A Duel in Meryton

by Renata McMann

  “Then I must do something for her.”

  “Not offer her money,” Elizabeth said quickly. “She is so practical that she would accept, but…” She shot him an assessing glance.

  Darcy supplied, “It wouldn’t be appropriate, and she would still resent me.”

  They continued down the roadway at a mildly quick pace. Darcy appreciated that Elizabeth didn’t balk at stretching her legs. Georgiana had remarked on that as well. His sister enjoyed the ease of associating with Miss Lydia, but sometimes tired of her silliness. On top of that complaint, Georgiana said Miss Lydia did not care to walk without a goal and, if made to, dawdled so much as to render the activity unenjoyable, unlike Elizabeth. His sister’s observations pleased him and eased his fear of Georgiana succumbing too much to Miss Lydia’s influence.

  “Charlotte is eminently practical and even tempered,” Elizabeth said, interrupting Darcy’s musing. “Perhaps we worry unduly and overcomplicate the matter. The best course is likely to speak with her in a direct manner.”

  “You truly believe so?”

  “I do.”

  Darcy frowned. He preferred being direct. In his experience, most women did not. Still, he’d sought Elizabeth’s advice. He ought to abide by it. “It will be difficult to speak with her alone. I should not wish to unfairly raise her, or her family’s, expectations.”

  “There is no trouble there. We shall visit Lucas Lodge now, together. I will invite Charlotte to walk.”

  “She will not mind you being privy to our conversation?”

  Elizabeth cast him an amused look. “We are dear friends. She would share each word with me after speaking with you. I may as well hear them as they are voiced.”

  Though Darcy hadn’t intended an extended walk, they changed their course for Lucas Lodge. There, they were greeted cheerfully and give the news that they’d recently missed Richard’s visit. Darcy expressed his regrets at that. He also asked for his horse be taken to Longbourn and stabled there until he could claim the animal after escorting Elizabeth home later. That agreed to, Elizabeth suggested Miss Lucas walk with them, to show Darcy a decorative pond in the far corner of the garden.

  The Lucases’ garden had nearly recovered from being so often used as a practice field for dueling, but Darcy had little eye for the beauty of the day. The moment they reached the pond, he turned to Miss Lucas. “I should like to speak with you on a matter of import, Miss Lucas. Miss Elizabeth assures me she may remain, but if you wish her to, I am certain she can be prevailed upon to observe us from out of earshot.”

  Miss Lucas offered a slight smile, the bright wit in her eyes increasing her appeal. “Lizzy may stay. On what do you wish to speak, Mr. Darcy?”

  “First, I extend an apology for what I am about to say.”

  “Then I extend an offer to think carefully on my reaction to your words.”

  Darcy wished for a bit more assurance than that but knew he did not deserve it. He launched into an account of the events of his first assembly in Hertfordshire, in so much as they concerned Miss Lucas. He did not hide that he considered her the ugliest woman in the room.

  When he finally fell silent, she remained beside him, gaze trained over the pond. Darcy rubbed his palms against his trouser legs, more nervous than he’d been in many years. A splash sounded. He looked across to see ripples spreading near the far bank. He angled his gaze past Miss Lucas to where Elizabeth stood. She offered an encouraging smile.

  “Mr. Darcy, I have a mirror,” Miss Lucas finally said. “I am not a fool. Even so, your behavior was objectionable, and yes, I was and still remain somewhat hurt by it. But due to your behavior, I had the most enjoyable time I’ve ever had at an assembly.”

  Darcy considered that. “Because of Mr. Fitzwilliam?”

  “Yes.”

  He waited, but she offered nothing more. Was her stoicism part of the reason Richard couldn’t discern the nature of her interest in him? Well, if Darcy had begun their relationship, maybe he could further it. He owed Miss Lucas, and Richard, at least that much. “I am violating a confidence to say this but—”

  “Don’t,” Miss Lucas interrupted.

  “Why?” Elizabeth asked. “What do you fear he will say?”

  Miss Lucas kept her attention trained across the pond. “With his brutal honesty, I believe Mr. Darcy will inform me that Richard Fitzwilliam is not prepared to take me to wife.” Only the slightest hitch in her voice betrayed the anguish he suspected lurked beneath her calm words. She lowered her lashes.

