Chapter XVIII

" W

ell, Lizzy, this is a fine to do. Not only are you new to the neighborhood and the gentry, but it seems you have already caught the most handsome, well-connected gentlemen any of us ever saw. You should take care, for it will not take much for most of our neighbors to despise you."

? Elizabeth turned to look at Charlotte, noting the obvious laugh lines about her mouth, the playful glint in her eyes. "Why, I do not know what you mean, Charlotte. Do you speak of someone particularly?"

? "You may profess a lack of understanding," said Charlotte, sniffing as if with disdain. "Perhaps you affect it because you know that your new neighbors will despise you. Do you suppose to mislead me with your attempt at obfuscation?"

? "Oh, Charlotte!" said Elizabeth, grasping her friend's hands. "How I treasure you as a friend. At times, you remind me of myself!"

? Charlotte laughed under her breath. "I shall say nothing of this apparent arrogance of wishing for friends who duplicate your humor. Now, tell me, is Mr. Darcy courting you?"

? "Not officially," replied Elizabeth, ducking her head in embarrassment.

? "Then he is courting you unofficially?" rejoined Charlotte.

? "The gentleman appears to enjoy my company very much. You may take from that whatever you wish, allow yourself flights of fancy as you choose."

? "It appears I need no flights of fancy, as you suggest," replied Charlotte. "It is fortunate that I think very well of you, my friend, for I shall not take offense at your amazing success."

? "Mr. Darcy does not pay attention to me excluding all others," said Elizabeth, feeling defensive. "Is he not speaking with my father and yours at present?"

? Charlotte's gaze crossed the room to where the three gentlemen stood together. While Sir William was his usual effusive self and Mr. Bennet inserted himself when the opportunity presented itself, even Elizabeth could see that Mr. Darcy appeared inattentive. His frequent glances in her direction warmed her and provided evidence for Charlotte's assertions, and her warm smile when he noted her attention tugged his lips up. Though he did not approach, leaving her to Charlotte's company, she knew that the moment he saw her without another he would make his way to her side.

? "That exchange renders any comment I could make unnecessary."

? "I am pleased with Mr. Darcy's attention," said Elizabeth, darting a glance at her friend. "At present, I have no notion if he means to pursue it further, but I anticipate the coming discovery."

? While Charlotte regarded her with some amusement, she did not tease as Elizabeth supposed. "As I suggested, I am thrilled for you, my friend. You shall be a fortunate woman, indeed.

? "However, I will caution you that not everyone will approve of your success."

? "That is a strange way to put it. What should I care whether people with whom I only became acquainted of late ‘approve,' as you put it?"

? Charlotte nodded. "No, I suppose you are correct. There is no reason you should care. Most will not be unkind, even if your upstart success angers them. Some, however, will not hold back. Behold, one of them approaches your beau now."

? It appeared the small grouping of the three men had broken up while she had been inattentive, for she could not see Sir William and Mr. Bennet was speaking with another man. A young lady of the neighborhood, it appeared, had cornered Mr. Darcy, though Elizabeth supposed to say Geraldine Goulding was young was a misnomer—had Charlotte not already spoken of her, Elizabeth still would have put her age at eight and twenty, if she was a day. According to Charlotte, she was nine and twenty.

? Of importance to the situation at present, she appeared to have insinuated herself into Mr. Darcy's presence and was now attempting to flirt with him. Mr. Darcy looked to Elizabeth, his expression hunted, and while Elizabeth could sympathize with him, she knew he was in no danger from a predatory female the likes of Miss Goulding.

? "It appears you are correct," said Elizabeth, watching them with an absence of thought. "Mr. Darcy will remain impervious to her charms, for he does not appreciate being the focus of attention because of his position and wealth.'

? "No, I suppose any man in such a position would not," agreed Charlotte. "That may be a reason for your power over him. So far as I have observed, you do not throw yourself at him like so many other ladies in search of a husband."

