“Ah. The family reputation once the truth becomes known.”
“Yes; I think it would be best if I were safely married before that happens, though our being in mourning forces a delay of at least six months. A year would be better, but we will not wait that long, lest Lydia’s folly becomes known.”
Mr. Bennet sighed. “How I wish I had kept that girl in the nursery! And how I wish that I had done better in saving money for you girls, Jane. I am a poor excuse for a father.”
Jane was silent. She wished those things as well, but there was no point in saying so.
He continued, “But now I am determined to correct my faults. You will not need a dowry if you marry Mr. Bingley, though you are entitled to your share of your mother’s four thousand pounds. I hope that the other girls will profit from my thriftiness, late as it is.”
“I am certain they will appreciate your efforts, Papa.”
Chapter Seventeen
Late August 1812
Mr. Darcy continued his efforts in London. He hired some Bow Street runners and gave them Lydia’s name and as much of a description as he could. He wished he had drawings of the girl to aid the search, but he did not.
He had not heard from his friend Bingley for some time. How were the Bennets? How was Miss Elizabeth? How was she bearing up? Did she wish to see him? Did he have a chance with her? At Pemberley, he had felt that she approved of him, that she liked him! He cursed, for the hundredth time, the dreadful timing of her sister’s letters! Had the letters come just a few days later, he might have secured Miss Elizabeth’s hand.
How very much he wished he could be in Meryton with her; if only he could somehow duplicate himself! One Darcy could be in London, searching for Lydia; the other Darcy could be in Meryton, supporting Miss Elizabeth in her trials and attempting to win her hand.
And then an idea came to him.
Richard,
I need you on an urgent family matter. Are you able to get leave?
Darcy
***
“You took me from my regiment to chase after some lightskirt??” Colonel Fitzwilliam actually put a hand on his sword.
“Are you planning to run me through, Richard?” Darcy asked, brows raised.
“My God, I have every reason to do so! I save my leave foractualfamily matters, not – not this nonsense!” The Colonel was incensed.
“It is not nonsense to me, Richard.” Darcy spoke quietly.
The Colonel stood for another minute, staring at his cousin. Finally, he sat down with a huff. “Very well, tell me why this is so very urgent. Convince me, if you can, before I get back on my horse and return to my regiment.”
“Do you recall our time together at Rosings?”
“Of course; you dragged me away from our visit rather abruptly, as I recall, with no explanation. I take it that I am finally to hear that explanation?”
“Yes; I proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, and she – quite rightly – refused me. After that, I could not stay.”
The Colonel was shocked speechless for a long minute. Then a look of amusement crossed his face. “She refused you!”
“She did.”
“And rightly, you said?”
“It was a rather insulting proposal.”
“Tell me, Darcy, how does one issue an insulting proposal?”
“By dwelling on the social disparity between yourself and the young lady, as well as the many reasons why a marriage between the two of you is a dreadful idea, so dreadful, in fact, that you fought against your inclination as long as possible.”
