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Part Sixteen, After the Battle
After their initial shock at the extent of Elizabeth's wounds wore off, each of the people in the parsonage turned to helpful activity of one form or another. Charlotte went to get water and rags. Fitzwilliam and Giles guarded the doors and Georgiana helped Charlotte. They carried her supplies up the narrow staircase to Elizabeth's room. Darcy lifted Elizabeth and carried her there. He set her gently on the bed and stepped back, feeling suddenly helpless. Charlotte waved him to the door and closed it behind him. He waited in the hallway just beyond as Charlotte removed Elizabeth's clothing and bathed her.
Darcy stood in the hallway, his eyes on the closed door. Georgiana came up to him and embraced him comfortingly. He smiled a small smile of gratitude. Darcy and Georgiana looked up in alarm as another doorway opened. Maria peeked out into the hall and asked, "What is happening? I see… people… in the lane. They look so strange."
Darcy replied, "There is a fire at Rosings. The tenants are trying to put it out. People have been injured. You should keep to your room, Miss Lucas."
Fearful as she was of Darcy, Maria moved to obey. He walked over to her and pulled a cross from his pocket, handing it to her. She looked at it in innocent confusion as she took it. He admonished, "Keep your windows tightly closed. You would not wish for… smoke… or anything else… to come in." She nodded in agreement.
Georgiana tugged at Darcy's sleeve. He looked at her blankly and then recalled himself, saying, "Miss Lucas, may I present my sister, Georgiana Darcy? Georgiana, this is Miss Maria Lucas. She is Mrs. Collins' sister."
Georgiana and Maria curtseyed to each other. Then Georgiana asked, "Miss Lucas, might I see what is happening outside?"
Maria nodded excitedly and invited Georgiana into her room to look out her window. The girls closed the door behind them, leaving Darcy alone in the hall. He leaned against the wall, eyes downcast. In one hand he held a wooden stake. He listened carefully.
Meanwhile, Charlotte dressed Elizabeth in her nightgown and wrapped a shawl about her shoulders. She tended to her wounds as best she could. She placed several soft pillows behind her back. Then Charlotte carefully brushed out Elizabeth's hair and added logs to the fire in the room.
When Elizabeth was settled in, Charlotte opened the door. Mr. Darcy waited there anxiously. He asked, "How is she?" Charlotte did not reply, but looked at him oddly as she noticed the stake. Darcy moved past her into the room. Elizabeth lay unconscious against the pillows. He noticed that she had begun to shake again. He asked, "Do you think she has some sort of infection? She is trembling so..."
Charlotte shook her head. "She does not have a fever. She is very cold." Darcy grew pale at this statement. She continued, "I think she is just frightened. She has suffered terribly. I would send for the apothecary if I thought he could assist. I am sure that bleeding would only be of hindrance, though."
Darcy looked at Charlotte sharply. He was sick with worry. He paced up and down before the fire. Charlotte considered the scene before her and said quietly, "Mr. Darcy, I couldn't help but notice that when you held her before she shook less. Perhaps..." She looked down awkwardly. Uncertain of what else to say, Charlotte turned and left the room. She closed the door behind her. Darcy looked at the closed door in surprise.
Then, Darcy turned and stared at Elizabeth. Slowly he walked over to the bed and sat on its edge. He reached out and gently stroked her hair. She moaned, a fear-filled sound. Tears welled up in Darcy's eyes. Before anything else, he had to know one thing. He screwed up his courage and took a small blade from his pocket. With it, he cut the back of his hand. He put the wound just before her lips. He held the stake in his other hand and prayed. Elizabeth did not react to the smell of the blood. Darcy slumped in relief, allowing the stake to fall to the ground.
There was a knock at the door. Darcy looked up as Giles entered the room. Giles' eyes flew to the cut on Darcy's hand and the stake laying on the floor. From the dressing table Giles picked up Elizabeth's garnet cross necklace. He walked over to the bed and gently laid it against her hand. She did not move. Giles relaxed and said, "Sorry, young master. Can't be too sure. An undead Slayer is a demon I'd never wish to meet." Giles returned the cross to the dressing table.
Darcy nodded agreement and sighed with relief as he wrapped a cloth around his hand. Giles warmed his hands before the fire. He said, "They don't seem to be headed this way, sir. I guess they have to regroup and figure out what they're about next. We'll have to be out of here before tomorrow night, though. That's the important night in that spell they were weaving, according to Miss Georgiana's information."
Sitting next to Elizabeth on the bed, Darcy looked into her face, amazed that they had actually been able to get her away from the vampires safely. He thought of all she'd been through. Suddenly, he turned to Giles and asked, "Giles, what can you tell me of a demon named Angel?"
The change in Giles' expression was remarkable to Darcy. He'd known Giles all his life. Sadness seemed permanently etched on the old man's visage. At the mention of Angel, however, Giles' expression shifted to one of hatred. He sat in a chair next to the fireplace and gripped the chair arms tightly. He started to speak, and then stopped. He closed his eyes and seemed to grasp for control as he spoke in a low, anguished voice, "Angelus… is the most sadistic demon I've ever known. He killed my Slayer."
Darcy looked at Giles. The old man's face was filled with bitterness. Darcy asked, "How was he able to overcome the Slayer's strength?"
Giles spat out the words, "He didn't have to. He had me as hostage. To free me, she gave herself up. I'm sure it seemed like the right decision at the time, fatal as it was. Angel can be very persuasive."
Darcy looked down at Elizabeth. He stroked her hair. Giles grabbed Darcy's arm and stopped him. The two Watchers' gazes locked.
Then Giles continued, "Listen to me. We'd fought the attraction we felt for one another ever since the death of my wife, Joyce. It had been a long, terrible fight, but finally we were to be married. We'd convinced ourselves we could maintain a balance between normal life and what we knew of the night. But we were wrong somehow. That's what worries me about a Slayer and a Watcher in love. I don't know whether it was being in love that tripped us up or whether it was fighting against being in love.
"I'd just told the Council I was engaged to my Slayer. He caught me on my way home. I thought when Angel captured me that my lack of focus had gotten me killed… and in a way I was right. I've been dead inside ever since." He released Darcy's arm. Then, he asked, "Tell me, Darcy. What did you mean by the words 'former watcher?'"
Darcy replied softly, "I have tendered my resignation as Miss Bennet's Watcher."
Giles smiled grimly, "Resignation? That's your solution? I know that you are in love with her… but do you really think that is the best course of action?"
Darcy nodded, eyes downcast. "She does not return my feelings. My own have made it impossible for us to continue working together."
Giles replied, "You make it sound like the law or some other… job. It's not a job. It is a calling to which you dedicate your life. You two were destined for each other or you'd have never found her. As to you having resigned as her Watcher… you don't really think you can live with that, do you? You arranged this little journey of ours… didn't you?" This last was spoken as a challenge.
Darcy spoke angrily, "She has not been assigned a new Watcher yet, Giles, and she needed help. Besides, what right have you to lecture me on how wrong it is to retire from being a Watcher?"
Giles' voice seethed with anger, "I have every right, young sir! My Jenny was destroyed by that beast, in front of my eyes, while I was bound there unable to do anything… but… watch! She lingered for three days, days during which I struggled to break free and help her. Then Angel decreed that no vampire should ever kill me and relieve my suffering. He wants me to remember all I saw and all I lost for the rest of my days. We'd killed a favorite lady vampire of his, you see. I was Jenny's Watcher for ten years. I fought my love for her for almost five of those years and then lost her before we could marry. Don't you dare question my right! I gave my life to the fight against darkness. And I've even opened up my heart to this new Slayer. I had no question about coming to her assistance. What I cannot begin to fathom is that you think you can turn your back on her! No Watcher in history has ever committed so cowardly an act." Darcy flinched at this last.
Giles turned and left the room, closing the door behind him. Darcy looked after him, thinking of all Giles had said. Giles' anger was very much like the reaction he expected from the Council. While it hurt him to hear Giles' words, he would not have anyone blame Elizabeth because he had feelings for her that she did not return. No one would ever know that she'd asked him to leave. The letter of resignation was still at his house in London. He would deliver it to the Council head, Sommers, in person, as soon as Elizabeth was safely away from Kent. He looked back at Elizabeth. She still trembled.
After they left Kent he would never see her again. Tonight was the last chance he would have to look upon her face. He could not resist this opportunity to hold her to him. He awkwardly sat next to her on the bed and put one arm behind her back so that she lay against his chest, tucked into his embrace. Since his proposal only a few days before he'd felt separated from Elizabeth by an insurmountable gulf of understanding. Sitting here with her in his arms he still felt that way---though he was the closest he'd ever been to her physically. He sighed and stroked her hair. Her shaking did diminish at his touch. He heard her moan again, but she sounded far less fretful. He leaned down and tenderly kissed her cheek.
That his presence should offer her comfort told him just how horrible an experience she'd been through. He recalled her words, "I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly… I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." She not only did not love him, she practically despised him! And it was probably for the best that she felt that way. Yet here they were.
It was a balm to his wounded heart that he could offer her comfort now. Softly he said, "I will always love you, dearest Elizabeth. I would do anything to help you and to protect you." He stared at her wounds, desperate to give her strength. Despite those wounds, she looked heartrendingly lovely to him. He loved the way her curls draped down so wildly about her shoulders. He loved the sight of her in her nightgown and the way she felt so soft and strong all at once. If only… Knowing that he was unlikely to ever see her again left him feeling miserable. He turned his head so that his tears would not fall on her.
