Chapter 7

Darcy felt elated and despondent by turn that afternoon. He’d spoken to Miss Elizabeth and she’d accepted his apology, although it distressed him that she had obviously been so hurt by his thoughtless words. He must make it up to her, although she might think what he said now was merely flattery. He would need to be careful in his compliments.

But she had smiled at him when he had talked about playing chess, and it would be easier for him to be in her company when there was a common focus of attention.

It was only a mile back to the inn, and Darcy ambled the horse slowly along the lane.

He had a long evening ahead of him. But he could plan a course of action to attempt to win Miss Elizabeth’s good opinion. He thought of Collins’ appalling proposal, and her reply.

‘Mr. Collins, one of your reasons for marrying were that it would add very greatly to your happiness. Yet it would not be a good reason for me, as you seem not to have given a moment’s thought as to my happiness.’

How could Darcy use that? He must convince her that her happiness would be his greatest concern were she to agree to marry him. As he thought of her as Mrs. Darcy, his heart stuttered in his chest. He could envision her, clad in a silk gown, descending the great stairs at Pemberley, a soft loving smile at him, and her eyes dancing with joy.

The horse threw its head up and down, and Darcy was jerked back to the moment. He patted the animal’s neck. “I’m sorry. I will pay more attention.”

* * *

He handedoff the reins to the groom and strode into the main parlour, intent on getting through the room with its crowded, noisy throng, and the reek of ale, to the relative peace of the private parlour.

“Darcy!” Richard’s voice rose above the hubbub, and Darcy jerked round.

“Cousin! What are you doing here? You ought to have gone through to my private rooms.”

“Not at all, Darce. I have had a most engaging hour while I’ve been waiting for you.” Richard grinned wolfishly. “I will tell you all about it.”

A few minutes later, in his private parlour, Darcy handed Richard a glass of whisky and took his own to one of the fireside chairs. Thank goodness this inn had at least some redeeming features, he thought, although the public rooms were sordid in the extreme.

“I’m glad you found me here; I had no idea Netherfield was going to be shut up when I wrote to you last night. And why did you say you’d had an engaging time?”

Richard laughed heartily. “You’ll never guess who was comfortably settled in amongst all the redcoats, drinking and gambling, when I walked in.” He was still chuckling.

Darcy hadn’t really wanted Wickham to know what they were about, but he could hardly help smiling. His cousin was dressed in full military regalia, and the sight of a Colonel in the regulars walking in, dressed as if about to preside over a formal court martial, must have struck fear in the heart of every militiaman, and especially Wickham, who would know precisely why this particular Colonel was after him.

“So how quickly did Wickham vacate the place?”

“He was gone so fast, he forgot to finish his drink or even pick up his winnings.” Richard was still chortling. “I have taken them into safekeeping until he comes to collect them. And then, of course, the rest of the militia were gone in short order.”

Darcy dropped into one of the chairs, waving across at the other one. “I had hoped to call in his debts, but I suppose he will suddenly find a good reason to desert.”

“Desertion in wartime is a hanging offence, cousin.” Richard shrugged. “It will catch up with him eventually.”

“It couldn’t happen to a more deserving person,” Darcy said reflectively as he stared into the fire. It took a few more moments of silence before he noticed Richard staring in shock.

“You’ve changed your tune, Darce. I would never have thought it.”

Darcy sighed. If it hadn’t been necessary to have evidence of Wickham’s debts, he’d never have wanted his cousin here to see Darcy’s efforts to win Miss Elizabeth’s hand — and what would probably be bumbling and inept efforts at that.

“So why did you stay in Meryton, after Netherfield was closed up?” The quiet voice calmed Darcy a bit and he shrugged slightly. Perhaps Richard could help in some unnameable way. He’d been as a brother to him through all the difficult years.

“I could use some assistance, Richard. But not mockery, I do not feel up to that.”

“Are you unwell? It seems unlike you.”

Darcy glanced over at him. “Will you be serious, and also promise not to mention this to the family until I say so?”

“My word, Darcy. Now you have me concerned.” Richard leapt up and poured them both another drink. “Now tell me everything.”

Darcy kept his gaze firmly on his glass, knowing he flushed. “I have met the lady I wish to marry,” he murmured, barely able to speak it aloud.

His cousin drew his chair closer. “I’m glad. But it is a good thing, is it not? You ought to be looking happy.” Richard’s tone changed. “She is of suitable birth, I hope.”

Darcy shrugged. “She is a gentleman’s daughter; in that we are equal. I will admit that she is not of the first circles.” He looked up at Richard. “But I care not! I will take no other.”

“Well, that’s all right then. If she will make you happy, then follow your heart. You are your own man, of course, none can gainsay you. Do not let your feelings of duty rob you of something you need.”

‘If she will make you happy’. Once again, no one is thinking of her happiness.Darcy shook off the thoughts, and took a deep breath.

“She despises me, Richard. I have a mountain to climb to gain her good opinion.”