“Trust me, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Darcy, “interesting conversation with you is no trial. I have never experienced discourse that flowed more easily.”
“Even when we were arguing at Netherfield?”
“Even then.” Darcy allowed an open grin. “Those ‘arguments,’ as you put them, were not hesitant. As I recall, they proceeded with ease, unless you consider Miss Bingley’s contributions.”
“There is little I wish to consider less than Miss Bingley.”
“Then we are aligned.”
The trembling of her lips betrayed Miss Elizabeth’s mirth. “Tell me about Miss Bingley. Given the lady’s behavior at Netherfield, I cannot imagine that Mr. Bingley’s distress about the loss of Jane will exceed Miss Bingley’s when she learns she has lost you.”
“Miss Bingley never had me,” muttered Mr. Darcy. “I have never considered her anything other than my friend’s sister, and certainly not a potential wife.”
“The lady would be devastated to hear you say it, Mr. Darcy.”
“No, I think not. She will be angry at the lost opportunity, but she is not so fond of me that my defection, as she supposes, will cause any particular pangs.”
Miss Elizabeth regarded him, open curiosity on her brow. “How do you suppose she will behave?”
Darcy paused to consider the question. “She will not like it, but I cannot imagine that she will say anything to provoke me—her family’s standing in society is too dependent upon my good opinion for her to say anything she should not. When it becomes obvious that she cannot provoke me to behave as she wishes, she will give you every appearance of civility, hoping to maintain the connection.”
From the seriousness that suddenly descended on her, Darcy understood that Miss Elizabeth comprehended the crux of the matter. “If Mr. Bingley takes it into his head to be offended, their standing in society will be affected.”
With a sigh, Darcy nodded. “Miss Bingley will understand the significance at once. Whether Bingley will depends on his offense and his continued interest in your sister.”
“And perhaps his perception of your actions.”
“Insightful as always, Miss Elizabeth.”
Miss Elizabeth shrugged. “It was not difficult to discern. There is nothing to be done, I suppose.”
“There is not,” agreed Darcy. “The question of my cousin’s interest in your sister is firmly established.”
“I am happy for my sister,” said she, her eyes fixed on Miss Bennet. “When you all departed in November, I thought Jane faced long months of recovery from her disappointment. Colonel Fitzwilliam distracted her and taught her what true regard looks like. Mr. Bingley is a good sort of man, but I cannot imagine that Jane would be so happy with him as she is now.”
“Though my understanding of your sister is not so profound asyour own, I cannot but agree. From Fitzwilliam’s perspective, I have never seen him so content as he is now. He is jovial, but I know he has wished for a connection with a good woman.”
Darcy paused and grinned at Miss Elizabeth. “Fitzwilliam has often jested about his need to marry with some attention to money. The figure he often cited was fifty thousand pounds.”
“He will not get that from Jane.”
“No, he will not,” agreed Darcy. “But he will gain something infinitely more precious—a connection with a worthy woman. Now that he has decided on your sister, I am convinced he will be happy with her—happier than he would have been in a society marriage.”
“Do you suppose they will have enough to live in comfort?”
“Yes, that must be a concern,” said Darcy, understanding her meaning. “Fitzwilliam will not be wealthy, but his father has provided for him. He means to stay in the army until the war is over, which will guarantee him half pay for the rest of his life. An estate is also possible, with his father’s assistance.”
“Jane will be content with very little if she loves her husband.”
Darcy’s affection for this woman overflowed. “Fitzwilliam can give more than ‘very little.’ They will not possess fabulous riches, but they will be comfortable.”
“Thank you for easing my fears, Mr. Darcy.”
“You are very close.”
Miss Elizabeth offered a smile that made Darcy forget himself. “Perhaps it is presumptuous of me, but I have always considered myself Jane’s protector.” She turned impish. “Jane is too good for this world—she must have someone to watch over her interests. I have always taken on that role.”
“Yet now you will need to step back. Fitzwilliam is more than capable of defending her.”
