Was she being kind or spiteful? She could not say, but the man unsettled her, and his company had little appeal, even aside from his part in Elizabeth’s disappearance.
“Miss Bennet, I know… well… I know that you distrust me… probably dislike me as well… for very good reasons; but will you allow me to assist you? I ask nothing else.”
“Do not trouble yourself, sir.”
“Would you at least allow me to offer some alternatives before you dismiss me out of hand?”
Jane realised she was being unreasonable; where Lizzy might have clung to her obstinacy, Jane was not so practised.
“What do you suggest?”
“My carriage is but an hour behind. If you are willing to stay here, I shall be happy to deliver you to Longbourn, and I shall also deliver Miss Taylor to your uncle at her convenience, after seeing to her injuries and a night or two of rest, of course.”
Jane stared, wondering whether he was in earnest. Her ability to read him was not auspicious, and she had no idea how to react.
Finally, she said, “No, Mr Darcy. Forgive my candour, but I cannot appear at Longbourn in your coach. I would trade months of speculation, gossip, and haranguing from my mother for an hour or two of waiting for a farmer.” She looked embarrassed, staring at the ground for a moment, then continued resolutely. “I have had enough of that for one lifetime these past few months.”
With that dollop of truthfulness, which cut very much against the grain, she simply stared at the ground, wishing he would leave her in peace.
Mr Darcy spoke with surprising gentleness. “I understand. Would it help to know that my cousin Anne is in the coach, and you would be riding with her, not me?”
Forgetting Ellen was beside her, Jane lost her temper. “That makes it worse. I—”
She could not say she had been deceived, nor could she be certain whether she was being fair to Anne, but she was in no mood to resolve such matters on the side of the road, ten miles from home.
Mr Darcy looked chagrined. “Might Mr Chamberlain take my horse into Meryton and bring back a hired coach? Failing that, I would be happy to go and hire one myself.”
Jane shook her head wearily. “I cannot—”
What was she to do? She had no intention of remaining by the roadside with him, nor was she inclined to force Ellen to walk ten miles with her injury or sit for hours awaiting a Good Samaritan. However, permitting the gentleman to do anything whatsoever was anathema, even though the only thing she knew for certain was that he helped separate Mr Bingley from her. Indeed, she was half-convinced the gentleman had done her a favour, since he clearly lacked resolution. However, she knew perfectly well he had not done so for her benefit, nor did he care for her thoughts or feelings on the matter. They mightat leasthave taken their leave after six weeks of behaviour any reasonable person would call courting. Four months of despondency were easily turned into a few minutes of white-hot anger.
She did not quite realise she was biting her lip much like Elizabeth, or that her fists were clenched.
Mr Chamberlain was out of hearing, taking grain and water to the horses, but Ellen sat beside her. Jane felt constrained in what she could say and looked about for a place she might ask Ellen to go that was not entirely rude, but nothing came to mind.
Mr Darcy spoke surprisingly. “Miss Taylor, may I ask you a question?”
Ellen gasped and, at a loss, simply nodded.
“I am unwilling to ask you to separate from us, as that would be unaccountably rude, and I remain concerned for your health, as is your friend. However, I would like to speak with Miss Bennet candidly, if she will allow it. Would you be willing to listen for a few minutes, and keep our confidence… if Miss Bennet agrees to the scheme?”
Regaining her dignity, Ellen snapped, “What do you take me for, Mr Darcy?”
He smiled. Jane admitted he was devilishly handsome, but it was such a rare occurrence it was of little practical value.
“I believe you to be a decent and honourable woman! It is my duty to ask rather than assume. I am imposing on you by requesting you keep a confidence, and I realise there is a price for that, so I am giving you the courtesy of asking your permission.”
Jane stared at him, wondering what he was about, but then both women shook their heads, realising they would probably never understand him—or any man, for that matter.
“I will say nothing. I appreciate the trust… and—”
“And—”
“And… well, sir… No gentleman has ever trusted me with a… a… confidence. It is a… what is the word?”
Jane found the exchange interesting. “Privilege?”
“Yes, ma’am. A privilege.”
