Darcy frowned. He would not make a cake of himself in front of Elizabeth’s family and friends. “She is in need of a husband,” he said, “and her reputation is at risk due to some plan to harm me. Surely you would not refuse such an offer.”
“Oh, for . . .” Fitz’s irritation exploded. “Darcy is so much in love he cannot sleep at night. I beg you, Mr. Bennet, put me out of my misery and offer my bumbling cousin your consent.”
Darcy knew his face was aflame, but no one mentioned it.
Mr. Bennet’s unwavering gaze held Darcy’s.
“I cannot say to you what I have not yet said to her, sir,” Darcy explained. “But please believe that there is more than a desire to rescue Miss Elizabeth’s reputation in my request.”
Mr. Bennet was silent for a moment before nodding his head.
“Papa,” Miss Bennet said gently but firmly, “Lizzy will never be forced into an alliance. Please do not ask it of her.”
“Jane,” Mr. Bennet replied gravely, “she no longer has a choice. She must marry.” He stood to take her hand. “Lizzy thought better of Mr. Darcy after the ball. It will be well.”
Miss Bennet worried her bottom lip, a habit she had in common with Elizabeth.
Darcy hated to see her anxiety. Miss Bennet deserved more consideration. She was Elizabeth’s favorite sister, after all, and he prayed she would soon be his sister as well.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy said, “if Miss Elizabeth does not wish it, I will withdraw. It is not my intention to compel her in any way.” It pained him to say it, but he could never insist that Elizabeth marry him. It would spoil everything he wished for if Elizabeth were made unhappy.
Miss Bennet’s expression was one of gratitude. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she said simply. “If you would be so kind, tell Lizzy that I miss her.”
While Mr. Bennet had already given his assent, Darcy could not but feel that Miss Bennet’s approbation was more important. He bowed and turned to his cousin.
“Netherfield Park next, Fitz.”
Fitz gave him an amused glance. “You will have to wait outside.”
Darcy shrugged. “As you say.” He offered his farewells.
His cousin stood. “Mr. Bennet. Sir William.” Fitz lingered near the chair where Miss Bennet was seated. “We shall reunite you with your sister as soon as possible, Miss Bennet.”
Miss Bennet said something too softly for Darcy to hear, but he suspected it was her thanks.
A short time later, Darcy stood in front of Netherfield in the cold, minding two horses and trying to focus on something other than his frozen toes. They had arrived half an hour ago, whereupon Fitz had tossed his reins at Darcy without even looking and had headed up the stairs. Just as Darcy was considering giving up his position as a stable boy to search for his cousin and a little warmth, the door opened, and Fitz stepped outside. Darcy lifted his head to complain, but someone else called Fitz’s name.
Someone female.
Darcy ducked his head, but not before he caught Miss Bingley’s gray eyes upon him. His heart squeezed with anxiety. He peeked up at her from beneath the brim of his hat.
Miss Bingley’s gaze flicked in his direction, and Darcy held his breath. Then, with haughty, cold indifference, she turned her attention back to Fitz.
She had not recognized him.
Darcy moved to the other side of his horse. As he swung himself up into the saddle and turned his back to the house, he realized that he had given Elizabeth just such a superficial, disdainful glance at the assembly before he had roundly insulted her. Miss Bingley’s slight meant little, but it taught Darcy again how arrogant he had been.
“Not so great a man without your own clothes, are you?” Fitz teased as he approached.
“Miss Bingley was never interested in me, Fitz, only my situation, and you have just seen the proof.” Darcy handed Fitz’s reins back to him. “Did you learn anything?”
Fitz nodded. “I am not certain Miss Bingley was an author of that scene in the library, no matter how well she fulfilled the role. She asked, just now, that I deliver her apologies to you.” He mounted his horse with a practiced ease.
“She may be attempting to mitigate the consequences of her behavior,” Darcy said bluntly.
“Perhaps,” Fitz agreed. “But let us not hold that conversation here. It will be dark before we reach home as it is. We can speak on the way.”
“Excellent,” Darcy replied. He was anxious to leave Hertfordshire behind. He wanted to speak with Elizabeth.