Darcy's Journey by M. A. Sandiford Read Free Book Online

before adding, still
in a whisper, ‘Miss Bennet, did you wonder whether your post was being
intercepted?’
    She tensed, disturbed by his question
but also relieved to hear her fears expressed by a man whose sense was not in
doubt. ‘I confess I did. You see …’ She spread her arms. ‘I was confined to the
house. Signor Carandini and his physician both insisted. My letters were taken
to the post office by a servant …’
    ‘Who might have been told to dispose of
them.’
    Elizabeth sighed. ‘But this is
speculation, Mr Darcy. We ought not speak thus of a family that has given me hospitality.
There are, after all, other explanations. In any case, what motive could they
possibly have?’
    She stopped, fearful of rebuke, but
after thinking for a moment he replied: ‘You’re right. The situation is odd,
but we have no reason to suspect the family.’ He paused, before continuing, ‘I
was impressed by your performance on the pianoforte.’
    Her lips twisted into a smile. ‘How
gratifying that someone approves.’
    ‘Signor Carandini is an exacting
master?’
    She leaned away, thinking this over, as
the audience applauded an aria. ‘He is a man unlike any I have met. He has no
lightness, no frivolity. For the first time in my life, any charms that I
possess count for nothing. At home, my efforts at singing and playing were applauded;
here, they are exposed as mediocre, and I am not allowed to escape with a joke.
I am inadequate, and must improve.’
    He fell silent, and she realised her
words must have affected him in some way. Eventually he smiled sadly and said,
‘That is a sentiment I know well.’
    Her hand flew to her mouth. ‘I hope you
are not recalling …’
    ‘Yes?’
    She whispered, ‘You know. Hunsford.’
    ‘In my case the censure was deserved.’
    She swivelled to face him, forgetting
for a moment where they were. ‘Mr Darcy, it was not! The folly was all mine.’
She put head in hands, before recollecting herself and dropping her voice
again. ‘It is pointless to re-open old wounds, but if I could wind back time
and recant every word, I would. Please understand that.’
    He regarded her a few seconds, before
murmuring, ‘You are kind, Miss Elizabeth, but I have long accepted that much of
what you said was true. Not the part about Wickham, but the rest.’
    She yearned to contest this, but saw
that he really believed it, and marvelled at such humility. There was a long
pause, in which she felt strangely at ease. Both had admitted fault; both had
sought to forgive. She asked, changing the subject, ‘What are your plans?’
    ‘For the present, to remain in Venice.’
    ‘But having come so far, you must see
the rest of Italy. Florence, Rome, Verona. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.’
    ‘And yourself? How will you return to
England?’
    ‘With Sir Edward and Céline, in the
spring. Regina too, if she accept his offer of a dower.’
    He thought awhile before saying
awkwardly, ‘I have no wish to intrude, Miss Bennet, but should you ever require
assistance, of any kind, I beg you to ask me. Whatever has passed between us, I
hope you can see me now as a friend of your family.’ He smiled. ‘Indeed, the best
friend of the man now engaged to your sister.’
    A shadow passed over her heart. This was a
kind man, honourable, even good company. She had been given a precious
opportunity, and had thrown it away. She nodded, unable to speak; he too turned
his attention to the music. His dignified presence, so different from the passionate
demanding Gabriele, felt safe, comfortable, homelike. She sat contentedly, wishing
the moment would never end.

 
 
 
    8

 
    March 1815
    Spring had come, and fruit trees were in
blossom. In his hired carriage, Darcy sat opposite Theodore Avery, whom Lady Regina
Havers had recommended as cultural guide. They had set off from Mantua after
lunch, and would shortly enter Verona, the final leg of his tour.
    Leaving Elizabeth behind in Venice had
been hard: all