“What?” the crowd exclaimed as one.
MrBennet turned towards Elizabeth. “Are you sure?”
She remained silent.
“I will ask again, Daughter, are you sure you wish to spend your life with such a man?”
“Papa…” Elizabeth swallowed thickly, the words dying on her lips. She managed a short nod.
“Very well then.” MrBennet sighed and then turned to face what appeared to Darcy to be every member of the local gentry, whose expressions seemed to say that the night’s events were better than any show on Drury Lane.
“I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter Elizabeth to MrDarcy.”
Darcy found himself beset with an onslaught of well-wishers, who had up until a moment before been baying for his blood and accusing him of being a villain. He moved closer to Elizabeth, unwilling to be separated from her in the crush. Resting his hand upon the small of her back, he felt her sway, the motion causing him to glance at her face. He frowned as his eyes took in her pallor. Leaning in, he spoke in hushed tones. “You are unwell. Come, let us get some air.”
The grateful smile she cast him as she placed her hand into the crook of his arm caused Darcy’s chest to flutter, and he felt a strong surge of protectiveness overtake him. He may notbe the most social and amiable of men, but when it came to action, to defending those under his care, there he could really shine. Slowly, they made their way through the rooms as Darcy led Elizabeth to the entrance of the assembly, conscious that Elizabeth would probably not wish to return to the balcony and be reminded of the liberties he had taken. Pushing open the wide oak door, Darcy frowned.
Elizabeth pulled away from his arm and stomped down the steps without so much as a backward glance, her pace increasing as she put more distance between herself and the assembly rooms.
“Elizabeth, wait!” Darcy called, his long stride taking him down the stairs two at a time. “Where are you going?”
She paused but did not turn to face him; her voice wavered as she spoke. “I am going home, MrDarcy.”
Darcy closed his eyes, conscious that after his actions tonight, he had even more to atone for. “Very well.”
“Very well?” Elizabeth turned to face him, her eyes questioning.
“I cannot blame you for wishing to leave. I shall request my carriage to take you to Longbourn.”
“No.” Elizabeth ran a hand over her eyes. “I apologise, MrDarcy. I thank you for your kind offer. However, I would prefer to return home on foot. My mind is so full of conflicting thoughts, and walking helps to soothe me when I am troubled.”
“As you wish.” Darcy motioned with his arm.
Elizabeth cast him a disbelieving stare before dropping her gaze. They walked in silence towards the high street as Darcy struggled with his thoughts.
“Elizabeth, I cannot tell you how deeply I regret everything. I know I have behaved poorly, not only tonight but throughout our acquaintance. I am ashamed not only of my callous remarkstowards you, but for my role in interfering between Bingley and—”
“Well, what do we have here?” A cool voice from behind crooned.
Darcy spun around, placing Elizabeth behind him. A man stood before them in fashionable riding clothes, which would have denoted him as being gently born if it were not for the harsh and unrefined accent he spoke with.
“Out for a walk?” The man sneered.
“Pardon us.” Darcy felt trepidation rising as the man stepped closer, his open coat flashing a glint of steel.
“Now, don’t be like that! We’re just getting started,” the man taunted.
“Let us by and I shall give whatever it is you are after.” Pulling his purse from his pocket, Darcy threw it at the man’s feet.
The man chuckled, shaking his head. “Not enough, I’m afraid.”
Darcy fought to remain calm, removing his signet ring and the watch his father had gifted him upon his majority. He tossed them into the pile at the man’s feet.
“Still not enough.” The man tutted.
“It is all I have,” Darcy growled.
“Ahh, but it’s not, is it? The man smiled viciously. “I think you have one more thing of value that you’re hiding from me.
