Page 49 of The Heir and Spare
The doctor had come and gone, and all he’d heard was that she was fine. She would be fine. She just needed rest. He would have to wait before she was able to receive visitors. They were about to give her some laudanum for some much-needed sleep.
All her sisters were in there right now, saying goodnight. His sister was in there. The maids were in there. His housekeeper too, even the dog had been given entrance. All except for Darcy were with Elizabeth.
He paced again.
Fitz came around the corner. “Banned from the room?”
“Abominably.”
“Brother. Since when are you commanded about by a bunch of servants?”
“Since…now.” He stood taller. “You are most correct, Fitz. I think it is high time I exerted my position in this house.”
“Absolutely.”
They stood together a moment, Fitz watching Arthur with narrowed eyes. “You love her?”
“I do.”
“I don’t. I could have, mind you. I could have loved that woman.”
“I hope you do.”
When Fitz widened his eyes, Arthur laughed. “As a sister. If she will have me, I plan to never be parted from her again from this day on.”
He nodded. “I approve. I will heartily welcome her to Pemberley.”
After a moment more, Arthur gripped his shoulder. “I think we will be making our way to Rosewood House.”
Fitz eyed him a moment and then nodded. “I won’t do everything the same way you do it.”
“I expect not.”
“You going to be able to let it go?”
“It’s time. I’m most anxious to. Lizzie helps. We have our own estate to create, to grow, to work on side by side.”
“Can you also relax and throw a ball or two?”
“Ball! That’s for you at Pemberley. If we ever clear out the neighborhood from our great room, you can hold our engagement ball.”
“I suppose I shall alert the staff.”
“Wait. I haven’t proposed.”
“You don’t think she’ll say no, do you?”
“I think we are much aligned in our thinking. I hope nothing has changed that in the few hours we have been parted. Much of what she admitted was under the influence of a head injury while stuck at the bottom of a pit.”
Fitz laughed. “Well, that’s one way.” He raised an eyebrow. “Everyone would keep it quiet. You do this of your own will, I gather?”
“I do. She is the one of my choice, my heart.”
He nodded. “Then I wish you the happiest of times. Now, come. They are crowding her. It is high time you had your moment.” He stepped to the door, opening it wide. “Time to leave Miss Elizabeth be.” He lifted a hand.
They stood in surprise but nodded. “You are so right, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Mary winked at him, eyeing Arthur.
They filed out of the room. The housekeeper glared. But Fitz shooed Arthur in and left the door open a crack.
