“Angry?” he asked, tilting his head. “That does not sound like Mrs. Collins.”
Elizabeth pursed her lips then looked out across the haze of the meadow. “You and I have both spoken of Jane’s…unequal marriage. I am certain, with your limited knowledge of my sister, you can comprehend she has a heart dedicated to those she loves.”
“Of course.”
Lizzy picked at the blades of grass, tossing them up in the gentle breeze and watching them flutter away. “She said…”
He watched her wrestle with the thoughts.
“Elizabeth. I am your betrothed. I wish for a marriage of esteem. We will be partners in the truest sense. We will share both our struggles and our joys. Trust me.” He reached for her hand, resting in the grass. “What troubles you?”
She took a deep breath. “I know Jane became angry with the idea that she married Mr. Collins to secure her family’s future and that it might have been unnecessary was insulting, unfair.”
Darcy remained silent, allowing Elizabeth to muddle through her thoughts.
“Growing up, we said only the deepest love would induce us into matrimony. Yet, that is not how her story ended.”
She fell silent again, and he thought better than to offer her hollow words of comfort.
“William, I am uncertain if I could ever be truly happy knowing my sister is trapped in her marriage when the man she loves—”
“Resides not a quarter mile from here?” Darcy finished, thinking immediately of Bingley.
Lizzy nodded as he turned from her and stared out over the field.It is no matter. We will marry and move to Pemberley, where we will have our own joy with the life we create. And when we have children… His heart danced with glee until he looked back at the face of the woman he loved. A shadow crossed her features, and her smile did not reach her eyes.
I cannot make this right for her. Will she truly not be happy—with me—if Jane is thus?
He wrestled with his thoughts, hoping to solve this dilemma.Enough! I have always lived for others: for duty to my family, my home, and my name. I have made my decision! I have chosen this life! I wish to live for me!Looking back at Elizabeth, he put his arms around her and pulled her close to him. She rested her head on his chest, and he breathed in her scent.And I will be the happiest of men!
“Dinner was delicious,” Darcy said, addressing Jane, who since earlier in the day had taken on a sullen countenance.
“Thank you for the compliment, sir. I will let Cook know you approve of her creamed peas.”
“Creamed peas are truly a culinary masterpiece,” Mr. Collins intoned, soaking up the juices from the roast with his bread. “Had Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh not offered us the expertise of their undercook, we would be eating fewer satisfying meals.”
Jane attempted to hide her grimace while Elizabeth turned away. Darcy observed all, trying to clear his mind of the earlier conversation with Elizabeth.Maybe Mr. Collins’s waist would do better without such satisfying meals?
“And did you have an enjoyable time in Town, Mr. Fitzroy? Lizzy intimated there was news you had to share with us? Or was that my father?”
Jane’s eyes sparkled with a glimpse of her kindness.
“Yes,” he said, looking at Elizabeth, reaching for her hand. “Miss Elizabeth has consented to be my bride––”
“That is wonderful news, sir! Allow me to hope that your felicity will match mine and my Jane’s. We weredesigned for each other and share a love which has not been replicated since Samson and Delilah.”
They all looked at Mr. Collins, frustrated but unsurprised by his interruption, when Mr. Darcy said, “But that is not the only news. While in London, I have discovered that the Fitzroys were my adoptive parents.”
“You were adopted?”
“Yes,” Darcy replied to Mr. Collins. “You see, I am not William Fitzroy, but instead, my name is William––”
“Darcy!” Miss de Bourgh shouted, rushing into the room, breathless. “You must come at once! He is letting them take Georgiana!”
“Who? Who is taking her?”
“Wickham! He has returned from London and brought men with him. They are removing her as we speak! My mother and the footmen are trying to stop them, but they are overpowered.”
He stood immediately and followed Miss de Bourgh out the door with Elizabeth close behind.