  Darcy wondered if her lids pressed back tears. “And you would miss the opportunity for his fortune?”

  On the other side of Miss Lucas, Elizabeth gasped. Darcy winced. He believed Miss Lucas in love with his cousin. His question sprang more from a doubt of his ability to comprehend the emotions of others than from doubt in her. Hopefully, Elizabeth would permit him to explain that.

  “Because I will miss him,” Miss Lucas whispered. Tears slid down her cheeks. She pulled free a handkerchief to wipe them away. “If you will excuse me?” She turned her back to Darcy.

  “Charlotte.” Elizabeth drew her friend into an embrace, casting Darcy an angry glare.

  “I will not excuse you, for I will speak my mind.” Obtuse as he often proved, even he could readily interpret the anger in Elizabeth’s gaze. He had little time to set matters right. “I believe my words will lead to greater happiness for all involved. I hope you and Richard will forgive me, but the two of you seem to be making little progress finding a resolution on your own. Miss Lucas, Richard will not propose. He is too concerned that you would marry him even if you don’t care for him, both for his wealth and to spare you from being a burden on your family.”

  Eying him over her friend’s shoulder, Elizabeth’s expression grew stony. “Charlotte would never do that.”

  Miss Lucas pulled free of Elizabeth’s arms to look her in the eye. “Elizabeth, you are seven years younger than I am. You still believe you can wait for someone you love. For me, that is no longer true.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes betrayed shock. “No, Charlotte, you—”

  Miss Lucas shook her head. “It’s true, Lizzy. I am sorry you must know it, but it is true. I will marry any man who asked, so long as he seems able to provide a decent home to me and any children I bear him.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “Surely not any man.”

  Miss Lucas captured Elizabeth’s hands. “Remember how much you disliked your cousin, Mr. Collins, when first you met him?”

  Elizabeth nodded.

  “I swear to you, Lizzy, I would have married Mr. Collins if he’d asked me. Not the reformed Mr. Collins who dueled Mr. Wickham, but Mr. Collins as he arrived on your doorstep.”

  “I can’t believe that.” Elizabeth’s tone bespoke of desperation. “I won’t believe that of you, Charlotte.”

  Miss Lucas gave Elizabeth’s hands a squeeze and released them. “Well, we can’t test that.” She turned to Darcy and squared her shoulders. “You should know, Mr. Darcy, that I would marry Richard Fitzwilliam even if he was a lieutenant and we had to live on his pay.”

  Darcy narrowed his gaze, less sure of her devotion to Richard in the face of her words about Mr. Collins. “I would like to compensate you for insulting you. Suppose I offered you ten thousand pounds not to marry Richard?”

  Elizabeth’s hands came up to cover her mouth, her eyes wide once more.

  “If you did, I would accept. Then I would go to Richard and offer half of it to him to help him with his monetary problems.” Miss Lucas gave a smile which made Darcy wonder why he’d ever thought her ugly. “But you wouldn’t make such an offer. And you either believe my honesty or you don’t. It’s not dishonest for a woman to accept the proposal of a man she doesn’t love. All I can say is that I do love him. Do what you will with that information.”

  Darcy met her gaze for a long moment, but her calm didn’t waver. She added no more tears to her plea. No histrionics. Any man would be lucky to take Charlotte Lucas
to wife.

  Darcy dipped his head, the gesture half in acknowledgement of her declaration, half a bow of respect. “I will convey your words to Richard, along with my assessment and advice. You should know, he loves you as well, regardless of circumstance.”

  “Oh, but Charlotte, this is wonderful,” Elizabeth exclaimed, coming to stand shoulder to shoulder with her friend.

  Miss Lucas cast Elizabeth a wry smile. “We shall see.”

  “I am certain it will all come right.” Elizabeth angled a look Darcy’s way that bespoke well enough who she would blame should it not.

  Miss Lucas looked from Elizabeth to Darcy. “I believe we should head back now, so Mr. Darcy may walk you home.” Meeting his gaze, she offered the barest smile.

