Page 42 of Through the Eyes of Love

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The carriage stoppedin front of the cottage as Elizabeth once again made her regular visit. Mr. Darcy was in close conversation with a man wearing the uniform of His Majesty’s army. She was eager to meet someone new. A moment later, she was introduced to Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy’s cousin. He appeared to be older than Mr. Darcy but not as tall or handsome. The colonel bowed and kissed her hand before smiling. His eyes sparkled. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Bennet. I am thrilled my obstinate cousin has finally found his match.”

“Thank you, Colonel; I am delighted to meet you as well. Your cousin has often spoken of you, and it is good to be able to put a face to a name. Mr. Darcy, would you prefer I return to Lambton so you can spend time alone with your cousin?”

“That will not be necessary. We just need a few minutes alone to discuss family business. We shall be in the library and then we shall join you.” Did he not send her away only because he chose not to embarrass himself or could it be forhersake?

The colonel offered another smile. “My visit today cannot be as long as I would like but I hope we may have many more opportunities to talk.”

“As do I, sir. Gentlemen, I shall be in the drawing room.” They separated, and Elizabeth sat down with a book in her hand. What family business could they be discussing that she could not hear? In a few days, she wouldbea member of their family. Mrs. Hopkins described marriage as a partnership, but that concept did not seem to apply to her future husband and her. She decided to have a cup of tea so, rather than ringing for a maid, she walked towards the kitchen. As she approached the library, the door was partially ajar, and when her name was mentioned, she slowed her pace. For what reason would they be talking abouther?

“I was quite surprized to receive your letter. I have never heard you speak about her. Is that awful mark on her face a burn?” The voice belonged to Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“No, it is not a burn, it is a birthmark. Richard, there is something special about her; her personality, kindness, and charm more than compensate for her having a mark on her face. Once you spend time with her, you stop noticing any blemish. Besides, I am less concerned by how she looks than what is inside her. You cannot deny that Beatrice was beautiful, but she had the morals of an alley cat. Elizabeth is the right woman for me. She is intelligent and well read—praise I cannot offer to any of thebellesof thetonI have been forced to dine with at your parents’ home. You know I have never been tempted by any of the dull daughters of your father’s peers who were paraded in front of me in town. Elizabeth is brave, unassuming and accomplished, and I am attracted to her compassion. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and I see in her what has always been lacking in myself. I am a better man because of her.”

Elizabeth was incredulous when her betrothed spoke in such a way. Why had he never voiced those views to her? He had never told her why he wanted to marry her. Nor had he ever complimented her, yet now, he was singing her praises to his cousin. Perhaps Mr. Martin told her the truth about Mr. Darcy’s sentiments—that he did have something in his heart towards her.

“I understand the family will disdain her lack of connexions, yet she will outshine them all when we are together.” Mr. Darcy defended her further.

“That is high praise indeed, and it may all be true, but is what you say of her enough? I hesitate to question your choice, but can she be a good mistress of Pemberley? Can she ever perform those duties anywhere near the level of your mother? You are one of the wealthiest untitled men in England, and the lady’s familyisa significant problem. You know how quickly this news will spread to town. You will expose yourself to the ridicule of your peers by marrying the daughter of a gentleman unknown to our family, a woman far beneath you. How badly will linking our family to that of a simple country squire’s damage the Darcy name and affect Georgie’s chances of making a good match?”

Elizabeth was overwhelmed, yet it was enough to make her decide her position. With tears in her eyes, she quietly left the house. Her first thought was to call for the carriage, but running away would not solve their problems. She would not expose the man she loved to censure by his colleagues or bring harm to his sister. She would end their engagement today and leave for London on the morrow.

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Darcy hadto take a moment to think, he was so struck by Richard’s honesty. His cousin was telling the truthwithoutbeing aware Elizabeth had been in service. If his family ever learnt the details about how he met his betrothed, they would never speak to him again. Would he need to find someone for Georgiana who had not heard about his wife’s background or pay a king’s ransom for someone to marry his sister? He needed to further justify his choice to Richard.

“She met me when my face was hideous and I could hardly walk. She treats me no differently now than she did then. She may not be what you would call sophisticated but she has a special way of putting everyone at ease with her thoughtfulness. After coming to know Elizabeth, I could never endure a marriage to someone your parents would prefer. I have no need of a dowry—my income and holdings are more than enough.”

Richard’s heavy brows rose. “She must be remarkable ifyouare willing to defy the expectations of society for her. I assume you have yet to inform Lady Catherine. You escaped marrying Lady Beatrice and yet you still have not married Anne. When our aunt finds out, she will undoubtedly come here and have you burnt at the stake.”

“I shall wait until after the wedding to apprise her—when she can do nothing about the situation. Come, let us join Elizabeth—surely you have time for a cup of tea. I should like the two of you to become acquainted.”

The gentlemen found the drawing room empty. “She may be outside enjoying the lovely day—another thing we have in common. I know you are anxious to leave so I shall call for your horse and then go and find her. I hope to see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, until then.”

Richard rode off, and Darcy began searching for his betrothed. He walked towards the garden and called her name. “I am here.” Her quiet voice came from around the corner.

He found her sitting on a bench wiping away her tears and he sat beside her. “What is it? Are you unwell? Have you received bad news from your family?”

She stared at the gravel path beneath her feet. She was obviously upset but he made no attempt to physically comfort her. He did not hold her hand nor try to take her in his arms even though he was aware that either would have been appropriate for two people who were soon to be married. It seemed awkward not to do so. “I am not unwell, simply unhappy.” She removed the betrothal ring from her finger and placed it in his hand.

“I do not understand. Do you no longer wish to marry me?”

“It is not whatIwant but what is best for both of us. I cannot marry you. I was a fool to think you could ever love anyone like me.”

“Why are you saying this now, mere days before our wedding?”

“I was walking towards the kitchen, and the library door was not closed. I realize I should not have eavesdropped, but I kept hearing you say my name. I could never do anything to cause you to become estranged from your family or friends. Georgiana must never suffer because of your inappropriate choice of wife. The colonel was right—I am not prepared to become mistress of Pemberley.”

Darcy took her hand and replaced the ring on her finger. “This ring will remain here until you replace it with another one of the Darcy jewels. What you overheard was Richard telling me all the negative things about marrying you. You must have walked away before you had a chance to hear me speak of your many accomplishments. He was playing the devil’s advocate to ensure I knew what I was doing. You should not be apprehensive about your new role; you will have Mrs. Reynolds’s help when the manor house is rebuilt.”

She looked into his eyes. “Is that truly what transpired?”

“Yes. I would never lie to you. You are the woman I have chosen to be beside me as I rebuild Pemberley. Shall we walk back?”

He helped her rise and offered her his arm. She appeared reluctant to place her hand inside his elbow. They began to make their way back, and he winced as he placed weight on his injured leg.