Gently, he stroked her hair, then her uninjured cheek, then her lips. He heard her moan lightly again, a contented sound that sent a shiver through him. He moved down so that he lay next to her and pulled her to him, his hand firmly at the small of her back. He closed his eyes and savored the feel of her body against his. Exhausted, he fell asleep at last, wishing hopelessly that he could always fall asleep with her next to him.
The chiming of six bells awakened Darcy. The fire had died down. A few embers still glowed on the hearth. Elizabeth lay in his arms, holding on to him firmly. She did not shake at all. Darcy even thought she looked as though she were almost smiling in the pale light. He was nearly overwhelmed by the desire to kiss her.
As the golden light of day crept into the room, Darcy gently moved away from Elizabeth. He tucked the covers up about her shoulders tenderly and said in a whisper, "I love you, my Slayer. Good-bye." Giving in to his desire, he leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against those he was certain would never kiss him in return. Then he left the room.
Part Seventeen, Demons in Distress
Shortly after Darcy and Fitzwilliam had successfully retreated to the parsonage, Angel, Anne, Darla, Spike, and Wickham stood in the lane outside the Great Hall. Birds streamed upward from the ruin of Rosings in a great fluttering mass, squawking loudly in distress. Over half of the vampire company had perished in the flames and explosions.
Anne stared at the burning building in a puzzled sort of way, as though she could not believe that their plan had gone so badly awry. Darla looked grim, anticipating The Master's reaction. The others looked fairly unbothered, with the exception of Spike.
Spike was highly amused. "Did anyone bring anything to toast in the flames?" he asked with a cackle of irreverent glee. Spike was a creature of the present moment. The past bothered him little and the future even less.
Darla glared at him balefully and said, "Make a comment like that when The Master arrives and we'll toast you." She would not move against Spike without Angel's permission, but was sorely tempted when Spike laughed again. Her face changed demonically and she growled a warning.
Spike said, "There's no need to get all dreary and morose, Love. Just having a spot of fun! You should try it, sometime."
Darla moved towards him malevolently, only stopping when Angel grabbed her and said, "Spike! Enough!" Angel pulled Darla into his embrace and held her roughly. The flames lit his dark eyes like jewels in the night.
Spike begrudgingly nodded in acquiescence to his sire's command. Then he said, "Well, can we at least set fire to the parsonage? That's where they've gone, you know. A few minutes of cooking in there and they'd all come crawling out in time for us to have a wee late night snack." Spike laughed as Wickham's eyes gleamed with hunger at the thought.
Darla nearly pulled free of Angel's embrace as she replied, "We do nothing without The Master's permission. He will know what to do about the Slayer… her Watcher, too."
The Master stepped up to the little group at that moment and patted Darla's shoulder approvingly, saying, "Learn from Darla, young ones. You must learn patience… and obedience." He looked to Angel and asked, "So, they have taken refuge in the parsonage?" Angel nodded in reply. The Master smiled at Spike and said, "While your suggestion has merit, young one, I do not merely wish to end the life of this Slayer. I want to remove the Slayer from our path for all time. This spell is broken. We will go to the caves for now. Then we will make ready for the completion of our plan. This Slayer will yet be mine, my Mistress of the Dark. There will be no Slayers after her."
Anne stepped close to The Master and held to his arm. He gently caressed her face and said, "Don't fret, my dear. You will have your chance at them again." The two demons walked arm in arm to view the destruction of the hall more closely. Silhouetted in the moonlight and the light of the flames, they made a chilling pair.
From behind the group came a great shrieking. "This is most inconvenient! I'm quite put out!" cried Lady Catherine in rage as she observed the burning ruin that had once been her grand estate. The Master pulled an arrow out of the wall. He observed the explosive that was attached to it… for some reason it had not gone off. In her anger, Lady Catherine threw a heat-filled glare at the dynamite, lighting the fuse.
The Master calmly handed it to a nearby vampire. When the dynamite exploded, that vampire exploded along with it. It wasn't much, but it did make The Master feel somewhat more cheerful… The others recoiled from the blast, Anne hiding herself behind The Master. He was so ancient and rough-hewn that he was barely touched by the sparks. Each of the younger vampires, Darla and Angel included, winced as sparks singed them.
The Master reached under a pile of rubble and pulled out an unconscious crow. Tossing it back to Lady Catherine, he asked, "Yours?" Anne sniggered.
Lady Catherine looked at them angrily. One did not toss things her way! She allowed the crow to fall to the ground at her feet. With a wave of her arm, the crow transformed back into Mr. Collins. He lay unmoving in a bloody heap. One of his arms was broken where an arrow had pierced his wing. He moaned slightly when Lady Catherine kicked him viciously.
Anne spoke to her mother accusingly, "I thought you said no one could enter the hall!"
Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed as she replied with a hiss, "They couldn't… unless the spell was broken or reversed. They must have gotten help from another witch." She paced back and forth considering this idea. Collins moaned again as she inadvertently stepped on him.
Anne muttered darkly, "Perhaps we'd be better off working with their witch." The Master chuckled.
Lady Catherine said, "I heard that, young lady. I will not be mocked. Do you know who I am? Speak one more word to me and I will cause you to burst into flame!" Anne looked miffed, but said no more.
The Master spoke, "It does us no good to quarrel amongst ourselves. We have a war to plan."
The group walked away from Rosings Park, toward the shelter of the caves.
Part Eighteen- A Time to Heal
Beneath the bed covers, Elizabeth reached out with her arms as though searching for something… or someone. Suddenly, she awoke with a start and a fearful gasp, scaring Jane. Elizabeth looked around the bedroom and realized she was at the Gardiners' house in London. She then pulled one arm from beneath the bedclothes and looked at the wounds there, evidence that it had not been a nightmare. She whispered, "Oh, dear God," and began to cry, rolling to her side and curling up tightly. She began to shake with sobs.
Jane began to cry too. She said, "It's all right, Lizzy. You are safe." Despite herself, Jane continued to cry the tears she'd been holding in since the previous day when she'd first seen Elizabeth in such a wounded state. She leaned over Elizabeth, embracing her.
Elizabeth smiled slightly at her sister through her own tears and asked, "But, how? No one knew where I was or what had happened… "
Jane sniffled and replied, "Mr. Darcy brought you here. I don't know all of the particulars. Charlotte and Maria continued on to Lucas Lodge. Mr. Darcy and his sister went to their home here in town. She's a lovely girl." Jane said this last in a tone of sad resignation, but self interest could not intrude long with Lizzy so unwell.
Elizabeth stopped crying, closed her eyes, and said in a tone of wonder, "Mr. Darcy brought me here? After all I did and said, he would risk his life for me? Of course… he said he would …" She began to weep in a broken way that frightened Jane. It was somehow different from her initial tears at realizing her situation.
Jane asked, "What do you mean, Lizzy? What did you say and do?"
Elizabeth continued to weep and indicated that she was unable to talk about it yet. Jane lightly hugged her sister, mindful of her wounds. Both girls turned and looked at the door as Aunt Gardiner entered and said, "Is there any change, Jane?" When she saw that Elizabeth was awake, Aunt Gardiner came forward and leaned down to kiss her forehead, saying, "Thank Goodness!" her expression one of sincere gratitude.
Elizabeth looked up at her aunt solemnly and replied, "Indeed," thinking of Darcy. His selflessness made her feel ashamed. She felt almost as wounded on the inside as on the out. Her internal wounds were self-inflicted, however.
Aunt Gardiner pulled a chair next to the bed and sat down. She wiped away Elizabeth's tears and said, "Elizabeth, I was terribly sorry to hear about what happened to your cousin, Mr. Collins. In view of the wounds you have sustained I would guess there must have been a great many wolves."
Elizabeth looked at her aunt warily, "Wolves?"
Aunt Gardiner smiled sadly, smoothed Elizabeth's hair, and replied, "I was sorry to miss seeing Mrs. Collins when she came by. I would like to have given her my condolences on her loss. He was very brave to give his life so that you might escape. What a debt of gratitude we owe him! Poor man!"
Elizabeth felt her head begin to spin as she digested her aunt's words. She looked at Jane. Jane, the poorest liar she'd ever seen, looked as guilty as if she had just stolen from the plate at church. Elizabeth looked at her aunt and said, "I really don't remember that." Jane's eyes grew wider.
Aunt Gardiner said, "Well, I'm sure that it was dreadful. I've written your parents to tell them you will remain here with us for the next several weeks. I must write them again and let them know of the improvement in your condition. May I have some food sent up? Perhaps some broth?"
Elizabeth looked at her aunt wanly and said, "I don't know. I feel so very weak."
Aunt Gardiner kissed her on the forehead, said "I'll have some sent up. Perhaps the smell of it will excite your interest…" and left the room.
Elizabeth looked at Jane and asked, "Wolves? Mr. Collins… saved me from wolves?"
Jane fidgeted and said, "Charlotte's idea. Mr. Darcy seemed at a loss when I asked what I should tell people. I thought at first to tell the truth, but when Aunt and Uncle Gardiner arrived home and asked what had happened, my courage failed me."
Elizabeth spoke softly, "You talked with Mr. Darcy?" She looked at Jane with curiosity-filled eyes.
Jane blushed and replied, "He carried you in here. He explained that you had been captured and had lost a great deal of blood, but that you would recover with time. He gave me a great many instructions as to foods to give you that would help build up your strength. He was so very kind, very gentlemanly."
Elizabeth winced at the word, 'gentlemanly.' She rolled over and pulled the covers up over her head. In a voice of muffled misery she cried, "Oh, Jane! You know not how you torment me."
Jane pulled the covers off Elizabeth gently. Then she looked at Elizabeth with puzzled innocence. "I do not understand, Lizzy. Do you really think so ill of Mr. Darcy that it pains you to hear him spoken of as a gentleman? I know what Mr. Wickham related to you about Mr. Darcy, but I cannot believe…"
Elizabeth winced and said, "Jane, I am such a fool! Tell me, what is your opinion of Mr. Wickham?"
