Page 2 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Yes.”

The colour drained from his complexion. He lumbered back and landed inelegantly on the chair.

Oh dear. I glanced at the doorway, inching to the edge of my seat. Any moment now, he would berate me for having the audacity to refuse him. If I departed, I could avoid an unpleasant scene. Keeping him in my view, I placed weight upon my feet. Mr. Darcy, though, displayed no trace of anger. He sat with his back sloped forwards, his head angled down, and his knuckles pressed against his lips. Never before had he appeared so…vulnerable.

His response conflicted with my notion of him. As a twinge of unease built within my breast, I abandoned my plan of escape.

Friday, 17 April

Rosings Park Estate

Elizabeth

I trudged through a section of the path made muddy by a late-night shower. Once past the sodden area of ground, I paused to take stock of my clothing; my petticoats had emerged unsoiled, but not my boots. I pushed onwards.

My pace slackened, though, as last-minute doubts descended upon me. Had I erred in agreeing to meet Mr. Darcy? I had acquiesced to his entreaty in a moment of weakness, in part out of curiosity for how he would attempt to explain his deplorable past behaviour. Yet our discussion could become uncomfortable or even hostile. Of course, Mr. Darcy could have reconsidered and seen the folly of having proposed to me; maybe he rejoiced in his fortunate escape and would not bother to come.

But when I neared the grove, Mr. Darcy’s familiar form emerged from the shade of an alder tree and strode to me. His blond cocker spaniel, Hunter, sprang ahead and reached me first.

I crouched to greet the joyous dog, whose hind quarters shook along with his wagging tail. “It is good to see you, Hunter.” This past week, Mr. Darcy had come upon me on my morning walks three times and chosen to accompany me. Due, in part, to my established belief that he disliked me, I had been puzzled and annoyed by those intrusions to my solitude. Hunter’s impish presence had been the redeeming element of those occasions.

“Good morning, Miss Bennet.”

I rose. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”

A slight twist stirred his lips as he studied me. “I want to address your reasons against my courting you. I know you well enough to expect you will not shy away from enumerating them.”

By all means; at the risk of arousing his ire, I should indulge my inquisitive nature.“You may as well know I am aware you persuaded Mr.Bingley to forsake my sister.” A sharp edge tinged my words.

He betrayed no sign of surprise.

“Why did you act to separate them?”

“On the night of the Netherfield ball, I observed your sister and could detect nothing to indicate she had a peculiar regard for Bingley. For my friend to consider marrying a lady without fortune or connexions, I believed he ought to at least have her affections.”

How dare he make this determination on such flimsy evidence? A rush of heat rose up from my neck. “Your conclusion lacked merit. Jane has been anguished ever since Mr. Bingley departed Hertfordshire.”

“I am sorry to hear this.” His chin dipped. “I had no intention of hurting your sister.”

“Soon after her arrival in town, Jane called on Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. They waited weeks to return the call and left my sister in no doubt they did not care to maintain the acquaintance.”

Mr. Darcy avoided my gaze. “Yes, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst related they had met with your sister.”

His admission provided no satisfaction—rather, it provoked a tension in my chest. “Is Mr. Bingley aware Jane has been in town?”

“No.” He raised his sight to me, his features tight. “We…that is…Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, and I decided not to inform him.”

I stiffened, crossing my arms. “You need look no further than Miss Bingley for your perfect wife.” I glared at him and did not bother to moderate my voice. “The two of you are of like minds and contrive so well together!”

His dark eyes flashed. “I cede to your superior knowledge of your sister and regret I acted upon my mistaken judgment. Unless you direct me otherwise, I shall acquaint Bingley of my error. I shall also reveal the lamentable advice I gave Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst and advise him that your eldest sister is in town.”

Did he speak in earnest? I swallowed. “You would make a full confession to your friend?”

“Yes, although I cannot predict whether or how he will act on the information.”

“Either way, Mr. Bingley ought to know the truth.”

“Then I shall speak to him upon my return to London.”

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