Page 30 of Eavesdroppers Never Hear
“How?” she said, not particularly liking the turn of the conversation.
“My mother spread at least a little bit of contentment wherever she went. Sometimes she helped tenants or villagers with their woes, but often it was simply a listening ear, sensible advice, referment to an apothecary, calling the midwife, or something else beyond my capabilities. My housekeeper makescertain the essential duties of the mistress are performed correctly; but she cannot be Mrs Darcy. She cannot let the people know they are cared for by the family. Beyond that, there were parties, routs, harvest festivals, balls—all those things are beyond my capabilities for obvious reasons, but well within yours. Then of course, there is the matter of launching my sister into society, as well as your own.”
Elizabeth stared at him for quite some time, then finally looked down and made a couple of nonsensical moves just to have something to do.
She finally said, “Such assertions would not seem to help your suit.”
He leaned down and stared at her disconcertingly. “Would you prefer I diminish what Pemberley requires of Mrs Darcy. It may seem like a great deal, but you are a naturally joyful person, while I am not. As unfair as it seems, I need to have a joyful partner to lean on… to learn from… to help make me the man Pemberley deserves. I desire—no need—a true partnership.”
“And you think I am capable of that?” she asked in great concern.
“Of course! You are capable of that and much more. I believe in you, or we would not be having this conversation.”
“It is a lot to ask from a woman who has never even seen an estate the size of Pemberley, let alone managed it.”
“It is,” he said, making no attempt to diminish the task.
They played a couple more moves before she spoke again. “In another upheaval of courtship customs, we seem to have abandoned the rules of propriety entirely.”
“Good riddance!” he said emphatically. “I prefer blunt honesty.”
She nodded, suggesting the topic was finished.
“Turning the page, you mentioned you were previously looking for someone who was not me. What exactly where youtaught to look for in a bride, and why have you abandoned the teachings of your father?”
“I was taught to look for a lady with the fortune, connexions, and background to enhance the family’s wealth and position. That is how it is usually done in our society. Powerful families remain powerful through the centuries precisely because they are careful to enhance it each generation.”
“In case you have not noticed, I am not that.”
“Nobody would argue otherwise. Let me answer your question about why I deviate from my teachings. There are essentially two parts. For the first, if you disregard matters of the heart, the traditional advice is sensible enough. If happiness between a couple were a matter of chance, you may as well take your chances with someone you know has the background and training to succeed… or at least, is more likely to than not. For the same reason you would be reluctant to marry an honourable and prosperous shopkeeper, I was reluctant to marry the daughter of a minor gentleman until I met you.”
Elizabeth ground her teeth together for a moment but then smiled. “My poor deportment manual has most likely burst into flames, but your honesty disarms reproof. It is your best attribute.”
“Not my wealth or handsomeness?” he asked with a sly grin.
“They are not exactly detriments—but they were insufficient before yesterday.”
They laughed awkwardly together.
He continued, “I believe the happiness of a couple enhances their chance to pass success to the next generation. It is about more than wealth and consequence. It is about passing down the skills and abilities to live good lives. I believe if I made a mercenary choice as I was taught, I would raise yet another generation of mercenary children, and the line would degrade over time.”
“That seems sensible enough.”
“Besides that, I am a selfish being and make no bones about it. I cannot distinguish rational discourse about the best choice of a wife; from some fancy I made up because I want to be happy and believe my happiness lies with you.”
“That may be the most romantic thing ever said,” she replied with a slightly embarrassed smile.
“I believe any romantic conversation should end on a high note, so I believe I must take my leave. The Schottes await… which is entirely your fault.”
She stood along with him. “Yes, my fault indeed, but I wish you to understand one thing.”
He nodded.
“I am somewhat intimidated by the responsibilities implicit in your proposal, but I believe I am up to the task.”
“You are!”
“As for me making you into a happier and more social man, allow me to point out something that has escaped your notice. Your relationship with the Schottes, the Gouldings, and the other men you will shoot with tomorrow are entirely your own doing. I may have rolled the rock down the hill, but all I did was a simple introduction that was perfectly available to you the whole time. You are capable of being amiable right now. You do not need me as much as you need to rediscover what you already know. You do not need a second mother… you just need to be reminded what the first one taught you.”
