Page 26 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“I’m sorry, Jane.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“I knew Mr. Darcy had intervened.”

She pulled back.

I told her what I could reveal. Her surprise ran deep, but her anger was gentler than mine.

“He made a mistake,” she said. “But he also told Mr. Bingley the truth when he could have stayed silent.”

“You forgive him already.”

“I don’t want to hold onto resentment when everything can still be set right.”

“You’re far better than I am.”

“No. I’m just too happy to stay angry.”

The next day, Mr. Bingley returned alone in the morning and left an engaged man before dinner.

My mother wept, laughed, asked how many carriages they would own, and dispatched a servant to Meryton before Jane had even finished her announcement. My father kissed Jane with an emotion he hid behind a remark about patience being rewarded.

Amid all the joy, I thought of Darcy.

He wasn’t there to receive Bingley’s gratitude or Jane’s thanks. He had corrected his mistake and withdrawn.

I found him that evening near the gate of Longbourn.

I had stepped out to escape my mother’s wedding plans. He stood beside his horse, as if hesitating to enter.

“Mr. Darcy.”

He turned.

“Miss Bennet. I came to congratulate your sister, but I fear I’ve arrived at an inconvenient hour.”

“In our house, convenient hours are whenever my mother has an audience.”

A hint of a smile softened his face.

“Then I’m in danger.”

“Considerably.”

We stood facing each other. The horse pawed at the ground.

“My father received your letter,” I said.

“Has he accepted?”

“He wants to negotiate the terms with your man of business. He refuses any advantage that might look like a gift.”

“I expected as much.”

“He also refuses to let this matter influence my decision.”

Darcy lowered his eyes.