“As long as it takes,” said Mr. Darcy, giving no sign he was at all affected by her humor—rather, he appeared to be completely serious. “If you do not irrevocably decide against me, I believe I shall be content to wait, even if you take ten years to decide.”
“I think, Mr. Darcy, that I can be more decisive than to dither for ten years.”
“That is a relief, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Darcy grinned. “While Iwouldwait for ten years, I do notwishto wait. I hope you will accept me before the end of summer.”
Elizabeth could not help but feel a little flattered, for what woman in her right mind would remain unaffected by such sentiments? The feeling soon gave way to playfulness yet again.
“What of Miss Bingley? Though you wish to courtme, I cannot but apprehend thatshewishes to courtyou.”
The good mood left the gentleman in an instant, leaving behind disgust. “There is nothing that would ever induce me to accept Miss Bingley. I never liked her, and her behavior yesterday only increased my loathing.”
Sensing he was speaking of matters beyond the visit the previous day and remembering Miss Bingley’s knowing sneer as she departed, Elizabeth asked after his meaning. Mr. Darcydid not hesitate to inform her of the previous day’s events after their return to Netherfield. When Elizabeth heard her misunderstanding, she shook her head in exasperation, not only for Miss Bingley’s single-minded pursuit of this man but also for Lydia’s lack of caution. Elizabeth would have words for her sister when she returned to Longbourn; her father would not be happy with her loose tongue either.
“I offer my apologies, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth when he had related all, “but notwithstanding your excellent friend, I have never met a more contemptible woman than Miss Bingley. Her utter stupidity astounds me. She must be beyond all sense and decency to consider using such information for her ends.”
“Rather,” said Mr. Darcy, “I suspect she thought she could act with impunity, as your family is not prominent. She had not counted on her assumption being erroneous, nor had she considered the possibility that we might support you even if the escapade with Wickhamhadinvolved your sister.”
“I thank you for your support, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth, “even if I am skeptical of Miss Bingley’s influence being sufficient to ruin us in society.”
Mr. Darcy sighed. “It is not so much influence as simply the interest of the gossips. As your family is little known, talk would likely die down quickly. Whether it would restart should you make an appearance thereafter I cannot say.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Now that we have spoken of Miss Bingley and my youngest sister’s imprudence, there is another matter I would like to discuss with you.”
“Concerning one or both you mentioned?” asked Mr. Darcy.
“Lydia,” clarified Elizabeth, “though Kitty must fall into the same category. Were you aware the colonel’s wife invited Lydia to Brighton for the summer?”
“I was not,” said Mr. Darcy, understanding the implications at once. “If you will forgive my observation, I never consideredMrs. Forster to be a sensible woman.”
“No apologies are necessary, Mr. Darcy,” replied Elizabeth, “for I cannot agree more. Fortunately, together with the events surrounding Mr. Wickham, I persuaded my father that Lydia was not prepared to participate in such amusement and keep her good sense. Lydia is far from sanguine about it, but she appears to be resigned.”
“That is good,” nodded Mr. Darcy.
“The remaining issue,” continued Elizabeth, “is Lydia’s continued behavior. Jane and I spoke on the subject last night, and we agreed that to keep her from Brighton is not enough to make her sensible. We must ensure that Lydia learns proper behavior and understands why it is necessary.”
“Again, a sensible notion,” said Mr. Darcy.
“The problem with that is my mother was not born a gentlewoman and does not see the need to improve them. My father agrees something must be done, but...”
Elizabeth paused and gave him a helpless smile. “My father is a good man, but he finds it easier to allow my mother the responsibility of raising his daughters, and she is, unfortunately, not equipped to see to it properly.”
“Which brings us to the reason you brought this to my attention.”
“It does,” agreed Elizabeth. “Jane and I thought there may be a way to educate my mother in such a way that she learns what she must but does not take offense to her daughters attempting to instruct her.”
With that, Elizabeth explained her idea, and Mr. Darcy, after listening intently, responded with a growing grin. Relieved, Elizabeth smirked along with him, not having been certain in advance whether he would agree.
“That is quite interesting, Miss Elizabeth, and it just might work,” said he. “Let me discuss it with Anne and Fitzwilliam.Between the three of us, I am certain we can determine a way to proceed.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“Not at all,” said the gentleman. “Should I persuade you as I am determined I shall, this will redound to my benefit too.”
Elizabeth nodded, and they continued to walk, Elizabeth feeling at ease with Mr. Darcy’s agreement. While she could not state with surety how it would all play out, she was more confident about the possibility of her sisters’ reformation than she had been in many months.
At length, Mr. Darcy stopped and turned to face her. “This has been a most welcome meeting, Miss Elizabeth, but I must return to Netherfield soon. Before I go, I would ask a most important question of you.”
Butterflies fluttered within Elizabeth’s midsection, though she knew there was little chance of him askingthatquestion again so soon. Thus, she forced such feelings away and waited for him to speak.
