Page 93 of Master of Himself

“Yes, he must also be dealt with. I’ll write to him, but in the meantime, let’s drink to your future wife,” Darcy said, then raised his brandy snifter. “May you and Jane enjoy a lifetime of happiness.”

“Thank you, my friend,” he said, raising his glass. “To Jane Bingley.”

Charles rather liked the sound of that name.

***

After Darcy had dismissed his valet for the night, he sat at the writing table, contemplating the terrible situation the Bennets had endured, thanks to Mr Collins.

How could one man cause so much damage? In his opinion, Collins was the man who deserved to be scorned, not the Bennets.

Any man who would betray his own family was past all redemption. The parson was no better than the London barrister who had abandoned his eldest daughter and married off two others to strangers.

Jane and Elizabeth would emerge unscathed from this episode, but Mary and Kitty were now in desperate need of rescue. While Mr Bennet might not care if his neighbours chose to ignore him, he understood that his daughters’ future depended on the neighbours’ acceptance. Furthermore, his wife had been devastated by the loss of her position in the community.

Darcy wanted to send a scathing rebuke to the despicable clergyman, but decided on a different approach.

Dear Mr Collins,

I struggle to conquer my disappointment, especially for a man of the cloth, who has taken Holy Orders and vowed to tend to the Lord’s flock.

This brings to mind the parable of the lost sheep; the shepherd left his flock unattended to search for the one missing and bring her home. You chose instead to condemn the lost sheep and blame her for her naivety in believing that the handsome, charming wolf would do her no harm.

Even worse, you spread malicious gossip about her, believing yourself to be justified as a leader of souls. Instead of administering to her mother in her time of distress, you subjected her to the scorn of the world. Your conduct has made it impossible for her family to prosper or receive her at home.

I am happy to report that the lost lamb was wrested from the wolf’s jaws and restored to the safety of her grateful family. I’m certain that you will also rejoice and give thanks for her safe return.

I confess that I was angered by your tendency to circulate private family matters, but as our Heavenly Father forgives us our debts, I shall forgive you for this transgression.

Yours, etc.

F. Darcy

P.S. In the spirit of forgiveness, I urge you to beg Miss de Bourgh’s pardon for the harm you have caused her by publicly linking her name with mine. By doing so, you subject her to idle speculation and endanger her future match. You may know Lady Catherine’s fondest desires, but you do not know mine, nor do you have leave to discuss my most intimate concerns.

Chapter 28

Tuesday 3 December

Shortly after sunrise, Darcy mounted Bart and set off for Longbourn, wondering if he ought not to have suggested this early morning tête-à-tête. The air was a bit chilly, so he wouldn’t blame Elizabeth if she’d stayed indoors, but he doubted they would have another opportunity that day to spend a few minutes alone.

He need not have worried. She awaited him in the spinney, bundled against the cold with a woollen cloak and shawl. Although he was glad to see her, he couldn’t like her mournful air. “What troubles you, my love?”

“I don’t think I can ever forgive Charlotte for what she has done, or her family."

He was well acquainted with that sentiment. “It’s difficult to forgive our friends when they disappoint us.”

“Like Mr Wickham?” she inquired, to which he nodded. “But you bought his commission, even after everything he has done.”

“He would have been ruined otherwise,” he said, recalling George’s false bravado in the tiny boarding house room. “My father wanted his godson to succeed in life, so I was obliged to help him, but I’ll never trust him again.”

She released a weary sigh. “Nor can I trust Charlotte.”

In Darcy’s opinion, Miss Lucas had also run out of suitable options. “She is rather to be pitied, forever tied to a man like Collins. What’s more, she’ll be subjected to my aunt’s whims and tirades.”

“My cousin holds her ladyship in such high esteem, it’s a shame he can’t marry her instead,” she said with a teasing glint in her eye.

Relieved that she had regained her sense of humour, he drew her into his arms. “I’d much rather contemplate a future with my enchantress.”