  She was very intelligent, Miss Lucas. Darcy had no doubt she knew every motive behind his apology, and what course he plotted next. Richard would do well with such a wife to guide him in managing Rosings, and Darcy liked to think his aunt would approve. Not of Miss Lucas’ standing, for Lady Catherine would think her too low, but that a strong, intelligent woman would have a hand in managing her beloved estate. Though it was always clear Anne would never become the type of force Lady Catherine had been, that sort of leadership was what his aunt had wanted for Rosings.

  “Certainly, we may return to Lucas Lodge if you wish,” Elizabeth said, taking Miss Lucas’ arm. “Unless you care to speak more of Mr. Fitzwilliam? I’m very happy for you, Charlotte.”

  “You must endeavor to tamp down your happiness, Lizzy. Nothing is set. Far from it.”

  “Oh, but it will be.” She looked to Darcy. “Won’t it?”

  “I will endeavor to accurately convey Miss Lucas’ feelings in this matter.”

  Elizabeth offered the same supplicative look evoked by her mother on the roadway, much to Darcy’s chagrin.

  “I’m sure Mr. Darcy will do his best, Lizzy. Let us return. The Lucases and Fitzwilliams have taken enough of Mr. Darcy’s time for one morning.”

  Though Elizabeth appeared slightly mutinous, she permitted Miss Lucas to walk her back. Darcy trailed behind, jealous of the way Elizabeth hugged her friend’s arm to her, of the ease with which they conversed as they traversed the path, and of Richard, who would soon have the hand of the woman he loved, if Darcy read the situation aright.

  They made their goodbyes to the Lucases, the pleasantries more difficult for Darcy than usual. He yearned to get Elizabeth alone. He wouldn’t be put off any longer. Not by the Lucases, Elizabeth’s family, or pursuit of Richard’s future happiness.

  When they stepped free of Lucas Lodge, he said, “Is there a cut across the fields?”

  “So eager to be away from me?” Elizabeth accompanied her light tone with a smile.

  Darcy offered his arm. She placed a hand on his sleeve. He wished she would wrap her arm about his and walk close, as she had with Miss Lucas. He also wished to avoid any potential interruptions on the roadway.

  “We have taken up a great deal of your day, between the lot of us,” Elizabeth said before he could form a denial of her teasing words. “Come, if we cut through that hedge, and you can see where Charlotte and I often do, we have only meadows and a few trees between us and Longbourn.”

  They set off and, soon enough, traversed one of the promised meadows. The sky remained blue and the breeze light. Darcy set a slower than usual pace, needing time to compose his words.

  “You were headed to Longbourn to seek my advice about Charlotte, then?” Elizabeth asked after a time. Although the trees were bare, their silhouettes graced the skyline.

  “Yes.” Should he tell her why he’d so vehemently wished to make amends? He could use his reasons for apologizing to broach the subject of wanting Elizabeth’s regard.

  “And when we spoke of the best way to make that apology, you said that you didn’t wish to converse with Charlotte alone. You did not wish to raise her hopes.”

  “True. If I seemed to seek her company, it may have created false expectations." Darcy frowned. He didn’t wish to speak of an imagined interest in Miss Lucas, but rather his very real interest in Elizabeth.

  She halted them as they reached the intricate shadows traced by the bare branches of a maple. "You mean, you felt that if you spent time alone with her, she would expect you to propose?"

  "That is the general assumption." He worked to keep irritation from his tone. He must direct the conversation away from Miss Lucas.

  Elizabeth clasped her hands tightly before her, studying his face. “You spend time alone with me.”

  His heart stilled, then stuttered to life again. Was she providing him his chance? The nervousness he’d felt when apologizing to Miss Lucas became nothing compared to the tension that seized his every limb.

  “Are you not worried you shall raise my expectations?”

  He gazed into those lovely, intelligent eyes and found his voice. "I hope I have raised your expectations, and that I have atoned for the misdeeds of our first meeting. It is my wish for you to be happy when I propose."

  “Not if.” She unclasped her hands and held them out before her. "But when?"

