Page 46 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
“Of course not,” Darcy said quickly, chastising himself for pressing her. “Would you perhaps enjoy indulging one of my wants with me? Such as taking a ride? It is quite a lovely day.”
Her face softened into a genuine smile. “I would. I shall change into my riding habit.”
“Very well,” he said with a nod. “I’ll let the grooms know.”
Half an hour later, Darcy and Elizabeth rode side-by-side along the rolling Derbyshire countryside. The crisp autumn air carried a faint scent of damp earth and evergreens, and the rhythmic sound of their horses’ hooves filled the comfortable silence between them. Darcy glanced sideways at Elizabeth, wondering what thoughts occupied her mind. Since their earlier conversation, she had given him no clear indication of her feelings about his more personal admissions. She had not withdrawn from him, which gave him some measure of relief,but neither had she seemed inclined to move closer. It was a puzzle. For now, though, he resolved to be patient. Perhaps it was best to let her come to him in her own time.
Oh, how he wished he could ask advice from someone. But with Bingley away, there was no one he could confide in. Richard was occupied with his own affairs, which would no doubt involve some kind of confrontation with their formidable aunt, Lady Catherine. Darcy sighed inwardly and tightened his grip on the reins. No, this matter was his alone to resolve.
Chapter 27
Elizabeth
Elizabeth rode beside Darcy, grateful that he didn’t feel the need to fill every moment with conversation. It was one of the qualities she most appreciated about him now—his ability to simply exist in the moment, content in their shared silence. She thought of the peaceful evenings they spent in the drawing room or the parlour, each absorbed in their own book, enveloped by nothing but the soft crackling of the fire and the occasional creak of the house settling. If she had been with any of her sisters, even Jane, she would have felt obliged to engage in constant conversation. But with Darcy, she could simplybe.
It had been some time since they last quarrelled, which was a relief, though she sensed there were still unspoken words lingering between them. Still, to claim she had resolved her feelings entirely would be untrue. In her heart, she knew she wanted to truly be his wife. Not in name only, but in every sense. Yet, Mary’s pointed remarks had revived her practical doubts.
What if Mary was correct? What if this affection she felt was merely gratitude? Gratitude for all Darcy had done to protect her family? Worse, what if he had manipulated the situation to ensure she would be reliant upon him? Mary hadn’t said it outright, but she had hinted enough to sow a seed of doubt. It was all very convenient, wasn’t it? Mr Darcy arriving just in time to save the day.
Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. His profile was serious, his gaze fixed ahead, yet there was a calmness to him that shefound reassuring. Could a man so earnest and forthright truly be capable of such machinations? She felt her earlier suspicions begin to slip away. But still, the doubts lingered, faint but persistent.
“You seem far away in thought, Elizabeth,” Darcy said, breaking the silence.
She hesitated, then forced a smile. “Just admiring the scenery. Derbyshire is beautiful at this time of year.”
“It is. Though I find it pales in comparison to the company,” he said.
Her heart fluttered at his words, but she willed herself to stay composed. “You are kind to say so,” she murmured, allowing herself a small smile.
Darcy said no more, seeming content to let the moment speak for itself. And for now, Elizabeth allowed herself to simply ride beside him, the question of her heart still unanswered, but her faith in his sincerity growing with every quiet mile.
***
The crisp afternoon air bit lightly at Elizabeth’s cheeks as she and Darcy approached Pemberley. The ride had been invigorating, leaving her in a pleasant mood, but her eyes narrowed curiously as the estate’s familiar silhouette came into view. A carriage stood waiting near the front steps.
Darcy reined in his horse beside hers, his brows furrowing slightly. “A visitor,” he observed, his tone edged with puzzlement. “But I was not expecting anyone.”
Elizabeth shaded her eyes with her hand, squinting at the unfamiliar crest painted on the carriage door. “Perhaps Mary and Kitty have returned from Matlock earlier than planned?”
Darcy shook his head, dismounting with his usual ease. “It is unlikely. My aunt would have sent word. Besides, that is not my uncle’s carriage.”
Elizabeth watched as he strode around to assist her. His hands, steady and warm, gripped her waist briefly as he helped her down from her horse. She smiled her thanks but could not help glancing again at the carriage.
“Whoever it is, I expect we shall soon find out,” she remarked as they ascended the front steps together.
The butler was already holding the door open for them, his expression polite yet betraying a touch of urgency. “There are guests waiting in the drawing room, Mr Darcy.”
Darcy frowned faintly but nodded. He glanced at Elizabeth, offering her his arm as they moved purposefully towards the drawing room. As the door swung open, Elizabeth stopped short, her eyes widening.
There, in the centre of the room, stood her sister Jane, a radiant smile lighting her features. Beside her, Mr Bingley looked equally cheerful, while Aunt Gardiner, ever graceful, stood nearby.
“Jane!” Elizabeth gasped, her voice lifting with pure astonishment. She rushed forward, enveloping her sister in a tight embrace.
“Oh, Lizzy, I cannot tell you how much I have missed you!” Jane cried, clinging to her.
Elizabeth stepped back, looking from her sister’s flushed cheeks to the unmistakable joy in her eyes. Looking from her sister to her aunt, and then to Mr Bingley, she asked, “But what brings you here? You did not send word!”
Mr Bingley stepped forward with his characteristic warmth. “We wanted to surprise you—and we have news to share.”
