Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

26. Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Elizabeth stretched distractedly as she sat on the side of her bed. Standing, she walked over to the chair by the fireplace and picked up her dressing gown and put it on distractedly. Looking about the room, Elizabeth smiled. It took five months of living at Primrose Place, but now her room and bed felt like a true haven, no longer just a guest room in a grand house.

No, her discomfort was not from where she was, but her unexpected thoughts about Mr. Darcy. The first thought she had on waking up had been about her friend’s older brother and how she hoped to see him later that day. Startled, she shot up in bed, her heart racing against her ribcage. Just when had the mere thought of Mr. Darcy possibly visiting begun to fill her with such joy and excitement?

Pacing, Elizabeth attempted to decipher her feelings. Yes, she enjoyed her conversations and even debates with Mr. Darcy. Yes, she looked forward to seeing him when he came to have tea with Georgianna and herself. But was it more than just friendship? Would she be feeling such a strong sense of unease if their relationship was solely based on friendship?

Elizabeth came to a sudden halt, her breath catching as she confronted the startling realization that her feelings for Mr. Darcy had transcended mere friendship or even familial affection. Stumbling to the chair by her fireplace, Elizabeth cradled her head with her hands. What had she done? How had she developed feelings for a man so far out of her reach?

She could not possibly take advantage of his and Georgianna’s kindness by putting herself forward in any way. They had done so much for her. There had been visits to plays and the opera with Mr. Darcy, Georgianna and Mrs. Annesley. They had even invited her aunt and uncle to dine at Primrose Place quite often.

Elizabeth had been invited to dine at the Matlock’s house and eaten with the earl and countess. She had met their two sons, Phineas and Richard, who were a viscount and a colonel, respectively. Remarkably, they were a kind family who accepted her into their circle without hesitation, despite their position in society. In particular, Elizabeth found Richard hilarious. He enjoyed teasing Mr. Darcy and coaxing him to relax whenever he became tense about something. There was something about the way they interacted that Elizabeth found heartwarming.

Forcing her mind from the path that it was traveling, Elizabeth sighed. She could not risk what she already had for what she was just realizing that she wanted. Standing, she set her shoulders and moved to the bellpull to summon the maid who would help her dress. She could not face her revelations on an empty stomach.

In no time at all, she was dressed and sitting at a table with a plate of food before her, finding it difficult to actually eat anything. It turned out that realizing she had developed a romantic atatchment to someone left her feeling slightly queasy. Turning away from the eggs, Elizabeth took a bite of her toast.

“Good morning, Elizabeth. How are you doing today?” asked Georgianna as she walked into the room.

Elizabeth tried to swallow the toast that seemed to be lodged in her throat before croaking, “I am fine.” Then, choking slightly, she added, “How are you?”

Looking over her shoulder at Elizabeth from where she stood filling her plate Georgianna questioned, “Are you sure you are all right? You are not coming down with anything, are you?”

Taking a sip of her chamomile tea and hoping that it would calm her frantic mind, Elizabeth assured her friend, “Do not worry, I only swallowed wrong.”

Nodding, Georgianna filled her plate before sitting across from Elizabeth at the table. Elizabeth attempted to act normal and take another sip of tea. She knew that she could not yet attempt to eat anything else on her plate.

It seemed that she had not succeeded in acting normal because Georgianna put her fork down and demanded, “No, something is wrong. I can tell. You have barely touched any of your food, which could suggest that you are unwell, but there seems to be another reason. I have sat across from you at breakfast for months now and you are never this fidgety.”

Sighing, Elizabeth fought against irritation. She had become ever closer to Georgianna over the last five months, possibly as close as she was with any of her sisters. They had confided in each other a lot over in the many quiet moments that they had had together. Georgianna now knew her moods, and she was not in any kind of mood to pretend that she was fine.

Realizing that she could not get away with anything else, Elizabeth told Georgianna the truth, or at least part of it. “I had a startling realization this morning, and I am still coming to grips with it. That is all.”

“Is it dawning on you that you’ve developed feelings for my brother?” Georgianna’s face was guileless and seemingly unsurprised.

Georgianna’s question left Elizabeth speechless, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. All she could say was, “How?”

“I’ve been seeing flashes of it for the past few weeks,” Georgianna said, shrugging one of her shoulders. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you realized.” Georgianna shifted her focus to her plate, taking a bite, while Elizabeth grappled with the blow she had just been dealt.

