“To inquire,” he said, meeting her look, “and to oppose.” He drew a breath. “I must apologise in advance,” he added, more quietly, “for what is likely to follow.” There was no alarm in his manner – but there was certainty.
Elizabeth felt her breath catch, though she kept her countenance steady. She could not be entirely certain she succeeded.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bennet,” said Darcy, turning at once, “is there a room in which I might speak to my aunt in private? I should be very sorry to expose you unnecessarily to the unpleasantness of her visit.”
“You may use my book room,” said Mr. Bennet, stepping forward at once.
“Thank you.” Darcy then turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth…”
“I hope you are not about to advise me to retire upstairs, Mr. Darcy.”
For the briefest moment, something like a smile touched his face. “I was about to suggest that very thing,” he said. “It was imprudent of me. You do not mean to leave me to face her alone.”
Elizabeth held his gaze and, after a moment, inclined her head. “No.”
“I see.” He nodded once. “You do realise I am equal to the occasion.”
“I have no doubt of it. But if I am not mistaken, she will question our… understanding. I wish to be present.”
He exhaled softly, “It will not be pleasant.”
“Why is it not going to be pleasant?” cried Mrs. Bennet, now in real agitation.
Darcy answered her with grave civility. “Mrs. Bennet, my aunt has long wished me to marry her daughter. She has now learnt that my attentions are directed elsewhere. I do not doubt that she has come to confront me – and, very likely, your family as well.”
“Good Heavens! Oh, Mary, what have you done?”
“She means to… part us.” Elizabeth placed her hand over her heart.
“She may attempt it.”
“Will you allow her…?”
Darcy met her eyes fully now, “No.”
Elizabeth looked into his eyes long. “Good, I would not allow it.” She nodded several times as if to reassure herself.
Something in her tone – quiet, but resolute – caused his expression to sharpen for a moment, before it softened again.
Georgiana, who had risen quietly, came nearer. “Fitzwilliam…” she said in a low voice.
He turned to her at once, and his expression softened. “You need not remain,” he said gently. Then, glancing toward Lydia, he added, “Nor you. It may prove less entertaining than you expect.”
Lydia looked as though she meant to protest, but Georgiana, who understood far better what was coming, slipped her hand through her arm.
“Come,” she said softly. “Kitty, you too.”
With visible reluctance, Lydia allowed herself to be led away. Kitty followed without a word.
“Mr. Bennet, with your permission, Miss Elizabeth would join me in the book room.”
“As you see best.”
“Yes, go, Lizzy. You must show her ladyship how very well you will do.”
“Mama!” Elizabeth reddened.
“You have an exceptional daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.”
