The words hung in the air between them, and Darcy’s posture grew noticeably stiffer. “Unlike you, you mean.”
Elizabeth realised how her words must have sounded to him. “That is not what I meant. I simply wanted Charlotte to be happy, and I cannot imagine she will be with a man like Mr Collins.”
“For those of lower birth, such luxuries as romantic love must sometimes wait,” Darcy said quietly. “When one struggles for basic security, such notions, however lovely, take second place to survival. Your friend’s life would be far more difficult if she remained unwed. Besides, affection may yet grow between them through shared interests and endeavours.”
Elizabeth considered this, struck by the practical wisdom in his words. “You truly think she might learn to love him?”
“It would be a considerable feat, given Mr Collins’s particular… qualities,” Darcy admitted, and Elizabeth caught the hint of humour in his voice. “Though I would be more concerned about having Lady Catherine as one’s patroness.”
Elizabeth could not suppress a laugh. “Perhaps if I had told Charlotte more about Lady Catherine, she would not have accepted the offer.”
“I am certain it would have been difficult for Mr Collins to find a wife solely because of his connection to Lady Catherine,” Darcy said, his tone growing conspiratorial. “Perhaps that is why he had to venture to Hertfordshire to seek a bride. Word may have already spread throughout Kent.”
They shared a moment of mutual amusement, and Elizabeth felt something ease in her chest. “We are terrible to speak of a lady in such terms.”
“Indeed, we are. We should not.” Darcy’s eyes sparkled with suppressed mirth. “But sometimes certain people lend themselves to ridicule.”
Their smiles met across the room, and for an instant, Elizabeth glimpsed the man she had spoken with so easily in the apple orchard months ago. The moment stretched between them, fragile and precious.
“I saw you at the church the other day,” Darcy said. “I knew your father was responsible for organising the soup kitchen, but I did not realise you participated personally.”
Elizabeth’s face brightened immediately, grateful that he had noticed. “I have helped at the church since I was a child. All my sisters contribute to the community in some way. I have always found happiness in helping others.” She paused,. “I am very aware that my position in society is privileged, which makes it all the more important to assist those less fortunate. My family has not always been titled, as you well know.”
“It is very commendable,” Darcy said with genuine warmth. “My sister also helps at the parish near Matlock, visiting the sick and elderly.”
A brief silence fell between them, and Elizabeth felt her pulse quicken as she gathered her courage. The words she had been rehearsing for days finally found their voice.
“Mr Darcy, I must apologise for my behaviour at our wedding breakfast. I spoke unkindly and accused you of social climbing when I had no justification for such claims. It was cruel and unfair, and I am deeply sorry.”
Darcy set down his pen and regarded her with an expression she could not quite read. “I appreciate your apology.I may have many faults, but I am not a social climber. In truth, I find it very difficult that I am no longer serving as steward. A new man has arrived to take over the management of both estates, and while he appears capable, I can already tell he views my involvement as interference.”
“But you are now master of Longbourn,” Elizabeth said gently. “There is no need for you to serve as steward anymore. You may spend your time however you wish. If you still want to work directly with the farmers, surely you can.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “I feel odd doing so when everyone knows I am only master of Longbourn because of what happened that night. The only reason I possess this estate is because Lord Hartford insisted on including it in your dowry. I have not earned it. It does not truly feel mine.”
“By law, it is yours,” Elizabeth reminded him.
“Yes, but it does not feel that way. I have not earned it through my own efforts.”
Elizabeth leaned forward slightly. “One might argue that saving an earl’s daughter from disgrace means you did earn it. Many titled gentlemen have received estates for precisely such actions.”
Something shifted in Darcy’s expression—a shadow that passed so quickly Elizabeth almost missed it. He looked away, suddenly uncomfortable, and she sensed there was something more beneath the surface, though she could not identify what.
“I have thought more and more about that evening,” she said, “and the more I consider it, the less certain I become about what I saw. I am still convinced it was Wickham—it is the onlyexplanation that makes sense—but I can understand why you might have been uncertain about the identity of my attacker.”
Darcy nodded but offered no elaboration, instead changing the subject with what seemed like deliberate haste. “It was an unfortunate circumstance, but perhaps some good will come of it,” he paused, then continued with evident pleasure. “I have not yet told you that Bingley has officially signed the papers for Ashcroft House. He is now a landed gentleman.”
“How wonderful!” Elizabeth exclaimed, genuine delight replacing her earlier melancholy.
“There is more. He plans to make an offer for Jane’s hand very soon.”
Elizabeth’s hands flew to her mouth in surprise and joy. “Truly? Oh, that is the most wonderful news!”
“You must keep this in confidence,” Darcy warned. “Bingley told me this as a friend, but since you are my wife, I felt you should know. Perhaps it will provide some comfort regarding Charlotte’s situation, knowing that at least one of your sisters will marry for love.”
Tears of happiness pricked Elizabeth’s eyes. “Thank you for telling me. It does my heart good to know Jane will be happy.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the shared joy creating a warmth between them that had been absent since their wedding day.
