Page 34 of Roses from Pemberley
He was so tired after so many nights of worry and lack of sleep. Yes, Elizabeth was better but everything remained unsettled. And the only thing Darcy wished for was a brief respite from all the uncertainty. And yet nothing seemed to work. Everyone seemed able to know what they wished for and how to attain it. Except himself. Perhaps it would be better to simply return to Rosings and crawl back into bed.
He opened the door of the carriage and was about to jump down but was stopped by Lady Catherine.
“Darcy!” she said, making him look back.
“Yes, Aunt…” he said, suddenly deflated.
“Come back into the carriage.”
He nodded then closed the door again, realising how completely deranged he must have seemed to her. “I apologise for my erratic behaviour.”
Lady Catherine sighed and looked sympathetically at him. And then she surprised him by saying, “I apologise as well, Darcy. I should have known how anxious you would be to hear about my interview with Miss Elizabeth.”
“You understand, then,” he responded wearily.
“Yes, I suppose I do,” she said grudgingly.
“So will you tell me about it now?”
“Very well,” said Lady Catherine. “I gave her the flowers as you requested.”
“And? What did she say? How did she react?”
“She seemed surprised that the flowers came from you.”
He grimaced. “Oh…I see. Not displeased, I hope…”
“No, not at all. In fact, she was quite pleased and liked them immensely. By the time I left, they were in a vase on a table by her bed. And I am certain she will enjoy looking at them in the days to come.” Lady Catherine looked pointedly at him before adding, “And she likely shall think of you every time she does.”
They were silent for a time before Darcy said, “And how does she look, Aunt?”
“She looks fairly well, though paler than before. She actually needed to lean on a chair when she stood up. I suppose that illness will do that to you. But I tell you, Darcy, it is the perfect time to see her.”
“Why? Because she is weak and cannot run from me?”
Lady Catherine scoffed. “Will you please stop being so pessimistic! No, I meant that you could assist her. Perhaps have her lean on you as you take a stroll in the gardens. Kent is the garden of England, you know. And I am certain she shall appreciate being out of doors.”
“Yes, you are right. Perhaps I could assist her. I only wish to be of service, after all.”
“Yes, naturally.”
Darcy swallowed, then asked, “Did she say anything else about me?”
“She asked after your health and told me - twice, mind you - to thank you for the flowers.”
“Oh…that is good to know.”
“We also talked about love matches,” said Lady Catherine.
“Love matches?”
“Indeed,” answered Lady Catherine. “And you will be happy to know that Miss Elizabeth is in favour of them.”
“Oh…”
Lady Catherine smiled. “Thus, if she ever does accept you, you shall know that it is for yourself…and not for Pemberley.”
“Yes…I suppose so,” said Darcy. “But then again, I already knew that as soon as she turned me down.”
