A Peculiar Connection by Jan Hahn

‘when it all happened.’ I do not understand to what you refer. Is Miss Bennet’s birth the result of some sort of scandal?”
    “Of course not, Fitzwilliam!”
    Silence followed. I could hear my heart beating, and I began to tremble, holding my breath. I heard someone begin to pace back and forth within the room.
    “It is just that her parents were killed in an unfortunate accident right after her birth, and she was left an orphan. To have been taken in by a family other than her own kindred may give rise to gossip, and I will not have talk about her!” His voice grew insistent. “Do you hear me? I will not tolerate it!”
    I released my breath, reassured that Mr. Darcy had covered his blunder.
    “Calm yourself,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said. “I cannot help but hear you. I still fail to see cause for concern. According to Lady Catherine, your family lost touch with Miss Bennet’s parents long ago, before the time of her birth. As you said, the connection between them was remote. It is most likely that no one even knew to bring her to your father’s house. I think you have swallowed far too much tonight, and drink is duping your brain.”
    “Did your father know about Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam? What did he say when Lady Catherine descended upon Eden Park?”
    “He did not know. He was surprised. We all were, naturally. Of course, you know the earl never totally approved of your father or his family, but he is devoted to you, Darce.”
    “Because of my mother.”
    “Yes, he loved his sister, but also because he genuinely loves you. He and Lady Catherine both do. Surely, you acknowledge that fact. With your father it was—well, you know—his Irish connections and the Papist church he allowed to be erected in the wood here at Pemberley.”
    “My grandfather authorized that building, Fitzwilliam, not my father.”
    “And my father knows why—because your grandmother never truly renounced her religion. Neither her husband nor her son forbade the church.”
    “How could they? They loved my grandmother, and that was her faith. I would not have denied her the right, either.”
    “My father says you allow the congregation to continue to meet on your property. Is that true?”
    “It is. Only a handful of parishioners exist, and I see no reason to forbid it.”
    The conversation ceased at that point amid the sounds of tinkling crystal. The gentlemen, or at least one of them, refilled his glass. I heard the fire crackle and spit as though one man stirred the logs. And then, the colonel spoke in such a low tone that I could not distinguish the words. There was no mistaking Mr. Darcy’s return, however. He was angry, and he lashed out, telling the colonel how much he drank was none of his business. I felt ashamed for Mr. Darcy and determined to return to my chamber. I had no business eavesdropping, especially when he was in such a state. I took but a step when I halted, struck by what I heard.
    “Just what are your intentions toward Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy slurred the words.
    “My intentions?”
    “Every time I look up, you either sit beside her, walk beside her, or remain by her side in some manner. You practically declare yourself if you are to claim her attentions for two dances.”
    The colonel’s only response was a chuckle.
    “I asked you a question, Fitzwilliam. What are your intentions?”
    “You are drunk, Cousin. Come, let us retire for the night.”
    “No! I do not want to go to bed. I want an answer. I demand you answer my question.”
    “Very well, but I doubt you will remember this conversation in the morning. I find Elizabeth Bennet a handsome woman. She is lively and entertaining; but for the fact I am a younger son, I would pursue her in earnest. I am not in love with her, but I believe she possesses sufficient charms to tempt me into the state. You possess the means to help my quest.”
    “Help you? Why should I?”
    “She must marry someone. Why not keep her in the family? Darcy, if you