Previously...
The day after the dinner at Darcy House, the Darcy siblings have arrived together, unexpectedly, at Gracechurch Street to pay a call on the Gardiners and Elizabeth.
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XXIV.
Wilkes stepped into the room and announced, "Mr. and Miss Darcy."
Elizabeth, who was still seated on the floor, having not anticipated so quick a return of Wilkes with the visitors, was feeling rather foolish as she hastily made her way upright just as Mr. Darcy and his sister entered the room.
It seemed her eyes always went straight to Mr. Darcy, whenever he was near, and this afternoon was no exception. She was surprised to see him and at a morning call, no less. She tried to reconcile what she knew of his character with his recent actions and decided that he must simply wish to accompany his sister to an unfamiliar home ... and in an unfashionable neighbourhood, she added grudgingly.
At the entrance of her guests, Mrs. Gardiner made her way to them, gave them a warm welcome, and made introductions between the guests and her children. Georgiana was looking down shyly at first, but she was made quickly at ease when James Gardiner offered her a deep bow and the three younger children – two girls and one boy – all followed suit. James attempted to correct his sisters that they should curtsey rather than bow, but the girls did not listen and no one was bothered by the display.
If Margaret Gardiner was surprised to see Mr. Darcy in her morning room, she gave no sign of it. She simply welcomed him, as she had with his sister, and offered that he might choose a seat. She watched with hidden amusement as he greeted Elizabeth and then the children formally before moving directly over to the room's largest window.
Elizabeth's head was still reeling from the shock of seeing Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy in her Aunt and Uncle's home – at Gracechurch Street, no less! Did he not once offer criticisms over these very relations and this very house? – her mind could not seem to reconcile it. However, soon enough she realised that she must stop standing about in such an idle and foolish manner. With a slight shake of her head, she noted that Mr. Darcy was near the window, seeming to have no interest in his company – ah, and there is the man I knew; it seems it is as I suspected – while his sister had found a seat with Aunt Margaret on the sofa and was already chatting amiably.
Lizzy briefly considering boldly walking up to Mr. Darcy, but was forestalled by her youngest nephew, Henry, tugging on her skirt. "Cousin Ewizabef? Will you be duh fox still?"
Despite herself, Elizabeth smiled widely and crouched next to him to answer. "Actually, Henry, since we have guests here, I think it would be more polite for us to finish our game later. Besides, I am fairly certain James has almost caught me and whatever would Mr. and Miss Darcy think to see such a poor showing from me?"
Henry seemed confused, so Lizzy offered instead, "How about you and James can play against Sarah and Isabella? Then later, I will play with you."
He seemed satisfied with this arrangement and returned to his siblings, who were resetting the board. Elizabeth straightened to see Darcy staring rather intently at her, a look on his face that she could not make out. Is he displeased? Or... no, confused or perhaps searching for something? The intensity of his gaze was disconcerting and she needed to look away to maintain her composure. Drawing upon any strength she had, she made the effort to converse, "Mr. Darcy, I must admit that I am surprised to see you here today."
He turned toward her and away from the window as he answered, "And why is that, Miss Bennet?"
She moved a bit closer to his place in the room. "Well, I was led to believe that you do not frequently make calls, particularly to those with whom you are not more thoroughly acquainted."
"Hm, I see." He moved a step nearer to her and spoke low, "Well, it has previously been brought to my attention that I might improve the ease of my conversation if I would take the trouble to practise..." he allowed his words to trail off as Elizabeth drew in a sharp but quiet breath.
His reference to their conversation at Netherfield left her speechless and disoriented. She floundered to regain her senses and stepped back as she gestured to the chairs in the room. "Mr. Darcy, will you not have a seat? Might I offer you a drink? I could prepare you some tea?"
She was rambling and speaking much too quickly, but she could not seem to reign in her mouth.
"Thank you, but no, I do not require any refreshment at the moment." He moved to close the distance she had added.
"Very well." She was pleased to have held her tongue this time, but now felt an uncomfortable silence beginning.
It seemed Mr. Darcy noticed it as well because he inquired somewhat abruptly, "Miss Bennet, how is your family?"
His nearness was distracting, but she grasped to the topic eagerly. "Much the same, except for the wedding planning. As I expect you have heard, Jane is engaged to Mr. Bingley."
