Page 44 of Wedding at Pemberley

“Engagement? But you told me your cousin was engaged to Miss de Bourgh.” Mrs Gardiner’s mockery was sharp, barely concealing her fury.

“Mrs Gardiner, I beg you not to treat this lightly! Such a marriage may seem fortunate for your niece, but you must consider the harm it would do. Darcy ought to marry within his own circle. He has a duty to fulfil. He cannot marry so far beneath him, however much Miss Elizabeth’s charms may tempt him. I have found her an amiable young lady, and even my brother admires her. But it must go no further! We cannot play games with this—these are not children exchanging kisses on the cheek!”

“No, they are not. Which makes your coming here to discuss this with me questionable, at the very least, and perhaps highly improper. I do not know how your cousin would regard your interference in his affairs. However, I have no wish to discuss my niece further with someone outside our family.”

“You must understand that everyone would suffer if they married. His relations and friends might refuse to receive him, and he would face criticism and disapproval. All Town would gossip about him. In time, his affection might give way to resentment and regret. Georgiana, too, would suffer—so soon after her debut! I came here to prevent all this. As an old friend, I thought I owed it to my family and to you. You must help me put an end to it.”

“I fear you will find no support from me. However difficult you believe your position to be, it will not persuade me. You came here claiming to know of my niece’s wish to marry Mr Darcy. Your presumption that you understand Elizabeth’s private wishes is absurd. Then you describe all the misfortunes that might befall your cousin if he married her, without even knowing whether such a marriage is likely! Let us remember that my niece is an exceptional woman, and any man ought to consider himself fortunate to have her as his wife.”

“I do not question Miss Elizabeth’s merits! But we must consider her position and her family. After her sister’s elopement, how can we expect Darcy to accept Wickham as his brother-in-law? It is appalling!”

“Your lordship, your insistence upon interfering in a matter that does not concern you is appalling. I beg you to end this nonsense and take your questions to your cousin. And let me assure you that if Mr Darcy ever proposes to Elizabeth, I shall warmly encourage her to accept, whatever his family may feel, or the world may say. Mr Darcy deserves a wife who makes him happy, and I know no one better suited to do so than my niece!”

“So they are not engaged?” the viscount asked again.

“I refuse to discuss this any further with you, sir!”

Elizabeth was so absorbed in the conversation that she did not notice the three men watching her in puzzlement. When her father called her name, she turned towards them with shame and apprehension.

“Lizzy, what on earth are you doing here?”

“Papa, I…”

They entered the drawing room and were astonished to find Mrs Gardiner talking to the viscount.

“Forgive me. I was in the neighbourhood and thought I would call on Mrs Gardiner. I hope I have not disturbed you. I must be going now.” The viscount bowed and moved towards the door.

Darcy hesitated, then excused himself and hurried after his cousin. For a few moments, none of those left in the drawing room spoke; they were still trying to understand what had happened.

“May I have an explanation? Should I be jealous or concerned?” Mr Gardiner asked, half in earnest and half in jest.

His wife waved a hand impatiently. “Be jealous or concerned, as you please. I am angry.” She looked at Elizabeth in puzzlement. “Lizzy, did you hear our conversation?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth admitted. “I beg your pardon—”

“Well, now I insist upon an explanation,” Mr Gardiner interrupted.

“As for me, I need no explanation for the present,” Mr Bennet declared, unaware of the visitor’s identity. “I am too tired for further discussion. We came back early to rest before tomorrow’s journey. Please wake me if I am needed.”

Elizabeth wanted to speak to him, but Mrs Gardiner discreetly gestured for her to stop. Mr Bennet needed his rest, and the poor gentleman could not solve their difficulties.

So he left before they could tell him what the visitor had wanted.

Elizabeth needed very little more to become utterly unhappy, and the viscount’s visit was enough. Darcy seemed to know nothing of his cousin’s intentions; he looked astonished as he followed the viscount.

“He will return,” Mrs Gardiner remarked, wondering how much the viscount would tell Darcy of their conversation.

“Now, may I hear what happened?” Mr Gardiner asked firmly, and for the next half-hour his wife explained in detail why the viscount had visited.

“Let us not dwell on what may happen,” Mr Gardiner said after that strange and distressing account. “What matters is Mr Darcy’s opinion and what he intends to do!”

Indeed, Darcy returned in less than an hour, so angry that he could scarcely speak. On entering the drawing room, he looked for Mr Bennet, but Elizabeth intervened. “I am sorry, Papa is unwell. I would rather let him rest. Speak to me first…to us.”

Mr and Mrs Gardiner had become so deeply involved that they could not leave without hearing his explanation.

“I am sorry,” Darcy began. “I deeply regret the viscount’s conduct, and that of my family.”

“You should explain what has happened and, if necessary, apologise to Elizabeth,” Mr Gardiner replied. “I am angry with the viscount, but also with you, Mr Darcy. It seems you have drawn Lizzy into a questionable affair, encouraging her to expect a marriage that can never take place.”