Page 122 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Darcy was in his bedchamber with his door barely ajar, writing to his sister. He had already spoken with Matthew that morning, who had told him Dinah said Elizabeth had been waiting for Miss Bennet before calling for the carriage. Darcy could not help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw the downpour outside his window. He hoped she would not be too upset to be forced to remain, but he needed more time with her. When he heard a door thud closed down the hall and then voices, he quickly finished his letter.

Georgiana’s own letters still lacked energy, although he hoped his words this morning would cheer her. While his sister had not seen Elizabeth apart from one time years ago, he knew she still held her in high regard. He had written to her of Elizabeth’s fall in the stream and of her illness. Georgiana had briefly shown strong feelings as she wrote of her old friend and her hopes for her recovery. His sister would be relieved to read this letter and hear how well Elizabeth got on now.

When Darcy reached the breakfast room, Miss Bingley and Sir Abraham Topplewight were at one end of the table discussing wedding plans again, and Miss Bennet was about to sit with them. Elizabeth was at the sideboard, so Darcy joined her there.

“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.” How he longed to greet her before breakfast every day. As she turned, he noted how much healthier she looked than two days earlier. Her faint blush when she saw him perusing her face only added to her appeal.

“Mr. Darcy. Did you sleep well?”

How could he answer that? Matthew had found one of Bingley’s footmen to guard Elizabeth’s door part of the night, but Darcy still took a shift that left him without a full night’s sleep.

“It was sufficient. Another day upstairs seems to have done you good. I am sorry you did not get your wish to return home, however.”

She shrugged as she reached for a piece of toast to rest beside her boiled egg on her otherwise empty plate. She was quiet again, and he did not understand it. Normally, Elizabeth was the first to offer a topic of conversation and the most proficient of the two of them at avoiding awkwardness. Since he had arrived in Hertfordshire, he could not predict her moods.

As Elizabeth moved to the table, Darcy quickly filled his plate haphazardly and followed her. Bingley had come in and sat beside Miss Bennet. How had his entrance escaped his notice? Elizabeth left a seat open beside Bingley, and Darcy took it.

“Bingley. It appears your plans to inspect the grounds will have to wait. I remain available if you wish to go over other estate business indoors.”

While a footman brought tea for himself and Miss Elizabeth, Bingley made it obvious he had no other plans than to sit beside Miss Bennet all day. Darcy chuckled and turned to Elizabeth on his other side. She was smiling, as well, and when he caught her eye, he once again struggled to look away. She removed her gaze first and ate her meager meal without a word. He furrowed his brow.

“Do you continue to avoid me?” He had not meant to be so blunt, but he was confused and knew he was running out of time.

“If I were avoiding you, I would have sat beside Mr. Bingley and drawn myself into the wedding conversation.”

“Forgive me. You must be fatigued, even though you look the picture of health. I will strive to be more patient.”

“Patient, Mr. Darcy? Are you waiting for something?”

Was he? Either Elizabeth was unwell, did not wish to speak with him, or she had changed in their summer apart. He thought back to the time between their dance in Meryton and her fall into the stream. She had been lively enough, though not with him. Had her illness affected her?

“Not waiting for anything in particular. I only wonder…did your accident affect you in ways other than physically?”

Now she furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

“Have you been uneasy? Have you had nightmares or felt afraid?”

Elizabeth laughed, and the sweet sound allowed Darcy to exhale a little bit.

“I am perfectly well, I thank you. Unfortunate though the experience was, you were there when I needed you, and I have recovered completely.”

Perhaps he was reading too much into her calm demeanor. If she said she was as before, he would treat her thus.

“I apologize again for having had to leave you all summer. I treasured our morning rides and frequent family dinners. How did you spend your days while I was away?”

A cloud passed over her face. Something was amiss! He knew it. Would she tell him?

“After you left…I painted a great deal, did all the usual things, really. And I took up the harp, but I am not very good at it, so I hope most employers will not require it.”

He had to lean in to hear the end of her sentence.

“The harp? I did not know you wished to learn. My sister tried it briefly, but she said it did not suit.” Then the last part of her sentence registered. “Why…what do you mean about employers requiring it?”

She took a sip of her tea, but when she replaced the cup in her saucer, her fingers shook slightly, and the China rattled. He continued to look at her hand when she pulled it to her lap and balled it into a fist. Then she looked up at him, and her eyes flashed, but she spoke so only he could hear her.

“I have been preparing myself to apply for a position as a governess.”

His eyes narrowed. What could she mean? She truly had no idea of his feelings for her. Or perhaps she did, but she did not return them. He looked at his plate, unseeing. When he realized his head was shaking involuntarily, he stopped and turned to look at her again. She was picking apart the last of her brown toast.