Page 2 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
They were about to enter their carriage.
“Ah, the Bennet girls,” the elder Mr Blackfriars exclaimed upon seeing them.
Elizabeth curtsied politely, though the hairs on the back of her neck stood up under Jonathan’s scrutiny. Though his appearance and manners were impeccable, something in his demeanour struck her as too practised.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Blackfriars said with a bow. “What a fortunate meeting. We were just taking our leave.”
Jonathan stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Elizabeth with unsettling intensity. “Miss Elizabeth, a pleasure to see you again. I was quite dismayed when your father said you were out. But I trust we shall meet more frequently in the coming days.”
“You will be in Hertfordshire for some time, I assume?” she replied, though hoping he would say no.
“I hope to be, if the opportunity arises,” he replied, leaning just close enough that she felt his breath warm on her skin. Elizabeth stepped back, there was something proprietorial in his manner which she did not like.
Thankfully, the Blackfriars made their farewells and departed, the wheels of their carriage crunching on the gravel as they drove away. Elizabeth and Jane exchanged puzzled glances before making their way into the house.
***
“What brings Mr Blackfriars and Jonathan all the way from London?” Elizabeth asked as they entered the drawing room where Mrs Bennet sat, her expression jovial.
“Mr Bennet, shall we not tell the girls the exciting news?”
Mr Bennet’s face grew grave. “Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with Elizabeth privately first.”
“Nonsense!” Mrs Bennet exclaimed. “Such wonderful news should be shared with everyone!” She turned to her daughters with a wide smile. “Mr Blackfriars has generously offered to save Longbourn with a substantial loan.”
“That is indeed kind of him,” Jane said.
Elizabeth, however, noted her father’s pained expression. “What are the terms of this generous loan, Father?”
No one spoke. Mrs Bennet’s smile faltered.
“Mr Bennet?” she prompted.
“The loan is contingent upon… well, Mr Blackfriars has proposed a match between you and his son Jonathan,” Mr Bennet said quietly. “I have given my consent.”
Elizabeth staggered forward, one hand gripping to the back of the chair. She stared at her father; certain she had misheard.
“You have done what?”
“Oh, Lizzy!” Mrs Bennet rushed forward, clasping her hands. “Is it not wonderful? To think, you will be settled so well in London! The Blackfriars are very wealthy, you know, and Jonathan has shown a particular interest in you. Your Uncle Gardiner even said so.”
Elizabeth pulled her hands away, staring at her father in disbelief. “You arranged my marriage without consulting me?”
Jane stepped closer, placing a steadying hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “There must be some misunderstanding.”
“There is no misunderstanding, our financial situation is dire, it is far worse than you know. Without this plan, we face complete ruin.”
“Come, Jane,” Mrs Bennet said. “Let us check on your sisters. I believe Lydia and Kitty were making quite a noise upstairs. They will bring the whole house down on our ears with their ruckus.”
Jane hesitated. “But Mother—”
“Please, Jane,” Mr Bennet insisted. “I must speak with Elizabeth privately.”
Jane allowed herself to be led from the room. Mr Bennet closed the door behind them and turned to face his daughter.
“Is it true?” Elizabeth asked, her voice barely audible. “You have agreed to sell me to save Longbourn?”
Mr Bennet sought refuge in his chair, and Elizabeth saw not the witty, carefree father of her childhood but a man haunted by the consequences of his indulgences. “That is not how I would characterise it, Lizzy.”
