Page 29 of Darcy’s Guarded Heart

Darcy

A s the carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestones, Darcy observed the delicate features of his sister, Georgiana, seated beside him.

She looked upset, there was no denying it.

Of course, he’d known she would be. He had separated her from the man she appeared to be infatuated with.

He’d had his suspicions, but seeing them together on the bench had confirmed it.

It hadn’t been an intimate situation by any means—and his sister’s behaviour was beyond reproach—but it had been clear enough.

He’d been correct to come. Goodness, he did not want to imagine what might have happened had Caroline not been eavesdropping on Georgiana’s conversation with poor Mrs Annesley, who she’d roped into this venture. To think his own sister would manipulate the poor woman. It was unconscionable.

Across from them, Mrs Annesley sat, her usual composure marred by lines of concern etched on her face. “Mr Darcy, I must apologise,” she began, her voice nervous. “I was unaware you did not wish for this call to take place.”

Darcy turned his hazel eyes towards her, maintaining an aura of calm in the carriage’s tight confines. “Mrs Annesley, it is not your fault. My sister has already informed me of the situation. I understand that you were misled.” He watched as relief swept across her face, though the worry remained.

“I wish I had anticipated it. I should have been more vigilant.”

“Please do not blame yourself,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “Georgiana is perfectly capable of handling herself, and I appreciate your concern.”

Georgiana offered a soft smile, her gratitude evident. “Thank you, Mrs Annesley. And I do beg your pardon for the deception. I only did it because I so badly wanted to visit Longbourn and…” She grew silent and for that, Darcy was grateful.

“We will address this matter later,” he said in a stern tone, unable to hide his disappointment in his younger sister.

The remainder of the journey passed in silence. As they approached Netherfield, Darcy gazed out the window, his heart heavy with mixed emotions.

Upon their arrival, Darcy turned to Mrs Annesley. “Please pack Georgiana’s things. We shall leave for Town in the morning.”

Georgiana’s eyes grew wide as his words sank in. “William, please don’t—” she began.

“I’ve had enough of the Bennets and of Meryton,” he interrupted, his tone firm. “And I have certainly seen enough of your behaviour here to warrant our departure.”

She looked at him, tears welling in her eyes, a mixture of disbelief and sadness. “But I enjoyed my time here! I want to stay longer.”

Darcy’s expression remained resolute. “This is not a debate, Georgiana. We are leaving.”

“But they are my friends, the Bennet sisters and Thomas is lovely and considerate and if only you’d give them a chance and look past your prejudices then you’d see it also.”

“I will not be lectured by my sister. Now, go with Mrs Annesley and pack, that is final,” he said though he hated how authoritarian he sounded.

With a pained expression, she turned away, her shoulders trembling but she did not cry.

He had expected her to fight him on this, to plead passionately for a chance to return to the company of her newfound friends.

But instead, she pulled herself together with surprising composure, almost as if she were shedding her childhood.

As she walked away, Darcy felt a brief flicker of doubt. Had he misjudged her? He watched her retreating figure, wondering if she had truly come to terms with his decision, or if she was simply burying her feelings.

Just then, Caroline appeared in the hallway, her expression sharp and alert. “Darcy, we need to speak with Charles. There are matters to discuss regarding our plans.”

He nodded, momentarily distracted from the strain of the situation with Georgiana. “Of course,” he replied, though his mind lingered on his sister’s demeanour, the weight of their conversation still hanging in the air.

Darcy entered the parlour to find Bingley seated in a chair, looking distinctly uncomfortable and pale.

Caroline, Louisa, and Mr Hurst sat around him, their expressions varying from concern to impatience.

Caroline, ever poised, resumed her seat across from Bingley and gestured for Darcy to join them.

As Darcy settled himself, Bingley let out a breath, visibly relieved by his friend’s presence.

“Darcy,” he began earnestly, “my family is trying to convince me that I ought to abandon my courtship of Jane Bennet. They claim she does not truly care for me, that she only seeks my fortune, and that the Bennets are not a respectable influence. They insist that the match is an unwise investment.” He hesitated before adding, “I wish to know your thoughts.”

