Page 10 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Nodding to the brightening sky, Darcy said, “It is both charming and restful.”
“I have never suggested anyone meet me at this summit, though my sisters and Charlotte accompany me on occasion.” She seemed to breathe in the warmth of the sun as she took in all before them.
Making every effort to follow her good example and see the scenery about them rather than continuing to find in her every loveliness, Darcy grasped for something to say. “I miss the noise that comes with four, even three, people in the home.”
“I love all my family, but there are days when peace would be preferred. All the greater on days my mother bemoans her efforts being wasted on Jane’s and my intent to marry for nothing less than esteem. You can imagine her despair of my ever finding a husband. Her list of complaints extends beyond my reading. I also assist my father in the management of our estate. But I do, of course, love her dearly.” After she took a breath from this little speech, she added, “I am sorry for the loss of your parents, Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you. It has been only a few years since my father died. Not a day passes that I do not miss his guidance. My mother was lost to us weeks after my sister was born, sixteen years ago. There are days I miss her more acutely than I do my father. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man who is not an old codger yet haunts the corridors of Pemberley.”
“I am sure I am intimidated. Fitzwilliam is quite an austere name.”
“I am Darcy to my friends and family. My sister calls me William. Fitzwilliam was my mother’s surname, so it became my familiar one. A tradition bestowed upon the first sons in the Darcy line. But when my cousin and I are in the same room, it becomes confusing.”
“You know I am Lizzy to my family and closer acquaintances. My dearest friend Charlotte is the one person I allow to call me Eliza.”
“My sister is Georgiana—Ana—is with me at Netherfield Park.”
“I am certain she is happy to have traveled with you. I commend you for your consideration of her.”
“It was not always so, but she is teaching me how to be a better brother and guardian. My name and fortune are why some ladies hunt me in Town. To you, since you are aware of my business partnership, I confess that I am worth more than the reported ten thousand a year. The number of hunters after me might dwindle if they knew I was a partner in Bingley’s venture. But some would be all the more determined in their pursuit.”
“I applaud your efforts in ensuring the future success of your family,” said Miss Elizabeth.
“Just so. Businesses will expand, and many tenants leave farms to work a job, knowing a wage is to be given by the week or month. Change is inevitable. I refuse to be blind by favoring the past the way other landowners are.”
“You claim the ladies hunt you? Should I be glad that by avoiding my mother, I am being counted amongst those who do not? Or, do you feel slighted for her not attempting to match you with Jane?”
“In choosing Bingley for the sister you claim the sweetest amongst you, your mother considers your happiness.” Seeing she did not laugh, he added, “I meant to make a joke, Miss Elizabeth. Forgive me. Please know I saw your mother’s efforts with a kindly eye. She did not wish the sister that you hold dearest to be wasted on an ogre like me. In this, she is far better than my aunt, who proclaims to all a betrothal to my cousin that never existed. Anne would have been a far better match for my cousin Richard. He is a second son and one of the best men I have known. Her objection is to their having to live at Rosings Park. I believe Lady Catherine wants Anne to marry me so that she retains control of the estate.”
“That you try to jest about my mother’s scheming and claim it not to be the worst you have come across is another example of your own. But I confess concern for your cousin. She might hear about these expectations of your marriage frequently. Does she know you intend not to fulfill her mother’s wishes, or do you believe she has just read it from your mind? My father has, on occasion, believed us capable. I can attest that the outcome is never what he expects or wishes.”
“I do love my cousin, though I cannot remember telling her thus in recent years. I asked Anne once if she wanted to marry me. She assured me she did not. She said we would have a dreadful marriage because we are too similar. In her words, we both sap the lifeblood from a room rather than invigorate it. She said Pemberley would become a great pit of despair, the one beacon of light being my sister.”
Miss Elizabeth asked, “You say nothing to her mother in favor of avoiding a scene, no doubt?”
“I do. I suppose you abhor this common failing of men.”
“It is insulting that men believe women will always cause a scene.” The debate enlivened Miss Elizabeth’s expression. “An upsetting situation might have been tempered if she had been informed the moment he understood it would not be as expected. What is upsetting is the time we wasted waiting for what he knew would not occur.”
“No man I know wishes to disappoint a lady he cares for.”
“Yet, it will happen. My uncle appreciates that my aunt Maddie is the epitome of serenity, even when there is unwelcome news. But it is because he shares the news near the moment he, himself, is aware.”
“My friend Bingley has addressed things long needing attention. I will follow his good example. I shall send an express to my cousin Anne, warning her that I am writing my aunt. Anne will not thank me for her mother’s anger, but I believe she willbe relieved by knowing this game her mother plays with us is ended.”
“Is it the sort of news best done by letter? You may think it acceptable, and it may be. I do not know the intimate dynamics. Perhaps your cousin could visit your sister while your aunt accepts your decision?”
“You are quicker in thought than I this morning, Miss Bennet. I think Anne has never been invited to Town by my aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. My uncle can bring Anne to London and escape the brunt of her mother’s anger. While there, she might seek more qualified doctors to diagnose why she often feels weak,” Darcy said, taking Miss Elizabeth’s hand again.
When he held it a moment longer than proper, Darcy felt her eyes searching his profile as she, no doubt, wondered at his boldness.
“You have met many of my sisters. Please tell me of your sister.”
“Rather than only speak of her, I wonder if it would be too much if I ask to introduce her to your society today?”
“It would be my pleasure. I am certain she will find among us Bennets one who will suit her idea of a friend.”
“I can assure you she will enjoy the opportunity to meet you. Now, I must return to Netherfield to support Bingley. In our first set, did I mention that Miss Bingley also has no say in who I will marry? Bingley and I feared she might attempt to compromise me. She proved herself brazen enough to try. I am here with you, so you see, she was thwarted. But it is not to be an easy morning for my friend.”
