Page 74 of A November to Remember

“So,” Darcy resumed. “If I know my aunt, she has surely sent Mr Collins to Longbourn with strict requirements regarding his future wife. There is no need to invent further instructions on her behalf. He knows what she expects.”

“He worships the ground she walks on,” Bingley confirmed, nodding furiously.

“Precisely. You need only speak of the ladies and allow him to compare what he hears with my aunt’s list.”

Robert frowned. “Speak of them how?”

“Truthfully,” Darcy explained. “Miss Lucas is a capable woman who manages Lucas Lodge. Lady Lucas consults her on every household matter, and Sir William relies on her good sense.”

Robert’s face brightened. “So Collins concludes that she is accustomed to exercising judgement and making decisions of her own.”

“Without anyone disparaging her character. Indeed, you will be praising her. As for the Bennet sisters, Miss Bennet is far too beautiful, Miss Elizabeth is difficult to command, Miss Mary has opinions enough for an archbishop, and the two youngest are far too young for him.”

“We praise them all beyond his reach.” Richard grinned as he caught the vision.

Dawson stepped forward. “If I may, sir. The rector visits daily the circulating library in search of moral tracts. I have seen him. Mr Boodles, Dickinson, and I could happen to discuss the young ladies while he is in the next aisle. Quite casually. None of you gentlemen need be present.”

“I can speak admiringly of Miss Lucas’s management of Lucas Lodge,” Boodles offered. “Betsy, Mrs Philips’s maid, says Lady Lucas scarcely orders a joint without consulting her.”

“And I can mention that Miss Bennet is admired in three counties,” added Dickinson, “while Miss Elizabeth has never obeyed anyone merely because they expected it.”

“I shall undertake Miss Mary and the younger ladies,” Dawson concluded.

“And I could say something about goats. Just to keep the theme,” added Dickinson.

Darcy nodded, impressed by the deviousness of their staff. “It is settled. You offer the information today. You save Miss Lucas, you defeat Mr Collins, and you clear the path.”

“And then,” Robert said, standing up and clapping Darcy on the shoulder, “we secure Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Darcy regarded his cousin. “Leave that to me, Robert.” The lady had thoroughly ruined his peace, and he could not wait to see her again. “But we are not finished here. I asked you all to tell the truth, and I expect you to state your intentions now.”

Darcy turned his gaze on the colonel. He had always considered Richard the most uncomplicated man of his acquaintance. A soldier, direct and unburdened by sentiment.

“State your intentions, Richard,” Darcy demanded softly. “Why are you so fiercely protecting Miss Mary?”

Richard shifted his weight and glanced at his valet.

“The colonel recognises her value, sir,” Dickinson offered gruffly, standing at attention. “The lady has hidden reserves.”

“She is unique,” Richard admitted. “She understands far more than people give her credit for, Darcy. She sees the world without the usual... frippery. I wish to know her better. Properly.”

Darcy felt a surge of respect for his cousin. “Then you should. And you shall have my full support in the endeavour.”

Richard exhaled, nodding his gratitude.

Darcy then pivoted to Bingley. “And you, Bingley. I overheard your confession earlier. You fear Miss Bennet is cold to you. Do you not realise that your hesitation is the very cause of her displeasure? Find your spine, man. Make a decision, and stand by it.”

Bingley huffed, not meeting his friend’s eye. “I know I have behaved poorly. I shall... I shall speak with Caroline. She will know how to navigate—”

“Caroline!” Robert roared in indignation. He strode towards Bingley, his expression thunderous. “You absolute simpleton! You must not speak with Caroline! You must court Miss Bennet! You must marry her!”

The room fell into a stunned silence. Every eye turned to the viscount. His chest heaved, raw panic in his eyes.

Bingley stood up, his face flushed with offended pride. “I do not require you to shout at me, Keathley. Nor do I need you to dictate my future as though I were a child. I have my sisters for that.”

Without another word, Bingley turned on his heel and abandoned the chamber.

The heavy silence stretched. Darcy studied the viscount. The pieces of the puzzle, so jagged and confusing for the past few weeks, suddenly snapped together in his mind with crystal clarity.