Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Darcy’s study had once been his father’s.
Although it was a trial to be in the presence of so many of his beloved parents’ treasured possessions, Darcy often took strength from them, serving as they did as a reminder of how a master of Pemberley ought to behave.
Of all the aspirations Darcy had in his life, his dearest wish was to emulate the way his father garnered respect from those around him.
It was with this in mind, did Darcy deign to civilly invite his cousin to take a seat.
With even greater forbearance did he overlook the colonel’s decision to stretch out his long legs, casting mud over the floor, and smirk irritatingly in Darcy’s direction.
Scowling, Darcy flung himself down into his chair and took up pen and penknife and began to cut the nib, still not trusting himself to speak with any semblance of equanimity.
Fitzwilliam either failed to notice Darcy’s mood or did not care. “You never told me about your guests.”
“I informed you in at least two different letters.”
“You also neglected to mention that Miss Bennet had grown into a lovely young woman with the face of an angel and the body of a—”
Darcy dropped the pen with a clatter. He glared at his cousin. “Consider your words carefully.”
Fitzwilliam raised a provoking brow. “So that is the way the wind blows, eh? You have surprised me—I wish you every happiness.”
“Do not be absurd. Miss Bennet is the companion—and niece—of Lady Acaster, who is here at the request of your father. As an individual, I have absolutely no interest in her. However, as a guest in my home, it is my responsibility to see that she is treated with the utmost respect and decorum—that is as far as my concern for her well-being extends.”
Fitzwilliam folded his arms. “Am I to understand that you harbour no tendresse towards Miss Bennet, despite her abundant beauty, heavenly body, and delightful wit?”
“You are correct,” replied Darcy, dismissing the unexpected stab of vexation in his chest.
Fitzwilliam’s grin was so large it ran from ear to ear. “Capital news!”
“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you.”
“I mean to marry her myself.”
Dumbfounded, Darcy stared at his cousin. He opened his mouth but no words came out. Eventually, he found his voice. “This is insanity. You only met her moments ago.”
“You forget we are already acquainted. I have not felt such ease with a woman in a long time—my life would be filled with happiness with such a lovely bride.”
“Have you taken leave of your senses! Where is your duty to your family? Lord Matlock expects you to marry Lady Violet.” Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “You would toy with Miss Bennet’s emotions simply to provoke your father?”
Fitzwilliam had the grace to look abashed.
“No, you have it wrong. I would not raise expectations that I have no notion of meeting. I am quite serious. Miss Bennet may not have any inclination to marry presently, but by her laughter and teasing this morning, I cannot think her ill-disposed towards me. While I am here, it will be my mission to persuade her that my intentions are sincere.”
Certain that Fitzwilliam had gone mad, Darcy reproved, “Think about what you are saying—to go against your father for the sake of a woman you scarcely know is an incalculable risk.”
“My father decided my brother’s fate, and since he can no longer control the destiny of his favourite son, he seeks to exercise power over mine. It is time he learnt that he cannot have his way in all matters.”
“So you act to spite the earl—who, I must add, has only ever supported you. Remember it was he who purchased your commission as colonel—not many men your age have such an advantage.”
Fitzwilliam stood abruptly. “I cannot agree to marry the woman destined for Callan! It would be as though he were dead already. My relationship with my brother was never close, but I am not that cold-hearted. This Lady Violet cannot truly want to marry me if she was intended for another. Besides, if I am to become leg-shackled, I wish to claim some affection for my wife. Five minutes in Miss Bennet’s company is a delight—only think how pleasurable a lifetime might be! ”
“Enchanting as she is, you hardly know her. This is a life-altering decision—for you and for Miss Bennet. It ought not to be rushed.”
The colonel did not seem to hear Darcy’s plea for caution and paced about the room with agitated steps.
“You think me selfish, and perhaps you have a right to, but my life is my own.” He gestured wildly towards his scar.
“I have spent too many years escaping death on His Majesty’s battlefields not to value it.
I will not throw my independence on the matrimonial sword without having some say in the matter. ”
“I cannot condone this reckless behaviour.”
His cousin’s quick grin returned. “You do not have to.”
“I have no other choice but to write to your father.”
“You are disappointingly predictable.”
Darcy bristled. “You are not to show any interest in Miss Bennet while you are here.”
“Why ever not? If she is amenable and of age, there can be no impediment.”
“I shall own that Miss Bennet is remarkably handsome, but that is scarcely any foundation for a lasting union. If you do not wish to marry a woman of my uncle’s choosing, then surely there could be another with whom you are better acquainted?
” Darcy did not know why he protested so vehemently, nor why his throat was filled with sudden bile at the thought of Miss Bennet as his cousin’s wife.
“You mean to say, one that is of noble stock?” Fitzwilliam all but spat out the final words.
“No, when I marry, I wish to pick my bride—on my terms, not my father’s.
Miss Bennet and I were acquainted before I went away to fight, before my wretched brother’s accident, and before my father had any aspirations for me to be anything more than a mere second son.
We were childhood friends. I would feel happier marrying a woman who knew me before I inherited Callan’s title. ”
Arguing with one so stubborn was a useless endeavour.
Darcy changed course. “Your father expects you at Haddon Court. You are needed at your brother’s bedside.
News of your current infatuation—I cannot call it love—would upset the earl greatly.
It would be churlish to disturb his peace at this difficult time. ”
By the red spots forming on Fitzwilliam’s cheeks, Darcy’s words had found their mark. Eyes narrowed, he said coolly, “Do you know, I am yet to greet Georgiana. I shall go to her now, for I have missed her greatly.”
And Georgiana will surely be with Miss Bennet.
Darcy met his cousin’s gaze and said in his severest tones, “My responsibility is to ensure that no harm comes to anyone in this house. Do not force me to choose between you and the reputation of my home. The condition of my welcome relies upon your conduct.”
Fitzwilliam snorted. “Have no fear. More than most, I know the lengths you would go to in order to preserve the Darcy family’s good name.”
Cold fury pitted in the bottom of Darcy’s stomach. “I ask that you not discuss Wickham in front of Miss Bennet.”
A flash of contempt blazed in Fitzwilliam’s eyes. “I sincerely doubt that she would wish to relive any memories of that reprobate.”