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  Again, Darcy was not at all surprised, but he could hardly say so to his friend, so he remained silent.

  “And Caroline was not content to simply cast aspersions on Miss Bennet’s regard for me either. She brought out that old, tired argument about Miss Bennet’s social standing and fortune, as if such things would sway me in the slightest, even if her concerns for Miss Bennet’s social standing were at all correct.”

  “They are concerns,” replied Darcy, feeling obligated to provide a little defense for the absent woman, little though she deserved it. When Bingley’s jaw clenched with obstinacy, Darcy held out one hand in surrender. “I am aware that you are not concerned with such things, Bingley, but they should be a consideration in any decision you make—I am not trying to persuade you. I know that your sister sometimes . . . overestimates her position in society.”

  “That is an understatement,” muttered Bingley.

  “But she is correct about your position in society being affected by the woman you marry. Miss Bennet is unknown in town. A marriage to a woman of some standing would automatically help you be more accepted.”

  “If one could be convinced to marry me.”

  “I do not disagree. In addition to this, however, is Miss Bennet’s lack of dowry. It will affect your ability to properly dower any daughters you have. However, if you have thought about these things and discarded them, then your sister should have nothing more to say. It is your choice, after all. She is dependent upon you—not the reverse.”

  The expression on Bingley’s face became positively devilish. “The very point I made to her.”

  Darcy was impressed—Bingley had always been intent upon avoiding conflict. The knowledge of this facet of his character had made it easy for Miss Bingley to take far more liberties than she should.

  “I informed her that if she did not like my choice of bride, she could live with the Hursts or move into her own establishment. Since Hurst informed her he would not have her poisonous attitude ruining the atmosphere in his home, her only option was her own establishment, which I have no doubt frightens her with thoughts of becoming a spinster. The other option—not an option to Caroline—is to go to our relations in the north. I think that notion frightens her even more.”

  “That is very well done, Bingley,” replied Darcy.

  “I knew you would approve. You have been telling me of the need to rein her in for years now, and I have finally seen that you are correct. Caroline will not impede my pursuit of Miss Bennet. If she attempts it, she will remove herself from my house.”

  “Then I wish you all the luck in the world, Bingley. You know your own mind and may make your own choices—no one else should factor into those decisions.”

  “And I do not mean to allow them to.” Bingley rose. “I am off to the Gardiners’ residence, the directions to which I obtained from Mr. Gardiner last night. I will ask Miss Bennet for a courtship this very day.”

  “That is rather precipitous, even for you, my friend,” said Darcy with a laugh. Bingley did not hesitate to join him.

  “Perhaps it is. But I do not wish for there to be any ambiguity in my attentions to Miss Bennet. Having been absent these past months, I want her to know that I am serious and that I will not be moved from my course.”

  After a few more words, Bingley departed, leaving a bemused Darcy standing, watching him go. After all these years of friendship with Bingley, of trying to induce him to seize the reins of his own life and ensure his sister did not rule over him as she sometimes did, it took the admiration of a good woman, now confirmed, to induce him to change. Darcy could not be any happier for his friend. Now it was time to turn his attention to his own happiness. With that in mind, he followed Bingley through the door of his study.

  The gardens of Darcy house were the most tranquil location in which Elizabeth could sit and think, and she often took herself there when she was feeling introspective. The morning after the dinner party, Elizabeth had availed herself of the beauty of the small garden, and sat on the bench she favored, her eyes drinking in the sights which surrounded her, enjoying the buzzing of the bees and the chirping of birds.

  The previous evening had been stressful, not knowing how Mr. Bingley would act or whether she and Anne had done right in bringing him together with Jane again. After Mr. Bingley’s display, however, Elizabeth could not be happier. It seemed her sister, after the months of heartache and despair, would obtain her heart’s desire.