Jane looked down at the carpet and fidgeted for a moment before replying. She said, "Lizzy, I know he is a favorite of yours, but I do not think that he is altogether respectable. There is something in his manner that frightens me." She looked at Elizabeth with sincere regret.
Elizabeth smiled sadly, "Oh, Jane! You, whom I tease for looking for good in everyone you ever meet, are so much wiser than I am! Mr. Wickham… was one of the vampires that attacked me."
Jane gasped in horror, "Lizzy! How dreadful! I did not think him so bad as that. I only thought… It is unimportant what I thought, though, if he is a vampire. Does that mean that he… enthralled you into liking him?" She recalled how odd she'd found Lizzy's strong preference of Wickham.
Elizabeth felt her face grow warm. She replied, "Yes. I guess it does. I believed everything he told me. I believed everything he made me think when I looked into his eyes… In his eyes, I believed Mr. Darcy to be the worst of men, refusing to honor his father's wishes and bringing ruination to the young man I so preferred. I even allowed Wickham to kiss me! Oh! And I thought ill of Darcy when he was distressed by that…" Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes. The events of the past several months rushed through her thoughts. How many times had her judgment been clouded by Wickham's thrall?
Jane blanched and replied, "Mr. Darcy saw Mr. Wickham kiss you?"
Elizabeth turned to answer Jane and stopped as the door opened again. Aunt Gardiner peered in and said, "Elizabeth, there is a gentleman here. He says that he is Mr. Darcy's personal physician, sent to check and see if he can be of assistance. May I show him in?"
As Elizabeth assented, Mrs. Gardiner wondered when they would tell her what was really going on, though she was far too polite to pry. She trusted Jane and Elizabeth's judgment implicitly. Though she knew the bites that Elizabeth had received not to be those of wolves, she would pretend to believe them so long as they felt it necessary to keep her in the dark.
Jane handed Elizabeth a shawl to drape about her shoulders and helped her straighten the bedclothes. Elizabeth winced as she moved. Jane stepped back as the doctor entered the room.
Elizabeth looked up at the doctor and started to speak. Words of greeting were unable to pass her lips as she saw the look in his eyes. She knew, without any doubt whatsoever, that the man standing before was no doctor. He was a Watcher. Her heart pounded with anxiety.
Aunt Gardiner asked, "Is there anything I can do, Doctor Sommers?"
Sommers turned to Aunt Gardiner and asked, "Has she eaten or had anything to drink?"
Aunt Gardiner replied, "I was just about to see to that when you arrived." She looked at the girls with a pleasant smile and excused herself.
Sommers looked at Jane with curious reserve. Elizabeth said quietly, "You may speak freely before my sister, sir."
He handed Jane several packages of herbs and a container. He said, "The packages contain a medicinal cha from Japan. It will help give her necessary nutrients. The container has a salve that will help with healing the bite wounds." Jane accepted the items and studied them carefully. Then Sommers turned to Elizabeth and said "I'm glad to see you beginning to recover, Slayer. I was hoping that you would be awake. We need to talk."
As Sommers paced the room, Elizabeth watched him He looked very agitated and uncomfortable. Sommers stopped, reached into his jacket pocket and tossed a letter on the coverlet before her. Elizabeth blinked hard as she recognized the handwriting as that of Fitzwilliam Darcy. It read, The Council. She looked at the letter as though it were a snake. Then she met Sommers' gaze.
He said, "George Darcy was one of my dearest friends. I've known Fitzwilliam all his life. I've never been so shocked by anything as I was when he gave me that letter this morning. He would not even discuss the matter… beyond a brief description of your recent ordeal." Sommers walked over to the window and looked around outside assessingly. He asked, "Do you want his resignation accepted?"
Elizabeth looked at the letter and tried to speak. She did not have enough breath to form words. Sommers said, "Read it, please, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth read:
To the Council of Watchers, dear Sirs:Please be advised that it has become necessary for me to tender my resignation as Watcher to the current Slayer, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. Miss Bennet is worthy of the best of attention. I am unable to provide her with the assistance she deserves. Please assign a new Watcher immediately.
Yours & etc.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY
Sommers turned from his inspection of the outside view and said, "Do you think Darcy's attention to you lacking? Do you think he does not give you the assistance you deserve? Tell me, Miss Bennet, how has my estimation of that young man been so much in error?"
Elizabeth's head began to spin again. She pursed her lips, distress apparent in her expression. Jane stepped towards her and said, "I think that this will have to wait, Mr. Sommers. My sister has been through a terrible ordeal." Elizabeth gave Jane's hand a quick squeeze and shook her head.
Elizabeth looked at Mr. Sommers and asked, "Are you my new Watcher?" Her heart thudded dreadfully at the thought.
He replied, "No. I am the leader of the Watchers' Council."
Elizabeth sighed and said sorrowfully, "I do not wish to have a new Watcher. If he will forgive me for dismissing him in a terrible fit of anger, I would like to continue working with Mr. Darcy."
Sommers nodded thoughtfully and sat down in the chair by the bed, asking, "Why terrible anger, Slayer? What did your Watcher do to so provoke you?"
Jane replied protectively, "It wasn't her fault. She was affected by a vampire's thrall."
Sommers considered this, steepling his fingers before his chin. He said, "Thrall is based on a grain of truth. That is what gives thrall its power. What caused you to be angry with your Watcher?"
Elizabeth fidgeted in discomfort. Then she looked into Sommers' eyes. What she saw there helped put her at ease. Sommers had an open and cheerful air. He looked very intelligent and compassionate. Elizabeth decided that she could trust this man.
She still felt great embarrassment, though, as she whispered, "I was angered by his severity with me. He was very critical and very sparing in his praise…" She blushed.
Sommers looked carefully at her blushing cheeks and thought about her words. He asked carefully, "What kind of praise did you seek from him?" Elizabeth's blush deepened She looked at Sommers and saw amusement sparkling there. It made her angry. Her expression darkened. The amusement in his eyes was replaced by a silent apology.
Elizabeth answered in a clipped tone, "It made me angry that he seemed not to see me as a woman. Being so much stronger than others… including him… makes me feel very unladylike. It is not at all usual for a woman to learn combat or weaponry…" Her voice trailed off and she blushed again, looking down.
Sommers said, "You are attracted to Darcy?" It was barely a question.
Now it was Elizabeth who looked towards the window. She replied in a whisper, "Yes." The realization washed over her, overwhelming her senses. She thought of his beautiful eyes, his strength, the way he looked at her, the way he'd held her that long ago night when she'd broken down crying… the night after she'd first met Wickham.
Sommers watched the changes in her expression and said, "Thank you for your honesty, Miss Bennet."
She asked, "Does that mean he cannot continue as my Watcher?" Her anxiety mounted.
Sommers asked, "Is he attracted to you?"
Elizabeth whispered, "Yes. At least… he was." There were tears in her eyes again.
Sommers said, "Was?"
She thought of the passion in Darcy's eyes as he'd proposed. Then she remembered the mortification and incredulity in those eyes after her refusal. She'd refused both his affections and his expertise as Watcher in the space of a few moments. Could he ever forgive her? She looked at her shaking hands as she wondered.
Elizabeth replied in a tremulous voice, "I rebuffed him in an unfair and uncivil way. Many of my feelings at the time were based on untruths resulting from thrall. However, he does not know about that. I have given him much reason to hate me." She looked down and allowed tears to stream down her face. Though the salt of the tears washed over her wounds painfully, she did nothing to stem their flow.
Sommers leaned forward, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped away her tears gently. He said, "Please pardon my forwardness." She looked at him with a small, woeful smile. He continued, "There are many who would say that attraction between Watcher and Slayer is cause for concern. Darcy's father would have been chief among them… I often thought he must have been plagued by attraction to one or more of his Slayers, vehement as he was on that point." He sat back and crossed his legs.
Elizabeth looked at Sommers with a distress that touched him deeply. He replied, "I will not keep you in suspense any longer. You may keep your Watcher, Miss Bennet. I hope that the two of you will find a way to work together… as Fate decreed you should. I will let Darcy know…"
He assessed Elizabeth's wounds and then looked into her eyes. He reached up and put his hand to her forehead. There was no fever. He said, "Rest well, Slayer. Regain your strength for the trials ahead of you. I will have Darcy return to Hertfordshire on the first of October. At that time you will resume your training and your duties." Sommers stood and pointed at the herb packages he'd given Jane, "Tastes dreadful, but does wonders. Drink it all."
Then as he put his hand on the door handle he said, "Contact me if you need me, Miss Bennet. I am at your service."
She replied, "Thank you very much, Mr. Sommers. I appreciate your visit and apologize for the trouble we've put you to… You have been most kind."
Sommers smiled at her and said, "Thank you, Miss Bennet. I wish you well. God speed." With that, Sommers was gone.
That night Elizabeth had a dream. Darcy lay in the bed beside her, holding her close against his body. His hand was at the small of her back, pressing her to him. Softly he said, "I will always love you, dearest Elizabeth. I would do anything to help you and to protect you. " He looked at her lovingly and gently curled her hair about his finger, a smile on his face. His gaze moved down her body and then back up to her eyes. His eyes were filled with passion for her. Gently, he stroked her hair, then her cheek, then her lips. When she moaned in contentment, she felt him shiver. He looked at her as though overwhelmed by desire. He said in a whisper, "I love you, my Slayer." Then, with heartbreaking tenderness, he lightly brushed his lips against hers.
She awoke crying and lay there, wondering what she'd thrown away.
