Page 28 of Through the Eyes of Love

“Good afternoon, Miss Bennet. You look very well today.”

“Mr. Butler, how nice to see you. I did not expect to see you here.”

“I have a meeting with Mr. Martin and thought I would stop by in hopes of seeing you again.”

“I was just viewing the damage to the exterior of the house. It must have been a magnificent structure if this is what remains.”

“Someone mentioned the fire to me,” he said. “Do you know what happened?”

“I was not here then. All I heard was that the blaze was so widespread it could not be put out, and the gardens, orchards, and crops were also destroyed. Mr. Darcy was badly injured ensuring everyone was safe.”

“Several of Mr. Darcy’s tenants worship with me in Lambton and have told me they look forward to their return to Pemberley.”

Elizabeth stumbled on a small rock and missed a step. Mr. Butler took hold of her arm until she regained her balance. “Thank you, sir. The ground here is quite uneven.” He did not immediately let go of her once they began walking again, and she did not pull away. Mr. Darcy caught her eye as they neared the manor house. Had he been watching her?

As Mr. Darcy moved in their direction, Mr. Butler turned towards her. “I must be going, but it was a pleasure seeing you again.” He tipped his hat as he walked past Mr. Darcy. The vicar climbed into an old phaeton and rode away.

She followed the vicar’s progress until Mr. Darcy neared her and asked between gritted teeth, “What washedoing here?”

Why did he address her in that way? What did she do to deserve being spoken to with such bitterness? “He stopped by on his way to see Mr. Martin.”

“Do you and he have an understanding?” he asked in a rather surly manner.

“We do not, sir! And if we did, it would not be any ofyourconcern.” She bobbed a shallow curtsey and hurried towards the cottage. Now it was his turn to watchherwalk away.

* * *

Mrs. Reynolds announcedMr. Martin’s arrival while Darcy was occupied at the desk in the library. To what could he owe the privilege of this unplanned meeting? He put down his pen beforehis guest entered and steadied himself as he stood and offered the vicar his hand.

“You are looking very well, Mr. Darcy. It is good to see you engaged in what I am confident is estate business,” said the vicar.

“Yes, and there is so much to do and consider. The tenants and crops are the easy part; dealing with the rebuilding of the manor house is quite another matter.”

“In time, sir, in time. Pemberley was not built in a day, and it will take a while for it to be restored. Several tenants told me they have already moved back and look forward to the upcoming growing season.”

“It will not be long before we start planting. The livestock are doing well, and I hope the orchards will bear fruit again in the next year or two.”

“I am delighted with the progress youandPemberley are making.” The vicar waved his hand towards his leg. “I see you are no longer using your cane.”

“I shall have an uneven gait for the rest of my life, but I am satisfied I can now walk on my own.”

Mr. Martin’s brows rose as his head tilted. “I understand you spend a great deal of time with Miss Bennet. She is a lovely young woman who appears to be well bred.”

“She is a gentleman’s daughter who was recently forced into service by circumstances beyond her control. Her previous employer was injured in a carriage accident, and she helped Mrs. Murray to walk again. Miss Bennet has been kind to me and helped me learn the exercises I need to strengthen my leg. She undoubtedly pities me as I feel sorry forher.”

“Is there nothing more to it than that? Do you haveanyaffection for her? How do you think she feels about you?”

“I know I feel better whenever I am with her. She makes me laugh and smile as no one has ever done before. I did not havethe best perspective following the fire, yet she has made me feel alive again. Miss Bennet has a lively manner and a cheerfulness about her that always lifts my spirits. She is a perfect match for me, and I am tired of being alone.” Goodness! Why had he told Mr. Martin his innermost thoughts? “Miss Bennet was educated by her father and she knows at least as much as anyone I knew at Cambridge. We have been walking longer distances almost daily and have discussed topics about which I never imagined a young woman could be so knowledgeable.”

“Sounds like you may be falling in love with her.”

How could Mr. Martin say I love her?“To what end?” Darcy scoffed. “My relatives would never approve of her: a servant! I cannot disregard my obligations to my family and our legacy. They expect me to marry for wealth—a woman from one of the best families in theton. I know what my duty demands of me. I could never consider her as mistress of Pemberley.”

“You just said she is a gentleman’s daughter who has helped you become yourself again and aided you in learning to walk on your own. Do you truly require the approval of others? Why does anyone need to know about Miss Bennet’s brief period of employment? You are your own man, quite wealthy, and can marry whomever you choose. Your family loves you and will support whatever decisions you make. Mr. Butler has visited me several times to discuss parish matters, and each time he does, he asks after Miss Bennet.”

“Yes, he has stopped here on his way to Kympton to spend time with her; however, she told me they do not have an understanding.” What a nuisance Henry Butler had become! He should never have awarded him the living in Lambton. “Thank you for your visit, Mr. Martin, you have given me a great deal to think about.”

If only it was as easy as he suggested. True, Darcy could choose anyone he wished to marry, but the repercussions of sucha decision would affect many people. Would Elizabeth be better off with the vicar? He was from a wealthy family, so she would always be well provided for.