“You have met my neighbors. You would know them well had you taken the trouble to speak with them last autumn,” she countered.
He shook his head. “You cannot ask it of me.”
“I can, and I do! These are my friends and family. My sisters and I were raised with their sons and daughters. Is it not enough that I esteem them? Are my concerns and wishes so easily disregarded and cast aside in the face of your disapprobation for my neighbors?” She struggled to modulate her tone, aware that her pique caused her voice to rise.
He looked at her in surprise. “I will try if you wish, Elizabeth. It is not as if we will be long in their company. After we marry, it is not likely we will be in this part of the country often.”
“They are people, Mr. Darcy. Your conduct reflects onme. Their good opinion is something I value, and I will not lose it because you are too proud to converse with those you deem inferior.” She turned and left the room, seeking solitude in the garden to cool her ire.
He did not leave her alone long, seeking her out just ten minutes later. “I am sorry, dearest,” he whispered gently. He sat next to her on the long stone bench she had retreated to at the back of the garden. She did not look at him, staring stubbornly at her mother’s favorite rose bush. Finally, he reached out and turned her face toward him.
“Iwilltry, Elizabeth. For you.”
“You ought to make the attempt because it is right and proper, not simply to please me,” she huffed. “Though they are not of the first circles, they are still human beings with hearts, souls, and feelings. Have you noticed that they avoid you? It is not because of your imposing presence, but out of dislike. Mrs. Long walked all the way around the settee when she arrived simply so she would not be required to greet you as she walked past. Had they any desire to presume upon you, they would do so without hesitation. You have intimated that those of your circle have done so with impunity.”
He frowned and seemed to be considering her words. “Thank you for your candor. I did not realize the people here disliked me so.”
She sighed. “Treat them kindly, sir. They do not deserve your censure.”
He nodded. Suddenly, the look in his eyes changed from one of contemplation to something else. Elizabeth could almost feel the heat of his stare, and he leaned in toward her, gently pressing his lips to hers. This, her first kiss, was gentle, filled with sweet sentiment. Still, it caused her heart to race and her breath to speed. When he pulled away, she was struck with the realization that all those times she had noticed him staring at her held a marked similarity to the gaze he now leveled in her direction.
“I love you, Elizabeth.” He said her name reverently and caressed her cheek gently.
She cleared her throat, glancing away. She could feel the heat in her cheeks that signified a blush. “Shall we return to the sitting room, sir?” she asked.
“My name is Fitzwilliam.” He took her hand and squeezed it gently. “You have yet to use it.”
“Fitzwilliam,” she said, testing how it felt to speak it. “It is very long.”
“No longer than Elizabeth. Both are four syllables. We are well matched.” He chuckled. “Bingley would make some remark about my preference for four-syllable words right about now.”
The reminder of the absent resident of Netherfield sobered Elizabeth’s mood and she stood up, brushing her skirts to free them of wrinkles. “Come along,” she said. “The guests are likely wondering where we have gone.”
“Is tea going to last much longer?”
She shook her head. “It will be over soon. I should tell you that my mother means to parade you around Meryton starting on Monday.”
“I had better practice, then,” he muttered. “There are only four-and-twenty households, after all.”
She laughed at that, and his responding grin told her he had been teasing.So, he has a sense of humor after all. That is good, for I dearly love to laugh.They returned to the sitting room and were immediately surrounded by neighbors expressing their well wishes.
Guests spoke primarily to Elizabeth, but Mr. Darcy responded to some queries.
“No, we will go to London first and then to Pemberley in July.”
“Yes, it is I who wished to marry so expeditiously. I wish to introduce Elizabeth in town.”
“No, I have no other brothers or sisters.”
“Georgiana is thrilled to have so many new sisters.”
Elizabeth felt pleased to witness Mr. Darcy’s efforts. His expression still looked serious, but his tone was polite and somewhat warm.Perhaps there is hope for him yet.
The following week, Mrs. Bennet visited every one of the four-and-twenty families in Meryton and the surrounding area, introducing Mr. Darcy as her future son-in-law and extolling the virtues of having a wealthy relation. She grew particularly bold with Lady Lucas, bragging about having two daughters married and wishing her friend and adversary the same good fortune.
Charlotte bore it all with patience, though Elizabeth recognized the hurt in her friend’s eyes. Silently, she vowed that she would see her dearest friend married, and barring that, she would offer her an invitation to live at Pemberley permanently.
Lydia’s new friendship with Georgiana provided the distraction needed to keep her and Kitty out of Meryton and away from the officers. It was Charlotte Lucas who quietly informed Elizabeth that Wickham had been flogged and then transported for his crimes. Mr. Darcy overheard it, and Elizabeth glanced at him to gauge his reaction. He looked sad and relieved; a peculiar combination that she wondered about.