Coming to grips with what Georgianna just said, Elizabeth inquired, “What flashes of love did you see?”

Looking up, with a full mouth, Georgianna swallowed and then, taking a sip of tea, answered, “You have been more eager to see my brother than I have of late. You also smile differently when you look at him.”

Dropping her head into her hands, Elizabeth groaned, “How could I have missed it for so long?”

Sitting back in her chair Georgianna said, “You were the one that said we often miss that which is right in front of us.”

Not being the first to realize she was in love made Elizabeth feel strangely out of place. Taking a moment, Elizabeth closed her eyes and attempted to think about what Georgianna had said. From the moment Elizabeth arrived at Primrose Place, she found solace in knowing that Mr. Darcy was close by. There were also several footmen stationed about the house, ensuring her safety from any potential danger posed by her parents.

It was impossible for her to determine the exact moment when her emotions transformed from comfort and respect to romantic love, but there was no denying that it had blossomed. As she reflected on her encounters with Mr. Darcy, she distinguished a familiar warmth from the vicinity of her heart that accompanied his entrance into the room. Elizabeth realized how deeply her love for Mr. Darcy had begun to wind itself around her heart, but with a gasp she said, “Are you not upset that I have fallen in love with your brother? You have already helped me so much. It is not as if I can expect more from either of you. Please know I am not planning on acting on any of my feelings.”

With a loud clatter, Georgianna set her teacup down, her eyebrows knitting together as she leaned forward in her chair. Her tone demanding, she asked, “Why would you choose to do nothing about it?”

Surprised by Georgianna’s vehemence, Elizabeth explained, “I come from a humble background, with no family of note or influential connections, while your brother is exceptionally wealthy and well-connected to important figures in society. Your brother could never want me for anything more than a friend.”

“That is almost as foolish as the time I believed every word that came out of George Wickham’s mouth.” Georgianna pressed on in her attempt to convince Elizabeth, questioning, “Can you honestly believe that my brother desires a vapid socialite as his wife, rather than a capable partner or, even better, a loyal friend to navigate the ups and downs of life with him?”

Elizabeth might not have been ready to think that Mr. Darcy reciprocated her feelings, but she found solace in the faint possibility that there was still a flicker of hope for her love. Gazing carefully across the table at Georgianna, she asked, “You would want me for your brother?”

“And have my very best friend as my sister?” After the smallest of pauses, Georgianna added, “Of course!” With a shake of her head, she lifted her teacup to her lips and took a sip, her eyes twinkling with delight.

For the first time that morning, Elizabeth smiled. She might never have the man she loved, but she had a friend who loved her so much she wanted her for a sister. Elizabeth picked up her fork, saying, “Thank you for liking me so much that you would want me for a sister.”

“Thank you for reaching out to a sad girl lost in a dark world.” Taking a bite of her pastry, Georgianna chewed it contemplatively before swallowing and saying, “So, how are you going to get him to fall in love with you?”

Darcy had now been told by two people that he needed to put in more effort to show Elizabeth how much he cared for her. He spent a substantial amount of time analyzing how the evening at the theater had gone as far as wooing Elizabeth went. He wanted to think that it had gone well, but if he was at all adept at romance, he would not be second guessing himself so much.

The only real snag had been the former Caroline Bingley and her new husband. It had seemed to Darcy that the gentleman had wanted to feel superior and so did not ask to be introduced to Darcy and his party, but it rebounded on him. They had both given every indication of being quite put out when his aunt and uncle came in and ignored the interlopers.

Feeling the need to continue his pursuit of Elizabeth, Darcy called on Primrose Place and see if Elizabeth was available to go for a walk at one of the nearby parks. He was aware of her affinity for spending time outside, so being away from the country was hard for her. Hopefully, she would enjoy some time in peaceful surroundings. Furthermore, he pondered that leaving his sister behind could serve as a way to communicate to her that his affection for her surpassed the boundaries of friendship.

Hopping down out of his carriage, Darcy made his way up the few quick steps and was about to knock when the footman opened the door. He was a frequent enough visitor that he was often recognized as he approached. It did not hurt that Darcy actually employed the footman. With the animosity against Elizabeth from her family, Darcy enjoyed having an extra layer of protection in place for her.

