Another set of footsteps followed. She looked up. “Papa!”
She ran to her father and buried her face in his shoulder.
“Lizzy, my dear. What are you doing in this room alone with your cousin?”
Elizabeth was sobbing. Mr. Collins spoke. “Sir, I heard Miss Bingley insult my cousin. I saw that Elizabeth was distressed and followed her here to offer comfort.”
Sir William spoke sharply. “Young man, surely you know it is improper to be alone with a single young woman in a room? The only mitigating factor is that the door was open when I arrived, but you had your arms around her when I walked in.”
He was outraged. “You have compromised this young woman, and now you must make it right.”
Elizabeth could bear no more. She slipped to the floor in a dead faint.
When she awoke, her father was kneeling beside her.
“Papa.”
“Do not speak, Elizabeth. I am here. You are safe.”
She reached for his hand.
“My dear, are you able to stand?”
Sir William was still droning on. “Thomas, you know there is no other way out except that Lizzy marry this cousin of yours. She has been compromised. I saw his hands on her in this very room.”
Another set of footsteps entered.
“Elizabeth!”
Mr. Darcy knelt beside her. “Elizabeth, are you well? Speak to me.”
She opened her eyes. His face hovered over hers, his brow furrowed in concern.
“What happened here?”
Sir William supplied the tale. “I walked into this room and found Mr. Collins and Miss Elizabeth alone. He had his arms around her. And now she is compromised, and they must marry.”
Darcy’s voice was low. “Elizabeth, sit up. I will help you to a couch.”
His voice was reassuring, bracing. She sat up.
“Very good. Now let me help you to your feet. Hold my arm for support.”
He helped her to her feet and led her to a couch. Sir William continued to talk.
“Thomas, I insist. This will not go unpunished. They must be married at once to save her good name.”
Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth. “Close your eyes if it helps you feel better while I take care of this business.”
He rose and walked up to Sir William until he stood within a foot of the man’s face.
“You will stop sermonizing now, sir. We all know that Miss Elizabeth has not been compromised. There has not been enough time. And Mr. Collins is a respectable man. He is a rector for God’s sake.”
Sir William fell silent. Darcy turned to Mr. Bennet.
“Sir, I have not yet had the opportunity to speak with you, but Miss Elizabeth and I are betrothed; therefore, she cannot marry another man. She is promised to me.”
Elizabeth was grateful she was already seated, for the room began to spin, she felt sick, and then everything went black as she fainted again.
