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For Elizabeth, this day started out like most. She arose early, unable to find respite in sleep. She went for a short walk in an attempt to clear her head, before breaking her fast with her sisters. She heard Mr. Darcy arrive and be shown into the study to discuss business with her uncle. She then sat in the drawing room, waiting for them to finish their business. She had nearly emptied the work basket. She needed an occupation, but did not have the ability to concentrate on a book. Mindless stitching and darning had become her pastime.

When she heard the door open, she gathered her work in order to stand. It was not until she was standing that she took a real look at what she was holding. As she realized that she had spent the last several minutes darning a hole in one of her father’s socks, tears spilled from her eyes. She had made it two days without crying, but she would not make it three.

“Perhaps you have been inside too long, today,” Darcy said in a gentle voice. “Would you care for a turn about the garden?”

Nodding her acceptance of the idea, she looked to Jane to ask her to join them. She was astonished to see that Mr. Bingley was seated with Jane. Mr. Bingley was a regular guest, using Mr. Darcy’s presence as an excuse to make such regular visits while they were in mourning, but Elizabeth had been so distracted she had not noticed his arrival.

It did not take long for Elizabeth to find herself walking arm in arm with Mr. Darcy in the garden, Jane and Mr. Bingley trailing behind them.

“Mr. Gardiner and I signed the settlement papers today,” said Darcy.

“Everything has been decided, then?” Elizabeth asked, briefly closing her eyes. In the last week she had come to realize she had little choice but to marry Mr. Darcy. She still did not know whether or not she should be happy or upset about that fact. Her feelings for him had definitely gone through a drastic change; she just had not yet settled on what those feelings actually were.

“Yes. Now, no one can question my reasons for wanting to take care of you and your family. You will be mine for the rest of our lives.”

Elizabeth shuddered. Expressing concern that Elizabeth might be catching a chill, Darcy quickly led her back inside. As he settled her in front of the fire, he recognized that his opportunity to talk with her privately was gone for the day.

As Charles Bingley walked arm in arm with Jane Bennet through the gardens of Longbourn, he envied his friend. He could still scarcely believe that Darcy wished to marry Elizabeth Bennet, but he admired the fact that he put all of his concerns aside to offer for the woman that he loved.

When Bingley had returned to London after the Netherfield Ball in November, he had expected it to be a short trip. He had some business to attend to but would return to Hertfordshire after a few days. When he left the area, he was sure of Jane Bennet’s regard for him. When both Darcy and Caroline had told him that Jane did not appear to love him, it had broken his heart. He could not return to Hertfordshire. Instead, he had acted the coward and stayed in London.

As he watched Darcy, he wondered how different things might have been if he had returned. Even if Jane did not yet love him, he was certain that she held him in high regard. If he had returned sooner, there was a possibility he would have been able to earn her love. They could have already been married. Now, it would be months before it would be proper for him to ask for her hand, and a year before they would be able to marry. He only hoped that by staying in Hertfordshire he would be able to earn her love. This time, it would be much more difficult to convince him to leave.

On their return to the house, they were unexpectedly met with the news that Mr. and Mrs. Collins had arrived. Since they were not expected for a few months, Darcy was immediately concerned that something had happened.

Mr. Collins was ensconced in the study with Mr. Gardiner, but Charlotte was at Mrs. Bennet’s side, assuring her that they were not there to move in quite yet. Mr. Collins simply had some questions, and they had felt it would be simpler to come and ask his questions in person instead of being subject to the delays of the post.

After ensuring Elizabeth was comfortable, Darcy made his way to the study, where Mr. Gardiner appeared relieved to see him.

“Mr. Darcy, how wonderful to see you!” Mr. Collins started. “My dear wife thought it was likely we would find you here. When we arrived yesterday we learned from our family that you were still in the area, and likely to be found here most days.”

“Yes, that is true,” Darcy replied. “Though I was not expecting to see you out of Kent so quickly. Have you changed your mind about giving the Bennet ladies three months before you come to live at Longbourn?”

“No, no, of course not,” Collins answered. “But your esteemed aunt advised me to come and ensure that proper care was being taken to ensure the estate would not fall into disrepair during this time of mourning. Mr. Gardiner was just showing me the measures that have been taken.”

“Is there not a steward that could give you the assurances that you need?” Darcy asked.

“My brother never felt the need to employ a steward for Longbourn,” Mr. Gardiner replied.

“I will admit that is something that I did not think about,” Darcy acknowledged, a little disturbed that he had overlooked such a basic need. His discussions with Mr. Gardiner had focused on Elizabeth and the rest of the Bennet ladies. They had not spent much time worrying about the estate. “Is Longbourn profitable enough to employ a steward for the next year? He could watch over everything for the next few months, then teach you all you need to know about taking care of Longbourn when you come to live here. You could then decide whether or not you want to keep him employed or take over the running of the estate.”

“Since the estate will only need to support two people instead of the seven it was supporting, money could easily be found to employ a steward,” Mr. Gardiner said.

“Do you have anyone in mind?” Darcy asked.

“Not really,” Gardiner admitted. “We could go into Meryton to visit my brother Mr. Phillips and see if he has a suggestion. He is much more familiar with the people who live in this area.”

It was quickly agreed that all three men would visit Mr. Phillips together.

“What generosity, Mr. Darcy. Even with the condescension you have shown me in the past, I did not expect you to take time out of your day to help me in even my smallest endeavors. You are truly of the noblest character, and noblest family.”

Requesting the carriage to be brought round, the gentlemen prepared to head into Meryton. Darcy was thankful he had spent a few minutes in the garden with Elizabeth, as it looked like that was all the time they would have together this day.

When Jane returned to the drawing room with Mr. Bingley she was astonished to find Elizabeth bundled in a chair by the fire while Charlotte Collins attempted to soothe a very agitated Mrs. Bennet.

“Oh, it is too soon!” Mrs. Bennet was wailing. “My salts, get me my salts. I’m not ready to be supplanted in my own home.”

Seeing that she was not to be calmed, Jane gently guided her mother out of the room and up the stairs, Mr. Bingley looking forlornly after them.