Darcy waited while the footman announced his arrival, and soon enough, Georgianna and Elizabeth were making their way into the entryway, with Mrs. Annesley following at a more sedate pace. Georgianna reached out, giving him a hug as she said, “I did not know that we were to expect you this morning. Is everything all right?”

Shaking his head, he hugged her back, reassuring her he answered, “No, there is nothing wrong. Only it is such a lovely day out and we get so few lovely days in London, I thought I would ask if Elizabeth was free to go for a walk in the nearby park.” Turning to Elizabeth he noticed her slight blush but forged ahead adding, “I know it is not Hyde Park but that in itself has its advantages. What do you think? Would you be able to come out with me, or do you have other plans?”

Biting her lip in a way that sent Darcy’s pulse racing, Elizabeth murmured, “I am rather fond of walks, and it is a lovely day. Only—”

Georgianna cut in by saying, “Do not worry, Lizzie. I know you thought you had lost your best spencer, but I noticed it only this morning in my wardrobe. I shall get it for you.” Turning back to Darcy, she added, “It is such good timing. I was just going to start some lessons with Mrs. Annesley and Elizabeth was going to be left to her own devises. Be sure to take your time on your walk. You know how much Lizzie loves a pleasant walk.”

Georgianna was gone in a flash, hurrying up the stairs, presumably after the spencer for Elizabeth. Darcy could not help smiling as she rushed away. He was uncertain if Georgianna knew what he was about, but she was certainly helping him. If her assistance helped him with Elizabeth, he realized he would owe her a token of gratitude. Maybe she would like a new bonnet?

In no time at all, Georgianna was back with the spencer, a bonnet, and a maid that would accompany him and Elizabeth on their walk. Offering Elizabeth his arm, they stepped outside, and Darcy was reassured to glimpse a smile coming from Elizabeth. Pausing at the bottom of the steps, he asked, “Would you like to walk to the park or take my carriage?”

Smiling up at him, Elizabeth answered, “It is not so great a distance. I would be pleased to walk the distance.”

So Darcy walked with Elizabeth on his arm the short distance to the park and the maid trailing behind them, trailing at a discreet distance. He had accomplished his one goal for the day and worried about what to do next. He was not the best with words. What should he say?

Thankfully, Elizabeth stemmed his worry when she said, “I quite enjoyed the play the other night. How did you feel about the performance?”

Happy to have something to talk about, Darcy said, “I did, though I think I am more fond of the Bard’s work than some of the more modern playwrights. I found it much more entertaining than some of the pantos that have been so popular.”

“Yes, I prefer a good monologue or soliloquy to all the pomp and fanfare that accompanies a panto.” After a slight pause with no conversation, Elizabeth continued by saying, “It was so nice of you to take us to the theater. It still feels like such a treat to me. Before I came to stay with Georgianna, I had only ever seen a few plays and been to the opera once. You have blessed me with the opportunity to enjoy a far wider exposure to the world than I was formally capable of. I want you to know how grateful I am.”

Darcy placed his hand over Elizabeth’s, feeling the warmth of her touch on his arm. “I did not invite you for your gratitude, Elizabeth,” he blurted, his voice filled with sincerity. “I was blessed to have your company. It should be I thanking you.”

Elizabeth looked up at him, her mouth forming a little o, before she smiled at him and nodded. As they resumed their walk, Darcy could feel her grip on his arm become firmer and less perfunctory and he hoped it meant that his feelings were starting to reach her. Even without any immediate conversation, Darcy found himself satisfied. Walking along the gravel path of the park, a simple endeavor in itself, had been amplified by the treat of having Elizabeth on his arm as he walked.

When Georgianna had first maneuvered things so that Elizabeth was backed into going for a walk with Mr. Darcy on her own, Elizabeth had been quite upset. However, with every step that she took on Mr. Darcy’s arm, she found she could no longer be angry at her friend. Georgianna knew Elizabeth had recently voiced her worries about being with Mr. Darcy, and she anticipated that Elizabeth might say no if she didn’t take action.

With a gentle breeze rustling her skirts, she couldn’t help but feel grateful as she walked arm in arm with Mr. Darcy. They had had a little conversation but had lapsed into companionable silence. With the silence, Elizabeth could contemplate some of Mr. Darcy’s actions.

At the theater, he had offered her his arm and said she was beautiful. Now he said that he was blessed to have her company. Was it possible that he had developed feelings for her just as she had developed feelings for him?