Darcy steeled himself. He knew full well that the simplest course of action would be to support the assertions of Bingley’s family, thus allowing him to remove Georgiana from this detestable town and never return.

Yet he could not dismiss the sincerity of Bingley’s affections for Jane Bennet, nor was he entirely convinced that her feelings were feigned.

She was reserved, true, but so were many women.

Caroline spoke then, her voice deceptively sweet. “I do think Jane Bennet a pretty young woman, but she is the eldest of five daughters with little means. It is her duty to secure a husband, and she has quite evidently set her sights on you, Charles.”

Louisa nodded in agreement. “And then there is the insufferable Mr Collins. Is that truly the sort of connection you desire? The man is a mere clergyman with nothing to recommend him beyond the patronage of Lady Catherine.”

Caroline turned her gaze pointedly to Darcy, expecting his support.

He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could form a response, Bingley interjected.

“I care little for a man like Mr Collins, but he lives far away from here and God willing Mr Bennet will be alive a long time. Perhaps I can even help undo the entailment. Therefore, I care little about this matter.”

“But Miss Bennet is so cold towards you, she does not display any sign of affection at all,” Louisa continued. Caroline looked at Darcy, as if willing him to speak up.

Bingley shook his head. “Thomas himself has assured me that Jane’s affections are sincere.”

Something within Darcy recoiled at those words. Was Bingley truly placing Thomas’s opinion above that of his own family? Was it merely because Thomas had told him what he longed to hear? Whatever the reason, Darcy heard himself speaking before he had fully decided what to say.

“Miss Bennet is indeed a kind and amiable woman,” he said carefully, “but I cannot dispute that she has a duty to her family, one that will always take precedence. And Bingley, you must ask yourself—do you truly wish to align yourself with a family of such modest standing?”

Bingley’s face drained of colour as he turned to Darcy, as if the very foundations of his happiness were crumbling before him. A heavy weight settled in Darcy’s chest, but he pressed on, knowing what was expected of him.

Mr Hurst, who had thus far remained silent, now spoke up. “Their financial situation is precarious, Charles. If you marry Miss Bennet, you shan’t merely be supporting a wife, but her sisters, her parents, and even their ward. Are you prepared for such a burden?”

One by one, they listed reason after reason against the match, until at last, Darcy delivered the final blow. Looking directly at Bingley, he asked, “Do you truly believe that Jane values you above her obligation to her family?”

“I do. At least I feel that she does. The way she looks at me, I see tenderness sin her eyes,” Bingley said, though he sounded miserable.

“None of us dispute that she feels tenderness for you, but is it love? Or is it tenderness because you can help her family prosper?” Darcy asked.

“Indeed, Mr Darcy is quite wise on the matter, Charles,” Caroline said with emphasis, smiling at Darcy as though she wished to thank him for finally speaking up.

“You believe that I ought to let her go? Let Netherfield go? All of it?” Bingley asked. His tone was pleading. He wanted someone, anyone, to side with him and tell him Jane Bennet was right for him.

And she may well be. But Darcy also knew there were better matches, and those matches were unencumbered by meddlesome relatives, unfortunate wards, and obligations. No, would do his friend a favour by advising him against her. It might hurt him now, but in due course, he’d see sense.

Darcy was certain.

The room fell silent. Darcy took a deep breath, and after a pause, added, “I do not think that your future lies here in Hertfordshire or with this young woman. I believe it would be in your best interest to relocate to London, where you will have the opportunity to find a more suitable match—someone of equal fortune, who does not require your support.”

“And the Christmas season is about to begin,’ Louisa added. “There will be masquerade balls and dinners, and so much merriment. You will find someone in due course, for there will be no shortages of eligible ladies.”

“Your sister is right, Bingley. This is your chance to find someone who fits you better, an estate which suits you better. Do not squander your future on the first pretty woman you find,” Darcy said.

“I suppose,” Bingley muttered and lowered his gaze to his hands.

As he did, doubt rose in Darcy. He saw his friend withdraw into himself, the light in his eyes dimming.

The sight pained Darcy more than he cared to admit.

He had wounded Bingley deeply, and yet, at the same time, a strange relief settled over him.

Once they left Netherfield, there would be no reason to return.

The Bennets, including Elizabeth, would be left behind—forever.