A week later, Darcy was engaged in a fencing bout with Mr. Baines, the fencing master at the local club. Suddenly, Baines stepped back and indicated that he would accede his place to a new opponent. Darcy blinked back his surprise as Sommers took position opposite him on the piste.
The two Watchers circled each other with masterful skill. Their foils met in an intricate match of expertise and strength. Darcy, the one who'd most recently fought the most challenging of opponents--the Slayer, was the victor. The two men bowed to each other.
Sommers looked Darcy in the eye and said, "Very good. You are exceptional with the foil, Darcy. Such expertise will be beneficial as you continue your work."
Darcy stared at Sommers and moved in closer to him, whispering, "What?" His eyelids fluttered as he attempted to conceal his surprise at Sommers' pronouncement.
Sommers looked up at the taller, younger man and replied in a voice of steel, "Your resignation is not accepted. There will not be another Watcher. I met with Miss Bennet last week and she is expecting you to return to Hertfordshire to resume her training on the first of October. You will work together and perhaps even learn to communicate with each other. May God bless you both." Sommers turned on his heel and left Darcy standing there gaping in disbelief.
Part Nineteen, Across a Crowded Room
Three weeks later, Elizabeth was recovered enough to leave her room and join the others below stairs. She still felt very weak, but gained strength each day. Little by little she saw improvement. She knew that she would be fully recovered well before the end of the six month rest she'd been granted.
Sommers had been correct when he'd said that the medicinal cha he'd brought was dreadful to taste. As she sat with the others, she struggled to choke down a cup of that beverage while rereading Slayer reference books she'd taken with her when she went to Kent. She was determined to put her time to good use.
Mrs. Gardiner was reading over her mail when she exclaimed over one piece in particular, "Oh! The Whites are having a ball before retiring to their home in York for the summer. Mr. White is a client of Mr. Gardiner's, and his wife is one of the nicest ladies we've ever had the pleasure to meet. Their invitation includes us all. I, at least, should very much like to attend. Would you think me terribly selfish if I accepted?"
Jane said, "I will be glad to stay home with Lizzy, Aunt. Do go and see your friends."
Elizabeth asked, "When is this ball, Aunt?"
Aunt Gardiner replied, "It will take place in two weeks' time."
Elizabeth said, "I am gaining strength every day, Aunt. Perhaps I might be well enough to come along with you by then…"
Aunt Gardiner smiled and said quietly, "Yes, Elizabeth. You are recovering very well. The herbs and salve that Dr. Sommers gave you have truly worked wonders. If you are feeling up to it, we shall all go together." Elizabeth responded to her aunt's very direct gaze with a mumble of agreement.
The night of the ball came and Elizabeth was pleased to be able to join the others. It would mark her first evening out of the house since she'd arrived in London. Though she felt far too weak to consider dancing, it was very refreshing to be among company again. She sat quietly off to one side of the room. The lively music made her smile and feel almost lighthearted. Uncle Gardiner brought her some punch to drink before asking his wife to join him in the dance. Elizabeth and Jane smiled as they watched their aunt and uncle enjoying each other's company.
Then, Elizabeth nearly spilled her drink as she felt an all too familiar sensation across her middle. She closed her eyes for a moment and concentrated on the sensation. She sensed reckless power. There were two vampires in the room, one a brand new fledgling and the other only a little bit older. She opened her eyes and peered across the room. She spotted the two demons immediately.
An amazing tide of anger raged through her veins. Her hands shook with the violence of it. She'd often heard the term 'righteous anger.' Now she understood it. She was enraged that the world should contain such evil. Had she been forced to speak, she would have spoken with a voice edged with fury, rage, and bitterness. Her eyes conveyed this clearly as she sat there with Jane.
At that moment, three pairs of eyes turned to see the look in Lizzy's eyes.
Jane looked at her sister, went very pale, and grasped Lizzy by the hand. She felt how very warm Lizzy's hands were and how tense she had become. Jane's breathing quickened as she clung to her sister, frightened and protective all at once. She looked in the same direction as Lizzy, wondering what her sister saw that she did not.
Aunt Gardiner missed a step in the dance as she turned to see what had alarmed Lizzy. She followed Lizzy's gaze to a pair of young, beautiful individuals, a male and a female. Uncle Gardiner looked to see what had distressed his wife so. He saw fear in her eyes. He then looked from his wife… to Lizzy… to the young vampire couple.
Spike gazed at the Slayer and pulled his new fledgling close within his protective embrace. He noted the others staring at them as well and assessed his situation. He knew that the Slayer must still be weak from all that had happened in Kent. The older man and woman were an unknown quantity. But he did not fear for himself. Spike knew that for a relatively new vampire he was strong, fast, and deadly. For himself, he felt no fear. But for his fledgling…
Spike kept the Slayer in view from the corner of his eye as he allowed his gaze to meet that of his new fledgling. Barely a week undead, she still sparkled with fragile mortality. He'd become completely enamored of her when he'd first spied her through the window of a fine London townhouse, more so when her first act as a vampire had been to kill the family she'd served and take their finery for her own. She was completely mad. Her insane laughter had cut through him as if he still possessed an affectionate heart and made him feel more alive than he'd felt since he'd been made a vampire. Spike adoringly caressed the new vampire's cheek and said quietly, "La La, my love. It is time for us to go now."
The fledgling looked up at Spike in disappointment, pouting, "But Spike! We've only just arrived. There are so many lovely humans here. We were going to feast!"
He chuckled appreciatively and said, "Come now, precious one. I have a different sort of feast in mind for us tonight." He leaned in and kissed her passionately, with utter lack of concern for the scandal they were causing among the company. Spike knew that his fledgling was filled with a sensual appetite that far surpassed her great need for blood. Her eyes gleamed as she responded to his kiss, then moved her lips down and nibbled at his neck in a way that caused him to go wild. He'd never desired a creature as much as he did his new fledgling. With another cautious look back, Spike led her out of the room and away toward the safety of their bed. They left the house and walked down the sidewalk arm in arm.
He was completely caught off guard when the Slayer stepped from behind a fence and grabbed the female by her hair, pulled her close and put a stake over her heart.
Lizzy spoke icily, "Surprise!"
Spike hissed, "Don't think for a moment I believe that you've regained enough strength to take us both." He moved towards Lizzy menacingly.
Lizzy whispered, "I'd settle for one." The fledgling whimpered as the stake pressed against her chest.
Spike stopped in his tracks and said, "If she dies, you die right after her." His voice trembled.
Lizzy stared coldly at him. Then she asked, "Aren't you too young to be going around making fledglings?"
Spike relaxed noticeably at her tone. He nodded in comprehension and said, "Let her go and I'll tell you what you want to know."
Lizzy smiled and shook her head, "Tell me first, and then I'll let her go."
Spike frowned and spoke to the fledgling, "It's all right, love. Spike will make the bad lady go away… one way or another." He bared his fangs and hissed at Lizzy angrily.
She looked unimpressed. "I'm waiting… Spike. Odd name, by the way."
Spike sneered at her, "I did not ask your opinion, Slayer." He hesitated to give the information Lizzy wanted, but held up a hand in surrender when she pressed the stake against the fledgling's chest again, eliciting a mewl of pain from the female. Spike continued in panic, "Stop! I will tell you what I know! Over half the coven was destroyed by your Watcher and his henchman. The Master is planning something--of which I do not know the particulars--for the autumn… He does not confide in fledglings. Until late summer the surviving coven members have been dispersed and given orders to make new fledglings who can be of use against you. It is odd for one as young as myself to make others, but those are The Master's orders." Spike looked at the stake expectantly.
Lizzy asked, "Where are you to gather at summer's end?"
Spike said, "Purvis Lodge in Hertfordshire. The Purvis family made way for the coven some time back."
Lizzy looked at him with loathing and pushed the fledgling into his arms as hard as she could. Spike pulled his fledgling close against him and asked tenderly, "Are you all right, Laura, my love?" She nodded in return and snuggled contentedly against her sire and lover. He watched the Slayer stalk away quickly into the house. She looked weaker with each step, as though she'd expended a tremendous amount of energy during their encounter. Her friends met her as she entered the room. She fainted against the older lady and was promptly carried away to a waiting carriage by the gentleman. Spike watched as they carried her away from him and muttered with false bravado, "I knew she was bluffing."
Part Twenty - A Trip to Derbyshire
Elizabeth squinted against the warm sunlight and looked across the open carriage at her aunt and uncle. They were ideal traveling companions. They were sociable and informed, but did not find it necessary to speak every moment. They were very comfortable with themselves and therefore comfortable to be around. She was very glad she'd decided to join them.
As soon as she'd been able, she'd left their home in London to spend several weeks at Longbourn with her family. Her aunt and uncle had questioned whether she wished to take this late summer trip with them as originally planned, but Elizabeth found herself quite up to the task. Though she was somewhat disappointed to learn that her uncle's commitments would not allow them to tour the Lake country as they'd originally planned, she could not long feel regret when she saw her aunt's excitement. Since they could not see the Lakes, they would travel through Derbyshire instead. Aunt Gardiner had grown up in Derbyshire in a small village called Lambton. She described it as charming and delightful. Elizabeth was certain that if her aunt was any reflection of the place in which she'd been raised it would be charming indeed.
Elizabeth sighed with contentment as she viewed the landscape around them. It was wild and beautiful in a way that soothed her soul immeasurably. She loved the beauty of nature in the light of the sun. It had been nearly four months since her ordeal with the vampire coven in Kent. She'd recovered her physical strength entirely now and reminders of her wounds were almost entirely gone. She'd not approached a vampire since threatening the one called Spike with destruction of his precious new fledgling. Though she'd sensed and even seen vampires, she'd resisted the great temptation to hunt them while she regained her strength.
