“Yes,” she answered again. A pause ensued, the silence so deafening it made Elizabeth’s ears ring. “Will you not congratulate me, my dearest friend?”
Elizabeth was too taken aback for several moments to answer. “Mr Collins? You are engaged to him?”
“I have written my answer and my father sent it to him on this morning’s post. It’s not official, of course, but yes, I have accepted him.”
Elizabeth let out a frustrated sigh. “You cannot be serious!” She threw her hands up in the air. “He is utterly ridiculous!”
“Hush,” Charlotte snapped. “Mr Collins is perfectly respectable. He is the leader of a parish, with a good living and a suitable house. And he is respected in the community.” She furrowed her brow. “I do not see any reason I shouldn’t be as happy with him as any other.”
“He is a preening peacock, Charlotte.”
“I do not have the luxury of marrying for affection, Lizzy. Indeed, very few of us do. I am twenty-seven years old, with no money or prospects. Already, I am a burden to my parents.” She halted, wiping at the tears that had begun to stream down her cheeks.
Guilt washed over Elizabeth, such as she had never felt before. “Charlotte — ”
Her friend held up her hand, staying her words. Charlotte sighed heavily, then looked up at Elizabeth with such anguish of spirit that she wished the ground would swallow her. Never in a hundred years would she ever wish to bring her friend pain. But unwittingly, that is exactly what she had done.
“I’m afraid, Lizzy,” Charlotte admitted softly. “Not all of us are as pretty or as spirited as you. Some of us must compromise.”
“But what of your heart, Charlotte? Surely you deserve the chance for true love? For true happiness?” Elizabeth pleaded softly. She could not bear not to make the attempt. If the truth was told, she did not think Mr Collins was even half worthy of Charlotte Lucas.
Charlotte set her jaw and narrowed her eyes in determination. “The heart is a luxury.” She backed away, shaking her head. “You know my situation. So don’t you judge me, Lizzy. Don’t you dare judge me!”
Charlotte turned and hurried across the field, back the way she had come. Elizabeth felt too downcast to move from the spot. She stayed where she was, watching her dear friend grow smaller and smaller.
It would seem there was no end to the messes she could make of her life.
Chapter 16
Darcy had never thought he would be so pleased to be at Netherfield, but as he came downstairs to join the others for breakfast, he found it was so. It had been a brief trip to London, for which he was thankful. Now that he was back in Meryton, he was eager to hear what Elizabeth had found out from her mother. He sat next to Bingley, gratefully noting the absence of Miss Bingley at the breakfast table. She had opted to stay in town with Mr and Mrs Hurst, and while Darcy had no intention of saying as much to his friend, he was heartily glad. Her absence would afford him some much-appreciated peace while he was a guest at Netherfield.
“You seem in glum spirits, Darcy. Whatever is the matter?” Bingley asked as Darcy sat down at the small round mahogany table. “You ought to look cheerful — as much as you ever do, that is. The sun is shining, and you have returned to be near your love.”
“She is not my love,” Darcy said, more forcefully than he had intended. He grimaced. Not that he was opposed to Elizabeth in any way. Quite the contrary. He was beginning to find her superior to any other woman he had ever known. Only — it remained all too clear that she did not feel the same about him. However much he might want her to be his love, it seemed impossible that she would ever see him in that light.
Darcy schooled his face to neutrality. “Nothing is amiss,” he said. “It was simply a long journey. Forgive my harshness, old friend.”
“There is nothing to forgive. Have some breakfast, and things will look better, I assure you,” Bingley said.
The two friends settled into a scrumptious breakfast, though Darcy found himself unable to eat most of it. Worry over what Elizabeth had found spoiled any appetite he might have had. And concern over whether Wickham had tried to come calling again had kept him up nights while he had been away. He knew how perfidious the man could be. Of course, he was charming, and that only made matters worse. His charm made it all too easy for others to give him credit for a good character — credit that was sadly more than his due. He could only hope that, if the man visited his betrothed, she would have the good sense to see through his mask.
“Well, what are your plans for the day? I assume you have a mountain of letters to answer, since you have been gallivanting around London, hmm?” Bingley asked, taking a sip of his tea.
“I thought to ride to Longbourn this afternoon. I am eager —” Darcy began. He stopped abruptly and cleared his throat. “I am to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Ahh, of course, you are eager. I will say I am not displeased that you and Miss Elizabeth have ended up together. She is an exceptional person — so witty and spirited, exactly what you need, my friend. She will be a good match for you.” Bingley winked at Darcy.
Darcy only nodded. “Well, I shall be off then,” he said. He folded his linen napkin and placed it beside his plate. “I may be gone for a good part of the day. You can expect me for dinner.”
“And if you do not come, I shall take it upon myself to come and rescue you,” Bingley teased.
“You only want an excuse to come and see Miss Bennet,” Darcy shot back.
“Right you are!” Bingley replied. “She is the most bewitching creature.”
Though he could not bring himself to admit it aloud, Darcy was beginning to feel the same way about Elizabeth. He went out of the dining room, retrieved his coat and hat, and took a horse from the stables. Darcy mounted up and made his way to the lane that ran from the front of Netherfield and wound its way through the countryside to Longbourn. The fresh air did him good, helping to clear his head after all the bustle and stench of London. It was difficult to pinpoint how he felt about finding out the answers Elizabeth had been searching for while he had been away. Strangely, it might almost be a relief if Mrs Bennet were guilty. At least then they would have their answer. Yet the consequences of such a result would be terrible. If Elizabeth found out that her mother had had anything to do with such a deplorable business, she would be stricken with guilt and shame. She would likely insist on ending their engagement, cost her what it may. Indeed, Darcy could not relish the thought of being connected by marriage to a woman who would do such a thing to find her daughter a husband, no matter how greatly he had come to admire that daughter.
After leaving his horse at Longbourn’s stables, Darcy strode across the lawn to the main entrance. He saw several faces pressed against the glass. Darcy could clearly hear the loud announcement that “Lizzy’s betrothed has come!” and a great pounding of feet as everyone made their way to the parlour to receive him. Though the display showed a sad lack of propriety and grace, it certainly was not wanting in family feeling or enthusiasm. Darcy found a smile spreading over his face.Lizzy’s betrothed— a wonderful phrase. It filled him with joy and pride at the thought that Elizabeth belonged to him — for however long that might be.
