Page 29

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy had been observing Elizabeth for the past few days.

She appeared thin, and although she remained gentle and kind whenever they had the opportunity to spend time together, she had lost the sparkle in her eyes and scarcely smiled anymore.

The mornings were pleasant; winter was nearly gone, and Mr. Darcy went riding each morning.

The exercise suited him well and helped him endure the long workdays.

He was soon to be away from Pemberley for nearly two months and wished to leave all matters concerning the harvest season thoroughly arranged.

He had noticed that Elizabeth rose very early each day, spoke with Mr. Turner for a few minutes, and then sat on the bench near the stable to read, always accompanied by a dog.

He usually continued on his way, but that morning he felt inclined to speak with her.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet." "Good morning, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied, standing at once.

"Miss Darcy is still asleep, and I wished to take advantage of this fine morning to read…

but I intend to return shortly to join your sister for breakfast, sir.

" "Please do not trouble yourself, Miss Bennet.

Since childhood, Georgiana has disliked rising early.

And the morning is indeed lovely; I understand your desire to enjoy a moment outdoors.

" Mr. Darcy hesitated, then asked, "May I inquire what you are reading, Miss Bennet?

" Elizabeth glanced at the book and replied, "I am reading letters from my mother and sisters.

I like to keep them within this book, which was my father's favourite.

" "And what book is that?" "The Odyssey.

My father was a great admirer of ancient Greek culture and literature.

" "I see. Well, I shall ride for about an hour.

I shall see you at breakfast, Miss Bennet.

" "Yes, sir." Mr. Darcy proceeded to the stable, and Elizabeth sat once more upon the bench to continue reading her family's letters.

She felt sorrowful and uncertain how to manage the grief that lingered within her.

Were it not for Georgiana's affection, Oscar's constant company, and the anticipation of seeing part of her family in a few days, she might have remained in bed the entire day.

"I am sorry, dear Oscar, but it is time I return to the house.

Georgiana must be waiting for me. If I have time, I shall visit you later.

I love you so much," Elizabeth said, embracing her dear friend.

She then ran back to the mansion to fulfil her duty.

Mr. Darcy rode for nearly an hour. Upon returning the horse to the stable, he saw the dog that always accompanied Elizabeth.

Approaching the man in charge, he made a few inquiries.

"Turner, is this dog yours? I do not recall seeing him until recently.

" "Yes, sir. Oscar is mine now. I imagine you remember old Peter.

" "Of course. My mother always said he was the finest gardener she had ever known—that he could grow flowers upon stone.

What became of him?" "He passed away a year ago, while you were in London.

This dog belonged to him, and my wife and I took him in.

I hope it is not an inconvenience to you.

He does not enter the house—he lives here in the stable and eats scraps.

He is a good dog, sir." "I have no objection," Mr. Darcy replied.

He then approached Oscar and stroked his head.

"He is very friendly, and I have observed that he spends a good deal of time with Miss Bennet.

" "Yes, sir. She has grown quite attached to him—likely because they share similar stories," Mr. Turner explained.

"What do you mean, Turner? Miss Bennet is the daughter of a gentleman.

What could she possibly have in common with a dog?

" Mr. Darcy asked, slightly irritated. "I meant no disrespect, Mr. Darcy.

Truly, I did not." "Then what did you mean?

" "When I shared Oscar's story with Miss Bennet, she became quite emotional.

You see, sir, not long ago, both she and Oscar lost someone they loved—someone who protected them.

They both lost their homes and had to adapt to a new life, far from the only place they had ever known.

I believe that is why she has formed such an attachment to him.

" "I see," Mr. Darcy said, continuing to stroke Oscar's head.

He then thanked Mr. Turner and returned to the house, deep in thought over all he had just heard.

Later that morning, Mr. Darcy joined his sister and Elizabeth for breakfast. Georgiana was cheerful and animated, speaking excitedly about her plans for the day, while Elizabeth smiled and nodded—though her smile carried a quiet sadness that did not escape his notice.

He also observed that she ate very little, and all her conversation was directed to Georgiana, as if she were deliberately avoiding addressing him.

After breakfast, Mr. Darcy withdrew to his study.

Though he tried to focus on his correspondence and estate matters, his thoughts betrayed him.

He recalled all that his cousin and Mr. Turner had said, and a heaviness settled upon him.

He remembered that when Elizabeth had first arrived at Pemberley, though in mourning, she had retained her natural spontaneity and gentle wit.

Yet ever since the unfortunate incident in the library, her spirit had begun to fade—her light had dimmed, and her manner had grown increasingly reserved.

'Perhaps I ought to have spoken with greater consideration,'he reflected.

'I should have acknowledged all that Miss Bennet has endured.

But what is done is done… Now, I must find some means of reassuring her—of letting her know I am entirely satisfied with her service and that she need not feel uneasy.

Still, I must proceed cautiously… I must convey it in such a manner that preserves the appropriate distance and makes clear that, whatever our past may have been, our acquaintance can never return to what it once was.

' He leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped before him, and stared out the window.

His mind searched for a way to build a quiet bridge between them—one that would allow him to extend kindness and support without revealing just how deeply he cared for her well-being.

◆◆◆

In London, the entire family was gathered at the home of Baron and Baroness Norton.

Andrew was delighted to host his wife's relatives and sincerely hoped that his relationship with Jane would continue to strengthen and deepen.

Yet he could not entirely banish the doubts that had arisen after learning of Mr. Bingley.

Still, Andrew was not a man to shrink from adversity— if necessary, he would fight for his wife's affections.

