Page 14 of A Promise Made

“You know what, Lizzy?” Jane gave her a little smile and sat up straighter as she continued. “I am grateful you dragged me around. I now know what I wish to look for in a gentleman. I know that I would rather have earnest good will, competence, and the ability to work hard when necessary than pretty manners in an assembly room, easy charm in a drawing room, and a continuous smile. I honestly did not know that before. So…I thank you.”

“Elder sister of mine,” Lizzy said with a solemn expression but laughing eyes, “I have just learnt something, as well. I did not realise before how very wise you are.”

Jane laughed lightly.

Lizzy shot out her hand, squeezing Jane’s two hands, and said, “No, Jane, I mean it. I hope I am as mature and wise as you when I am seventeen.”

Chapter Thirteen

Darcy reviewed with Mr Bennet the recent figures in the investment account. He said, “Mr. Thorpe’s standing instruction will continue to split the lease payment into this account, for eventual use by your daughters and wife, and the estate account. And Mr Cooper will keep me apprised of the expenses incurred, but I would also wish for you to write to me about unexpected costs or repairs.”

“Of course I will, Mr Darcy.” The older man took off his spectacles and rubbed them absently for a moment, looking quite vague without them. Finally, Mr Bennet said, “I hope you know that I am aware that what happened to my family was in no way your family’s fault or responsibility. That first day, when you explained—I am not positive I thanked you. But I am keenly aware that your father must have been an extraordinary man to wish to help, given the fact that no one could blame him for what happened. And I am grateful for your generosity and your willingness to honour your father’s request with so much personal sacrifice.”

Feeling his cheeks heat, Darcy shook his head a little. “My family’s actions cannot make up for what was taken from you the day I was injured, but we can only do what is possible.”

“I look forward to corresponding with you.” Mr Bennet chewed his lip a little and said, “I believe I should enlist Lizzy’s help to ensure I regularly report to you and respond to your letters. You have motivated me because you came in person—but I admit that, in the past, my desire to read just one more page—or just one more book—has distracted me more than once from reading and responding to the post. I do not wish to fall into bad habits again.”

“Enlist each of your daughters, if you wish, in an effort to maintain the good start we have made here. After all, why should they not help in the ways that gently-born and -raised young ladies might, when they will be the major beneficiaries?”

“True.” Mr Bennet laughed a little and said, “But Lizzy is the one I enjoy having in my study.”

Considering Miss Elizabeth, Darcy could understand her father’s special bond with her. She was clever, but it was not just that—she was active in both body and mind in a way most young ladies were not. She was more curious, more interested in the world, and therefore more interesting.

Plus, those eyes….

Thank goodness, Mr Bennet interrupted Darcy’s train of thought. “I know you will let me know what comes of your meeting with Mr Collins.”

“I definitely will. If we can break the entail, it will be far more motivating for you to continue to make improvements, and we will need a considerably smaller fund to maintain your wife and daughters, since they will keep their home even after you pass.”

Mr Bennet agreed, “It would mean the world for my girls.”

Darcy stood, and the older man hurried to rise as well.

Mr Bennet said, “I hope you wish to farewell everyone in person. I asked everyone to stay home today so you could do so.”

Nodding, Darcy followed the patriarch into the parlour. Mr Bennet announced, “Mr Darcy will be leaving the area tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future⁠—”

Miss Elizabeth leapt to her feet, her eyes wide. “Is it because of me? Oh, Mr Darcy, I should have come and apologised in person! I truly am sorry.”

There was a lot of response to her words, and Darcy took it all in because he was too surprised to speak.

Miss Bennet’s eyes grew bright with, he believed, unshed tears, and Miss Kitty’s face was a caricature of distress. Lydia cried, “What did you do, Lizzy?” and Miss Mary said something, too, although her voice was obscured by her younger sister’s much shriller question.

Mrs Bennet said, “Lizzy, you must comport yourself like a lady!” and Mr Bennet shook his head in affectionate dismay.

When the tumult subsided, Darcy replied, “My leaving has nothing to do with you, Miss Elizabeth, I assure you. My reasons for leaving are, in fact, quite dull: I must go to London for an important meeting and to pick up my young sister, and then I am needed at Pemberley. I have always intended to leave in December, and the actual date of departure became known only recently as the meeting date was set.” He glanced at Mr Bennet, who knew he referred to the appointment with Mr Collins. It was Mr Bennet’s feeling that there should be no mention of attempting to break the entail until they achieved success.

Miss Elizabeth said, “Oh! Well, good. But…. Well, I suppose…I am sorry, and I also thank you.”

Darcy nodded in acknowledgment, and he smiled at the young lady with the active—perhaps overactive mind.

Mrs Bennet said, “If you are leaving tomorrow, Mr Darcy, you must share our dinner tonight.”

“I apologise, but I cannot. I have an outing planned with Mr Saunders.”

“But surely we are a closer connection than he is, after these weeks. An outing can bring an hour or two of pleasure, but keeping our families’ connection⁠—”

Noting the time, Darcy interrupted: “Excuse me, Mrs Bennet, but this is not an outing undertaken for the sake of enjoyment. It is, rather, a matter of grave importance.” He flicked his gaze from Mrs Bennet’s eyes to her husband’s, and then back to hers. He read their understanding.