Blinded By Prejudice by KaraLynne Mackrory
Chapter Fourteen
My feet stopped, and I stared ahead at the path before me. What was I to respond to such a revelation? Mr Darcy was apparently already engaged to a cousin! News that might have produced a curious laugh and enquiry only a few short weeks ago instead produced much different emotions.
“It is a match my aunt has fostered and hoped for their entire lives,” Colonel Fitzwilliam replied, and with a gentle tug on the arm looped through his, he encouraged me to continue our walk.
“If Mr Darcy has a prior claim on his honour, for certain he must end our understanding.”
“He does not, Miss Elizabeth,” Miss Darcy replied quickly. “My brother has never wished to marry Anne, and neither has she wished to marry my brother. The presumption was always on my aunt’s side.”
“I beg your pardon; I am not sure I follow,” I said stupidly, my head still racing despite Miss Darcy’s comforting assurances.
“From their infancy, my aunt has proclaimed the wish to see Darcy marry her daughter,” the colonel explained. “There is no engagement other than in her mind. Though it seems from my discussion with Mr Collins this morning that she has not kept that dream to herself. My aunt had told him that Miss de Bourgh was to marry her cousin, and when I revealed our connexion, he was quite distressed to learn that cousin was Darcy. With your claim on him, your cousin was concerned that you might have usurped the coveted role of his wife, to the everlasting displeasure of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
“If I have, it was not consciously done! Indeed, neither of us was conscious much of the time!” I cringed at my poor excuse for wit and the nerves that prompted my flippant reply. I swallowed down the list of running questions that could not be answered at this time and sombrely added, “I do not wish to displease any of Mr Darcy’s relations.”
This time it was the colonel who halted our forward progress. “Be at ease, Miss Elizabeth. As Darcy will be the first to attest, my aunt has a greater ability to cause megrims than does a blow to the head. My purpose in speaking to your cousin was to make it clear to him that he was not to speak to my aunt of either Darcy’s condition or his engagement to you.”
“Why would you wish to keep your aunt from knowing what must, at some point or another, be told to all?”
“First, let us address his injuries. If Lady Catherine were to learn of them, I have no doubt she would come haring up here from Kent to cause havoc like nothing this lucky town has ever seen before. She would offer unsolicited medical advice, of which she has no real knowledge. Browbeat the servants for improper care, for certainly if my cousin has not regained his sight, it must be due to some negligence on their part. And worst of all, demand Darcy take up the engagement to Anne with all due haste.”
“It would not be a restful environment for my brother.”
“And if she were to learn of your engagement, well—”
“She might do all the same things with little regard to your reputation,” Miss Darcy replied before her cousin could. Her serious expression looked much like her brother’s. “It is best that she not learn of events here in Hertfordshire until it is too late to change them.”
I protested, “I cannot like taking part in any deceit, and neither, for that matter, would Mr Darcy.”
The colonel replied, with a laugh, “You are mistaken there, Miss Elizabeth. Darcy will wholeheartedly agree that my aunt need not be any better informed than she is at present. My father and mother know of the accident and were in agreement before we came to Hertfordshire that my aunt’s branch of the family should continue in ignorance. It is not a matter of deceit, you see, but omission.”
“I would not put such trust in my cousin as you do. He is most devoted to Lady Catherine, and I cannot see him agreeing to speak nothing of this to her now that he knows the significance.”
“That is where his lovely bride-to-be has come in handy. You see, as we were persuading Mr Collins of the merits of not distressing my aunt with the news, nor hindering Darcy’s recovery by prompting her to come to Netherfield, I happened to also mention that Darcy’s other relation is an archbishop near Matlock.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam affected a nonchalant mien as he re-enacted his words to my cousin, ‘‘‘By the by, should you ever wish for a more profitable preferment than Hunsford, Mr Collins, you might apply to Darcy to speak to his uncle.’ Miss Bingley’s interest in that statement was clear. Before we took our leave to call on Longbourn, she had rebuked him three times for even thinking of writing to his patroness about the accident and your betrothal. It is true, Mr Collins alone would not garner much confidence from me, but Miss Bingley has him under her thumb, and the man is helpless to her. Miss Bingley, now, she is one I can trust to do her part.”
As amusing as it was to picture this combined assault upon my cousin, no less managed by Miss Bingley’s participation, I still could not feel at ease.