Looking back, she regretted her confrontation with the two fledglings. She'd been incredibly fortunate that she'd survived it. How ironic it would appear to history if she'd survived the Circle of Darkness only to be done in by a pair of fledglings! Sommers had given her a respite until October. She'd decided to take full advantage of it.
Uncle Gardiner commented, "Ah, Derbyshire is the perfect marriage of nature and artifice. Don't you think, Elizabeth?"
She smiled in return and nodded enthusiastically before returning to her ruminations. It was impossible to think of Derbyshire without recalling that it was the home of Mr. Darcy. She had not seen or heard from Darcy since the day he'd handed her the letter that explained so many of the misunderstandings that had occurred between them. She wondered what he had done with his time over past months. Most of all, she wondered how they would ever be able to resume their partnership and whether or not they could work together.
Though she'd healed physically, she was less sure of herself emotionally. She'd come to the realization that she was deeply attracted to her Watcher. Her discussion with Sommers had brought her face to face with this fact. Sommers had not seemed to respond to her inquiry as to whether or not that was a problem. She did remember his saying that Darcy's father would not have approved. She was sure his father's disapproval had been uppermost in Darcy's mind when he'd told her his passion for her went against his duty as a Watcher.
She could not think of that proposal, the things he'd said, the feelings he'd revealed, with any semblance of composure. She'd been filled with anger towards him at the time. She now regretted the vehemence of her response very much.
She had found herself often dwelling on a recurring dream she had in which he held her comfortingly, soothing her with his love and strength. It was an image she'd clung to throughout the spring and summer as she regained her health. The emotions that threatened to overwhelm her during her recovery were often calmed by the fantasy she held in her mind of Darcy embracing her tenderly and assuring her that all would be well.
She felt humbled by his goodness towards her. Now, she was also concerned about that sense of Watcher propriety that had so worried him. Could there be any negative result from a relationship between them? Since she was the Slayer and he was the Watcher, any negative impact could indeed be the difference between life and death— for either of them.
She'd read and reread all of the books that Darcy had given her, including past Slayer diaries. There'd been no mention of a Slayer and Watcher ever having a romantic relationship. Dominique's descriptions contained a great deal of admiration and respect for her Watcher, Jean, but nothing more.
So it was that when they arrived at the Inn at Lambton, Elizabeth turned a very attentive ear to discussion of the estate of Pemberley. It seemed that Pemberley, Darcy's home, was but five miles from Lambton. Aunt Gardiner expressed an interest in touring the house and grounds. "It's not just a grand house, Elizabeth. Pemberley has some of the finest grounds in the county! You will love it, I am sure. It has one further claim on your interest. It is the home of the Darcy family. Surely you would like to see it!"
Elizabeth found herself unequal to forming an intelligible response to this and settled for nodding her head in acquiescence. As the servant poured the tea, Elizabeth asked, "Are the family at Pemberley?"
The girl ducked her head shyly as she replied, "No, Ma'am. They are away from home. My brother is an under-gardener there. He says that Mr. Darcy and his sister have remained at their house in London for most of the time during the past several months."
Elizabeth turned to her aunt and uncle and said in a tone of ease, "Perhaps we might see Pemberley after all!"
After they had eaten, Aunt Gardiner led her husband and niece all around her girlhood village, introducing them to many of the people and places that had made fond impressions in her life. Just inside the churchyard Aunt Gardiner paused and looked at her husband. Uncle Gardiner offered Elizabeth his arm and said, "Come, dear Niece, let us allow your aunt a moment's reflection." Aunt Gardiner's gaze was fixed on the gravestone before her.
He smoothly led Elizabeth away from her aunt until that lady spoke in a voice of quiet urgency, "Edward, please allow Elizabeth to remain with me." Mr. Gardiner bowed slightly towards his wife and handed Elizabeth in that direction. Elizabeth watched as he smiled lovingly at his wife and turned to walk away from them. Aunt Gardiner knelt down. Elizabeth knelt beside her.
Aunt Gardiner turned and looked at Elizabeth with tear-filled eyes and a radiant smile. She said, "It was in this very spot that I knelt one night, many years ago, filled with grief and rage at the dear Lord for the loss of my beloved sister. Repeatedly, I asked God why He had taken her from me so cruelly. Repeatedly, I asked why I couldn't have died instead." Elizabeth took her aunt's hand in hers, feeling helpless before such grief. She tried to speak words of comfort, only to find that her aunt's expression had shifted to one of strength and joy. "T'was at that moment that I was attacked by the vampire who'd killed my sister and left her bloodless body on our doorstep. My wish to join my sister in the grave would have been fulfilled but for the vampire Slayer."
Elizabeth froze at these words. Aunt Gardiner continued, "Her name was Victoria."
Elizabeth smiled through the tears that came to her eyes as she whispered, "Victoria Bingley."
Aunt Gardiner smiled at Elizabeth and said, "She destroyed the vampire. Then she told me that it was not God who had taken my sister, but the demon whose dust now sparkled in the moonlight. She told me never to take the life God had given me for granted again, but to live it to its fullest. It was a moment in time that changed me forever. Whenever I visit Lambton, I come here—though by daylight, as you see," she stopped and chuckled before she continued, "to remember."
Elizabeth helped her aunt up from her kneeling position. Her aunt embraced her and said, "Please be careful, Elizabeth. I hope to see you live life to its fullest as well." Elizabeth held her aunt close.
The next day the three travelers journeyed the five miles to Pemberley. Elizabeth could not look upon the estate without thinking that instead of seeing it as a visitor, she might already have been mistress of the manor. It was everything she could have imagined and more. Indeed, it was far grander than she'd thought it would be. But at the same time, it was tastefully done. There was none of the overwrought fussiness of Rosings to be seen. Pemberley possessed innate dignity and clean elegance. She knew that this was a reflection of its owner's taste.
Sitting alone on her side of the carriage, Elizabeth allowed herself to drift into a lovely fantasy. She'd so often imagined herself securely in Darcy's embrace that it was easy to pretend he sat at her side, one arm possessively around her. She imagined that they were riding home together as man and wife. She thought of him giving her one last lingering kiss before they passed into view of the house… She was startled from this reverie when her uncle said, "Elizabeth! Aren't you going to come out of there?" She blushed and allowed him to hand her out of the carriage.
The housekeeper received them graciously. She was obviously proud of the estate that was in her keeping, but far more proud of its owner. Mrs. Reynolds gushed on and on about Darcy's care and concern for his tenants, his servants, and most especially his sister. Again and again, Elizabeth found herself ashamed of her previous anger towards Darcy.
As Elizabeth looked out the window admiring the fair prospect it provided, her aunt called to her. Elizabeth crossed the music room and passed into the hallway beyond. There, her aunt leaned over a glass case. Aunt Gardiner pointed to a miniature portrait of George Wickham and asked, "Doesn't this look like someone of our acquaintance?"
The housekeeper looked to where Aunt Gardiner pointed. Her smiled faded slightly as she asked, "That young man there?" At Mrs. Gardiner's confirming look, Mrs. Reynolds continued, "He is the son of the late Mr. Darcy's steward, the unfortunate Mr. Wickham. The son was a great favorite of old Mr. Darcy's. I'm sad to say I believe he has turned out quite wild."
Elizabeth grimaced at this understatement.
Mr. Gardiner spoke up, "Why do you refer to the father as 'unfortunate' Mr. Wickham?"
The housekeeper replied, "The poor man was killed by wolves."
Both Elizabeth and Aunt Gardiner turned and said, "Wolves?" in a disbelieving tone.
The housekeeper looked down at the glass case and changed the subject. She pointed to another miniature and said, "That is a miniature of my mas… I mean of young Mr. Darcy. He does not like to be called 'master.' Is he not the handsomest man you've ever seen?" She smiled with maternal pride.
Aunt Gardiner turned to Elizabeth as she said, "Well, it is a handsome face to be sure. I have never seen the original, however. Is this miniature faithful, Lizzy?"
Elizabeth blushed as Mrs. Reynolds cried out, "Oh! Does this young lady know Mr. Darcy?"
Elizabeth replied, "A little."
The housekeeper asked, "And is he not the handsomest man you've ever seen?"
Elizabeth felt the color increase in her face as she replied, "He is very handsome."
Mrs. Reynolds said, "There is a much larger portrait of him in the portrait gallery upstairs. We will see it in a few moments."
Elizabeth was startled momentarily when Mrs. Reynolds mentioned that Darcy would arrive with some friends the very next day. Elizabeth wondered who those friends might be. She also wondered which she felt more... the desire to see him or dread at that prospect.
Mr. Gardiner said, "My goodness! What a magnificent collection!" as they entered the library. Elizabeth nodded in silent agreement. She had never seen so many books together in one place. It was like a dreamland to one who loved the written word as she did. Her eyes glowed as she craned her neck to see shelf after shelf of books. They completely filled the two-level room.
While Aunt and Uncle Gardiner conversed pleasantly with the housekeeper, Elizabeth took a closer look at the collection. Intermixed with the classics one would expect to find were reference texts one would only find in the collection of a Watcher. She recalled a comment she'd made to Darcy early in her training asking if he were merely there to tell her things he'd read in books. How impertinent and ungrateful she must have seemed! Before her now, she saw what he'd described as the work of many generations. Again she felt ashamed of how she'd treated him.
Next, the guests followed Mrs. Reynolds to the portrait gallery. Elizabeth wandered past several portraits and stopped before the one of Darcy. In it, he had such a smile as she'd seen on his face sometimes when he had looked at her. As she studied his portrait, Elizabeth found her thoughts and emotions in turmoil. Guilt, apprehension, embarrassment, gratitude, admiration, and desire tumbled through her. She felt the gazes of the others upon her and turned away to look at some of the other portraits.
