Page 20

D arcy sat on the edge of the chair in Bingley’s library. “I hadn’t realised there was a cousin staying with the Bennet family,” he said carefully.

Bingley rolled his eyes. “I didn’t know until I called there on Thursday, the day after I arrived.” He shuddered. “The man is objectionable, and he was pawing at Miss Bennet, who looked quite distressed under her attempt to appear unmoved.”

He crossed to the chair opposite Darcy, and sighed as he sat back. “But I was delighted when Mrs. Bennet decided that as I had returned, she would divert the man’s attentions to Miss Elizabeth!”

Darcy raised an eyebrow, being prepared to appear unmoved. “Are they expecting you to offer for her?”

“I surely hope so!” Bingley grinned mischievously. “I know how fiercely you disapprove of the family, but I would still wish for your blessing. After all, Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter, and thus a step up for me, the son of a mere tradesman!”

Darcy smiled wryly. “I confess hadn’t considered that part of it carefully enough. What is her fortune? Will there be sufficient for your children? And is Longbourn a suitable estate to pass on?” But no answer could make up for that deplorable family. He shuddered.

Bingley shrugged. “I will make a good settlement on her, and that will be sufficient. I believe she brings one thousand pounds, although that does not concern me. But she will not inherit Longbourn. It is entailed away to Mr. Collins.”

“Entailed?” Darcy sat forward. “To that man?”

“Yes. Miss Bennet was very kind in her description, but reading between the lines, it appears Collins has arrived in the country to view his future home — and choose a wife from among the daughters.” Bingley scowled.

“I intend to offer for Miss Bennet soon, Darcy. I cannot bear the thought that she would wish to make her mother and sisters secure by accepting his attentions.”

Darcy barely heard him, he had so much to think about.

One thousand pounds! It was totally insufficient. What had Bennet been doing all these years? Longbourn should have been quite adequate with careful management to have given each daughter a better fortune, even should the estate be lost.

He wished it was later in the day — he would have liked a whisky.

“So, will you call with me this morning?” Bingley’s eyes danced in amusement. Did he suspect?

Darcy tried to hide his frown. “If you wish me to, then of course.” He could stay here, certainly. Without Miss Caroline Bingley, there was no danger of compromise. But he found himself agreeing, despite the knowledge that Mr. Collins would undoubtedly importune him again.

Bingley couldn’t bear to think of Miss Bennet accepting an offer for Collins — but it was nothing to the way Darcy felt about Miss Elizabeth receiving that odious man’s attentions.

“Then let us go!” Bingley bounced to his feet with enthusiasm and rang the bell.

Darcy strolled alongside Miss Elizabeth, watching his friend and Miss Bennet ahead. He could see that Miss Elizabeth was watching her elder sister wistfully, while attempting to ignore the clumsy efforts of Mr. Collins to attract her attention.

He sighed, and dropped back slightly. “Mr. Collins!”

The man hesitated, looking at him warily, and Darcy forced a smile. “Now we have been introduced, perhaps you can tell me how Lady Catherine fares?”

Collins’ face broke into a rapturous smile. “Mr. Darcy! I am happy to tell you that your aunt was in the best of health …” he paused, a look of deep concentration crossing his face … “nine days ago, sir!”

Darcy didn’t let his amusement show. “I am glad to hear it.” He must not observe Miss Elizabeth, he must keep the dreadful man’s attention away from her. “And my cousin?”

“You are so gentlemanly, sir! Of course you will be concerned with your betrothed.” This time Darcy caught Miss Elizabeth’s head snapping round to look at them.

Collins didn’t notice. “Miss de Bourgh remains as well as can be expected for a delicate lady of her excellent breeding and sensibilities.”

“I am glad to hear it, Mr. Collins.” Darcy allowed his voice to be clear. “But you are in error. I am not engaged to Miss de Bourgh.”

“But of course you are, sir,” Collins blithely insulted him. “Lady Catherine herself has told me repeatedly of your interest in her daughter.”

