“Always,” said Elizabeth, leaning into him.
It might not have been proper to be so close while engaged, but her family surrounding them said nothing. Elizabeth paid no attention to anyone else—William needed her, and she meant to bring him comfort in this difficult time.
“WELL, DARCY, ANTHONY, I see you have both been busy in Hertfordshire.”
“Good day to you too, Father,” said Fitzwilliam.
The earl did not acknowledge the jest. “You will get a good day from me when you explain yourselves. I had understood you went to Hertfordshire to recover, not to find some squire’s daughter you could not live without.
“Do not take offense,” said the earl, raising a hand before Fitzwilliam could retort. “As I have not made Miss Bennet’s acquaintance, I can say nothing against her, but itisthe truth that she has not been raised in the society she must move in.
“And you, Darcy,” said the earl, turning to him, “I had less notion that you would find such a woman than Anthony, andhemust marry with some attention to dowry—at least, that is what he has told us for years.”
“I understand,” said Darcy. “Perhaps we should dispense with my situation before you deal with your son.”
The earl eyed him and shook his head. “Now you will tell me that you are not beholden to me and will do what you wish, I suppose. There is no need to declare it, Darcy, for I am well aware of the reality of the situation. Please answer one question—when your future wife moves in society, will she uphold the family’s honor?”
Darcy chuckled at the thought of Elizabeth, of all people, failing in society. “When you meet her, you will understand. Elizabeth’s manners are perhaps not the fashionable kind that every debutante displays, but she is no timid miss, nor is she deficient. I have never met a woman so capable.”
“Then that is well,” said the earl with a curt nod. “Susan and Iwillsupport you, of course. But you must know that she will face challenges in society, and even in the family.”
“And she will meet them all with the same determination,” replied Darcy. “Charity will love her, as will Rachel, though I know her approval will take longer.”
The earl nodded his understanding of his daughters. “Rachel andCharity are not my concern.”
“If you refer to Lady Catherine,” replied Darcy, “her opinion is of no concern to me.”
A bark of laughter was his uncle’s response. “As I have daily proof. I did not think there was so much paper in all of England as to support the mountain of letters my sister has sent me.
“With Susan’s assistance,” mused Uncle Jacob, “I have no doubt she will do well, if what you say is correct. James may not accept her, but he knows we cannot have a schism in the family.”
“If you will pardon me,” said Darcy, “your heir could use a little humbling—Elizabeth is precisely the woman to administer it.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Aye, that is the truth. Trust me, Father—I shall vouch for Elizabeth’s abilities. Even James may come to appreciate her.”
With a nod, the earl’s attention turned back to his son. “What of your Miss Bennet? Is she the same sort of woman as her sister?”
“Not at all,” replied Fitzwilliam. “Miss Bennet is beautiful, calm, poised, and unaccustomed to sharing her opinion. But she does not lack the strength of character her sister displays—it is just quieter.”
“Miss Bennet has hidden depths,” inserted Darcy.
“Can you afford her?” was the earl’s blunt question.
“We will do well enough,” said Fitzwilliam. “With my pay—yes, I know it will be half pay—combined with the prizes I have accumulated in battle, the inheritance you have settled on me, and certain investments I possess, we shall do well enough.”
“Will she be content with that? You are an earl’s son—she may expect more.”
“Miss Bennet is not covetous. She will be content so long as I give her a good home and we are together.”
The earl studied them both for several moments and then nodded. “Very well. Susan and I would like to meet both of your ladies. I shall allow her to make the arrangements.”
DARCY EYED THE MANsitting across from him, curiosity warring with apathy. Gerald Hurst was not a bad sort, but he had never considered him a friend, though he knew well that Hurstdid. How much of that supposed friendship was Hurst’s appreciation for the delights of his dinner table and collection of fine brandy and how much was a genuine appreciation for Darcy himself was a matter of conjecture.
It had not been Darcy’s intention to meet with Hurst, but their paths had crossed at the club, Hurst sitting down at the table Darcy occupiedwith nary a by your leave. It both amused and exasperated him.
“Caroline was not best pleased to learn that your friendship with her brother had cooled.”
Darcy leaned back in his chair. “I beg your pardon, Hurst, but I care little for your sister’s opinion.”