That fool had missed his opportunity, and Andrew was determined not to allow him to cast a shadow over their present happiness.

"I thank you all for coming to our home," Andrew said, raising his glass.

"In just a few nights, we shall be able to make this very same toast—but with our entire new family united.

" "My dear son," Mrs. Bennet replied, beaming with enthusiasm, "you have been a blessing not only in Jane's life but in all of ours.

You cannot imagine how grateful I am to know that my daughter will no longer need to work.

" She was unaware that Elizabeth had taken a position in the Darcy household—something the rest of the family had agreed should be kept from her for the time being.

"When Lizzy is finally with us," Jane added, taking her husband's hand, "we shall make plans for the summer.

My husband and I hope you will all come to visit us at Parkland.

" "I have always wanted to learn to ride.

Do you think it is possible, Andrew?" Kitty asked eagerly.

"Of course it is possible," Andrew replied with a warm smile.

"And I shall teach you myself." "I want to learn too," Lydia added quickly.

"Then I shall teach you both," he said amiably.

"Why do you always have to do what I do, Lydia?

" Kitty asked, frowning. "I was going to ask Andrew first, but you always interrupt me!

" Lydia retorted, equally irritated. Mrs. Phillips attempted to calm her nieces, but it was Mrs. Bennet who finally lost her patience and sternly commanded them to cease their quarrel.

Meanwhile, Mary, in her usual solemn tone, remarked to Mrs. Smith that her younger sisters would benefit greatly from reading more about proper conduct for young ladies of their station.

Jane sat beside Andrew, quietly observing the joyful chaos of her beloved family.

She could not help but smile, moved to see how, after many months of sorrow, her family was beginning to laugh once more.

Only Elizabeth's presence was lacking to make her happiness complete.

"Are you happy, Jane?" Andrew asked, noticing the tenderness in her expression.

"Yes, I am very happy," she replied warmly.

"Thank you for everything, dear husband.

" Andrew took her hand, kissed it gently, and held it in his as he laughed at the spirited conversation of his two youngest sisters-in-law.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth was intrigued when Mrs. Reynolds informed her that Mr. Darcy wished to speak with her and was waiting in the study.

Georgiana was changing her clothes, and in half an hour, they were to dine.

"Thank you for coming, Miss Bennet. Please, have a seat.

" Elizabeth sat down and replied in a formal tone, "How may I be of assistance, Mr. Darcy?

" "There is no need to worry, Miss Bennet.

I have called you for a different reason.

First of all, I wish to thank you for all you have done for my sister.

The change in her since your arrival has been both remarkable and deeply encouraging.

She smiles more; she has found the courage to play the piano in front of unfamiliar guests, and most importantly, she has regained her appreciation for the natural world.

Therefore, I have decided to grant you a salary increase.

" Mr. Darcy believed this would be the best way to reassure Elizabeth—to express his esteem in a manner that preserved the necessary distance between them.

"Thank you, sir, but I do not think it is necessary.

You already pay me a very generous salary, and spending time with Miss Darcy is a genuine pleasure.

" Elizabeth knew she ought to accept the gesture outright, but she felt compelled to decline.

She could not bear the thought that Mr. Darcy believed he might purchase the only thing she still possessed—her dignity.

"I am sorry, Miss Bennet," he replied, smiling faintly, "but I have already sent word to Mr. Gardiner and my solicitor, informing them of the adjustment.

" He was pleased to be of help to her, and her modest refusal only served to heighten his admiration.

"Do you not think, sir, that you ought to have consulted me before notifying my uncle and your solicitor?

" Elizabeth asked, unable to hide her irritation at the presumptuous smile on Mr. Darcy's face.

His self-assurance exasperated her—his belief that her opinion was of so little consequence stung deeply.

"You are quite right, Miss Bennet. I should have consulted you first," he replied, still smiling, though now with a more reflective tone.

He was genuinely glad to see that Elizabeth, in some measure, resembled the spirited young woman he had once known—unafraid to speak her mind.

"But what is done is done. I promise that, in the future, any decision affecting you will first be discussed with you.

On another matter—before we go to dinner—I should like to show you something.

" Mr. Darcy stood and crossed the room to retrieve a package resting in the corner.

Elizabeth, for her part, was furious. He had acknowledged his error without truly admitting it, and apologized without actually apologizing.

"A few days ago, the parcel containing the books we selected in Lambton arrived, though I have been too occupied to open it.

Tomorrow, Mr. Evans will catalogue and properly shelve them.

I thought you might like to read this one," he said, handing her the volume.

Elizabeth recognized it immediately—it was the book she had admired in the bookshop.

Though tempted to accept it, she hesitated.

She suspected Mr. Darcy offered it merely to discourage her from ever setting foot in the library again.

"I thank you for your generosity, sir, but I have little time for reading at present.

Do you require anything else?" "No, that is all, Miss Bennet.

" "Then, if you will excuse me, I must see if Miss Darcy needs me.

" She spoke without raising her eyes, unwilling to let Mr. Darcy see the storm of emotion within her.

Mr. Darcy remained still, confused. He had thought Elizabeth would be pleased—both by the additional salary, which he knew would aid her family, and by the book she had admired.

For a brief moment, he believed he had glimpsed the Elizabeth Bennet he had once so deeply admired.

But it had vanished quickly—replaced again by the silent, distant companion who now could not even look him in the eye.

During dinner, Elizabeth barely touched her food again.

Her thoughts weighed heavily upon her. She had once been full of spirit—so alive, so unafraid to speak with wit and conviction.

Now, she felt more like a prisoner, bound to a life she had not chosen, serving a sentence without end or pardon.