“That is just what Elizabeth says. I thought she would hope for me to court her sister, but she keeps telling me to settle into my new role for a year or two before I look around.”
“I confess myself surprised, but I agree with her. I would hate to see you make an impulsive choice that you will later regret.”
“How could I regret it? Through Elizabeth, I know Miss Bennet’s character is trustworthy and everything I could want. We get on easily, and I am never so comfortable around any lady as I am with her.”
“Bingley, you have often come to me for advice. I like to think the reason is not merely because I was Andrew’s friend.”
“Of course not. No, Darcy, I should always value your opinion, for your wisdom and experience are so much greater than mine.”
“Then do not rush to the altar unless you are sure of your own hopes and secure of the lady’s affections. Yours is not a character that will be suited by a wife who desires only your fortune or protection.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “What you say is true, but I believe Miss Bennet is genuine. It is true, she is very modest, but does it not seem that she prefers me?”
“If I knew less of her than I do, I would say that hers was a heart not easily touched. However, this afternoon I was able tosee her reactions to a man who does not please her, and you receive decidedly different treatment from her.”
“I thought so! Yes, she is the right sort to suit me. As far as my sister in law goes, I do not see why she would advise me to wait. If I did not know better, I would think she found me not good enough for Miss Bennet. But would not Elizabeth be best pleased if the woman I chose was her dearest sister?”
I sighed and shook my head. “There, you make the mistake of choosing your bride to suit others. Your sister in law may well marry again someday and leave you. Have you considered that?”
He paled slightly. “No, I had not. Why, it is true that she is still quite young and some man will find her widow’s portion and looks too appealing to ignore, but… no, I had quite come to depend on her these last months. I had not thought she would marry again.”
“I suggest you assume it as a probability. It is time for you to become your own man, Bingley.”
He turned back to the fire, his brow furrowed. For once, he did not try to laugh off my more serious tone, and I fancy he took my words to heart as he seldom did.
I decided to leave him to his musings and informed him that I meant to retire. I had not got three steps from the room when a hand shot out to catch my cravat and dragged me aside.
“Elizabeth?” I gasped in astonishment. Or, that is what I meant to say. I think I truly only got out the first syllable before she shut my mouth with a firm, and not at all friendly, kiss. My head might well have exploded for all the good it did me. Like a sheep-brained idiot, I just stood there, my body rigid, my eyes wide, and my arms limp as she plied my lips with her sweet mouth.
When she released me, my knees were jelly, and my heart had puddled somewhere below my spleen. She, however, seemedmagnificently unaffected, standing there with a serene smile and her hands folded innocently before her.
“What was that for?” I think I got those words out. I probably sounded somewhat less articulate than that. Actually, I might have only barked out a startled, sputtering sound.
“A simple thank you, that is all.”
I coughed. “For what?”
She lifted her hand to tick off her fingers. “For preventing Jane from becoming accidentally engaged to Mr. Collins. For keeping him occupied for better than an hour so I could be less on my guard for my sisters for a bit. For advising Charles like a true friend this evening—yes, I overheard—and for not insulting anyone all day.”
I was fumbling with my cravat, trying to loosen the knot she had choked down on my neck so I could breathe properly. “Do I often insult people?”
“Not so much anymore,” she replied, with a thoughtful tilt of her head. “In fact, I think it has been more than a fortnight.”
I raised a brow. “So, do I get a kiss for each of those days, too?”
She swatted my chest. “Do not get greedy, you. That was only a gesture between friends, and you know it.”
“In that case, why does Charles not kiss me, too? I think he owes me more than you do.”
“Shall I call him out here?”
“No!” I almost yelped. I had no doubt she would do it. “Another from you would suffice.”
She set a hand on her hip. “The very idea! I am not the sort of widow who is free with her favors, Fitzwilliam.”
“But you just kissed me!” I protested. “What am I to make of that?”
“That?” She waved. “Nothing at all, I promise. Merely a sign of my gratitude. Next time I will simply bring you a brandy, and that will be the end of it. Honestly, I’d no notion you would makea fuss over a little thing like that. I thought society gentleman received far more liberal favors for even less cause than a heartfelt thanks.”
