Page 27 of Look on the Heart (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #10)

Elizabeth suppressed a smile, then replied in measured tones, as though reluctant to betray her friend’s trust. “Miss Charlotte Lucas has confided in Mary and me. She is intelligent and capable—well suited for the life of a clergyman’s wife.

Mary suspected you meant to propose and has been in agony at the thought of destroying another’s chance at happiness.

Pray forgive her sudden flight—she found herself quite at a loss for words. ”

Mr. Collins sank onto the settee, wonder and gratification spreading across his face. “Miss Lucas. Her father is a knight. Oh—and we are equally matched in appearance, just as Mrs. Bennet suggested. It is perfect. I thank you, Miss Elizabeth, for enlightening me. I must go to Lucas Lodge at once—”

“Charlotte visits every morning after a ball or assembly,” she said in a rush. “I have no doubt she will be here before the morning has passed.”

Mr. Collins puffed up with importance. “Then I await her arrival.” He turned toward the window that overlooked the drive. “Look! Here she comes now!”

“May I offer a suggestion, sir?” Elizabeth asked, rising from her seat. “Take Miss Lucas on a walk before you propose. A lady likes to be so favored.” She could scarcely contain her triumph—Mary was safe from their cousin at last.

“Indeed!” Mr. Collins clasped his hands behind his back. “Thank you.” He remained by the window until Hill admitted Charlotte, and once she was announced, Elizabeth stepped forward and kissed her friend’s cheek.

“I have paved the way for you,” she whispered. “Invite him to Lucas Lodge to dine.” As she drew back, she caught the gleam in Charlotte’s eyes and smiled.

“Miss Lucas!” Mr. Collins cried. “What a pleasure to see you. Why, how fetching you look after our late night—like a rose in bloom.”

Charlotte blushed with pleasure.

“Thank you, sir,” she replied. “I have come with an invitation for you to dine at Lucas Lodge this afternoon. Pray, say you will accept—my mother looks forward to receiving you.”

Mr. Collins stepped closer. “Dare I hope that another lady is as eager for my attendance?”

He waggled his brows, with such absurdity that Elizabeth had to cough to cover her laughter. She moved away, close enough to hear, but far enough to lend an air of privacy.

“Indeed, sir. There is another who anticipates the pleasure of your company.” Charlotte laid her hand lightly on his arm, batted her lashes awkwardly and gave him a practiced smile. Mr. Collins straightened, visibly gratified.

“Shall we depart?” he asked. “Do you have further business with my cousins?”

“I believe our business can be concluded in but a few moments. Perhaps you should gather your coat and hat.” The suggestion sent him bustling from the room, leaving the ladies alone.

Charlotte faced Elizabeth, grinning. “What did you say to him? I expected to find the house in complete chaos!”

Elizabeth laughed merrily. “I merely told him my sister Mary could not accept him without wounding another’s hopes.

“It will prevent any lingering resentment, at least on his part. I must say, my father looked forward to refusing his cousin’s suit.

He will be disappointed to be denied his amusement.

” That did not trouble her. Mr. Bennet took far too much pleasure making sport of others’ foibles.

Charlotte embraced her. “Thank you, Elizabeth!” she whispered.

“I shall have my own home at last. Mr. Collins seems malleable. Perhaps I shall be able to influence him in some manner. And you must know—your family will always have a place with us when your father dies. That is, if there are no other options. Tell me, did Mr. Bingley propose last night?”

“No. But he asked Jane for a courtship. She has been daydreaming ever since. I understand he has gone to London but will be back in a few days. Papa has granted them leave to exchange letters. She sent one this morning—how many do you think will go between London and Hertfordshire before he returns?”

They laughed and together they stepped into the entrance hall and joined Mr. Collins who was just reaching the bottom of the stairs, his hat in hand and his hair newly arranged. They bid Elizabeth farewell and departed.

Sighing in relief, she ascended the stairs and made her way to Mary’s chamber. She tapped lightly upon the door and waited until her sister bid her entry.

“Is he gone?” Mary asked, sitting on her bed with her pillow clutched to her chest. “I am sorry! I could not form the words and ran!”

Elizabeth sat beside her. “Peace. Mr. Collins has gone with Charlotte. I may have intimated that your refusal was in service to our friend.” Winking, she wrapped her arm around her sister.

“There will be no repercussions from our cousin. Our mother, however, will be furious. Hopefully, Jane’s courtship with Mr. Bingley will suffice to prevent her hysterics. ”

Mary breathed a sigh of relief and rested her head on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Thank you. I cannot express how happy I am to escape that fate. I fear, however, I shall now be Mama’s least favorite child.”

Elizabeth kissed Mary’s head. “You deserve happiness as much as the rest of us,” she insisted. “Papa was prepared to defend you—we spoke of it at breakfast. Never forget how we love you, dear sister.” She shifted slightly. “Perhaps, once Jane marries Mr. Bingley, they will invite you to town.”

Mary looked up. “Jane will surely take you,” she replied. “After all, the pair of you are very close.” Mary’s eyes narrowed. “Unless…Elizabeth, is there something you wish to tell me?” She smiled and raised an eyebrow.

Laughing, Elizabeth withdrew her arm and clasped her hands in her lap. “I do not know,” she admitted. “There are hopes, but…Mama will be displeased, but I find I do not care—not when my own happiness is at stake.”

“It is Mr. Darcy, is it not?” The telling blush on Elizabeth’s cheeks answered Mary’s tentative question. “I knew it! How very clever of you! Mama has been too busy watching Jane and Mr. Bingley to notice him courting you.”

“Say nothing,” Elizabeth begged. “He has not yet made me an offer, though I hope he will.” Surely, he would come to call when Mr. Bingley returned—she felt certain of it.

Mary studied her closely. “You do not mind his…” she hesitated, biting her lip.

“If you refer to his appearance, then no. Mr. Darcy is a good man—honorable and kind. Why should I care about the marks on his face? Papa has always taught us to look on the heart. We cannot always judge a person’s character by how they look on the outside—outward appearances may not reflect the truth of what lies within.

” She laced her fingers together and released a heavy sigh.

“Do you love him?” Mary asked. “I have never been in love. What is it like?”

Elizabeth drew in a breath and exhaled slowly, considering.

“Love is when you cannot imagine a day without the other person,” she began.

“They are your first thought when you wake, and your last before sleep comes. Your entire being longs for them. You wish to bring them joy, to see them smile, to help them feel how deeply they are loved. Love transcends the physical. When you love someone, you see beyond what the world sees and perceive the heart.”

Mary sighed. “That was lovely. I hope I may experience it someday.”

“You will, Mary,” Elizabeth promised. “You will.”