Page 20 of A Letter in the Wind (Mayhem and Scandal Collection #1)

Elizabeth had not replied to Darcy’s question by the time they had to return to the carriage. He had not planned on broaching the topic of faith, but how else could he explain that he had no qualms about marrying her without divulging that he loved her?

There was more truth behind his words than he would have first admitted. He had often heard about others trusting God for good things. It seemed like he had only experienced the bad. Looking strictly at the evidence in his life, there would be no proof that the Almighty was even there, let alone loving; yet, deep within, something stirred. His soul called out to something higher than himself, and despite it all, he believed he would have an answer one day.

To him, it seemed perfectly clear. God gave him Elizabeth although it seemed impossible. The gossip would die away, but their union would stand until death do them part. Now, Darcy would have a companion during his trials—a sweet and loving peer he could lay burdens on, not distant relations or a much younger sister whom he raised. Her words were valid, too. Indeed, he had never planned to marry at all, let alone for love. Astonishingly, he could now see it was exactly what he needed. She was what he needed now and in the future.

Darcy watched Elizabeth closely for the next hour of the drive. She spoke very little and finally closed her eyes and rested. Her dark lashes looked striking against her pale skin, even as her lovely eyes were hidden.

Thankfully, Darcy observed she was more ready to tease and laugh for the final hours of their journey. That all changed upon reaching the outskirts of Meryton. Then, he could sense her nervous energy. He recalled that Mr Gardiner had wished to arrive first, and Darcy wondered what kind of scene would unfold at Longbourn. No matter what, nothing would stop him from marrying Elizabeth.

As they turned onto Longbourn’s drive, Elizabeth sucked in a deep breath and seemed to hold it. At first, all eyes of the other occupants were upon her. Eventually, they turned their gazes to look at the windows. Darcy took the opportunity to squeeze Elizabeth’s hand and quietly speak with her.

“Do you remember what I said yesterday outside of our house?” She nodded. “I will protect you. Do you still trust me?”

Elizabeth turned her head to meet his eyes. “Yes,” she said on an exhale as tension left her body.

“You are not alone, my dearest. You will never be alone again; you will always have me.”

She gave him a tremulous smile, but Darcy sensed her nervousness.

“All will be well. Nothing will deter me from marrying you now. I will not hold how your family behaves against you if you do not hold Lady Catherine against me.”

He nudged her shoulder, and she smiled. Soon, she was nodding in agreement. He raised her hand to his lips. That appeared to strengthen her further. He had to fight the simmering anger in his heart. How dare her family make her so scared that she could not even enjoy what should be a pleasant time. Now that he thought about it, Elizabeth had never seemed at ease around her entire family. Whatever made her uncomfortable was deep-seated and of long duration. It was not merely related to her alleged compromise and the rush to marriage.

He also knew that his wealth would afford him no special treatment. The Bennets seemed inordinately unconcerned with rank and money. The younger girls cared much more about frivolity, while Mrs Bennet valued the appearance of rank and fortune. She desired the increased respectability, the awe and reverence the rich and titled had. Wealth was useless if it did not allow one to behave superior to others. Darcy had not entirely made out Mr Bennet, but surely the fact that he mainly hid in his library rather than mingle with his guests and oversee Elizabeth’s courtship said enough.

The carriage stopped, and Darcy allowed Mr Gardiner to hand out his wife and Jane. Then, Darcy climbed out. He held his hand out and reached inside to support Elizabeth as she gingerly left the carriage. Before moving forward, she hesitated and took several deep breaths.

During the wait, Darcy heard loud shrieks from familiar voices. Elizabeth’s mother and sisters were outside, greeting their loved ones and noticing Darcy.

“What is he doing here?” Mrs Bennet asked loudly.

That finally propelled Elizabeth into action. In an instant, she gripped Darcy’s hand and departed the carriage with a smile. Only someone well used to observing her would recognise the signs of stress and displeasure.

“My dear sister,” Mr Gardiner said as Darcy turned toward the assembled family. “Mr Darcy escorted us here. We met in London, and he—”

“I wish to speak with Mr Bennet immediately,” Darcy said.

Mrs Bennet’s mouth fell open, but one of the younger girls scampered forward to show him the way. As he passed Miss Bennet, he whispered, “I trust you to protect her as she has done for you a thousand times.” He glanced at Mr Gardiner and nodded. Hopefully, Elizabeth would be well protected by the Gardiners and Jane.

A short time later, Darcy arrived at a door. The Bennet sister had knocked and then ran off, leaving him alone in the hall. He supposed this was Mr Bennet’s office. He always thought that wherever a gentleman spent most of his time revealed the most about his character.

Mr Bennet bade him enter. Opening the door, chaos immediately greeted him. The shelves were lined with books, but more stacks of them lined the walls and floor, with only a tiny path through them permitting movement. Mr Bennet himself remained out of Darcy’s view.

“Ah, so you beat my brother at his own plan,” Mr Bennet said with humour.

“Sir?”

“I daresay you have figured out his intention by now. Gardiner sent word last night that he would be arriving today. He explained that you and Elizabeth must marry, and you wished to accompany them. However, he determined to set out ahead of you, giving the family greater time to compose themselves.” He put aside the book he had been reading. “I see that his plan was unsuccessful. Please, be seated.”

Darcy blinked in confusion at the older gentleman. How could he be so nonchalant? He had been told that his daughter, by all accounts his favourite daughter, had been compromised and forced to marry a gentleman who was almost a stranger to him. Indeed, to a man his daughter had not liked and, apparently, had not kept a secret from all her friends and family.

“Well?” Mr Bennet raised his brows.

