Darcy immediately joined Elizabeth in the sitting room. The doctor had just left, after telling her that she had twisted her ankle when she fell and that while she had hit her head, there should not be any long-term effects. Aggravated, she hesitantly agreed to obey to all the recommendations given by the older man. He had suggested that she remain still and quiet for the rest of the day for the benefit of her head, and then more hesitantly suggested that she avoid her famous rambles for the next few days. Elizabeth had said she understood and would adhere to the recommendations, but informed him that she was not happy about it.

Once Darcy had situated himself in a chair across from here Elizabeth was sitting with her foot propped up on a small stool, she allowed some of the tension stored in her shoulders to fade.

"William, I am fine. The scowl of yours is even more prominent, and that must mean you are overly concerned. Other than a slight headache and the annoyance of missing my walk for the near future, I am quite alright."

"I know, I was just so worried. You were slurring your words and I assumed the worst."

Elizabeth just smiled at his concern. She was slightly worried that her would stifle her with concern, but thankfully, she had not reached that bridge yet.

They remained in silent company until dinner. They sat in silence, allowing Elizabeth's head a respite as they both enjoyed each other's silent company. Every few hours, the chaperone of the party was replaced, all of whom allowed the couple as much privacy as was socially acceptable.

After the meal, the gentleman was shown to his guest quarters where he retired to for the rest of the evening. He had silently rejoiced that the matriarch of the household had contained her elation for the sake of her daughter's health, but safely assumed that the calm would span a finite amount of time.

The following days were spent with only slightly more noise. He would sit with Elizabeth in the gardens or in the sitting room, and occasionally in her father's study, and enjoy the company of his future wife. He would read to her from novels or collections of poetry of great epics. He would often tell her stories of his family or his childhood. He enjoyed listening to her eloquent tales of adventure through the woods or the adventures she had with Jane and Charlotte. She would splice in colorful remarks of wit that were the bane of her mother's existence and one of his favorite things about the vibrant woman.

As the days went by, she grew more stir crazy, itching to roam around the countryside in a simple bonnet, allowing the wind to cause wisps of hair to break free if its grasp. He tried to sooth her anxiousness, but he slowly realized that she just needed a change of pace. She craved adventure and he could not help her.

"I am so sorry that you are trapped up in here. I know you dearly love to walk, just as much as you enjoy a great laugh."

"You know me well, sir. I am growing irritated with this monotony."

"I know, my dear. Lucky, tomorrow is the day the doctor said you can try walking again. He said to start off slow and short, but at least it's something."

"Indeed, it is," she replied with a gleeful smile.