  The one matter of which she remained uncertain was Mr. Darcy’s reaction to what had happened. He had been quiet and thoughtful the previous evening, and Elizabeth had often seen his eyes on Jane and Mr. Bingley. But he was still difficult to understand; he might have been equally as capable of attempting to warn Mr. Bingley away from Jane as he was to throw his full support behind his friend’s transparent attentions. Elizabeth was not certain which, as she was still uncertain of the role he had played in the separation in the first place.

  These thoughts, spinning in Elizabeth’s mind, were the reason she took a more contrary position when the man appeared in the garden, apparently looking for her, as had happened often of late. Elizabeth was determined to avoid questions concerning his intentions and, instead, focus on Jane and Mr. Bingley.

  “Miss Bennet,” said he as he approached. “I see you have found your way into the garden yet again.”

  “I find such places conducive to deep thought, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth, her words designed to pique his curiosity.

  “Might I sit and discuss these weighty subjects with you, Miss Bennet?”

  “Of course, sir. It is, after all, your garden.”

  “Ah, but I would not impose upon you, even if you are staying in my house.”

  “Then please, be seated, Mr. Darcy.”

  He did with alacrity, and when he turned to her, Elizabeth thought he had some specific topic about which he wished to speak. But she was not about to allow him to begin, as she had other matters she wished to canvass first.

  “I believe last night’s dinner party was a success, do you not agree?” asked Elizabeth without preamble.

  “Quite a success,” replied Mr. Darcy without hesitation. “I was happy to see my friend again, as I have only seen him once since his return to town.”

  Elizabeth regarded Mr. Darcy with suspicion, certain he was not unaware of it. “I am interested to hear you say it, Mr. Darcy. In fact, I had wondered if you might be less than pleased by the guest list your cousin assembled for the evening.”

  “Anne has acted as my hostess, freeing Georgiana of the burden,” replied Mr. Darcy. “She may invite whomever she pleases.” Mr. Darcy paused, and then he turned to regard Elizabeth. For a moment, she thought he was baring his very soul to her. “I will not deny that I was not supportive of Bingley’s pursuit of your sister last autumn, Miss Bennet. You are too intelligent to be taken in by any dissembling I might choose to attempt, and I would not wish to do so regardless.

  “The fact of the matter was I had concerns about a possible match between them, though I will say that those concerns have been rendered meaningless in light of the events of the past day. But the only objection I raised to Bingley regarding your sister was her feelings for him.”

  “You thought her indifferent?” asked Elizabeth, wondering how he could possibly make such a claim. His next words mollified her to a large extent.

  “It seems absurd now, does it not?” Mr. Darcy released a self-deprecating chuckle. “Last night as I watched them, I wondered that I had not seen it before. It is especially incomprehensible when you consider that Miss Bennet’s character is much like mine—we are both reticent, quiet in company, and neither of us share our feelings with others. I did not see that in her, and I wonder if my powers of observation are completely deficient as a result.”

  “There are few who can detect Jane’s true feelings,” said Elizabeth, much appeased by his words. “Not long after your party came to Hertfordshire, Charlotte
and I could both see Jane’s interest in Mr. Bingley, but we have known her for many years. Charlotte commented that Jane should show her feelings more to leave him in no doubt, but I laughed her opinion away, averring that Mr. Bingley must be a simpleton if he did not recognize them for himself. It appears I was wrong too.”

  “I think that Bingley did understand her feelings. But he has often had a greater reliance on my judgment than his own.”

  “And what role did his sisters play?” asked Elizabeth, certain she knew already. She decided there was no point in belaboring Mr. Darcy’s actions and directed the conversation away from them accordingly.

  “They were more concerned for your sister’s position in society and the extent of her dowry.” Mr. Darcy smiled. “But I am certain you already suspected this. Those arguments alone would not have been enough to persuade him, I am sorry to say, so it was my assurances of the tepidity of your sister’s feelings which persuaded him.”

