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“Lizzy!” he bellowed. Thankfully, her steps stuttered, and Darcy dove for her, taking her down with him, covering her with the same brown wool cloak he had disdained earlier. Grateful now to be holding it, he encircled her with his arms and rolled Elizabeth across the ground as he protected her face in his shoulder.
    Finally, he released her. Scrambling to his knees, Darcy patted her legs and back with the burned cloak before he rolled her over. “Tell me you are well,” he pleaded as he pushed the loose hair from her face. Before she could respond, Darcy clutched her to him. Then he rocked her in his arms. Fear drained from him as he held her. “Oh, my God, Elizabeth,” he said. “Oh, darling.”
    She sobbed and clung to him. “Thank you,” she said shakily.
    Bingley and Jane made their way through the onlookers. Jane stroked her sister’s hair, but Darcy refused to release Elizabeth. “Lizzy, are you burned?” Jane asked.
    Elizabeth shook her head, and Darcy reached to cover her exposed leg. “Let us take you home,” he whispered. “Bingley, would you bring the carriage around?”

    â€œCertainly, Darcy.” Bingley moved away quickly.
    â€œMiss Bennet, might your sister use your cloak until we reach the coach?”
    Jane nodded and hurried to retrieve her wrap. Although many onlookers remained, Darcy whispered to his intended, “Tell me the truth. Are you burned? Your legs? Anywhere?”
    She looked up at him. “Maybe…a bit on my calf.”
    â€œIs that all?” She nodded and buried her face in his cravat. “You saved me again.”
    Darcy swallowed hard. “I do not object to seeing to your safety, but I could do without the fear coursing through me.” He helped her up. “Should we summon a physician?”
    â€œI would hate to draw Dr. Potier from the festivities.” She took the handkerchief that he offered and wiped her face.
    â€œMaybe it would be better if the gentleman saw to your needs before we returned to Longbourn,” he suggested.
    Elizabeth gave him a half smile. “If you insist, sir.”
    Darcy breathed easier. “What? No argument?” he teased.
    â€œI believe you have earned an evening away from my sharp tongue.”
    Jane returned with her cloak. “Here, Lizzy,” she said as she wrapped it about Elizabeth’s shoulders.
    â€œMiss Elizabeth?” a voice came behind them. “I apologize. My hand slipped.” Bryson Lucas was pale with horror.
    â€œIt is fine, Bryson,” she assured him. “It was not your fault.”
    Darcy touched the boy’s shoulder. “How about finding Dr. Potier for Miss Elizabeth? Tell him to meet us at his office.”
    â€œRight away, sir.” The boy pushed his way through the crowd.
    â€œI have her, Miss Bennet.” Darcy caught Elizabeth’s arm to support her weight. “Why do you not join Bingley in the coach. I will see to Elizabeth.”

    â€œIt is as if it were made for you,” Georgiana Darcy said as Elizabeth modeled the new cloak.
    Darcy looked on, agreeing silently with his sister’s sentiments. He had known how the cloak’s color would emphasize the green of Elizabeth’s hazel eyes. The fur-trimmed hood and wood toggle clasps picked up the mahogany highlights of her hair.
    â€œDo you like it, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth asked as she turned slowly for his review.
    He smiled seductively. “Absolutely. Georgiana has an astute eye for fashion.”
    Georgiana’s face reflected her happiness. She and Darcy had called at Longbourn so that she could renew her acquaintance with Elizabeth. In Lambton, Georgiana had taken an instant liking to Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth’s unexpected withdrawal due to pressing family business had come as a disappointment. “I am far from fashion conscious, Brother. Do not tease me,” the girl warned charmingly.