Elizabeth let out a weary sigh as she read through the business letter for the second time. The weight of the impending meeting with the steward hung heavy on her shoulders. Unlike previous occasions, her uncle could not accompany her this time. Charlotte was not feeling well, and it was likely her child would be born that very day.
She was acutely aware that they were in the midst of the harvest season, a time when several pressing decisions needed to be made as soon as possible. However, despite the urgency of the situation, that particular morning, she found it challenging to concentrate. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the details of the heartfelt conversation she had with her mother the previous night after Mary had finally fallen asleep
After attentively listening to her remorseful recount of leaving Mary alone with Colonel Fitzwilliam during their walks in Ramsgate, her mother firmly emphasized, "Lizzy, it was not your fault. I am the one who failed Mary. It was my primary responsibility to take care of you, ensuring your physical and emotional well-being."
Reluctantly, Elizabeth nodded, and was quite surprised by her mother's unexpected revelation, "I must confess that after your father passed away, one of my deepest concerns was that you would fall in love with a gentleman similar to Colonel Fitzwilliam, charming, ambitious, and possibly motivated by your inheritance. In my efforts to shield you from fortune hunters, I fear I neglected to protect Mary..."
Elizabeth was lost in thoughts when her mother entered the bookroom. To capture her attention, Mrs. Bennet delicately cleared her throat and said, "Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has just arrived." With a meaningful gaze, she added, "If you wish to speak with him privately, you may do so in the garden."
Elizabeth had not realized it was so late in the morning; she sighed and replied, "Thank you, Mama. Please, tell Mr. Darcy I will be down in a few minutes."
After swiftly changing into a fresh and flattering gown, and fixing her unruly hair, she gracefully descended the staircase to the drawing room. There, she found Mr. Darcy engaged in a conversation with her mother and Kitty, while Mary played the piano.
Upon seeing her, Darcy smiled warmly and rose to greet her. Taking in her appearance, he noticed that Elizabeth looked pale, and the usual sparkle in her beautiful eyes was dimmed. Similarly, Elizabeth observed that Darcy appeared tired.
After gallantly kissing her hand and exchanging a few words, Elizabeth invited him to take a stroll in the garden, an invitation that Darcy gladly accepted.
They sat on a wooden bench in front of the drawing room's expansive window. After a long silence, Darcy took her hand and was the first to speak, "I could not sleep last night as I have been dwelling on our last conversation, especially your pointed critique of the hypocrisy of my actions."
Elizabeth blushed as she averted her gaze. Despite knowing that she had been critical on him, she had expressed her true feelings. Darcy gently lifted her chin to meet her gaze and uttered earnestly, "You were right; in several aspects, I have behaved like a hypocrite most of my life."
Surprised, Elizabeth stared at him; and Darcy continued, "My parents' marriage was arranged. My mother was the daughter of an earl and was quite proud of her lineage. For as long as I can remember, she instilled in me the importance of rank and my social position. Without realizing it I became accustomed to justifying the actions of people in my own social circle and being critical of others." He sighed, and continued, "I recognize that, if Colonel Fitzwilliam were a gentleman without money and connections, I would proclaim him to be a fortune hunter, and I would do everything in my power to stop my cousin Anne from marrying him."
For a moment, Elizabeth's thoughts turned to Jane, but decided not to speak about her again. She recognized that Mr. Darcy had valid reasons to distrust her. She sighed and replied, "Thank you for being honest with me," She looked him in the eye and determinedly asked him the question that had been hovering in her mind, "Due to your upbringing, I was wondering If I were not an heiress, would you have proposed to me?"
Darcy paled slightly; it was ironic that just hours before he had asked himself the same question. He took a deep breath and looking into her eyes, replied, "Probably I would have hesitated for a while, but I am convinced I would have." He kissed her hand tenderly, and added, "I love you, Elizabeth. I am deeply in love with you."
As Elizabeth gazed into his eyes, she saw a depth of tenderness and passion that left no doubt in her mind about the sincerity of his affection. She gently took his hand, kissed it, and smiled, a gesture that spoke volumes about her feelings. Despite Elizabeth's assurance that it was unnecessary, Darcy chose to remain in Meryton for another day. He decided to accompany her to her meeting with the steward, assist her in responding to some business letters, and provide his advice on matters related to the harvest. A few hours later, a servant from Purvis Lodge delivered a note from Mr. Carey. It reported the joyous news that Charlotte had given birth to a robust and healthy boy, and she was well.