Page 59 of Obligation and Redemption

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Elizabeth endured another night of tossing and turning and awakened about an hour before dawn.

She did not want to call Laura so early, so Elizabeth had told her the night before about her plan to walk out and that she would take care of herself.

She had dressed for walking without the aid of a servant her whole life and did not need to start now, especially when it would mean putting a burden upon her only friend in the house.

The plan was for Laura to meet her after the conclusion of her walk to help her bathe and dress for the day.

She would take breakfast after her return at the usual time.

After lingering a bit in bed, Elizabeth dawdled as she donned her clothes and outerwear.

The days of no exercise and little to eat had left her weakened physically and emotionally.

Elizabeth felt as though her mood, like the season, was becoming darker and darker.

She needed sunshine and fresh air. As soon as she noticed the approaching dawn, Elizabeth left her room and headed towards the front door of the house.

There with a footman was Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth approached, a little confused about her husband’s presence but supposed he wanted to introduce her to the footman.

“Good morning, Mr. Darcy. Is this my escort?” Elizabeth said as she glanced to the man in livery.

“Actually, I am to be your escort. Clark is here with my greatcoat and top hat. I was waiting for you to descend the stairs before I donned my outerwear.”

Elizabeth attempted to hide the shadow that had come over her face. Does he mean to ruin my walk? “But sir, surely Clark here is capable of walking with me. He looks to have a strong constitution.”

“I am sure he will be able to perform the task when his time comes. But for today, I am to be your guide.” She took in a deep breath as she attempted to calm her irritation.

“Very well.” It was either Mr. Darcy or no one, so she decided that today she would acquiesce; another day perhaps she would go alone.

After putting on his greatcoat and hat, Mr. Darcy with his wife left through the front door and got a slap of cold air on their faces that put a large grin on Elizabeth’s as she exhilarated in the chill of the morning.

There was nothing like the cold to get her moving, so Elizabeth descended the steps to street level with small hops.

Darcy walked down the length following her. “Come, sir, will you not keep up?”

“I will have no problem keeping up, I can assure you, madam.” Her juvenile affect fascinated him. Does she ever moderate herself?

He offered her his arm and she laughed, continuing to move forward.

He raised his brow and followed along. He was surprised that she in no way exaggerated her ability to traipse as she traversed the park.

Her pace was quick and her smile infectious.

At one point she actually laughed out loud when she saw Darcy struggle to maintain her speed.

His legs were longer, but she the more adept.

After about three miles out, he spoke for the first time, “Do you always walk this far? We have gone nearly three miles and still have yet to return.”

“You cannot be having difficulty in keeping up?” That was the only answer he was to receive as he contemplated just how far they were to go.

Fortunately, as it was cold and as London society tended to sleep until a more presentable hour, they encountered only those of the lower classes.

When they finally reached the farthermost point of their walk, she stopped to look at the trees and the waning fall flowers as the sun shone down upon their faces.

Elizabeth was in her element and her expression could not conceal her joy.

“Is this not marvellous? What transport! What joy!” She laughed and spun around with her arms out.

Judge me if you dare, Mr. High and Mighty Darcy!

She could no more contain her delight than she could walk on the cold water.

After nearly two weeks of forced containment, she was incapable of remaining still.

He stared at her mesmerised. She was certain he was looking to find fault, as his mien was impassive and placid.

How can anyone remain so dispassionate after a morning like this?

Elizabeth could not comprehend the unexcitable Mr. Darcy.

But what she mistook for stoicism was actually a man attempting with all his might to hold in the emotions that were warring within.

He felt embarrassment and disgust at her plebeian behaviour, yet at the same time he was exhilarated and overwhelmed.

The brilliancy of her eyes that were brightened by the exercise discomposed him, and he wanted nothing more than to take her animalistic inclinations to his bedroom and devour the untamed essence of her being.

When he finally felt that he was able to speak with coherency he queried, “Have you finally reached the point from which you plan to return?”

“If I must.” Although not her mission, Elizabeth did hope that perhaps the reality of the nature of her walks would encourage Mr. Darcy to leave the job of escort to someone else.

It had quite the opposite effect, but Darcy could not acknowledge this to himself.

Instead he displayed a look of indifference upon his face.

“Would you prefer taking my arm for the return? You must be tired.” He assumed that she was likely hiding her fatigue.

“I thank you, no.” And off she headed back towards whence they came.

They had been gone for well over two hours and Darcy could not even estimate how far they had gone. He felt fatigued and energised at the same time. “Will you come to breakfast today? I figured that since you were up and about, you might join me.”

“No, I think not. You may eat at leisure without my intrusion.” When he looked surprised, she smiled. “You have had enough of me for the day; I am certain. I thank you for the walk.” So as they entered the house, Elizabeth went upstairs.

He almost followed behind but then caught himself. She cannot know what she is doing to me, and I am certain she would not welcome my advances, especially in the light of day . After a few moments he climbed the stairs behind her towards his own room to clean and dress for the day.

THEY WERE NOT TO SEE ONE ANOTHER until that evening at supper.

Darcy had visited his sister again and had tea with his family, and then went to his club, Whites, in the afternoon.

He was hoping that he would run into Bingley for he worried about his friend’s acceptance of giving up Miss Bennet, but he only saw superficial acquaintances who chose to pry him for details of his wife and reasons for his marriage.

This wearied him, so after about an hour he stood to leave but then noticed Wexley, who had been sitting at a table with mutual friends.

As Wexley watched on, one of his companions said, “Darcy, what brings you to Whites?

I figured with your new wife, you would be engrossed in other pleasures than consorting with men.

Tell me if the stories are true, for I have heard that she must offer you more than just a beautiful face to have taken you away from more suitable prospects.

“ He glanced at the viscount, who after a brief nod to Darcy, had chosen to look to the other side of the room.

“You flatter me. Now if you will excuse me, I am reminded of a pressing engagement, for as you say, I do have a new bride.” As soon as he left, the aggravation inside was given free rein.

If he were to be married to the woman, at least he should take the liberties due him.

This whole affair was insupportable to his sensibilities.

He decided to go home and hopefully later enjoy the favours of his wife about which he had thought all day.

Upon first entering his home, Darcy went to his study, as was his custom, for upon his desk would lay his correspondence that needed immediate attention. On top of the small pile was a note of feminine script with “Mr. Darcy” written on top. He opened the short missive and read.

Dear Mr. Darcy,

I will be unable to join you for dinner this evening.

I find that my day of shopping has left me fatigued and in need of quietude.

My hope is that due to my refreshing walk this morning, I will find more sleep tonight than I have for the previous week.

Please accept my apologies. I have informed the cook and Franklin who will send a tray up to my room should I become hungry.

ED

Blast! Darcy swore to himself. Her timing could not have been worse after the morning walk which had enticed him and the teasing of his peers at White’s reminding him of not just his rights but his desires.

I can’t go to her tonight. Not only would she not welcome me, but she may be truly ill after that heinous walk this morning.