Page 20 of A Forced Marriage
Darcy gave a slight nod, his demeanour composed. "I did, Bingley. The events of the previous day are behind me."
Miss Bingley, her eyes roaming as if waiting for Darcy for an opportunity to speak, interjected with a knowing glance. "Indeed, Mr. Darcy. We have heard whispers from the servants about the talk in Meryton. They say you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet were found in a rather... compromising position."
"One can only imagine how such rumours could spread, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Hurst, her voice tinged with false concern, added.
Darcy's expression remained inscrutable, though his thoughts drifted to Mr. Bennet's words from the previous night, hinting that either the coachman or the militia officer might have been the source of the rumors. After a moment’s consideration, Darcy concluded that the militia officer was the more likely culprit. "It appears Mr. Bennet was correct in his assessment," Darcy began, his tone measured. "If there are already rumours circulating, then I believe it is only proper that I clarify the matter. I happened upon Miss Bennet's carriage by chance while I left the assembly yesterday. I heard her scream while I investigated the wreck of the carriage, and intervened when I discovered a snake near her. In the process of aiding her, I accidentally fell upon her. Unfortunately, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and two others witnessed the latter end of these events, and naturally, they assumed the worst. Given the circumstances, it is only right that I protect Miss Bennet's honour."
Bingley's face softened as he placed a comforting hand on Darcy's shoulder. "You are indeed a good man, Darcy, to step forward in this manner. Given the circumstance, Miss Bennet's honour is of utmost importance."
"But Mr. Darcy, have you considered that Miss Elizabeth might have orchestrated this entire situation? She is, after all, as you’ve made clear, a clever girl." Miss Bingley scoffed delicately.
Darcy's eyes narrowed slightly as he met her gaze. "Miss Bingley, if such a scheme were in place, how could Miss Bennet have compelled me to follow her? The suggestion is absurd."
Realizing the futility of her argument, Miss Bingley pressed on in a different vein. "But the Bennets are clearly taking advantage of your good nature, Mr. Darcy. Why could they not simply express their gratitude and leave it at that, instead of forcing a marriage upon you?"
Darcy's voice, though calm, carried a note of finality. "It is not a matter of taking advantage, Miss Bingley. Any family would wish to protect their daughter’s reputation under such circumstances. And, if I may say so, Miss Elizabeth is far from the average woman. She possesses an intelligence and spirit that are rare, and a beauty that is distinctly her own. Forced or not, a marriage to her will not be unpleasant."
A silence fell upon the room as Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst exchanged bewildered glances. The notion that Mr. Darcy could speak so highly of Miss Elizabeth Bennet was beyond their comprehension.
Darcy, sensing the conversation had reached its natural conclusion, stood. "I must make my way to Longbourn this morning."
Bingley, eager to be of assistance, quickly rose as well. "Allow me to accompany you, Darcy. I should very much like to see Miss Bennet for myself and ensure her well-being."
"One wonders if it is truly Miss Elizabeth you wish to see, Charles, or perhaps her elder sister, Miss Jane, who seemed to have captured your attention last evening." Mrs. Hurst, with a sly smile, interjected.
Bingley, unabashed, responded with a light-hearted grin, "If I end up killing two birds with one stone, then so be it."
The Bingley sisters exchanged knowing glances and scoffed lightly, clearly unimpressed by his candour and feeling no need to show disguise their displeasure.
Darcy gave brief nod of agreement towards all at the table, then he made his way to the door, while Bingley followed after him.
****
The morning sun had scarcely risen above the horizon when Charlotte Lucas arrived at Longbourn. Concern etched across her features, she inquired immediately after Elizabeth, her friend’s well-being foremost in her mind.
“Lizzy, I heard about the accident. I had stepped away when you left and wish I had been there,” Charlotte began, her voice trembling, a blend of worry and curiosity evident as she sat beside Elizabeth. “The entire town is abuzz with rumors. I could hardly wait to see for myself that you were well.”
“Thank you, Charlotte. I am well, merely a sprain in my leg, but it is better now. The coach overturned, and Mr. Darcy…well, he happened upon me and offered his assistance.” Elizabeth replied.
Charlotte’s brow furrowed as she leaned closer and spoke in hushed tones. “Lizzy, I must tell you, there are more than just whispers in Meryton. I hear talk of you and Mr. Darcy being found in a compromising position.”
Elizabeth sighed, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “It was a matter of mistake. As I said, Mr. Darcy was helping me when we slipped, but those who happened upon us assume the worst. And because of it, I have agreed to marry Mr. Darcy. It is not for love, Charlotte, but to protect my family’s honour and prevent the ruin of my sisters.”
Charlotte gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Marry Mr. Darcy? But Lizzy, is there no other way?”
“It is the only way. I could not bear to see my family’s name dragged through the mud, or to see Jane’s prospects withMr. Bingley ruined because of a scandal.” Elizabeth shook her head, a resigned look settling on her face.
As they conversed, the sound of hooves approaching Longbourn caught their attention. Moments later, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were announced, and the gentlemen were shown into the drawing-room. Elizabeth rose, her composure polite but distant, as the gentlemen entered. Charlotte Lucas left for her house immediately.
Darcy, his countenance calm yet observant, inquired after Elizabeth’s well-being. “Miss Bennet, I trust you are recovering from yesterday’s ordeal?”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. My leg feels much improved, just a tinge of discomfort remains.” Elizabeth, though calm, did not meet his gaze directly.
After being intimated of his presence, Mr. Bennet emerged from his study and shook the men’s hand. “Thank you for your help yesterday, Mr. Darcy. You decision was most honourable.”
Darcy only smiled and shook his head in return. Mr. Bennet also shook hands with Mr. Bingley who after inquiring about Elizabeth’s health soon asked about the whereabout of Jane. Mrs. Bennet and the other girls were summoned and they too exchanged pleasantries with their guest.
“Mr. Darcy, I must ask—how soon do you propose for this marriage to take place? Rumours are already circulating in Meryton, and the longer we delay, the more harm they may cause.” Mr. Bennet asked after everyone was settled.
