Page 35

The next morning found a rather loud and emphatic knock resounding through Darcy’s townhouse, as though Fitzwilliam was taking out his disgust at the early hour on the poor doorknocker.

Darcy smiled into his cup of tea, picturing his cousin’s disgruntled expression.

It was not long necessary to imagine it, for Fitzwilliam lost no time in striding into the dining room and dropping into the chair opposite him.

“Remind me, Darcy, why was it we agreed to meet at this hour? The sun is scarcely up.” His cousin accepted a cup of tea with a nod of thanks.

Darcy raised an eyebrow, rather enjoying the opportunity to tease his cousin, rather than the other way around. “The sun is long since up, Fitzwilliam. Did they not cure you of being a slugabed in the army?”

“Quite the contrary. I have learned to get my sleep when I can.”

“Then it is all the kinder of you to wake early and accompany us. Georgiana has informed me she will need a considerable time at the modiste.”

Fitzwilliam put on a look of mock consternation. “Where is she, by the by? If I have woken early for her errands, she might at least do the same.”

“She did so, and has already breakfasted. Now we wait for the final adjustments to her appearance. I am told that a young lady cannot arrive at the modiste looking anything less than her best. Be patient, Fitzwilliam. I am sure Georgiana will be grateful.”

Though Fitzwilliam sighed, he was smiling. “Ah well, anything for Georgie. And I shall enjoy spending time with the both of you.” He drained his cup to the dregs. “And at least the sun is shining.”

“I shall drink to that,” Darcy said, and did.

The pleasant weather and the company were both welcome, for Darcy felt himself badly in need of help to chase away his disturbing thoughts.

He had not been able to get Elizabeth out of his mind.

Even though they had differing tastes in art, they had a love of the arts in common.

He would be eager to discuss art with her again.

Or really, any subject, he suspected. He simply enjoyed talking with her.

Unfortunately, he had not had the opportunity to apologise to her. But perhaps during their next meeting, wherever it might be, he would have a chance to clear the air. While their conversation had been good the previous day, there had still been some hesitation on her part.

It was not long before Georgiana came down.

When she had been suitably admired by both her guardians, they took the carriage to the modiste.

Upon the modiste repeating Georgiana’s warning that the appointment would be a long one, the cousins quickly agreed to leave the shop, with its clutter of finery and abundance of young women waiting for their appointments, in favour of a walk in the park across the cobbled street.

After the close atmosphere and many glances of the young ladies in the shop, the cool air and relative solitude of the park were a great relief.

Fitzwilliam sighed contentedly, looking up at the sun peeking through the trees. “What do you think Mother thought of Miss Elizabeth Bennet yesterday? I confess, I am utterly at a loss.”

“I think Miss Bennet made a favourable impression,” Darcy replied after a brief hesitation. “Why did you not ask her what she thought?”

“I am afraid of what she might say about Miss Bennet’s connections. She is a splendid young woman. I do not think anyone can argue with me about that. But my mother — and especially Aunt Catherine — have very particular ideas about these things.”

Darcy was not sure he wanted to hear any more, but had to ask. “What things are we speaking of?”

“Marriage, of course,” Fitzwilliam smiled.

He only beamed more when he saw the shock on Darcy’s face.

“Yes, I said it. I know no one believed I would ever be ready for marriage. But why should I not be taken with Miss Bennet? She is witty and sensible, with a great deal of conversation and a charming figure. And she is even an heiress!”

Darcy could take it no more. “You cannot marry her, Fitzwilliam.”

His cousin halted on the path, looking utterly flabbergasted. “What? Why ever not?” he asked. He frowned with concern. “Tell me why I cannot marry her. Is there something I should know about her or her family?”

“There is nothing wrong with her in the slightest. Nor her family.” Darcy was not about to make the same mistake with Fitzwilliam that he had made with Bingley. Where would he be now if he had only been honest with his friend, instead of trying to make up excuses?

“Well? What is it then?” Fitzwilliam asked. Now, rather than looking confused, he only looked offended. “Do not tell me you are on the side of Mother and Aunt Catherine.”