? "I do not," agreed Elizabeth. "Mr. Darcy knows of my wishes and understands I will not set aside my principles for the sake of a comfortable situation."

? Charlotte's eyes widened, and then her smugness returned. "Had you not spoken of it, I would not have guessed. While some might say it is not proper to discuss such subjects while not even officially courting, I can only commend you for your open dealings with the gentleman. If more of us practiced your philosophy, it would lessen the chance of misunderstanding by which some fail to find their happiness."

? Curious, Elizabeth regarded her friend. "Do you speak of something particular?"

? "Nothing in my experience," replied Charlotte, though she hesitated a moment. "I speak only of generalities. Men such as your Mr. Darcy possess the confidence to risk disappointment regardless of how welcoming a woman appears to be. There are men in the world who do not possess his assurance, who might withdraw for fear should the woman not show her regard in a way he cannot misunderstand. A woman must make some effort to reassure a suitor, yet not all women are like you either."

? Elizabeth regarded her friend, wondering if she was dissembling. There was no question about asking her, for though their acquaintance was friendly, it was also new, and, of more importance, it was not Elizabeth's concern.

? "What of you, Charlotte?" asked Elizabeth. "Is there no one who can see you for the treasure you are?"

? "I thank you for that, Elizabeth," laughed Charlotte. "No one in this neighborhood it appears, but..."

? "Yes?" asked Elizabeth, her heart filling with hope for her friend.

? The blush that stained Charlotte's features quite became her, but she was not the sort to allow embarrassment to hold sway. "A man has called of late and seems to be interested in a closer connection with me."

? "That is excellent news, Charlotte," congratulated Elizabeth. "Who is this discerning gentleman?"

? "It is a Mr. Herridge from north of Meryton. The gentleman is a widower with two small children and has spoken about the need to provide his children with a mother."

? "Then I wish you every happiness, Charlotte," said Elizabeth. "I am certain you will be the most excellent of mothers."

? "Thank you, Lizzy." Charlotte fell silent for a moment as if trying to determine what to say, then ventured: "I am not the romantic that you are, my friend. Since I was old enough to know how the world works, my only desire has been a comfortable home with a good man who could provide for me."

? "From what you said, it sounds like this Mr. Herridge will give you that."

? "That is my hope," agreed Charlotte. "I am far from opposed to acting as a mother to his children, and I hope to provide him with more children should he decide to take our connection to the logical conclusion." Charlotte grinned and added: "He is an excellent man and not without charms, so I will allow your notions of romance to have some merit."

? "Excellent!" cried Elizabeth. "I shall corrupt you yet."

? "My mother is calling for my assistance, Lizzy," said Charlotte, "so I shall leave you for the moment. Besides, I suspect Mr. Darcy is desperate to be by your side again."

? With that, Charlotte kissed Elizabeth's cheek and stepped away, and before Elizabeth could turn to espy him, Mr. Darcy had gained the space next to her. Elizabeth smiled up at him, noting his harried expression.

? "Has the predators' stalking come too close for comfort, Mr. Darcy?" teased Elizabeth.

? "You have no notion, Miss Elizabeth," replied he.

? Miss Goulding, Elizabeth noted, stood on the other side of the room with a few friends, their whispered conversation punctuated by the reproachful looks they were sending at Elizabeth. Unconcerned for their offense, Elizabeth was determined to ignore them.

? "If it is no secret, of what were you speaking with Miss Lucas?"

? "Would you have me divulge confidences, Mr. Darcy?" was Elizabeth's playful response.

? "That is why I added the stipulation."

? Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. "It was nothing secret, I do not think, though it appears the neighborhood is yet unaware. Charlotte is receiving the calls of a gentleman of late. She told me something of it."

? "I do not know her well," said Mr. Darcy. "It is my observation that she is practical."

? "Aye, she is at that. She has become my closest friend in the neighborhood, so I am pleased for her.

? "Now, dare I ask of what you were speaking with Sir William and my father? Or perhaps your conversation with Miss Goulding was more to your taste?"

