Six
“I am afraid Catherine has lost her mind completely, my dear, and I have utterly lost my patience,” the earl declared, hurriedly pouring himself a glass of brandy. Then he looked at his wife, puzzled.
“Have you changed your mind about the ride in the park?”
“I have. I believe we should take this opportunity to talk to Darcy.”
“About what?” the earl enquired.
“We have nothing to discuss at this moment,” Darcy declared, “despite the fact that my aunt believes otherwise.”
“I am in no disposition for charades,” the earl responded.
“Neither am I, Uncle. Therefore, I shall explain briefly what my aunt believes to be a subject for debate.”
The earl looked at his wife, then back at Darcy, sipping from his glass and waiting.
“Lady Catherine travelled to Hertfordshire to confront Miss Elizabeth Bennet about an engagement which did not exist. As I have already explained, Miss Elizabeth is the second daughter of a gentleman. Her eldest sister will marry Bingley soon.”
“Yes, we know all this,” the earl said.
“What you may not know, although I have already confessed it several times, is that I do admire Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I hope to have the opportunity to speak more with her and to consolidate a friendship.”
“Yes, I believe you told us as much. Either you or Geoffrey,” the earl replied with an unexpected calmness. “And? What else is there to discuss? I cannot argue with a gentleman over his desire to befriend a young woman.”
“Excuse me?” Lady Matlock interjected with apparent vexation. “Husband, have you had one too many drinks? Can you not understand your nephew’s words? His interest in this young woman is more than mere friendship!”
“That might be the case, but why would it be our concern? I hope you are aware that Geoffrey has had many lady friends, and I never discussed the matter with him.”
“Surely you are trying to annoy me, sir! You must know what I am talking about. Darcy has serious designs on this young woman. He intends to pursue this Miss Bennet, and we might be in a situation to agree with Catherine after all!”
“I might sound disrespectful, but I would rather not continue this pointless conversation—it might turn into a quarrel,” Darcy declared. He breathed deeply, then continued. “I shall not deny that Miss Bennet is the only woman I have considered for more than a friendship, but I have no reason to believe that such an attempt would meet with success at this moment. Yes, I intend to pursue her, but it will be a hard endeavour as her opinion of me has been very ill. I shall consider myself quite fortunate if she accepts me one day.”
Lady Matlock gave a gasp of disbelief and opposition, covering her mouth with her hand. “You expect that a young woman with no fortune, no connections, no dowry, the daughter of a country gentleman would not accept you? Surely you are joking?”
“I am not joking, and I am quite certain that she will only accept a man whom she can love and admire. I am not sure I am that man, but I shall try my best to become him.”
“Darcy, you have lost your mind! Catherine was correct after all.”
“I have never been clearer minded or more determined. But I must repeat — I have had no such discussion with Miss Bennet, I have barely spoken to her since August, and she is ignorantof my intentions. Any rumours on this subject would make her uncomfortable and would make me look like a ridiculous fool.”
“So…then you have decided to have her?”
“I have if it is possible!”
“You must realise that we cannot agree with such a choice for your wife. That we cannot welcome her into our family,” his aunt said.
“If such an event does eventually occur, my wife and my sister will be my family. I would dearly welcome all of you if you wish it, but if not, I shall be content with the happiness I shall gain through my marriage.”
Darcy made his statement and immediately felt a deep sense of relief. His heart became lighter — as if a burden had been removed from his chest.
He had spoken his mind, he had made a decision, and he had stated it aloud. He would admit no arguments, nothing that would distress his wife or sister.
“Husband, you have nothing to say? You are his closest relative—you should advise him on what is best for him and for the family!” Lady Matlock addressed the earl, clearly in a perturbed state of mind.
“I might have something to say, madam, but I doubt Darcy wishes to listen. I hardly remember advising him in any matter before, so why would I be so presumptuous as to do it now? I might not agree with whom he intends to marry, but as long as she is an honourable woman who will not hurt the family’s reputation, my opinion matters little.”
“What do you imply? Should we give him our blessing? Should we accept just anyone into the family?”
