Mrs. Bennet, still determined to keep her silence against her daughter and Miss Lucas, pronounced her discontent to me. “Just because I am vexed beyond recovery by her does not mean I will treat her cruelly. How could I punish her to a loveless marriage with a proud man who refuses to dance?”
What?!It would seem that refusing to dance was my great failure, a flaw so grievous she preferred that her daughter marry my aunt’s rector—the repulsive Mr. Collins—over a union with me. This was indeed a solid kick to my stomach.
Miss Lucas shifted her gaze from me to Elizabeth, her eyes narrowing. “Contrary to what others may think of you, Mr. Darcy, I believe you to be an honest, respectable man. Tell me, on the honor of your family name, did you behave like a gentleman every minute of the time you and Lizzy were isolated here?”
“As God is my witness, yes.”
Elizabeth nodded, and Miss Lucas seemed satisfied. “I have no reason to disbelieve you,” she declared.
I exhaled in relief. Finally, someone who saw reason! This sensible woman understood that Elizabeth and I must wed despite having engaged in nothing immoral. I felt the corners of my lips tug upward, but I controlled the urge to smile before it broke out over my face.
As pleased as I was with this outcome, I sensed I had a great deal of work to do to convince my future bride that I would do everything in my power to please her and that our union would be a happy one. I was fully committed to making it so, and I did not doubt that she would do the same. Two equally determined people could not help but meet with some success.
Already, I imagined laughter echoing down Pemberley’s halls, servants whispering behind closed doors about how happy their master and mistress were, and Georgiana blossoming under the influence of a lady whose character I would encourage her to emulate.
These thoughts warmed my heart despite the cold. Never had I envisioned a future with such clarity. I firmly resolved to fight for that future. If I could persuade Elizabeth to see the upcoming years as I did, she would want it as badly as I did. We would be as blissful together as if we had chosen each other rather than being compelled to marry due to this unfortunate situation.
I turned to Mrs. Bennet, but then Miss Lucas broke her contemplative silence. “I have no reason to doubt your word, Mr. Darcy, and I trust Lizzy implicitly. You both say nothing scandalous occurred, so I believe you. Mrs. Bennet is inclined to silence presently, and no one else knows what transpired. If anyone inquires, I will lead them to believe Lizzy spent the night here alone. I trust you will think of another place you might have been overnight to discourage suspicion and protect my friend’s reputation.”
I caught my jaw before it dropped. But only just.
Dazed with disbelief, I asked, “You are convinced this is the best course for Miss Elizabeth’s sake?”
“I would rather see my friend happy than trapped.”
The smile Elizabeth gave Miss Lucas shattered my heart. I was speechless. Just when I thought I had learned humility, my pride suffered another lowering blow.
Mrs. Bennet turned to me. “Since you refuse to converse with anyone outside your party, I trust you to hold your tongue at Netherfield Park. I will be seriously displeased if this interferes with my Jane’s prospects with Mr. Bingley.”
Her petition was the final blow. Not only did she throw my tendency toward silence in my face as another unforgivable flaw, she implied I might initiate gossip that would ruin her least favorite daughter and, by extension, her sisters.
Reduced to a new low, repenting of every one of my squandered opportunities to converse with Bingley’s neighbors or dance with someone other than my party, desiring to have done something—anything—to have made a better impression, I nodded, my head heavy on my shoulders.
I felt Elizabeth’s hand on my arm. “Mama.”
Mrs. Bennet huffed and looked away.
Elizabeth continued, “Mama, I do not expect you to speak to me, but I beg you to hear me. You too, Charlotte. Pray do not think so poorly of Mr. Darcy. It is true he gave an unfavorable first impression, but you know appearances are often deceiving. Is your trust in his word that my reputation and virtue are safe not proof of his integrity? His propriety and respect for me are the only reasons I have this freedom that you so lovingly grant me. Had I been trapped with anyone else, I am sure you would not, in good conscience, have made the same decision.”
She looked at me then, sincerity etched in her countenance. Hope sparked in my chest.
Miss Lucas nodded. “I am pleased to hear you have altered your opinion of the gentleman.” There was no warmth in her tone, but I would have sworn there was a gleam in her eyes.
I managed a small smile to convey appreciation for her defense of my character, once again ashamed at the reputation of arrogance I had rightfully earned.
It was time I got to work and changed it. I could not start soon enough to content myself.
To Elizabeth, I said, “I shall step outside while Mrs. Bennet assists you to dress.”
Mrs. Bennet balked, causing me to explain, “Her ankle is not broken, but it is badly sprained. Although your daughter does not complain, I assure you that she is in a great deal of pain.”
The disapproving pinch in Mrs. Bennet’s countenance melted away, swiftly replaced with maternal concern. She reached for her daughter. “Oh, my foolish girl! Let your mother help you. Keep your foot elevated while I help you into your gown.”
I closed the door behind me, feeling Miss Lucas’s perceptive eyes watching me. It felt disconcerting. I held my tongue, not knowing what to say but wishing she would turn her gaze elsewhere.
“You admire her,” she said plainly.
I did not prevaricate. “More than anyone else.” Never in my life had I felt more certain of anything.
