The three men stood in tense silence, each studying the other. Darcy turned first to the blustering elder gentleman. His voice was low and sharp.
“Sir William, I will make myself perfectly clear. If you breathe one word, one whisper, about my betrothed in the same sentence with the word ‘compromise,’ I will take you to court for defamation of character. Do you understand me, sir?”
The portly man bobbed his head in alarm. “Yes, Mr. Darcy, I understand completely. I will not breathe a word about what I saw in this room tonight.”
Darcy stepped nearer, his tone hardening as he looked down his nose at the man. “What exactly did you see, sir?”
The man gasped. “I saw Mr. Collins comforting his cousin after an insult.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “Not good enough. Try again.”
Sir William hesitated. “Again? I do not understand what you are asking, Mr. Darcy.”
“Your response was not what I required, sir,” Darcy said coldly. “You saw nothing in this library. You did not see Miss Elizabeth, nor Mr. Collins. In fact, you were in the privy. If I hear any rumor, I will hold you personally accountable. You have the reputations of a young gentlewoman and a clergyman in your hands, and I will not allow you to besmirch either.”
Sir William swallowed hard, straightened his posture, and stammered, “Yes, very well, sir. I have been to the privy and seen nothing. In fact, I will go there now. Please excuse me.” He bowed hastily and left the room.
Darcy turned to face the other man. “Mr. Collins, I trust you meant only to comfort my betrothed?”
Collins’s eyes flashed. “Miss Elizabeth is not your betrothed. She was as surprised by your announcement as I was.”
Darcy’s expression darkened. “That may be so, but Miss Bennet is now mine. She is under my protection, and I intend to marry her next week, once the prescribed waiting period has elapsed. I will take her to Derbyshire, where she will be safe.” He turned to face Bennet. “Sir, I will not allow my betrothed to remain under the same roof as her bachelor cousin. She will reside at Netherfield while I travel to London to obtain a marriage license, and Miss Bennet will accompany her as chaperone.”
Bennet’s brows rose, but he said nothing. Darcy then turned to Collins. “My intended will spend one more night at your home. You will treat her with respect, or you will answer to me.”
Collins clenched his fists. “Do not overstep, Darcy. I am known at Jackson’s saloon as a good man with my fists. Try me too far, and you will learn it firsthand.”
Darcy met his glare evenly. “I believe we understand each other. I, too, am well known at Jackson’s and will meet you here and now if necessary.” The other man backed down.
Darcy turned back to Bennet. “My carriage will be at your door tomorrow morning at ten. Please ensure that my intended is packed and ready when I arrive to collect her and her sister.”
Mr. Bennet regarded the young man before him. He must be about seven and twenty. “You are very certain of yourself, sir. Are you quite sure my daughter will have you?”
Darcy looked to Collins. “Your cousin has sealed the attachment between your daughter and me. You heard Lucas; he was ready to besmirch her name here at this ball.”
Bennet’s lips tightened. “Very well, sir. I will not posture any longer. You are right. I will wait upon you regarding the settlements.”
He turned toward the couch only to find that Elizabeth had fainted again.
“Lizzy, child, wake up. All is well. Wake up, my dear.” He chafed her hands.
Darcy pulled his handkerchief from his pocket, dipped it in a nearby vase of flowers, and pressed it to her forehead and neck. She turned her face away with a faint moan.
Darcy stepped back as Bennet leaned over her again. “Lizzy, wake up, dear. Wake up.”
At last, her eyelids fluttered open, and she saw the three men looking down at her. She sat up slowly and touched her head. “Papa, my head is aching.”
“We will return home, Lizzy. Mary will return with Aunt Clara.” He stood. “Are you able to walk?”
She reached for his hand and rose, though she was unsteady. The room began to spin, and she sat down again.
Darcy stepped closer. “Are you unwell, Miss Elizabeth?”
She grimaced, eyes closed. “The room spins, and my head aches.”
“Let me carry you out.”
“No, I would hate that above all things. May I wait here while you send for the carriage, Papa?”
