Yes, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Read online

  The first words from the rector’s mouth failed to change Darcy’s opinion.

  “Mr. Darcy, I am astonished you are in Hertfordshire!” Mr. Collins bowed and spoke at the same time. “As a near relation to my patroness, it is my pleasure to inform you that both your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and your cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, were in good health when I left Kent. They often condescend to…”

  As the clergyman started to ramble on in the manner he had done when he was last in his company, Darcy, again, caught the eye of the young woman. Mr. Collins was her pain. Were they engaged to marry? Was that the happy event her mother referred to? A sick feeling crept into his stomach at the thought. He did the only thing he could think of at the time.

  “Miss Elizabeth, if you are available, might I request the honor of the first set?”

  He saw it. Relief flashed across her face before she was able to pull it back to the stoic calm she had offered the room before. It was enough.

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy.” She curtseyed and accepted his arm as the musicians were preparing to start the next song. They walked to the front of the line.

  He heard the squawks of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst, his host’s sisters, as they noticed his position on the floor. From experience, Darcy knew they were aware he rarely danced with someone outside of those in his party and he never danced the first set. He looked down the line and caught his friend Charles Bingley’s notice. Bingley danced with Elizabeth’s older sister. Darcy was surprised the man was able to look away from the lovely woman across from him. He read the signs — Bingley was in love, again.

  Darcy watched Bingley’s response at seeing him so engaged. The younger man turned his attention from Miss Bennet and broke out into a smile — a normal posture for Charles.

  It had not been Darcy’s desire to attend the assembly at Meryton. He had arrived from London a few hours before the party needed to leave and barely had time to bathe and change before they departed from Bingley’s leased estate, Netherfield Park. Being in attendance while only knowing those in his party was a challenge to a man who did not fare well in social settings. However, as he had for the past few months, he sought opportunity to locate the missing maiden. He had gone to balls, soirees, card parties, performances—all in hopes of spotting the one woman he longed to meet. Darcy smiled to himself at finally achieving success.

  ***

  Elizabeth Bennet had never felt such gratitude. Mr. Collins had failed to request the first set, possibly assuming he would be gifted such a privilege without having to ask. He was a large, clumsy man who all the Bennet sisters, including kind, sweet Jane, hoped they would not be partnered with for even one dance. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had taken Elizabeth aside before the carriage had arrived to transport them to the ball, and reminded her of her duty to the family.

  The frustration that had budded when they had first demanded of her that she marry a stranger, had blossomed into anger at her father for not caring for the futures of his five daughters. Instead he had crawled into his bookroom and stayed there. He provided no instruction to his offspring, no restraint over the financial demands of his wife, and no alternative to the eventual loss of their home. The injustice of sacrificing her hopes and dreams to benefit a mother who cared for her own future at the expense of her second, least favorite daughter, chafed at her.

  From the minute the express had been delivered to her at Lambton, demanding her immediate return to Longbourn for the purpose of meeting the heir, she had been distraught. Yes, during those months, she had thought often of the young girl and her brother, wishing again for those strong arms that had so carefully held his sister to give her comfort from her present dilemma. Now that he stood across from her, she knew it was too late. Just prior to leaving her home for the assembly, Mr. Collins had requested to speak with her privately after they broke their fast the next morning. He would propose marriage and her fate would be sealed. She exhaled a breath she had not realized she had been holding.

  “Miss Elizabeth, have you known Mr. Collins long?” It was a bold question from a new acquaintance.

  “Sir, I was called away early from Lambton to meet my father’s heir.”

  “His heir?”

  “Our estate, Longbourn, is entailed and Mr. Collins will be the beneficiary upon my father’s eventual death.” She spoke quickly before the dance pattern parted them.

  As soon as Darcy approached her again, he asked. “How well known is he to you?”

  “You likely have more knowledge of the man than I, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth debated with herself before providing additional information. Sharing personal details with someone of recent introduction broke a fundamental rule of propriety. Nevertheless, Darcy had witnessed his sister exposing sensitive events in her life to Elizabeth so she felt comfortable doing the same with him.

  “He had written in the spring to request the hand of one of the five daughters of the Bennet household and my parents, while I was traveling, chose me.” She did not mean to gulp in a breath, though her words were rushed and her breathing shallow. “He arrived in Hertfordshire shortly after my departure for Derbyshire and stayed for a se’nnight. When I returned to Longbourn, there was only one day remaining of his stay. Apparently it was enough time for him to determine his future—and mine.”

  “Is not Miss Bennet the eldest?” The expression on his face was puzzled.

  “My mother has long intended for my eldest sister, Jane, to marry a gentleman of substance, quite like you, sir. My younger sisters are not yet ready to run a home. Therefore, my journey with my aunt and uncle to the north was to allow me the opportunity to come to terms with my prospects.”