? The man's grimace set Elizabeth to laughter.

? "No, Miss Elizabeth, I would prefer not to discuss that. I have seen her like many times in London, and most of them are far more subtle and much more dangerous. Sir William spoke of a regiment that is to quarter in Meryton for the winter."

? "Is that so?" asked Elizabeth with some interest. "That is good news for the ladies of the neighborhood, I suppose."

? "Oh?" asked Mr. Darcy. "Do you mean to become a matchmaker among them?"

? "Not at all, sir," replied Elizabeth. "I only refer to what several of the ladies of the neighborhood have suggested of a dearth of young gentlemen with whom to dance at assemblies. The young ladies will welcome so many officers in their midst for that reason alone."

? "Yes, I suppose to a lady enamored of dancing that would be a reason for celebration."

? "That is true," agreed Elizabeth. "There was a company of militia staying near my home several years ago. I was yet too young to participate in society, but I heard many of the rumors of officers being caught with young ladies and even drunkenness, debts, or excessive gambling."

? "Many regiments do not find a ready welcome for that reason," said Mr. Darcy. "Most men are little disposed to evil, but there are always those among them not created of the same character."

? Elizabeth nodded. "Then I hope the gentlemen take care of their daughters. For the Bennet sisters, you do not need to worry, for I do not suppose my sisters will become enamored with the officers."

? "That is well, for I suspect some trouble with this regiment. Sir William mentioned they were to come before the end of August, rather than the autumn as usual."

? "Do you suppose they had trouble in other places?" asked Elizabeth.

? "It is possible. My cousin is a colonel in the regulars and as such, has little to do with the militia, but he has spoken of certain experiences he has had. As you might expect, those inhabiting the militia rarely possess the seriousness of the professional soldiers."

? "That makes sense," replied Elizabeth. "The militia does not expect to see battle."

? "Exactly," said Mr. Darcy.

The time of the Bingley party's arrival was fast approaching. Darcy looked forward to seeing his friend again, for he always enjoyed the man's company and his ability to lighten Darcy's mood—not that his mood needed improvement of late. Miss Elizabeth and the entire Bennet family saw to that, such that Darcy had not felt so carefree since he was a boy.

? Bingley's company was welcome, but it would also complicate matters between himself and Miss Elizabeth, though Darcy supposed the closer he came to offering for her the more urgent his need to depart Longbourn became. Darcy was not considering a proposal yet, but he grew restless, eager to ensure that he departed from Longbourn with more than an unacknowledged courtship. As Darcy recalled, Bingley had suggested exactly that. Moving their connection along at present seemed prudent, for he wanted Miss Elizabeth to be in no doubt of his interest, and he thought it might offer him some protection from the machinations of a certain predatory female in whose company he would soon find himself.

? The more Darcy thought on the matter, the more he became convinced that it was the correct course of action. What remained was only how he would accomplish it. Of Miss Elizabeth's affections, he had no doubt, for she was as open in her admiration as he felt he had been. Thus, he decided it was best to speak without disguise, knowing that she prized directness.

? The opportunity came only a few days before the Bingley party was to arrive, an evening when the company gathered in the sitting-room after dinner. Mr. Bennet, citing a few matters he must see to, excused himself for a time to go to his study, and while Darcy often went with him, that evening he had another purpose and stayed in the sitting-room. The other ladies congregated together chattering about this matter or that, and while Miss Elizabeth might have joined them, Darcy asked her to sit with him for a time in conversation—it was gratifying when she agreed at once.

? "Miss Elizabeth," said he, keeping to his determination to be open with her, "as you know, my friend Bingley will arrive soon with his family, and I will relocate to Netherfield Park to assist him."

? "To offer the same support to your friend as you gave my father." Miss Elizabeth grinned at him and said: "I can well understand your enthusiasm, Mr. Darcy, for Mr. Bingley is an excellent friend. And there, you shall be in the company of refinement and sophistication. Why, I doubt you could find its like anywhere outside of London itself!"

