Page 89 of The Slipper Scandal
Her mother’s voice, pitched high, filtered back to them.
He reached for her hand, then, and lifted it to his lips. "I should leave you to attend to your family," he said gently, and Elizabeth was grateful. "But I wish you to know that nothingyour mother has said alters my feelings or intentions in the slightest. I merely await your own decision.”
Elizabeth shook her head, unable to believe him. "You cannot mean that. No man of sense could hear such ludicrous things and not reconsider his choice."
"Have we not just established that I am capable of being nonsensical?" he replied, rubbing one thumb lightly over her knuckles. "I find my choice reinforced rather than weakened."
"How can that be possible?"
"Because," he said softly, "in witnessing your mother's . . .enthusiasm, I understand better the strength of character you have developed. To maintain such dignity and grace despite”—he paused to consider his next words, which Elizabeth thought was evidence that he had learned his lesson from their quarrel in the park— “such challenges as you have overcome speak to a fortitude I can only admire."
Elizabeth felt a warmth spreading through her chest at his words. "You are remarkably understanding."
"I am learning to be," he admitted. "Though I confess, your mother's suggestion of a cake shaped like Pemberley did test the limits of my composure."
A reluctant laugh escaped her. "I can only assure you that I have no intention of commissioning such a monstrosity."
Mr. Darcy did appear a little relieved at that statement. “Just keep her away from Milton, and all should be well.” Then his expression grew serious once more. "Before I go, Elizabeth, I meant what I began to say earlier. Last night, when I played for you—"
A knock at the door interrupted him, and Mr. Abernathy reappeared, grimacing when he realised what he was likely interrupting. "I beg your pardon, but I believe Colonel Fitzwilliam has arrived to escort you to your appointment with your solicitor, Darcy."
“He is half an hour early. Tell him to wait,” Mr. Darcy said impatiently, then sighed, his annoyance evident though controlled. "Please, Abernathy?"
But the colonel was already entering the room, and it was clear he was uncomfortable in the Abernathys' home.
Mr. Darcy turned back to Elizabeth. "I shall call again tomorrow, if I may. There is much still to be said between us."
"I would like that," she replied softly. “I promise that we shall have privacy, even if I must lockmyfamily in a closet.”
He bowed over her hand, his fingers lingering on hers a moment longer than strictly proper.
As he turned to leave, Elizabeth remained by the window and watched him go. Despite the morning's mortifications, she was not so very upset. Mr. Darcy had witnessed her mother at her most outrageous and had not been frightened away.
Perhaps she could trust his constancy after all.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft sound. Turning, she saw Arabella entering the room, her eyes still red-rimmed from tears. She wandered to the window and watched as the gentlemen’s carriage pulled away from the house and out into the London streets.
"Oh, Arabella," Elizabeth said, moving to embrace her friend. "I am so sorry for my mother's thoughtless words."
"It is not your fault," Arabella replied, returning the embrace.
Elizabeth took her hand. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is a gentleman of excellent character. The fact that he serves his country should be a point of pride."
Arabella gave a small, sad smile. "Try telling that to my father. He sees only the danger and instability of a military life. The colonel asked me last night whether I would marry him and I said yes, if he leaves the army. I do not yet know what his answer will be."
"Oh, Belle. If the colonel's affections are as genuine as yours, there will be a path forward."
"Perhaps," Arabella conceded, though she did not sound convinced. "But enough of my troubles. Your mother's arrival certainly created a stir."
Elizabeth grimaced. "That is a charitable way of putting it."
"From what I saw, Mr. Darcy seemed to bear it remarkably well."
"Yes," Elizabeth agreed, a note of wonder in her voice. "He did. Far better than I could have hoped."
"Because he loves you," Arabella said simply. "When one truly loves, such obstacles become merely inconveniences to be overcome. I hope you can see that now."
Elizabeth squeezed her friend's hands, hearing in those words Arabella's thoughts about her own situation as much as Elizabeth's.
