Page 27 of Grief and Grievances
“Indeed,” the Earl agreed, nodding solemnly. “And it is our duty, as family, to support one another in these trying times.”
As the conversation continued, Darcy found himself retreating into his thoughts, the image of Elizabeth beside Lady Catherine, embarking on new adventures while he remained bound by the constraints of his own life, haunting him.
The room seemed to close in on Darcy, the weight of his aunt’s words pressing down upon him like a suffocating blanket. The clock ticked away, its steady rhythm only serving to emphasise the silence that hung heavily between them all. Unable to speak, Darcy stared blankly at the intricate patterns woven into the carpet beneath his feet.
“This Miss Bennet must be quite a remarkable woman,” Jeremiah mused, breaking the silence with a light, jovial tone. “To have so impressed my dear aunt, I must make her acquaintance.”
“Indeed,” Fitzwilliam chimed in, grinning as he caught Darcy’s eye. “It appears Lady Catherine has taken quite a liking to our Miss Elizabeth.”
“I have indeed,” Lady Catherine conceded, a hint of warmth flickering in her stern countenance. “I have rarely encountered such a combination of intelligence and spirit.”
Darcy’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions—surprise, disbelief, jealousy, and, most prominently, the urgent longing to secure Elizabeth’s affections for himself. He struggled to find his voice, acutely aware that his own future happiness depended on the choices he made in this moment.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he began hesitantly, “has indeed shown herself to be an extraordinary young lady, as has her older sister, Jane.” His eyes met Jeremiah’s, silently pleading for understanding, but Jeremiah only looked enthused at the prospect of meeting the sisters.
Colonel Fitzwilliam could not resist the urge to needle Darcy, and promptly said that he had no doubt Jeremiah would be impressed by both of them.
Jeremiah smiled and made a small bow towards his aunt. “For if so discerning a character as Lady Catherine holds them in esteem, I will doubtless be bowled over by their sterling qualities!”
Lady Catherine allowed herself a small smile at his gentle humour and the compliment,
and the tension in the room began to ease. Darcy felt a measure of relief at the change in mood, but his mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Elizabeth.
As the conversation turned to more practical matters, Darcy found himself struggling to concentrate. He couldn’t shake the image of Elizabeth travelling with his aunt, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures without him. He knew he had to do something to secure her affections, but he wasn’t sure how. He couldn’t simply propose marriage to her; that would be too forward and risk scaring her away.
Lost in thought, Darcy barely registered the end of the meeting and the departure of the others, save for his cousin. He remained in the drawing room, deep in contemplation, until Fitzwilliam’s voice interrupted his reverie.
“You seem troubled, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam said, his tone gentle but probing. “Is everything all right?”
Darcy hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I am concerned for Miss Elizabeth,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Why? What is troubling you?”
“I fear that my aunt’s interest in her might put Miss Elizabeth in an uncomfortable position,” Darcy explained, his brow furrowed with worry. “And I am not sure what I can do to protect her.”
Fitzwilliam’s expression softened, and he laid a reassuring hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “I understand your concern, my friend,” he said. “But I think you underestimate Miss Elizabeth’s strength. From what I have seen of her, she is more than capable of handling herself.”
Darcy nodded slowly, his mind still filled with doubts and fears. “Perhaps you are right,” he conceded. “But I cannot help feeling that I must do something to ensure her safety and happiness.”
Fitzwilliam smiled wryly. “Ah, the noble Mr. Darcy, always trying to be the hero,” he joked. “But in this case, I think the best thing you can do for Miss Elizabeth is to simply be there for her when she needs you. Show her that you care for her, support her, and respect her choices, even if they may not align with your own.”
Darcy nodded slowly, his mind gradually clearing. “You are right, Fitzwilliam,” he said, his voice firm with determination. “I will do my best to be there for her, however she may need me.”
As they shared a smile, Darcy found himself daring to hope that perhaps, despite the numerous obstacles fate had placed in their path, he might yet find a way to win Elizabeth’s heart and secure their future together. For now, however, he would focus on the present, taking solace in the support and understanding of those who knew him best.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns of Rosings Park as Darcy, Jeremiah, and Fitzwilliam strolled together, each lost in his own thoughts. The air was cool and crisp, a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of spring as it gave way to the warmth of summer.
“Such a lovely evening,” murmured Jeremiah, breaking the companionable silence. “It is a shame that Anne cannot be here to enjoy it.”
“Indeed,” replied Darcy, his heart heavy with concern for his cousin. “She has suffered far too much.”
“Ah, but look who we have here,” interjected Fitzwilliam, nodding toward two familiar figures approaching them along the path. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane.”
As the sisters drew near, Darcy felt his pulse quicken, his eyes inexorably drawn to Elizabeth’s expressive face, framed by tendrils of dark hair that had escaped her bonnet. Beside her, Jane’s serene golden beauty shone like a beacon, her countenance radiating an inner kindness and grace that belied her recent trials.
“Good evening, ladies,” greeted Fitzwilliam with a respectful bow. “Please, allow me to introduce Jeremiah de Bourgh. Jeremiah, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Good evening, gentlemen,” replied Elizabeth, offering a polite curtsy, while Jane echoed her sentiments. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. de Bourgh. We already met your sister earlier—it was she who insisted Jane and I take some air while she and Georgiana sit with Anne, a great kindness on her part.”