He seemed to tense slightly at this news, but his reply was polite nonetheless; "Yes, I am positive that Bingley is very happy to be engaged to your sister."
"As is Jane. She has never been one to show her emotions as plainly as some do, but I know she is the happiest she has ever been. It makes my heart glad. She truly is good and sweet and kind and she deserves to have found a man as kind and good as your friend."
Darcy was surprised to feel something akin to jealousy at Elizabeth's listing of Bingley's positive qualities. "You believe they are well-suited then?"
"Do you not?" Her tone suggested shock and possibly a dangerous edge; he was quick to dispute his meaning.
"No, no, I meant no such thing. I merely do not have such intimate knowledge of your sister as to formulate an opinion so I was requesting yours."
Elizabeth seemed appeased, which was a relief to Darcy. "Yes, I believe they are perfectly matched for one another." Her air was confident.
"Tell me," Darcy could not resist the opportunity to inquire further into Elizabeth's criteria for a perfect match, "by what qualities do you judge a couple to be well-matched?"
Elizabeth was momentarily surprised by the question, particularly as Mr. Darcy's tone and mood had seemed to subtly shift in its intensity and purpose from a moment ago, but she considered the question and answered regardless. "I believe it is a matter of finding complementing characters."
"And how does one determine if the character of one person is complementary to the character of another?"
"Well... I... Perhaps one would consider if the other person brought out better or worse qualities in him or herself? I have seen some marriages where the partners seem to bring out only the negative aspects of one another, but with Jane and Mr. Bingley I do not believe this will be the case. Jane is even happier now than before – and she has always been good-natured and inclined toward being happy – and I think Mr. Bingley seems to be as well." Even as she was speaking, Lizzy could not help but to wonder if she and Mr. Darcy had complementing characters? His was so difficult to determine, with its constant state of fluctuations and he was often surprising her...
"Is it only a matter of happiness then? A person may bring happiness to another for only a brief time. It is said happiness is fleeting, so I wonder if this is the best means on which to judge a relationship?"
Elizabeth felt confused by this line of thinking, but she was unwilling to discontinue the discourse now that they seemed to have found a comfortable dialogue. "Is not every thing in this world fleeting? Life itself is not endless, so how can one discount an emotional experience purely for its inconstancy? By this standard, no person should ever marry!"
Darcy nodded and was about to reply, but Elizabeth continued, "Of course, I will grant that a momentary experience of happiness should not be enough to justify a marital commitment either. Certainly the momentary happiness would be outweighed by years of misery if it was merely a passing infatuation of two who were poorly-suited. I suppose I had intended to suggest more that the overall quality of Jane and Mr. Bingley's emotions has improved since their announcement, which supports the strength of their attachment."
Darcy could not help but to smile slightly at the quick intellect of the lady before him; never could he have imagined engaging in such stimulating discourse at a morning call in Cheapside! Still, never one to be out-witted, he reminded, "I am sure that what you say is true, but you have still not offered a viable means for judging the suitability of two persons, attached or otherwise."
Elizabeth frowned, realising that he was correct! "Well, I must admit that I do not have many examples to draw from..."
She was stalling and she was certain by the slight increase to his smile that Mr. Darcy knew it! Thankfully her irritation brought some clarity with it, as being so near to Mr. Darcy when he was smiling in that fashion was truly unnerving!
She found her voice again: "It is a matter of compatibility in several areas," she pronounced with more assurance than she felt.
Darcy was bewitched by her eyes; they positively sparkled with fire as she asserted her opinion with such confidence! "And which areas might these be?"
He knew it was unfair to insist on so thorough an explanation from her when he himself could offer no such proper response, particularly in light of his own inappropriate attachment to her, but he was entirely unable to resist the lure of her wit and beauty when challenged thusly.
Elizabeth was prepared for his question: "First a mutual attachment to one another, then also an appreciation for some areas of shared interest, and finally each should possess qualities, character traits, if you will, that can contribute to their overall marital felicity, preferably in such a way as where the one lacks, the other can compensate."
Darcy could not help his heart's reaction to these words! If only he could be assured of some attachment on her part, then surely, by her own standards, they were well-suited! After all, did they not each enjoy reading and the outdoors? And to his mind, their natures did seem rather complementary when one considered his discipline coupled with her vivacity. But then he paused and considered, "Mutual attachment is the first component? Is this not the least of the three and the most susceptible to alterations?"