  “And have you done so?”

  She looked into his eyes, surprised at the seriousness she found there. He was not taking this conversation lightly. Elizabeth closed her eyes for a brief moment. Decorum demanded they speak of the weather or the roads. However, she could not begin to broach such mundane subjects with this man.

  “I have not.”

  ***

  Darcy pondered her answer. She could not be a mercenary woman or she would have welcomed an arranged marriage of convenience. This certainly set her out as outstandingly different from the women of his acquaintance.

  He did not fool himself into believing the women of the ton and beyond had sought him for anything other than his wealth and respected name. None of them knew the man, only the money. In the eight years he had been on the marriage market, he had been proposed to, propositioned, and coerced by mothers, fathers, uncles, and grandparents alike to increase their fortunes and influence by attaching their female relatives to him. He was bone-weary of their efforts.

  The music continued as they moved in time with the other dancers. For a length of time the pattern kept them close.

  “How is your sister, sir? Is she recovered much?”

  Again, Darcy offered a small smile. That Elizabeth could think of someone else at this time spoke much about her character. It was as he expected — she understood the turmoil in his sister’s heart.

  “I am pleased to tell you that she is on the way to being much as she was before you met.” He saw her relief. “No, I misspoke. She is much improved and has determined to become a young lady of character and discernment. I believe the both of us have you to thank for this awareness, Miss Elizabeth.”

  She blushed at his words.

  “While I appreciate your kindness in saying so, I believe the influence of her governess guaranteed she would, in time, rise above the circumstances which confronted her this summer.” Her smile was genuine. “I was merely a listening ear.”

  “Not so, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy’s voice was soft, but firm. “She repeated almost verbatim your conversation. I found your expressions to be wise.” A phrase from a poem he had recently read came to mind.

  ‘That best portion of a good man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered, acts of kindness and of love.’

  He had no idea he had whispered
the words aloud until Elizabeth responded, “Lyrical Ballads.”

  “You are a reader of Wordsworth then?” Darcy was surprised at a female’s familiarity with the poem.

  “Your condescension is showing, Mr. Darcy.” Her soft laugh was far superior to his ear than the stringed instruments playing to the crowded assembly.

  It was his turn to blush. “Just so, madam.”

  “In repayment of the gift you bestowed upon my family, Miss Elizabeth, I offer all the resources in my possession to help you out of your current situation. You need only ask.”

  Elizabeth sucked in a breath. She knew from the cut of their clothes and the manner in which they comported themselves, that the Darcys were wealthy. When she had asked her aunt Gardiner if she was familiar with the family, she had been told they held one of the largest estates in England. What he proposed was exceedingly magnanimous. It was beyond her to accept.

  “Upon my word, Mr. Darcy, what a generous offer to be made to a stranger, though I cannot imagine what you might be able to do.” The sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face belied her words. She would not take advantage. The sigh almost shook her slight frame. “My kindness was not done for repayment, sir.”

  “Of that fact I am aware.” Yes, this woman was unlike any he had ever met. He thought of how Miss Caroline Bingley would have responded to his offer. Charles’ unmarried sister had pursued him with ferocity in an effort to become the next mistress of his home, Pemberley. He continued to stare at Elizabeth as they moved slowly through the dance. She was not Caroline Bingley and he was grateful.

  “Will you accept him then?” Darcy almost could not breathe, his trepidation threatened to overwhelm him.

  “I know what is expected of me, sir.” Her look was fierce, though it rapidly changed to sadness. “I have not yet reached my majority so have little opportunity of going against the wishes of my parents. The portion which will be left to me and my sisters is small. We have only our charms to recommend us. Until Mr. Collins, even that has

  not been enough to induce an offer which would have been… more palatable.”

  Darcy deeply appreciated her frankness. He would return the favor.

  “Do you walk out in the mornings, Miss Elizabeth?” He hoped her stroll at Lambton was not an anomaly.

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy.” Thinking quickly, she made a decision. “There is a stile halfway between Longbourn and Netherfield Park. I shall proceed in its direction at first light.”

  The set had ended. He took her hand and bowed over it, whispering so only she could hear, “I will be there.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  The morning sun was a hazy outline on the horizon when Darcy arrived at the stile. He easily spotted her approach.

  “Miss Elizabeth.” Her cheeks were red from the early morning chill, a direct contrast with the dull colors of her dress and pelisse. Darcy felt a rush of pleasure as he realized she had not sought to please him by dressing up in her finest. It could not have been her goal to impress him, though she did just the same.

  “Mr. Darcy.”

