“Am I being a fool?”
Richard shook his head. “No.”
Darcy looked at him, hoping that his cousin would elaborate on his reply.
“What can I tell you that you do not already know?”
“Her family is ridiculous,” Darcy said.
“And so is Aunt Catherine.”
“Her father’s estate is mismanaged.”
“That is not Miss Elizabeth’s doing,” Richard replied with a smile. “Her father has an estate; that is the relevant point — she is a gentleman’s daughter.”
“But she has little to bring with her to a marriage.”
“Besides herself,” Richard countered. “Is Pemberley in need of funds?”
“No, but she will likely bring her younger sisters with her — all three of them, hoping to be thrown into the paths of wealthy gentlemen. Silly younger sisters.” Darcy shook his head at the thought.
Richard grimaced. “That could be a problem, but is it great enough to require that you give up Miss Elizabeth to another?”
Darcy scrubbed his face again. “No. I have argued all these points over and over, and the answer is always the same.”
Richard cocked a brow. “A fool does not put so much thought into a decision, does he?”
Darcy shook his head. “I suppose not.”
“Then marry her. Claim some happiness for yourself.”
“Darcy, I had heard you were here,” Lord Matlock said as he entered the library through the door that led to his study. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” He tipped his head and surveyed Darcy from head to toe just as Richard had done.
“He’s getting married,” Richard replied.
[from Two Days Before Christmas]
