Page 19

“That is understandable,” Darcy assured him. “I, myself, do not find it a topic about which I wish to think too often, but when I do, my thoughts often turn to those left behind.”

Mr. Bennet nodded. “The same is true for me, as well, and then, I wish I had more to leave them.”

“Even my father thought that.” Darcy remembered how his father had presented his illness to him all those years ago. It was one of only two times when he had ever seen such desperation in his father’s expression. The other time had been when his mother had died.

“As I have pondered my father’s words to me about how much more he wished to have been able to do,” he said to Mr. Bennet, “I have come to understand that it was not earthly possessions that he feared he had not given me. I believe it was the shortened number of years of being my father and sharing his love with me and my future family which troubled him the most.” Darcy drew and released a breath.

“It was just that he saw wealth as being how he could leave his love with me. I cannot speak for all of your daughters, sir, but from what Miss Elizabeth has said, I know that she has not lacked being loved.”

Mr. Bennet stood in front of the drawing room door, blocking their entrance and the door from being opened.

“Your poetry will be far better than anything I may or may not have written,” he muttered.

“If you continue with your sentimental bent, Mr. Darcy, I shall find myself searching for my handkerchief and pretending that a bit of dust caused me an issue. And then, some poor maid will have to reclean what she has already cleaned should my wife hear my excuse.” He smiled.

“But I greatly appreciate your words. They are a balm to this father’s soul.

” He put a hand on the door handle but did not open it until he had said one thing further.

“Remember to be as you are now when you are a father.”

“I will do my best, sir,” he promised as the door was opened.

“Shall we leave the room, or would you like to take Elizabeth for a walk?” Mrs. Bennet asked on the heels of her welcome to Darcy.

“Perhaps a walk would be best,” he answered. This was not how things were supposed to go, but then, it might be best if he completed the most important task first, no matter how much attention it drew to him.

“Do you need a chaperone?” Richard’s tone was teasing.

“That is up to her father.”

Mr. Bennet chuckled. “It might not be a bad thing to have the colonel and Mary accompany you.” He winked surreptitiously at Darcy as Miss Mary gasped and Richard’s eyes narrowed. “However, it is not necessary.”

“Perhaps Jane and Mr. Bingley could walk with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth?” Mrs. Bennet suggested.

Darcy would wager that the lady was hoping that in so arranging things there would be two betrothals to announce and not just one.

The thought made him smile despite his discomfort.

“I find no reason to forego the suggestion if it is acceptable to my friend and your daughters,” he replied, earning him a broad smile from Elizabeth’s mother.

“Jane, go with Lizzy and get your things,” Mrs. Bennet instructed.

Apparently, neither Bingley nor Miss Bennet needed to be consulted on the issue.

Darcy caught Richard’s eyes and tipped his head toward Georgiana.

Richard nodded. It was not as if Darcy truly needed to ask if he could leave Georgiana’s care to his cousin, but she was his sister and that made it seem as if he did.

“We will have tea when you return.” Mrs. Bennet’s delight coloured her tone.

“It is a cool day. I am certain you will want a warm cup of tea to chase away the chill when you return, for the sun will not stay as high as it is for much longer. Indeed, the darkness settles much faster these days, but so it must, if we wish to enjoy Christmas as we do. All the festivities are so much more enjoyable when lit by a fire and candles, are they not?”

“I had not thought about it, but it seems so,” Darcy answered.

“But weddings are better in the spring,” she added softly.

“I will remember that,” he assured her.

“It should not be done,” Mr. Collins had finally lost the battle he had been obviously waging since Darcy’s arrival in the room. Not even that one finger pressed to his lips could keep his thoughts contained.

“Not have a wedding? How absurd,” Miss Mary said and then looked at her father with wide eyes that said she had not intended for her comments to be anything more than a thought.

“I believe you have the right of it,” her father replied with a smile. “Mr. Collins, we have spoken about this. Your opinion about how things should be is neither correct nor welcome.”

The man lifted his chin and one eyebrow, but he said nothing. Instead, that one finger was once again pressing on his lips. However, it was still not a strong enough defense. “My patroness…” He pressed that finger against his lips again as he shook his head.

“My aunt will learn to live with disappointment, and if my cousin has been led to believe her mother’s lies, then, unfortunately, she will suffer as well.

But it cannot and will not be helped by me,” Darcy assured him.

“I am and always have been free to choose my own wife, and I choose Miss Elizabeth if she will have me.”

“If?” Lydia said with a snort of laughter.

“Yes, if. I will not presume to know her reply,” Darcy said. “However, I do hope I know what it will be,” he added with a smile for Lydia that caused her to giggle.

“I am certain you will not be disappointed,” Elizabeth said from behind Darcy.

“Did you hear me?” he asked her.

“I did, and I must say I am happy to be your choice, but, perhaps, we could take a walk anyway and you can explain how you came to your decision and whatever else that needs to be said can be said privately.” Her cheeks were quite flushed.

Mr. Bennet chuckled. “I do think that is best.” He gave Darcy’s shoulder a pat before leaving him at the doorway with Elizabeth and going to take the seat that Bingley had vacated. “You are welcome to double our joy, Mr. Bingley,” he said in a whisper that was intended to be heard by all.

“Yes… Well…” Bingley muttered. “Darcy and I had discussed that on our drive from Netherfield.”

“And you did not tell me?” Mr. Bennet directed this question to Darcy.

“It was not mine to tell,” Darcy replied.

“No, I suppose it was not, but still…” He let the thought fade into the room without being uttered. Instead, he smiled and winked as he said, “Be off with you and do what must be done.”

Darcy gave a nod, and taking Elizabeth’s hand, led her to Longbourn’s door, which Mr. Hill opened just as a carriage could be seen entering the driveway.