Page 23 of Grief and Grievances
Fitzwilliam shook his head, his expression one of mingled disbelief and disappointment. “Darcy, my dear cousin, you have always been a man of logic and reason. Yet when it comes to matters of the heart, it appears you are sorely lacking in both.”
“Indeed,” Darcy murmured, his face the very picture of contrition. “I have been a fool, Fitzwilliam. I allowed my love for Elizabeth to cloud my judgement and lead me down a path that would have only brought her pain and humiliation. For this, I am truly repentant.”
“Apologies are all well and good, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam replied, softening slightly as he observed his cousin’s genuine remorse. “But they will not change the past. What matters now is how you intend to rectify your mistakes.”
Darcy pondered this question in silence, his brow furrowed in thought. He had already resolved to change his ways, but he knew that mere intention was not enough; he must take concrete action if he were to prove himself worthy of Elizabeth’s affections.
“First, I shall make amends with Miss Jane Bennet,” he declared with newfound determination, his voice steady and resolute. “I shall admit to her the error of my ways and offer my sincerest apologies for my misguided interference in her relationship with Bingley. Then, when I have earned her forgiveness, I shall endeavour to win Elizabeth’s heart by proving myself to be a better man than the one who would have so callously sought her hand while disdaining all those she holds most dear.”
“Very well,” Fitzwilliam nodded, a faint smile playing upon his lips. “But remember, Darcy: actions speak louder than words. You must not merely tell Elizabeth and her family of your changed heart; you must show them through your deeds.”
“Indeed,” Darcy agreed, a sense of purpose filling him as he contemplated the path that lay before him. “I shall not rest until I have proven myself a man of honour and integrity, worthy of Elizabeth Bennet’s love.”
“Then I wish you every success in your endeavours, cousin,” Fitzwilliam said, clasping Darcy’s shoulder in a gesture of support. “For I have no doubt that Elizabeth Bennet would make you a very happy man.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” Darcy replied softly.
“Ah, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam replied lightly, though his countenance betrayed a more serious disposition. “It seems you are learning the value of humility. A lesson well worth learning, indeed.”
As the weight of his cousin’s words settled upon him, Darcy felt a mixture of shame and resolve swirling within his chest. He knew Fitzwilliam was right; he had allowed his pride to blind him to the worth of those around him, even when it came to the woman he loved.
“Very well,” Darcy murmured, his voice a mere whisper. “I shall endeavour to see past my own prejudices and open my heart to Elizabeth’s relations, despite their flaws.”
“Bravo, Darcy!” exclaimed Fitzwilliam, clapping his cousin on the shoulder. “True growth is only possible through self-examination and the willingness to change.”
Their moment of camaraderie, however, was abruptly shattered by the sound of a stifled sob from behind the partially ajar door. Startled, Darcy and Fitzwilliam exchanged a horrified glance before rushing to confront the eavesdropper. To their dismay, they found Georgiana, tears streaming down her cheeks, standing in the shadows of the corridor.
“Georgiana!” cried Darcy, his voice laced with shock and concern. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough,” she replied, her voice trembling. “I did not mean to overhear, Fitzwilliam. Lady Catherine sent me away from Anne’s sickroom, and I had nowhere else to go.”
Darcy’s heart clenched at the sight of his sister’s tear-streaked face, and he cursed himself for allowing their private conversation to be exposed in such a manner. The last thing he wanted was for Georgiana to bear witness to his inner turmoil, especially concerning matters of love and family.
“Please, Georgiana,” he implored, his eyes beseeching her for understanding. “You must promise never to speak of what you heard tonight.”
“But you love Elizabeth!” Georgiana cried.
Darcy’s heart sank at his sister’s words. He had hoped to spare Georgiana the pain of knowing just how foolishly he had acted in his pursuit of Elizabeth’s affections. But it seemed that fate had other plans.
“Yes, Georgiana, I love Elizabeth,” he admitted, his voice heavy with regret. “But I have not behaved honourably towards her or her family. I have much to make up for, and much to learn about what it truly means to love and respect those around me.”
Georgiana regarded her brother for a long moment, her expression one of mingled concern and understanding. “I do not think less of you, William,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know you have always tried your best to do what is right, even when it is difficult. And I believe you will do what is necessary to make things right with Elizabeth and her family.”
Darcy’s heart swelled with gratitude for his sister’s unwavering faith in him, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. “Thank you, Georgiana,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “Now, you must promise me you will not repeat any of what you have heard here today.”
Georgiana’s mouth twisted, as though she did not want to, but when he held her shoulders and looked directly into her eyes, she finally nodded.
“Very well, brother. I promise I will not repeat anything I have heard in this room today, but I will have your promise in return—that you will not delay another day in beginning to set right your wrongs.”
“I promise,” Darcy said, knowing exactly what he must do first. “I shall write to Mr. Bingley this evening, confessing my part in separating him from Miss Bennet, and admitting that I was wrong to do so. And when I am next able to speak to Miss Bennet, I will tell her the truth and ask her forgiveness.”
“A good start,” Georgiana said, reaching up to kiss his cheek.
Darcy smiled at his sister, grateful for her support and understanding. He knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but with Georgiana by his side, he felt a renewed sense of determination to make things right.
As they parted ways, Darcy made his way to the study, where he sat down at the desk and took up a pen. For a moment, he sat there, staring at the blank sheet of paper before him, unsure of how to begin.
But then, with a deep breath, he began to write: “My dear Bingley, I must confess that I have acted most shamefully in regards to Miss Bennet and your affections for her...”
