After reading through several poems, she walked across the hall to Emily’s room.
She tapped on the door as she slowly opened it. “Good morning, Emily. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” she replied, stretching out her arms. “It is a most comfortable bed. Do not tell Mama and Papa, but it is far more comfortable than my own!”
Elizabeth smiled. “Mine is most comfortable, as well.” Even with all her thoughts and feelings that had been stirred last night, she had had barely a thought once she had placed her head down upon the pillow. “Why do you suppose that is?”
Emily looked up at Elizabeth with a broad smile. “I heard Mama and Papa say that Mr. Darcy is very fast… fast… fastid…”
“Fastidious?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, that is what Mama said. What does that mean?”
“Well,” Elizabeth thought before she answered. “To be fastidious means that you have a decided opinion about things and will not settle for anything less.”
“Is that good?” Emily asked.
“It can be good if the person’s opinion is reasonable and just.”
“Do you think Mr. Darcy’s opinion is reasonable and just?”
Elizabeth’s heart stirred as she contemplated Emily’s innocent question. “Yes,” she answered slowly. “I believe it is.”
At breakfast that morning, everyone came in dressed for church. Miss Darcy announced to everyone the plans she had made for the afternoon, once they returned from services. Everyone seemed pleased with the prospect of a carriage ride through the peaks. The early morning fog was beginning to burn away, and the hope was that by early afternoon it would be a beautiful day.
Mr. Darcy made an agreeable declaration that he had two fairly large carriages for occasions such as this that would hold everyone comfortably. The kitchen staff was even now preparing a meal that would be sent along with them, and plans were to enjoy it at one of Georgiana’s favourite lookouts, an easy ride up the peaks.
Elizabeth admitted to herself a twinge of envy as she heard their plans and for but only a short moment considered cancelling her visit with the Ketterlings. She would not disappoint her aunt, however, and quickly dismissed that idea.
Later that morning, when they arrived at Pemberley Church, Elizabeth watched as Mr. Darcy walked briskly through the churchgoers, greeting many with a simple hello and bow. Georgiana appeared to be more attentive to them, asking about their families and answering their enquiries.
Mr. Darcy seemed intent on moving past these people and getting inside. She chuckled to herself as she recalled his comment when they were at Rosings that he did not feel comfortable amongst people with whom he was not familiar. She wondered how well he truly knew his neighbours.
As they approached the doors of the church, however, he stopped abruptly. The rector greeted him with a fervent handshake, and the two spoke briefly. He then turned, waiting for everyone to join him, and made introductions.
Elizabeth guessed Reverend Grierson to be close to fifty years old. He had a genuine smile that reached all the way to his eyes. As he acknowledged and welcomed each person, he looked intently at them, as if truly caring for them. She liked him already.
Mr. Darcy led the party to the Darcy family pews at the front of the church. He and Georgiana took their seats at one end of the pew, and the others then took theirs. Elizabeth looked up, and from this vantage alone, they had the view of one of many stained-glass windows. It was set deeply into the wall, so it had not been visible from the other parts of the church.
As she was admiring its beauty, Reverend Grierson began the service, welcoming everyone, especially Mr. and Miss Darcy and their esteemed guests. After singing a few hymns, Reverend Grierson began his sermon, teaching on the joy one ought to have if they put their trust in God, when life is going our way as well as when one goes through valleys in life.
As Elizabeth listened to his words, she truly believed he was speaking from experience, not merely extolling the virtues from the Scriptures. She often stole a glance at Mr. Darcy, who was seated in the row ahead of her and at the other end. She wondered whether he had a preference for sermons that prompted self-examination or induced slumber.
He seemed engaged in the sermon, unlike others who were fighting to keep their eyes open and their heads upright. He sat slightly askew, leaning toward the end of the pew, his fingers slowly massaging his jaw in contemplation of the words. An occasional nod and a slight smile gave Elizabeth the impression he was truly listening, agreeing with all the reverend had to say.
After the services, they returned to Pemberley, and everyone hurried to change out of their church clothes into attire more suitable for an outing. Elizabeth, choosing to remain in her nicer dress, helped Emily change and then proceeded to the sitting room to wait for the Ketterlings to arrive.
As she waited, the sound of a carriage approaching brought her to her feet, and she went to the window. Instead of seeing one carriage, she watched as two huge, beautiful carriages, each emblazoned with what must be the Pemberley crest, stopped in front. She noticed Mr. Darcy speaking to the drivers. It was apparent these were the two carriages he had spoken of earlier.
As she stood at the window, Mr. Darcy happened to look toward it, causing her to draw back quickly. She shook her head in frustration, feeling wholly like a young girl with a secret affection. She returned to her chair to wait, reminding herself that indeed, it was a secret, and she could not—would not—tell a soul.
As the others began making their way to the front, she stepped out into the hall and wished them all a pleasant day. She had a great desire to join them but knew she could not disappoint her aunt or the Ketterlings. It was when Rosalyn approached with a cunning glint in her eye that Elizabeth truly wished she could go along.
Rosalyn grasped Elizabeth’s two hands. “Do not forget to say a prayer for me today, Elizabeth.” Leaning in, she gave Elizabeth’s hands a squeeze and released them. “It is a very important day!”
Elizabeth smiled weakly as Rosalyn turned and scurried off determinedly. She let out a long breath and shook her head. She almost felt more pity for Miss Darcy than she did for Mr. Darcy. He could—and would—politely excuse himself if he felt Rosalyn’s presence bothersome. Miss Darcy, however, was still too young and unsure of herself. She would feel that she must endure Rosalyn’s attentions if only because she was her guest and it was her duty.
Elizabeth stepped back into the sitting room and walked to the front window. Rosalyn walked toward one of the carriages, where Mr. Darcy helped her step up. She playfully tilted her head back and said something to him with a broad smile. Mr. Darcy smiled back, but then shook his head. He then stepped out of Elizabeth’s view, but she was quite certain he was not riding in the same carriage as Rosalyn. A short while later, the two carriages pulled away and slowly made their way around the long circular drive. Elizabeth kept her eyes on them until she could see them no longer.
Placing her hand over her heart, she slowly turned and let out a long sigh. Looking up, she found herself face-to-face with Mr. Darcy, who was standing in the doorway!
So stunned was she to see him there, that she cried out, “Mr. Darcy! The carriages have left without you!”
“I had something I needed to attend to. I shall ride and easily catch up with them shortly.” His tall frame filled the doorway, and he leant casually against it. “I doubt that anyone even knows that I am not with them.”