Page 21 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
“Mr Darcy? Twice?” The surprise was evident on her face, the gravity of the revelation sinking in. “And you declined his offer. Pray tell me why, Lizzy. You appeared to be fond of him at one point, in fact I wondered if you were setting your cap on him.”
Elizabeth gave a sigh and then told Jane all about Mr Darcy’s role in Mr Bingley’s departure for London. How he and Mr Bingley’s sisters had wished to separate them, fearing the Bennets to be a poor choice for a man wishing to better himself in society. When she finished, she waited to see what her sister’s reaction would be.
For a moment, Jane struggled to find her voice. “How could he? Mr Darcy, of all people, should understand the strength of his influence over Mr Bingley,” she said, her brow furrowing with disbelief. “It is unfathomable to think he would let such biases influence Mr Bingley’s heart.” She clenched her hands, her mind racing as she grappled with the implications of Elizabeth’s revelations.
“So you see, it was not entirely Mr Bingley’s doing, nor his desire to part from you. He was encouraged by a man he trusted, and by his sisters.”
“He always did value their opinions—do you think he truly regrets it now?”
“I am sure, that is what Mr Darcy led me to believe, and Aunt Gardiner’s letter certainly indicates it as well.”
She looked at Jane as her sister’s jaw moved back and forth, as if she were trying to make sense of it all. She knew Jane wanted to forgive Mr Bingley, and hearing that he had been manipulated might help make it easier.
“You can see why I would not want to marry him. Yet, when he called on us earlier, he proposed once more —not out of love, but for purely practical reasons. The marriage would help us financially and also allow him to escape his aunt’s machinations.” She made a full report of what Mr Darcy had told her and Jane listened, stunned.
“Lizzy, I do not know what to say. I can understand why you do not wish to marry him but if it is mainly because of what he has done with regard to myself and Mr Bingley, do not let that be your guide. He had seen the error of his ways and one must show grace.”
“You are too good for this world, Jane,” she said. “But how can I marry a man who has done such things to my family, and who looks down on me? I could not spend my life with him and be happy,” she paused and glanced out of the window, trying to gather her thoughts. “Yet, at the same time he holds the key to helping father. If we wait much longer…” Even if Jane forgave Mr Bingley, it would be some time before they could be together, and she could not very well ask him for money. Besides, she would never do such a thing, not unless he offered and even then, they would need to be married. All of this could be weeks away if it happened at all.
Just because Jane wanted to forgive Mr Bingley, her heart had been badly wounded. Did Mr Bingley want to marry her, or did he simply feel guilty for the way he had been so easily influenced? There were too many variables, too many uncertainties…
Mr Darcy was offering money now…
“What if you were to come to an arrangement?” Jane asked.
“Arrangement?”
“If you and Mr Darcy were to enter a courtship, even one that was false, that might be enough—if he only has to disprove his aunt’s story and quieten the gossip regarding his forthcoming nuptials. He may be willing to help us in return. I do not see why you must marry him,” Jane said, and Elizabeth was thoroughly surprised by her sister’s level of deception. Although… was it? If they married it would be a deception as well, would it not?
“To enter into a courtship with Mr Darcy whether false or not, would also draw society’s attention to our family. And if we were not to wed, scandal would ensue,” Elizabeth said.
Jane’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she spoke, “Though if Papa were not to recover, what would our family’s reputation matter?”
The sisters exchanged glances, the weight of the situation pressing upon them, but also reinforcing their bond. “Perhaps I ought to speak with him. But Jane, this is indeed a terrible state of affairs,” Elizabeth said with a sigh, a trace of a smile creeping onto her lips despite the circumstances. “We seem to be entangled in a web of misunderstandings and misplaced affections.”
Jane nodded thoughtfully, her heart still heavy but resolute. “Nevertheless, we must not lose hope. We have much to consider, Lizzy, and perhaps we can find a way through this chaos.”
Together, they shared a moment of silent agreement—an unspoken vow to navigate the trials ahead with courage, unitedin their determination to seek love and joy, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
Chapter 12
Elizabeth
Elizabeth walked along the gravel path leading to the inn, her heart was thundering in her chest as each step brought her closer to him. The prospect of facing Mr Darcy again unnerved her, though she steadied herself with long-practiced composure. Before entering, she paused to address the innkeeper. “Please inform Mr Darcy that I am waiting for him outside. He is expecting me.”
Moments later, Mr Darcy emerged, the faintest of smiles softening his otherwise serious demeanour. Elizabeth’s chest tightened involuntarily. She chastised herself for the sudden flutter, reminding herself why she was here.
“Miss Bennet,” Mr Darcy greeted her warmly as he approached. “I must admit, I had hoped you had reached a decision quickly. Although your countenance implies there is more to discuss.”
Elizabeth took a steadying breath. “Indeed, there is much to discuss, Mr Darcy. Let me begin by saying I have not decided, though it would be foolish of me to deny the weight of my family’s circumstances.” She met his gaze squarely. “That said, I must be transparent. I have no desire to become Mrs Darcy, and I struggle to believe your intentions in proposing this arrangement are entirely pure.”
Mr Darcy let out a quiet snort in response to her words, an uncharacteristic and unguarded reaction that caught Elizabeth by surprise. “Pure intentions? Miss Bennet, I makeno such claim. It is true—I desired to marry you. In truth, my feelings for you have not much altered, despite your stern rebuke the last time we spoke on this subject. However, I assure you, this is no underhanded ploy.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, her scepticism plain. “Yet you admit your feelings have not changed. Am I to believe this proposal is wholly driven by necessity? Might it not be your way of achieving your original aim after all?”
“Partially,” Mr Darcy said honestly, surprising her. “But my reasons are far from singular. Yes, I do hope that this marriage might provide an opportunity for you to reconsider your judgement of me. Still, I must insist that our conversation focuses on matters of practicality, not my affections.” He straightened, and Elizabeth could tell he was restraining himself. “There is no need for conjecture, Miss Bennet. Whatever my motives, this arrangement serves a greater purpose. We both have families to protect. We can do so together.”
“Why must it be a marriage? Why can’t it be a courtship? A false courtship. Surely that would satisfy anyone curious about your circumstances?”
