“But I do not wish to impress her, and I certainly do not want her gratitude. Besides, it gives me great pleasure to have purchased Wickham’s debts. He knows I can send him to prison whenever I desire.”
“Upon my word, Darcy, I do not know what to think of all this. I know you well enough to understand that your declared admiration for Miss Bennet is not insignificant.”
“It is not. But please do not assume more. And please do not share this with anyone. I wish to avoid exposing Miss Elizabeth to more harm.”
“But I cannot deny that I am shocked. It never crossed my mind. Will you… Would you… What do you plan to do? What do you want to do?”
“See to my business, as always. Then I shall go to Netherfield to attend Bingley’s wedding, as I promised.”
“Will you… Do you intend to talk to Miss Elizabeth?”
“Of course I do. It would be awkward not to speak to her, would you not agree?”
“You know what I mean, Darcy.”
“I know, but that is all I can say. I shall be happy to meet and talk to her again. I hope she will not hold Lady Catherine’s insults against me. I shall certainly apologise to her.”
“But Darcy, do you intend to do something? In regard to Miss Elizabeth? Her family… Wickham is her brother now.”
“I am aware of that. Whatever Wickham is or does, he is not my main concern, nor the main obstacle in my plans.”
“Lady Catherine will be incandescent with rage — you must know that.”
“I do, but she is not my main concern either.”
“My parents will be shocked too. They will likely oppose such a connection…”
“I value your parents’ opinion, but as you must know, once I make a decision, I shall not be deterred by any opposition.”
“I know. That is what I fear, and I dread to assume how things will progress. I certainly need another drink.”
“I would like another one too.” Darcy smiled.
***
Later that day, the doctor returned to examine Anne, who was still asleep.
“I cannot give you a prognosis yet,” the doctor said. “I must observe her for several more days. What I can see is that she is very weak. I shall tell Mrs. Gibbs what sort of foods I would recommend for Miss de Bourgh, and I have also brought some medicine that I have used in previous similar cases. My colleagues will join me tomorrow, and I hope that together we shall reach a conclusion. Miss Darcy is with Miss de Bourgh now,” he added. “I asked the maid to prepare the medicine and bring some soup too. There is not much else we can do for now, except that I strongly advise that she remain in London for a while, to rest properly and to be under our supervision.”
“I shall insist on following your advice,” Darcy promised. As soon as the doctor left, he went to Anne’s room, where a maid and Georgiana were sitting with his cousin.
“I would like to speak to Miss de Bourgh for a moment,” he addressed the maid, who immediately left.
Georgiana was about to do the same, but he stopped her.
“You may stay, my dear,” he said, pulling a chair towards the bed. “I just want to ask Anne how she is feeling and — more importantly — what she wants to do.”
“To do?” Anne repeated weakly.
“Yes. Your decision is very important and the only one that matters. Lady Catherine should not have a say when your well-being is involved.”
“I am sure Mama wishes what is best for me.”
“Your mother wishes what she believes is best for you. As we all know, Lady Catherine is not always right. If I were to choose between the doctor’s advice and your mother’s request, my choice would be clear.”
“I would like to stay for a little while. But I cannot argue with Mama.”
“Yes, you can. Anne, do you realise that you are of age, and as such, you have inherited your father’s entire fortune? You may make decisions about anything, including your mother’s future. You may do whatever you want with your money and your properties. Whatever you wish to do, I shall assist you in the best way I can.”