  He captured her hands and dropped to a knee. The face that turned to gaze down at him was pure perfection. He squeezed her hands to halt the tremble that threatened his. "I never understood kneeling to propose,” he admitted. “It seemed demeaning. I always believed that I would bring so much more to a marriage than any woman could that she would be grateful to marry me.” He shook his head at his foolishness. “Your value to me is so great that kneeling is a small price to pay. More than that, it is your due. You are worth more to me than I ever imagined anyone could be. It isn't simply your beauty. It is you. Your charm, your wit, your kindness and integrity. Everything. I never considered myself as a man who would be at loss for words, but words are inadequate to describe the wonder that is you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will you marry me?"

  She parted her lips to speak and his heart stopped beating. “I will marry you, Mr. Darcy.” A smile curved her perfect mouth. “My answer is yes.”

  Heart pounding once again, Darcy rose to his feet and gathered Elizabeth in his arms, where she was always meant to be.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  They arrived back to Longbourn to find the manor empty of all but Mr. Bennet, which suited Darcy eminently. Hand in hand, they entered Mr. Bennet’s sanctuary and sought his permission, which he readily granted. He then went on to list some terms for Mr. Phillips to draw up before permitting Darcy a half hour alone in the front parlor with Elizabeth. Darcy had never realized a parlor could feel like heaven.

  The sky had never been so blue, nor the sun as bright, as they were along Darcy’s ride back to Netherfield Park. Bemused, he realized he recalled nothing of what Mr. Bennet had said pertaining to the marriage contract. Darcy supposed it mattered little. He trusted Mr. Bennet and, in truth, couldn’t bring himself to care. So long as Elizabeth became his wife, little else mattered.

  The announcement of his engagement caused quite a stir at Netherfield. Darcy regained enough control over his emotions to note that, unexpectedly, Miss Bingley seemed genuinely happy for him, while Richard appeared glum. The first he could only give thanks for, but the second was enough out of character that Darcy took his cousin aside as soon as the commotion his news created died down enough to make their absence from the parlor acceptable.

  Darcy followed Richard into Bingley’s library and closed the door behind them. He gestured to the cluster of sofas and chairs. Expression still morose, Richard took a chair, Darcy sitting opposite him.

  “You are displeased with my engagement?” Darcy asked, seeing no reason for preamble.

  “What? No. I am happy for both of you. You professed an interest in her and now you have her. Felicitations.”

  Darcy narrowed his gaze. “Then you are unhappy because?”

  Richard let out a sigh and slumped back in his chair. “You’ve been at Longbourn quite a bit, but you must have noticed that Walter and Miss Bingley rega
rd one another with growing affection?”

  “I have, but surely you do not find her that objectionable? True, she can be overbearing, but her connections are good, she possesses a large dowry, and she is a skilled hostess.”

  “I don’t find her objectionable.” Richard grimaced. “I find everyone wedding, with affection no less, objectionable.” A never-before-seen look of entreaty transformed Richard’s features. “What about me?”

  Darcy tamped down his shock at seeing Richard Fitzwilliam bleat. “What about you? You love Miss Lucas. Do something about it.”

  “You know my quandary, Darcy. I’m at a stalemate.”

  “Perhaps I can break it for you,” Darcy said and gave Richard a detailed account of his conversation with Miss Lucas. He concluded with, “So, you have a choice. She confirmed your judgment of her, but she also says she loves you.”

  “What choice is that?” Richard’s tone held an edge of anger. “I stand where I have always stood.”

  Darcy raised his eyebrows. He’d expected Richard to rejoice at news of Miss Lucas’ declaration. “Do you judge her to be a liar as well as a fortune hunter?”

  “I don’t know.” Richard shook his head. “I’m in such agony, it’s difficult to think. I’d almost rather be back at the front than endure this.” He frowned, silent for a long moment. “If she were a liar, she would be a clever one.”

  Darcy could only agree with that, in view of Miss Lucas’ keen intelligence. “She would not tell a lie that could ever be revealed as a lie.” He shrugged. “We can’t know if she is lying. We can only know the alternatives.”

  “And I do not relish the alternatives.” Richard stood, clasped his hands behind his back, and began to pace the small library. “One, I marry her, and she never reveals what she truly thinks. Two, I eventually find out that she doesn’t love me. Neither choice is good.”

  “You forget three. You marry and eventually find out that she does love you.”

  Richard didn’t halt his pacing. “One out of three odds. Not good.”