  They both smiled at the ridiculousness of being polite under the circumstances. If they were caught together, the consequences could be dire for both of them. Darcy realized a compromise might be an answer to her prayers., though the idea of her being married to a man she knew little about had to be unappealing — though not as unappealing as being wed to Mr. Collins.

  “You requested this meeting, sir. I cannot help but wonder if you have a plan?”

  Darcy suspected that Elizabeth Bennet had a quick mind and strong opinions. He wondered if she had an independent spirit and realized he would be the recipient of that information as soon as he shared his purpose in meeting her.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I not only have a plan that I believe will temporarily allow you to think of and pursue other avenues, I have taken it upon myself to already set events in motion.”

  “How can that be, sir?” He could see she was astounded and upset. Darcy realized he was not known to her, nor was he in possession of any authority over her. It had to rankle that she had not been consulted. He would not have been at all surprised had Elizabeth stomped her foot at him. He would have done so and so would have Georgiana.

  It was as he expected. Fiercely independent. No wonder she balked so at being tied to a toad.

  Darcy raised his palms in peace. “It needed to be so, Miss Elizabeth, to avoid having you placed in a position where you would have to respond to an offer from your father’s cousin.”

  ***

  He was dressed entirely in black — a somber color which reflected, Elizabeth assumed, his normal countenance in company. Though she had witnessed small moments of amusement the night before, she inherently knew they were rare. He seemed an intelligent man and she hoped his superior knowledge of the ways of the world outside Hertfordshire might provide her relief.

  Elizabeth turned from him and walked rapidly in a small circle, chewing on her thumbnail as she went. Was he planning to kidnap Mr. Collins and have him transported to Australia? Was he going to kidnap her so she could not return to Longbourn and face the rector? Was he proposing to run off with her to Gretna Green? She shook her head at her far-fetched ideas. Mr. Darcy may think he was in her debt, but, in fact, he was not.

  Inhaling deeply, she stopped her furious movement and stood directly in front of him. Exhaling, she finally replied, “Mr. Darcy, I am ready to hear your plan.”

  ***

  “First, you must know that my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has long held that I have had a ‘peculiar’ engagement with her daughter, Anne.” He held his hand up when Elizabeth started to speak. “I do not, Miss Elizabeth. It is a fabrication of her vivid imagination which she stubbornly clings to. I will not marry my cousin, nor does she have any desire to marry me.”

  Now, it was his turn to move restlessly about the paddock.

  “When this idea was first presented to me by Lady Catherine after the loss of my father, I refused to acquiesce — quite firmly.” He breathed in and out quickly in his frustration, removing his hat and twisting the brim in his large hands. “To no avail. In the years since my father’s death, Lady Catherine has chosen to repeat her desires to the extent that she now fully believes them to be, not only her will, but that of my deceased mother as well.”

  Finally, he stopped back in front of Elizabeth.

  “My point of telling you this, Miss Elizabeth, is that in my frustration at her continually bringing the matter to my attention, I refused to answer her for the past three years.” Darcy started tapping his hat against his thigh. “When she spoke of it or demanded that I take the action of making an offer to Anne, I pretended to ignore her.” He scoffed at himself. “Oh, I know how mature that makes me sound, however, it was my way of retaining control of my temper. She is my aunt after all.”

  “I do comprehend the difficulties of family members who put their own concerns ahead of yours, sir.”

  “Lady Catherine relishes power and control. Her desire to have me for a son-in-law is for the sole purpose of combining her estate with mine, therefore becoming the largest private landowner in England. It is for that purpose only that she seeks to marry her daughter to me.” Darcy huffed out a breath, the vapor projecting into the air and disappearing into the mist. “Her love for control is not solely for this issue. She demands and receives absolute obedience from her rector. She expects him to serve her and be available at her whim. With that in mind, I wrote a letter to Lady Catherine last night when I returned to Netherfield Park and had it sent by express already this morning saying I would not be marrying Anne and that I have found a young woman of interest. It will be in her hands by this evening.”

  Elizabeth put her hand to her chest. “A young woman of interest?”

  “Yes, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy looked directly into her eyes.

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy. From what you have told me and what I have gleaned from Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine will be livid.”

 
; “That she will, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy shuddered at the thought. He did not fear his aunt, but he knew firsthand how the woman’s anger had far-reaching effects, like an ocean wave pounding against a rocky shore, dislodging heavy boulders until it changed a distant coastline.

  He continued. “This morning, I will not return to Netherfield Park, but will present myself to Mr. Collins at your home. Once I explain what I have done, I will beg for his immediate return to Kent to be of comfort to my aunt. I cannot see how the man would allow any other concern to take precedence over his need to attend Lady Catherine.” Darcy looked into her lovely eyes and saw hope. “Thus, if you time your return until after I have spent a few moments with Mr. Collins, I do believe you will be free of