Darcy
Hayward glanced out of the coach window when the distinct clanks of the horses’ hooves upon the cobble-stoned surface changed to a softer, duller sound, marking the vehicle’s transition to the dirt road.
He settled back against the squabs, giving me an intent look. “I am still struggling with my disappointment in Barton. I find his treatment of Mr. Gardiner to be grievous. Others might defend some of Barton’s actions, but I cannot conceive of any way to justify his pretending Miss Bennet is penniless. This does not fit the opinion of my friend that I have formed over the years.”
“I can understand how you feel. I have been disappointed in the past by a man I once viewed as a close friend.” I frowned at the memories of Wickham that came to mind.
“How do you intend to proceed?”
“At my first opportunity, I shall propose marriage to Miss Bennet. Afterwards, I shall relate what we learnt from Mr. Gardiner and give her his letter. We shall discuss the best time and place to confront Mr. Barton with his lies.”
“Ah, I see.” After a beat, Hayward inched closer. “Are you certain she will accept your offer?”
My brows shot up. How could he think otherwise? “Yes, of course.” No other alternative made sense. Although I could not state with certainty that Elizabeth loved me, I did not doubt that she liked me. And she clearly adored my sister. Regardless of the funds that had been kept hidden from her, she could not expect to receive an offer from a superior suitor. For pity’s sake, I owned her beloved horse!
He cocked his head. “If you would like my support when you demand answers from Barton, I am at your service.”
“Thank you, that may be helpful.”
His fingers rapped upon the seat cushion. “In addition, I shall speak to Susan about the Gardiners. If she has no objection, I shall write to Mr. Gardiner, extending an invitation for him and his wife to stay at Springvale. It is high time Miss Bennet reunited with her mother’s relations.”
“I appreciate that. No doubt once she learns the truth, she will be keen to meet them.”
We fell into an easy silence. Thoughts of Elizabeth fed my spirits. Soon, I should make her mine.
Chapter 9: A Consequential Conversation
Saturday, 12 October
Springvale
Darcy
After a long soak in the bathing tub, I dressed for dinner and met Georgiana in her chambers. With a cheerful aspect and a hint of colour tinting her cheeks, she continued to present a vast improvement from the gloominess she had exhibited weeks earlier when I parted from her in London.
I took a seat beside her on the sofa. “I am pleased to find you in good spirits. What has occupied you these past few days?”
“Miss Bennet and I have ridden each morning. On Wednesday, she and Miss Barton came here for a picnic in the east meadow organised by Mrs. Hayward. Yesterday, Mrs. Hayward, Mrs. Annesley, and I had tea at Knight’s Manor with Miss Bennet and Miss Barton. And Mrs. Annesley has kept me busy with music and Italian lessons.”
She placed a hand on my wrist. “Fitzwilliam, I should like to invite Miss Bennet to stay with us at Pemberley. If you agreed, I thought to propose thatshe travel with us when we go north and remain at our home for a month or more. What do you think?”
I could not help but respond with an unguarded smile. Although I needed no further arguments in support of Miss Bennet’s suitability as a wife for me, my sister’s regard for her made my decision all the sweeter. Despite the temptation to announce my plans to Georgiana now, Elizabeth ought to be the first to know my intentions. “Allow me to give the matter consideration tonight, and we shall speak on the subject again tomorrow.”
“Very well.”
“In addition, I have a favour to ask of you. During my time in town, I learnt information of a sensitive nature with regard to Miss Bennet’s relations. I should like to meet with her in private tomorrow morning, so I may enlighten her.”
She sobered and drew to an inflexible position. “Yes, of course. I hope the news is not unpleasant.”
“Well, a portion of what I must tell her is troublesome.”
“Oh dear.”
“Do not fret, for I have favourable tidings as well.” I pictured Elizabeth’s expression of joy when I made my proposal. “On the whole, she will have no cause to repine.”
Georgiana moved into a relaxed deportment. “I am relieved to hear that.”
Sunday, 13 October
