Page 40 of Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone
Rather than ring the bell, Kitty grabbed Maria Lucas by the hand and they both exited the room. A few minutes later, Hill arrived with fresh tea and biscuits. Lizzy knew Kitty had gone upstairs to join Lydia, and in their rooms the three girls would most likely sigh over all the handsome red-coated gentlemen they knew. She held onto a faint hope that maybe some other young soldier, other than Wickham, would grab hold of their fancy.
“I had an interesting conversation with your father.”
She faced Fitzwilliam and saw that he was smiling. It was then she noticed he had a dimple. She determined to make him smile more often.
“It must have been a jolly conversation for you to be in such good humor.”
He pressed closer, the heat of his body transferring to hers.
“Why did you never tell me you were the daughter of a Viscount?”
“Firstly, I only discovered this news myself prior to Jane falling ill at Netherfield. Secondly, I believed my company was not welcome and even though I outranked all of you, I do not need to put on the airs of nobility to feel my worth.”
“God, I love you woman.”
“And I love you, my peasant fiancé.”
All eyes turned to them when Fitzwilliam laughed outright. They both straightened in their seat and tried to project a more acceptable picture of contentment.
“You must forgive them, Lady Lucas. I’m afraid the champagne has gone to their heads,” Mama explained. “Mr. Darcy and Lizzy are engaged. Isn’t that wonderful news.”
“That is wonderful news.” The pinched look on her closest neighbor’s face belied her words. Charlotte gave Lizzy a warm, yet knowing look. Lady Lucas opened her mouth to speak once more when Mama interrupted.
“And, I do believe we shall have more good news once Mr. Bennet returns with Mr. Bingley.”
“Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield Park?”
“Oh yes,” Mama fluttered her lace handkerchief in the air. “He and Mr. Darcy arrived soon after we broke our fast, so determined were they in their quest.”
“Quest?”
“Mr. Darcy spoke with Mr. Bennet immediately and now Mr. Bingley is having his turn. I believe my Jane will not end the day a single woman.”
“It seems we shall have a flurry of weddings in our small community,” Lady Lucas said, “which brings me to the reason for our visit this morning. Charlotte accepted a marriage proposal from Mr. Collins only yesterday.”
The man in discussion chose that moment to enter the room. He bypassed Lady Lucas and his betrothed, heading straight for Lizzy and Fitzwilliam.
“Sir,” he bowed low, “I demand you break this engagement at once.”
Fitzwilliam rose to his feet and glared at the distraught man who began to wring his hands.
“You demand?”
“Yes, you are betrothed to Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s daughter, Anne. I beg you, quit Longbourn and once you are no longer in the enticing sphere of my cousin, flee to Kent where your true betrothed awaits.”
“I have never asked any woman to be wife other than Miss Elizabeth.”
“I am sure, because you are in a fog of desire, you are unable to ascertain that you have been bewitched. Your lady aunt has spoken often of your engagement and how the two houses of Rosings and Pemberley will be united. My cousin must have seduced you with dark arts and allurements to tempt you from your road to happiness.”
“Desist!” Mr. Collins almost fell back as Fitzwilliam took a step toward him. “I will say this only once. I am not, have never been and never will be engaged to Anne de Bourgh. This is a fantasy dream concocted by my aunt. No matter how many times I tell her I will not marry her daughter, she persists. Only a fool would think I’d marry her.” He towered over Mr. Collins. “Are you a fool, Mr. Collins?”
“We all know he’s a fool.”
All heads turned to the door to find Papa in the door frame, Mr. Bingley hovering behind.
“It was one of the main reasons I agreed to have the bumbling idiot stay within the walls of Longbourn for more than two days. He’s provided ample entertainment, but it will now come to an end.” Papa proceeded into the room and took Mr. Collins by the arm. He led him over to Charlotte and forced him to take her hand. “You have chosen a wonderful woman for your future wife. Stop worrying what the great Lady Catherine will do, or say, and concentrate on building your own life.”
He turned his attention back to all gathered in the drawing room while Mr. Collins stood, mouth agape.