  “You were wrong, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth. “That much is evident. However, as you were acting in the best interest of a very good friend, I find that I can forgive you. I am certain Jane has, and she would not wish for me to hold a grudge.”

  “Then I am grateful to your sister.” Mr. Darcy paused, then he continued in an exaggerated conversational tone. “I do not know if you were aware of his presence, but Bingley visited the house this morning and left no more than fifteen minutes ago, asking for an explanation, which I did not scruple to give.”

  Elizabeth regarded her companion with interest. “I had not known. I suppose his sisters tried to argue against his pursuit of Jane?”

  “Only the younger. The elder was held in check as Hurst decided to support Bingley. Of a greater interest, however, is that Bingley has gone directly to your uncle’s house to request a courtship with your sister.”

  “Oh, that is wonderful news!” cried Elizabeth, clapping her hands. “I always thought his esteem was not lacking. This is a perfect ending to this tale, though it took some twists and turns to arrive here.”

  “It is not an ending, Miss Bennet. In fact, I believe it is the beginning of the rest of their lives. And I am happy that they are about to obtain it, regardless of any obstacles which presented themselves during the journey.”

  “Indeed, it is, Mr. Darcy. I could not be any happier.”

  They sat for some time in the garden, and though not much was said between them, Elizabeth found herself rather more complaisant in Mr. Darcy’s company than she thought she might have been upon learning the truth of his interference with respect to Mr. Bingley and Jane. It was the fact that he had owned it himself without disguise, Elizabeth decided—that and his confession that he had been wrong to do so.

  “I would have you know, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy after they had sat in that attitude for some time, “that Bingley’s happiness is not my only concern.”

  “Oh?” asked Elizabeth. She had been considering her ever-changing opinion of Mr. Darcy, and his sudden words had taken her by surprise.

  “Yes. For you see, though Bingley looks like he is about to find his happiness with his Bennet sister, I believe there is still the matter of my happiness to consider.”

  Given what had gone between them in the last weeks, Elizabeth could not fail to understand Mr. Darcy’s meaning when he spoke so boldly. She turned to regard him for a long moment, weighing, considering. Mr. Darcy bore it all with patience and an understated measure of hope. Could Elizabeth possibly accept this man’s attentions? Had she not despised him only a short time before?

  Then it all became so easy. What reason could she possibly have to resist? Had he not shown her, by word and deed, the ardent nature of his regard? And could she state with any measure of truth that she did not return that regard, that he had not stolen her heart in return?

  No. Elizabeth would not tell herself such falsehoods. Somehow, he had crept like a thief in the night and stolen her heart. She would not deny herself this happiness.

  “Then I wish you the best, Mr. Darcy. I hope you find your happiness.”

  The expression of heart felt delight which spread over his countenance became him, but if Elizabeth expected a proposal at that moment, she was destined to be disappointed. He spoke with her, softly and with great affection, and Elizabeth knew that he would come to the point when he thought the time was right. And for the moment, Elizabeth was content to receive the attentions of a suitor. The rest would take care of itself at the proper time.

  “You appear to be watching something with great interest, Cousin.”

  Anne did not even turn at the sound of Fitzwilliam’s voice, so intent was she on the scene before her, through the window in the corridor which overlooked the gardens at the end of the house. It was, perhaps, an odd sort of place to stand in one attitude, but it was the best vantage point to see the scene playing out below. Anne could not be any happier.

  “Interesting,” said Fitzwilliam as he looked out himself and saw Darcy and Elizabeth below, sitting together, their hands almost touching where they rested on the bench between them. “It seems to me, Cousin, that you have been indulging in a spot of matchmaking these past weeks.”

  “Do not say such a thing,” said Anne, never taking her eyes from the couple below them. “Matchmaking is such an uncouth word. I have not done anything so gauche as to try to direct Darcy and Elizabeth toward each other.”

  “Then I would like to know what you call it,” replied Fitzwilliam with a soft chuckle.

