Chapter 32

After a few moments silence as they walked away from Meryton, Elizabeth requested that Mr. Darcy explain how he had managed to gain her father's approval.

"We are alone now. It is time for you to explain what you and my father said."

Mr. Darcy chuckled at her exasperation. "Well, for the first hour, there were no words between us, and I feared we might be silent the entire morning. After we met with the Smiths, your father finally began to tell me about his plan for the crops. I listened for some time before I felt comfortable giving my opinion."

"And what is your ingenious plan for Mr. Smith's fields?" Elizabeth pretended to be interested while she gave him time to gather his own thoughts.

Mr. Darcy could not stop a smile as he recognized her eagerness to move forward, and he relished having the ability to tease her. "The Americas have been successful learning from some of the natives. Rotating the crops is not as necessary if you can grow two food items that benefit each other together. And clover in fallow fields makes it more productive the following year."

"At which point my father decided we could marry."

"No. At that point, he only began allowing me to speak. It was another quarter hour before I attempted to apologize for my behavior."

"I expect that conversation did not go well." Elizabeth grimaced.

"No, it did not. He accused me of a few things I wish I did not deserve."

Elizabeth smiled brightly. "He may not be the best of fathers, but he is a good father. He loves all of us very much. As you love Georgiana, I expect."

"Yes, I have to admit that if anyone attempts what I have done with you with her, I will run him through."

"No, you won't. You are a gentleman, and such an event will likely never come to pass as I doubt you will ever allow anyone so close to her or allow her to be on her own, nor would any young swain be daring enough to attempt such a feat."

"Someone already has, Elizabeth." Mr. Darcy stopped in his tracks, and his playful attitude switched rapidly to remorse and self-pity.

Elizabeth stepped closer to him, "You and she have been through so much, but you both know better now. Whatever happened, it will not happen again."

Mr. Darcy closed his eyes as he attempted to calm his breath. "Elizabeth, you are very wise, but I must know what happened today. How did he attempt to harm you?"

"He pushed me against the building and attempted to kiss me, although he was unsuccessful. I do not know how he knew that we were engaged, but he seemed to sense that harming me would be the best way to get revenge on you." She paused as she noticed he was clearly blaming himself. "If you think such thoughts, you will let him win. You cannot move forward until you blame him and him alone for his actions. I will admit that had you been more open in November when we were getting to know the scoundrel, he would likely never have been admitted into polite society, but that does not place the blame on you." Elizabeth explained how she handled Mr. Milton and Mr. Denny. "Do you believe it will be enough?"

"We shall see. Your cunning and ability to think on your feet would rival my cousin's military prowess. I shall have to be on my guard around you."

"Only if you anger me by keeping me in the dark. I deserve to be allowed to make decisions that impact my future. What of Wickham?"

"He will likely move on out of desperation soon. We shall see if the village can survive the debts he leaves behind."

Elizabeth turned and looked back towards Meryton. She did not like the thought of her peaceful village seeing hard times. "I believe there is more we can do."

Mr. Darcy had to move quickly to keep up with her determined pace. Within a few minutes, they had returned to the shop and found their sisters had moved on to the tea shop. "Wait here, Mr. Darcy. I shall only be a moment."

While she only remained in the shop for a couple minutes, it was enough for Mr. Darcy to be relieved to see her again. He hated waiting for others, especially in the middle of the street where strangers could observe him.

Elizabeth returned with a very satisfied smile. "Mr. Howard will know what to do. Come, we ought to return home now."

Mr. Darcy offered her his arm and they began walking with a more sedate pace. "What did you tell him?"

"About as much as I told Mr. Denny and Mr. Milton, which is very little. I simply helped him to see reason. If anyone can warn the village about Mr. Wickham, it is he. Perhaps they will have Colonel Forster withhold his pay until his debts are discharged. While it is not much, it shall help. I hope you are not cross with me for suggesting that you pay Mr. Denny and Mr. Milton. Of course, you are not obligated to do so. Mr. Denny is a very kind soul. He rescued a group of kittens that had been tossed in the river before I left for Kent, and he always dances with any lady without a partner before choosing more popular ladies. I should hate for him to suffer overly."

"I shall do as you say, my future wife. I doubt I could deny you anything. Your father hinted as much."

Elizabeth laughed away the rest of her melancholy. "Yes, well, I know how well pretending a nervous complaint assists my mother to get her way. You should know I could apply similar tactics should reason fail to win the day. You have been very patient with my family."

"They are soon to be my family. I was wrong to criticize them as I had done. Your mother, for all her nerves, behaves better than Lady Catherine. I should infinitely prefer listening to Mrs. Bennet's nerves than spend a half hour in a drawing room with my aunt. Speaking of Mrs. Bennet, I observed Mrs. Phillips heading for Longbourn while you were in the shop. I suppose she either observed or has heard the gossip."

Elizabeth's smile faltered as she contemplated her aunt. "She shall likely stop at Lucas Lodge first. She is not used to such a long journey on foot. If we hurry, we should easily overtake her. My mother should be able to meet her gossip with our betrothal." She hurried her steps. "But I have been remiss and allowed you to change the subject. How did you gain my father's permission so easily?"

"I detailed all of my estates and explained how well I could keep you in style."

"As though that would sway my father."

"Your father was already swayed by your obvious affection for me this morning, although he would not say it explicitly. I am ashamed that I let my ardor inflame me to such a degree."

"I suppose I should be equally as ashamed, but I cannot when I am so happy." She leaned into his arm and laid her head against his shoulder. They walked on in silence for some time. "Shall we marry in one month, or are you hoping to procure a special license?"

"Your father insists we cannot marry for at least one month, for he laments the loss of your companionship. I have already invited him, and by extension the rest of your family, to Pemberley in the autumn."

"I imagine Pemberley's halls will echo with an analysis of how expensive every rug is."

"I hope your mother is not so bad as Mr. Collins, but if she is, my halls will impress her, and I will write to Mrs. Reynolds to inform her that she must make sure all the rugs are present to absorb the echo."

Mr. Darcy would have replied, but Longbourn had appeared around the corner, and Mrs. Bennet's screams for her smelling salts were greeting them at the gate. "I suppose Mrs. Phillips did not visit Lucas Lodge first." Elizabeth smiled up at her betrothed. "Are you ready?"

"Ready to announce to the world that I shall marry the brightest jewel in the county? Yes, I am." Mr. Darcy smiled and squeezed her arm affectionately.

AN: Another chapter made its way out. This is as far as the characters have traveled in my head, so hopefully they can move forward now so I can write more in the next week. Thank you to all of you who write reviews. They warm my heart, even the critical ones as you inspire me to improve. Less than three weeks left of school, and I am so ready. My teen children have now received their first dose of the vaccine, and they are the last in our house to take this momentous step. It helps. This virus needs to be stopped. 20 of my students have lost loved ones this year, which is about 13%. Hard to focus on academics when your heart is being torn to shreds. I work in a poorer neighborhood. Herd immunity will be the saving grace.

Today my admin declared me to be a "distinguished" teacher, which is the highest mark in our evaluation system, so I am riding on that kite at the moment. Maybe it will last long enough for me to get a good night's rest.