Page 3 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“Mr. Darcy's observations often have the misfortune of resembling judgments.”

“And Miss Bennet's pleasantries of resembling defenses.”

I ought to have answered him. A sharp reply presented itself, then faded. Jane's letter weighed against my hip.

“My family is facing a difficulty,” I admitted. “I cannot say more.”

He stopped.

“May I be of use to you?”

The offer surprised me so much that I stared at him. He appeared neither curious nor condescending. His voice had lost its stiffness. Genuine concern marked his brow.

“No,” I answered too quickly. “I thank you.”

He resumed walking, but his silence had changed. It was no longer that of a man with nothing to say. It resembled the restraint of someone who wished to bridge a distance and did not know how.

We reached the place where our paths separated. I took a step toward Hunsford.

“Miss Bennet.”

I turned around.

Mr. Darcy had gone pale.

“May I call on you this evening?”

“You know that Mr. Collins always gratefully welcomes anyone Lady Catherine judges worthy of his drawing room.”

“I do not wish to see Mr. Collins.”

His gaze fixed on me with a determination that made my heart beat faster.

“I’d like to speak with you.”

Chapter 2

Elizabeth

All evening, I waited for Mr. Darcy while reproaching myself for waiting.

At first I persuaded myself that he wished to convey some news concerning Jane or Mr. Bingley. Then I rejected this idea, since he knew nothing of the reason for my distress. I thought he might have learned of some fault of Wickham’s and wished to defend his family. This possibility pleased me no better. Finally, I told myself that his request probably had no importance whatsoever and that my imagination was merely lending romantic luster to an ordinary conversation.

At seven o’clock, Mr. Collins was called away to attend a sick parishioner. Charlotte accompanied him to the door and returned to tell me he would not be back for some time.

“Maria has gone upstairs to write to her sister,” she added. “We shall therefore have a remarkably peaceful drawing room.”

I suspected she was less innocent than her tone suggested.

“Mr. Darcy said he might call.”

“Indeed?”

“Do not feign astonishment. You have counted his visits with greater accuracy than your own to Rosings.”

Charlotte took up her needlework.

“I count nothing. I merely observe that a man who detests insignificant conversation seems to take remarkable pleasure in coming here to seek it.”