Elizabeth nearly laughed aloud considering their own situation, but restrained herself. "You are correct, sir, but it is also the means by which we are alerted to the possibility of a closer acquaintance with another. With no attraction or affection, how is a marital partnership to be different from a familial or friendly one? While it may be the most fickle, it is also where the heart may express its preference and I believe in listening to one's heart."
Elizabeth noticed as Mr. Darcy seemed to momentarily stop breathing at her words and his eyes met hers. Were his eyes always so dark as this?
Darcy's gaze was locked on Elizabeth's eyes, searching, praying for some sign that she felt as he did. She had not looked away and he could find no repulsion there; he felt his body step toward hers, but realising quite at once where they were, he pulled back abruptly.
Elizabeth took in a deep breath once she was released from Mr. Darcy's penetrating stare. She had unwittingly been holding her breath. She had felt like a small animal in the sights of a predator and yet she did not feel fear, or at least not the type she believed would precede such an attack; instead, the closest emotion she could name was exhilaration. She was both relieved and disappointed at the loss of his gaze.
She shook her head slightly to clear it and offered, "Shall we join your sister and my aunt?"
"After you," Darcy agreed, gesturing for Elizabeth to lead the way.
Miss Darcy and Mrs. Gardiner's topic of conversation seemed to suspiciously conclude precisely with the arrival of Darcy and Lizzy, but no one made mention of this fact. Instead, the foursome enjoyed a brief conversation about the recent fluctuations in the weather. From there, it was only natural for Georgiana to extend an invitation for the other ladies to call upon her, which was readily accepted with pleasure. It was rather a surprise, though, when Mr. Darcy offered that if the weather were nice, their home was quite close to Hyde Park and he would be delighted to show the ladies his favourite walking paths. Despite their shock, all of the ladies were amenable to this plan as well. Darcy was exceedingly pleased to see the sparkle present again in Miss Bennet's eyes.
It was not until much later on his own, mentally re-visiting Elizabeth's criteria for a good partnership, that Darcy realised she had not made reference once to societal expectations or standards.
ooOoo
Following the departure of the Darcys, Aunt Margaret felt the need to request some moments of her niece's time. Naturally Lizzy was not eager for such an encounter, but considering the events of the week thus far, she could hardly blame her aunt.
Once the children were engaged in activities in the nursery, Elizabeth sat in her favourite armchair in the morning room, curled up despite the inappropriateness of such a position, to wait for Aunt Margaret's questions.
"Do you see now, Lizzy, what I was saying?"
Elizabeth frowned slightly in her confusion, so Aunt Margaret clarified, "About Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth."
"Oh!" Comprehension lit Elizabeth's features momentarily before they clouded again, "Oh. Aunt, I beg you to not speak of such things. As I said last night, it can only serve to injure me. I am afraid that you are seeing with the eyes of a loving aunt, who wishes for her niece to be happy. I do appreciate –"
Aunt Gardiner interrupted without apology, "Lizzy! Do not patronise me. I may not yet be an old lady, but I am far more familiar with the ways of the world and men than you."
Lizzy sighed, "Of course, Aunt, I do know that, but I do not believe that Mr. Darcy is like other men. He is accustomed to being pursued by ladies and their mothers, perhaps the fathers and brothers too, and so he withdraws from company. I think he speaks with me simply because he does not have many with whom he can converse without fear of misunderstanding. I am sure that Mr. Darcy is far too proper to attempt anything inappropriate and if he were interested in a courtship, he would never have left Hertfordshire. The feelings you see between us are mine alone; his are solely platonic."
Even as she said the words, Elizabeth questioned and doubted them – what of his smiles and penetrating gazes today? – but she reminded herself again and again that she must guard herself. You allowed yourself to hope against reason that he might feel something for you before and it only ended in misery; you must not make that mistake again!
Aunt Margaret positioned herself on the arm of the chair Lizzy was curled into and patted her niece's head affectionately. She sighed quietly as she considered how she might help her niece to see what was so plain to everyone else. But, she reasoned, perhaps Lizzy does make a good point about Mr. Darcy's prior behaviour. Perhaps he is attracted to her but has no intentions of pursuing his feelings beyond a casual acquaintance? In that case, might it be for the best if Elizabeth protects herself from hoping again?
