Page 36 of To Love And To Cherish
"Then go to Papa. Tell him the truth. Mamma has her hopes fixed on me, but I have no desire to marry the man, and I already told him so last month. You heard her. Jane and Lydia are destined for greater matches, and she has fixed on me for the rector. But I think you would be best suited to him. I amgoing out for my walk as Georgiana will surely be waiting. When I return, tell me how it went."
Hope lit Mary’s face. "I shall speak to him now."
"Be honest," Elizabeth warned, "but do not press. Only let him know your wishes."
With that, she donned her pelisse and set off. The path to Oakham Mount gave her the solitude she needed. The situation with Mr. Collins weighed heavily upon her. If her mother prevailed, Elizabeth's own future would be sacrificed to secure her family’s. She could not bear it. To marry without esteem was bad enough; to marry a fool out of duty was unbearable.
She reached the summit early and sat upon the log where she and Georgiana often met. But when hoofbeats sounded, she turned and saw not only her friend but also Mr. Darcy.
Her heart sank.
Georgiana dismounted and, noting Elizabeth's distressed countenance, asked with concern, "Elizabeth, is Jane worse?"
Elizabeth attempted a smile, but it was feeble.
Darcy stepped forward. "You are upset. What can we do?"
Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes before she could stop them. Georgiana dropped her reins and ran to embrace her, while Darcy placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
"Miss Elizabeth," he said quietly, "it cannot be so very dreadful, unless someone is gravely ill. But you are not given to tears. What has happened?"
She took the handkerchief he offered and pressed it to her face, shaking her head. After a few moments, she managed, "Forgiveme. A letter arrived this morning from the man who will inherit Longbourn. He is coming next week. Mamma has decided I am to marry him. I read his letter. He is pompous and insensible. I always hoped to respect my husband. I do not believe I could respect this man. But if he offers, and I refuse, my family will remain unprotected."
She wept anew, and they led her to sit. Georgiana remained close, and Darcy took her hand.
When her tears had abated, he asked, "How do you know he is so unsuitable?"
"It is all here," she said, handing him the letter.
Darcy scanned it. "Hunsford... Lady Catherine de Bourgh! This must be her new rector. My aunt mentioned appointing someone four months ago. If he has managed to please her, he must indeed be a singular specimen."
He glanced up. "Would Jane take him?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, that would be even worse. Jane is too gentle for such a man. But Mary, she would suit him. She already acts the part. I would be the absolute worst candidate as I’m an obstinate, headstrong girl."
Darcy smiled. “Is that an appellation your mother has bestowed upon you?”
"Daily," Elizabeth admitted with a weak laugh.
He stood. "Then you must not marry him. That is easily settled."
She looked up, hopeless. "Mr. Darcy, you do not know my mother."
"I shall soon. Georgiana and I will walk you home. I will explain to your mother precisely why you are the worst possible match for this Mr. Collins. My aunt would never abide you as his wife. But Mary would suit perfectly. I shall ensure he knows it."
Elizabeth stood slowly, astonished.
He offered his arm. "Come, Miss Elizabeth. Let us make an end to this nonsense."
With Georgiana on his other side, the three walked home, the horses trailing behind, forgotten.
Hope stirred in Elizabeth's heart, and for the first time that day, she smiled.
Chapter 18: Advocate
Mrs. Bennet had just settled herself in the drawing room with her embroidery when Hill appeared. “Ma’am, there are callers at the front door.”
Mrs. Bennet looked up sharply. “At this hour? It is only half past ten.”
