“We did. I love him and—”
“You yet seek for a man to take advantage of you for your fortune. You learned nothing.”
“No! Not like that.”
“Then what is it like? Another impoverished fortune hunter is—”
“Oh, all wrong. This is gone wrong. Allen — Mr. Peake — he didn’t. You must not thinkthat. He is wholly different. I love him; he loves me. We—”
“Like Wickham approached you for love?”
Georgiana looked pale and stricken as though slapped.
“I…I ought not have said that.” Darcy put his hand over his face. “Your news is a surprise. I incorrectly possessed a high opinion of Mr. Peake. I had considered him to be man enough that he would refrain from taking advantage of your obvious affection. But, it surprises me not that you lacked the wisdom to see through the rake’s pretense of love, since—”
“A woman!” Georgiana stood and glared. “Since I am a woman? Do not insult my fiancé so. Mr. Peake took no advantage of me. He is principled and good.” Her voice and eyes dropped to their normal shy manner. “You misunderstand. Oh,” she wrung her hands, “if I can only make you understand.”
“Oh, Georgie, I must save you from this mistake. You will not have my permission. Not to throw yourself away on a tradesman.”
“Please, his profession cannot beallyou have to say against him.”
“His position in society is enough.”
The door to the breakfast room opened. Darcy expected to see Bingley or his wife. He hated that such an important conversation would be interrupted.
Elizabeth and Mr. Peake stood in the entrance to the breakfast room being shown in by the Bingley’s housekeeper. She looked beautiful, but nervous.
Mr. Peake looked at Georgiana who cried.
Darcy said sharply to him, “I have no audience with you, Peake. No business. I answer every answer you seek:no. I am shocked by your presumption in staring so high. But like Icarus your high flight shall be burnt from the sky. I once held high opinion of you, no longer. Any faith any man put in your character was bestowed ill. You took advantage of a girl who has been secluded from society for the past years, and you manipulated her affections so that you could have an opportunity to gain thirty thousand pounds. You disgust me. You ought have known I would not allow my sister to marry my former under steward.”
The man stood tall and proud. He had a firm control of himself. Mr. Peake bowed slightly. “I see you are immovable. I believed such likely. I only wish you to know that my interest in your sister was driven solely by a deep and abiding affection for her spirit and her mind, and that the pecuniary considerations you think were so central to me had no influence.”
Darcy stared at him. He studied Mr. Peake. The righteous anger crumpled into pity.
It had been upon Darcy’s mind earlier this morning. Love could drive a man to mad acts. Darcy knew that now. Mr. Peake’s face was stiff, yet pained deep. Darcy ached with sympathy. If he lost Elizabeth, he would look much the same. It was a pity Peake was not of an appropriate station and family. Darcy said, firmly, but kindly, “I spoke in anger and my assumption was fallacious—forgive me for impugning your character. But my decision cannot be changed. You are no fit match for my sister.”
“Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth walked towards him, a worried face. “Do not be precipitous.”
Darcy looked at her. “Nothing exists to consider. He is no gentleman.”
“Do not be hasty, you already realize you misjudged Peake’s motives.” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed, like when she was angry.
“He is no gentleman. There is nothing else to be said.”
“My uncle is as much a gentleman as Peake.”
Darcy clamped his jaw tight. No matter what her opinion, Elizabeth should not argue with him in front of others. Perhaps Georgiana, but Peake was not part of the family, and the housekeeper still stuck her head in through the open door, watching the drama curiously.
Georgiana looked between Elizabeth and Mr. Peake, Mr. Peake walked towards her. Darcy said sharply, “Peake, if you are a man of honor, I beg you have no further intercourse with my sister. Mrs. Nicholls, show him to the door.”
Mr. Peake looked at Georgiana, with some silent appeal in his eyes. Georgiana looked at him, sobbing and shook her head. He retired from the room.
Georgiana stood and rushed from the room, without ceasing to cry.
It was like a blow in Darcy’s guts. In his chest. How could he help his sister? “Elizabeth, talk to Georgiana. Explain how this is for the best. She listens to me, but if both of us—”
“No. Not for the best. The best is for you to offer your permission and blessings. Mr. Peake is a fine man, I know few better. Do you intend for us to avoid my uncle and aunt as well?”