“What a right mess!”
“You need not fret, dearest cousin-to-be, for if Darcy were here, he would tell you he does not wish to marry our cousin.”
That did not also mean that Mr Darcy wished to marry me. Though I was beginning to understand the reason for Colonel Fitzwilliam’s interview with my cousin. If this aunt of his was everything Mr Collins had described, I had no trouble believing she would be detrimental to my betrothed’s recovery. In this, at least, I could feel some measure of ease. Nothing ought to occur that would hinder Mr Darcy’s chance of recovering fully.
“I shall trust your judgment on the matter, Colonel, as no doubt you and Miss Darcy know the particulars and parties involved much better than I.”
He indicated his thanks with a nod. “It was a useful morning, and there is nothing I like more than being of use in such a way.”
Of all the astonishing things revealed thus far on our walk, the most disconcerting was feeling how my heart stuttered at hearing that Mr Darcy might be bound to another. Miss Darcy’s gentle voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to her, attempting to give her my full attention.
“I did not have the pleasure of speaking much with you yesterday, Miss Elizabeth.” She paused to look to her cousin, who nodded his encouragement. “So I was eager to follow Fitzwilliam’s wishes and visit today, despite his absence.”
What a sweet creature Miss Darcy was, and her timely change of topic was much appreciated. I felt a rush of affection for her such that I had not anticipated. I had never given much thought to what my future family would be when I married, but felt now that I would be fortunate in my new sister. I released the colonel’s arm, and circled around to take up hers.
“You are very kind to do so. And I assure you, I am very pleased with the notion of becoming better acquainted with you as well.”
“You…that is…Fitzwilliam has said you have four sisters. I hope that you will not mind another.”
I laughed openly and contentedly, pleased to do so after our previous discussion. “Not in the least, I assure you. Something you must learn about sisters is that you can never have too many.”
Miss Darcy chuckled quietly, amused at my absurdity. “My brother said that you were very kind and I would like you. I am pleased to find his estimation accurate, as always.”
We stopped at the crest of the hill, and Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped aside and pulled out a spy glass from the breast pocket of his greatcoat to survey the land around us. His distraction was a comfort because I was sure I could not hide the confusion, and perhaps pleasure, I felt at hearing this from Miss Darcy.
“I imagine the news of his accident was surprise enough. I am sorry for the shock you must have endured, Miss Darcy. But then to come to Netherfield with concern for your brother only to hear some strange lady was soon to be your sister as a result of it. You have my pity.”
I laughed and Miss Darcy smiled. “I knew of you long before coming to Netherfield, Miss Elizabeth. My brother often wrote of you. Did you really walk three miles to visit Miss Bennet?”
I coloured to think that this sweet creature might have interpreted her brother’s censure of my actions as praise. Still, I could not dwell long on this, for in truth I was astonished to have even garnered a line or two in his missives.
“You must not believe a word your brother says about me if we are to be true sisters. He is not apt to paint me in any flattering light.” I could not help but laugh. “But I must admit—for there are witnesses who will surely out me if I were to dissemble—I did indeed walk the distance to see Jane. But when you know her better, you will see that the inducement was well worth the effort. She is very dear to me.”
Miss Darcy turned the same enigmatic expression on me as her brother often did. I could not tell in that moment what she was thinking, but I was struck, amused at the similarities in their faces. It would seem it was a family trait.
“Miss Elizabeth.” Something about the way she said my name, for she spoke without any of her usual tentativeness, brought my eyes to hers. “My brother wrote about you in only the most glowing of terms.”
“Indeed, for he wrote to me too.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared quite unexpectedly near us. While Miss Darcy looked at him with pleasure at his confirmation of her statement, he steadily looked at me with a raised brow. It was a disquieting look, one that I dared not try to interpret. Nervously, I was first to break eye contact.
Looking at Miss Darcy, I leaned in to press her hand. “No doubt he had his reasons—and who is ever to understand the mind of a man—but I am glad he expressed himself as you say. Especially if it has made you more amenable to having a new sister thrust upon you.”
“My brother is fortunate, Miss Elizabeth, and I am too.”
“Well then, if you do not feel I have pushed the bounds of propriety too much already by openly admitting to a troubling habit of walking great distances out of doors, might I push that boundary a little further and request that you call me Elizabeth, or even Lizzy, as my sisters do?”
