Page 27 of Through the Eyes of Love

Elizabeth smiled. When was the last time she was so at ease with anyone she had only recently met? “I bid you good day, Mr. Butler.”

“Goodbye, Miss Bennet. I hope our paths will cross again soon.”

* * *

After her encounter in Lambton,Elizabeth had a strange dream.

“Will you help me with this passage, my dear?” asked Mr. Butler. She walked slowly to where her husband was seated behind his desk. Before continuing, he turned and kissed her growing belly. “How is our little Butler doing today?”

“He is very busy kicking his mama as often as possible. How can I help you, Henry?”

“I wish to reword this sentence and have been unable to make it sound the way I intend it to.”

She scrutinized the page, made a few suggestions, and when she uttered the exact words he must have been searching for, he rose to his feet and embraced her.

“Elizabeth, you are the perfect vicar’s wife. Pray tell no one that most of my sermons are written by you.”

“You, sir, exaggerate! I am honoured to help the man I love.”

CHAPTER 7

Cheapside, London, 22 March

Dearest Lizzy,

I hope you are well and enjoy living in Derbyshire. I could not wait another moment to share the news of our recent reversal of fortune. As you know, your uncle’s previous business partner turned out to be a scoundrel who took all our money and fled the country. The other importers in London knew about the treachery that robbed us of our livelihood, but they also knew Edward was in no way responsible. I am so proud of my husband’s stellar character! As a result of that reputation, three months ago, he was asked to join R. Johnson and Son, a well-established import firm, as a partner. The present Mr. Johnson’s father ran the business until his untimely death, and his son quickly became aware that he was ill-prepared to assume his new position. That is why he was so eager to partner with your uncle.

I am delighted to tell you that things are back to how they once were, in fact, even better. We are moving to a larger home near Pimlico and have already started attending parties,the theatre, and the opera. We welcome you to live with us in London for as long as you wish and eagerly await your arrival.

With love,

M. Gardiner

P.S. I do remember hearing stories about the cottage at Pemberley. The details escape me, but I remember thinking it must be a magical place.

What an amazing surprize!Elizabeth was thrilled to learn of this astonishing turn of events for her beloved relatives. She had taken the letter outdoors to read in the fresh air and could not keep herself from smiling at her aunt’s words.

Mr. Darcy had been walking towards the cottage when he diverted his steps towards her. “Are you well, Miss Bennet? You have an unusual expression on your face. I hope your letter does not contain any bad news. Is your family well?”

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, I did not hear you. Everyone in my family is well, I thank you. My aunt has written such excellent news: their financial woes are over, and she has invited me to return to my family in London.”

His face fell and he appeared to struggle to speak. At last, he cleared his throat. “Will you be leaving Derbyshire soon?”

“I hardly know what to do.” It was beyond reason for her to hope he would suggest she stay and even less likely to expect to marry him. “What would you advise?”

“You should do what is best for you. You are a gentleman’s daughter forced into service by unfortunate circumstances. If you can live the life you should, why not jump at the chance?”

For some reason, her chest tightened at his words. She rose from the bench and brushed the dirt from her skirt. “If youwished me to leave, you should have told me long ago.” Why was he so eager to send her away?

“It is notmywish. Whether you leave or stay is your choice.” What was that emotion in his voice? She could not decipher it.

“Pray excuse me,sir, I must return to the house and prepare for dinner.” As she walked past him, he reached out and held her arm to stop her. Was there tenderness in his eyes? But no, he said nothing and stepped away from her.

Insufferable man!Did he care about her or not? She should leave in the morning and teach him a lesson! Perhaps she should “accidently” meet Mr. Butler again. That gentleman seemed eager to spend time with her and was very pleasant. Could she see herself being contented as a vicar’s wife? Now she was being silly because of Mr. Darcy’s lack of action. If she left there tomorrow, she would never see Mr. DarcyorMr. Butler again. What was she to do?

* * *

While walkingnear the manor house several days after receiving her aunt’s letter, Elizabeth was startled by the sight of Mr. Butler coming towards her. She had no idea she would encounter him at Pemberley.