Page 3 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
“Yet that is precisely what you have done,” Elizabeth replied, struggling to keep her voice steady. “How long has this been in negotiation?”
“Several weeks,” he admitted. “Blackfriars offered his assistance after your uncle mentioned our… difficulties.”
“And it never occurred to you to discuss this with me? The one whose life would be most affected?”
“Would you condemn your mother and sisters to destitution?” Mr Bennet asked, an edge entering his tone. “Without this, we lose everything—Longbourn, our standing in society, perhaps even a roof over our heads.”
“But to marry me off to Jonathan Blackfriars of all people! You know I find his company disagreeable. I wrote to you about my feelings from London and you told me—”
“And I told you, that London was a place to meet fools of every variety—I recall.”
“And now you’d have me marry one.”
Mr Bennet shook his head. “I did not know him then. And you can be rather quick to judge. It was you he asked for, Lizzy. He has been… quite determined in his pursuit.”
Elizabeth recalled Jonathan’s persistent attentions during their time in London—his uncomfortable scrutiny, his presumption, his habit of appearing wherever she went.
“I cannot believe you would do this,” she whispered.
“I am trying to secure all of our futures,” Mr Bennet said. “Including yours. Blackfriars can provide for you in a manner I no longer can.”
Elizabeth turned away, pressing her fingers to her temples. “There must be another way.”
“If you can discover another solution before the creditors descend next month, I am willing to listen,” Mr Bennet replied.
Elizabeth moved to the window, looking out at the familiar landscape that now seemed like a prison. The weight of choice pressed upon her: her own happiness against the securityof her entire family. What right had she to refuse when so much hung in the balance?
“When must I give my answer?” she asked.
“The banns must be read soon for a wedding next month in London,” Mr Bennet replied. “By week’s end, Lizzy.”
“Next month? That is uncommonly soon.”
“Jonathan leaves for the Continent in the autumn. He wishes you settled in their London home before his departure.”
Another chill ran down her spine. Her father’s manner was grave, lacking his usual sardonic humour. She sat, clasping her hands in her lap to disguise their trembling. Three days to decide the course of her entire future. Elizabeth closed her eyes, feeling trapped in a nightmare from which she could not wake.
“I shall consider it,” she said at last, the words bitter on her tongue.
Mr Bennet stood beside her, placing a hesitant hand on her shoulder. “I am sorry, my Lizzy. If there were any other way…”
She nodded without speaking, unable to look at him. He left her alone with her thoughts and the impossible choice before her: her own happiness or her family’s salvation. Her worst nightmare versus their rescue.
As she stood and looked outside at the home, she had known all her life, she already knew that she did not need three days to make up her mind. She understood what it was she had to do.
Chapter 1
Darcy
London
10th May 1812
The drawing room in Matlock House, Lord Matlock’s Mayfair townhouse, was crowded, despite it being Wednesday evening. Fitzwilliam Darcy shifted in his seat, the collar that had fit perfectly at his valet’s inspection now seemed to tighten with each passing minute.
“Do you not agree, Mr Darcy?”
Lady Eleanor Hayward leaned towards him, her fan fluttering. Her countenance, though undeniably handsome, failed to stir any particular sentiment within him beyond polite appreciation.
