“No,” he said, almost regretful, but not quite. “I cannot say that I do.”
“He has done very well for himself. His income outstrips that of my own father, though as he lives in London, his expenses are higher.” They walked for a few minutes without speaking while she thought about the Gardiners. “My uncle and aunt are sensible and well educated, Mr. Darcy, and fashionable as well. Though they run in very different circles to yours, I believe you would like them.”
“I am sure I would, Miss Elizabeth.” He was quiet for a longer period before he picked up their conversation on a separate subject. “I must beg your forgiveness once more, but I could not help notice that something is amiss between you and your mother.”
She groaned. “That would not require any great observational skill, Mr. Darcy. Indeed, there is.”
“I ask only because . . . May I be of assistance in any way?”
“Not at all.”
His brows pinched together.
“Oh, well,” she said resigned. “You did tell me of your private dealings with Mr. Wickham. I must ask that you not inform anyone else, though I suppose it matters little as Lydia cannot be counted upon to be discreet.”
He nodded solemnly.
“Mr. Collins made me an offer yesterday morning. Three offers, in fact.”
Several lines appeared on his forehead. “I do not understand.”
“He asked. I refused. He then assured me that I would accept in time. I refused. He was delighted that I was so coy. I refused a third time and left the room so as not to be subjected to a fourth attempt.”
Mr. Darcy paled and stopped dead in his tracks. She stopped and looked up at him with what she hoped was an adequate expression of unconcern. He began to ask one thing, but hesitated and asked something else.
“Do you mean to tell me that he was refused and immediately asked again?”
“Well,” she said, thinking it over, “he did not believe me.”
Mr. Darcy made a choking sound. It was rather alarming, but he soon recovered. “I am having a difficult time picturing it.”
“Imagine how much more difficult it was to experience it, Mr. Darcy,” she said dryly.
“Andthisis why your mother is upset with you?” he asked. Elizabeth was gratified by the incredulous tone of his question.
She nodded. “Mr. Collins is the heir to Longbourn, you see.”
Understanding dawned upon his face. He was so open now, so simple to read. She wondered what had changed. He had been staring at her in disapprobation since their unfortunate meeting at the assembly, of that she was certain. However, he was not doing so now.
He spoke cautiously. “No matter the pecuniary benefits of the match, I cannot see you being happy with such a man.”
“I did speak of expecting respect for and from my eventual partner in life,” Elizabeth reminded him. “While my cousin is possessed of a good living and excellent prospects, he has certain personal qualities that would make marrying him a trial.”
He really was laughing at her now, for the skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “That is . . . tactful,” Mr. Darcy replied.
“What I wish to say would not be kind, Mr. Darcy. May we leave it at that?”
“Of course.” He hesitated. “I must ask why you are so circumspect about your cousin when you have always been rather straightforward with me?”
Was Mr. Darcy fishing for a compliment? Very well, she had one to offer. “That is because, Mr. Darcy, you at least understand when you have vexed me. I have answered you more than once with impertinence, you must admit, and very little else.”
“I find your impertinence rather intelligent and engaging, Miss Elizabeth.”
This was more than enough. “I must ask you to stop, Mr. Darcy. It is beyond belief, coming from you—this is too much flattery to be real.”
Mr. Darcy’s forehead creased. “I do not flatter,” was his reply. “There is no point in it.”
Jane joined them then, and they made for the wilderness on the south side of the property to collect pine boughs and holly. The decorations would be dry and brown long before Christmas, but Elizabeth supposed it did not matter. Jane would use them to cheer Mr. Bingley, and they could do it all again in a few weeks for the rest of the house.