Elizabeth had not thought of it that way. Was she prepared to endure the brother for the sake of helping the young girl? Poor Miss Darcy needed her. Could she really refuse? She felt trapped, locked in. Every instinct rebelled. At the same time, her conscience urged her to support Miss Darcy.
“I do feel sorry for Miss Darcy,” she said, slowly.
Jane nodded. “And besides, it is a wonderful opportunity for – other things. It is just that—” Jane blushed “—imagine if you are introduced to his friends or family. Perhaps you might even find someone you could fall in love with. It is a good chance, Lizzy. Look at Charlotte. She is the daughter of a baronet, yet at twenty-seven, she still has not found a husband. You know verywell there is no one in Meryton for us. At least you might meet someone there.”
Elizabeth sighed heavily. “Sometimes, Jane, you are just like Mama. I cannot imagine that any of Mr. Darcy’s friends or relatives would be pleasant. Have you forgotten that it was Mr. Darcy’s friend Miss Bingley who first suggested I had stolen the vase?”
She was feeling more and more like a pawn that was being moved here and there for everyone else’s convenience. No one considered what it would be like for her to be trapped in the household of a man who had humiliated her.
“Well, then, there is nothing more to be said, Lizzy. It sounds like you have made up your mind. I think, if you should talk to Papa and tell him how strongly you feel, he will understand and will send Mr. Darcy on his way.”
Despite her words, Jane looked unhappy. Elizabeth’s conscience stirred again, this time because she felt she was letting her sisters down.
“Jane, do you think I am being selfish by not thinking about you and my sisters?”
“I think you must do what you believe is right. It is I who am being selfish by browbeating you into going when the very idea is abhorrent to you. If it makes you so unhappy, you should not sacrifice yourself, especially when there is no guarantee of any return.”
“Exactly. Mama is talking about invitations to balls and meeting young gentlemen, but who is to say any of that will come to pass?” She came to her feet. “I will talk to Papa and convince him to tell Mr. Darcy I cannot come.”
Jane nodded. “It is for the best.”
Elizabeth went downstairs immediately, hoping to catch her father before he went out. She knew it was his day to surveythe estate, and once he was gone, he would be away until the afternoon. She caught him about to step out of the house.
“Papa, I need to speak to you.”
“Can it wait until later, Lizzy?”
“It cannot.”
“Is this regarding Mr. Darcy’s invitation?”
She nodded.
“Come then. Let us walk in the garden, where we will not be interrupted by your mama.”
As they reached the vegetable garden, which could not be seen from the house, he turned to face her. “I suppose you want me to tell him you will not go.”
She nodded, feeling wretched. Jane’s words were ringing in her ears.
He sighed. “You know I would not wish you to go away and leave me in this madhouse more than a few days. It was bad enough when you went away with the Gardiners. But I think this time your mother is right. You know our finances will not allow any of you to enjoy the Season in London. And even if they did, we have no family members willing to chaperone you or sponsor you. You know as well as I do that you are wasted on the local boys. There is no one here who is your equal in education or intelligence.” He looked glum. “Your uncle may introduce you to some young gentlemen, perhaps, but his circle is limited. I think you would be foolish to turn down Mr. Darcy’s offer. But I will not compel you to go if you dislike him so much. I have not yet written to him. Think about it for the rest of the day, and you can tell me yay or nay when I return.”
She nodded, thankful for the reprieve. It did not take her long to decide, however. Papa would not compel her, but how could she say no, when both her father and Jane had urged her strongly to go.
The fight went out of her.
“I do not need to think it over, Papa. You have convinced me. I will go to stay with Miss Darcy. I only hope they will meet all your expectations.”
“Wise decision,” he said. “Meanwhile, I have done some thinking since receiving the letter. After all you have told me about Mr. Darcy, I have my hesitations. If I do not approve of him, I will send him on his way.”
Elizabeth smiled for the first time since she heard the news. “Thank you, Papa. I feel better knowing you will be taking his measure. Though I imagine he will not be happy about that.”
“It is my condition for sending you away,” replied Mr. Bennet.
It was not much, but it made her feel that she was not entirely at the mercy of Mr. Darcy.
Two days later, as the young ladies were sitting with Mrs. Bennet in the parlor, Mr. Bennet emerged from his library with a letter.
“I have received another express. It looks like your Mr. Darcy is coming here next Thursday with his sister and an older lady who is a relative of his. Depending on whether I approve of the fellow or not, I will grant him permission to take Lizzy with him.”
