accomplish our obligations.”

“I am glad to hear it. And I hope you and your cousin have time to enjoy your stay this time. The over prolonged winter we just had, forcedthe daffodils to a late blossom. It is so wonderful to see everything starting again.”

Darcy held his breath, wondering if he had understood her correctly. Was she offering him an opportunity to explain and… make amends? God help him. He smiled back. “I will try to keep that in mind, Miss Elizabeth.”

After the appropriate time for the visit was over, Darcy and Richard extended their aunt’s invitation for the eventual dinner, thanked their hosts and bade their farewells.

Elizabeth blushed effusively when Darcy bowed over her hand. “I hope to see you soon, Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps we could talk more about the… spring and… daffodils.”

He kissed her hand and left.

Their reencounter had been much better than he had anticipated.

~ ♥ ~

Richard and Darcy made their way back to Rosings in silence. Darcy was feeling that same tingling in his stomach he felt back in Hertfordshire and held back a smile. He must be mad for just considering what she was offering him. Could they… start fresh?

As they approached the great house, Richard took Darcy’s arm and pulled him close. “Tell her.” Widened eyes started back at Richard. “Tell her about your feelings and what happened with Wickham,” Richard said exasperated, then paused. “Why do you insist on insulting my intelligence? Goodness, Darcy! Even a blind person could see she is the one you told me about. Your eyes! They had betrayed you much sooner than any of your words. Do you think I did not hear all that mumbling about harsh winters, spring and daffodils, and starting again?”

Darcy had the decency to avert his gaze.

“She is a jewel,” Richard said, putting his hands on his cousin’s shoulders. “And in the little time we were together, I believe the two of you would be perfect for each other. For once in your life, forget about theothers, forget about inconveniences and whatever other excuse you can think of, and think about you and the gift of being genuinely happy with a wife you can admire and love.”

Richard walked towards the front door, then turned back. “Do it, Darcy, and do it soon,” he said closing the door after him.

Chapter 3

9th April 1816

Darcy woke up early again, but this time daylight found a smile on his lips.

During that week, he and Richard had been quite busy with their obligations to their aunt’s estate, but Darcy had made an effort to enjoy his time. In particular, on his morning walks with Miss Elizabeth, when they had, inadvertently — he chuckled at the use of that word — found each other on one of the many paths around the estate.

Perhaps the first one had indeed been accidental, but not the second, or the third, or the fourth. Unfortunately, in none of those meetings were they alone, as Mrs Collins was always there. Darcy concluded that, after their first awkward conversation a week ago, Mrs Collins, as an old friend and Elizabeth’s chaperone, felt responsible for her reputation — and her loose tongue. Mrs Collins, like Richard, seemed to have a very sharp mind.

He looked at the clock on the mantel. Ten past six. It was still a little early to find Elizabeth, so he decided to ride for a while.

In a swift movement, Darcy left his bed and rang the bell for Wilfred. Once he was shaved and dressed in his best riding attire, he left. On his way out, he stopped at the kitchen, greeted the servants, enjoyed a good cup of coffee and took two slices of fresh bread with butter and strawberry jam to eat on his way out.

Whistling an old tune, he approached the stables and asked for ahorse, and smiled again.

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