Rosings Park, Kent
Charlotte
Sir Andrew seemed to favor her company, though Charlotte was at a loss as to why. He had mentioned her company was ‘safe’ since she could have no expectations of his person. Tonight, he had joined her on the settee as soon as the gentlemen entered the room.
“Lady Catherine has delayed Darcy,” he said quietly. “How long before he makes his way to Miss Bennet? Five minutes? Ten?”
“You seem confident he will join her.” Charlotte replayed Sir Andrew’s words from their walk a few days’ previous.
“I wish to know all that occurred between Darcy and Miss Bennet whilst he visited Hertfordshire.” His abrupt change of subject startled her, and Charlotte looked at him in surprise.
“Mr. Darcy? I remember you saying that he was smitten whilst we took tea at the parsonage. I knew he admired her, but I had no notion it went so far.”
“I have known Darcy for years. He has brushed aside so many matrons and their daughters that I wondered if he would ever marry. He does not need to. His estate is not entailed, and he can leave it to his sister’s son if he wishes. He is nearing thirty years, and many mamas have lost hope.”
Sir Andrew moved to a log and sat upon it, patting the spot next to him for Charlotte to join him. He turned and straddled their seat. “Darcy’s admiration is apparent to those who are looking. He stares at her a great deal and follows her movements when she walks around a room. I thought he would strangle Fitzwilliam for speaking to her.”
“And as I said yesterday, I have tried to tell Elizabeth. She refuses to listen and cites their first interaction as evidence. I cannot count the number of times I have heard her mimic him. ‘She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.’ Besides, even if he admires her, it does not seem likely that Mr. Darcy will act on his inclination. He is the scion of an earl, destined for a match from the first circles. It seems more likely that he will eventually offer for his cousin than marry my friend.”
“I do not believe you are correct.” Sir Andrew reached down and pulled at some grass growing beside the log. “Darcy has held out against Lady Catherine this long. Maybe he has only been waiting for the right lady to come along. What bewitchments does your friend possess that she has attracted his attention? Darcy’s exacting expectations are well known in theton.”
“I cannot tell you. By all accounts, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have argued every time they are in company. It is not a sure foundation for a romantic relationship.” Charlotte paused. “Perhaps he enjoys their arguments?”
“You may be correct. Darcy likely sees their encounters as lively debates and takes pleasure in them. He has always appreciated a fine mind and Miss Bennet strikes me as a rather intelligent creature.”
Charlotte nodded. “Elizabeth’s father has never censored her reading. She has been allowed almost complete access to his library and is more well-read than most ladies of my acquaintance. She often ties unsuspecting gentlemen in knots when they try to assert their superiority.”
“That is it!” Sir Andrew slapped the log. “Darcy likes her because she challenges him. It is a singular thing; most ladies fall all over themselves to agree with everything he says.”
Charlotte considered this. Had not Miss Bingley behaved in precisely that manner? Yet, Mr. Darcy had remained unmoved. “All this proves only that Mr. Darcy likes Elizabeth. It does not mean he will offer for her.” It disappointed her. The Bennets’ future living situation might have been secured, but they would still be in reduced circumstances. If Elizabeth married well, there would be no cause for concern.
“And if he did?”
Charlotte’s heart fell. “She would refuse him.”
Sir Andrew frowned. “You are certain of this?”
“Elizabeth is romantic. She wishes to marry for love. Already she feels betrayed by her sister’s decision to marry their father’s heir. I believe it has made her more determined to see herself happily situated with a gentleman she loves.”
“Is it not enough that he loves her? Affection grows, and in time she would come to love him. Darcy is honorable to a fault and would not treat anyone he loved badly.” Sir Andrewscuffed the ground with his boot. His mannerisms made him seem younger than his forty years. His contemplation rendered him almost boyish.
He looked up suddenly, mischief sparking in his eyes. “Shall we help our mutual friends, Miss Lucas?”
She regarded him seriously. “How so? I do not wish either Elizabeth or Mr. Darcy to be unhappy.”
“Mayhap your friend does not know what will make her happy. We must help her realize it.”
“How do you mean to go about it? We cannot force Elizabeth to like Mr. Darcy. Nor can we force him to propose.”
Sir Andrew considered this. “I would wager Darcy will propose without our interference. It is Miss Bennet we must work on.”
“She will not listen to praises of him. Miss Bingley sang them enough, yet his own actions and behavior toward her and others of our acquaintance have soured her completely.” Mr. Wickham’s tale of ill-use materialized in Charlotte’s mind. If the officer’s words were true, Mr. Darcy had behaved dishonorably. Could such a man be trusted to treat his wife with the care and consideration she deserved?
“Let us wait and watch. We will know how to act when it is time to do so.”
Charlotte observed Mr. Darcy break away from his aunt within five minutes of her securing his attention. He moved immediately to the pianoforte. Elizabeth stumbled over a few notes before regaining her momentum; Charlotte could see her friend’s saucy expression from her seat.
“That did not take long,” Sir Andrew said. “Just as I imagined. He did not speak to the Collinses or you. He likes her.”