  “I merely corrected Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy as best I could, and when Darcy asked me for my opinion of my mother’s designs, I was truthful in stating I had no wish to marry him. The rest they have done themselves.”

  When Fitzwilliam stared at her with evident skepticism, Anne could only look skyward. She turned and walked away, knowing he would follow her. “You may not have seen it, Fitzwilliam, but Darcy and Elizabeth are well suited. She will give him a sense of liveliness and bring him happiness, while she gains the benefit of his sober nature—which she sometimes lacks, given her fiery personality—and the protection of a good home and a steady protector.”

  “It does not hurt that he is quite wealthy either.”

  Taking umbrage at his sardonic tone, Anne whirled on him, jabbing a finger at him and saying: “Do not, even for a moment, suggest that my friend is a fortune hunter, for that could not be further from the truth.”

  “I am aware of that, Anne,” said Fitzwilliam. He was shaking with laughter, likely from the sight of being taken to task by a diminutive woman, when he was a large and brawny man.

  “Then why did you suggest it?”

  “To see how you would react,” replied Fitzwilliam, waggling his eyebrows.

  Anne looked skyward and began to walk down the hallway again. “I have suspected Darcy’s interest from the beginning and thought he would do well by marrying the girl. The larger issue, I had thought, was Miss Bennet’s feelings for Darcy. I did not think they were positive.”

  “Hence my disabusing her of certain notions and guiding her to a positive opinion of him.”

  “It seems to me we are once again entering matchmaking territory.”

  “Believe what you will,” replied Anne, uncaring about his opinion. “But I have done nothing more than allow Elizabeth to see him in a way that would change her opinion. For a man I have often thought was stiff and unyielding, Darcy has pursued her in a creditable manner, and he has appeared adept at saying the right thing to her at the right time.”

  “I could never have imagined it,” replied Fitzwilliam. “I understand he did not say much right when he was in Hertfordshire last autumn.”

  “Much of that may be attributed to what happened with Georgiana and his general worry over her.” Anne showed Fitzwilliam a smug smile. “But that has now been overcome. Perhaps now Mother will allow this dream of hers to die and allow me to live my own life.”

  Fitzwilliam laughed and shook his head. “I
knew there had to be some ulterior motive.”

  “Perhaps there was. But it has all worked out for the best.”

  Excusing herself, Anne retired to her room, content with her work. Elizabeth would be happy with Darcy, and Anne would finally be allowed to do as she would. She was anticipating it already.

  Chapter XXVIII

  The following days were magical. Elizabeth laughed and dreamed and talked and jested with Anne and Georgiana, and the three ladies got on famously. Having already made one lifelong friend in Anne, Elizabeth was happy to have made another in Georgiana. Whether they would share a closer relationship, as was becoming increasingly likely, Elizabeth decided not to consider—that would all work itself out in time.

  Then there was the matter of Jane, whose winter malaise and heartbreak were now a distant memory. The day after Mr. Bingley’s conversation with Mr. Darcy, Jane arrived as early as possible, bursting with the need to share her news, news of which Elizabeth, of course, was already aware.

  “He has asked for a courtship, and I have accepted!” exclaimed Jane as soon as she entered the room.

  Elizabeth did not hesitate to fly into her sister’s arms, exclaiming her joy, and Anne and Georgiana were also quick to close around her, offering their own congratulations and felicitations. Jane accepted them all with a modest air, she who was deserving of all manner of praise, acting as humbly as the poorest woman in the kingdom.

  “Though I will declare that I have often found men of the species to be quite dense,” said Anne with a mischievous grin, “I am happy Mr. Bingley has proven that he will not be beset in such a way forever. It has taken him long enough to come to such a resolution, but I could not be happier that he has finally arrived at it.”

  Though Jane thanked Anne with pleasure, and not a little laughter, Elizabeth did not suppose that her sister had not recognized Anne’s hand in what had occurred the previous evening.