Chapter 1 #2
“Indeed, she has the liberty to choose her own future. But I am confident that, as many gentlemen as she may meet, she will not find anyone better than you. My wife agrees with me. Without this conviction, I would not have even mentioned this possibility.”
“Have you already spoken to the lady about this proposal?”
“I have not. Since it is a business matter, I wanted to discuss it with you first.”
“But why would she want to tie herself to a complete stranger? Are there circumstances that force her into such an endeavour?”
“It is not something she wishes or plans to do, and she will probably not be easily persuaded to accept. But it is a truth universally acknowledged that both a young woman and a young gentleman in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a spouse. And since both of you are excellent people, why not try to make a good match?”
“As much as such an arrangement would solve my problem, I am loath to force an honourable young woman into something as definitive as a marriage against her will.”
“Your concerns are further proof that I was right about your character. Fear not — Elizabeth will not be forced into anything against her will. She is as obstinate as she is clever, pretty, and lovely. Perhaps…”
“Yes?”
“Her determined, confident nature might be one of the many reasons for her contentious relationship with her stepmother. And the reason why she preferred to come and live with us for the time being.”
“I see…”
“So…what are your thoughts in regard to my suggestion, Mr Darcy?”
“My thoughts? Your suggestion would mean an end to my struggle, and therefore it appears too good to be true. Do you think your niece’s father would agree to such an arrangement?”
“Mr Bennet is a good, honourable man who loves his daughters, particularly Elizabeth. But he loves his peace and tranquillity and the pleasure of reading undisturbed in his own book room even more. The misunderstandings between his wife and his eldest daughter are a daily disturbance he would gladly put an end to. If Elizabeth accepts this proposition, I am sure her father would gladly grant his consent.”
“I see,” Darcy repeated. The sudden solution brought him equal relief and turmoil.
A rich heiress, pretty and clever, with an impressive fortune, seemed too good to be true; but if he agreed to this scheme, he would bind himself for life to a woman who, as praiseworthy as she might be, may have nothing in common with him, and indifference or even hatred might become the strongest sentiment between them.
Mr Gardiner’s description intrigued him, but asking for more details would have been rude at that point.
He was certainly in no position to be censorious.
If not for the pressing matter, he might have been interested in making this young lady’s acquaintance.
But there was no time for such consideration.
He had to either accept or reject the marriage proposal — as strange as that sounded.
“I trust your judgment, Mr Gardiner, and I am thankful for your considerate suggestion. If your niece agrees to the arrangement, I shall do everything in my power to show my gratitude. And, of course, even if she becomes my wife, I shall repay her the amount of money used for my personal problems in due time.”
“I have no doubt you will do everything that is honourable, Mr Darcy. I shall speak to Elizabeth tonight and send you a note. I hope we shall enjoy a visit from you again tomorrow.”
“Thank you, sir. I shall leave now. Please convey to your wife and children — and Miss Bennet — my kind regards and apologies for not greeting them in person.”
“I am sure they will understand,” Mr Gardiner said, opening the door.
They walked together along the hall, and the children’s joyful voices could be heard from a distance. With every step, Darcy became more thoughtful, and more doubts added to his burden.
“Is there something wrong, Mr Darcy? I can see you are neither comfortable nor at peace. I assume you are wondering about my niece? You fear she will not be to your liking? I assure you she possesses many desirable qualities.”
“I apologise, Mr Gardiner, if my response is not as you expected. I confess I have many doubts, but none of them concern the lady.”
“I am relieved to hear that, as I have no doubts in that regard.”
“As I said, neither do I. Even if she does not possess any of the qualities you mention, even if she is not to my liking at all, I cannot afford to be as fastidious as I would usually be. She might not even be tolerable enough to tempt me, but I shall certainly be indebted to her—”
The sound of footsteps interrupted him. Mr Gardiner stopped and turned and so did Darcy, only to find himself facing a young woman who stared at him quizzically, her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed together.
“Lizzy dear, how fortunate that you are here. Allow me to introduce Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy, this is my niece Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Mr Darcy was about to take his leave, but he will return tomorrow.”
Darcy bowed to her, feeling uncomfortable and wondering what, if anything, she had heard of their conversation.
“Miss Bennet, I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Darcy,” she replied with a proper curtsey and a cold glance that seemed to belie her words.
“Please excuse me. My aunt is expecting me,” she said, disappearing into another room. Darcy needed a moment before he realised he was staring after her, and another to finally take his leave and quit the house.