Page 11 of His Dark Heart
Alas, she was but a daughter and she had no real say in her future.
* * *
“She is awake and feels better, Lord Darcy. I thank ye once again for thy kindness.”
“It was no trouble, sir. Your daughter is a fierce creature, is she not, to have simply taken to the road at such an hour? I wonder that her sweetheart did not go after her. Regardless of my own condition, if your daughter was mine, I should trail her to the corners of the world.”
“Perhaps ye would think twice if ye spent more time in her company. She is a trying one, my beloved Liza.”
“She is but a girl.”
Sir Thomas chuckled ruefully. “Ye obviously have no ties to a sister.”
“Nay. My mother died whilst birthing my sister. That babe died shortly after her birth.”
“I offer my sympathies.”
“Many thanks,” Darcy replied absently.
“Well, without a girl-child around, ye would never have truly learned how wilful and obstinate they might be. My Liza has ruled this village since she was old enough to walk its streets. Not a soul here would see her come to harm, nor is there a soul who would refuse her anything she asked. Even Lady Charlotte is not as beloved as my Liza.”
The proud father beamed, and Darcy was nearly remorseful for the wretched old man as he took a seat at his desk. During his absence from the room, the deceitful lord had thumbed through the ledgers, marvelling at the speed of Caroline's charm. It would almost certainly be traced back to a thieving servant or some such person, but it would take weeks, perhaps months, to untangle the mess, then it would be too late. The poor sod's daughter would already belong to Darcy.
“Your daughter's beauty is legendary in this area. Perhaps it is what endears her so.”
“She possesses more than mere beauty, my lord. Liza is kind and generous and witty. She is as smart as any man. I should call a man out who dares dispute me on that front.”
“You need not exert yourself on my behalf. I cannot disagree with you. Still, it must have been difficult to arrange a match with Master Wickham.”
“It was a love match. I never intended Liza to marry for anything but love.”
“I notice your words are of the past, Sir Thomas.”
Sir Thomas blinked his eyes rapidly, clearing away the less than masculine tears that must have stung them. Deep in his heart, the man must know he might lose his daughter if he sold her off, but it was clear he had no choice. If he could not match her well, he would lose his lands, his house, and his livestock—then what would the sorry man be left with?
“They are indeed. With George's flock destroyed, my financial situation cannot allow Elizabeth to marry him.”
Darcy fought the urge to gloat. He bit his lip, fiercely mocking sorrow while he hid a triumphant grin. As he sat down in a chair, he cradled his chin in hand as if he was deep in thought.
“My apologies, my lord,” Sir Thomas said suddenly. “I fear I have left too much trouble upon thy door. Forgive me.”
“It is no trouble; I assure you. I fear I have fallen into that group that would not see Miss Elizabeth come to harm. She could very soon also have me at her beck and call.”
Startled by Darcy's words, the newly acquired pen fell from Sir Thomas’s hand. “What do ye mean?”
“I have admired your daughter, good sir, since I met her at the Assembly some while ago. I dread the nearing days of my departure when I shall be remiss of her company.”
“Ye have spent much time in Liza's company?”
“Nay, but every moment is precious.”
Inside, Darcy chuckled at the old man's hope. It was too obvious that he was more than willing to sell his daughter to save his house. Pretending he sought Elizabeth's love instead of her body was not difficult considering the rewards his feigned love would bring: a tempting, fiery tart to keep his bedclothes warm.
“Ye have feelings for my daughter, then?”
“Aye. The deepest feelings of affection and admiration, sir.” The earnestness in Darcy's voice shocked even him.
“I am surprised. Ye are aware that Liza's regard for ye is not much more than her regard for day-old fish?”
