"When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching – they are your family." - Jim Butcher
Chapter 16
Darcy watched the passing countryside with seeming intent interest, just as he had for the entire journey from London to Kent. His companion continually interrupted his thoughts; however, Darcy found that he was unable to pay attention for long before he retreated into his head again. Just as the carriage entered Kent, Darcy's cousin determined that he would tolerate such behavior no longer.
"Darcy! I say, man, what is it that has you so pensive? I have had more rousing conversation with my horse than you have provided on this trip."
Darcy cracked a smile before replying to his cousin.
"I can imagine you having stimulating conversations with your horse; however, I would wager that it took place after a night of over-imbibing of your father's port rather than during a leisurely jaunt to visit our aunt."
"Oh, do not put me off topic. Come now, tell your dear cousin what troubles you." Colonel Fitzwilliam coaxed.
Darcy rolled his eyes and then resumed his position looking out the window with his head upon his hand.
"I am in no mood to indulge your request, Fitz." He replied in a somber voice.
"Ah, it is a woman then." Colonel Fitzwilliam stated knowingly.
This attracted Darcy attention and he sat up and looked across at his cousin with an astonished face.
"What? How would you know that?"
Now, his cousin's smile grew wide and he laughed before he answered.
"Oh ho! I did not know any such thing until you just confirmed it! Tell me, who is the woman who has finally captured the attention of my illustrious cousin, eh? Has my mother succeeded and finally thrown a decent woman in your path?"
Darcy was flustered with his slip and sat back in his seat with a huff. Undeterred by his cousin's silence, Col. Fitzwilliam pressed on.
"Perhaps the lovely Woodward has caught your eye?" He questioned.
When Darcy remained silent, Col. Fitzwilliam asked, "Tell me you have not fallen for Miss Bingley's ploys?"
Darcy looked affronted and muttered, "Don't be ridiculous."
His cousin appeared relieved and sat back to regard Darcy while formulating his next guess. Darcy raised his eyes under the scrutiny and growled, "Truly, Fitz, you carry on like an old woman! Perhaps you should spend more time with our dear aunt Catherine this trip rather than disappearing into the billiards room each night. I am certain she would enjoy gossiping with you."
At the mention of their aunt, Col. Fitzwilliam paled. In a concerned voice, he begged,
"Tell me you did not bring a ring to Kent, Darcy?"
To say that Darcy was astonished would be a great understatement. His entire body stiffened and his mouth fell open in surprise.
"How could you possibly know that? Have you been bribing my man to learn of my personal affairs?" Darcy accused in anger.
"No, of course not. But…this cannot be! Do not jest with me Darcy. I was only teasing earlier but I will stop this carriage at once if you tell me that you plan to offer for Anne." Colonel Fitzwilliam bellowed with a red face.
"Anne?" Darcy questioned. His anger replaced with complete confusion.
"Yes, Anne! I will not let you do it! I will not stand for it! Aunt Catherine is all bluster and you know it. There is absolutely no reason for a man in your position to bow to the wishes of an old harpy."
"Do be clear, Fitz. I have no intention of ever offering for our cousin Anne, as you well know."
Now, the Colonel's face displayed confusion.
"Yes, but…you just admitted to bringing a ring to Kent? Enough of this nonsense, tell me what you are about! If for no other reason, than out of respect of the fact that I am Georgiana's guardian and should be aware of anything that shall affect her." The Colonel demanded.
The two cousins stared at one another in standoff before Darcy finally put his head in hands in defeat.
"Fine, fine…I will tell you all if only to stop this confusing interrogation. Perhaps it will help me to sort out what to do…" Darcy trailed off as he again avoided his cousin's insistent stare by looking out the window.
Satisfied and beyond curious, Colonel Fitzwilliam waited patiently for Darcy to continue. He had not long to wait.
"It is true, I have met a woman whom I have come to regard highly. She is intelligent, witty…"
"Beautiful?" Col. Fitzwilliam offered with a smile.
Darcy ignored his teasing and continued.
"I have never met a woman quite like her among the Ton. I am at ease in her company and she does not pander to my every whim. Quite the opposite actually." Darcy adds with a chuckle.
"Well, then, what is there to decide? She sounds perfect for you and I shall wish you joy as soon as you have come to the point."
"Unfortunately, her circumstances are not what they ought to be. I do not believe that I could marry so far beneath me without significant repercussions."
"Her circumstances cannot be so low if you have had occasion to become so acquainted as you describe. Also, why are you carrying the ring about the countryside? Shouldn't we have canceled this blasted visit so that you might propose to your lady?"
Darcy groaned and leaned back into his seat before scrubbing his hands roughly over his face.
"She is in Kent." He said in a small voice.
Colonel Fitzwilliam became animated once again.
"Ah! Now I see! You are the sly one, Darce. The dutiful nephew visiting his aunt with the hopes of ferreting out a fiancé while in residence! Poor Aunt Catherine shall be devastated!" He laughed.
Then rubbing his hands together with a devious smile, he added, "No, she will not be devastated…she will be absolutely irate! Oh, Darce, thank you for dragging me away from Town. I would not miss this for the world!"
Darcy scowled as his cousin continued to laugh.
"I am happy that my troubles amuse you."
"Come now, you know that I will support you and do my utmost to assist when our aunt begins her tirade."
"There will be no tirade. I do not plan to offer for the young lady." Darcy said dejectedly.
"What are you going on about? Why would you not offer for her?"
"As I stated earlier, her circumstances are decidedly below my own. She has family in trade. Her mother is a notorious social-climber. Her younger sisters are absurd. She has little or no dowry to speak of."
Darcy said all of this with a voice full of disdain and with an expectation that his cousin would require no further proof of why such a match could not come about.
"Yet, you have followed this woman to Kent?" The Colonel questioned.
Darcy merely nodded.
"And you have brought a ring with you that you would have me believe you have no intention of using?" The Colonel asked exasperated.
"That is correct." Darcy replied decidedly.
Colonel Fitzwilliam flopped back into his seat.
"I do not understand you, cousin. I know not why you wish to torture yourself so but I will trust in your judgment that you know what you are about."
Darcy simply nodded again and turned towards the window just as the imposing structure of Rosings came into view.
A/N: So we finally have a little glimpse into Darcy's mind. What do you think of our poor, confused hero? Thanks for reading & reviewing!