Page 35 of Elizabeth Bennet and the Scottish Laird

“They seemed pointed. Invasive, even. You asked about his parents, his inheritance, and the Clearances. Topics that clearly caused him pain. What were you searching for, Mr Darcy?”

He could not tell her. At least not without absolute certainty and some measure of proof. To voice his suspicions now would be to destroy her engagement on the strength of mere speculations. If he was wrong, he would cause irreparable harm. If he was right but could not prove it, she would think him motivated by jealousy rather than genuine concern.

“I only wished to assure myself that you would be well cared for.” The partial truth was all he could offer. “That Mr MacKinnon's circumstances are as stable as he represents them to be, that his estates will provide the security your family requires.”

Elizabeth studied him for a long moment. He could see her mind working behind those fine eyes, weighing his words against his behaviour. “You have never taken such interest in anyone else's circumstances before.”

“I have never had cause to concern myself with anyone else's welfare before.”

The confession emerged before he could stop it, carrying more weight than he intended. Elizabeth's expression shifted into something complicated. Surprise, perhaps. Or understanding. Or both.

“I am perfectly capable of assessing my own circumstances,” she replied quietly. “And Mr MacKinnon has been nothing but honest and generous in his dealings with my family. Whatever concerns you imagine you have discovered, I assure you they are unfounded.”

“I hope you are right.” The words came out more fervently than he intended. “I truly hope you are right, Miss Bennet.”

There was a small silence, and then Georgiana awkwardly cleared her throat. “Brother, we must make haste.”

Darcy bowed to Elizabeth, searching for words that might repair the damage his interrogation had caused. “Thank you for your hospitality. Please forgive my excessive curiosity. It comes from a place of concern, nothing more.”

“I understand.” Elizabeth's tone suggested she understood more than he wished. “Your interest is noted, Mr Darcy, though I assure you it is unnecessary.”

He wanted to tell her it was absolutely necessary and that her entire future might rest on a foundation of lies. But until he had irrefutable evidence, he could do nothing but wait.

“Good day, Miss Bennet.” He followed Georgiana from the room before he could say anything more foolish.

The door closed behind them. Darcy stood for a moment in Longbourn's entrance hall, aware that his concern had emerged as suspicion and his protective instincts as interference. Malcolm would be on guard now. And Elizabeth looked at him with confusion rather than trust.

But at least she would be thinking. At least his questions had planted seeds of doubt, even if she would not acknowledge them yet.

Chapter 11

The following morning, Elizabeth was reading in the drawing room when Jane entered, dressed in a simple morning gown of sprigged muslin.

“You are abroad early, Lizzy,” her sister said.

“Mr MacKinnon mentioned he wished to speak with me this morning,” she replied. “I thought to ready myself before Mamma begins her inquiries about the breakfast menu.”

Jane settled into the chair nearest the window. “You seem troubled.”

“I am well enough. Merely contemplating the journey north.” Elizabeth sighed. “These weeks shall pass quickly.”

Jane touched her hand. “My apologies for continuously repeating myself, but you need not go through with this, you know.”

Elizabeth laughed without much humour. “And where precisely should we go if I refuse him? Perhaps we might impose upon the Gardiners indefinitely. I am certain six additional women would cause no inconvenience to their household.”

Jane said nothing, her grey eyes resting gently upon her sister's face.

“Forgive me.” Elizabeth sat beside her. “I am rather out of sorts.”

Mrs Hill appeared at the doorway. “Miss Elizabeth, Mr MacKinnon asks if you might join him in the breakfast room when convenient.”

“Thank you, Hill. Please tell him I shall be down directly.”

Elizabeth found Malcolm standing by the breakfast room window, watching Moira play with a wooden hoop in the garden below, her nurse keeping watch nearby. He turned as Elizabeth entered, his face brightening.

“Elizabeth. I hope I have not disturbed your morning.”

“Not at all,” she replied. “I was merely sitting with Jane.”