With these thoughts, Mrs. Gardiner offered, "I understand, Lizzy. Perhaps we can agree on a compromise?" At her niece's raised brow, she continued, "I concede that you do know Mr. Darcy better than I, but I am not convinced that his feelings for you are strictly platonic. Rather than debate the matter, will you agree to give him and yourself the opportunity to become better acquainted –" Elizabeth was about to interrupt, but closed her mouth as her aunt held up a finger to indicate she wished to finish her speech without interruption, "– if Mr. Darcy initiates any such gesture and provided it is appropriate?"
Elizabeth thought briefly before offering an unconvinced, "If Mr. Darcy indicates intentions to become better acquainted, and appropriately, then yes, I will not seek to undermine it." Even speaking the words while she believed in her heart that such an event was terribly unlikely to ever come to pass was painful, but she knew that what her aunt had suggested was logical.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled kindly – she could see the discomfort her niece was attempting to keep hidden from her – and replied, "That is all I ask."
ooOoo
That evening at Darcy House, Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were just sitting down to dinner when Richard entered the room, a servant trailing just behind him. The servant made to enter and needlessly announce Richard's arrival, but Darcy waved him away, "No need, Foster, Richard is family and not very well-mannered. Do not trouble yourself."
Richard smiled widely as he sat down at the table on Darcy's other side, across from Georgiana. He called after the young man, "But Foster, do see if Mrs. Talbot can have a plate made up for me!"
"Richard, please refrain from vexing my staff. Foster was right to wish to announce you, rather than allow you to simply enter without being welcomed."
Richard rolled his eyes and Georgiana stifled a small giggle.
"Oh come, Darce, I was only teasing the lad! Besides, surely you warn all the newcomers about me?"
At this, even Darcy could not maintain his stern visage and his lips twitched slightly toward a smile. He changed the subject: "To what do we owe the pleasure of your company this evening?"
"Your visit earlier was too short! We hardly had a chance to speak, what with Helena, Eleanor, and Mother carrying on about the Percys' dinner party next week."
"As I remember it, you were rather engaged in that discussion," Darcy reminded.
"Well, what else was there to speak of? And I still think you are being daft to refuse it. But I know my opinion on such matters holds little weight with you. Regardless, I wish to know why you came with Gigi at all."
Darcy shifted slightly in his seat, but was spared from answering immediately as a place setting for Richard and the first course was brought in. "I have not been to see Aunt Sophia, Helena, or Eleanor for some time. It seemed only proper."
Richard was not fooled. Not only had he noticed Darcy's uncomfortable movements, but Georgiana's face was now quite flushed. He turned to his youngest cousin, "Georgiana, would you care to elaborate for your brother?"
"Really, Richard, she need not –"
"No, Fitz, it is all right." Georgiana cut in. Then turning to Richard, she continued, "I asked Fitzwilliam to join me on my calls today and being a good brother, he obliged."
"Calls?" Richard inquired with emphasis.
"Yes, to you and then to see some new friends of mine."
Richard could sense that she was withholding important information; out of the corner of his eye, he observed Darcy shift again. "Who are these new friends?"
Now Georgiana looked to Fitzwilliam for guidance, but he was seeming to be rather engrossed in his food. "The Gardiners and their niece is in town visiting."
Richard did not recognise the name Gardiner. "Do I know the niece?"
Darcy and Georgiana's prompt "No,"s confirmed his suspicions.
"So, Little One, where did you meet these new friends?" He affected a casual air and ate his food with a practised nonchalance.
"I – We – At the music store." She glanced to her brother, who was staring at her, but she did not know what he wanted her to say.
"Hm, that seems an interesting place to make a new acquaintance. Were they there with a mutual friend?"
Darcy sighed and answered, "Enough, Richard. I became acquainted with Mrs. Gardiner's niece when I visited Hertfordshire. We recognised one another and so naturally I introduced Georgiana to her and she introduced us to her aunt. Her aunt is actually from Lambton, so we found shared memories to discuss."
"From Hertfordshire, you say?"
Darcy was becoming irritated, "Yes, that is what I said. What is it you wish to know, Richard?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing..." Richard's eyes belied the reply, but neither Darcy nor Georgiana seemed to notice. "So how was the visit today?"
Georgiana smiled, "It was delightful! Mrs. Gardiner and I spoke of Lambton and what she knew of our parents. She is truly lovely and made me feel so comfortable! Oh, and she asked me if she might get Cook's recipe for the goose. She said she had never tasted one so well-prepared!"
