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The tall lanky man with thinning hair and clothes that had little choice but to hang loosely from his body said, “Yes—I understand the purpose of his trip is rather extraordinary.”
“My father hates London, so you are very correct in surmising his being there is extraordinary.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I see no reason to be coy—especially in view of the gravity of this matter. The point is that an alliance with the Bennet family is most disadvantageous. The recent actions of your—” He combed his fingers through his hair. “If what is being rumoured about your youngest sister is true, an alliance with the Bennets would be detrimental to any decent family. I have a younger sister who is at an age where her acquaintances are increasing. I can no more injure her prospects than I can tarnish my own name—sully my family’s good name.”
Elizabeth’s voice filled with impatient indignation. “What are you saying, sir?”
“I would much rather defer this conversation until I can speak with Mr. Bennet.”
“Sir, my father is not here, and my mother is incapacitated. I am afraid that you have no choice other than to speak with me.”
“Miss Elizabeth, in all due respect—”
“Mr. Caseman, what is it that you are trying so desperately not to say?”
His expression pained, he said, “I cannot honour our fathers’ wish for an alliance between our two families.”
In the midst of all her troubles, Elizabeth’s heart leaped with joy. At least that was something positive that came from the debacle her family found itself in. Of course, my father and mother will be devastated. They have been counting on this alliance. Elizabeth’s demeanour was such that anyone who witnessed her ill-ease could not help but mistake it for heart-break and shattered hopes.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am sorry if what I have said is a cause for pain, especially at a time when your family is already plagued with disappointment, but I know not what to say.”
“Sir, you must not suffer such distress over a decision to do what is in your own best interest.”
“Then you understand.”
“I understand.”
The gentleman moved to sit next to her. “Miss Elizabeth, you cannot possibly know how much I wish I had arrived here to find a different state of affairs. Meeting you and talking with you, I cannot help but consider that an alliance between us would have been something. Pray you bear me no ill-will.”
Ill-will? I just met you, sir. The sooner you take your leave, the sooner I can dwell on matters worthy of my time and consideration. “Sir, as I have said, I understand your motives perfectly. If you will, please accept my apologies for the time and expense you incurred in your journey to Hertfordshire, when it turned out for naught. Further, I wish you Godspeed on your return to your home in Lincolnshire.”
Elizabeth had never been so glad to see a person take his leave as she was to see Mr. Caseman head off with his tail tucked between his legs. Good riddance!
Darcy sat in his study perusing his paperwork when Bingley entered the room.
“What on earth are you doing here, Bingley? I had supposed you would be in Hertfordshire, basking in the lovely Miss Bennet’s smiles.”
Bingley threw himself down in the chair and slouched in his seat.
Darcy arched his brow. “Why do I feel this is not simply a social call?”
“Darcy, the worst possible thing has happened.” Bingley swept his long fingers through his hair. “I have nowhere else to turn.”
“Pray you are exaggerating, but I will do whatever you wish to the extent it is within my power.” Darcy placed his paperwork aside and gave Bingley his full attention. “What has happened?”
“Jane and I anticipated our vows!”
Darcy tapped his fingers on his desk. I can imagine far greater travesties. “You two were engaged. Engaged couples are known to do that sort of thing.”
“Under normal circumstances, I would agree. However, there is a problem.”
“What is it man?”
“Jane has broken off the engagement. We will not be married.”
“What is this strange aversion to marriage inherent in the Bennet daughters? Does Mrs. Bennet know she and her daughters are at cross-purposes?”
“I beg your pardon.”
