Darcy's Secret Garden by Jane Grix

Author:Jane Grix [Grix, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Jane Austen fan fiction, Mr. Darcy, Regency romance, clean and wholesome romance
Publisher: Jane Grix
Published: 2018-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Elizabeth breathed out a sigh of relief as the carriage approached Pemberley. This fine estate was her home now for as long as Mr. Darcy wished it. She was happy to take her portmanteau to her small bedroom and to unpack her clothes.

She had not been there long when a footman appeared in her doorway and informed her that Mr. Darcy wished to see her in the library.

Elizabeth brushed her wrinkled skirts and straightened the lace cap on her head. She tucked a few stray curls behind her ears. “Yes, I will be there as soon as I can. Thank you.”

As Elizabeth walked through the quiet house she smiled, grateful to be there. When she arrived at the library, Mr. Darcy asked her to sit down.

She sat in an arm chair across from him and waited for her instructions.

He said, “How was your journey?”

“Fine, thank you.”

“Do you need refreshment after your travel?”

“No, sir.”

He nodded. “It is good to have you back.”

“Thank you, sir.”

After this, there was a long silence and Elizabeth wondered what he was thinking. Mr. Darcy looked the same as she remembered – a handsome gentleman wearing dark glasses, but he seemed agitated. His jaw tightened as if he were clenching his teeth. Finally, he said, “I have a few personal questions to ask you, and I hope you will forgive my impertinence.”

Elizabeth had a moment’s fear. Had he learned of her true name and her past? She nodded, then remembering that he could not see her reaction she said quietly, “Yes, sir.”

He grimaced. “Forgive me. It is the height of arrogance to ask for forgiveness before giving the offense, is it not?”

She smiled. “Do you wish to give offense?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Then your words have merely warned me in advance.”

“And you are free to forgive or not as you choose.”

All this talk of forgiveness was alarming. She said, “Thank you.”

Again, there was a long silence, but Darcy finally said, “You have been in my employ for several months and I hope that your obligations are not onerous.”

“No, sir.”

“And you enjoy Pemberley?”

“Yes, sir. Who could not?”

He smiled briefly. “I have struggled for several days not knowing how to address you, but I believe that in such matters, honesty is best so I will speak openly.”

Elizabeth flinched, feeling guilty for her lies.

He said, “There are rumours that our relationship is not what it should be and I believe that if you remain in my employ, your reputation will be ruined.”

Elizabeth relaxed. Was that all? She said, “I care little for my reputation.”

He said, “But I care for mine.”

Of course, Mr. Darcy was a proud man and he would not want to be ridiculed. “Are you dismissing me?”

“No, I am asking you to marry me.”

Elizabeth gasped. She remembered his words eight years before.

You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

He continued. “Let me explain myself. I am no longer a young man, and with my disability, I do not expect a traditional marriage. Instead, I propose a marriage of friendship and companionship.

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