Georgiana was beaming, but Darcy wanted to bury his face in his hands; Richard had noticed her slip and would be certain to get the rest of the story from Darcy soon enough.
"That is wonderful, Little One! I know it has not always been easy for you to find friends with whom you have felt comfortable and it does not help that the rest of us are so much older. Obviously, Mrs. Gardiner cannot be too close to your age, but what about Miss Gardiner?"
"Miss Gardiner? You mean her daughter?"
"No, her niece."
"Oh," Georgiana laughed, "I see, no, her surname is Bennet. Her name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
"Ah, my mistake. Is Miss Bennet closer to your age?"
"Hm, I believe so, but you know, I do not believe I asked her. Do you know, Fitzwilliam?"
"Well, she is the second eldest of her sisters, the youngest of whom seem barely old enough to be out, so I would imagine nineteen or perhaps twenty, give or take a year." Darcy offered.
Something about this reply gave Richard pause and he looked at Darcy as though he might read the answer on his cousin's face. He was sure there was some connection to this answer and something else he had heard before, but he could not seem to find the memory. He shook his head, allowing the moment to pass and continued his questions toward Georgiana, "So what do you and Miss Bennet talk about?"
Darcy enjoyed seeing Georgiana's spirit so restored. When he had left for Hertfordshire, she had seemed so small and meek; she hardly spoke a word to him, let alone anyone else. It seemed Mrs. Annesley had done a world of good for her and now Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner were bringing out a lively side of his sister he had not ever seen, even before George's actions. As she spoke happily to Richard of music, books, and the various other topics she had touched upon with the two women, Richard gave Darcy a slight smirk as if to alert him that he would not be escaping Richard's inquisition later. Darcy winced internally, but accepted his fate. He was quite thankful to have never mentioned the name of the lady Bingley was to marry! Heavens, that would have given Richard endless enjoyment!
But no sooner had that thought been formed in Darcy's mind when he heard Georgiana saying, "Oh yes, and she is quite pleased for her sister who is getting married soon. In fact, do you know Fitzwilliam's friend, Mr. Bingley?"
Now Richard's eyes were sharply scrutinising Darcy's face. Damn blast and hell! Darcy thought.
"You know, Little One, I only know Bingley through hearing of him from your brother. I had heard he was engaged though. Is his betrothed Miss Bennet's sister?"
"Yes, the very same! Apparently her sister was supposed to come to Town, but since she became engaged, she was needed at home to prepare for the wedding and I think she did not wish to be away from her Mr. Bingley for so long a stretch. But Miss Elizabeth was quite eager to be away from it all, so it was agreed."
This caught Darcy's attention as he had not known it was originally Miss Jane Bennet who was expected to visit her aunt and uncle. Perhaps he had more he owed to Bingley than an apology?
"So when are you to see her next?" Richard inquired.
"Oh, tomorrow!" Georgiana's tone and smile displayed her excitement in a way no words could. "She and Mrs. Gardiner will come tomorrow and, if the weather holds, Fitz has offered we could all walk in the park! I think that Miss Bennet misses the space of the country to walk about and so do I! Although Pemberley at this time is not so good for long strolls about the grounds, but still is not that generous of Fitzwilliam to offer to chaperone us?"
Darcy felt his face and ears heating slightly under his sister's praise and the too-knowing stare he was surely receiving from Richard – he focused his attention elsewhere in avoidance.
"Why, yes indeed! Darce, I had no idea you were so attentive to your sister's every desire. In fact, I feel inspired. Perhaps I shall join you? Tomorrow, you say?"
Darcy was about to attempt to deflect this offer when Georgiana's enthusiastic reply came: "Oh, how wonderful Richard! It would be quite a lot for Fitzwilliam to try to stay with us all, especially if Mrs. Gardiner brings the children. It will be perfect with you there!"
Darcy wished to send a look to Georgiana surreptitiously demanding how she might find Richard's presence in this activity to be pleasant, but he knew this would only be perceived as anger by Georgiana and he had no desire to make her unhappy.
And with Richard's reply of "Excellent, then it is settled!" Darcy could only acquiesce with a poorly-hidden sour temper before talk moved on from Miss Elizabeth Bennet and tomorrow's plans.
ooOoo
With dinner since complete and the hour becoming late, Georgiana had retired and Darcy was merely awaiting Richard's departure so he might do the same.
