Page 54 of Through the Eyes of Love

“In that case, I may plan to visit you sooner than I thought.” They laughed at Richard’s remark. “Seriously, since one Bennet sister has bewitched my cousin, do you think your sister might be interested in a battle worn soldier like me? I told you my parents have begged me to leave the army and settle down. With the property I inherited and the money from selling my commission, I believe I could make a go of running an estate.”

“Nothing is impossible.” Elizabeth was lost in her thoughts of further connecting the Bennets with the Fitzwilliam family through Richard and Jane. He was a steady, trustworthy man, perhaps not as handsome as Fitzwilliam, but a good man, nonetheless. Jane deserved to recover from her sadness, and mayhap Richard was the right man for her.

* * *

The cousins were alonewhile Richard awaited his horse, and he asked Darcy what he knew of his new sister.

“Elizabeth and Jane have always been the best of friends and constant companions. My wife describes her as the most agreeable of her sisters. She hastily married before their father died, and Elizabeth is not certain she married for love, but rather in order to help her family. Unfortunately, her husband died in an accident, and she then lost the baby she was carrying. I have no idea what her mood will be when she arrives—it seems Jane rarely reveals her true heart to anyone. She has told my wife she is miserable remaining in Hertfordshire, so we are going to offer her a place at Stockton Hall. If she accepts, she can stay there when she needs her privacy or can easily visit us here.”

“I look forward to making her acquaintance.” When the colonel was ready to depart, the men hugged, and Darcy watched as Richard rode away.

* * *

Darcy joinedhis wife in the drawing room and sat beside her. “Do you think Jane might like to meet Richard?”

“Nowwho is playing the matchmaker?”

“Who knows what draws one person to another?”

“If Jane remains in Derbyshire, as I hope she will, I am certain they will eventually meet. The rest is up to them,” she said. “I plan to visit the dressmaker tomorrow and have a riding habit made. If I enjoy the exercise, I can order more.”

“That sounds like a splendid idea. I am looking forward to showing you more of our estate. There are several impressive vistas that are perfect locations for a picnic.”

“When will your mounting platform be finished?”

“The head carpenter said it will be ready in three days.”

“How perfect! You will be able to ride whenever you wish.”

He placed his hand over hers. “All I wish for is you by my side.”

“Then, dear man, you need never be concerned about me being anywhere but right here.”

* * *

Darcy cameacross the housekeeper and greeted her, and she returned his words with a polite smile.

“Mrs. Reynolds, do you know where Mrs. Darcy is?”

“I saw her go into the library and when I looked in on her, she was sleeping. I did not wish to wake her.”

“Sleeping? Is she unwell? Never mind it. I shall go and see her.”

When he reached the library, he stopped in the doorway to watch his wife. He was overcome by the sight of her seated before the fire in that particular room—a vision he had often dreamt of. Her eyes must have become tired and she had fallen asleep.

He knelt beside the chair and kissed her hair. “Love, are you well?”

She smiled when she opened her eyes and focussed upon him. “I must have just fallen asleep.”

“Are you certain you do not need to see Mr. Barton?”

“Quite sure. There is no need to be concerned.”

A peculiar insight overcame him. The last time anyone had told him those words, his father had been hiding his fatal illness. If she was truly ill, he could not go on living. He would say no more but would ask Mrs. Reynolds and Perkins to keep a close eye on her and let him know if she appeared unwell.

* * *

The following week,Elizabeth’s new riding clothes arrived, and that afternoon Darcy suggested she begin riding a short distance every day until she was comfortable in the saddle. From then on, weather permitting, they rode together almost every afternoon until they were able to ride a fair distance from the house.