It must be that God intended Darcy to prevent Wickham from further menacing polite society. Darcy rose from church resolved. He had to ensure Wickham was brought to justice for Miss King’s death. At Rosings, Darcy retired to his rooms and wrote to his solicitors about hiring agents to find Wickham and return him to Meryton. If Providence demanded amendment, then Darcy would amend what lay within his power. His relief was immense, and he was in good spirits. Darcy accorded his aunt the consequence she demanded, joked with his cousins, and behaved pleasantly towards everybody for the rest of the day.
Elizabeth yet lived, and he had not lost her.
Darcy lay awake during the night, hoping he was not insane and trying to think how to make Elizabeth dislike him less, since God had granted him a second chance with her. Suddenly, Darcy had an idea how he could improve the situation with her. He leapt out of bed, and, with a fresh sheet and trimmed nib, he wrote Elizabeth a letter explaining his understanding of her sister’s feelings towards Charles Bingley and the truth about Wickham. The letter began:
Please do not concern yourself that I will make any attempt to repeat the sentiments I expressed during my proposal, which were so disgusting to you. But I must apologise. I cannot imagine what I was thinking to have addressed you in such a manner. I regret my behaviour and the inappropriate words I used. It was, as you so rightly said, ungentlemanly of me.
He concluded the letter by entreating Elizabeth, if she questioned what he had said about Wickham, to ask Colonel Fitzwilliam for confirmation.
Darcy wrote a second letter to Charles Bingley, admitting he had been mistaken about Jane Bennet’s affection and promising to visit him in London as soon as he could get away.
After dressing, Darcy tucked the letter to Elizabeth into his pocket before heading to Hunsford.
Since it was well before visiting hours, Darcy waited in the grove, knowing Elizabeth’s fondness for morning walks. He was soon rewarded when she appeared on the footpath, and he called out to her. “Miss Bennet.”
She startled, then bowed her head in acknowledgment but said nothing.
“Forgive me for intruding. Would you do me the honour of reading this letter? It merely sets out certain matters of which you have not been previously informed.”
Elizabeth still did not speak but accepted the letter.
He bowed. “Thank you. I will leave you to your walk. Good day, madam.” He did not trust himself to say more and returned to Rosings. At least she would know the truth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam eyed him over the breakfast table. “You rode out early.”
“Nothing escapes your notice, Cousin.” He smiled. He could be genial now that he had apologised to Elizabeth and told her the truth, for better or for worse.
“It has clearly done you good.”
“I feel myself again this morning.” Abruptly, Darcy added, “Richard, if Miss Bennet asks about the sad business with Georgiana last summer, please answer her forthrightly. I have been obliged to recount all to her.”
“Miss Bennet?”
“I am certain she will keep the matter in confidence.”
“Well, if you say so, I will.”
“And Richard? Do you have any idea who may have told her that I discouraged Bingley from courting her sister and contrived to have him leave Netherfield?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam blanched. “Good heavens. That was Miss Bennet’s sister you objected to? I am the one who told her. I had no idea that the lady you referred to was Miss Bennet’s sister. That is quite awkward.”
“Yes. Well, I have explained my reasoning in a letter rather than embarrass myself in person. But no matter, I will set it to rights.”
“Aha, so your early morning ride took you to Hunsford?”
“Yes, quite so.”
Richard gave Darcy a shrewd look. “And this is why your ride was particularly uplifting for your mood, well beyond the usual powers of a morning ride?”
Darcy smiled at Richard but declined to respond. The less he said to his shrewd cousin, the better—no need to let all the cats out of the bag.
With his conscience thus lightened, Darcy ate a good meal and resolved to spend the day being good company and kind to his lonely, difficult aunt and his sheltered cousin Anne. Surely this, too, was how God intended Darcy to behave for the greater good: family over self. Thank goodness for Richard, whose presence and good humour would help immeasurably in making this plan tolerable!
Darcy read poetry to the ladies until his aunt nodded off, at which point he played chess with Anne. He proposed that he and Richard ride out on the morrow to survey the estate, to determine whether Lady Catherine’s steward was attending to it properly.
Later that evening, after an elegant dinneren familleat his aunt’s table and an evening spent with Richard regaling everyone with amusing anecdotes, Darcy felt sure he would sleep well. He was grateful for the second chance God had given him. He was content that he had done his best to prevent Wickham from further harming any ladies, to make things right with Elizabeth, and to strengthen his devotion to his family. He could look forward to establishing a better understanding with Elizabeth, even if it would not change her rejection of his proposal to acceptance. He settled into bed to read another book from Rosings’ library,Seize the Dayby D.C. Williams.It had been a day of tumultuous sentiments, and all he wanted to do was read and take his ease.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a determined man and a willing heart will overcome all obstacles to love.After reading the first line, he thought this was just the book he needed.
