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“Tell me you will wait for me.”

Elizabeth knew exactly what she wanted to say in the wake of Mr. Darcy’s proposal. Words to the effect of how unseemly it would be for her to leave Pemberley, in effect standing in her sister’s stead as the future Mistress of Pemberley. How could she? She cared not so much about the opinion of the world in general, but that of those most closely connected to her. She had no doubt of her mother’s response. But what of her father’s? Her younger sisters’? Of Jane’s?

And then it dawned on her that the gentleman had not offered his hand in marriage, but rather some ambiguous albeit intriguing notion of waiting for him.

Here again, in the wake of her apparent inability to utter a response, he said, “Elizabeth, you need not give me an answer this very minute. No doubt, you will want time to consider all the implications of such a request.”

“Sir,” she began, wanting to seek specific clarification on the nature of his request. She had hardly made a start before their intimate party of two was soon to grow into a not so intimate party of five. Indeed, the colonel flanked by the Bingley sisters clinging to either of his arms called out to his cousin from a short distance just ahead.

Speeding up their pace, Miss Bingley, as well as Mrs. Hurst, quickly relinquished their partner’s arms in favor of Mr. Darcy’s upon reaching him. This none too subtle scheme left Elizabeth to the gallantry of Colonel Fitzwilliam. As the two ladies commenced pulling Mr. Darcy away with exultations of how fortunate they were to have come across him, he threw an apologetic stare in Elizabeth’s direction.

Amid Mr. Darcy’s insistence that they must all continue their walk together, the colonel offered Elizabeth his arm. Accepting it with a gracious smile that belied her displeasure at the hands of the two women in the whole world whom she cared least about, Elizabeth, along with the colonel, fell in step with the others, and they continued along the path.

What a difference in the conversation from that point on, especially from Mr. Darcy. He barely uttered a word, content to allow the three uninvited guests to his private audience with Elizabeth to carry the conversation. They managed to do so admirably.

At length, their party came to a point along the path that begged the Bingley sisters’ admiration, thus allowing them to loosen their grips on Mr. Darcy. His cousin must have read in Mr. Darcy’s expression his desire to continue the conversation that had been so hastily abandoned for he, too, surrendered his place by Elizabeth’s side and stepped away to admire the view.

Darcy said, “I wish for us to continue this conversation. This evening perhaps, when the others have retired, and we shall be certain not to be interrupted.”

Nodding in acquiescence, Elizabeth smiled. Again, not certain of his specific intention for a clandestine meeting, but not opposed to finding out, she said. “It will be my pleasure, sir.” Her slightly arched brow effectively begged the question: “Where shall we meet?”

“Meet me in the library at midnight,” he said, his eyes filled with the promise of a night to remember.

CHAPTER 28

RICHLY DESERVE

Elizabeth had dressed with more than usual care and prepared in the highest spirits in eager anticipation of what was to unfold late that night. She spent the better part of her time glancing at the clock, for she thought the evening’s activities would never end.

At length, the gathering dispersed, everyone with the intention of retiring to his or her own apartment. When the household appeared to have settled for the evening, Elizabeth stole away from the room. She would use the excuse of searching for a book to read if she were discovered.

She did not get very far before the sound of a gentleman’s voice caused her to halt her steps. She turned to face him.

“Mr. Wickham.” She curtsied.

“Miss Elizabeth,” he said, bowing.” Pardon, Miss Bennet. Once again, I wish to congratulate you on your family’s good fortune?”

“On my sister’s behalf, I thank you, sir. “

“Indeed, I might add that your sister fared far better than she might have had fate not intervened by placing Charles Bingley in her path.”

“I beg your pardon, sir?”

“Perhaps I should not have spoken as I just did.”

“On the contrary, sir. If there is something you wish to tell me then, by all means, do so.”

With affected reluctance, he began. “It is commonly known that Darcy’s heart was not going to be touched so easily by your sister, regardless of her manifold attractions.”

“Commonly known?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, to those who know him best, your sister never stood a chance.”

Wickham’s words echoed the colonel’s sentiments too closely— indeed her own sentiments as well when Elizabeth dared confess it.

“I daresay this is not the first time that Darcy has toyed with a young woman’s heart. It is his way. At the end of the day, he will do what is expected of him.”

“And what, pray tell, do you suppose that is?”