Elizabeth nodded.
“Would you think so highly of your Mr. Darcy even if he had no grand estate or wealth to recommend him? What if he had a profession instead, like his cousin?”
Her heart knew the answer, but she thought it over as Papa had asked. She thought of living in a modest house, with modest means, but with the man she loved. And she considered living in a grand home but not feeling the same sort of respect or admiration for the man who would take her there as she did for her suitor. After some minutes of contemplation, she glanced up at her father, who was awaiting her answer. “Papa, his character is what matters most to me. Though I should be very anxious were he an officer like the colonel.”
Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow, his affection for her flickering beneath his thoughtful expression. “And you are certain of your feelings? You are not merely flattered by his attentions or swept up in the excitement of being courted by a wealthy man? A fortune can be fleeting, my girl. He might lose everything tomorrow, but he would still be your husband for the rest of your life.”
He was alarming her, but nothing would shake her faith in Mr. Darcy. “No, Papa. I am certain. I love him.”
At this, her father smiled. “Good. That is precisely how you should feel about the man you wed.”
Elizabeth’s heart swelled, though her confusion deepened. “Papa, has Mr. Darcy asked you for my hand?”
“Not in so many words,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “But I have faith that he will, and I must be certain that before you give him an answer that you understand your own heart.” He observed her for a moment before saying wryly, “I mustconfess, I find it gratifying to know that my most wilful daughter has finally met her match.”
She had indeed. No man had ever challenged her as Mr. Darcy did. “You approve of him, then?”
“Most assuredly,” her father replied. “Your mother is of course beside herself with delight at your courtship, though we have never announced it as such, and your Aunt Gardiner is overjoyed at the prospect of a connection to the Darcys.” His smile was enigmatic, and Elizabeth could not tell what had amused him so.
“Papa, why do I feel as though there is something you are not telling me?”
His amused expression darkened. “Because there is, Elizabeth. What I will say is this: even if Mr. Darcy were penniless, I believe you would thrive together. And in such a case, you would still have your own fortune to help you both along.”
Elizabeth stared at him, her mind racing. “Papa, has Mr. Darcy suffered a reversal in his fortunes?”
“Does it matter?”
“I believe we have just established that it does not. But I must know how to best help him if he has.”
He cleared his throat and reached into a pocket, withdrawing a handkerchief and dabbing it at the corner of one eye.
Was that a tear? “Are you well?” Elizabeth inquired.
“Very proud, my dear, that is all.”
She was still confused.
Her father reached across the desk to pat her hand. “You have given me the answers I sought. Now, be off with you. I have indulged in enough sentiment for one morning.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Darcy had not expected to sleep well the night before, but he had. Perhaps it was due to the lingering weariness of his recuperation, but he thought it might rather be his confession to Mr. Bennet.
Life could be very odd. He had suspected Mr. Bennet was his father’s twin. Then he had been certain he was not. And now he knew the truth based on a chance mention of a baby blanket.
One thing he was sure of was that the truth would have revealed itself eventually. He was grateful that he had learned it now, before he married Elizabeth, and they had children to protect. Once they did, he was not sure he could have done what his honour required.
He touched his perfectly tied cravat before pulling on his coat.
It would have been a nightmare. Now everything was out in the open, and he had given up trying to manage a situation that had never been his to control.
Georgiana’s fortune would remain untouched. It was enough. He and Elizabeth could get by on his investments and whateverhe could earn. She had some small amount of money too, she had said, and anything they could gather would be of use.
He needed Elizabeth more than he needed Pemberley and all that came with it. He knew that now. But Darcy was still anxious. Elizabeth loved him, but would she be willing to wait to wed until he was called to the bar? Would she be satisfied living as a barrister’s wife?
Would Mr. Bennet even allow him to ask?
The note was brought to his room before he had finished dressing. At least Mr. Bennet had not kept him waiting long.
