“I have been the target of mercenary intentions many times, especially right after I inherited. Even so-called friends have tried to use me for my wealth and connections. Society matrons and their daughters stalk me for the same reasonsacross the drawing rooms and ballrooms of London. Because of these experiences, I developed a habit of performing only the minimum civilities required. I generally keep people at a distance, except for a select few. I am also wary of forming new acquaintances. For the last several years, I have used these tactics to discourage those who would pursue a closer acquaintance with me, no matter their social standing."
Miss Elizabeth was quiet as she took in all that he said and considered it.
“So, what happened at the assembly?” she asked. “You overheard something while we were standing at the refreshment table.”
Darcy nodded. “There were a few women discussing what they heard I was worth, my house in town, and my uncle the Earl of Matlock. One woman was sure that once I laid eyes on her daughter, I would want no one else. Her friend then spoke of the tricks she had heard practiced in London ballrooms in order to compromise a gentleman.”
She gasped, and her eyes flew to his at that statement. Miss Elizabeth stopped walking abruptly. She stared at him, her mouth open in astonishment.
“What?! Do you know who these women were? Had you been introduced to any of them?”
Darcy shook his head. “No, I had not.”
She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. “I guess this explains why you seemed angry and were so short with me.”
“I forgot about that. Please forgive me. I know it was badly done. I should have explained to you what I overheard, and that I was going to be on my guard for the rest of the assembly. Instead, I kept silent, thinking it was a private matter. To be honest, I did not know whom to trust. I wanted to trust you and your sisters and Miss Lucas, but prior experience was telling me to trust no one. I literally heard, with my own ears, three womenpotentially plotting to compromise me. At that point, I just wanted to get through the few remaining dances I had reserved and then retire to a corner of the room for the rest of the night.”
She nodded. “I can understand that.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I decided years ago that I would not allow any woman to purposely compromise me into a marriage. If a woman attempts to do so and then finds her reputation ruined, that is on her. I will not be manipulated. I have made this known in town, and it has proven to be an effective deterrent. However, those women at the assembly were probably unaware of the peril they would be placing their daughters in if they attempted such a thing. So, I did what I could to prevent any such scheme from taking place by remaining in the corner, alone, for the rest of the evening. Bingley is trying to establish himself in the neighborhood. He certainly does not need a scandal involving a young woman in the county attached to his friend.”
She sighed again and shook her head. “No, he does not.” She brought a hand to her forehead, still trying to process the information. “Goodness, I just cannot believe this. I feel like I should apologize again for my neighbors.”
He smiled. “No, you should not. You are not responsible for their behavior. I did also convey your apologies to Bingley. He appreciated them, as did I.”
She smiled slightly and nodded.
“I regret that my actions caused you to hesitate in befriending Georgiana. I know that she thinks very highly of you and enjoys spending time with you and your sisters,” Darcy said.
She smiled at him. “We enjoy her company as well. She is a sweet girl.”
Darcy smiled back at her. He was extraordinarily pleased with the smile she was giving him at that moment. He could see that it reached her eyes. It was a sincere one.
Darcy’s face grew serious again. “You said there was more to address with me.”
“Oh! We did address it just now when we discussed how everything played out at the assembly.”
Darcy nodded and let out the breath he had been holding. He was relieved to know they had come to the end of her list of offenses against him.
“Mr. Darcy, I thank you for being willing to explain yourself to me. You owe us nothing, but you were willing to clear up these misunderstandings, and I appreciate it.”
“I thank you for listening and for your open-mindedness,” Darcy said.
“After what transpired at the assembly, I have seen only a bit of what you must deal with all the time. I am truly sorry that you must constantly be exposed to the worst side of people,” she said with feeling, her emotions evident.
Darcy's expression softened as he looked at her. He felt the sincerity in her words. He could also see it clearly written on her face. Even her ever-changing green eyes were displaying a deep hue.A warm shade of green to match the warm feelings she is showing me,he thought. “Thank you for your concern, Miss Elizabeth.”
Though they had drawn close to Oakham Mount, she told him she needed to head back, so they turned around.
“I apologize for keeping you from your destination this morning,” he said.
“Oh, it is no problem at all. This morning’s walk has been very enlightening. Although no longer having reasons to think ill of you shall take some getting used to,” Miss Elizabeth said with a chuckle.
Darcy grinned and shook his head. Her playfulness was one of her best attributes, in his opinion. To have it directed at him was something he would not have thought possible before today.
“Your father mentioned that Miss Mary is to accompany you and Miss Bennet to London,” Darcy said.
“Yes, it has been some time since Mary has gone to visit, so I am glad she will come with us.”
