“That is not a quality singular to your mother. Any lady would act to ensure her arrangements were acceptable to the quality.”
“Aye, that is so,” agreed Elizabeth.
They walked on in silence for some time, Elizabeth caught up in her amusement at the notion of her mother’s reaction to Lady Susan, while Darcy considered the situation. The greatest claim on Darcy’s thoughts was his mother’s suggestion that they change the date of their wedding to throw Lady Catherine off the scent and prevent her from making a scene. Though Darcy had not thought to present the idea to Elizabeth, the intoxicating effect of being with her again and his nigh overwhelming desire to have her as a wife as soon as he could arrange loosened his tongue.
“Elizabeth,” said he, pulling her attention to him, “you know that Lady Catherinemayyet be an impediment.”
The way Elizabeth’s nose wrinkled told Darcy she had considered the possibility herself. “Such a lady is not likely to surrender without a fight, even if the earlhasput her in her place.”
“I see you understand her ladyship well. If you will listen, my mother had a notion of what to do about it.”
Her interest piqued, Elizabeth regarded him and nodded. “What does she suggest?”
“That we alter the timing of our wedding.”
Diverted at once, Elizabeth teased: “That is nothing more than your wish to wed with all haste, William.”
With a grin, Darcy did not deny his interest in the matter. “It is as you say, but my mother did suggest it. Mr. Collins knows the date, does he not?”
Her expression changing to distaste, Elizabeth allowed it to be so.
“Then we can be certain that Lady Catherine also knows.”
“The lady will not hesitate to interrupt and state her objections,” said Elizabeth, understanding his meaning at once.
“That she will. Mr. Smith will not give her silliness any credence, but if we allow it to happen, itwillbe a disruption. Mother suggested we move the date forward a few days—that will thwart Lady Catherine’s designs and allow our wedding to proceed without interruption.”
Elizabeth chewed her lip in thought, a habit that had always inflamed Darcy’s desire to kiss her senseless. “Mama will not appreciate it.”
“Not even to see us joined even sooner than she expects?” jested Darcy.
“Well, thatmightsoothe her frayed nerves,” drawled Elizabeth, “but she has endured much upheaval and alteration ofour original plans.” Elizabeth shook her head, a diverted show of exasperation for her mother. “Mama complains about how much is yet to be done in preparation, but I am certain we have had all these things in order for months. All that needs to be done is to arrive at the church.”
“Then I should think she would not be unwilling to see it all done a few days earlier.”
A glance heavenward accompanied her prim: “Youhavemet my mother, have you not?”
“Indeed, I have been admitted to the pleasure.” Darcy offered a smile and a shrug. “Nothing can be done to change your mother, Elizabeth, and I would not venture to try even if I could. I think it would be best to alter the date for the reasons I have stated.”
“Then I shall speak to her,” said Elizabeth. “Should she balk, we can have your mother take up the standard, for she listens to her better than she listens to me.”
It was the truth, and Darcy did not deny it. With that promise in hand, he turned his attention to enjoying Elizabeth’s company so long as he had it. It was not long before another subject arose between them.
“Today is the day that Mr. Bingley arrives with his sister,” observed Elizabeth, displaying far too much enjoyment for Darcy’s taste. “Are you anticipating her superior company, William? Why, I do not suppose you may get its like anywhere in Hertfordshire.”
“Of Miss Bingley’s company, a little goes a long way,” said Darcy, unable to keep the wry note from his voice. “This you will discover within moments of making her acquaintance.”
Elizabeth regarded him, a corner of her mouth rising of its own accord. “Tell me, William, is Miss Bingley as awful a woman as you portray her to be?”
“To me, she is,” confirmed Darcy without hesitation.
“‘To me?’” echoed she.
“Yes, to me.” Darcy offered her a helpless shrug. “To own the truth, those of her ilk are replete in London society, and more particularly in the circles we will inhabit when we arrive in London for the season.”
“Oh, aye, for even the country is not devoid of fortune hunters.” Elizabeth fixed him with a soft smile. “After all, if there was no man of excellent integrity, character, and morality living just to the east of my childhood home, I may now be staring into the abyss inhabited by old maids.”
“Never,” said Darcy, catching her hand and raising it to his lips. “Even had I never met you, I cannot imagine the entirety of the male species is so lacking in discernment as to dismiss you because of a lack of dowry.”
