“With the situation.”
Wickham considered. “From what I observed, neither Miss Elizabeth nor her parents appear to regard the matter as of great consequence.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened slightly. “No.”
“Then I should advise you to treat it as such. Leave Miss Mary to her own reflections. Her parents must manage her zeal as they see fit.”
Darcy grimaced.
Wickham smiled faintly. “You do not believe they are adept handlers.”
Darcy did not reply.
Wickham’s smile widened just enough to acknowledge the truth without stating it. “The two youngest appear to be quite lively.”
Darcy almost smiled.
Almost.
“I must report for duty,” Wickham said, glancing toward the clock. “I only wished to see whether you bore the assault well.”
“I do,” Darcy replied. “Thank you. It was good of you to call.”
“I could do nothing less for family.” Wickham inclined his head. “Good day, cousin.”
“Good day.”
When the door closed, the room seemed quieter than before. Darcy remained standing for some time, reflecting upon Wickham’s counsel. It was sensible advice. Elizabeth herself had not appeared distressed by Mary’s objections. Mr. Bennet had treated the matter with indifference. Mrs. Bennet with incomprehension.
Why then did it linger so heavily upon him?
His gaze drifted toward the window once more.
Elizabeth.
The question he had not yet permitted himself to form now rose fully.
Would she convert?
If their marriage were to be solemnized at Pemberley—if their children were to inherit not only land but legacy—could he ask less?
The faith of his fathers stretched back centuries—through recusancy, through fines and quiet defiance, through marriages arranged in whispers and baptisms conducted in secrecy. It was not mere preference. It was inheritance. It was continuity. It was blood.
But Elizabeth was not continuity.
She was choice.
If she refused—if her conscience held her elsewhere—could he require it of her? Could he insist upon something so foundational?
Could he relinquish it?
Or worse—
Could he relinquish her?
The thought struck with uncomfortable clarity.
He loved her.
