Page 19 of Elizabeth Bennet and the Scottish Laird

“So, you are left with uncertainty rather than clarity.”

“The worst possible outcome from the perspective of knowing what action to take.” Darcy ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration he rarely permitted himself. “I cannot act on shadows and suppositions. Neither can I simply dismiss the concerns when there are genuine questions regarding his circumstances.”

They stood in silence whilst Darcy attempted to organise his thoughts. Finally, Georgiana spoke with the gentle directness that characterised her interventions of late.

“Perhaps you should simply share what you have learned with Miss Elizabeth. Trust her judgement about how to interpret the information and proceed.”

It was the obvious solution, the honourable course that would place the decision in the hands of the person most affected. And yet...

“She despises me, Georgiana.” The admission cost more than he cared to acknowledge. “If I arrive in Hertfordshire bearing tales about MacKinnon's debts and questionable associations, she will assume I am motivated by jealous rivalry rather than genuine concern. She will dismiss every objection I raise as the meddling of a rejected suitor attempting to sabotage her happiness. And she would not be entirely wrong to make such an assumption, given how matters stand between us.”

“You do not know that she would react that way.”

“I do, because it is precisely how I would react in her position.” Darcy's smile was bitter. “A gentleman whose proposal I had rejected appearing with convenient warnings about my new prospect? It would require remarkable naivety to assume such warnings were motivated purely by altruism rather than self-interest.”

“Then what do you intend to do?” His sister’s eyes were concerned. “Remain silent and hope nothing goes amiss whilst watching events unfold from a distance?”

“I shall remain vigilant as I wait for more definitive information that might justify action.” He broke off, uncertain how to complete the thought satisfactorily.

Georgiana regarded him with an expression mingling sympathy and something approaching exasperation. “You are quite impossible sometimes. Too proud to interfere directly, too concerned to remain entirely distant.”

Before Darcy could respond to this uncomfortable observation, she continued in a different tone, almost hesitant.

“Brother, I should tell you something. I did not mention it earlier because I was uncertain whether the information was reliable, but...” She paused, clearly uncomfortable. “Mrs Annesley has a cousin in Perkins, a neighbouring town to Meryton. I asked her to write to her when you returned from your condolence call. To find out information about the family and their prospects.”

“You did? Why?”

She shrugged. “You care for this family, for this Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I wanted to help. And I am glad I did.”

His sister was no longer a child, that much was certain.

A cold sensation settled in Darcy's chest. “What did this letter say?”

“She was able to gather information. Mrs Annesley’s cousin has a friend in Meryton, a Mrs Long, who seems well informed when it comes to other people’s business.” She smiled at this. “Apparently there has been considerable speculation in the neighbourhood regarding Miss Elizabeth and Mr MacKinnon.” Georgiana's voice was gentle, as though she understood the blow her words would deliver. “The local gossips are suggesting that a courtship may be forming between them. Mrs Annesley's cousin seemed quite certain that MacKinnon has been paying particular attention to Miss Elizabeth and that the family appears to welcome his suit. The general expectation is that an offer will be made soon, if it has not been made already.”

Even though Bingley had written to him about his suspicions, the confirmation of an official courtship between Elizabeth and MacKinnon hit Darcy like a physical wound.

“When?” The question emerged more harshly than Darcy intended. “When did this courtship supposedly commence?”

“I do not know the particulars,” Georgiana replied. “The letter was not specific about timing. But it seems to have been developing ever since Mr MacKinnon came to Longbourn.”

“I see,” Darcy managed, though his voice sounded hollow even to his own ears. “Thank you for telling me.”

Georgiana moved closer, her hand touching his arm briefly. “I am sorry, Fitzwilliam. I know this is not what you hoped to hear.”

“It was information I needed to have,” he replied, though the words felt mechanical. “Better to know the truth than to continue in ignorance whilst harbouring false hopes.”

Georgiana hesitated and then spoke again. “Mrs Annesley mentioned she would quite like to visit her cousin one of these days.”

“Did she?” Darcy asked. He had never heard Mrs Annesley mention such a desire.

“Yes. I thought perhaps we could travel there together. I’ve wanted to see Netherfield. Caroline said it was a splendid estate. I know Bingley is to give it up, but it might be nice to see it.”

Darcy shook his head. “When the Hursts are not there, it is empty. We could not simply stay there.”

“I am sure there is an inn. We could take rooms. It would give me a chance to also meet the Bennet family.”

“Why would you like to meet them?” he asked, confused now.