She noticed that of all the portraits in the gallery, all but one were of a single individual. She moved to look at the one which depicted a couple. As her eyes met those of the woman in the portrait, the turmoil in Elizabeth's mind stopped. She stared at the couple in the painting before her. From their attire, Elizabeth judged the portrait to have been taken approximately one hundred years before.
The woman was petite. Her eyes sparkled with energy and laughter. The man was tall and dark. His eyes reminded Elizabeth very much of Darcy. The thing in the painting that caused the blood to drain from Elizabeth's face, though, was the pendant that the woman wore at the throat of her gown. It was made up of garnets and diamonds in a pattern of overlapping crosses-- Dominique's broach. Elizabeth knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that she stood before a portrait of Dominique, the vampire Slayer and her Watcher.
Mrs. Reynolds moved to Elizabeth's side and said, "Aren't they a handsome couple? That is Jean Philippe D'Arcy and his wife Anne. He brought her here from France in the 1700's. They were inseparable."
Elizabeth continued studying the portrait. Regardless of the housekeeper's information, she knew that she was looking at Dominique. She felt a kinship with her fellow Slayer, and admired her very much. Dominique had accomplished much as Slayer and lived a long life. Until Jean's death she'd seemed happy.
Elizabeth pondered the idea that Dominique and Jean had married. The color returned to her cheeks as she felt her heart begin to pound furiously. She knew in that moment that she wanted a life like Dominique had lived... strong and vibrant with a much-loved husband by her side.
Part Twenty-One, Darcy's Arrival
Darcy had decided to travel to Pemberley a day ahead of the rest of his friends. He professed to them a desire to begin business with his steward ahead of their arrival, so as to be a better host. This was not entirely true. Though he certainly wished to be the best companion he could to Georgiana and Charles, he felt no such sentiment where Bingley's sisters were concerned.
Miss Bingley, in particular, had a way of behaving that tried his patience to no end. He had done everything within the bounds of politeness to discourage her supposed interest in him. He had fled his companions when he found his manner with her verging on the impolite. He felt guilty enough around Bingley these days, without exposing the poor man to discord between himself and Bingley's sister. However, he knew that if she made one more snide remark about "fine eyes", he would not be responsible for himself.
With such thoughts in mind, Darcy's mood was not particularly fine. Beyond those thoughts, returning to Pemberley still a bachelor was something he'd put off as long as he could. He'd imagined that when he returned to his home, it would be with Elizabeth Bennet by his side. As he crested the hill and first caught sight of Pemberley through the trees, he reined in his horse, Leicester, and looked at the house sadly. How lonely and cold it would seem now! It would seem as empty as the past few months of his life had been.
Though he'd not seen her since Easter Sunday, Elizabeth had been in his thoughts constantly. After Sommers' strange proclamation, Darcy had returned to studying Watcher texts and tried to prepare himself for their upcoming meeting in October. He was, however, entirely at a loss. Sommers' words echoed through his mind…"Your resignation is not accepted. There will not be another Watcher. I met with Miss Bennet last week, and she is expecting you to return to Hertfordshire to resume her training on the first of October. You will work together and perhaps even learn to communicate with each other. May God bless you both."
Darcy had pondered those words every day since he'd first heard them. Had Sommers told Elizabeth that she could not dismiss him? Had Elizabeth changed her mind about dismissing him as a result of gratitude for his bringing her out of Kent? Did she still despise him? What did Sommers mean when he suggested they learn to communicate?
He'd had very poor rest over the past few months. Every night he'd either suffered horrible nightmares or incredibly passionate dreams. In his most desperate moments he'd fantasized that she'd changed her mind about him and that when he met her on the lawn outside Longbourn on the first of October, she would fly into his arms and kiss him with as much fervor as he felt for her. He no longer attempted to deny his feelings or pretend that he believed they would go away. He simply wondered how he was going to learn to live with them.
Darcy sighed. Suddenly, he caught sight of the pond and had a mischievous thought. A swim would feel remarkably refreshing and soothing! With a slight grin, he turned towards the pond. He dismounted and began to remove his outer clothing. As he released his cravat and unbuttoned his collar he sighed again. It felt wonderful to release himself from its binding. He still longed for the cool of the water, though.
He stood, stretched, and then dove in. The cool, soundless dark of the water enveloped him. He stayed under for as long as his air supply would allow. It was like a world removed from all cares. The rays of sunlight that broke through into the water created a pale, calm glow all around. Finally, his need of air forced him back out into the light of day.
Moments later he lay stretched full length upon the grass and closed his eyes. He savored the feel of the sunlight drying the beads of water from his skin. Refreshed, he pulled his boots on, stood, and grabbed up his other articles of clothing. Leicester followed along after him until a groom came to lead him to the stable. Darcy declined the offer to ride Leicester further, thinking that riding while attired in dripping apparel did not seem an appealing notion. Instead, Darcy walked across the lawn and down through an area filled with cheerful wildflowers. He smiled as he watched the flowers shimmer in the breeze.
He came round past a tree to walk up to the house and stopped.
Coming down the hill before him, admiring the beauty all around, Elizabeth saw Darcy stop before her. She stopped. The two of them stood about ten paces apart. Their eyes met. The cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush.
At first, Darcy blushed because he was so inappropriately attired and so surprised to see her at Pemberley. Then, he colored more deeply as he found himself fancying that the look in her eyes was one of admiration for him. He was amazed by his capacity for self delusion!
Elizabeth's face was aflame when she found herself face to face with Darcy. For the past several hours she had been indulging in fantasies of various types, all including him. Seeing him now, she was startled to realize just how very handsome he was. His hair was delightfully tousled. His wet shirt clung to his lightly muscular frame. He looked appealing, indeed! Her eyes moved appreciatively over him, from head to toe and back up again, carefully taking in the sight before her. When she again returned her eyes to his, she smiled. She decided that the most appealing thing about him was the look of vulnerability she saw now in his eyes. She felt certain that it was not a look seen by many. She fought against the urge to throw herself into his arms and kiss him.
Darcy's knees grew weak as he felt the force of her gaze. He stammered in confusion, "Miss Bennet!"
Elizabeth looked at him oddly. She rather disliked for him to call her Miss Bennet. She thought she would like to hear him call her Elizabeth instead. Suddenly, a memory came clear to her. She blinked her eyes hard as she remembered. It was the night of the Netherfield ball. She'd discovered Darcy with a female vampire who held him in thrall. As she had prepared to attack the demon, Darcy had spoken. He had moaned a name… Elizabeth. Her anger had clouded her senses at the time. Now, as she saw that moment clearly for the first time, she blushed deeply again and broke her eyes from his. She replied quietly, "Mr. Darcy." She struggled to gain control of her breathing.
Again, her thoughts were in turmoil. Apprehension flowed through her as she recalled the last time they'd spoken in Kent. She'd behaved so badly towards him, rejecting his affections and his capable work as her Watcher. It seemed as though her emotions swirled round and round.
She blurted out, "We were told that the family was from home, else we would not have presumed…"
He stepped forward and spoke, "I have returned a day early." He struggled for some semblance of poise. "Excuse me, your family is well?"
She replied, "Yes, thank you."
He stammered, "How long have you been in Derbyshire?"
She replied, "But two days, sir."
"And where are you staying?" asked Darcy politely. He was amazed at Elizabeth's apparent calm. Though she looked embarrassed at his finding her here at Pemberley, it seemed to him that she had recovered her ability to speak with admirable speed.
"At the Inn at Lambton," was her reply. She once again managed to meet his gaze. She felt as though she must appear terribly awkward.
He smiled slightly and said, "I am glad to see you looking so well. I hope that your parents… and all your family… are well?" He blushed at his repetition.
She thought of his generosity and replied with emphasis, "Thank you. We are all well."
Darcy felt the water squish between his toes as he shifted from one foot to the other. He awkwardly looked down at his wet clothing as he said, "Well, I am just arrived." He grimaced as he saw a wry sparkle in her eye. For a moment he had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at his predicament. He looked into her beautiful eyes. Then his eyes dropped to her lips. Desire tore through him. He blinked quickly and bit his lip again.
Elizabeth thought she recognized passion in his gaze and smiled with delight. Darcy did not see this. He noticed the Gardiners for the first time--- standing there behind her--- and pulled himself back to reality. He excused himself and moved quickly towards the house.
The abruptness of his departure startled Elizabeth. Though aware her uncle was speaking, she did not hear his words over the clamor in her mind. She turned in surprise as her aunt said, "Why, whatever is the matter, Lizzy? Was he displeased? Was he unkind?"
Elizabeth's sense of confusion overwhelmed her. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she replied, "Oh, no! Not at all. I'm only embarrassed at his finding me here this way. He asked after my parents. He was very polite. Oh! I wish we had never come here!" She choked back a sob as she turned away and walked towards the other side of the estate lawn where their carriage was. Though Elizabeth moved quickly in her confused panic, her aunt and uncle did not reach the carriage so fast.
Even so, Elizabeth was startled when Mr. Darcy reached the carriage before they did. He must have changed his clothes very quickly! Though his hair was still slightly disheveled, he was now properly attired.
He said breathlessly, "You are not leaving, are you?"
She replied in confused embarrassment, "I think we must."
He searched for a reply. He settled for asking, "You're not displeased with Pemberley, are you?"
She looked at him incredulously. "Oh, no! Indeed I do not see how anyone could be."
He replied, "But your good opinion is rarely bestowed and therefore more worth the earning."
