Darcy grinned. “Perhaps not. May I have pen and paper?” He was quickly supplied, and the others watched in speculation as Darcy wrote furiously. A few minutes later, he presented the paper to Mr. Bennet. It didn’t take long for him to cry out in surprise.
He lowered the paper, a look of wonder on his face. “Are you in earnest?”
“Absolutely.”
Beth could stand no more. “Father, what did Will write?” He handed her the paper.
“Darcy is offering to assume all my debts.”
Beth’s eyes flew to a composed Darcy. She then turned her attention to the document in her hands. Sure enough, William Darcy proposed to assume all debts held by Thomas Bennet immediately in exchange for a minority ownership portion of Bennet Farm.
“Rosings Bank won’t be able to foreclose on the farm if I’m a partner,” Will said as she read, “as I can pay the whole off in an instant. Whitehead, Catherine, and Collins will have no financial power over you if you sign that paper, Bennet.”
“But how can I repay you?” Bennet asked.
“That we can talk about later. Perhaps we can use the proceeds from the land sale to the railroad, or we can join our herds together. We’ll work out something to our mutual satisfaction.”
“Join our herds? You’ve a hundred head to my one!”
“Bennet, I won’t cheat you.”
Bennet frowned. “I didn’t think you would, but I’m afraid that this is not a fair deal for you! Why should you be so generous to me, a man who hasn’t been very neighborly to you? This is surely a gift, for you know I can never pay it back.”
Beth knew instantly Darcy’s motivation, and her heart danced as her eyes sought his, but he refused even to glance her way.
“Then let our grandchildren argue about it! Bennet, will you not accept my help?”
Bennet tried to stare Darcy down but soon capitulated. “I’ve no choice, have I? Where do I sign?” In a moment, the two men affixed their signatures. Darcy folded the paper and put it in the inside pocket of his vest.
“Excellent,” he said. “Now we must plan our next step.”
Bennet sat back. “Yes, Darcy, you said that Whitehead and his men would be heading here. With all due respect and gratitude for your help, I don’t think that piece of paper is going to stop them.”
Darcy grinned. “First, as we are now partners, I insist you call me Will.” He extended his hand, which Bennet readily took.
“Very well, Will,” Bennet chuckled. “So, what the hell do we do now?”
“I think you must agree that the women should leave here as soon as possible. I offer Pemberley as sanctuary.” Bennet nodded. “The next matter to resolve is you. What are your plans?” Darcy looked hard at him. “Do you mean to defend your home against Whitehead and his men? Do you mean to fight?”
Bennet looked at his desk. “This farm is all I have. No one is going to take it from me.”
“Father!” Beth cried.
Darcy was grim. “You know what they’ll do when they get here, don’t you? They’ll try to burn you out, whether you’re here or not, just for spite.”
“Are you advising me to run?” Bennet cried angrily.
“No. I’m just trying to gauge your level of determination. Whitehead and his men have been running wild for far too long. It’s time they received justice. My men and I intend to administer that justice directly upon their arrival at your place.”
Bennet cocked an eyebrow. “Ambush?”
“Do you object?”
Bennet grinned. “No, in fact, I admire your way of thinking. I believe I would dearly like to help you give a warm welcome to my former business advisor and defiler of young girls!”
Beth realized their intentions and cried out, “Stop it, both of you! This is not a game. You’re talking about life and death. Why not have Sheriff Lucas arrest them?”
“Beth,” her father said, “these are desperate men with no love for the law. They would just as soon shoot the sheriff down as not. No,” he turned to Darcy, “Will here has the right of it. This is war, and there is no law in war. Do you have enough men?”
“I’ve a wagon coming from Pemberley for the women,” he answered, “carrying more men and ammunition. They’ll be here before long.”
“On the way—now?” Bennet observed with amusement. “Sent for before you got here?” At Darcy’s nod, he laughed. “Very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“I placed my faith in your sensibleness,” Darcy said dryly, which earned another laugh from Bennet.
“I’d best go talk to Mrs. Bennet and prepare for their departure,” he said as he rose from his desk chair. “Make yourself at home, Will. Beth, as you’re dressed, please see to his men’s comfort.” With that, he left the room.
Darcy and Beth eyed each other, both afraid to speak what was in their hearts.
An uncomfortable silence descended upon the couple. For his part, Darcy was desperately trying to think of something else to talk about besides his all-encompassing feelings when Beth spoke.
“Will, I want to thank you so much for what you’ve done and have pledged to do for my family. We don’t deserve your goodness, I most especially.” Will made to interrupt, but Beth would have none of it. “It’s true! You’re risking your life for us, and after all the hateful, unjust things I said to you last July—”
This time, Darcy did cut her off. “You’ve nothing to apologize for! I’m sorry for your brother, and I can see how that could make you feel bitter. But, let’s be honest—I did nothing to improve your opinion of me in our earliest days. All you could rely on was Whitehead’s lies.” He looked away. “My… proposal to you was beyond insulting, and your reproofs… well, how can I deny the truths you threw in my face?”
“Will,” she cried, “I didn’t know what I was saying!”
Darcy went on, disregarding her words. “I hid at Pemberley and wished the world to hell. I turned my back on all the people of the town when they needed me the most. My father must have been spinning in his grave. All that has happened is my fault.”
“Will, stop it! You didn’t do any of this! Denny and Whitehead did!”
“I could’ve stopped it.”
Without conscious thought, she moved to him and took his hands, looking at them intently. “You’re stopping him now. Father’s right—this is a war. Don’t let my cruel words torture you. I spoke to you in ignorance and prejudice.” She lifted her face and in a determined voice, continued. “But now my eyes are open and I see you as the best man I’ve ever known. You saved my sister and you’ve pledged to protect my family. I can never repay you for your courage and generosity. I’m proud to call you my friend!” She so wanted to say more, but couldn’t.
Darcy’s eyes watered and his thumbs caressed the back of Beth’s hands. “Friend, Beth? Yeah, I’m glad to be your friend. But…” He looked away, his thoughts in turmoil. He drew a deep breath and blurted out, “You’re not one to lead a man on. If you’ve changed your mind about me since the summer, tell me straight up. My wishes haven’t changed; my love’s been as constant as the North Star. I’d be honored if you would even think about accepting me.” He flinched at the amazed look on her face. “Beth, I’m sorry to be putting you in this situation—it’s only been a few months since July—but I’ve just got to know! I’m keeping my word to your father about helping out, whatever you say. Just… just tell me true. If you can’t…” He gulped. “If you can’t, I’ll understand. I’ll be content being friends, and I’ll never bother you again for as long as I live.”
The anguish on his face loosened her tongue. “Oh, Will! I… I… my feelings!” She paused to gather her disconnected thoughts. “I’m heartily ashamed of my words at the Burroughses’, and I want to take back every cruel thing I’ve ever said! As for my feelings, they’re about as opposite from what they were as they can be!” To punctuate her declaration, she gripped William’s hands firmly.
