“I shall not retract the offer, Miss Lucas,” he replied kindly. “You have been very welcoming to the residents of Netherfield. It would be an honor to stand up with you.”
“Very well.” She agreed, but she lacked enthusiasm and did not appear to be pleased. Darcy wondered if he had somehow given offense to the lady. The cause became apparent mid-set, when something across the room drew her notice. Following her gaze, he saw Miss Elizabeth, animated and radiant. Miss Lucas’s expression faltered.
“My friend is the most deserving lady in the world.” Darcy turned back to Miss Lucas and found her studying him.
“I wish you every success.”
“It was unpardonably rude of me—”
“No, sir. You merely followed my gaze. Forgive me for allowing my attention to wander. ’Tis only…” She drew a deep breath before speaking once more. “Forgive my candor, sir, but I had hoped—” She hesitated, her cheeks suffused with color.
As the set concluded, Darcy led her to the side of the room where they might enjoy a modicum of privacy.
“I do not know you well, Miss Lucas, but you seem to me a woman of considerable worth,” he said with quiet gravity. “If my actions gave rise to expectations, I offer my sincere apology.”
He knew full well he had given her no such encouragement, but he felt he ought to offer something by way of consolation, nonetheless.
“How do you manage it?” she asked desperately. “You possess a self-assurance I can only envy.”
He understood her meaning and answered plainly. “True worth lies within,” he replied. “My mother taught me to seek one who might recognize it.”
“I see it,” she whispered. “But I also see that it will not suffice. Eliza is a worthy choice, sir. She will marry for nothing less than mutual affection. I, on the other hand, would content myself with any man who would offer a secure home.”
“Do not undervalue your own worth, Miss Lucas.” She gave a solemn nod and turned away without another word.
‘Tis a sorrowful truth that beauty is prized above character.Miss Lucas’s sensible mind and steady disposition would benefit any man wise enough to value them. Alas, too few ever looked beyond outward appearance. Darcy could acknowledge that those blessed with fortune—regardless of their charms—would always possess options when it came to selecting their marriage mate. He did not know Miss Lucas’s precise circumstances, but he suspected that had she a sufficient dowry, she would alreadybe wed. Fate had not dealt kindly with her. That his preference for her friend had wounded her, he could not doubt.If only there were something I could do.
Chapter Five
October 30, 1811
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Themorningsunwasslow to chase away the autumn chill. Elizabeth did not mind. She knew her morning walks would soon be curtailed until spring and was determined to enjoy them while she could. Winter walks were less agreeable and occurred but rarely. The trees had long since been stripped of their leaves, and the last of the flowers had succumbed to the cold.
She hurried down the well-trodden path and onto the broad lane that served as Longbourn’s drive. A few minutes later, she turned onto a narrower trail leading toward Oakham Mount—her favorite walk. She walked the path at least twice each week. Today, however, she hoped Mr. Darcy had taken her subtle hint and might meet her there.
She found the gentleman fascinating and wished to know him better. His loquacity in conversation with her father had vanished the moment they rejoined the larger company. Though still amiable and unfailingly polite, his desire to be elsewhere had been obvious, at least to Elizabeth. She wondered whether the posturing of certain guests had robbed him of any chance to enjoy a simple gathering.
Mr. Goulding, for example, fancied himself something of a speculator. He had done well enough in years past but had since ventured into riskier schemes. Elizabeth had overheard him urging Mr. Darcy to invest in his latest endeavor. The gentleman had politely declined, but as the evening progressed, his posture had grown increasingly rigid. By the time they took their leave, it was clear he had endured enough.
She climbed the slope to the top of Oakham Mount with quiet purpose.I want nothing from him but friendship,she thought.How lonely he must be. If I can offer him that, I shall.
Lydia had again spoken rudely of Mr. Darcy’s appearance on their return from Lucas Lodge the previous evening.
“He is ghastly, is he not?” she giggled with Kitty. “I suppose, were he a militiaman, that scar might be called dashing rather than disgusting. But nothing can excuse the horrid bloody stain.”
“What if he got the scar in a duel?” Kitty whispered eagerly. “Can you imagine?”
“What would an unattractive man have to duel over? Kitty, you are so stupid!” Lydia scoffed, pinching her sister hard on the arm. The family coach was crowded, and the close quarters made their words seem excessively loud. The two continued to snip at one another until they reached Longbourn, at which point they climbed unceremoniously over Jane and Mary to exit the carriage first.
“Have a care, girls!” Jane admonished, firm yet kind.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet said nothing, but Elizabeth turned a gimlet eye upon her father as they entered the house.
“You did not even defend Mr. Darcy!” she said brusquely. “After spending such a pleasant time with the gentleman, how could you let your daughters speak so cruelly of him?”
