“Not at all,” replied Elizabeth. “The training you gave me in the foil gives me confidence that I could skewer her with little trouble.”
“That was but once, Elizabeth,” said Darcy, “and you only held it for a few moments.”
“I am a quick learner,” said she blandly.
Darcy shook his head, never more enamored with this fiery woman than he was at that moment. “I apologize, Elizabeth, but I cannot allow you to end Miss Bingley in a duel. Think of the inconvenience to her brother.”
“Then for Mrs. Bingley’s sake,” said Elizabeth after an exaggerated period of consideration, “I shall refrain. I shall have you with no ability for her to dispute soon anyway.”
“I am not Miss Bingley’s primary target,” replied Darcy. “Rather, I believe she considers me akin to... insurance should she not succeed in her true ambition, which is to rise to the first circles.” Darcy considered Miss Bingley for a moment and laughed. “As I recall, however, she found my cousinmostagreeable.”
“Do you speak of your Darcy cousin from Derbyshire?” asked Elizabeth.
“I do,” replied he. “Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley is not, you understand, well known to me, though we have a passing acquaintance. I heard little about the incident, but I understand she all but threw herself at Jameson Darcy at an event they both attended during the last season. Unfortunately for her, Darcy is every bit the prominent society man and did not hesitate to rebuke her before the assembled. By Bingley’s account, his sister was ashamed for weeks after, though in time she began acting as if it never happened.”
“Then let her maintain her pretense to high society,” said Elizabeth. “I am more than content with your standing and shall not give you up to such a woman.”
“I am relieved I do not possess I higher standing, my love. It has always seemed more of a bother than a privilege.”
They continued for some time thereafter in desultory conversation, the feelings they exchanged far more important than a few words. Darcy was still amused by Elizabeth’s question regarding his mother, for she had no reason to doubt Mrs. Darcy’s regard for her. Though as indomitable a woman as Darcy had ever met, she showed uncertainty at the oddest times, and in situations Darcy might not have expected. Regarding her family, she was as firm and immovable as a mountain, and her confidence was such that she could speak of any subject, whether or not she had extensive knowledge of it. She had a more vulnerable side, however, that she rarely showed to anyone other than Darcy himself. It was something he cherished, for he would do anything to protect her.
“Well, William,” said she after some further time of this, “I must return home before long. If I do not, my family will worry about me.” She gave him an impish smile. “That or they will suspect our activities.”
“If they do not already know all,” retorted Darcy, “I will be disappointed in them.”
Elizabeth laughed and agreed it was so. Leave-taking consumed several more minutes, for murmured endearments, a few kisses, and their general reluctance to part from each other consumed further time in each other’s company. In time, they accomplished it, as Elizabeth extricated herself from his arms and walked away, though she turned to regard him several times as she retreated. Darcy watched her as she walked, admiring her form and wondering at his good fortune to have found her.
When she disappeared around a bend in the path, Darcy mounted his neglected horse and kicked it into motion, heading back to his home. The wind in his face felt heavenly as he raced, vaulting from the beast when he reached his home some minutes later. Then he entrusted the horse to the care of a stable hand and entered the house with a jaunty step, whistling as he walked. He found his mother in the entrance hall of the estate.
“William,” said she, smiling at his obvious joy. “I would ask for an account of your ride, but I can guess what you have been about.”
With a grin, Darcy approached and kissed his mother’s cheek. “I would wonder about your blindness if you did not know. Elizabeth sends her greetings.”
“That is a fine woman you will marry, William,” said his mother. “I hope you understand how fortunate you have been to find her, and with no need to search!”
“Yes, mother, I do,” replied Darcy. “I thank God every day for my good fortune.”
“Good fortune seems to have found you, Darcy,” said Bingley, stepping into view from a side hall, “especially when you ride out in the morning, neglecting your longsuffering guest.”
“I apologize, Bingley,” said Darcy, unrepentant, “but your presence would be superfluous when meeting with my fiancée.”
Bingley laughed. “Yes, I suppose you are correct. Tell me, Darcy, do you know if Miss Bennet walks as much as her sister?”
Mrs. Darcy allowed her mirth release. “No onecan claim to walk as much as Lizzy Bennet, Mrs. Bingley, though I am sorry to disappoint you.”
“Not at all,” replied Bingley, unperturbed. “If I cannot meet her on the paths of her father’s estate, then I suppose I must go about this courting business in the usual fashion.”
Darcy regarded his friend with interest, reflecting on his conversation with Elizabeth. “You have decided on Miss Bennet already?”
“No, I have not,” replied Bingley. “But I am open to the possibility of needing her in my life as much as you need her sister. Only time and greater understanding of her character will tell me.”
“I suspect you will find an answer to your satisfaction, Mrs. Bingley,” said Darcy’s mother, her wide smile a testament to how agreeable she found him. “Jane Bennet is a lovely girl. A man could search the world for a better woman and not find anyone so angelic.”
“That is my opinion,” replied Bingley, his wide grin so much a part of his character. “Now, Darcy, perhaps we should stop wasting time. If you are amenable, I mean to visit Longbourn today. I cannot help but suppose you will accompany me.”
“If William does not enter past the lintel before you,” said Mrs. Darcy, “I have misjudged his devotion to Elizabeth.”
“I am at your disposal, Bingley,” said William. “Let us go as soon as it is proper to do so.”
