Page 86 of To Win Her Affections

Had the question been ungracious or demanding, Mr. Bennet might have reprimanded her. It appeared Lydia had learned a little, though it may be nothing more than suppressed spirits after her disastrous adventure. Elizabeth turned to Mr. Darcy, and the gentleman shrugged at the implicit question. Then she turned back to Lydia, who was waiting with obvious impatience.

“When we were in Derbyshire, Mr. Darcy proposed to me, Lydia. We are engaged.”

Had Elizabeth not been looking for it, Lydia’s expression of utter shock might have diverted her. As it was, she waited for the coming explosion, and was not surprised when Lydia provided it.

“Engaged? That is impossible!”

“Why should it be impossible?” asked Mr. Darcy.

There was a certain wry amusement in his question that even Lydia had the sense enough to detect, though she was not amused by it.

“Why, because Lizzy does not like you.” Lydia glared at him suspiciously. “As I recall, you do not like her either. Did you not declare her not handsome enough to tempt you?”

Mr. Gardiner did not hold in his laughter. “You informed us of your history, but I do not recall that phrase ever making its way into your account. I must wonder why, for it is rather farcical.”

“Perhaps that is why,” said Elizabeth, throwing her uncle a saucy look. “Do you suppose we wish to share it with all and sundry?”

“Unless I am mistaken,” said Mr. Bennet, “you have shared it with all and sundry. In Meryton, at least, the story is not at all unknown.”

“You spoke of it?” asked Mr. Darcy, nothing of censure in the question.

“At the time, I thought it nothing more than an amusing story,” replied Elizabeth. “Had I known you would change your mind, I might have practiced circumspection.”

“Well,” replied Mr. Darcy, deep in thought, “I suppose we shall have an amusing tale to tell our children.”

“That is the spirit, Darcy,” said Mr. Bennet, sotto voce.

“Will you stop this nonsense?” demanded Lydia. “I cannot believe that Lizzy changed her mind during a short visit to Derbyshire. You could not have been there for more than a few days.”

“It began before then, Lydia,” replied Elizabeth. Though she was speaking to her sister, Elizabeth’s eyes never left Mr. Darcy. “In Kent, I saw a different side of Mr. Darcy and my opinion gradually altered. When we met in Derbyshire, I was prepared to see Mr. Darcy as he truly is.”

“And I could not be more grateful that you did,” asserted Mr. Darcy.

Lydia, it seemed, was not convinced, but a look at her father told her that to protest would not be in her best interest. For her part, Elizabeth did not much concern herself with Lydia’s attitude. Before long, her behavior with Mr. Darcy coupled with Mrs. Bennet’s frenzied preparations would convince her. If Lydia harbored suspicions that Elizabeth was marrying Mr. Darcy for his situation, wealth, or any other such foolish considerations, she would not concern herself a jot.

“Tell me, Miss Lydia,” said Mr. Darcy, some thought coming to him, “you are yet fifteen, are you not?”

“I turned sixteen two months ago,” replied Lydia, though it was barely less than a retort.

“Of course,” said Mr. Darcy. “I apologize, Miss Lydia—I was unaware of your birthday.”

Lydia nodded, her regal posture suggesting she was doing him a favor by forgiving him. Mr. Bennet snorted at the sight, but he said nothing—he appeared curious about what Mr. Darcy meant by asking the question.

“It has occurred to me that my sister, Georgiana, is to join me here—or at Netherfield, should we make our way there. Georgiana is shy, but she has become friendly with your sister. I cannot imagine that she would not be desirous of another friend; perhaps you would agree to make her acquaintance.”

“Your sister?” asked Lydia, wide-eyed.

“Yes,” replied Mr. Darcy with seeming nonchalance. “Georgiana has often found it difficult to make friends. As your sister is to become my wife, she will be assured at least one friend; I imagine she would not protest more.”

Mr. Bennet burst into laughter. “That may have been a strategic error, Darcy, though I admire your confidence. Unleashing my youngest daughters on your sister may become your greatest regret.”

“Not at all, Mr. Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy. “An acquaintance is inevitable. Georgiana is shy, but perhaps between them they shall find some common ground.”

“I should like that, Mr. Darcy,” said Lydia, appearing almost shy.

“Then I shall introduce her to you and your sisters when she comes.”

Lydia nodded and returned to her meal, and for the first time since she had arrived at Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth had the sense that she might recover. Mr. Darcy’s suggestion, however, was as much a surprise to Elizabeth as it was to her father. Later that night, just before the gentlemen departed, she had a moment of privacy with the gentleman and inquired about his surprising offer.