Lizzy laughed and tapped William’s arm, “You certainly put the fear of God into him, Will! I thought he might wet his breeches!”
William chuckled, “He will not bother us again. His chance with you is ruined and he knows Anne is not worth his time. He will likely try to find another young woman to seduce, but hopefully his greed will be exposed and any deserving woman will be able to avoid him.” He kissed her hand again, “Let us enjoy our dinner now. It has been certainly one of the most enjoyable of days today. Life with you is an adventure, Lizzy.”
~*~
August 1809
After another fortnight of their holiday in Ramsgate, the friends separated to their own homes, with the Knightleys moving to their new home in London, and the others returning to Hertfordshire.
The Darcys departed for Pemberley during the month of July and would not return until Christmastime, but William could not bear to leave Lizzy’s side for long and remained at Netherfield alone for an extra month.
“I will be back in three months, Lizzy.” William spoke sombrely to her as they sat beneath their tree. “I must go and assist my father for the Harvest season but I will return as soon as I am done there. Will you promise me that you will not fall madly in love with anyone while I am gone? If you ever change your mind about marriage, I hope you will give me a chance to gain your regard.”
Lizzy laughed, “Why does everyone think I will change my mind? Do you all believe me to be a fickle woman who will flitter from here to there like a butterfly and that someone would come and swoop me off my feet? I am a rational creature and I refuse to be struck by the Cupid’s arrow.”
William wrapped his arm around her, “I am torn, Lizzy. On one side, I wish for you to fall madly in love with me, but on the other side, if I lose you to someone else, I would be heartbroken. But as long as you will be my friend, as long as you will stay with me as my blood-brother, I will accept it. You must know, surely you must know, I love you with all of my heart.”
“I know, Will.” Lizzy leaned her head on his shoulder. “It gives me comfort to know that you love me and I do love you. I love you as a dear brother and I am sorry I cannot give you more. But I do wish for you to be able to marry and live a full life. Perhaps our separation will be good for us, Will. If we are distant, you might be able to see other ladies around you with a clearer head and move on. I wish you every happiness.”
William looked away and did not speak. His heart broke that she wished for him to find another wife still. He stood up with a grave countenance and remained quiet.
Lizzy embraced him from behind, “Are you angry with me? I do not wish for us to part with you upset, Will. Please, you know I do not mean to distress you.”
“No, Lizzy,” William turned around and cradled her cheeks with both hands, “I am not angry. I could never be angry with you. I only wish you could see me the way I see you. I love you.” He leaned down and kissed her lips in reverence. “I will love you until my last breath. See you in November, my love.”
He turned and mounted his stallion. He turned back a few times to wave while Lizzy stood beneath their tree, and she could have sworn he had wiped his eyes once or twice.
~*~
“How was Lizzy when you left her, William?” Lady Anne asked her son while he sat in the drawing room. “Did you enjoy your time in Hertfordshire?”
William smiled as he explained his month after his family had departed for the north. “She is the same but even more beautiful. She knows I love her dearly but does not see me other than as a brother and wants me to look for a wife. I had always thought I knew what I wanted but after falling in love with her, my world has flipped upside down. Mama,” he asked his mother sincerely, “do you believe she could be a good wife to me? I love her and I thought she would be willing to change her ways to become more like you, but if she will have me, if I can marry her as the wonderful hoyden that she has always been, would I regret my choice? I would still wish to marry her but if it is a choice of marrying her or keeping Pemberley, I do not believe I would be able to give her up.” He covered his eyes with his hands and rubbed it. “I miss her. I left her three days ago and I only wish to return to her side. Without her, all of father’s properties and legacy mean nothing to me.”
Lady Anne sat next him and patted his back. “I am sad to see you struggle but also pleased that you love her so much, William. Lizzy is very special to all of us and I already love her like a daughter. It is ultimately your choice, dear son, who you choose to be your wife and mistress of your homes, but if Lizzy will not marry you, what will you do then? I know you wish to keep her near you but you must consider your own future. What if Lizzy decides to marry another? She told me many times that she will not marry because she would not be a capable wife to a noble gentleman, but if she finds love with a man of a lesser consequence, if she changes her mind, would you be able to let her go and find someone else to
