“Lizzy!” she cried. “Mr. Warwick has asked Mr. Collins if he may court me. He says he wants a country wife, for he has no wish to attend London seasons. He prefers country assemblies and is happiest reclaiming his estate. Mr. Collins has given him Papa’s direction at Longbourn, and Mr. Warwick will write.”
Elizabeth was startled. “This seems too quick, Kitty. How do you know you will even like him well enough?”
Kitty clasped her hands. “I do, Lizzy! He has a sense of humor, and there is always a glint of amusement in his eyes. Tomorrow he will take me for a drive. Mary will send her maid with me, but you must not be near, for I fear he will turn his attentions to you and leave me abandoned.”
Elizabeth concealed her concern, saying only, “Of course, Kitty.” Yet inwardly she thought such fears fanciful, though she did not wish to contradict her sister.
Early the following morning, Elizabeth walked to the folly, as was her custom, and was surprised when Mr. Darcy joined her.
“I came,” he said, “to ask if you would give me a copy of your poem about the Mermaid. It touched me.”
She colored. “I had thought you were offended. You left so suddenly yesterday.”
“Not offended, Miss Elizabeth. Only… thoughtful.”
She agreed to copy it, then sat with her journal. “I hope I am not impolite, sir, if I write while you are here.”
“Not at all,” he said gravely. “I prefer the silence. I find it taxing when people prattle too much.”
She was taken aback, but said nothing. Instead, she bent to her work, grateful for his honesty. He stood a little apart, watching her intently, his thoughts far from tranquil.
She is the handsomest woman of my acquaintance,he admitted to himself.Bewitching. Were it not for her low connections, I might be in some danger from her.
His eyes lingered on her profile, the curve of her neck, her fine eyes bent over the page. Elizabeth, absorbed in her writing, did not notice his gaze until her eyes fell upon the little watch pinned at her waist. It marked the hour of nine. She looked up and caught him staring, and a sudden flush rose to her cheeks.
“Mr. Darcy, I must return. Breakfast is early today, for Kitty is to join Mr. Warwick and his mother on a drive to Westerham. There is a confectioner there with a pudding he insists Kitty must taste.”
Darcy walked beside her. “So the friendship with Mr. Warwick is progressing.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Yes. In fact, it progresses too quickly in my estimation. They have known each other scarcely a week, and he has already asked to court her. Kitty is ecstatic, but I am uneasy. I believe a couple should know more of one another before they marry.”
Darcy considered her words. “Miss Elizabeth, most couples know very little of one another before they wed. A few dances at a ball, exchanged every fortnight in the company of others, are often all that passes between them. Matches are commonly made for status, wealth, or connections. Affection grows, if it grows at all, after the vows are spoken. From what you have told me, your sister and Mr. Warwick have spent hours together at dinner and in conversation, and today she will spend hours with him and his mother on this drive. They know one another better already than many couples who marry.”
Elizabeth glanced at him. “That is true, though it does not altogether ease my concern.”
Darcy’s voice softened. “If it comforts you, I have inquired of my cousin and others about Mr. Warwick. He is a man of good repute, neither vicious nor a gambler, nor a drunkard. He is wealthy and steady. I believe you need not worry. Your sister is amiable and will make him happy.”
Elizabeth’s shoulders eased. “Thank you, sir. I am more at rest for Kitty.”
Darcy’s mouth curved. “And I assume you are playing your part in advancing this courtship?”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “By remaining away, yes. Kitty fears that, should I be seen, Mr. Warwick’s attentions might be diverted. I oblige her wish, though it is her fear, I believe it has no merit.”
He gave her a look tinged with amusement. “So you dine out of doors or alone in your chamber, to accommodate your sister?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, sir. It may grow tiresome in time.”
They walked in silence for a moment until she added thoughtfully, “Mr. Warwick is in a hurry to marry. His father is gone, his mother is unwell, and she wishes to see him married and settled before she passes. Kitty likes him, and on his side, he enjoys laughter and wishes to marry a country girl. They suit in their simple tastes.”
Darcy glanced at her. “And you, Miss Elizabeth, do you prefer town or country life?”
“I only visit town once a year,” she said. “I attend the theatre, visit the museums, and spend my savings at Hatchard’s on books. I do not miss balls and soirées, for I have never known them. I love to dance, and I enjoy the assemblies at Meryton when there are partners enough. The only ball I have attended was at Netherfield.”
She flushed at the memory and saw that Darcy’s color rose as well.
She was no longer smiling. “I never asked why you persuaded Mr. Bingley to leave Jane.”
He looked away, then down. “Charles falls easily in love with every angel who smiles upon him. All the women have been fair and lovely, and there was no reason to believe that your sister was different. Caroline told me Miss Bennet sought only fortune to provide for her family. I thought it best to remove him from temptation.”
