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“When Lizzy returned from Kent, she was heartbroken. She told me of your proposal and admitted that her temper had controlled her response. Her wounded pride had coloured her opinion of you from the very beginning, and she was ashamed of her behaviour. After reading your letter, she understood why you felt as you did about Charles and me, though you were mistaken.”

William glanced over his shoulder to meet her steady gaze. He nodded.

“She regretted what she said. She realised too late that she was in love with you.”

William’s head lifted as his heart sank. She loved me. If only I had returned to Meryton instead of leaving for Scotland, how different our lives would have been. His thoughts flew immediately to Georgiana. She is counting on my courtship of Mrs. Preston, of my marrying and having a family.

If he took Elizabeth to Pemberley, he would be giving up the prospect of a future with another woman, and there would be no future with Elizabeth as his wife, as she was already married.

Could I settle for another woman, knowing that Elizabeth is alive? Can I live with the prospect of caring for her for a lifetime without being able to marry her?

Remembering the way his heart leaped upon seeing her, the sense of elation that overtook him and the sweet sensation of her in his arms, he had his answer. “I will take Elizabeth to Pemberley.”

Jane rushed to William, taking his hand and kissing his knuckles, as she broke into tears of joy. “Thank you, William! I shall forever be grateful to you.”

Embarrassed, William gently pulled his hand out of her grasp and took both her hands in his. Looking steadily into her eyes, he stated, “I love Elizabeth. I can do no less.”

Charles moved to put an arm around his shoulder. “We agonised over bringing you into this nightmare and are truly sorry at how you learned the truth. You have many questions, I am sure, but we are all exhausted, and for now, Lizzy is safe and sound. Why do we not meet here in the morning and discuss everything?”

William nodded, covering a yawn with his hand. “I will be able to think more clearly then, I believe.” Charles and Jane watched as he departed wearily. Stopping at the door, he glanced back over his shoulder.

“We need to have our talk very early in the morning, as I must get Elizabeth away from here before Caroline arrives.”

Jane replied, “Caroline is to arrive the day after tomorrow. I shall have Mrs. Drury’s and Elizabeth’s things packed first thing tomorrow. If you want to leave immediately after we talk, it will be possible.”

“Thank you.”

~~~*~~~

“What an awful way to discover the truth,” Jane said softly, as she reached a hand towards Charles.

“The worst,” was all he could add, as he took her hand and began leading her back to their bedroom. Lizzy was safe and all was well.

In his own bed, William rolled over to grab the still damp pillow Elizabeth had laid her head upon, breathing in the lavender scent. He held it tightly to his chest as his eyes closed, and he slept soundly for the first time since Charles had told him she was dead.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 6

Netherfield

Trunks littered the hallway as footmen moved back and forth loading them aboard the coach in front of Netherfield. Nodding to Charles who stood just out of Lizzy’s sight, William entered the small sitting room adjoining Lizzy’s bedroom. He could hear Jane, who knelt in front of the chair where her sister sat, patiently explaining what was about to happen.

“Lizzy, dearest, do you understand what I am trying to say?”

Elizabeth showed no reaction, and Jane glanced over her to William and Charles before her eyes returned to her sister. “All of us—William, Charles and I—agree that it is best if William takes you to his home… to Pemberley. It is very lovely there, and you will be safe. You know how you love to walk? Well, you can walk about the estate to your heart’s content.” She smiled, patting her sister’s hands.

“While you will be under Mr. Darcy’s protection, Charles and I will be kept informed of your health and well-being. You and I will exchange letters frequently, and God willing, we shall come to visit you there as soon as possible. Would you like that?”

She waited a moment, but with no response, she continued. “We love you, Lizzy, and I would not have you think we are abandoning you. We would never do that.”

Jane searched her face, but Elizabeth only stared at her, barely blinking. William moved to kneel in front of Elizabeth and took the hand that Jane released.

“We all love you, Elizabeth, and together we will see you through this. Not one of us will allow anyone to hurt you. You will be safe at Pemberley, I promise.”

Elizabeth looked down to watch as his thumb made a small circle on the back of her hand, and everyone followed her gaze. No one moved or spoke, recognizing that this was the first time since Elizabeth had been recovered that she had actually followed anything with her eyes.

Seeing her reaction to this small touch, William felt hot tears fill his eyes. He glanced at Jane and saw that she was crying silently. He lifted Elizabeth’s hand slowly, letting his eyes adore her as he placed a soft kiss on the back of her fingers. He was rewarded with her eyes following this gesture as well. Though this was the extent of her response, there was a wave of emotion coursing throughout the room, and tearful eyes met and heads nodded in silent acknowledgement of this milestone.