Page 15 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“You are most welcome, Lizzy.” Aunt Gardiner reached over to pat my hand.

I returned my attention to my plate with renewed gusto. Could Lydia be convinced to curb her improper behaviour? What a relief it would be to never be mortified by her again!

Longbourn Estate, Hertfordshire

Darcy

I followed the butler, Hill, into the Bennets’ home. On the ride to Hertfordshire, I had rehearsed several cordial greetings for Mrs. Bennet or one of Elizabeth’s sisters in the event our paths crossed; even so, when I arrived at Mr. Bennet’s study without meeting any of them, the tension in my back diminished.

When I entered the long, narrow room, featuring sturdy bookcases brimming with volumes, Mr. Bennet’s lean frame rose from the chair behind the desk. “Good day, Mr. Darcy.” His grey, wiry eyebrows lifted.

“Good day, Mr. Bennet.”

“Please sit down.” He retook his seat and pointed to the worn chair before the desk. “You have piqued my curiosity. For the life of me, I cannot suppose what could have induced you to call.”

I sat across from him. His scornful intonation did not bode well for his opinion of me, but perhaps my news would improve his outlook. “I came to inform you that I have made your daughter Miss Elizabeth an offer of marriage, and she has accepted.”

Mr. Bennet shot to an erect posture, and his angular features contorted. “You…and my Lizzy? You areengaged?”

“Yes, we are to be married.”Blast, would he withhold his permission? What could I say to alleviate his disquiet? “This is not a sudden attachment on my part. I have admired Miss Elizabeth since last autumn. I encountered her in Kent when I stayed at my aunt Lady Catherine’s estate, and we met in London as well. I hope to receive your approval and blessing.”

Mr. Bennet removed his spectacles and kneaded the bridge of his nose. “Excuse me, but I need a moment to collect my thoughts.”

I gritted my teeth to combat a growing sense of indignation. Then my fingers brushed my bulky coat pocket.Of course, the letters. I pulled out the missives and handed them to him. “I believe these may set your mind at ease.”

Mr. Bennet scoured both letters, then took up Elizabeth’s epistle again for a second perusal. At length, he raised his crinkled eyes to me. “Both my daughter and my brother have sung your praises. Nevertheless, you must give me leave to be perplexed by your tidings. In contrast to your friend Mr. Bingley, whose preference for Jane has been obvious, you hid your interest in Lizzy.”

“To my regret, that is true. The rapport between Miss Elizabeth and me developed in Kent and in town.” Under the older man’s scrutiny, the temperature in the room increased to a stifling warmth. “I love your daughter and will do my utmost to make her happy.”

His lower jaw moved up and down as he appeared to deliberate my words. He adjusted his seat forwards. “My approval and blessing is contingent upon one condition: you must agree to keep your engagement a secret for six weeks.” He moved his calendar closer. “That brings us to the twenty-seventh of June. So, the wedding could occur as soon as the sixteenth of July.”

No—I wanted to marry Elizabeth as soon as possible! A dull pain emanated from my chest. Yet I resisted the impulse to voice my protest. I could blame no one but myself for this predicament. If I had treated Elizabeth and her family better from the beginning, and if I had courted her last autumn as she deserved…but I had not. “I…accept your terms.”

“Very well.” Mr. Bennet reclined against his chair.

“Have you any questions for me?”

“No, not at this time.”

When I took my leave, Mr. Bennet escorted me out through a side door—not as a courtesy but for the stated aim of ensuring no one in his family would observe me and enquire after the purpose of my visit.

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

At the faint sound of a knock upon the front door, I stilled. Had Fitzwilliam returned? I stowed my sewing materials. But with a glance at the mantel clock, my fervour faded; he could not have returned from Hertfordshire so soon. Maybe one of Aunt Gardiner’s friends called.

Barnet appeared at the doorway. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh to see Miss Bennet.”

“Oh!” I rose as Fitzwilliam’s aunt strode in. “Lady Catherine, this is an unexpected honour.” My smile evaporated, and not merely due to her malicious scowl; dark half-moons obscured the skin beneath her eyes while a strange, wan cast marred the rest of her complexion.What ails her?The wrinkles covering her forehead had not been so prominent before. “Have you been ill, my lady?”

“No, I am perfectly well. Do not mistake the intent of my visit, Miss Bennet. No amount of solicitousness could deter me from my object. If not for the gravity of the matter at hand, I shouldnever have deigned to call upon atradesman’shome.” Her sight skimmed the room. “Your relations have made an admirable effort to give this house the appearance of elegance, but they will never belong in company with the gentry.”

I braced my mouth shut against the instinct to issue a heated retort. For Fitzwilliam’s sake alone, I should show her more grace than she deserved, yet her insult of my dear relations could not go unchallenged. “My aunt and uncle are among the finest people of my acquaintance.Theywould never insult anyone in their own home.”

“Humph, I did nothing more than state the truth.”

Aunt Gardiner entered the room and came to my side. “Lizzy, will you introduce me to your guest?”

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