Guilt twisted in Darcy’s gut. He had known this would hurt Miss Bennet.
“I am grieved to hear it,” Darcy said genuinely. “Miss Elizabeth seemed a sensible young woman. I am sure she would not have left if she had any other choice.”
“That is what Jane says. She insists that Elizabeth had been desperate—her father intended to force her to marry Collins.” Bingley shook his head. “I cannot fathom it. To force your own daughter into marriage against her will? What sort of father does such a thing?”
The sort who refused to share his favorite daughter with anyone who would take her away. A foolish one.But Darcy said none of this aloud.
“As it is, Collins is now spending considerable time with Miss Mary, who refuses to be pressed into a quick engagement. She is a sensible girl whose heart will not be turned by practiced flattery.”
Darcy well knew just how sensible Mary Bennet was. “When is your wedding to be?”
“We have not yet set a date. Jane wanted to wait until Elizabeth could be found, but…” Bingley grew pained. “It has been nearly two weeks with no further word. Mr. Bennet has all but given up the search. He says Elizabeth is of age in a few days anyway, and once that happens, he has no legal right to compel her to return.”
Bingley was correct. Elizabeth would reach her majority in less than a week now. December seventeenth. Their wedding day.
“Darcy, I know that you found the Bennets to be less than pleasing company, especially Miss Elizabeth. Despite this, I was hoping, that you might agree to stand up with me at the wedding? I know it might be months away, but you are my closest friend, and it would mean a great deal to me.”
Darcy swallowed.Elizabeth less than pleasing? Never!
“Of course,” Darcy said, the words coming easily even with the deception they concealed. “I would be honored.”
He would stand up with Bingley, as a married man, with Elizabeth at his side. In less than a week, the secret would be revealed. Bingley would know that his friend had been the one to spirit away Miss Bennet’s beloved sister, had married her while Bingley mourned her absence.
Would Bingley forgive him? Would Miss Bennet?
“Thank you, Darcy. That means more than you know.” Bingley set down his glass. “I should return home. I am dining with Caroline and the Hursts tonight.”
After Bingley had gone, Darcy remained in his study, staring into the fire. The weight of what he had done—what he was doing—pressed upon him heavily.
He had saved Elizabeth from an unwanted marriage. He had offered her a life of comfort and security. He had given her the choice her father would have denied her.
But he also caused pain to innocents; her sisters suffered because he had taken Elizabeth away.
That evening, Darcy dined at Matlock House, where he discovered Elizabeth in the music room with Georgiana. His sister played while Elizabeth turned the pages, and the scene was so domestic, so peaceful, that some of his earlier guilt eased.
Elizabeth looked up when he entered, and her face brightened. Over the past weeks, she blossomed. Under his aunt’s tutelage, she gained confidence. Under Georgiana’s gentle guidance, her French had improved, and her playing at the pianoforte had become polished. But more than these external accomplishments, Elizabeth had grown comfortable with him, with his family, with the life she would soon step into.
And somewhere along the way, Darcy saw her affections grow for him.
It was there in the way she smiled when he entered a room. In the way she sought his opinion on matters both trivial and important. He could sense it in the way she leant into him when they stood together, as though his presence brought her comfort.
“William,” Elizabeth said. “We did not expect you until dinner.”
“I finished my business early.” He stood beside her, and she shifted closer, her fingers brushing his hand. “How was your day?”
“Your aunt has declared me competent,” Elizabeth said with evident pride. “High praise indeed from such a demanding instructor.”
“She told me this afternoon that you exceeded her expectations,” Georgiana. “She said you have a naturalaptitude for organization and a firm hand with management without being unkind. Those were her exact words.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. “I am glad to hear it. I have been terrified of disappointing her.”
“You could never disappoint us,” Darcy said. He wanted to tell her about Bingley’s visit, about her sister’s emotions. In doing so, it would dim the happiness in her eyes.
Instead, he asked, “Would you take a turn with me in the garden? There is a matter I wish to discuss with you.”
They walked together in the fading light, the December air cold enough to require their coats. Darcy offered his arm, and Elizabeth took it without hesitation. “What did you wish to discuss?”
“Bingley visited me today.”
