“I propose we marry because it is the most honourable course available to us both. I cannot walk away and leave you to bear whatever consequences might occur whilst I escape relatively unscathed.”
“That is very noble.” Her tone suggested nobility was not precisely what she valued at present. “However, marriage is a binding of two lives and a fundamental alteration of one’s entire existence.”
“I am well aware of what marriage entails.”
She stood abruptly, crossing to the window with agitation. “Are you? Because from where I stand, you seem to view it as merely a practical arrangement to resolve an awkward situation.”
Darcy knew he was in danger to let his frustration show, thus kept his tone as even as he could. “I am not suggesting the situation is ideal. I am suggesting it is workable. We are both intelligent people capable of rational discussion and honourable conduct. These qualities can form a solid foundation for marriage.”
For a long moment, she looked at him, her expression complex and unreadable. Then she shook her head.
“There must be another solution, some way to resolve this without binding us irrevocably to a union neither of us truly chose.”
Disappointment settled within him, heavier than he had anticipated. “What do you propose?”
“I propose we speak candidly with my family and discuss the matter. Perhaps together we might devise an alternative that does not require marriage.”
It was not the answer Darcy had hoped for, but he recognised the sense in seeking additional perspectives. And if family counsel failed to produce alternatives, perhaps it might help Miss Bennet see the wisdom in proceeding with the marriage.
“If you believe your family’s counsel might offer solutions I have not considered, I am willing to hear them. When shall we convene this discussion?”
“In a couple of minutes, if possible. My mother and aunt would only be too pleased to have that conversation.”
“All right, then.” He nodded, then paused. “Regardless of what we ultimately decide, I want you to know that I hold you in high esteem and I do not regret having made your acquaintance.”
Her gaze softened fractionally. “Nor I yours, Mr Darcy.”
In the silence that followed as she left to gather her relatives, Darcy hoped the planned conversation would bring some much-needed clarity, one way or another.
Chapter Seven
Elizabeth
The drawing room felt impossibly small with the Bennets assembled.
Elizabeth stood near the fireplace, acutely conscious of every eye upon her. Her stomach churned with anxiety, making her regret attempting even the minimal breakfast she had managed that morning. Her sisters were scattered across various points of the room and Wilhemina and Effie sat on either side of Aunt Ahearn on the sofa.
Mrs Bennet perched on the edge of her chair, hands folded expectantly. Mr Darcy had taken up residence near the bookshelf, his posture rigid.
“Well, Lizzy?” Her mother’s voice carried equal parts anticipation and impatience. “You summoned us all here with such urgency. What matter requires this dramatic assembly?”
Elizabeth inhaled deeply, steadying herself. “I must explain how my engagement to Mr Darcy came about. The circumstances are irregular.”
“Irregular how? You are engaged, he is wealthy and respectable. What irregularity could matter at this point?”
“The betrothal was not formed through proper courtship. At the garden party, I witnessed several ladies attempting to trap Mr Darcy into a compromising situation. They intendedto manoeuvre him somewhere private, then ensure witnesses appeared at an inopportune moment.”
Aunt Ahearn’s intake of breath was audible. “Mrs Thorne and her granddaughters.”
“You know them?” Elizabeth asked.
“By reputation, unfortunately.” Her aunt’s mouth thinned into a disapproving line. “They were certainly not on my invitation list. They must have attached themselves to another family’s party.”
“That counts as untoward behaviour, doesn’t it?” Kitty asked.
“It does, indeed. The grandmother, Mrs Thorne, has been attempting to secure advantageous marriages for her granddaughters. From what I have heard, her methods have grown increasingly desperate and questionable.”
Elizabeth resumed her narrative. “I saw Mr Darcy being herded towards the house, the ladies blocking his retreat. I acted without thinking. I inserted myself into their group and I…” She faltered, the mortification fresh despite having rehearsed this confession to her more judgmental family members. “I declared that Mr Darcy and I were engaged.”
