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“Miss Bennet does not seem objectionable in any way. Is her father’s estate heavily leveraged?”
“I do not think so.”
“And you are friendly with her father?”
“Yes, friendly enough.”
“Truly, Darcy, I think you are worrying overmuch. She is a gentleman’s daughter, not a scullery maid.”
“She does have an uncle in trade here in Town.”
“Is he running a successful business or a cobbler’s shop?”
“I believe he has an importing business.”
“That is not so very bad. The classes are mixing more than ever. Trade is becoming more acceptable each year. And he is an uncle, not her father.”
I rubbed the back of my neck, a nervous habit from my youth.
“You thought the family would be up in arms about her, didn’t you?”
I looked at him sheepishly. “Yes. I confess I did.”
Alistair laughed. “I hate to disappoint you, Darcy, but I am a married man with children of my own. Your choice of bride does not affect me overmuch. The same can be said of my father and both my sisters. I daresay my younger brothers do not care.”
I sighed. Was he right? Was I being elitist and ridiculous?
“Darcy, take it from a man who has been married nearly a decade. Choose the woman who will be the best wife, not the one who will look best in Debrett’s.”
I mulled over this, a warm feeling growing in my chest. It might have been hope.
I spent the rest of the day thinking about what my cousin had said and finally realized he was right. I was an idiot.
I was not entirely certain Miss Bennet was the woman I wanted to marry, but I ought to at least try and find out. With that in mind, I penned a note to Mrs. Monroe, asking if I might escort her and Miss Bennet to the museum the following day. She sent back her acceptance and said she was looking forward to it.
I smiled as I tapped the note against my leg. Then nerves filled me. I would spend hours with Miss Elizabeth. What ever would I say to her?
18
Elizabeth
WhatwasMr.Darcyabout? Why did he wish to take us on an outing? I was not stupid. He was takingmeon an outing and my aunt was coming along for propriety. But why? Was he courting me? What made him decide to pursue me? In Hertfordshire, he had kept a certain distance that led me to believe he would not seriously pursue me. I understood that and I understood why. What I did not understand was why he was changing his behavior now.
“Are you ready, Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Aunt.” I slipped on my gloves when I heard Mr. Darcy’s carriage pull up in front of the house. “Let us see what Mr. Darcy is about.”
I ignored my aunt’s pointed looks and did not participate much in the inane chatter in the carriage. Once we were at the museum, I walked calmly along while my aunt carried a conversation with Mr. Darcy. After about half an hour, she wandered off to speak to an acquaintance and I was left alone with the gentleman.
“Miss Bennet,” he said, his voice stilted.
I turned to face him, surprised by the look of anxiety on his features.
“Forgive me, I did not mean to upset you,” he said.
“Upset me?”
“You clearly do not wish to be here and I have put you in an awkward position with your aunt. I assure you it was not my intention.”
