“No!” Elizabeth was sure her cheeks must be flaming red by now.
“Mr. Bennet,” Darcy intervened. “I told you that Elizabeth nearly died in France. Because of that experience, she had no desire to wait to be married. I had proposed and she accepted, but she…did not wish to wait any longer….” As he said the words, Darcy realized how inadequate their reasoning sounded now. Why would his father-in-law ever believe such a justification?
“This is reprehensible!” Mr. Bennet banged his desk with the flat of his hand, although he hardly raised his voice. “You have been deceiving me under my own roof!”
“I am sorry, Papa,” Elizabeth said softly. “We had thought to tell you as soon as we returned, but then were greeted by the news about Lydia, so we believed it would be better to wait. Perhaps that was not the best plan….”
Mr. Bennet was rubbing his forehead with one hand. “When word of this escapes, our whole family shall be the laughingstock of Meryton!”
“Papa!” Elizabeth said sharply, drawing herself up more fully in her straight-backed chair. “While I admit that these circumstances are not what you would have chosen, the fact that I am married to a highly eligible man is hardly cause for shame. It cannot be placed in the same category as Lydia’s elopement with a debt-ridden militia officer!”
“Yes, but, there will still be gossip.” Mr. Bennet glared at her. “A hurried wedding always occasions talk – doubly so following Lydia’s escapades.”
Darcy cleared his throat. “May I point out that very few people know of our marriage? If you would prefer, we can conceal it for the present. At least until Wickham can be located and be made to marry Lydia. Such would be my preference as well. For reasons of their own, my family would be happier with a delay.”
“Hmm….” Mr. Bennet mulled this over, staring intently at his hands. “How many other people are aware of your scandalous behavior?”
Ignoring this jibe, Elizabeth replied, “William’s cousin and sister. And we told Jane and Mr. Bingley last night. Also, a couple people in France.”
“But what about Fenton?” Mr. Bennet asked. “He has no incentive to keep quiet about what he saw in the drawing room.”
Elizabeth was at a loss, conceiving of no way to work on such a man. But Darcy spoke: “I will pay Mr. Fenton a visit later. I think I can persuade him to remain discreet.” Elizabeth was not sure what kind of pressure Darcy would apply, but if he was confident of success, that was enough for her.
&nbs
p; Finally her father appeared to be calming himself. “If it is possible to stem the gossip even temporarily…That would be well….”
Darcy took advantage of Mr. Bennet’s improved mood. Slowly he pulled out some papers from his coat pocket. “While I was in London, I had my solicitor draw up settlement papers for our marriage. They arrange a sum of money to be settled on Elizabeth and provide for her should I die without an heir. I do regret that circumstances would not allow you to approve them before the ceremony. Would you like to peruse them now?”
Elizabeth regarded Darcy with surprise; this was the first she had learned of a settlement, although they were a customary part of many marriages. Wordlessly, Mr. Bennet held out his hand with a resigned air. Darcy placed the papers in her father’s hand. They both watched his face as he inspected them – and as his belligerent expression turned to one of surprise. Finally he frowned at Darcy, “This is exceedingly generous. Are you certain you can spare the money for such a settlement?”
Elizabeth knew Darcy would be loath to discuss his financial affairs with anyone, but he was aware such a conversation might partially alleviate some of his father-in-law’s distress. “I know that all of Hertfordshire has been talking of my ten thousand pounds a year; I never felt it necessary to correct that impression. The truth is that my holdings amount to far more.” Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide at this news. They had never had cause to discuss his assets. As he continued to talk with Mr. Bennet, he gazed steadily at her. “The settlement will not cause any hardship and it is no less than Elizabeth deserves.” She seemed doomed to blush her way through the day, she thought, as she felt her cheeks grow warm once more.
Mr. Bennet put down the papers and sighed. “Very well, young man, I can see that your intentions toward my daughter are honorable and your affection for her is genuine. I only wish you could have conducted your affairs in a more orderly fashion.”
Elizabeth turned her attention back to her father and grinned impishly. “What else would you expect of me, Papa?”
Mr. Bennet shook his head at his second-oldest daughter. “I should have known that strict observance of propriety was beyond your capabilities, my dear, but I do believe you have a fair chance of happiness.”
“As do I, Papa.” She smiled sweetly at him.
“Very well, off with you lovebirds! I believe I need a glass of brandy and a book to recover from today’s events.” With that dismissal, Darcy and Elizabeth exited the room.
Elizabeth and Darcy retired to the empty drawing room. Darcy exhaled a long breath. “That was not as terrible as it could have been.” Elizabeth looked at him in disbelief; he quirked an eyebrow at her. “Well, he could have challenged me to a duel.” She laughed, but sobered immediately as soon as the door was closed.
“If you were not regretting marrying me before, you surely are now.” She said it with a smile on her face, but Darcy saw a flicker of concern in her eyes.
Darcy did not sink into a chair, but instead turned to Elizabeth and pressed her up against the door. “When will you start believing me? I have said this before: nothing could make me regret marrying you,” he said hoarsely. Placing a hand on either side of her head, he leaned in for a fervent kiss.
When he pulled back to gaze on her, her eyes were half drugged with passion and he was certain the expression on his face was much the same. “Can I come to you again tonight at Netherfield?” He whispered.
She nodded. “But I do not know how I will survive until then.”
Darcy shook his head ruefully. “I know. Perhaps we should sit down – on separate pieces of furniture.” Elizabeth gave a shaky laugh and seated herself in a chair while Darcy chose a slightly worn settee.
There was a long pause. “We have been enjoying very fine weather lately.” Elizabeth said with the disinterested air of hostess addressing an acquaintance. Darcy laughed at her tone and impudent smile. What an impossible situation we find ourselves in! “The roads will be in good condition.”
Darcy stood and started pacing. “That is just as well since I believe I must leave for London tomorrow.”