She blushed deeply as she recalled her former conduct towards him and wondered if she now imagined warmth in his words. She replied, "Thank you."
Darcy looked to the Gardiners and asked Elizabeth, "Would you do me the honor of introducing me to your friends?"
Elizabeth looked at him wryly as she led him to her aunt and uncle. She said, "Mr. Darcy, may I present my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner. My aunt lives in Cheapside, Mr. Darcy. My sister Jane and I stayed there when we were lately in London." She continued to look to Mr. Darcy's reaction, wondering how he would conduct himself in company of those from a lower social circle. She remembered his statements regarding her low connections.
Darcy's demeanor was one of affability and ease as he heartily greeted the Gardiners. He spoke with Mrs. Gardiner about Lambton and with Mr. Gardiner about his love of fishing. This last gave Darcy an excuse to lead the party away from their carriage. Elizabeth was amazed at his demeanor. As he led Mr. Gardiner toward the lake, Elizabeth remarked to her aunt, "I cannot imagine what can have affected this transformation!"
Her aunt smiled and replied knowingly, "Can you not?" While uncertain as to the meaning of Elizabeth's conduct, Aunt Gardiner was certain that Mr. Darcy was a man much in love.
Darcy and Mr. Gardiner continued to chat amiably until Mrs. Gardiner interrupted on excuse of needing the support of her husband's arm after so much exertion.
Darcy moved to Elizabeth's side gratefully. As they took the path, he held his hands carefully behind his back to disguise their trembling. The sunlight made Elizabeth's figure visible behind the cloth of her gown. The sight inflamed him. He'd not allowed himself to imagine being with her by daylight. He found her too beautiful in the light of the sun to imagine being able to behave in a proper and restrained manner before her. Now, though, he was very aware of her chaperones. He noticed that she looked down, avoiding his gaze. He took the opportunity to drink in her beauty.
Elizabeth was afraid to look at him again. She feared that he would see the admiration in her eyes and disbelieve it. When they'd last spoken all she had expressed to him was disdain and hatred. Her feelings were quite different now.
She started to speak just he did the same. He said, "No, excuse me. Please continue."
She noticed how rich and beautiful his voice sounded. She said, "I apologize for invading your privacy, Mr. Darcy. We were assured that the family was from home, or…"
He cut her off, "Do not trouble yourself, Eli…. Miss Bennet. You are very welcome. I came ahead of the others to tend to some business with my steward." Her breath caught as he nearly said her name and she blushed. Again, she studied the ground ahead of her.
Darcy continued awkwardly, "There are those among the party who claim an acquaintance with you… Mr. Bingley and his sisters." Elizabeth met Darcy's gaze shyly as she acknowledged this. He twisted his pinkie ring and continued, "There is one among the party who most particularly wishes to make your acquaintance. Could I… Would it be too much to ask to introduce my sister to you?"
Elizabeth sighed raggedly at this sign that he was still interested in her as more than a Slayer. Relief flooded through her. She saw him look at her questioningly at the sound and replied, "I would be delighted to make her acquaintance."
He thanked her and they continued walking in silence for some moments. Elizabeth gathered her courage and said, "Your housekeeper most kindly gave us a tour. It included the portrait gallery."
Darcy looked at her quizzically. He could see hesitation in her look, and something more.
She continued, "I was most interested in the portrait of Jean Philippe D'Arcy and his wife."
Darcy nodded and said, "I should not be surprised. You have read much of him. You have read all of Dominique's diaries, have you not?"
She trembled as she said, "I thought I had. But now I am not so certain."
He asked, "What do you mean?"
As they reached the carriage, Elizabeth stopped and looked back. Her aunt and uncle were almost upon them. She nervously looked up into Darcy's eyes. He saw urgency in her gaze as she said, "Look at the portrait, Mr. Darcy."
When the Gardiners joined them, Darcy asked if he might invite the party in for refreshments. Mr. Gardiner said, "I regret that we must return to Lambton. We have made plans already to visit with some old friends. But we do thank you for your hospitality, sir."
Darcy bowed as Mr. Gardiner stepped into the carriage. Then Darcy helped Mrs. Gardiner up, and finally Elizabeth. The warmth of her hand in his left him tingling and breathless. He looked at her longingly as he bid the party farewell.
As the party drove away, Darcy stared after them. He was surprised when Elizabeth turned back to look at him. He held to her gaze as long as possible. When they were out of sight, he bounded into the house, startling Mrs. Reynolds. He gave his excuses as he ran to the portrait gallery.
Once there, he ran to the portrait of Jean Philippe and Anne D'Arcy, his great grandparents. He stopped before it and stared, breathing hard from his exertion. He was confused at first, then gasped when he saw the broach at his great grandmother's neck--- the broach Elizabeth had found in the diary of Dominique, the vampire Slayer. He recalled the note it had been wrapped in. The note had said that the broach was a gift to Dominique from her husband. He stood there and stared for several minutes. Then he strode quickly to the Library.
As darkness set in, Darcy searched the shelves of the Library. He had more and more candles and lamps lit as the room grew darker. He barely noticed when Mrs. Reynolds brought in his supper. It was after midnight when he found the volume he sought.
He sat down on the floor by the locked cabinet in which it had been kept. This book was the diary of his great grandmother. He'd never read it before. Somehow the thought of invading his ancestors' privacy had always bothered Darcy. The diaries of Slayers and Watchers were common reading to him, but they were passed down for the purpose of helping future Slayers and Watchers. Those diaries lacked the privacy of content that he imagined diaries such as this would contain. In this assumption, he had been correct.
He read the diary for several hours. It told of the passionate love and life that his grandparents had shared, but did not give him the confirmation he so desperately sought. He finally fell asleep holding the book to his chest.
The sunlight pouring into the room awoke him several hours later. He groaned at the stiffness of his neck as he sat up. Trying to come fully awake, he pressed his hands against his eyes. He yawned and stretched. Then he lay back down on the floor, pressing his back flat against the boards.
He rolled over and propped his head on his hands as he contemplated the book before him in frustration. The sunlight gleamed on the leather. Darcy squinted. Either the light and his weariness were playing tricks on him… or there was a seam on the edge of the cover. He sat up and held the diary sideways, then held it so that he looked straight down on the intricate cover design. He'd seen a similar volume before, one of the diaries of Dominique. He stared at the cover until his vision began to blur.
Then he saw the letters in the design. He lightly pressed on the letters, spelling out the French word for Slayer 'Tueur.' The seam popped open, revealing the compartment inside. There was a letter there. He pulled it out and carefully unfolded it. His breathing quickened.
The letter said,
This book is the diary of Anne Dominique Navarro D'Arcy. I was a girl in Lyon, France. I have lived most of my life as a woman in Derbyshire, England. Most people know me as Anne D'Arcy who is mistress of Pemberley and wife of Jean Philippe D'Arcy. I hope and trust that whoever reads this is a friend or a loved one who will treasure the secrets I share.I am known by some as Dominique, the vampire Slayer.
It was Fate that brought Jean and I together. We accepted this from the start. Only, then, we thought that Fate brought us together only as Watcher and Slayer. We did not know that Fate also meant for us to love one another. As it turns out, many Watchers and Slayers have loved one another over the centuries. The jobs call for nearly constant togetherness, complete trust, respect, and a complete emphasis of each on the safety of the other. When two people are pitted against all of demon-kind, it is only natural that they might offer each other comfort.
As with anything worthwhile, this means risk. Just as any human takes a great risk when they love another, a Watcher and Slayer take a great risk when they feel any sort of affection for each other. It is the Watcher's job to train and guide the Slayer, but foremost to keep her alive. It is the Slayer's job to do away with the undead, but primarily to protect the living. Slayer and Watcher must look after each other. If they happen to develop deep feelings out of this, then how can they be faulted? They are human, after all. However, it is not a secret that either would like for a demon to learn.
If you think I protest too much because I have already admitted that I fell in love with my Watcher, that is your prerogative. I love Jean Philippe D'Arcy with all of my life, my heart, my strength, and my soul. I have seen many instances in which the strength of that love helped our work, however. I do not mean merely in that it increases our anxiety for one another. I mean that our love is a magical force against evil.
Love is a force that evil cannot understand. Love is a force that evil cannot defeat.
Working together with those on the side of light, we have accomplished wonders. Jean had a broach created for me from the remnants of an Orb of Thesulah coated with garnets and diamonds, and gave it to me on the day that he admitted his love for me. He told me that it was the only gift he could find appropriate, as he would have no soul if he did not have love for me. I leave the broach to assist a future Slayer--- whom Fate will pick, I am certain.
It was not always easy for us. For many years we fought the passion we felt. In my great frustration I threw myself into the arms of a German Baron to try to forget Jean. This handsome Baron turned out to be The Master of vampires. While in his thrall, I nearly killed Jean when he accused me of trying to seduce not only the Baron, but him as well.
I'd not had to do anything to seduce The Master. That had all been in his plan. But the truth of my having wished to seduce Jean burned me as holy water burns a demon. I turned my wrath on him and nearly killed him in my rage. Only when I realized the thrall I'd been subject to did I stop.
The Master had clearly seen what we could not, that our fighting our love only weakened us. Of course, The Master saw this because he has no heart, no love, no soul. The very things that make our mortal lives worth living are those things that the evil ones would turn against us. These weapons lost their potency when we acknowledged our love for one another.
Jean and I had spoken many harsh words to one another as we struggled against our passion. During those years we came to curse each other much. I cursed the man I referred to as Monsieur D'Arcy. He cursed the woman he called Dominique.
In our love, we were created anew. Thus, we became Jean and Anne to one another. Those were the names we used when first we made love. They were the names we used for the rest of our life together.
