Copyright 2023 Elizabeth Frerichs
Cross-posted on elizabethfrerichs dot com and wattpad
His aunt gave him a shrewd look. "You said that there are others who are also experiencing these repetitions. Who are they, and what do they think of the situation?"
The question hung in the air, as Darcy frantically tried to decide whether to disclose Elizabeth's presence and his true feelings about her. Both his aunt and uncle had already made their opinions clear.
And yet . . . . perhaps speaking to them together might lead to a different result.
"There is only one other person who is experiencing these Tuesdays: Miss Elizabeth Bennet," he said firmly. "She convinced me to spend some time searching for Miss Engel—primarily because she believes that there are almost infinite variations on what may be the correct thing to say to someone."
Lady Matlock narrowed her eyes. "And how did this woman enter into these 'repetitions' with you?"
Darcy tensed, his back becoming ramrod straight. "I was unable to resolve the issue on my own, and so I asked Miss Engel for aid. Though I requested her personal assistance, she sent Miss Elizabeth."
The furrows in Lord Matlock's brow grew. "Miss Elizabeth and Miss Engel are working together?"
"No. Miss Elizabeth had not met Miss Engel prior to entering the repetitions. Miss Engel simply said that she would send the person best suited to assist." He closed his mouth, unwilling to elaborate about the risk he was undertaking, nor the increased rewards—though he was starting to feel that endless days spent in Elizabeth's company were more than enough reward.
"What sort of woman is this Miss Elizabeth?" Lady Matlock asked, studying him like a hawk watching a snake.
The back of Darcy's neck heated under her gaze. "She is the daughter of a local gentleman. I have found her to be intelligent and kind. She also possesses a strong set of morals."
"And is she a suitable young woman? How are you protecting against compromise?" his aunt demanded.
"According to the values of our set, no, she is not suitable," he said, his spine straight. "She possesses neither valuable connections nor wealth. However, she has far more substance than most of our set—I believe it is because she has grown up outside the ton and has had a more unconventional education that she is well-suited to be an excellent wife. Miss Elizabeth cares for her tenants, is intelligent and witty—I have seen her twist an insult so sweetly that the insulted party is hardly aware of being insulted—and I have witnessed her kindness towards others."
His uncle gave him a warning look. "Darcy, you know what is due to your name."
"I know what I have always believed to be due to the Darcy name, but . . . . When I discussed the matter with you two Tuesdays ago, I agreed with you. Now, I am less certain. I have spent the past two days considering your words. Does it increase the Darcy standing if I marry someone who makes me miserable? Or marry someone who will not be a credit to the Darcy name in any way, save wealth and connections? Would it not be more aligned with the Darcy values to marry someone who possesses substance, who will take excellent care of the tenants and navigate while retaining her own values? Miss Elizabeth would never become trapped in chasing the ton's approval, as so many of our set do. I believe many of the skills she possesses are more important than accomplishments."
He held his aunt's and uncle's gazes in turn. "You wish for a niece who does credit to the Fitzwilliam name just as much as I wish for a wife who does credit to the Darcy name. But marrying one of the ton's favourites, simply for the sake of increasing our wealth or connections, will not do that. What if I were to marry someone who is easily bored and looks outside our marriage for entertainment? Or what if I marry a spendthrift?"
His aunt pursed her lips. "You would do no such thing. And though I agree that there are things more important than wealth and connections to consider, there are young ladies in the ton who have both substance and wealth and connections. You are talking as though you have to choose between the two, but you do not."
"Indeed," his uncle said, nodding. "There are many amiable young ladies in the ton."
Darcy wished he knew how to put his thoughts into words that would convince them. "I do not wish to go against you. And I am not yet convinced that Miss Elizabeth is someone I wish to pursue. All I know is that I miss her and wish to be near her all the time. I believe she will be an excellent wife and mistress for whoever marries her . . . ." He sighed. "I love you both very much. But I am tired of trying to fulfil society's expectations. What does it matter if I marry a country maiden? Society may complain for a week or two, but truly, will they not complain regardless? I am constantly faulted for being unmarried, and I would surmise that, just as my peers have been, I shall be faulted for whom I marry, even if she is a diamond of the first water."
