A Test of Fire by Elizabeth Ann West

Author:Elizabeth Ann West
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781944345266
Publisher: Elizabeth Ann West

CHAPTER 13

Returning from Meryton with his purchases made, Mr. Darcy slowed his horse as he approached the churchyard. The unassuming stone chapel stood at a distance down the lane from the village proper, a path he selected. Another road would have taken him directly to Netherfield Park. But the road chosen, while longer, would take him past Longbourn, where his heart resided.

The church bell hung high in the tower, a prominent feature over the double wooden doors. Beside the sanctuary, a gathering of tombstones dotted the field leading back to the woods. A lone figure stood hooded in the yard, but he recognized the dark green cloak belonging to Miss Elizabeth that he had just spied that morning. Guiding his steed to the gravel drive before the church, he dismounted and walked slowly, reverently to the woman he wished to count as his own.

When she did not turn despite his effort to make his presence known, he stood quietly behind her, willing her to feel well and happy. Before them were many stones darkened by age, the last names barely perceptible. And between the groupings, indentations of newly disturbed earth. The victims from the fire, all laid to rest two weeks ago but long before Miss Elizabeth had healed.

The tip of his nose began to grow cold and Darcy pulled his arms across his chest to keep his body heat close to him.

She shivered.

Feeling concerned, he stepped closer than propriety allowed, suddenly feeling another's gaze upon them. Turning around, the shadowy figure of the vicar stood in the window, almost like a ghostly apparition in the dim light. Mr. Darcy gulped, realizing that Elizabeth must have come to talk to him.

"Are you always so silent?" she asked, angrily.

Mr. Darcy abandoned his vigil of the church window to tend to the woman who had occupied his thoughts, sleeping and awake. He cleared his throat but felt a lump seize his airway.

"Well?" she demanded, turning around to face him, practically landing in his arms as she struggled to keep her balance with her walking cane.

Instinctively, he reached out to catch her at the elbow, steadying her stance. He gasped as tears streamed down her face.

"It is my experience that when young women cry, it is best to let their tears fall. Speak nothing and your words cannot worsen her affliction."

Elizabeth fumed at such a logical explanation that did nothing for her current predicament.

"Speak nothing and your words cannot soothe her affliction, either."

Mr. Darcy licked his lips and held his breath. She was so close to him and yet the distance between them felt great.

"You are far from home," he remarked, looking north in the direction of Longbourn. "Should you be walking this far when you've only recently recovered?" he asked, looking down at the walking stick that belied her true condition since the fire.

"I walk better than they do," she said, sniffing, and regaining her composure.

"I am most pained for your loss. That night was . . ." he trailed off, catching her gaze.

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