Elizabeth, however, did not pay any attention to the second gentleman, focused as she was on his companion. “You spoke of me to your sister.”
“Is it unusual for a man to write of his doings when away from his family? Georgianaismy family.”
It was a logical suggestion, and one Elizabeth did not believe for a moment. While she had considered Mr. Darcy devoid of any proper feeling and his proposal had not improved her opinion, she could now truthfully say that his letter had overthrown much of her perception of him. Her initial judgment that he would quickly learn to regard her rejection of his suit with relief appeared to be the grossest falsehood, for it was clear he had regarded her favorably as early as those days at Netherfield. Elizabeth could think of no other reason he might have mentioned her to his sister, regardless of his claims of writing of his doings. She doubted, for example, that he ever wrote of Miss Bingley to his sister.
“I suppose you must be correct,” said Elizabeth, not wishing to voice her suspicions aloud. She did not yet know what to think of them.
“Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, appearing distinctly uncomfortable, “but might I assume you read my letter?”
Elizabeth glanced at the colonel, wondering that Mr. Darcy was being so open before his cousin. Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at her and nodded his understanding.
“Darcy has informed me of the matter. Do not suppose I blame you for rejecting his suit, for he has told me enough to understand that it was not the best proposal.”
“Yes, I read it, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth paused, seeing he wished to ask her what she thought of it. “It was hard, I will own, to read such words of my family, though much of what you said is the truth. You misjudged my sister, but I understand why you did it. As for Mr. Wickham...”
Blushing, Elizabeth could not help but look away. Soon, however, her courage came to her rescue, and she dared to peek back at the gentlemen.
“I was nothing less than blind when I accepted his charges without question. You need speak no further on that score, for I do not question your account.”
That Mr. Darcy and his cousin regarded each other suggested that she had said something to give them concern. Perhaps their reason for coming concerned the officer, though Elizabeth had no notion of any matter concerning Mr. Wickham that might involve the Bennets. The moment passed, and they turned their attention back to her.
“Thank you for your trust, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy.
“I can add my testimony to Darcy’s,” added Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I have been aware of Darcy’s every dealing with Wickham.”
“Then I thank you for your assurance,” said Elizabeth. “Now, I believe you wish to speak with my father.”
At their confirmation, Elizabeth turned and led them the short distance to her father’s door. When she rapped on the solid wood, her father called out permission to enter, which Elizabeth did with alacrity, leading the two gentlemen into the room. While Mr. Bennet’s first reaction was idle interest, he was soon as shocked by the sight of Mr. Darcy as Elizabeth had been only a short time before.
“Papa,” said Elizabeth, “Mr. Darcy and his cousin have asked to speak to you.”
“Very well, Elizabeth,” said Mr. Bennet. “You may leave us.” He paused and grinned at her, adding: “But you may wish to stay nearby. Given the grim countenances of these gentlemen, I suspect I might wish for your counsel before long.”
“Of course, Papa,” said Elizabeth.
Her last sight as she departed, was the level look Mr. Darcy gave her, accompanied by an almost imperceptible nod. As Elizabeth let herself from the room, she wondered how soon they might call for her attendance.
There was little enough reason to loiter about in the hall waiting for the summons, and Elizabeth determined to use her time better. Miss Darcy, she saw upon reentering the sitting-room, appeared ill at ease in the company of her family, though Jane was making a valiant attempt to draw her out. Elizabeth’s heart melted at the sight of her sister giving this shy young girl her attention, the same girl Miss Bingley had set up as Jane’s rival for Mr. Bingley’s affections.
Thus, Elizabeth stepped into the room, resolved to do her part. Georgiana Darcy was a girl well worth knowing.
Chapter VIII
The moment Miss Elizabeth departed, Mr. Bennet gestured to a pair of chairs before his desk, inviting them to sit. “I must own that I am astonished to see you here again, Mr. Darcy. I rather expected you would take your friend’s example and avoid our little corner of the kingdom.”
Darcy peered at the other man, trying to determine the severity of his comment. A moment’s observation informed him that Mr. Bennet was mildly interested in his return and did not appear to be at all confrontational. Not having much experience with the man and having only a little of Miss Elizabeth’s commentary about his character, he had not known what to expect. That Mr. Bennet had every reason to resent Bingley for leaving his eldest behind with nary a word of explanation was not lost on Darcy. Perhaps he would have vented his displeasure more if Bingley had been present, having no notion of Darcy’s involvement in the matter. If that was so, Darcy could only be grateful he did not need to navigate such shoals now.
“I see you have been making yourself welcome yet again, Darcy,” said Fitzwilliam, jesting at Darcy’s expense as was his wont.
“You have seen it in other places?”
Fitzwilliam grinned at the other man. “Darcy here is an excellent fellow, one of the best I have ever met. It is quite unfortunate he does not possess much talent for recommending himself to others, for he often appears unapproachable.”
“That is a quality I cannot despise, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” replied Mr. Bennet easily. “As a man who detests society myself, I would be ecstatic if I possessed the ability to keep those with whom I did not wish to associate away with just a scowl.”
“Yes, I can imagine you might wish for it,” said Fitzwilliam, the mournful shake of his head completely at odds with his barely suppressed mirth. “Unfortunately, I do not think it is a learned skill. Darcy’s father had it too, and he passed it down to his son. Perhaps a lively wife would improve his manner. Do you suppose you could help with that?”
Mr. Bennet roared with laughter, wiping at his eyes while Fitzwilliam turned an innocent look on Darcy, who regarded them both with exasperation. It was just like his cousin to jest when there was serious business afoot.