Alas though, Richard had other plans: "So Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the sister of the lady now engaged to Bingley?"
Darcy stiffened; he had thought Richard's endgame was the visit tomorrow, but it seemed he would not merely be satisfied with that. "She is," he confirmed and hoped his tone affected a casual but finite air.
If it did, Richard did not notice. "The lady to whom you objected?"
Darcy bristled slightly with his response, "I did not say that I objected, and not to the lady herself at any rate. But yes, Bingley was true to his word when he expressed intentions to make an offer and it seems that Miss Bennet accepted."
"And this Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the sister? How interesting you should happen upon that lady here in London. You must have been rather put out to have to notice her; not wanting to give her the cut direct, eh?"
"Nonsense, Richard, we were in a store for heaven's sake. I have nothing against the lady or her family!"
"Well, except that you believe the younger girls and the parents unsuitable and wild."
"I do not think that is what I said –"
"Of course I am paraphrasing, but did you not tell me that your objections were to do with the younger sisters and the parents?"
"Well, yes, but –"
"So then, Darce, is this Miss Elizabeth Bennet suitable for Georgiana to be spending time with?"
"What are you suggesting, Richard? I never said anything about Miss Elizabeth's suitability. It was the younger girls who were without propriety and the mother, but Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were always –" Richard's smirk stopped Darcy's speech. "Richard! Why are you looking at me in such a manner?"
Richard laughed softly, but answered nonetheless, "Your face, Darce. Heavens, one moment you are lecturing Bingley about the unsuitability of the family as his potential in-laws and then next, you are inviting Miss Elizabeth here for dinner and defending the lady as though it were her honour at stake! Rather fond of her, are you?"
Darcy huffed and spluttered for words, "I – It – You – Richard! I will not have you insulting a friend of Georgiana's in my home! Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a perfectly... kind lady and she does not deserve your maligning."
It was clear that Richard was holding back his laughter, which was threatening to burst forth at any moment. "Kind, Darce? Truly? She has her hooks in pretty deep, I see, if you cannot even formulate a decent sentence. I am quite looking forward to meeting her!" He chuckled at his own words and the look on his cousin's face as his colour drained.
Darcy could not countenance Richard's teasing, whether well-intentioned or not. He had always been a private person and this level of scrutiny over such a personal matter did not sit well with him. With a breath to recall himself, Darcy responded, "Richard, you are quite mistaken. I knew the lady but little in Hertfordshire and then upon seeing one another here, it would have been impolite to ignore her. As she and Georgiana seemed to get on well, I saw no harm in furthering the acquaintance. You know quite well how unhappy she has been since our return from Ramsgate and her spirits have clearly lifted when in the company of Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet. That is all." His voice rang with a finality that even Richard could hear.
That gentleman eyed his cousin speculatively and finally declared, "Very well, Cousin, if you say so. I must admit that I am still quite intrigued by this Miss Elizabeth Bennet and looking forward to our visit tomorrow. If nothing else, any lady that can bring such a change forth in little Georgiana is a lady I wish to know!"
Richard's smile was honest and warm, but something about it made Darcy uneasy. But as there was no response needed, he simply offered a nod and stood. "Richard, it is rather late..."
Richard stood as well and agreed, "Right you are, old man. I shall take my leave, but do be sure that Mrs. Talbot sets a place for me at breakfast!"
Darcy chuckled slightly as he walked his cousin to the door and saw him away.
Though Richard had left, his comments this evening still gave Darcy pause. Surely he would not be interested in a lady of Elizabeth's status? He has said himself that he has not the freedom to marry where he may choose – wait, marry? Would she even be interested in him? He is the son of an Earl; would that be enough to tempt her? Perhaps I ought to have made my interest known to Richard, then perhaps he will not set his sights on her. Or perhaps he would do just to irritate me!
Darcy struggled with his thoughts and passed another hour in this manner before finally succumbing to sleep.
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A/N: Much shorter time between updates, so I hope this met with everyone's approval.
For anyone unaware, a "cut direct" is a public snub between those previously acquainted and was a big deal in that time.
I know I say it every time and not as creatively as I wish I could, but just know that I appreciate every one of you who reads, reviews, follows, and favorites! Your support keeps me going!