Page 112
“Mr. Graham is so strict that I fear he may not wish me on my feet at any time soon; however, if I can get back on my feet, and you and he can come to an agreement, I shall be delighted to become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
William was so pleased that he closed his eyes to prevent her from seeing the tears that instantly threatened to form. Then he embraced Elizabeth as best he could without hurting her before pulling back to look into her eyes once more. “As soon as you are mine, there will be no happier man in the world.”
“At times I cannot fathom how you came to love me so much after what I—” A soft sob stopped her from continuing.
“A wise woman once told me that we should recall the past only as it gives us pleasure. God has graciously given us another chance for true love, and I intend to be thankful each day for that.”
With her reply, Elizabeth’s smile returned, “Thank you for reminding me to follow my own advice and to be grateful for what God has given us.”
“My pleasure.”
Later that morning
William had asked Mr. Barnes to direct Mr. Graham to his study after the doctor had finished examining Elizabeth. Consequently, he was not surprised when a knock on the study door interrupted his meeting with his steward from Pemberley, who had travelled to London to discuss important estate concerns.
“Come!” William called.
The door opened and Mr. Barnes showed Mr. Graham into the room. Instantly, Mr. Sturgis stood, saying, “I shall be in my office, if you wish to send for me.”
“I will not be long, Sturgis, and we shall continue our discussion regarding the tenants.”
Sturgis nodded to William, bowed slightly to Mr. Graham when he passed the doctor, and then exited the room.
“I hope I did not interrupt anything important,” Mr. Graham stated. “If you wish, we can always meet at my office tomorrow.”
“That will not be necessary. Elizabeth’s wellbeing is what is most important to me,” William replied. Waving towards a chair, he added, “Please have a seat.”
Mr. Graham did as asked, saying, “How may I be of service?”
“I have some questions regarding Elizabeth’s recovery.”
“Go ahead.”
“She has talked of being allowed to sit in a chair.”
“Just today, she asked me about that. I told her she may, but only if she does not find it painful or too tiring. If she is content, she may sit in a comfortable chair for half an hour morning and evening. If that does not bother her, then I may extend the length of time by a quarter of an hour on my next visit.”
“Would that include being able to sit on the balcony? She complains of missing the sun on her face.”
“Until the weather warms considerably, I prefer she stay indoors.”
“I understand. You should know, however, that as soon as Elizabeth can endure standing for even a short while, we wish to marry.” At the look of shock on the doctor’s face, he quickly added, “I would marry her whilst she lies in bed, but she insists on being able to stand throughout the ceremony.”
“May I ask if something requires you to marry sooner rather than later?”
William’s expression changed to one of irritation. “If you are asking if she is with child, the answer is no. Elizabeth is a lady in every sense of the word. It is merely my desire to guard her reputation that propels me to schedule a swift wedding.”
“I believe you are well aware that her reputation is already keeping the ton entertained.”
“I am. Nonetheless, the sooner we marry the sooner the gossips will move on to another poor subject. There is also the fact that I wish to be able to sleep in the same bed.” Seeing the other man’s eyebrows rise, he quickly continued, “It is my belief that she will heal faster if I hold her in my arms.”
“Do you intend to consummate the marriage straight off? If so, I cannot approve of the plan.”
William started to reply, but the doctor held up a hand to silence him. “It may take Miss Bennet a year to fully recover from her ordeal, and she should not be burdened with carrying a child whilst attempting to regain her strength.”
“I am fully aware that it would not be wise for her to carry a child amidst her current struggles. I would never ask that of her.”
“I fear it is far easier to pledge not to consummate your marriage than to follow through. After all, it is no secret that your love for Miss Bennet is of a passionate nature.”
