Chapter Fifty-Eight
Mr. Fitzwilliam followed Mr. Darcy’s recommendations to the letter.
No sooner had he entered Lucas Lodge, then he asked for permission to speak with Sir William privately.
Mr. Darcy watched as Lady Lucas and Miss Lucas struggled to contain their glee and behave properly toward their remaining guest.
Mr. Darcy decided to help the conversation along. He began, “Was Miss Elizabeth’s departure known beforehand? I confess that it caught me entirely by surprise.”
Charlotte dropped her gaze.
“Ah, Miss Lucas,” Mr. Darcy said. “You knew about it.”
“I did not, no,” she replied, but she looked ill at ease.
“You suspected it, then, at least. No, I apologise, I should not be quizzing you in such a manner,” he said, aware that his behaviour was inappropriate.
“Truthfully, Mr. Darcy, she chose to remove herself from the competition,” Miss Lucas said, finally raising her gaze and looking directly into Mr. Darcy’s eyes.
“From the competition,” he repeated, thoughtfully. Then he added, just to be certain, “For Mr. Bingley,” he said.
Charlotte shook her head. “I can say no more. I will only add that I hope Mr. Bingley will now feel free to act as his heart dictates.”
Mr. Darcy murmured something that sounded like agreement, but his mind was racing. Elizabeth, away from Bingley! Elizabeth, in Kent!
Sir William entered the room, followed closely by Reginald. “Viscount – er, Mr. Fitzwilliam has asked to speak with Charlotte privately, and I have given my consent.”
Lady Lucas clasped her hands to her breast, tears in her eyes.
Mr. Fitzwilliam went to Charlotte and offered her his arm. “Would you care to take a walk with me, Charlotte?”
“Of course,” she answered, fervently. “Just let me get my pelisse.” She vanished and returned not a minute later, her pelisse over her arm.
“Allow me,” Mr. Fitzwilliam murmured.
Mr. Darcy watched in amazement as Mr. Fitzwilliam took the pelisse from her and held it open, so that Miss Lucas might slip her arms into it. He had not imagined that his cousin knew how to perform that little courtesy.
The two disappeared out the front door. The room was silent for a minute, as everyone searched desperately for something to day. Finally, Lady Lucas said, “He is a bit odd, but he is a good man, is he not, Mr. Darcy?”
“The very best, Lady Lucas,” Mr. Darcy replied, honestly. “He will treat Miss Lucas very well; you need have no fears on that account.”
“Will his parents not disapprove?” Lady Lucas enquired, anxiously.
Mr. Darcy hesitated.
“You have just answered my question,” she whispered, looking down at the carpet.
“But it will not matter,” Mr. Darcy said, quickly.
“He is extremely strong-willed, as his parents have learned. Also, it is very possible that they will be so glad that he has actually found someone to marry, thereby possibly securing the title, that Miss Lucas’ lack of –“ He stopped, realising that he was in danger of going too far.
“Fortune and connections,” Lady Lucas supplied, lips tight.
“I am sorry,” Mr. Darcy said, shaking his head at his own clumsiness. “I meant no offense.”
“I understand,” she said. “We all know the world in which we live.”
“In any case, his parents may be happy enough to welcome her.”
“They do not yet know, I take it?”
“No; I agreed to wait until tomorrow to write to his mother. I must write to her, you understand, or she will never forgive me. But by then, Reginald and Miss Lucas will be betrothed and they may consider it too late to undo it.”
“You are very kind, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Lucas said, softly.
The door opened and Mr. Fitzwilliam walked in with Charlotte on his arm. The two of them were beaming with joy.
“You must congratulate me, Darcy!” Mr. Fitzwilliam announced.