Jean Philippe D'Arcy and I lived a life in which we shone light into the darkness together. We loved one another. We served our tenants, and servants, our family, and our fellow man as well as we could. We stopped the Harvest and thwarted The Master's plans for as long as we were able.
I was given special strength and abilities. Jean helped me to develop those to the fullest. We loved one another and used that love as a weapon in our fight.
I hope that you, the reader of this letter, will have such happiness. Live a long life.
With Love,
Anne D'Arcy, 'Dominique'
Darcy sat back and sighed heavily. What was described in the letter sounded ideal to him. He would Watch for Elizabeth as long as she would allow or until the end of one of their lives. If they could also share a life of love and passion, he would be the happiest of men. Until the previous afternoon, he'd given that dream up as impossible.
He thought of the look in her eye as she'd directed him to take a look at the painting...and the way she'd said that she'd only thought she had read all of Dominique's diaries. She obviously had realized that Dominique had been the woman in the painting.
That a Slayer and a Watcher had married... stunned him. He wondered how it was that his father never discovered that fact about their ancestors. Dominique and Jean's love had strengthened them in their duties, not hindered them. Such a love was not forbidden, only kept secret to protect it. He put his head down in his hands as he tried to comprehend all of this.
He needed to talk with Elizabeth. Why had this fact been significant to her? If she cared nothing for him, then this revelation should be of no interest to her. However, if she cared… Some way, somehow, he would see her today and find out what these facts meant to her. As Sommers had suggested, they might finally learn to communicate with one another!
Part Twenty-Two, Looking Forward
Elizabeth had not slept well at all. Thinking over the events of the day had left her most pleasantly unsettled. She'd lain awake thinking about her visit to Pemberley for several hours. She had many confused and tangled emotions to sort through, but kept returning to her feelings for Darcy.
She allowed herself to imagine what it would have been like if her aunt and uncle had not been with her. In this fantasy, she was talking with Darcy as he stood there, his shirt clinging to his body, his eyes filled with vulnerability and desire. Instead of continuing the conversation, she moved to him, pulled him close, and met his lips in a passionate kiss. For a moment, he stood still, obviously confused. But then… he began to respond. Between kisses that grew more and more intense he called her 'my Elizabeth' and 'my love' and ran his hands over her feverishly. When she said, "Ask me to marry you," he did and she said "Yes" enthusiastically. He held her close and told her that she was safe. Elizabeth's fantasy melted into a dream and continued pleasurably. She awoke feeling frustrated and full of longings. Again, it took a long time for her to get to sleep.
Later her dreams changed. The nightmare began. She saw The Master kneeling before a large, black altar while the witch uttered the curse. The witch raised the knife high, its blade flashing against the light of the torches. The vampires howled and hissed. Laying there on the stones, Elizabeth saw herself, Darcy, and Bingley, all dressed in white. The witch plunged the knife into each of their hearts and cut it out. Each in turn screamed as the knife cut through them. The Master drank his fill. Then the three of them were standing, crying tears of sorrow, all dressed in black. Her mother stood next to the grave and cried out, "Oh, my dear girl." She had failed them all. Darcy looked broken and beaten.
Through the mists of the nightmare The Master turned and called out, "Come to me, my mistress of the dark. Come to me and complete the Circle on this night of greatest strength, this holy night of attack." She felt herself pulled forward. She put her hand to her heart, but the broach was not there. The light did not encompass her. Darcy was not with her. The witch continued her chanting and The Master laughed dreadfully. His fangs sank into her neck and he cut at his own chest and she drank from him. She tasted the blood of the Slayers, blood that gave him power over her. Then she was howling with the roar of a demon, mistress of the dark. She held Darcy in her arms and drank his blood until he was lifeless in her embrace.
She awoke with a scream, long and loud. Aunt Gardiner came running into her room with a candle. When she saw her tears, Aunt Gardiner took Elizabeth in her arms and rocked her back and forth. She said, "It was just a dream, Elizabeth. You are safe. It was just a dream." Elizabeth wished she could believe her aunt's words. She had learned too much of her nightmares to do so.
The next morning, Elizabeth went with her aunt and uncle to make an early call on an old friend. Elizabeth wore her broach over her heart. She was quiet, reflecting on the nightmare she'd had the previous night often. She knew that some Slayers had dreams that were prophetic. Considering all that had come to pass of the nightmare that had haunted her through the previous winter, she supposed she was one such Slayer. She resolved to tell Darcy all she had seen.
Elizabeth decided to leave her aunt and uncle and return to the Inn. As she walked in that direction, she suddenly felt as though she was being watched. She stopped and looked around just before a familiar voice cried out in surprise, "Miss Bennet?"
She smiled when she saw Giles. He was apparently visiting the local blacksmith. He walked up to her and bowed. Looking her over he said, "You look well, indeed! I am glad to see it."
At his tone, Elizabeth leaned her head to one side and asked quietly, "Were you there, Giles?" His reply was a quick nod, his expression serious as he looked into her eyes. She bowed her head slightly and said, "Then, I thank you for your help."
Giles bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. He said, "I am visiting family of mine at Pemberley." He hesitated, then continued, "It is but five miles from this village."
Elizabeth nodded and said, "I know. My aunt and uncle and I visited the estate yesterday."
Giles shifted from one foot to the other and asked, "You are here to talk some sense into Darcy?"
Elizabeth asked, "What do you mean, Giles?"
Giles nervously shifted his weight again. He stammered, making a noise something like clucking, before saying, "Well, I mean that nonsense about him resigning. 'Tis cowardly. 'Tis wrong. No Watcher has ever behaved so badly." His voice trailed off as he saw Elizabeth's expression.
Elizabeth's eyes grew wide and her head jerked up at the word 'cowardly.' Her face went white with anger as she heard the rest of Giles' words. Her voice was tight as she asked, "When did you discuss the matter with Mr. Darcy?"
Giles answered, "Easter Sunday." Elizabeth's expression did not invite embellishment, simply an answer.
She trembled as she asked, "And you were as hard on him then as you are now, weren't you?" Remorse cut through her as she realized again just how unselfish Darcy had been in his actions.
Giles looked surprised. He raised his eyebrows at Elizabeth's words and expression. He replied, "I was. We had just seen ample proof of how much you need him. For him to desert you… made me very angry. I made my sentiments plainly known."
She closed her eyes and shook her head in wonder. She looked straight into Giles' eyes and said, "I was the coward, not Darcy. I dismissed him. He said that since I had to continue in my work regardless, that he would offer his resignation. He did not wish for there to be any cause for concern between me and my next Watcher. Even then, he was trying to protect me. You were wrong, Giles." She looked down. Tears filled her eyes.
Giles pursed his lips thoughtfully and cleared his throat. He reached out and gently lifted Elizabeth's chin until she again met his gaze. He said, "Thank you for telling me. I will apologize to Darcy. Do you still wish a new Watcher?"
She smiled through tears as she replied, "No. Darcy is to resume his duties at the beginning of October. Sommers was just as gentle with me as you've been. Why is it that Watchers only yell at each other for acting stupidly, and not at the Slayer?"
Giles nodded in understanding and smiled, "Like everyone, we depend on you for our safety, Slayer. You bear a tremendous burden. Besides which, I rather like you. However, I'm glad that Sommers straightened things out. I don't mean to be rude, but why are you here now?"
Elizabeth breathed in deeply and replied, "Amusingly enough, my aunt and uncle brought me here for pleasure. We were to visit the Lake country, but my uncle's business wouldn't allow him to be away for so long. They asked me to tour Derbyshire with them instead. My aunt lived here in Lambton as a girl. Yesterday, they took me to visit Pemberley."
Giles replied, "I understand Darcy returned to Pemberley yesterday."
Elizabeth blushed as she recalled their meeting. She answered, "Yes. We met him as he arrived." Giles noticed her face and her voice as she told him this.
As they approached the Inn, Giles pointed out the carriage on the road before it, "That is Darcy's carriage. I wonder what he could be doing in town. He does not visit Lambton often." Elizabeth blushed as Giles looked at her carefully. He continued, "Must be something particular to bring him here so soon after his arrival at Pemberley…"
Elizabeth was at a loss. Her usually unflappable demeanor failed her at Giles' teasing tone. She was only glad that Darcy was not witness to her reaction. She stopped and paused for breath as the maid called down to her, "There are some people waiting on you, ma'am, two gentlemen and a lady. One of the gentlemen is Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth looked away from the question in Giles' eyes.
Inside the upstairs parlor in the Inn, Darcy heard Hannah's words and stopped. He had been pacing nervously back and forth before the fire. Georgiana stood quietly off to one side, watching her brother. They'd been waiting for Miss Bennet to return for about half an hour now, and he'd been moving around the room like a caged animal the entire time.
Again, Darcy thought of all he'd learned about his great grandparents--- and his questions about Elizabeth's interest in that subject. For so long now he'd thought it impossible that she could care for him. To even have reason to wonder if he was wrong was quite tantalizing. The smallest flicker of hope burned brightly within his soul.
He moved to a chair and sat down. He did not wish to appear as agitated as he felt or to alarm her. Georgiana stayed where she had been standing, close by the fire. She watched her brother attempt to collect himself.
Outside the Inn, Elizabeth looked up in surprise as Giles' hand closed over hers gently. He said, "All teasing aside, he has shown great love and devotion to you. I cannot tell whether you blush because you return his feelings or you blush because you do not. Just be honest, both with yourself and with him. The rest will come. If you can keep anger from blinding you, I believe you can work together no matter what. I will see you in Hertfordshire. Be well." Elizabeth leaned up and placed a kiss on Giles' cheek. With a smile, he turned and left. Elizabeth squared her shoulders and entered the Inn.