Page 72 of Through the Eyes of Love

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True to his word,Richard returned often and most frequently when Jane was visiting. Her company was truly engaging, and he sought it every day, and would have liked to see her more than that. The early spring weather kept them all indoors many days. When everyone became more at ease with one another, Mrs. Horton or Elizabeth played the pianoforte, or they paired off to play backgammon and chess. When the weather turned warmer, Richard asked Mrs. Horton to walk with him through the gardens, and they spoke honestly with each other. This was important to Richard, as he wanted to know everything about Mrs. Horton.

“After Henry died, I no longer had to act the part of the joyful wife. When I lost my baby, I did not know how I could go on—most days I forced myself to get out of bed in the morning. My mother visited me every day and encouraged me to marry again while I was, in her words, ‘still beautiful.’ Mind you, at the same time, I was in mourning for my husband and baby.”

“Your mother sounds like a veryinterestingwoman.”

“You are very kind, sir. Interesting is the last word I would use to describe her. Frances Bennet is singularly focused on only one thing: ensuring her daughters are married. She will do or say anything to achieve her goal, and unfortunately, our wants and needs do not factor into her wishes.”

“Surely she wants her children to be well settled.”

“I did not mean her to sound like an ogre. But as soon as we each turned fifteen, we were out in society and peppered daily with suggestions on the proper way tolurea man, many of which society would frown upon. My dearest Lizzy was her exception, of course. Mama always told her she would never marry, that she would stay at home and care for my parents as they grew older. Life is so unpredictable: my father is dead; my mother was evicted from her home to live with my aunt, and my sister is happily married to a wonderful man and soon to have a baby of her own.”

They walked in silence for a moment before Richard spoke. “Mrs. Horton, I pray you will not be offended if I ask—do you wish to marry again one day and have a family of your own?”

“Yes. Yes, I do. I would not have said that six months ago, but I finally look forward to the future.”

Although loath to end their morning, Richard could not overstay a polite visit. “I have kept you out too long, madam, and it is time for me to return to Willow Hall.” He walked her back to the cottage and called for his horse. “Pray bid goodbye to the Darcys for me, and I hope to see you again soon.”

“I shall look forward to seeing you, as well.”

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Elizabeth peeked through the draperies.Jane stood on the steps as she watched Richard ride away. Her actions showed her connection to the former colonel. She quickly resumed her sewing before Jane entered the cottage.

“How was your walk?” Elizabeth set aside her work when Jane came into the drawing room.

“We spoke of so many things. I have a certain sense of security when I am with him. It is hard to explain; it is like Henryand Mr. Bingley were boys and Mr. Fitzwilliam is a man. He said he would return soon, and I hope he will be true to his word.”

Elizabeth leapt up to hug her sister. “I am delighted for you.”

“Lizzy dear, do not ask for the banns to be called quite yet. We need to know each other better before anything can be decided. I shall never allow my experience with Mr. Bingley to happen again.”

* * *

The same scenariowas frequently repeated over the course of the next weeks—Jane and Richard walked alone for hours, and after each visit, she was smiling when she entered the cottage. This caused Elizabeth to be full of hope for their felicity—until one afternoon when her sister was teary eyed when she returned. Elizabeth’s heart dropped for her sister. She would be so disappointed if something unfortunate had happened between Jane and Richard. But what could have changed?

“Jane dearest, what has happened? Are you well? Where is Richard?” Elizabeth feared he had done or said something that upset her sister.

“He went back to Willow Hall. Today. . .today he spoke about his war experiences and described the wounds he suffered in combat.” She paused while tears filled her eyes. “Lizzy, I could have lost him so many times. I cannot bear the thought of him not being here.”

“That is all in the past.” Even as she said it, her own heart hurt for Jane and for Richard. Now she must help Jane in her distress. Elizabeth took her sister’s hand. “Remember, he is no longer in danger, and he is well.” Jane’s lips quivered in an effort to smile as she dipped her chin.

To have responded to hearing of his injuries that way, Jane must certainly be in love with Richard. Elizabeth’s first concernhad been that Richard hurt Jane’s heart, and if that had been the case, she would never have allowed him in her home again. Thankfully, in this instance, it was not necessary to make that decision. Still, her sweet, gentle sister had been delivered a blow and needed the comfort of her family. Elizabeth was determined to be available when Jane wanted her there for succour.

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April1813

Richard took his companion’s hand as they strolled outside. Once they were in the garden, he stopped walking. He had never been so nervous in all his years. That was rich—a decorated officer being nervous!

“Jane.” He cleared his throat. “Jane, by now, you must realize I am desperately in love with you. You lost your husband and had your heart broken by another man, but I promise to be true to you and never give you any reason to doubt my love. Nothing will ever change my heart—I would follow you to the ends of the earth until you agreed to be my wife and come home with me to Willow Hall. Yours is the face I see every night in my dreams, and I cannot wait to see your beautiful face beside me every morning. Pray say you will be my wife.” He could hardly breathe as he awaited her response.

“Mr. Fitzwilliam, I am flattered by your words but must question your decision. You are the son of an earl, and I am a widow with no connexions and?—”

Her words were silenced when he touched his finger to her lips. This was not what she was supposed to say! How could he convince her? “Madam, the very thought of you makes my heart beat more quickly. Darcy once told me that love can lead to enchantment, and I must tell you that you have completely enchanted this beat up old soldier. Jane, I love the ordinary waysyou make every day a special one when we are together. Every morning, my first thought is of how long it will be until I see you again.”

Jane said nothing and stared at her hands for what seemed like an inordinate amount of time. She then gave him the most amazing smile. “Yes, Richard, with my whole heart, my answer is yes.”