Since the incident with Lord Morrison, Darcy had been avoiding his club, depending on his cousin to keep him informed about the latest rumors concerning him and Miss Bennet. He was hoping against hope that the betting and the gossip would die a natural death. Or, alternatively, another scandal would appear that would turn everyone’s attention elsewhere. He did not want to wish it upon any unfortunate victim, but there were young ladies in Society whodidbehave scandalously, and he did not see why Miss Bennet, who had done nothing to deserve it, continued to be the center of unwanted attention. Darcy was desperate forsomethingto happen to keep the gossip at bay.
When Colonel Fitzwilliam called on him the day after the dinner at the Gardiners, however, he did not have anything new to offer.
“Do you think it will be safe to go to the club?” enquired Darcy. “I must admit, spending my free evenings at home is starting to lose its appeal. I am ready to go back the moment you give me the signal.”
“I would not encourage it. The rumor mill is still buzzing, and I am sorry to say that bets are still being laid on Miss Bennet.”
Darcy made an impatient gesture. “Have these young men nothing better to do with their lives than tarnishing a young lady’s reputation?”
“Well, it is only to be expected that they run wild, with more money at their disposal than sense. They have always done so.They will bet on anything, not just on young ladies. I have seen them bet on how long a fly will sit on a table. It is just that you never noticed their excesses because it never concerned you.”
It was true. It had never mattered to him, as long as no one in his circle was hurt. Until now.
“So what are the latest bets, then?”
“They are betting on how quickly she will be married, and what kind of husband she will find.” His cousin hesitated. “I did not want to raise the issue before, but now that you have asked, I have no choice. You need to know that, since the altercation with Lord Morrison, there have been several bets placed onyouin the book.”
“Me?” Darcy’s forehead puckered. “Why on earth would they do that?”
The colonel cleared his throat. “It seems the strong reaction Lord Morrison’s words provoked in you has given rise to speculation about your feelings towards her.”
Darcy jumped to his feet. “Can a gentleman not defend a young lady without giving rise to speculation?”
Grinding his teeth, he stalked to the window, running his fingers through his hair in extreme agitation. “Are you trying to tell me that, by intervening on Miss Bennet’s behalf, I only made matters worse?”
“I wouldn’t have put it that way, but yes, it does seem to have caused unintended consequences. I did warn you at the time not to make a scene, if you recall.”
His cousin’s ‘I told you so’attitude only increased his frustration.
“I will go to the club and set the record straight at once!”
Colonel Fitzwilliam put out his hand to hold Darcy back. “That is all very fine and well, Darcy, but you cannot go like this,” he said, laughing.
Darcy shrugged off the hand. “You will not stop me! And this is no laughing matter, Richard Fitzwilliam. This is a respectable young lady we are talking about!”
“I will not try to stop you, since you are so determined. I am merely suggesting you change into acceptable attire first.”
Darcy looked down and realized he was in his banyan and nightshirt. The boiling in his blood faded, and he was left feeling foolish. He slumped back into his chair and groaned.
“Ever since the moment I spotted Margaret falling into the Serpentine, this has been a never-ending nightmare.” Margaret’s pale face and blue lips appeared in his mind’s eye and the fight went out of him. “Though I do not regret it for an instant. Because of me, a beautiful child can laugh and live her life carefree. “You know, she made a chalk drawing of me.”
“Who? Your amazing Miss Bennet?”
“No, Margaret. The child.”
He sat down again and watched the dip and rise of the fire. It reminded him of the day he had seen Miss Bennet drying her hair by the fireside. A smile quivered on his lips. Miss Bennet had come into his life, her vivacity transforming his sister and her sincerity reminding him that the world still had people who lived with integrity. He could not regret meeting her for a moment.
“Darcy,” said his cousin, “do you still intend to go to the club? Because if you do, I had better send for the carriage while you change.”
Darcy felt something slip out of his grasp, some understanding that was interrupted by his cousin’s question.
“No. There is no point going there expressly to pick a fight, especially if doing so will make matters worse. I can hardly storm over there and challenge Lord Morrison to a duel.”
“Good heavens! Of course not. A duel will be perceived as an admission that there is something between you.”
“Unfortunately, you are right.” He groaned. “I do not know how to resolve this. I feel my hands are tied.”
Darcy slumped down in his chair, a wave of despair washing over him.
