The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street

Author:Mary Street [Mary Street]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780709093619
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2011-02-15T05:00:00+00:00

Ten

TIME HAD PASSED and I had to pull myself together: I must return to Rosings and, much as I craved solitude, I knew I would have to endure the company of my relations throughout the evening.

A freshening wind whipped some colour into my cheeks as I rode back at a steady canter and I presented myself at dinner with an appearance of normality. I toyed with my food and no one appeared to notice how little I ate.

When the ladies withdrew, Fitzwilliam and I were left alone in the dining-room. He filled my glass and his own, and said, ‘Miss Bennet was out walking when I arrived at the parsonage, this morning. I waited over an hour, but she did not return. So I have been unable to fulfil your commission, sir. Do you wish me to make another attempt? I could go down to the parsonage again, this evening.’

I stared at Fitzwilliam, my thoughts busy, calculating the length of time she had been out: over two hours! I could not believe my letter had held her attention all that time.

‘I am sorry, Fitzwilliam, what did you say?’

‘I see no reason to add my word to yours; Miss Bennet must know you would not make up a story about your own sister.’

‘Perhaps you are right.’

‘Of course I am. What is wrong with you, Darcy? You are not usually so dull-witted.’

‘I beg your pardon. I am rather tired this evening.’ I drank some wine and made an effort to rouse myself.

‘I think I may have done enough, at all events,’ he told me. ‘I spoke to Mrs Collins: such a sensible woman. One wonders how she can bear to be married to such a numbskull. Well, I told her I had heard Miss Bennet was acquainted with Wickham and suggested she should drop a word of warning in her friend’s ear because I knew of several occasions when his conduct had not been quite right. I did not go into particulars, but I daresay Miss Bennet will recognize greater import, should her friend pass the message on.’

‘Yes. Thank you, Fitzwilliam.’

‘We need have no fear of any partiality for him blinding her to the truth. Miss Lucas tells me Wickham has been courting an heiress since Christmas: and Mrs Collins says Elizabeth is quite untroubled by it. She is certain about that, and ladies have great penetration in these matters, you know.’

I could not deny the lady had penetration in my own case, but I had doubts of her fully understanding her friend: she, who had married Mr Collins to preserve herself from want, would scarce comprehend the higher principles which governed Elizabeth.

I only said, ‘So Wickham has another heiress in his sights, does he? Let us hope the lady has a diligent guardian.’

When we joined the ladies in the drawing-room, my aunt perceived I was out of spirits, but immediately attributed that to the fact of our leaving tomorrow. ‘But really, there is no need for you to go. Why do

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