Page 70 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I seem to recall Bingley having a new angel on his arm every week.” He paused before continuing. “And how is Mrs. Horton? If you both approve, I should like to see her again.”

“She is not ready to see anyone yet,” Elizabeth said as she frowned, “and has yet to visit us these past weeks. Give her time to recover from this heartbreak and perhapsthenshe may be willing to see you again.”

“Darcy, may I discuss some estate matters with you before I leave?”

“Of course. Excuse us, my love.”

“Elizabeth, I hope the day comes soon when you tell me I may call on your sister.”

* * *

“Such excellent news,”Elizabeth announced as she held a letter in her hand.

Fitzwilliam sat beside her at the breakfast table. “Whatever is it that has you smiling?”

“It is a note from Mrs. Hopkins. Remember she told us her widowed daughter was returning to live with her in Lambton?” Her husband waited for her to continue. “She has been here for several months and has regularly attended the church in Lambton with her family. Well, to sum it up—Amelia, her daughter, met Mr. Butler. They started courting and now they are to be married!”

He scowled. “I wish them both well.”

“Why do you appear to be so dejected?” She could not understand her husband’s behaviour.

Fitzwilliam turned towards the young maid who stood nearby. “Leave us.” Once they were alone, he asked, “The day Ifound you at Mrs. Hopkins’s house, if I had not told you I wished you to stay, would you have married Mr. Butler?”

Elizabeth was stunned by her husband’s question—she opened her mouth to speak, but for a moment, she could not form any words. “How. . .how can you ask me such a question? How can you have any doubt that I love you—that I am happily married to you?” She pushed her chair back and threw her napkin on the table. Feeling light-headed from rising too quickly, she steadied herself on the back of her chair and forced herself to speak through her tears. “I havenotforgotten the many, many weeks you were cruel and indifferent to me while we were betrothed. You intentionally avoided seeing me and when weweretogether, you did not speak to me. If you had called off our engagement as I hadeveryreason to expect, I would have gone to live with the Gardiners at the earliest opportunity.” She brushed away her tears, but they kept falling, she was so heartbroken at his assumption. “Do you think I could have stayed in Lambton for any reason oranyone? Every time I saw you or heard your name, my heart would break a little more. I loved you then and I love you now.” She paused to compose herself. “I marriedyou,Fitzwilliam. I am havingyourbaby. I never felt any particular affection for Mr. Butler. We encountered each other a few times and barely exchanged more than brief pleasantries. How can you even ask if I ever wished to marry anyone but you?” Elizabeth sobbed as she ran from the room.

* * *

Darcy hunghis head and remained in his chair. What had he done?Their lives had been so harmonious, and now he had ruined everything by dredging up his past uncertainty.

He climbed the stairs and found her crying on the bed—a scene eerily reminiscent of their wedding night. He pulled her to him and despite her resistance was able to hold her to his chest. “My dearest, I beg you to forgive me. Hearing his name brought back too many memories of my own foolishness and self-doubts. I am still ashamed to remember how I was unable to show you my love back then. During that time, I was afraid you would choose him and that I would be left alone.” Darcy took his handkerchief and wiped away his wife’s tears before speaking from his heart. “Every day I thank G-d you never got on the mail coach and are here beside me. I. . .I was an empty shell of a man until you filled me with your love.” They both had tears in their eyes as he caressed her face.

“Mrs. Hopkins told me that married people may argue, but their love will help them forgive. I warn you, Fitzwilliam Darcy, if you ever doubt my love again, Ishallleave. Do you not realize how much I love you andonlyyou?”

“Yes, my dear wife, I shall remember your words whenever I hearhisname again. Now, may we return to the dining room and have our breakfast?”

“I would prefer to remain precisely where I am.”

Darcy placed his hand on her belly. “Is it the baby?”

She shook her head. “A wise man once told me there are some things that are more important than food.” She gave him a look that left nothing to his imagination.

No more information was necessary for him to take the hint. “Why yes, madam! I suddenly have an urgent need to return to my bed.”

* * *

The Bennet sistershad been exchanging letters for more than a month. Jane had reassured Elizabeth that she was well butneeded more time on her own and declined every invitation to Pembrook Cottage. For Elizabeth, it was not enough. “Fitzwilliam, I am so upset about her. I must see formyselfthat she is well.”

Darcy hesitated in his concern for her health on the wintery roads. “I shall accompany you to Stockton Hall but only if the weather permits. If the road is too bumpy, we shall turn back. We cannot risk your health or the babe’s.”

* * *

StocktonHall

The Darcys set out for Stockton Hall on a cold sunny February morning. Within the carriage, the passengers were kept comfortable with warm bricks at their feet and fur lined blankets across their laps. Elizabeth rested her head on her husband’s shoulder. “I hope Jane will be pleased to see us.”

“She will, my love, she will.”

Their trip was easy, and they were met with a warm reception when they arrived. After they all shared tea and biscuits, Fitzwilliam smiled at her sister. “I am glad to see you looking so well, Jane. We have missed your visits and anticipate you coming back soon. Pray excuse me, I must see to the horses and make sure the bricks are being reheated for our trip home. It is time the beautiful Bennet sisters had their privacy.”