Page 65 of Noblest Intentions
Later, as they walked back to where their carriage was waiting, Elizabeth slipped her arm through Darcy’s and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I do not know why you persist in this myth that you rescued me. I was in no danger of drowning.”
“It is a matter of perception,” he replied. “You were becoming caught in the weeds. I was forced to haul you up and carry you to the shore. I consider that a rescue.”
“Rescue is far too strong a word to apply here. You came to myassistance. That is a very different thing.”
“Very well. I will concede your point. It is not important anyway.”
Elizabeth gave out a big huff. “Sonowyou think it is not important, since you know you are mistaken.”
Darcy smiled. After many years of marriage, he was used to being challenged. It was one of the things he loved about her.
“Whether or not you needed my assistance, I will be eternally grateful that I returned to the water to take you up, because after I held you in my arms once, I could never let you go.”
“Ah, I have finally discovered the truth. Youwantedto pick me up. That is why you waded into the water. It was merely an excuse.”
He sputtered indignantly. “How could you say such a thing? You know very well it was not like that.”
“I am only teasing, my love,” she answered, impishly. “But one day, you must tell me exactly when you fell in love with me, because I have heard too many versions already.”
“All of those versions are true, because I fell in love with you, not once, but many times.”
“You are very tricky, Mr. Darcy. That is not an answer. What is it supposed to mean?”
“It means, dearest, loveliest Mrs. Darcy, that the exact moment does not matter. What matters is that you came into my life, and brought me joy, and I will continue to fall in love with you to the end of my days.”
THE END