Miss Darcy blushed at my request but not without pleasure. I worried I had embarrassed her, but she soon smiled brightly at me and agreed, requesting the same privilege.
I was happy to oblige. “It is only right, being sisters, that we are familiar with each other.”
We turned to walk back when I saw Jane and her companion nearing the crest of the hill on the other side. Figuring a little more time alone might do the trick, I encouraged my companions to walk ahead with me. We spoke of the colonel’s travels and some of his amusing military stories, and Georgiana described her home at Pemberley for some time and in such a way that I longed to see it. Miss Bingley had often praised it, but I had no notion as to how much of her praise could be believed given her tendency to flatter Mr Darcy.
By the time we returned to the gravel drive of my home, I could honestly say I was pleased with these new relations of mine. They were generous and pleasant, eager to please and be pleased. The colonel had a quick wit that foretold many amusing evenings with him near our side. Our side—Mr Darcy’s and mine. That would take some getting used to.
I wondered whether it might not have been a bad thing that Mr Darcy was indisposed today, for it had allowed us to become better acquainted without the umbrella of his silence. My future life as a Darcy no longer sounded as lonely as I had first imagined it to be. Immediately, I regretted such an uncharitable thought. Had I not just determined to be a good wife for the man, proving daily that I was grateful for his actions on my behalf? I ought to not take the pleasantness of his relations as compensation for a life with him.
“I do hope your brother is feeling better soon and his exertions yesterday did not overtax him.” The sudden notion was troubling. “I do not like thinking his visit yesterday, a duty to my reputation, might have set him back in his recovery.”
“He perhaps might have wished today that he had listened to the physician’s orders and remained at Netherfield another se’nnight. However, he was quite adamant that he would brook no more delay.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s words were a surprise to me. I had assumed he was permitted to travel, and the troubling feelings increased at the news that Mr Darcy ought to have remained at Netherfield.
“And no doubt, if he is feeling well tomorrow, he will disregard the orders again!” Georgiana said, with an unladylike roll of her eyes to her cousin.
It was the first time Georgiana had come close to any kind of damning estimation of her perfect brother. And I could not even appreciate it, for I was aghast at the thought he might put his health at risk again. For me!
“He must not do so! Please tell him, he must not.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at my outburst, and another first occurred, for I felt irritation at his cavalier attitude regarding his cousin. Why did he smile at me so for expressing natural and just sentiments?
“My cousin is not an easy man to persuade, Miss Elizabeth. I cannot imagine we could keep him from calling on you if he felt he was well enough to do so.”
“That man and his sense of duty! Pardon me, Georgiana, I am just troubled by the thought that he may feel the mistaken need to play the courting suitor and, in so doing, put his recovery at risk.”
“I understand, Elizabeth. And I assure you, I agree with you. He ought not to travel, so he can get better.”
“Perhaps, Poppet, we might come to a solution that may suit both sides. If Miss Elizabeth will agree to visit Netherfield instead, your brother can convalesce as needed and still be the courting suitor he wishes to be.”
I did not like the way Colonel Fitzwilliam mockingly bounced his brows at me over Georgiana’s head. Did he forget we had only been introduced the day before, and he believed he could embarrass me with his teasing? I was made of sterner stuff, and he would soon learn it. I willed myself to disregard his insinuation and mistaken notion regarding Mr Darcy’s admiration of me and hoped he would believe the pink in my cheeks was a result of the brisk weather.
“That is an excellent idea, Cousin.”
Georgiana was so pleased by the idea, I could hardly then protest the scheme.
“You would have to come daily, Miss Elizabeth. I am certain that any less and you will find him at your doorstep with his physician chasing at his heels. Ah, here is Bingley now, I shall just see whether the scheme meets with his approval.” Colonel Fitzwilliam eyed the comfortable closeness between my sister and her suitor and winked at me. “I have little doubt he will express objections. Bingley, my good man…”
As soon as Colonel Fitzwilliam had walked the distance to Mr Bingley and my sister, I turned earnestly to his cousin.
“Georgiana, are you not worried that visitors might hinder your brother’s recovery just as much as a jolting carriage? You did not wish for your aunt to visit. I fear my coming may not be the solution we seek.”
