Pride and Proposals

Elizabeth groaned inwardly. If only Georgiana had agreed to a walk! She had no desire to have Georgiana force her brother into a favor he did not wish to perform. “I can hardly ask you or your brother to intervene in a matter between me and your family,” Elizabeth said hastily. “I do not wish to cause any difficulties.”

Before Georgiana could reply, Mr. Darcy surged to his feet. His eyes were stormy, and his hand brushed through his hair in agitation, disarranging it. “Indeed, madam, I must disagree with you most strenuously.” He paced to the fireplace, empty in the mild weather, and stared into the dark grate. Would he enumerate the reasons she should vacate the house? Elizabeth did not wish to debate this topic, particularly in Georgiana’s presence.

“Mr. Darcy—”

His voice overrode hers. “I believe my uncle’s actions are most inappropriate. I will speak with him about it.”

Shock rendered Elizabeth speechless for a moment. She swallowed. “You were not aware of their plans?”

Mr. Darcy looked startled. “No, they did not see fit to inform me. They knew how I would respond.” His grimace was directed at the fireplace.

Oh, goodness. Was he implying that he had defended her to the earl and countess previously? Mr. Darcy had tolerated her as Richard’s betrothed, but Elizabeth always suspected he had attempted to talk Richard out of the engagement.

“I will visit them this afternoon and attempt to persuade them against this course of action.” Next to Elizabeth, Georgiana sank back into her settee with a smile of satisfaction.

“I do not need you to fight my battles. I have a solicitor for that.” Elizabeth’s voice was firm.

For the first time in the conversation, he regarded her directly, startling her with the ferocity of her gaze. “Will your solicitor wish to cross the Earl of Matlock? It could destroy his career.”

Elizabeth opened her mouth and closed it. That had not occurred to her. She took a sip of tea to calm her nerves. “I do not wish to be the cause of a breach between you and your family—a breach which could extend to Georgiana. It would grieve me deeply.”

Darcy’s gaze was cool. “Your feelings do you credit. However, you are not requesting anything of me. I proceed as my conscience dictates, regardless of your desires.”

Elizabeth blinked in surprise, at a loss of what to say. She was pleased he wished to defend her, but he implied that his motives were quite impersonal. She could not make out his character at all. What a vexing man!

Georgiana had no such reservations. She clapped her hands together. “There! William will have the difficulty resolved in no time at all.”

Elizabeth made a firm resolution to cease any attempts to understand Mr. Darcy’s character.

***

“What a lovely surprise!” Darcy’s Aunt Rachel marched into the drawing room of Matlock House. She frequently complained how Darcy did not visit enough; however, he was uncertain how pleased she would be once she learned the impetus behind this visit.

Darcy stood when she entered the room. “This is not a social visit, but business. Is my uncle at home?”

“Yes,” the countess gestured vaguely down the hallway with the lacy handkerchief she always seemed to have in one hand. “But I believe he is quite busy.”

Darcy’s blood boiled, and he suppressed an urge to yell. “It is a matter of some urgency.”

His aunt sighed dramatically but rang for a footman to summon the earl. While they waited, the countess questioned him about Georgiana’s health. Darcy responded in as few words as possible, instead concentrating his efforts on restraining his angry impulses. A maid brought in tea, but Darcy declined his aunt’s offer of a cup.

His uncle finally strode into the room. “So, Nephew, what is this urgent business that cannot be delayed?” he demanded gruffly, grabbing two chocolate biscuits and seating himself.

“I understand you are challenging the terms of Richard’s will regarding the townhouse he gifted to Miss Bennet.” Darcy kept his voice level with great effort.

The countess stared at Darcy in surprise, but the earl merely waved his hand. “Is true!” he said through a mouthful of biscuit. “She’s an upstart country miss,” he finally swallowed, “who never married our son. Our family should not have to finance her social ambitions.”

Darcy’s stomach clenched at this description of Elizabeth. Every cell in his body tingled with the desire to leap to her defense. He took a deep breath before formulating a reply. “Thomas has wealth enough; he does not need the house. And he has never visited the place—there is no sentimental

attachment. Elizabeth did not ask for the house or the bequest. It was Richard’s wish to provide for her.”

Aunt Rachel waved her handkerchief disdainfully. “His wish? Who knows what arts and allurements she used to take him in!”

“I was present when they met, madam,” Darcy said through clenched teeth. “She did nothing save delight him with interesting conversation.”

“Yes, but who knows what occurred when you were not present. Some women are quite crafty.” The countess took a sip of tea as if she had said the last word.

This aspersion on Elizabeth’s honor stoked Darcy’s anger further. “Do you believe Richard so easily deceived? He was a man of the world.”