Page 2 of An Interrupted Proposal
Another moan escaped him before he lifted his head and looked pleadingly at his cousin. “I fear I am not so recovered to be in company.”
“What is it? We did not hear of an express arriving. Is someone ill? Has some calamity occurred?”
A harsh laugh tore from Darcy’s throat, causing his cousin’s brow to rise, though he relaxed when it was not followed by a repeat of the previous nature.
After reviewing the events of the evening, Darcy still found himself at a loss, but Philip was due some response. “No. No express was received, and no one is ill. The worse that has occurred is my eyes being opened to my own shortcomings.” Before his cousin could ask more, Darcy rose, and Philip followed. “Pray, tell my aunt I am indisposed but shall attempt to join you for dinner.”
“I will tell her you are indisposed and join you in your rooms as soon as I am able.”
Darcy nodded, and the men left the room once Philip checked to be certain no one was about. Shortly after Darcy had dismissed his valet, Philip entered with a full bottle of scotch in his hand. Once settled in the sitting area, each holding a well filled glass, Darcy reluctantly laid out the events of his evening while adding pertinent information from his time in Hertfordshire.
At the end of his disclosure, Philip released a low whistle and shook his head. “I knew you liked Miss Bennet, even suspected more than liked, but I never would have thought you could make such a hash of it, Darce.”
Exhausted by his confession, Darcy stretched out as best he could with one leg across the settee, calf hanging off the arm, and the other bent to the side with his foot on the floor. He still held his glass in one hand, though it was no longer as full, and the other arm lay across his forehead. “Neither did I.”
“Tell me again why you insulted her at the assembly.”
Darcy sighed and sat up. “I had just come from London and Georgiana. Upon arriving, Bingley informed me we would be attending an assembly. I could not refuse as I was his guest, though it is now clear I should have done so. Bingley would have forgiven me my rudeness.”
“Perhaps, but Miss Bingley would have insisted they all remain behind with you.” Philip raised his glass but did not drink. “Or she would have found a way to remain behind while the others attended the dance.” He sipped the scotch while Darcy shivered at the thought.
Philip set his glass upon the table and leant forwards. “There are two parts of your story I must address. The first is Miss Bennet’s statement that you separated her sister from your friend.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I fear it was I who told her of your interference with Bingley.”
With a slight lift of his shoulders, Darcy assured his cousin, “That was simply my most recent sin in her eyes.”
Philip nodded. “And the second is Wickham. Why was Miss Bennet not told of his penchant for lies when you discovered his presence in the neighbourhood?”
“I could not––”
“Do not say you worried for Georgiana’s reputation. You know he is a greedy coward; he would say nothing without first approaching you for funds to keep him from it.”
Darcy hung his head.
“You understand that is what you must address first? She must know he is not to be trusted.”
“How? She will believe nothing I say.”
Philip tipped his head to the side. “Do you honestly believe that? Miss Bennet is a rational creature. If you present the truth of your relationship with him, she will see the inconsistencies in his tale.”
“And if she will not speak to me? I must be the last man in the world she cares to see.”
A sly smile slipped across Philip’s countenance. “Then write her a letter.”
Darcy shook his head. “The impropriety . . . have I not done enough damage?”
“You are far more elegant on paper, Darce. You have time to study and carefully choose your words, instead of speaking rashly as you did this evening. It is in your favour to write to her. If you deliver it when she is alone, no one will know of it. I am certain she will not tell anyone, and her curiosity will demand she accept it.” He grinned as though he had landed on the perfect solution.
Fearful Elizabeth would be more disturbed by receiving anything from him but unable to think of any other way to profess his concerns, Darcy nodded.
“Very well,” Philip said as he rose from his seat and tugged at his cravat. “Shall we begin?”
Darcy looked at him uneasily. “I believe I am capable of writing a letter.”
“You also believed you were capable of proposing and being accepted.”
Darcy winced but nodded his agreement and crossed to the secretaire. Philip followed, removing his jacket and hanging it over the back of the nearest chair. While Darcy selected a sheet of paper, mended his pen, and opened the ink, Philip paced the room.
“First, you must apologize for your insult at the assembly. It is clear that initial error predetermined the outcome of every interaction thereafter. Remove her injured pride and you may soften her defences against you.”
