Free A Most Civil Proposal by C.P. Odom Page B

calming himself and resuming his seat.
    “Not quite, sir. And this last is the most disturbing of the lot. One of the kitchen maids, who appears quite the ringleader, has ventured that the parson’s opinion regarding improper advances could not have been accurate, since she saw you just this morning walking with Miss Bennet. Your conversation, seen from a distance, could not be discerned but it was clear that both parties were at times upset. She ventured to suggest that you must have seduced Miss Bennet and her tears last night resulted from her attempts to induce you to marry her followed by your flat refusal.”
    This last brought a groan from Darcy, but Jennings continued. “I thought I overheard her saying that she had written to her sister of this story, but when I confronted her, she would not confirm the truth of it. I did check, but the afternoon post had been picked up already.”
    Darcy’s face was stony though his thoughts were in turmoil as Jennings concluded. “That is the last of what I could learn, sir. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. I have never been subjected to such ill-bred associates. They would never be tolerated in a decent household.”
    Darcy thanked him for his efforts and dismissed him for the evening, but after more than an hour of deep contemplation, he was interrupted by a knock at the door.
    “Come,” called Darcy, startled out of his concentration, and he was surprised to see Fitzwilliam enter. The worry was evident on his cousin’s normally pleasant face.
    “Darcy,” he said without preamble, “my man, Sergeant Henderson, has just told me of some most disturbing news that he picked up in the kitchen.”
    “I can guess,” Darcy groaned. “I spoke with Jennings earlier.”
    “What!” exclaimed Fitzwilliam, looking sharply at Darcy. “Cousin, they are saying you have seduced Miss Bennet!”
    “Among other things,” growled Darcy. “What an unholy muddle!” Seeing the look of concern still on his cousin’s face, he burst out, “It is not true, Richard! Nothing improper has passed between Elizabeth and me!”
    “Elizabeth, is it?” Fitzwilliam said with some heat. “She did not look as if she would have welcomed your calling her by her Christian name this afternoon. What exactly has passed between you, Darcy?”
    Darcy realized that, once his cousin’s protective nature was aroused, nothing less than the full account would do, and he resignedly set himself to it.
    “Will you pour two brandies? I shall explain everything, but it may take some time.”
    Darcy then told his cousin of all that had transpired between himself and Elizabeth, from their meeting in Hertfordshire, to his abortive proposal, to that night’s unwelcome report from Jennings. By the time he was finished, their glasses had been refilled and were once again half-drained.
    “What a bunch of gossiping old hens!” Fitzwilliam remarked. He took a sip of his brandy. “At least that explains her ladyship’s behaviour at dinner.”
    “Too right. But as angry as she must be, she will never bring it up to me for fear that I might be forced to defend Miss Bennet’s honour by offering marriage.”
    “Do you think she has any inkling of your true feelings?”
    Darcy shook his head. “I would be quite surprised. But more important is the question of what I should do.” He ran his hand through his hair as he considered the situation. “I am inclined to think that the best course is to simply ignore it,” he said at last. “Almost anything I might do would only lend credence to these pernicious rumours.”
    Fitzwilliam considered this a moment. “The thought has its attractions, but I am concerned about the letter written by one of the kitchen staff. Did Jennings have any idea where it was sent?” Darcy shook his head, and Fitzwilliam sighed. “That makes it more difficult. What if this gossip should make its way to London?”
    “That would not be pleasant,” Darcy agreed. “But how bad