Page 13 of Timing Is Everything

“When?”

“Shortly after we met.”

“Did you believe him?”

After a short moment, Elizabeth quietly admitted that she had.

“Do you still?”

“I do not know what to think.”

Slipping the hairpins into his pocket, Darcy walked around the settee and knelt in front of Elizabeth, looking her in the eye.

“Do I have a reason to be jealous of Mr. Wickham?” Darcy asked gently.

Elizabeth took a moment to gather her thoughts as she looked into Darcy’s eyes. In the midst of her muddled feelings for Mr. Darcy, she did not find a place for Mr. Wickham.

“No, you do not. Not from me.”

“Would you care to hear more about my history with Mr. Wickham?”

“Only if you would care to share.”

And so Darcy found himself unburdening himself. He told of his guilt in never making known to his father the true nature of Mr. Wickham when he was not in company with the elder Mr. Darcy. He told of his relief when Mr. Wickham wrote to inform him that he had resolved against taking orders, and hoped instead to receive a payment in addition to the one thousand pounds he had been bequeathed in the will. He shared his belief that all connection between them appeared to be at an end after he had provided Mr. Wickham with the requested three thousand pounds in lieu of the living. He shared his surprise that Mr. Wickham would still ask to be presented the living with the decease of the incumbent, and of Mr. Wickham’s resentment when the living was not granted. His voice cracked as he told her that Mr. Wickham had decided to take his revenge for his disappointment. Before he could continue, Elizabeth silenced him.

“You need not go on. The villain of this story is abundantly clear.”

“Do you still believe Mr. Wickham?”

“No, I do not.”

At some point during his recitation, Elizabeth had reached out to cup Darcy’s face. He now returned the gesture. He had just started to lean forward in hopes of claiming their first kiss when the door was thrust open and he quickly leaned away again, dropping his hand.

“Oh, Lizzy, I’m glad I found you!” her Aunt Gardiner exclaimed. “Most of your neighbors have taken their leave, and we realized that neither you nor Lydia were anywhere to be seen. Have you seen her?”

“I’m right here, Aunt,” Lydia said, jumping up from behind the large chair in the corner of the study, an empty box of treats in her hand.

“How long have you been there?” Elizabeth asked, slightly horrified.

“Long enough to finish off the last box of treats Papa left behind the chair,” Lydia admitted, not looking her elder sister in the eye.

“Both of you have been gone far too long,” Mrs. Gardiner asserted. “I can understand your need for some peace, but first see the last of your neighbors away and you can retire for the evening.”

If Mrs. Gardiner noticed the fact that Elizabeth’s hair was free of all restraints, she did not say a thing before turning and leaving the room. Mr. Darcy fished the hairpins out of his pocket and handed them to Elizabeth. Before Elizabeth could fix her hair, Lydia quickly stepped behind her and arranged it for her. Neither of them said a word. It would not be until Darcy was back in his rooms at Netherfield Park that he would realize one of the hairpins was still in his pocket.

Chapter 8

As Darcy dismounted in front of Longbourn, he touched his hand to his pocket, assuring himself, once again, that the settlement papers were there and ready to be signed. He knew that these things took time, but when he sent his solicitor an express asking him to have them drawn up, he had not anticipated that it would take more than a week. Even without the papers in hand, he had continued to meet with Mr. Gardiner, planning for the future of the Bennet women. His days had started to follow a routine. In the morning, he would ride by himself to Longbourn to meet with Mr. Gardiner. Most days, they set out to look at the available homes in the area. By the time they returned to Longbourn to dine, Bingley would arrive as well. The two gentlemen would then return to Netherfield Park together. He knew that it would be six months before Mr. Collins expected them to move from their home, but he wanted to have all the details settled as soon as possible.

Even as he desired more time alone with Elizabeth, he understood that she would still be seeking the solace of sisterly compassion. He thought of how lonely he had been when his own father had passed away. With so many responsibilities thrust on his shoulders, including the care of a much younger sister, he was grateful for the support of his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Richard had understood his grief. He had offered his support, and they had drawn closer because of it. There would come a time that he would have Elizabeth to himself, and he would be patient.

Upon arriving at Longbourn, Darcy immediately set out to find Mr. Gardiner in the study, producing the settlement papers with a smile. Mr. Gardiner looked relieved to be seeing them. As they reviewed the settlement, particularly with regard to provisions made for future children, Darcy found himself daydreaming about his future. His fingers had drifted back to his pocket, where he now kept Elizabeth’s hairpin.

“Everything looks to be in order,” Mr. Gardiner said, breaking Darcy’s trance. “You are certainly being very generous. I see no reason not to sign.” With these words, Mr. Gardiner dipped his quill and signed his name with a flourish.

As Darcy added his own signature he felt contentment washing over him. This detail had been settled. He was now officially engaged to Elizabeth Bennet.

Leaving one copy on the desk, and tucking one copy in his pocket, he left the study to find his betrothed.