Chapter 4 part 2
Shocked to her core at the detail of his observations, Elizabeth could not help but raise her hand, touching her mouth before she thought better of it. Darcy's eyes followed her fingers and his own lips parted for an instant.
Elizabeth snatched her hand away, blushing a deep shade of red. "Sir, I must object. It is highly improper to speak so of my person. Rest assured that I am in good health, and thank you for your concern. But I must ask, is that the only reason you wanted to speak with me? To ask if I am well?"
He gave her a near smile, his face smoothing as he replied, "What do you wish me to speak with you about? Just tell me and I shall do so."
Surprised again, but for different reasons, Elizabeth met his gaze once more as she nearly laughed aloud at his teasing. "How do Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst fare in my sister's absence? They were in such raptures at her company that I can only imagine they have expired from boredom in her absence."
He did smile a little at this, for it had been noted by all that Mrs. Hurst was more interested in the latest gossip that could be found in the letters from her friends in London, whereas Miss Bingley had been equally as interested in remaining at Darcy's side nearly constantly. She claimed him to be her only friend in the lonely countryside, and was more inclined to walk before Darcy's writing desk than sit with Jane during her illness. Even Mr. Bingley himself had grown annoyed with his sister's attempted attachment and suggested she find something else to do with her time.
"They assure me that an invitation for both you and the lovely Jane to return to Netherfield Park is forthcoming."
Elizabeth sniffed in disbelief, earning a chuckle from Darcy. Her heart warmed at the sound, much to her annoyance. "So, what is so important that you nearly chased me down on horseback?" she finally got up the courage to ask. A thought struck her and she could have pinched herself for not realizing it sooner. "Are you all right? And your sister?"
Darcy's face grew sober. "Yes, Georgiana is fine. Thank you for asking. I only wanted to tell you in person that my aunt, Lady Catherine, has written again, and I am leaving for Kent on the morrow."
"Oh." He stood silently while she sorted through colors. There was a packet of blue beneath several of purple and she clenched it, nearly crushing the paper wrapping in her palm. "I offer you my congratulations, Mr. Darcy. I hope that your marriage to Miss Anne de Bourgh gives you both all the happiness in the world."
"Why?"
"I beg your pardon?" She turned to him in earnest now, no longer amused by whatever game he was playing with her. "What possible reason would I have not to wish you and your future bride happiness?" Her heart clenched at these words, and she had to remind herself that Darcy was only interested in her as a way to excuse himself from this responsibility, that he could not even hold one conversation with her without insulting her. Aside from this one, that was, but she had a feeling their amiable teasing was coming to an end. "I am certain that you find her more tolerable, as you already have such a close relationship with her."
"Are you still upset about that?" he asked in disbelief. "I have told you that I did not mean it, and apologize that you heard such foolish sentiments when I first arrived." He leaned close, his voice lowering as he tried to control his temper. "What more must I do before you forgive me?"
"Is my forgiveness so very important to you? You are about to be married!"
"And I asked you first, if you recall!"
"Hardly," she scoffed, her color back now that they were on familiar ground. "You insulted me and my family, then spoke of an arrangement, but never once stated that you desired me as your wife. You agreed that you are not in love with me, even though you hope for such with your bride. So tell me, sir, why would I accept a proposal that was never fully delivered?"
He stiffened when she would have turned away, reaching out to her sleeve. His fingers brushed hers instead and Elizabeth froze, such contact leaving her scorched and unsure of herself.
"Miss Bennet, I did not mean to hurt your feelings."
"No, it is my fault. I apologize, for you were only speaking the truth as you see it. You hardly know me, nor I, you. My family is of country origins, and less wealthy, to be sure. I will not pretend to be enamored with London, or say that I have even been anywhere within its limits other than Cheapside, as you call it. Even if I could force myself to be a bride of convenience, which I cannot, you would grow to resent me for my disadvantageous connections and lack of refinement. I have no love for being in town, and prefer to live more naturally. Again, I wish you every happiness."
"Then is it true? You have sworn off romantic inclinations so much that even I cannot sway you?"
Elizabeth rubbed her hand against her skirt, for the warmth that had spread from Darcy's fingers to hers had not dissipated. "Whatever are you talking about? I never said any such thing, except in frustration to Jane. She knows nothing of our last conversation at Netherfield Park, and I was referring more to our cousin's determination to marry one of my sisters without even the hint of love between them. Indeed, I occasionally find myself convinced that practicality is now the ruling cause of most marriages, and cannot fault it any longer, if it brings both parties a certain contentment. I only know that I cannot accept such for myself."
"One does not necessarily negate the other. A man can choose to love a woman who is practical, as well."
"That is where we must agree to disagree, Mr. Darcy. One does not choose to fall in love, rather one is overtaken by it. It is, as you said before, against one's better judgment. You did not seek to come to an agreement with me from the warmth in your heart, but rather through the application of cold logic, and the realization that a previous engagement would be enough to dissuade your aunt from pressing her case regarding your cousin."
Offended, it was Darcy's turn to step back. "If that is your opinion, then it must be true? I think not. However, arguing will not solve anything, and I have spent enough time on what appears to be a fruitless venture. I must bid you good day, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth nodded to him, unhappy with the revelation that this was it, it would be over soon. He would go to Kent, and be back with a wife, if he came back at all.
"Mr. Darcy?" she called softly. He turned back to her. "I merely wished to say congratulations. And, perhaps even though we started out poorly, I do hope for your happiness."
He stood silently for a moment, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he bowed, then took her hand again to press another packet of embroidery thread into it. "This, I think, was the color you were using on the piece you were sewing at Netherfield Park. I remember your observation that you had run out. Good day, Miss Bennet."