Belatedly, Darcy sat, perplexed. Bennet grinned at his foolishness, then waved a hand for Darcy to begin. He realised that the other gentleman enjoyed making him discombobulated. He narrowed his eyes. “It seems you already know the basics, sir.”

“I would prefer to know how my daughter has wound up engaged to the man she has loathed for several months. Why was she in your company often enough for this to even be a concern?”

“I am unsure if frequency matters to people who are determined to gossip. That is rather too sensible for them.”

Bennet removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I would agree with you there.” Unexpectedly, he looked up, a growing smile on his face. “You know that she has always hated you? You were not offended or surprised at my claim.”

Darcy had the distinct impression that the other man had wanted to upset him. “It has come up, sir.”

“It sounds as though she gave you a good set down.” He chuckled before growing sombre, the light leaving his eyes. “Was she distraught at having to marry you? Perhaps if the situation were different—”

Bennet ceased speaking, but Darcy knew it was not for his comfort’s sake. He was on the verge of saying something he would rather keep to himself. How curious. Darcy cleared his throat. “You will have to ask Elizabeth the particulars.”

He would not defend himself to this man who took such little concern in the lives of his children and sought to wound his guests. Even if the man was disgruntled at the idea of his daughter marrying someone he did not know and believed he could not esteem, it did not entitle him to act so disrespectfully. This was precisely the sort of emotion and impulse that his father had been careful to instruct him against. He would withstand the insults hurled at him and never let his opponent know that his barbs had found their mark.

“Sir, I came to you to speak about the marriage articles and other matters necessary to the wedding. I do not require your approval or blessing. You know as well as I do that Elizabeth must marry me for the benefit of her sisters.”

“Now, perhaps we could—”

“Additionally, she has already agreed to my hand and your brother-in-law, who assures me has been granted guardianship over Elizabeth, has agreed. A special license has been purchased, and the marriage articles will be provided on Monday. We will wed on Wednesday.”

“See here—”

Darcy stood and shrugged. “I could always alert Mrs Bennet to our situation, or perhaps a good walk into town would suffice.” He narrowed his eyes at Elizabeth’s father. “I would prefer to be on good terms with you, sir. Unfortunately, you have an extraordinary way of greeting your daughter’s betrothed. Do you not see that your behaviour, general disinterest, and inaction do your family a disservice?”

Mr Bennet finally looked chastised. Regret flashed in his eyes. “I do,” he said quietly. “Please, be seated, and we will have a rational conversation.”

Darcy remained standing for a moment, staring at the man before retaking his seat. He produced a draft of the marriage articles for his future father-in-law to read.

“This section here will need amendment.” Bennet pointed to the area, detailing Elizabeth’s settlement and the assets she would bring to the marriage.

“Oh? It hardly makes a difference, sir.”

He had heard that Elizabeth’s portion would be fifty pounds a year after her father died. It was generally remarked upon during his time in the area. While it did not contribute to his intention to leave without courting her, it discouraged many other potential suitors. It stood as an example of how different their situations in life really were. He would be ridiculed for marrying a lady with such a small dowry, no matter how respectable her family was. If anyone investigated further, they would find far more at fault with the Bennet family. Now, he had no concerns about it. Withstanding their prejudice would be well worth it.

“I recognise you are wealthy, sir, but I do not think ten thousand pounds is nothing to turn your nose up at.”

“P-pardon?” Darcy blinked in disbelief and confusion.

“Ah, would she have been worth more consideration if you had known?” Mr Bennet asked and sat back, a mixture of eagerness and contempt on his face.

Darcy could not let that insult slide. “You know as well as I the expectations of marriage in the ton,” he snapped.

“Of course I do. We did everything we could to conceal the girls’ fortune. I wanted gentlemen of character for them.” He gave Darcy a sharp look. “Unfortunately, you are the one sitting across from me.”

“I have had women thrust upon me at every social interaction for nigh on ten years. I do not think I need to apologise for not courting Elizabeth’s good opinion from the start of our acquaintance. I did not know that I would—” He slammed his mouth shut. He had almost admitted that he loved Elizabeth.

“I wanted them to marry for love. If she cannot have that, she could have independence.” Mr Bennet raised his brows and nearly sneered at Darcy. “She does not have to marry you. Someone will marry the other girls with such a fortune.”

Darcy’s mouth went dry. Desperation clawed inside him. Would Bennet suggest that to her? “Sir, you may not appreciate me, but I promise to always treat Elizabeth with the utmost respect and esteem. She will have a position and respectability as my wife. Does your alternative offer that?”

Mr Bennet scrubbed a hand over his face. “Well, this is where we are. Edward already gave consent, and this preserves the family name. There is no use in wishing for other things.” He scrutinised Darcy closely. “Perhaps now you will not think so meanly of us or her. The insult of this marriage may be lessened in your eyes.”

Darcy scowled. “Sir, I would never use that word or anything near it to describe marriage to Elizabeth. I may not have proposed before, but I have admired her character for many months. I know what a treasure she is.” He had dropped his voice but meant every word.

Bennet stared at him for a long time before slowly nodding. “I remain displeased and will remind her that she does not have to marry you—but if you value her as you say, then I will no longer quarrel with you.”

It was the best he would get at the moment. Darcy closed his eyes in relief. When he opened them again, he tapped the marriage settlement. “Are there any other changes that must be made? It is early, and I can send a rider to my solicitor immediately.”

Mr Bennet flipped through the rest of the papers. When he looked up, he gave Darcy a disgruntled frown. “You are very generous. There is nothing else that must be altered.”

Their business concluded; Darcy stood and gave Mr Bennet a quick bow. He left the room with the feeling that Bennet mostly did not care for him because he could offer Elizabeth more…perhaps all she had ever wanted.