“Oh, no, Elizabeth. It is quite brilliant actually. Your presence is far preferable to Lady Catherine’s. And my brother’s headaches are such that the bouncing carriage aggravates them. However, even while at Netherfield, when he has them, he is often able to be in company if it is quiet. I am certain he would find your companionship exactly suited to help him feel better.”
While Georgiana continued to elaborate on all the fine aspects of the plan, I worried my lip. I was not entirely convinced my betrothed would wish my company so consistently. If Colonel Fitzwilliam was successful in his discussion with Mr Bingley—and I could easily read from where I stood with Georgiana that he was—then I would have to find a way to ask Mr Darcy his opinion. He had said we needed to have the power of choice. I would happily visit Netherfield if it kept the stubborn gentleman from hindering his recovery. That would be my choice. But if Mr Darcy would rather I not come so often, I would ensure we adhered to this choice of his. My brows lowered in determination, and I did not mind one bit when Colonel Fitzwilliam, turning towards us with a gesture of success, saw it. Georgiana, however, was thrilled, and I allowed myself to smile for her.
Soon her cousin joined us, and together we walked to their waiting carriage. He handed in Georgiana and turned to say his farewells to me.
“Colonel, we have not known each other long, but you will find in me a character just as stubborn as Mr Darcy. I shall not force my company on him to suit either your notions of matchmaking”—my raised brow effectively stopping his attempted protest—“or Mr Darcy’s sense of duty to keep up appearances as my suitor.”
Of course we both knew matchmaking was needless now, being that I already was engaged to his cousin. But I was also suspicious the military strategist believed his actions might produce something more. What he did not realise was that I could not afford such a risk.
“I hope I have not angered you, my new cousin, but I assure you, this is the better way. Have you no other objection than your belief that my cousin would be indifferent to your company?”
“If I believe Mr Darcy’s health would not be hindered by my presence, and he is not desiring it merely to play his part, then I would be pleased to assist his recovery in this way.”
Mr Bingley came then, bringing a glowing Jane to my side. He was all jubilant smiles and barely suppressed enthusiasm.
“I appreciate your generous offer, Miss Elizabeth. I assure you that my friend will feel it keenly. You have no idea how he chafes at the doctor’s restrictions, and this will allow him to ease the minds of all his dearest friends and family. I thank you.”
“My—?”
“Miss Bennet, it was a pleasure to visit Longbourn today. I look forward to seeing you and my new cousin tomorrow,” Colonel Fitzwilliam cut in and bowed to my sister, effectively stopping my chance to ask Mr Bingley what he meant by ‘my’ offer. Jane’s suitor had already turned and entered the carriage by the time I turned fiery eyes away from the colonel.
With feigned sweetness, I said, “I am pleased my idea was so well received. Do be certain, Colonel Fitzwilliam, that you take care in its execution. Our actions must reflect true concern for Mr Darcy’s recovery and nothing else.”
“Indeed, Miss Elizabeth…” He turned to enter the carriage but threw a smirk at me over his shoulder. “But perhaps I should call you Elizabeth as we are to be cousins. And you should call me Richard! Well, I bid you a good day, ladies!”
And into the carriage he went before I could even sputter a single word.
I stood there fuming until the carriage rolled away and then plodded my way back to the house. Jane called my name multiple times as she tried to catch up with me. While we divested our coats to the waiting maid, I stomped my feet and groaned.
“Lizzy, what is wrong?”
I paused, trying to form words to describe the irritation I felt at Colonel Fitzwilliam so handily putting out this scheme as my idea and forcing me to act as such. And to think that I had just begun to believe I was fortunate in my new relations. Ha!
Abruptly, I was caught by a bout of unexpected laughter. That weasel had played me aptly. If he had been my brother, he could not have chosen his trick better. I could not even decide whether I admired him for it or was angry about it. What troubled me more was the growing feeling of pleasure that told me I was not as averse to going to Mr Darcy as I ought to be. And my determination to be a dutiful wife had nothing to do with it.
“I hardly know, Jane. I fear I may be gaining some troublesome new relations.” I laughed again and turned to her, noticing the rose in her cheeks and the smile in her eyes. “Jane…how was your walk with Mr Bingley?”
Her face turned resplendent with happiness and her cornflower eyes filled with moisture. “Lizzy, how am I to survive such happiness?”