Mrs. Bennet’s jaw dropped. “Blood right? You... and Mr. Darcy? Oh, my goodness! Mr. Darcy! I cannot believe it! You and Mr. Darcy! Oh, you have been a sly one, Lizzy! Blood right! Oh, my!” She fanned herself with her free hand.
Elizabeth laughed, for the first time seeing something of the mother she had known in this new Mrs. Bennet. She was improved even in her rapture, though: she had not said a word about Darcy’s riches. “It happened rather suddenly, but I am glad you are pleased.”
“Pleased? I could not be happier! Blood right! I suppose that means Mr. Darcy must have been to Faerie as well.”
“I followed Elizabeth there.” Darcy sounded amused.
“True, the first time he followed me there,” said Elizabeth. “The second time, the king gave him the freedom of Faerie. And now Cathael, the new king, has asked the Prince Regent to name Darcy as the ambassador from St. James’s Court to Faerie. The Sidhe have taken quite a liking to him.”
Darcy flushed. “He asked for me because I am the only mortal man he knows well.”
Mrs. Bennet clapped her hands together. “Ambassador to Faerie! How well that sounds. And you shall be an ambassador’s wife!” Her face fell. “Or do I assume too much? Are you engaged?”
Darcy said firmly, “Mrs. Bennet, you need have no worries. We came here today so that I could ask Mr. Bennet’s permission. If he is athome, I will do so right now.”
“Certainly! Mary, pray show Mr. Darcy to the library.”
“Good luck,” Elizabeth told him as he followed Mary out of the room.
Lydia, who had been sitting with Kitty by the window, said sullenly, “You just wanted to be the first of us to marry, even if it meant marrying a man you hate! But it did not work. Jane will be the first.”
Mrs. Bennet said sharply, “That is enough, Lydia. Apologize to your sister and go to your room.”
Lydia’s eyes flashed. “Sorry, Lizzy,” she snarled. “I hate you!” She fled from the room.
Mrs. Bennet sighed. “It is a good thing you had the spell removed when you did. Lydia needs to be taken in hand, and I did not even realize it before.”
Stunned, Elizabeth could think of nothing to say. For years her mother had encouraged Lydia’s bad behavior. This change was overdue.
Jane said quietly, “Lydia dislikes the changes in our mother, and she blames you for it.”
“I see,” said Elizabeth faintly.
THE BUTLER ANNOUNCEDDarcy’s name as he entered the library.
Mr. Bennet stood to greet him. “Mr. Darcy, this is a surprise. I had not realized Bingley invited you to Netherfield.”
What did Bingley have to do with it? Did he still think of Darcy only as Bingley’s friend? “No. I came here today with your daughter Elizabeth. I would like your permission to marry her.”
“Lizzy? You want to marry Lizzy? Is she here?” Mr. Bennet rose half way, stopped, and slowly lowered himself back into his chair.
“She is visiting with her mother and sisters to allow us time forthis discussion.”
His face grew cold. “I assume then that you are part of this business with the fay? I suppose you must be.”
“I am. I believe at this point I am supposed to assure you that I hold your daughter in tender regard, which I do, and that I have adequate resources to care for her, which I also do. By the laws of Faerie, Elizabeth and I are already married, and we have been through a wedding service with a curate so we would be married in the sight of God and of English law. However, because of events beyond our control, I could not seek your permission then. I hope you will give it now.”
“A fay marriage means nothing to me, but if Lizzy has her heart set on marrying you, I will not stand in the way.” The words sounded bitter.
“Thank you.”
“How much of this sad story do you know, Mr. Darcy?”
“If this sad story refers to binding spells and Prince Aelfric, I believe I know all of it.”
“Tell me, of all the men you know, how many of them, if their wife were delivered of a Sidhe baby, would not strangle the infant in his cradle?”
“Very few, I imagine. You are to be commended for choosing not to do so.”
