Page 36 of An Interrupted Proposal
Once they were settled in Mr. Bennet’s book room, Darcy tugged at his cuffs and began speaking with his gaze lowered. “I hope you will forgive my overstepping, Mr. Bennet. Both Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner have reminded me that there are some things which I should recognize are the responsibility of others. Unfortunately, for the last six years, most everything has ended at my feet and I have learnt to act in advance in order to avoid larger issues down the road. I am also unaccustomed to having to discuss my actions with others.”
Darcy sat back in his seat. “Before setting sail for America, George Wickham informed me that he had a few . . . encounters with your youngest daughter.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes widened, and he sat forwards. “He what?”
“He assured me that he had not taken Miss Lydia’s virtue and that he had told no one else what had occurred between them.”
“And you believe him?” Mr. Bennet asked sarcastically.
“Surprisingly, I do. He was not in a position to lie to me as he required my assistance, which was dependent upon his complete honesty.”
Mr. Bennet huffed and sat back, but did not appear convinced.
“I felt it best to speak to Miss Lydia while I had the opportunity and offer an incentive for her to rethink her actions. Your brother has shown me that it was not my place to do so, and Elizabeth has reminded me that she and I will be makingsuch decisions together now. They have chastised me, but I understand if you feel the need to have your say, sir.”
The older gentleman stared at him, his hands folded in his lap and his index fingers tapping together. Finally, Mr. Bennet sighed. “You are a man of action, Darcy. I appreciate that and understand how you might believe that I would not be, given my history. Indeed, I may not have reacted as quickly had you told me what Mr. Wickham had said during our last meeting. That said, I should have been told.”
“You are correct, sir.”
Mr. Bennet lifted one finger. “You have spoken to Elizabeth. I am assuming that she has given her opinion. Has your initial plan changed?”
“It has. Would you like to discuss it now or should we wait for the others?”
A laugh escaped Mr. Bennet, and his frame relaxed for the first time since Darcy’s arrival. “I said Elizabeth would be the making of you.”
“Indeed,” Darcy replied with a chuckle. “She and Mr. Gardiner have opened my eyes to certain changes that I should implement when dealing with individuals.”
“Ha! A pretty politic speech if I ever heard one.” Bennet rose from his seat. “We will wait until after dinner to discuss my family. Your partywillbe returning to dine with us this evening?”
“Of course.” Darcy stood and held out a hand which Bennet accepted. “I thank you for listening to my apology, sir, and for understanding my regret in acting without your blessing.”
Bennet’s grin covered his features. “I must say, it appears you have had some experience apologizing and are becoming a proficient.”
“I have had an excellent teacher,” Darcy said with a laugh as the gentlemen left to rejoin the others.
***********
Dinner at Longbourn ended and the gentlemen did not linger over their port before rejoining the ladies. When they entered the drawing room, Georgiana was seated with the youngest Bennet sisters. She and Miss Mary were speaking of music while Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine were watching them closely and mimicking Georgiana’s posture and the way she held her teacup.
Bennet looked at Darcy, one brow tipped upwards. “Shall we speak here or ask Jane and Elizabeth to join us in my study?”
Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, Darcy considered the options for only a moment before asking, “Which do you suggest, sir?”
The man’s lips twitched, but he did not tease Darcy as one might expect. Instead, he stepped farther into the room and took the seat nearest his wife. “Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” he asked Mrs. Bennet.
“Oh, Mr. Bennet, it has been a lovely evening. Mrs. Annesley and I were just saying how nice it was to have a quiet evening with family.” She turned and smiled at the companion on her other side.
Darcy and Bingley had made their way to their fiancées and taken seats on either side of the ladies. Darcy watched his host to see what the man might do. Surprisingly, Mr. Bennet settled into his seat and carried on a quiet conversation with the older ladies.
“What disturbs you?” Elizabeth asked as she laid a hand upon his arm.
He turned and smiled. “I had thought your father was going to begin a conversation with the room, but it appears I was mistaken.”
“Are they not amusing?” she asked as she tipped her head towards her youngest sisters. “I am certain Georgiana hasnoticed how they are watching her every move, but she does not appear to be distressed by it.”
“She is not.” He laid a hand upon hers and squeezed it. “We spoke of it when we returned to Netherfield this afternoon. She understands that Lydia and Catherine are trying to emulate her in order to gain the benefit of a season in London. The idea of having one or both of them with her when she has her coming out helped to relieve some of her anxiety regarding the event, and she is eager to assist them in any way possible.”
Darcy returned his gaze to the younger ladies and frowned. “It has come to my attention that, due to our concerns for your youngest sisters, we have neglected Miss Mary.”