? "Oh, the height of sophistication, indeed," said the gentleman, his wry tone amusing. "It is because of this that I wished to speak to you this evening."

? "You have my full attention, Mr. Darcy," assured Miss Elizabeth. "How may I assist you?"

? "By agreeing to an official courtship."

? Miss Elizabeth's astonishment nigh overpowered Darcy's sense of control, for the urge to laugh was great. She watched him for several moments, trying to determine if he was serious. When he gave no hint of anything other than earnest entreaty, she found her tongue.

? "I will own, Mr. Darcy, I had expected nothing so blunt as this."

? "There is little reason to equivocate, Miss Elizabeth, and every reason to proceed. Bingley arrives in three days, as you know, though I expect we will not see him until a day or two after. I should like to have this decided before he comes."

? Laughter bubbled up from her breast. "For shame, Mr. Darcy! Am I nothing more than a convenient defense from the predations of a woman?"

? "A most convenient defense," said Darcy, winking at her.

? "Faugh! How dare you treat me in such an infamous manner! I have half a mind to insist my father throw you from the house!"

? "I would hope you will not take such drastic action as that, Miss Elizabeth. Bingley's coming only hastens the timing of this by a little." Darcy caught up one of her hands and bestowed a lingering kiss on it, "I have come to feel a most passionate regard for you. I hope that you are no less affected than I."

? "Perish the thought, Mr. Darcy," murmured Miss Elizabeth. "I cannot say that you do not affect me and retain my claim to being an honest woman."

? "Then will you do me the honor?"

? Miss Elizabeth fixed him with a bright smile. "I suppose you have persuaded me, sir. Yet I cannot help but wonder if it will deter a woman so determined as Miss Bingley."

? Gratified by her acceptance, Darcy offered her a wry grin. "No, Miss Elizabeth, I shall not sport with your intelligence by suggesting that Miss Bingley will desist in the face of a courtship. You know as well as I do that such a woman will persist until the chances of her success have disappeared."

? "When we are engaged?" asked Miss Elizabeth.

? "When we return from a month of our wedding tour," retorted Darcy. "Or perhaps not until after the birth of our first child."

? Miss Elizabeth put a hand to her mouth and giggled, and Darcy joined her. "A courtship, whether she considers it an impediment, is still an obstacle she must overcome. While I would not agree that you are a convenient defense, our understanding will allow me to spend more time at Longbourn and provide an additional reason to put her off. A defense it shall be, but an additional piece of armor rather than the entirety of my protection."

? "Then I am happy to help," smiled Miss Elizabeth. "When the danger has passed, we can speak of dissolving our agreement without rancor."

? "Trust me, Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy, gazing at her in utter seriousness, "I do not think I will ever be of a mind to dissolve our agreement. You have... grown high in my esteem these past days and weeks. I would not ask for this if I did not think it would lead to our future together."

? Miss Elizabeth's mien softened, and she regarded him, her heart resident in those beautiful brown eyes gazing soulfully at him. The hand he still held in his grasp turned in his and she entwined their fingers together, a symbol, Darcy thought, of how their hearts had grown together, now entangled beyond all hope of ever unraveling them. Not that Darcy ever wished to be parted from this most beauteous woman.

? "Then I suppose, Mr. Darcy, that for once in my life I should respond with complete seriousness." She grinned and said: "My sisters lament I am too inclined to make everything into a joke.

? "A joke this is not, for I see in your request not only the offer of your heart, but a sensible suggestion that might help Miss Bingley understand it is time she turns her attention in other directions. I have yet to make her acquaintance and know nothing more than what you informed me. Yet I hope she will accept our connection, for as you said, I will not wish to give up your regard."

? "Then we agree," said Darcy. He leaned in close and whispered: "I shall go to your father at once."

? Miss Elizabeth nodded, and Darcy rose to depart the room. As he retreated, however, he could not miss the increased sound of voices, which he knew indicated their sisters' understanding of what had just happened between them. His mind fixed on the coming interview with Mr. Bennet, Darcy ignored the cacophony of voices and made his way toward the study door.