Lady Matlock knelt before him, placing her hand over hers. "William, we do not wish to see you unhappy. Your well-being and Georgiana's are our first priority in the matter of your marriage." She glanced up at her husband.
"Marrying someone who is not of the first circles will limit Georgiana's choices," Lord Matlock said. "Not to mention that many in our circle may shun you. Surely a country maiden would be miserable amongst the ton, dealing with their disapproval. You would not wish such a life on one you truly cared about."
Darcy clasped his aunt's hand. "Thank you. I know that you both care deeply for Georgiana and I, and truly, I cannot express what it has meant to have your support after Father's death." He held his aunt's gaze. "And I understand your reservations. I have shared them for much of my life. It is only within this multitude of Tuesdays that I have begun to question those 'truths.' Georgiana's brush with Wickham has reminded me that I do not wish Georgiana to marry someone who only values her wealth and status. I would much prefer she is sought after for her character—at the bare minimum, I wish her to marry someone congenial and hard-working, a person of substance, who will come to love her in time even if he does not yet love her at their wedding." He took a deep breath. "Marrying a person of substance will set a good example for Georgiana and will help discourage those who desire her wealth or connections alone."
His aunt shook her head. "Only those who are desperate for wealth and connections would be willing to overlook such an offence."
"Offence? How is marrying a person of substance an offence?" Darcy demanded.
"Perhaps that was poorly phrased," Lord Matlock put in. "Peg's point is still valid. Though society will consider ignoring one of the most foundational rules of our set nigh on unforgivable. Particularly for someone in your position. Like must marry like."
"I still believe that a true man of substance will be willing to overlook any such 'transgressions.'"
His aunt squeezed his hand. "Please allow us to guide you in this matter, as we have seen many bring dishonour to their family names through poor marriages. I would not wish to see you repeat their mistakes."
Darcy opened his mouth to protest that he was not convinced that it was a mistake, but then closed it. His aunt and uncle were unlikely to be convinced in the space of a single day, and even if he did convince them, he would have to repeat the process all over again. Arguing against them had, however, solidified his own position. The rules he had upheld his entire life seemed far less important now—particularly in the light of Elizabeth's own brilliance. She shone like a true diamond of the first water, even if it were not in society's demanded fashion. He would continue to consider the matter on his own and speak to his aunt and uncle again once they were no longer repeating Tuesday.
That night, Elizabeth decided to attempt to dissuade Mr. Wickham from pursuing Miss Darcy any further. When he reached the point in his customary tale where he mentioned how proud Miss Darcy had grown, Elizabeth shook her head. "How unfortunate. Many men would overlook such a character defect in favour of her dowry, though, so it is unlikely that she will suffer materially for it."
"True," Mr. Wickham agreed. "Still, it is difficult to witness in one I had considered as nearly a sister."
"She is young; you may yet see her change."
Sorrow still artfully etched upon his features, Mr. Wickham shook his head. "I am afraid her brother's unreasoning hatred of me means that I will never see her again."
"Truly?" Elizabeth asked, widening her eyes.
"Mr. Darcy has poisoned her against me."
"I suppose it would be unwise to pursue further interactions with her then, especially as Mr. Darcy has said that his temper is resentful, and you would not wish to find yourself on the wrong end of a sabre or a pistol." She tried to give the viper a warm smile. "We would hate for an enraged family member to end your time here in Hertfordshire, and if Mr. Darcy is as hotheaded as some of the brothers in our shire . . . . You would not risk a painful death, would you?"
Mr. Wickham shook his head. "Certainly not!"
"Not to mention that Mr. Darcy's uncle—the earl—is likely influential enough to have you brought up on any charge he so pleases. We would so hate to lose the newest member of our community to such a foolish action."
Mr. Wickham did not appear able to meet her eyes but agreed.
Elizabeth smiled tranquilly.
A/N: I love that the Matlocks help Darcy sort through his beliefs, even if that's not really their intention! Thanks for reading :) Sorry my update times have been a bit inconsistent. I feel like I'm doing well to keep on track with the days lately. :)
Anyway! Thanks to Emme for beta-ing this chapter. And if you notice anything that can be strengthened, let me know.
Also, it's Spring Break this week for my kids' school, so posting times may be more erratic than usual.