Elizabeth hesitated to answer as the matter was still unclear, and she had not yet arrived at the point where she could accept when her true feelings for him had begun.
“There was no love in my soul,” she said with a slight hesitation. “In Hertfordshire I encountered an arrogant man who became utterly dull in Kent, so different from the man I had first known. And to tell you the truth, I preferred the acerbic aristocrat who, on the night we met, proclaimed that I was not attractive enough to tempt him.”
Lady Oakham hid her face in her hands, unable to bear more of this tale, which should have culminated in happiness.
“Are you laughing?” asked Elizabeth, also amused.
“That was my first impulse, but I do not dare in the present situation. Miss Elizabeth, you have to meet.”
But Elizabeth shook her head violently. “I cannot face him. I am not without guilt. I said the most dreadful things a lady could utter to a gentleman. I told him he could not have offered his hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it. You should have witnessed his astonishment. He regarded me with a blend of incredulity and mortification. AndI did not stop there. I recounted my initial impression of him when we first met—that his manners had convinced me of his arrogance, conceit, and disdain for the feelings of others. I had not known him a month before I concluded that he was the last man in the world whom I could ever be induced to marry.”
“I see,” Lady Oakham said. “You were correct in stating that this proposal resembled a battle. Now, you must meet and try to mend this situation.”
“But…how? Do you imagine I could face him, or does he wish to see me?”
“Miss Elizabeth,” Lady Oakham spoke with determination, “you do not see the whole situation. First, tell me, what would you say to him if he appeared here?”
“The same as everybody around me suggested—that he come to Hertfordshire for a few weeks to better acquaint himself with me and mostly with my family.”
“Because you want to be sure about your feelings?”
“I am certain of my love,” she murmured. “But I would never marry a man who disdains my family. My answer would remain no if he failed to accept them.”
“Such honesty becomes you.”
“But he would never journey to Hertfordshire now…never!”
“You might be correct, but not for the reasons you presume. Fitzwilliam was so wounded that he might act recklessly. Lady Catherine has beenchasinghim for her daughter—and when I say chasing, believe me, it is true.”
“And he saw Mama in that role. How ironic!”
“Yes, indeed, it is ironic. But Lady Catherine possesses a few methods of persuasion and knows that this is a good moment to act. She arrived in London last night with Anne, and she asked Darcy to host them at his house even though she usually stays at ours.”
Elizabeth gazed at her, perplexed, her face indicating that she did not understand Lady Oakham’s words.
“I saw him yesterday at dinner—he is wounded and deeply sorrowful, and in that state it is much easier to persuade him that the solution for him is Anne de Bourgh. He will face no difficulties with her, leading a life much like that of many within our circle. Honestly, I never had great hopes that Fitzwilliam would choose a different kind of wife. Your arrival was both a great surprise and a joy.”
“But why marry Miss de Bourgh when London is full of lively and beautiful young ladies?” Elizabeth asked.
“It is a legitimate question. Of course he may marry a young woman in our circle from town. While he is wounded and indifferent, certain that he will never love again, I fear he may yield to the one who knows how to present the matter aright. And if Anne is incapable of such a thing, believe me, Lady Catherine possesses formidable weapons—she knows Darcy well, and now she is within his very household,” Lady Oakham said, avoiding mentioning anything about the other candidate, Lady Olivia.
“Why the hurry, though?” Elizabeth asked the same question that had burdened the colonel.
“He has decided to marry, and for many absurd reasons, Miss de Bourgh seems the best solution.”
“I can do nothing to stop him from marrying Miss de Bourgh. Lady Catherine spoke about an agreement between her and Mr Darcy’s mother,” Elizabeth murmured, obviously in pain, and Lady Oakham nodded.
“There is nothing you can do in that direction, my dear. However, you must be back in his life and endeavour to conquer him withyourmeans of persuasion.”
“Do you believe it will hold any sway against Lady Catherine?”
“Yes, unquestionably. Fitzwilliam loves you. Can you stay in London for a longer period?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth answered. “Whatever it takes.”
“That is perfect. Then prepare to meet Fitzwilliam.”
Elizabeth reflected for a long time. She wanted to see him again, but his letter had destroyed all her dreams. At the same time, Lady Oakham’s story about Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh made it even more difficult.