? "Darcy!" said Bennet when he entered the room. "I suppose feminine talk has exhausted you, requiring you to retreat from the ladies for a time?"

? "No, indeed, Bennet, for a much more pleasant task has brought me to you."

? A look of understanding appeared in his friend's eyes as he motioned Darcy to a chair. "Then it seems you ignored my advice, my friend." Bennet gave him a mock shake of his head. "It is difficult to tolerate the younger generation, for it seems they are intent upon having their way."

? "In this instance," replied Darcy, "I must agree with you, for I shall not allow the wise counsel of my elders to sway me. For that matter, you are not much older than I am myself."

? "No, I suppose I am not, though those fifteen years seem like an eternity." Bennet shook his head. "You are aware of my sentiments, Darcy. To the notion of you as a son-in-law I have no hesitation at all. My concerns are all for what your illustrious family will say when they learn of this."

? "Yes, we have spoken of this before," acknowledged Darcy. "Let me set your mind at ease, then. Of Lady Catherine you are aware, and you know what her likely response will be. Let me state here and now that my aunt has no hold over me, nor am I in the habit of listening to her. My uncle sent my cousin in my stead for our yearly visit to her estate, and while my aunt has written of her disappointment, I will not be moved.

? "As for my uncle and his family, I expect much less opposition than from Lady Catherine." Recalling what happened before he departed London he continued: "When she learned I was to come to Hertfordshire and your family's composition, my aunt asked me if there was any chance I would become enamored with one of your daughters."

? Bennet's eyebrows rose at this admission. "That is interesting, Darcy. Your aunt appears to be something of a seer if she predicted as much. Then I suppose she did not oppose the notion?"

? "The only condition she attached," said Darcy, "was that the lady must be respectable. Do you suppose your daughter is respectable enough for me?"

? Catching Darcy's jest, Bennet nodded with good humor. "If I dared refer to Elizabeth as anything less, I would feel the sharp edge of her tongue."

? "Then my family's acceptance is a certainty, though there may be those among them who will take some time to warm to her." Darcy considered what his aunt had said to him. "My aunt will assist with Miss Elizabeth's acceptance in society, her standing enough to ensure there will be little overt criticism."

? "It appears you have considered every aspect," replied Bennet.

? "As you know much of my character, you understand that I prefer to leave little to chance."

? "As I said, Darcy," said Bennet leaning forward and offering Darcy his hand, "I have no concerns about you as a suitor for Lizzy, only for what your family might think. In the end, even if you had not convinced me, I trust you to stand as her protector, and I know Lizzy will not allow such things to intimidate her, regardless. I give you my consent and my blessing."

? "Thank you, Bennet," replied Darcy elated.

? Bennet nodded and fixed him with a speculative look. "Might I assume your announcement at this time is in part because of the imminent arrival of your friend and his sisters?"

? Darcy could not help his laughter. "It seems you know me well. Bingley's coming does not provoke my intention to court Miss Elizabeth, but I will own that I moved a little sooner than I might otherwise have contemplated. Miss Caroline has her sights set on me—perhaps the stark reality of my courtship with someone else will provoke her to reconsider her pursuit."

? "From what you have told me," remarked Bennet, "I suspect she will consider it a challenge."

? "More than a challenge, it may provoke her to desperation."

? Bennet cocked his head. "Yet you propose to stay in the same house?"

? "Desperate she may be," replied Darcy, "but I do not suspect her of using underhanded means to gain what she wants. Not only do I judge her more proper than that, but I will ensure she understands it will profit her nothing, even if she succeeds."

? "Very well," said Bennet. "Shall we announce it to our families?"

? "Excellent notion, though I suspect they already know, considering the increased volume of conversation in the room as I left."

? "I might never have expected it!" laughed Bennet. "Still, we should pay attention to the forms. Let us go, my friend. Tonight, we shall celebrate."