Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley by Susan Adriani Page B

appearance since I was injured nearly four years ago? Do you think they don’t speculate about that or your own alterations—or lack thereof—even now? That they would have been so busy observing Jane with Mr. Bingley and the foolishness of Mary, Kitty, and Lydia last autumn that we would have gone unobserved ourselves? You know that we would not have. You know that we would have been watched just as closely, perhaps more so owing to our penchant for restraint.”
    Mr. Bennet ’s ire grew. “Elizabeth, your attention to Mr. Darcy and his to you put us at serious risk—”
    “ No. My friendship with Mr. Darcy might have turned a few heads and incited some idle talk, but only of the usual variety. You were afraid, Papa. You recognized his admiration for me, and shortly after that, mine for him.
    “ At first you were afraid I would end up harming him—or worse—but once you began to realise Mr. Darcy was in no danger from me you became frightened; frightened I might wish to leave with him rather than remain at Longbourn with you, and that eventually you would be alone.”
    Silence followe d, and Mr. Bennet paced stiffly to the window, where he remained for many minutes, staring at the same view of the park Darcy had earlier. Eventually, Elizabeth went to him. The words they exchanged were quiet now; too quiet for even Darcy’s keen ears to discern.
    At last Mr. Bennet sighed tiredly. “ The last thing I wanted was to cause you unhappiness, Lizzy, but it appears I have. I thought at first…” but the elder man’s voice trailed off as he shook his head sadly. He glanced at Darcy, his eyes suspiciously moist, and cleared his throat. “You may do what you will,” he said quietly, “both of you.” He inclined his head to Darcy and, without another word, strode from the room, leaving the door ajar behind him.
    Elizabeth remained at the window, her head bowed a nd her hands clasped in front of her. Darcy took a fortifying breath and joined her, standing so close that he could smell her scent. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. She was exactly as he remembered her—in every way—and she was finally close enough to touch. Against his better judgment he leaned forward, fully intending to throw caution to the wind and finally place his lips upon her neck, but she turned before he had the chance.
    “ You are like me,” she whispered, her eyes intent upon his face.
    “ I am,” he replied as he struggled to rein in his desire to kiss her.
    She lifted her hand, as though to touch him, then hesitated and let it drop to her side. “ Did you do this for me?”
    The corner of Darcy ’s mouth lifted as he grasped her hand with his own and placed it upon his chest, over his dormant heart and held it there. “I did not; although, I confess I might have given my cousin leave to do with me what he would should I ever find myself in a life-threatening predicament. In the end, however, it was Georgiana who took matters into her own hands.” They regarded each other for a long moment until Darcy could no longer bear her silence. “Are you disappointed?” he whispered anxiously.
    Elizabeth dipped her head and closed her eyes. Her dark lashes were so long t hey brushed her cheeks, and Darcy could not but admire the contrast; the inky blackness of her lashes against the paleness of her flesh. As if she wasn’t appealing enough, one lone curl escaped the confines of her jewelled comb to gently caress the column of her neck. Darcy exhaled shakily.
    “ No,” she replied, gazing at him through her lashes, “quite the opposite. I’m a selfish being, though. I wished often for a solution so that we might finally be together, but I never wished harm to come to you. I never wanted you to be in any danger.”
    Darcy drew her closer and, to his great delight, Elizabeth allowed him to hold her in his arms. He laid his cheek upon the top of her head and closed his eyes. “ I know,” he breathed, “but in the end perhaps my