“That is not what I am saying.” Darcy gave a frustrated sigh.

“I had intended to ask you about your strange behaviour whenever we are around Miss Bennet. Are you sure you do not disapprove of her? The Bennets are not on our level of social consequence, to be sure, but what of that? I shall provide the consequence, while she provides the fortune, thanks to that inheritance.” Fitzwilliam frowned deeper as they continued to walk.

“Whatever it is you have against her, you shall have to get over it if we do wed. Why should I not be as happy with her as with any other heiress?”

Darcy stopped, raking his hand through his hair.

It was something he had not done since he was a boy, since his father had scolded him out of the habit.

Fitzwilliam looked at him as if he had sprouted horns.

“What is it, Darcy?” he asked.“We have always been honest with each other. I hope that will not change now.”

Darcy looked at his cousin reluctantly. It was something he had never thought he would be forced to do, but here he was, about to lay his heart bare.

“I love her, Fitz,” he finally admitted, reverting to their childhood nicknames.

Realisation dawned in Fitzwilliam’s eyes, and he let out a breath.

“I fell in love with in Hertfordshire, while I was visiting Bingley. I did not mean for it to happen, but it did. She would not have been my first choice, believe me. And that is why I left so suddenly, to return to Pemberley and try to forget her. But I cannot.”

“But I saw no evidence of her returning your feelings,” Fitzwilliam said. Darcy knew he would never seek to hurt him, but the words were like hooked barbs in his heart. “Why did she regard you with such coldness the night of the concert?”

Darcy shook his head and motioned that they should continue walking down the path. “She must have heard about the argument I had with Bingley concerning her eldest sister and her family. She despises me now.”

Fitzwilliam was quiet for a long while. Darcy chimed in first, before his cousin had a chance. “I would not blame you if you wanted to use that knowledge against me in your pursuit of her.”

“I would not do such a thing,” Fitzwilliam snapped.

“Forgive me. I do not mean to be harsh. I am only trying to come to terms with what this means. Never would I have guessed that you and I would be in love with the same woman.” Fitzwilliam rubbed the back of his neck.

“I do not know what is the right course of action here, Darcy.”

They walked on for some time, listening to the birds sing and the clip-clop of hooves as carriages passed by on the cobblestone streets. “I cannot give her up, Fitzwilliam.”

His cousin nodded, looking at him after a split second.

“Neither can I, old chap.” he hesitated for a moment, biting his lower lip.

“I must confess, I was drawn to her at first because I heard of her impending inheritance, but as I have got to know her better, I see she is an exemplary woman in every way. She is not only rich, she is beautiful and full of spirit and wit. I find I like that in a woman.”

“I agree. She is quite spirited, and I admire her intelligence as well.” Darcy shook his head. “I suppose it is not surprising that we would both fall for the same woman. There is no man whose good sense and judgement of character I respect more than yours.”

Fitzwilliam flashed him a mischievous smile. “Not to mention that we both have an eye for true beauty. Perhaps we should congratulate ourselves.” Darcy was glad that his cousin could still hold on to his sense of humour, but he could not bring himself to regard the matter so lightly.

“Well, it seems we have come to an impasse then,” Darcy sighed.

“I suggest that neither of us back down. We will simply keep on with the way we have been so far and let the lady choose whom she wants.” Darcy waited for Fitzwilliam to answer.

It was unwise to have a rivalry such as this between family members.

But he was not about to stand aside and allow Elizabeth to slip through his fingers.

Silently, he scolded himself for leaving Netherfield when he did — for his unforgiveable clumsiness with Bingley.

There were so many things he wished he could go back and undo.

“That is the only fair thing to do,” Fitzwilliam agreed after a long while. “But how will we navigate the loss, you or I? If either of us ends up married to the lady, we shall have to deal with that painful reality, as I am unwilling to give up on family connections.”

“As am I,” Darcy replied.

After a time, Fitzwilliam smiled. “Well, it seems you have put yourself at quite the disadvantage with the lady, Darcy. Why ever did you insult her family?”