"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." - Elbert Hubbard
Chapter 33
That night found Charles and Darcy in Darcy's study.
"Darcy, I am so sorry. Elizabeth is my sister and I want what is best to ensure her happiness. Although she must decide who will bring her that happiness, you must know that I was rooting for you." Bingley said as he clapped Darcy on the back.
The day had passed in a fog for Darcy. He could see that Earl Waldegrave had set his sights on Elizabeth and Charles had just confirmed it.
Charles continued as he poured them both a drink.
"The earl requested that I not speak with Elizabeth yet since he only just arrived. He only wanted me aware of his intentions since Elizabeth is under my protection."
Darcy took the offered drink from his friend and downed it in one gulp then laughed mirthlessly.
"As he should. I believe you will become weary of granting permission to all of Elizabeth's suitors soon Charles."
Charles brow furrowed and he shook his head.
"Enough of that, Darce. That's not fair and you know it. I cannot withhold an opportunity like this from Elizabeth. Why, Mrs. Bennet would die where she stands if ever she found out that I turned away an offer for one of her daughters from an earl!"
The men exchanged a glance but did not comment further on that line of thinking.
"Thank you for informing me, Charles." Darcy said as he refilled his glass.
"What will you do now?" Charles asked.
"I do not know." Darcy said dejectedly and then continued.
"Like you, I only want her happiness. I believe that I can make her happy yet, if her happiness lies with another, then…" Darcy shook his head before emptying his glass once more.
"Well, I wish you luck. Now, I'm retiring for the evening and I suggest that you do the same. It will not help your cause to awake with a headache." Charles said good-naturedly as he left the study.
The days followed with a new routine. Darcy and Elizabeth continued to walk in the mornings but the Waldegrave party would arrive not long after breakfast and stay most of the day. Darcy felt obligated to invite them for dinner most nights even if it caused him pain to see Elizabeth enjoy the company of another gentleman.
A week had passed since the Waldegrave's arrived in Derbyshire and the party was once again gathered in the parlor at Pemberley. Darcy had returned to his brooding ways and was stalking quietly near the windows while the rest of the group socialized. He was covertly watching the conversation between Elizabeth and the earl when he noticed Miss Waldegrave looking earnestly towards her brother.
A look passed between the siblings and then Amelia spoke.
"Georgiana, would you agree to singing the duet that we played yesterday with me for Mr. Bertram? I spoke of it and he was eager to hear it for himself today."
"If you wish, then I will." Georgiana consented.
"Wonderful!" Amelia exclaimed before asking if any of the others wished to join them. Jane and Bingley agreed and Elizabeth offered to play the piano so that both ladies could focus on the song but was interrupted by Earl Waldegrave.
"Miss Bennet, I was hoping that we might take a turn outside together. The weather is surprisingly mild this afternoon." Earl Waldegrave asked as he held out his hand to her.
This caught the attention of all of the occupants of the room.
Elizabeth felt all of their eyes upon her and could do nothing but agree to his request and, taking his hand, rose.
Amelia linked her arm with Georgiana's, a look of triumph on her face.
"Shall we?" She asked happily before leading the group towards the music room.
Darcy watched as the earl and Elizabeth went outside. As the rest of the party entered the hallway, he stopped.
"If you will excuse me, I have just recalled some business that I must attend to." He bowed shortly and quickly left for his study. Georgiana could not abandon her guests after she agreed to the duet so she could only look on in compassion at her brother's distress.
His head in his hands, Darcy knew not how much time had passed when he heard his study door open and close. He expected to find Bingley or perhaps Georgiana when he raised his eyes but, instead, found the sole object of his thoughts standing with the door at her back.
"So, you have come to tell me your news in private. A friend to the very last, I see. I should thank you for informing me without an audience to witness my misery." He said despondently.
"I…I do not understand you, sir." Elizabeth stuttered out as she stared at the man before her.
"Truly, Elizabeth? You do not understand me?" Darcy said heatedly as he rose from his chair.
"I believe I have made myself abundantly clear for several months, if not for the past weeks while you have been at Pemberley. I love you, heart and soul. I will not deny that even now…even when you have come to tell me that you will wed another. I cannot blame you for preferring a man who has always treated you properly, who never caused you pain, who can provide well for you and be a perfect husband. I may know this but do not ask me to wish you joy…I will not, I cannot. My heart will not allow it."
Darcy fell back into his chair and dropped his face into his hands once again.
"Please, leave me to my despair. It is well earned." He said quietly.
A moment later, he felt her hand upon his shoulder and then heard whisper.
"Silly man. And, what want I with a perfect husband?"
Darcy looked up to find Elizabeth looking down at him with tears on her face. She moved her hand to his cheek.
"What would I do with a perfect husband who never was ridiculous? Who never drove me to distraction or gave me the opportunity to tease his serious ways? I could not bear to be wed to a man who did not challenge me. I could not love anyone who was not as unperfect as I."
Darcy covered her hand with his own and turn his face to kiss her palm.
"Is that truly how you feel, Elizabeth?" He asked desperately.
She nodded her head when words failed her. Darcy quickly rose and took both her hands in his.
"Then you are in luck, madam, for I know of a suitable imperfect gentleman who would be delighted to spend the rest of his days with you at his side." He whispered at he kissed one hand and then the other.
Author's Note: I want to thank all of you for reading my story and your encouragement along the way. I never thought it would take me this long to complete this story and I appreciate the kind words and reviews urging me forward. I love to hear from you so please hit that button and review. Even if it's for the first time, I would love to know what you thought of the story. There is certainly room for an epilogue so let me know if there is any interest and add me to your alert list. Again, thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.