{ exceedinglyshy }

     His words surprised and somewhat HURT her – her brother wass the best man that she knew, and to hear how he feels about himself was a bit of a blow. But it wasn’t about her, not now, and she’s not going to make it so.

          “Fitzwilliam…”

     She finds herself at a loss for words, even though she’s desperate for them.

          “I’m sorry.”

     That might be a good place to start.

    Mr. Darcy frowned. ‘ I’m sorry, ’ said the girl, but she had no reason, no cause for such words. Then, an extraordinary thing happened: Mr. Darcy crossed closer to his sister and pulled her into his arms, as if she were in need of comforting and not himself ( truly, the embrace was for both of them ).

“ Please do not worry yourself over me, dearest. The fault of my pain is my own and I will bear it as such. ” Carefully, he leaned away from her and smiled. “ Do you see? Already, you help with only your presence. ”