“You were sent to spy on me?”
Richard tsked. “If you do not want them to suspect that your sudden engagement is anything less than a love match, you had better play the part of a lovesick man better.”
Darcy groaned. “You know what my father said about disguise.”
“Yes, I remember well that he despised it. However, I also recall that he directed those words more often to Wickham than to you.”
“That is another reason you should not be here. You know he is stationed in Meryton.”
“Was. I called in a favor. He was reassigned to Ramsgate, effective immediately.”
“Ramsgate?” Darcy swirled the liquid in his glass, his expression pensive, lighter.
“Brilliant, is it not? Wickham will not be able to ask for credit there, as the shopkeepers are on to him.”
“Yes, yes, you did well. You are very clever, but did you not think of how disastrous it is for Georgiana to see Bingley smitten with another?”
So much for a proud moment. Richard’s success deflated before Georgiana’s disappointment. Darcy was not yet so humble to realize that he ought not attempt to govern the hearts of others, especially not his little sister’s.
Treading cautiously, Richard replied, “I am impressed with Miss Bennet’s gracious comportment. She will not stir up contentions or rivalries when her disposition is to make peace. No, Darce, I realize you are unhappy that Georgie and I are here, but I think you are precisely whereyouneed to be.”
“What does that signify?”
Darcy, Darcy…Richard shook his head. “Georgiana still has at least two years before she will come out in society, four if we have our way. Were it up to you, you would forgo love until you saw Georgiana settled when what she needs most is to see you happy. I suspect that this interruption to your plans… that Miss Elizabeth is the best accident to befall you.”
“A happy accident? You would reduce the consequences of a scandalous compromise to a foolish oxymoron?”
“Never foolish. She is a charming young lady, witty, easy to converse with. I would go so far as to say it was rather astute of you to take a fancy to her. Now, tell me the rest of the story before Bingley tires of his sisters’ company and joins us. I take it he does not know.”
Darcy scoffed. “He was the first to wish me joy. He is convinced it is a love match.”
As Darcy relayed the rest of the deliciously scandalous story, Richard’s suspicions were confirmed. Darcy did not realize it, but he was helplessly in love with his betrothed. Richard would be able to give a truthful and convincing report to his mother and father, after all.
Once Darcy was done, Richard raised his glass. “You like her already. Now, go, fall in love with her properly. Court her honestly, unreservedly.”
“What about Georgie? And Bingley?”
“You leave them to me.”
Richard knew Darcy preferred that another not take on what he felt was his own responsibility, but he did not object. That was progress enough.
CHAPTER23
Jane had waited until she thought Elizabeth slumbered and cried herself to sleep again.
Although Elizabeth had gently prodded her sister to confide her woes, Jane remained frustratingly silent. Likely she did not want to burden Elizabeth, who was supposed to be happy and in love. It was like Jane to hide her troubles, and Elizabeth was worried.
She must speak with Mr. Darcy. She had hoped their path would cross after services the day before, but it had rained too hard to consider walking. There were whispers and smiles as Mr. Brown read the banns. Her friends and neighbors were delighted for her, and Elizabeth felt it even more necessary than before to appear the blushing bride-to-be. To be truthful, it was getting easier.
Walking up the rise where she had last encountered Mr. Darcy, she paused and looked as far as the fog permitted. Wrapping her arms around herself, she spun in a circle. She would freeze if she stayed here. Quickly deciding on her next step, she increased her pace down the path leading her to Netherfield Park.
She pressed on, cold, doubtful, and feeling a little foolish for persisting. Who was to say her path would cross with Mr. Darcy’s? He was a sensible man and was, no doubt, at this moment sipping chocolate or coffee by a warm fire with his sister. It was what Elizabeth ought to be doing.
But the sound of Jane’s tears echoed in her ears, propelling Elizabeth forward. She must learn why Miss Darcy believed she had a claim on Mr. Bingley’s affections when she was far too young and insecure to consider marriage to one so far beneath her station.
A sharp gust slapped Elizabeth’s wrap against her face and plastered her skirts against her legs. Her bonnet strained against the ribbons tied under her chin. A violent shiver shook through her. Maybe this was not the best idea.
Jane's tears… steaming hot chocolate...
