Free A Most Civil Proposal by C.P. Odom

that afternoon, he immediately rang for Jennings and soon was descending the stairs to find his cousin waiting for him. To Darcy’s discomfort, Fitzwilliam was in high good humour, remarking several times as they walked on the impulsiveness of the Darcys and the disappointment of the ladies in town, and his cheerfulness was affected not a jot by Darcy’s cold replies and growing irritation. Blessedly, at last they reached the Parsonage.
    They found the women sewing in the front parlour, and Fitzwilliam was at his charming best as he bowed over the hand of Mrs. Collins, thanking her for the many delightful visits during the past weeks. He then moved to Miss Lucas, who was as silent and unable to respond as ever. As Darcy also thanked Mrs. Collins, he noted her husband’s entry into the room. However, when the parson turned to greet him, Darcy was surprised to receive only an uncomfortable bow rather than the man’s normal obsequious performance. Collins said not a word, but the sudden discomfort and embarrassment of his wife could only be attributed to the parson’s uncharacteristic behaviour.
    After Darcy paid his respects to Miss Lucas, he crossed to Elizabeth, who was already in conversation with his cousin. She turned to him as he approached, her expression guarded.
    “Miss Bennet,” he said, “it was most pleasant to have the opportunity to renew our acquaintance.” Darcy could not help falling into that formal tone of voice he used in public, especially when he saw the easy manner in which his cousin conversed with her. Her reply was only a nod and a quiet, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
    “Please accept my best wishes for a safe and pleasant journey home to your family,” he continued. “I believe you will be stopping in town to visit with your relations?”
    “Yes, Mr. Darcy. I leave Saturday week.”
    “And you will be staying there before continuing on to your home?”
    “For at least some few days. I will be joining my eldest sister, and my aunt has several events planned.”
    “I trust you will find your sister in good spirits when you return.”
    For the first time, Elizabeth met his eyes, and she could not restrain the surge of hope inside her. He really will do as he promised , she thought excitedly then chastised herself. Of course, he would do as he pledged. Even if he was disagreeable, he had always been honest and honourable. Bingley certainly affirmed it.
    “I hope I shall, Mr. Darcy,” she said aloud.
    “Then I shall take my leave, Miss Bennet, and leave you to the capable conversation of my cousin.” With a bow, he turned to go.
    “Most impulsive , Darcy,” Fitzwilliam interjected quietly, earning a curious look from Elizabeth and a glare from Darcy. Fitzwilliam chuckled under his breath before turning back to Elizabeth.
    Darcy again noted Collins’s agitated behaviour as he thanked the man for his hospitality. The pathetic man was actually sweating, and he obviously wished the gentlemen gone immediately. There being nothing left to say, Darcy finished with a cold bow and turned to leave. As he did, he observed his cousin again in conversation with Elizabeth, who appeared uncertain and uncomfortable, and he knew that Richard was engaged in a bit of subtle teasing.
    Well, I warned her , he thought, with a certain degree of satisfaction, and made his departure.
    Lady Catherine’s earlier manner at Rosings, coupled with Mr. Collins’s odd behaviour at the Parsonage were enough on his mind that, upon returning to his room, Darcy rang for Jennings. One glance at the discomfort on the valet’s usually calm visage convinced him that something was seriously amiss.
    “All right, man, I can see that my suspicions are warranted,” he said. “Out with it!”
    “Mr. Darcy, sir, this is most distressing,” Jennings began uncomfortably, “but I have heard some quite unseemly talk among the staff. I have pointedly attempted to correct such gossiping, but my efforts have been ignored.” He