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“I was a child, sir. You wrote the poetry. You abandoned the lady. I was thirteen. I thought my actions appropriate.” Elizabeth crossed her arms. The cold was making her testy.
“I begin to understand why Miss Bennet thought it prudent to warn me.”
“Jane warned you?” So, her sister had approached Mr. Darcy about Elizabeth. Last night? “When?”
Darcy looked chagrined. “When she realized I…had feelings for you.”
“That is very like Jane, ever concerned with everyone’s happiness.” She found she could not hate her sister for her care.
“I am not certain I can forgive you yet. I need time.”
“Does knowing the truth alter your opinion of me?”
Elizabeth considered him. “It does, but I do not know in what manner my opinions have altered. The information I now possess has vanquished a villain I was rather fond of hating.”
Darcy’s mouth twitched. “My condolences.”
She struggled to keep her amusement suppressed. “Do not be so satisfied with yourself. I have not decided what is to replace him.”
“You are shivering. Let me walk you back.”
Elizabeth did not argue. Mr. Darcy retrieved his horse, which was tethered to a nearby tree. They walked side by side, just as they had on their first meeting. He offered his arm when the icy ground became treacherous. Elizabeth wanted to refuse, but she could not resist being close to him.
As they neared the house, she mused on the events of the last four-and-twenty hours.
The Poetical Villain was dead.
Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam Darcy remained—and Elizabeth liked him far too well.
12
Secure Her
“Mr. Darcy, if I might have a word with you.” Miss Bingley stood in the doorway of the same small parlor where he and Miss Bennet had spoken before the Netherfield Ball.
Darcy hesitated a moment before nodding. He followed her in, but ensured the door remained open. He would not risk Miss Bingley claiming compromise. He did not think Bingley would force him to marry his sister, but it would make things exceedingly uncomfortable, especially since Miss Elizabeth was already reluctant to trust him.
“What is it, Miss Bingley?” Darcy was cold. He had gone on a ride and now wished to be in the breakfast room with a cup of hot tea.
“Something must be done about my brother’s infatuation with Miss Bennet,” she said hurriedly. “It cannot be allowed to continue. Can you not manufacture a reason to take him to town? Once he’s there, I am certain he can be worked upon and be convinced to give up this madness.”
“I am afraid I do not understand. Miss Bennet is a worthy match for your brother. Her family has held their estate for generations. As the daughter of a gentleman, she would be taking a step down in society by marrying your brother.”
Miss Bingley scoffed. “That is utter nonsense. My brother’s fortune has paved our way to the first circles. We are above the Bennets in almost every way.”
“My friendship has paved the way for your brother. At my behest, you, Mrs. Hurst, and your brother were invited to Lady Carlisle’s ball, where your sister met Mr. Hurst. Should I choose to withdraw my patronage, the Bingleys would be relegated to lesser spheres.” He hated speaking bluntly, but nothing more would possibly convince the lady of her erroneous reasoning.
She gasped. “Surely, you do not think that! Is my brother not worthy of notice? Am I not worthy of notice?” She came closer and placed a hand on his arm. It was all Darcy could do to keep from pulling away.
“Can you not see? If my brother marries that woman, my own chances will be hurt. How can any man of worth see that I would make an exceptional wife if my brother ties himself to a family still connected to trade? We are trying to distance ourselves from our roots.”
Darcy knew she meant to imply that he would not find her worthy if her brother married Miss Bennet. In truth, he had never considered her suitable for the position of Mrs. Darcy. Miss Bingley lived a life of idleness. She would abhor the responsibility that came with being his wife.
“Miss Bingley, your brother is his own man. It would be a disservice to treat him as a child. If he wishes to marry Miss Bennet, then you should be happy he has found a woman who will bring him joy.”
“She is a fortune hunter! The estate is entailed, and she has no dowry. It is certain she is using arts and allurements to draw my brother in. I just know he will be miserable in a few years.”
“I am certain you can voice your concerns to your brother. It is up to him to decide what he will do with the information.” He stepped back and her hand dropped. “If you will excuse me, I wish to go to breakfast.”