“Lady Catherine is mistaken,” Darcy gritted. “She and my beloved late mother had hopes of our union when we were in our infancy, but I assure you, we are not engaged.” He knew how to change the man’s mind.

“You would not wish to accuse me of cruelty to my cousin. Knowing of her frailty, you would not want her exposed to the rigours of Derbyshire by taking her to Pemberley, I hope.”

“Sir! You are all that is gracious and thoughtful,” the man babbled. “I know that Lady Catherine has planned for Miss de Bourgh to remain in Kent, and that you will make your home there with her when you are married.”

“That will never happen.” Darcy had had enough. He increased his pace, and the little man trotted comically alongside.

He saw Miss Elizabeth had slowed, and had allowed Bingley and her sister to draw a little ahead. She turned and looked at him.

“A moment, if you please, sir.”

He glanced at the couple. So Bingley was going to propose. He was unsurprised, despite his misgivings for his friend.

He smiled tightly at Miss Elizabeth. “Let us not disturb them. You had better continue to chaperone from a distance, I think.” He turned.

“Mr. Collins, with me.” He must take the loud, boorish man out of hearing. He hoped she would appreciate it.

Fortunately, he only had to listen to the man for a few moments, before he caught sight of Miss Elizabeth delightedly embracing her sister, Bingley beaming beside them.

He turned, leaving the clergyman in full flow, having noticed nothing, and approached the happier group.

“Darcy!” Bingley hailed him. “I pray you will wish us joy. I am the most fortunate of men. Miss Bennet has done me the honour of accepting my offer.”

Darcy nodded at him before turning to the lady. “My congratulations, Miss Bennet. My friend is the best of men. He will be a devoted and loyal husband, and I am certain you will be very happy.”

She curtsied. “I thank you for the honour, sir. I am convinced you are right.” He could see the shine in her eyes, and was surprised. Perhaps she held Bingley in more affection than he had thought and was not merely pushing for his fortune.

Miss Elizabeth’s thoughtful gaze burned, and he wondered what she was thinking. He hoped she appreciated his sacrifice in distracting Collins.

But the odious little man was smirking, and grasped her arm, an oily leer on his face. “This is wonderful news, Cousin Elizabeth! It is often the case that one engagement is soon followed by another!”

She pulled her arm free, revulsion on her face. “I doubt it in this case, Mr. Collins. Now excuse me, I wish my sister and soon-to-be brother to enjoy their day without any other person attempting to take attention from them!” And she marched off, leaving him standing.

Darcy watched her go. She was magnificent. And she had dealt with the matter herself — Miss Bingley would have turned to him, simpering, for his support. But he could help Miss Elizabeth. He leaned towards Collins.

“I must warn you, Mr. Collins. You should not pay such marked attention to Miss Elizabeth. I do not believe Lady Catherine would approve of her as Mrs. Collins.”

He was unprepared for the lecherous look on Collins’ face as he watched Miss Elizabeth vanish through the door behind her sister and Bingley.

“Oh, I am sure you are mistaken, Mr. Darcy,” he almost purred.

“Her liveliness will soon be calmed by the improvements Lady Catherine will make to her character, and …”

Darcy stalked off. He could not listen to another word, and could not bear to think of Collins pawing at her.

He stopped for a moment. She would never accept him, would she? No, of course she wouldn’t. He began walking slowly back to the house. But would she be under pressure from her parents because of the entail?

He didn’t know, and then berated himself. What was she to him? Nothing. She was merely the daughter of a country gentleman. She’d never moved in the first circles, and he could not intervene in her life. It ought to be nothing to him whether her parents forced her to wed Collins, nothing at all.

He suddenly felt ill, and hesitated. What would it be like to visit Rosings, to see her, see the vivacity and liveliness drained out of her and beaten down by the constant presence of that oaf — and Lady Catherine, too.

How could he let that happen — although the alternative was unthinkable?