Pride and Proposals

“Georgiana!” Elizabeth attempted a chastising tone, but she could not stifle a laugh, which provoked a giggle from her friend. “You should not know such women exist!”

This prodded Georgiana into more fits of laughter. “What do you think girls talk about at school?”

Elizabeth smiled indulgently. “Indeed. I have sisters. No doubt some gentlemen would be shocked at some of the topics we have discussed!” She lowered her voice, drawing closer to her friend. “Do you think he does have a mistress?” Why did the thought unsettle her so much?

“No! He would never—I know many men of the ton have them, but William would not.” Georgiana’s whisper hissed with her vehemence. Elizabeth decided the feeling of relief she experienced was for the sake of her friend’s propriety.

Georgiana tugged the sleeve of her dress into place. “If he never marries it would be a shame. He would be an excellent husband.”

Elizabeth nodded agreement and then stopped, amazed. Not too long ago, she would have believed he was the last man in the world who would be a good husband. Had Was it simply that her view of Mr. Darcy undergone such an alteration, or had his behavior itself changed?

Why was everything about the man so confusing?

The door to the shop opened, revealing a well-dressed, plump, older woman. Her eyes lit on Georgiana. The smile that settled over her face made Elizabeth think about Mr. Darcy’s dislike for false women.

“Miss Darcy! What an unexpected delight!” Ingratiating mask in place, the woman bustled over to Georgiana.

“Mrs. Greenlow.” Georgiana dutifully stood and curtsied. “This is my friend, Miss Bennet.”

Mrs. Greenlow barely acknowledged Elizabeth before returning her attention to Georgiana. “You are making your debut this year?” Georgiana nodded. “I suppose your brother will escort you to most of the events of the Season?”

The older woman may not have heard Georgiana’s small sigh, but Elizabeth did. This was the third time Georgiana had been asked about her brother just today. “At least some of them. My aunt and uncle will escort me as well,” Georgiana replied.

Mrs. Greenlow regarded the younger woman for a moment, mouth slightly open. Perhaps she was about to ask for a list of which events Mr. Darcy would attend. Elizabeth smothered a laugh at the thought. Finally, the older woman nodded briskly. “It will be a pleasure to see you then!” She hurried over to the counter, where she engaged the countess and the modiste in a conversation about the price of silk.

Georgiana tipped her head close to Elizabeth’s and murmured, “She has two marriageable daughters and a husband with gambling debts.” Elizabeth’s eyes widened a little at this frank assessment, provoking a cynical laugh from Georgiana. “Did you believe she has a sincere interest in my friendship? Her son is already married, so at least I am safe from her.” She watched the feather on the woman’s hat bob as she spoke to the modiste. “Poor William.”

“Poor Georgiana,” Elizabeth observed, “to be valued primarily for your connection to your brother.”

Georgiana assumed an expression of indignation. “Do not be so severe upon the ton. Many people value my connection to my fortune.” Both women dissolved into laughter, earning a disapproving look from the countess.

Mrs. Greenlow soon rushed out of the shop, and Georgiana was required to consult about lace. Elizabeth wandered about the shop, examining ribbons and fabrics, but her thoughts were far away.

Her conversation with Georgiana had prompted a revelation: she and Mr. Darcy had both been deprived of their primary confidante by Richard’s death. At least Elizabeth had Jane or her Aunt Gardiner to occasionally confide in during the months following Richard’s death, but Mr. Darcy appeared to have no one at all. Perhaps Mr. Bingley, but he was in Hertfordshire and preoccupied with his new daughter. Elizabeth’s heart grew heavy as she imagined his loneliness.

It was an odd sensation—to feel sorry for a man like Mr. Darcy. When Jane had married Charles Bingley, Mrs. Bennet’s demeanor had suggested a secure income would solve all their problems. However, Mr. Darcy did not appear to be carefree but just the opposite. The anguish she saw in his eyes the night before? She might not know its source, but it was real enough.

Feeling sorry for Mr. Darcy. An event she never believed would come to pass. Perhaps the sun would rise in the west tomorrow, and pigs would fly. Elizabeth laughed a little at her own sense of whimsy.

Idly admiring some gloves, Elizabeth recalled when she almost lost Richard’s townhouse. Mr. Darcy had come to her rescue. If only there were some way she could help him!

How silly! What could Elizabeth Bennet from Longbourn do to help the master of Pemberley? But still, was it not incumbent on her to make the attempt? At least she could be a friend to him—just as she was to his sister.

Even as the thought occurred to her, Elizabeth rejected it. Being friends with another woman was a simple matter. For an unmarried woman to be friends with an unmarried man … the rules of propriety would make it very difficult.

Still …

Elizabeth could not forget the idea that she must somehow help Mr. Darcy. The idea of being his friend was strangely appealing. He was often complicated and vexing, but recently, he had seemed to value her opinion and enjoy her company.

Yes. She was resolved, despite the obstacles. To the extent propriety allowed, she would show Mr. Darcy her friendship and endeavor to help him through this difficult period in his life.

When she visited Georgiana throughout the upcoming months, Elizabeth would see Mr. Darcy— and would do what she could to demonstrate her friendship.

***

In preparation for tonight’s dinner, Darcy had taken exquisite care with his attire, even though it was a simple evening at home. Georgiana had invited Elizabeth; he would see her for the first time since he had made a drunken fool of himself three nights ago. He held little hope of redeeming himself in her eyes, but he must be a model of self-control and rectitude.

Indeed, he was pleased Elizabeth seemed willing to still associate with Georgiana at all; if she was unsettled by his presence, Darcy was prepared to simply quit the room for the sake of her comfort. But the thought sent cold chills through his heart. Without the aid of large quantities of brandy, how would he survive another visit hiding from her? Even a temporary exile would be the worst punishment imaginable.