Page 53 of Compromise & Consequence
“Why could you not tell them all at the same time?”
“I hesitate to raise your anger, yet again.”
“Mr. Darcy, I know you held me in contempt alongside my family. I do not believe there is anything you could tell me in that regard that will surprise me.”
He laid down his flatware and measured his words. He had promised her honesty.
“When I left Netherfield Park, I hinted broadly I was leaving with no regrets. Bingley deduced I was not going to London by way of Longbourn and I did not correct him in his assumption.”
He stopped talking because the footmen came in and cleared the plates for the second course. Elizabeth’s face had lost all its color, the exception being two dark red spots high on her cheekbones.
“As you know they did not stay in Hertfordshire and returned to town the same day as me.”
“This does not explain why you could not tell them about us getting married. Why did it have to be a private conversation between you and Mr. Bingley?”
“Bingley is my closest friend, next to my cousin, Richard. I wanted to talk things over with him. I was unsure of Wickham’s involvement in our situation and needed to know what he had heard after we left the ball. I could not take the chance of Miss Bingley overhearing what we discussed.”
“How many times must I say this? I spoke with Mr. Wickham two times, and know him only as a casual acquaintance.” She put her napkin on her plate. “I find my appetite has deserted me. If you knew what Miss Bingley wrote my cousin… she abused Jane so badly.”
“I am aware. Your uncle had Miss Bennet bring the letter down to let me read it.”
“He did?” Surprise etched across her face. “Then you know how vile a missive it was.”
“I am and, trust me, I will have words with Bingley.”
“When you speak with him, do not chastise him for leaving Netherfield Park immediately following you. In this, he did no wrong as he was under the assumption you had abandoned my family to rumor and gossip. The other drippings of nonsense concerning your sister, you have every right to take Miss Bingley to task – unless of course, what she hinted at broadly was true.”
“None of it is true. I would never have sat idly by while Bingley mooned over your sister if he had an understanding with mine.”
“So, you admit Mr. Bingley showed my cousin more regard than usual.”
“One would have to be blind not to have seen it.”
“I repeatedly assured her Mr. Bingley would not abandon his pursuit of her, seeing as my reputation was saved with our marriage. Little did I know you happily helped him cut those ties.” Elizabeth raised trembling hands to her lips and he could see her eyes well up with tears. “If you only knew how gentle my cousin is. She trusted Mr. Bingley. Felt safe with him.” Elizabeth pushed away from the table and rose to her feet. “I am sorry. I have lost my appetite and shall retire for the evening.”
She stepped away from her chair and made to leave the room.
“Elizabeth,” he called out and she paused. “You have yet to tell me how you met my aunt and sister.”
“The time for companionship and sharing has ended, Mr. Darcy. I am unwilling to remain in your company this evening.” She gave him the briefest of curtsies. “Good night.”
And once again, he watched his wife leave the room. It was becoming tedious, yet he knew not how to mend their shattered relationship. He signaled the footman to clear the table.
“Please advise Pennyroyal the meal was perfect, as usual. My wife has fallen with a headache and, as such, has retired to her rooms.”
He strode down the hall to his study, the silence of the house weighed heavy on his shoulders. His sister had abandoned him to Matlock House and his wife did not wish to speak with him and when Charles learned Miss Bennet had indeed loved him… what a mess. All because of his damnable pride.
He sat at his desk and stared at the papers scattered about on his desk. Normally, he enjoyed taking care of his estate. Writing letters of business was not odious, as Miss Bingley had simpered one fateful night at Netherfield Park. Words came easier when he could carefully order his thoughts and put them on the blank page.
He paused, and a slow smile spread across his face. There might still be a way to connect with his wife. He pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and reached for his quill and inkpot.
***
Early the next morning, Elizabeth lay in her bed and stared up at the coffered ceiling of her bedchamber, going over the conversation with her husband the previous night. His admission that he had willingly let Mr. Bingley think he would not do the honorable thing and offer marriage should not havesurprised her. She knew how angry he had been, yet her heart pinched at the idea of Jane being caught in the crossfire of his contempt toward her family.
“Odious man! And to think I was starting to like him,” she huffed before sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
Although it was still too early for Danvers to attend her chambers, she noted the scullery maid had already been up and stoked the fire, taking the chill off the room. She padded over to one of the windows and drew back the curtain, enjoying the peaceful back garden bathed in the first blush of a winter sunrise.
