Page 53 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
For the next hour, they worked through the details—payment schedules, legal documentation, the timing of various announcements.
The air between the men was civil as they went to business with the plan, yet Darcy could not shake the feeling that he was being gently but thoroughly managed by a man who saw far more than he let on.
***
Later that afternoon, Darcy found himself in the Gardiners’ sitting room, though this time the atmosphere felt markedly different. Elizabeth sat across from him, her posture more relaxed than he had seen before, whilst Mrs Gardiner provided a comfortable chaperonage from her position by the window.
“Mr Morton seemed pleased with our arrangements,” Elizabeth said without preamble. “He called on us earlier.”
“The financial matters are settled. Longbourn is secure.” Darcy paused. “He spoke very fondly of your family. Of Jane in particular.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened. “Uncle Morton has always been dear to us. Papa used to say he was the best of men, too trusting for his own good.”
“I can see why his nephew took advantage of such a nature.”
“Indeed. But that is finished now, thank goodness.” Elizabeth leaned forward slightly. “Uncle Morton mentioned that you seemed confident about Mr Bingley’s feelings for Jane?”
“I am. Charles has been miserable since leaving Netherfield. When I explained the truth about your sister’s character, he was eager to make amends.”
“And when will he do so?”
“He plans to call on her within the week.” Darcy met Elizabeth’s eyes. “I believe you will find him most repentant.”
“Good. Jane deserves happiness after all she has endured.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Darcy broached the subject that had been troubling him since his conversation with Morton.
“Miss Elizabeth…” Darcy hesitated, then plunged ahead. “Thank you. For seeing a solution where I saw only disaster. Your quick thinking may well save four people from considerable unhappiness.”
“Let us hope so, Mr Darcy. Now, we should discuss our own public appearances. I understand your uncle is hosting a soirée next week?”
“Yes, and Lady Dalrymple has invited us to her musicale. She is a relation of my aunt, Lady Matlock. We must be seen together at various social events.”
“Very well. Though I should warn you—I intend to be a most demanding fiancée. If we are to convince society of our attachment, I shall expect you to be properly attentive.”
Darcy felt his lips twitch despite himself. “I shall endeavour to meet your exacting standards, Miss Elizabeth.”
“See that you do, Mr Darcy. Our reputations depend upon it.”
As he took his leave, Darcy reflected that their arrangement, whilst born of necessity, might prove far more agreeable than he had initially anticipated. Elizabeth Bennet was proving to be a most fascinating woman—even if she was only temporarily his.
Chapter 19
Elizabeth
Elizabeth’s hands trembled as she adjusted the emerald silk gown Mrs Gardiner had insisted that she borrow. Two weeks had passed since her arrangement with Mr Darcy, two weeks of careful planning and nervous anticipation. Tonight would mark her first public appearance as Mr Darcy’s supposed fiancée at Lord Matlock’s ball, and a cold weight settled in her middle.
What if someone saw through their deception? What if she said the wrong thing, looked the wrong way, failed to convince society of their attachment?
“Stop fidgeting, my dear,” Mrs Bennet said from her position by the window. “You look beautiful. That gown suits you wonderfully.”
“I feel ill, Mama. This is such a risk.”
“Nonsense. You and Mr Darcy make a handsome couple. Such a fine figure of a man, and so well spoken.” Mrs Bennet’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “When he called yesterday, I was quite impressed by his manner. Very proper, very attentive to you.”
Elizabeth winced at the memory. “You were rather… enthusiastic in your praise of him.”
“I behaved myself admirably,” Mrs Bennet protested. “Perhaps I mentioned his fine estate once or twice, and hisconnections to the Earl of Matlock, but that is only natural conversation.”
