Darcy did indeed arrive at Longbourn that afternoon. He had a feeling he knew exactly what Mr. Bennet wanted to speak to him about, so was prepared when he went inside the man's office and sat down.
Mr. Bennet started speaking as soon as they were settled down and the door locked behind them. "You are a man of some intelligence, so I will not insult you by assuming you have no idea why I would wish to speak to you."
"I believe I do, sir."
"Then let us not dance around the subject. You played a part in the ruination of my daughter. From her accounts, which I am inclined to believe, nothing untoward happened between the two of you. Alas, as I told her, impressions are more important in our society than the truth. And by all impressions you were alone with my daughter all night."
Darcy could not find his voice and just nodded in agreement.
Taking mercy on the boy, Mr. Bennet continued speaking and went straight to the point. "The only way to save my daughter's reputation, and, to a lesser extent, your own, is for the two of you to marry."
Even when he expected these words to come out of Mr. Bennet, it still sent a jolt through him. Any plans he might have had for his future was wiped away. Growing up, he knew with his position he would have to marry for politics or economic benefit or something just as important to his level of society, but he had held out a small hope that he would get to marry for love. Though he had a growing affection for Miss Elizabeth, he knew he did not love her, nor her him.
Despite this, Darcy knew that what Mr. Bennet was saying was right. It was the only thing they could do. Darcy could get away with not marrying Miss Elizabeth and be labeled a scoundrel or rake, but his money and connections would make none of that an important aspect as mothers threw there daughters at him.
Miss Elizabeth, on the other hand, would not fare nearly as well. She would likely never be able to marry, or if she did, it would be to someone below her rank and done out of desperation of not being a burden on her married sisters. Darcy could not bring himself to sentence Miss Elizabeth to such an unfortunate fate. He had to marry her.
"I completely agree, sir."
"I am glad you realize the situation and are not arguing it." Mr. Bennet sat back in his chair in relief. He had been prepared to browbeat the other man into doing the right thing, but was happy not to have to do so. It bode well for his daughter's future if she were to marry such a responsible bided man, even if the marriage was because of an unfortunate and irresponsible mistake on both their parts.
"If you wish, Mr. Bennet, I can ride into town at first light and retrieve a special license. We can be married as soon as I return."
Mr. Bennet vigorously shook his head. "No, no. We will not be getting any special licenses. That will do nothing but further degrade Eliza's reputation. We will do this right and proper. You can return to your home and have the banns set up to be announce and we shall do so there. Only once that is completed will the two of you marry."
"Yes, sir. I completely understand."
"Good. Now that we have that business out of the way, would you care to stay for dinner? It would give us a chance to get to know each other better."
"I would be delighted."
