“Yes.”
Bingley crossed his arms. “When?”
“Since the morning after the Netherfield ball.”
Bingley absorbed this intelligence and then, “You sat across from me while I told you how heartbroken Jane was. And I told you that Elizabeth was missing. And you said nothing. Why?”
Darcy consideredwhy. “Because Elizabeth had not yet reached her majority. Until she did, her father had legal authority to compel her to return. Telling you would have placed you in an impossible position—between loyalty to me and honesty with Jane. I did not think that fair to either of you.”
“And now? Why tell me now?”
“Because by tomorrow morning, she will be of age. And because—” Darcy said the rest plainly. “Because we will marry tomorrow, and I would like you to be there.”
The silence that followed was considerable. Bingley moved to the window at the end of the corridor and looked out at the darkened square below.
“You planned this from the beginning,” he said finally. “At Netherfield. When did you decide?”
“In the library, the night of the ball. Her father told me she was to be betrothed to Collins the next morning. I followed her when I saw her distress.” Darcy swallowed. “I offered her a choice. Gratefully, she took it.”
Bingley turned back. “And your feelings for her—this was not merely chivalry?”
“I have been in love with her since Netherfield,” Darcy said. “Since her sister was ill and Elizabeth came to nurse her. I fought it. I told myself every reason why a match was unsuitable. Her father told me, at the ball, that she was to marry Collins, and I understood then that I almost hesitated too long.” He met Bingley’s gaze directly. “I did not hesitate again.”
Then, slowly, Bingley’s shoulders eased. His attention returned to the door, behind which Jane’s voice could be heard, bubbling with pleasure. Bingley extended his hand. “She is happy?”
“Completely.”
“Then I find I cannot be cross with you.” His grip was firm. “Congratulations, Darcy. I mean that sincerely. We shall be brothers. I will be at the chapel tomorrow.”
From behind the door came another burst of laughter, all three sisters at once, and both men stood in the corridor listening before Bingley smiled and Darcy allowed himself to do the same.
When Darcyand Bingley returned to the drawing room, Colonel Fitzwilliam clapped Darcy on the shoulder. “I believe, Cousin, that this may be the finest thing you have ever done.”
“It is certainly the most complicated,” Lord Matlock observed dryly, his tone agreeable.
Lady Matlock came to stand beside Darcy and surprised him by taking his arm. “You did well,” she said while leaning against him. “Your mother would have approved.”
When Darcy could at last speak, he said, “Thank you, Aunt Helen.”
“Do not make a fuss about it.” She patted his arm once, briskly, and released it. “Now. I believe we should allow those girls some time together. Henderson, I think we shall have dessert here.”
It was nearlysix o’clock before Elizabeth emerged from the sitting room, luminous with happiness. She camedirectly to Darcy, who waited in the corridor, and took both his hands in hers.
“Jane understands,” she said, her voice still unsteady. “She says—” Elizabeth stopped, pressed her lips together. “She could see how you observed me at Netherfield, even when you were pretending not to look. She was not surprised at all.”
“Your sister is very perceptive,” Darcy said.
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Mary told me that Mr. Collins has been most attentive since my departure. She made him wait until he understood the value he would be receiving with a successful proposal. He offered this morning, and she accepted.”
“That is our Mary. I am glad for her if this makes her happy.”
“I have no reason to question her since I now realize she has long known what she wanted.”
Darcy moved closer. “And what do you want, my lovely Elizabeth?”
“You. Only you.”
Passion flared, taking every ounce of effort for Darcy to contain himself.Tomorrow!