In all her musings over her what was in her heart, she had never imagined that Mr. Darcy would return her feelings. Such a thing had been almost unimaginable, but now Elizabeth had a new sort of hope. A hope that made her wonder if she should be bold. All things considered, she had always held her head high, unafraid and ready to face any challenge that came her way. So what if the challenge was the fear of declaring her love?

Mr. Darcy was a logical man if he did not return her feelings the way she suspected, the way she hoped, they could surely muddle their way back to friendship. Right? Elizabeth had moved on to trying to decide how to find out if he loved her back when Mr. Darcy said, “I am sorry that the former Miss Bingley interrupted our evening at the theater. Though you seemed to hold your own along with Georgianna.”

Chuckling, Elizabeth remembered how they had worked together to put the harpy in her place. Smiling up at Mr. Darcy, she said, “Do not worry about Lady Wilton’s visit. I have always recognized her pernicious nature for what it was, insecurity and jealousy.” Tilting her head and scrunching her nose, Elizabeth continued, “Though I fear my stay with Georgianna has allowed some of my impertinence to rub off on your sister. I will apologize if you wish.”

Stopping in his tracks, Mr. Darcy turned towards her, gently cupping one of her hands in his. With sincerity in his eyes, he declared, “I would never want you to apologize for helping my sister to blossom into someone who is confident enough to defend a friend as well as herself.”

Gazing up into soulful eyes, Elizabeth said, “Then I will not apologize.” Mr. Darcy’s deep brown eyes locked with Elizabeth’s green ones, and she felt a sudden rush of emotions, making it hard for her to breathe. With the moment stretching out before her, Elizabeth mustered up her courage, fueling it with a flicker of hope. Finally, she resolved that the moment had arrived to act.

She licked her lips nervously, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, “Is there even a slight possibility that you could reciprocate my feelings?”

It was fascinating to watch Mr. Darcy’s reaction to her words. Upon first glance, his gaze was empty as he stared at her, but then his eyes widened, and a broad grin transformed his strong, sculpted face. Time seemed to slip away as he moved closer, his words a soft melody in her ear, “If you speak of love, then yes, I reciprocate your feelings with vigor.” Shaking his head as if in wonder, he continued, “You cannot know how wonderful your words have made me feel. I have been trying to find a way to ask you that very question for some time.”

Blinking her misty eyes, Elizabeth responded with a sense of relief, “Then I am glad I have finally put an end to our suspenseful wondering.”

Shaking his head, Mr. Darcy said, “I had been worried that you would feel beholden to me and somehow you would not truly reciprocate.”

“And I felt you had already done so much for me. I did not want to presume on your friendship.”

His smile widening, Mr. Darcy looked down at Elizabeth, his voice gentle as he said, “I am glad that we have come to know better. I want to laugh and embrace you, but the circumstances don’t allow it.” Then, looking to the path they traveled, he asked, “Do you want to keep walking along?”

Smiling up at him Elizabeth nodded, “Yes I would like to continue walking and perhaps we might discuss what our discovery means to us moving forward.”

For a time, neither said anything, and they walked along the path at a leisurely pace. Elizabeth was grateful for the quiet moment of reflection because it meant that she could fully take in the magnitude of what had happened. Not only had she admitted her newfound feelings for Mr. Darcy, but he returned them. With this realization, she knew that her life was about to undergo a profound transformation, shattering all her previous expectations.

Only two weeks ago, she had thought that once she turned twenty-one, she would move to her aunt and uncle’s house on Gracechurch Street. Elizabeth had assumed that she might find a husband among her uncle’s associates. The moment she acknowledged her feelings for Mr. Darcy, thoughts of spinsterhood and the necessity of seeking employment flooded her mind. She knew she could never marry another while her heart was otherwise engaged.

Now she knew that neither option would take place. Mr. Darcy would never express feelings for someone without intending to follow through on those feelings and asking her to marry him. The thought of a lonely life no longer haunted her, for she knew she would always be a part of his world. Whether in London or Pemberley, their love would keep them together. Though there were no specifics, Elizabeth was happy with what was to come.

So she was not completely surprised when Mr. Darcy, once again, stopped and faced her, his eyes searching her own, saying, “This may be premature or even presumptuous, but I find myself compelled to ask. Will you marry me or, if your feelings for me are still fledgling, would you consent to a courtship?”