Page 53 of Through the Eyes of Love

“How are you, sir?” “Glad to have you back, sir.”

“You all know Colonel Fitzwilliam, but most of you have never met my wife, Mrs. Darcy.”

“How do you do, madam?” “Our best wishes to you both.”

His wife smiled and thanked the men as she waited for Darcy to tell them why they were there. He was certain his excitement must show on his face.

“My physician informed me that I can ride again despite the injury to my leg. I shall need help mounting but I should like to try. When Mrs. Darcy’s riding clothes are ready, she will need a gentle mare to help her get reacquainted with being in the saddle.”

“I know just the one for the mistress,” said the stable master. “Sir, I have an idea.”

“What is it?”

“If the mounting block is not high enough for you, at other stables I have seen a mounting platform. You could have it built as high as you like, and the steps help you mount more easily.”

“That sounds like just what I need. There are so many carpenters working in the house every day, they could build one in no time. Thank you for your suggestion, Benjamin.”

“Happy to help, sir. Which horse would you like today?”

“Let me try Apollo. He will give me an easy ride.”

“Pray fetch my horse too,” said Richard.

“Yes, Colonel. Right away.”

He stood on the mounting block, placed his left foot in the stirrup, and one of the grooms helped Darcy swing his right leg over the saddle. He and Richard were soon on their way, slowly walking their horses near the house.

When they returned, a groom helped Darcy dismount, and they were met by Elizabeth’s welcoming smile.

“How do you feel?”

“I am a bit sore from not having ridden for so long, but it was good to be atop a horse. I have missed it.”

“I must say that watching you do something you truly love brought tears to my eyes. I cannot wait to join you.”

Being able to ride again was a pleasure he had never dreamt he could resume. He grinned to himself. He had been doing a great deal of that lately.

* * *

Later that day,Darcy and Richard were inspecting the construction in the manor house. “I hope it will not be long until I bring my lovely wife and Georgie home.”

“So, you are truly in love. I would never have guessed it at your wedding.”

“I stupidly tried to fight what was in my heart and acted the fool that day. And now. . .now I never could have conceived I could be this fulfilled. Elizabeth is my heart and soul—joyful and generous and everything I need to feel whole and loved. Richard, she is worth her weight in gold. Her liveliness makes me, your formerly grim cousin, laugh! She inspires me and has brought out the compassion I once had in me. A year ago, my heart was filled with nothing but anger and guilt; I never thought I could be at peace again, yet now I know I can never live without her. I used to think of my life as before or after the fire. Now I look at my life as before and after I married Elizabeth. My life is more perfect than I ever imagined—every morning I wake up with my wife in my arms and I smile. I pray you find such love one day.”

“You have always kept your emotions to yourself—you have never opened up to me the way you are now. I can see how besotted you are, and Elizabeth glows with her love for you. Watching the changes your wife has wrought in you, I look forward to finding my own heart and soul one day.”

“Sometimes in the middle of an ordinary life, love can lead to a marvellous future.”

* * *

While Fitzwilliamand Richard were touring the manor house, Elizabeth was thrilled to receive a letter from the Gardiners. They wrote that they looked forward to their trip north and would be in Derbyshire for at least a month. She could scarcely contain her excitement when she read they were to arrive in Lambton in two weeksandthey were bringing Jane. Jane! How she longed to see her dearest sister! She hoped Jane would accept their invitation to live nearby until the time came when she could move into the manor house. Her wonderful husband would understand her desire to spend as much time as possible with her family when they arrived.

As soon as the gentlemen entered the drawing room, she rushed towards her husband and grasped Fitzwilliam’s hands. “Jane and the Gardiners are coming to see us, and they will arrive in two weeks!”

“Thatisgreat news. I assume they will stay at the Rose and Crown. The next time they visit, they will stay with us in the manor house.” He turned to Richard. “This is the first opportunity I shall have to meet anyone in my wife’s family, and I am looking forward to the event.”

“Thankfully, you will be meeting my best relations. The Gardiners are everything fine and sophisticated. They have always welcomed me and Jane to their London home and seen to our comfort. My sister is the loveliest person I know. She never judges people and is also quite beautiful.”