Chapter Text
September, 1814 - Oswestry, Shropshire
Darcy sat in his chambers, addressing himself to the posts that had arrived early this morning. Most of the missives dealt with his myriad business affairs; however, one had immediately captured his interest. He had known its author as soon as he saw the handwriting. It was always a wonder to him that Bingley’s mail ever reached its correct destination - his handwriting was truly appalling.
He scanned the letter, deciphering it as best he could. He had last spoken to Charles before he went to visit his aunt in Kent and his friend had apparently been quite active in London society in the meantime. The letter was awash with stories of his several visits to friends, parties, dances, shooting parties, and the acquaintances he had met. His tone was more light-hearted than it was last winter and his satisfaction with his life quite evident. Darcy could wish that his friend would pursue the purchase of an estate; however, that object no longer appeared to hold much interest for Bingley. Once the Netherfield lease had been surrendered, Bingley declined any assistance to settle in another estate and appeared quite content to reside in London and visit friends whenever the wish for the country arose. Such invitations were in no way difficult to procure. His sister, Caroline, also appeared quite happy with this state of affairs, never having desired to leave the city. Darcy easily understood that her appreciation for an estate and country life was founded rather more on being able to claim the status of ownership than a desire to actually live upon one and deal with country society. As he read the letter, he could not but return to one paragraph.
“Caroline introduced me to a Miss Amanda Nelson this summer whilst we were staying at the Horwoods in Sussex. We spent a fortnight there – hunting, you know. I had new gun – rifled – and wished to try it out. Excellent piece – shot a half dozen birds any day I was out. Quite the triumph and I was much envied. I am willing to guess that Horwood and Martin, in particular, will want to buy one for themselves. Green with envy, I assure you. Anyway, I met Miss Nelson – she is truly is as beautiful as an angel. Caroline cannot sing her praises too much and, now that we have returned to town, has quite furthered our acquaintance. I have been calling upon her for a week now and find myself very much lost. Caroline has done all that she can to promote Miss Nelson and, while I usually find such efforts on her part to be disagreeable, in this instance I am quite reconciled to them. Miss Nelson is an angel!”
Darcy did not know what to think on this matter. He was innately suspicious of any attempts by Miss Bingley to fix her brother’s attentions on a lady who, if she found her tolerable, might well reflect only those traits that Caroline espoused – connections and fortune – which were, in his opinion, of the most ubiquitous form. He did not know the lady and his urge to advise his friend – who, interestingly enough, had not sought any such advice – warred with the knowledge of his failure the last time he attempted to provide counsel in such a personal matter.
He was in no position at this time to act on his friend’s behalf even should he choose to do so. He would write to Bingley but, since he did not know the lady, any advice he tendered would have to be of the most general nature. The responsibility for discerning Miss Nelson’s motives would fall to Bingley; unfortunately, he had proven consistently incapable of making such judgements wisely. If he, Darcy, had erred in assessing Miss Bennet’s heart, his friend had been even less discerning in determining the predatory motives of other young women. No, if he was to interfere, Darcy knew he would have to meet Miss Nelson and judge accordingly. Yet he could quite possibly be unable to do so for several months - perhaps longer – and he knew his friend too well to expect him to wait if he was frequently in the company of this Miss Nelson. The best Darcy felt he could do was to write and express his concerns, and this he resolved to do later that day. Further action was beyond either his capabilities or, as he thought on the matter, his interest. Bingley would have to assume responsibility for his decisions.
A check of his timepiece suggested that he need not collect Georgiana and depart to meet Miss Farrell for another quarter hour. He allowed himself to relax and, if his thoughts had tended in that direction, he would have known himself a contented man. His courtship, for he had declared himself to Miss Farrell, was off to an auspicious beginning.
Monday past she had been sitting on the bench in front of the parsonage and rose to greet him as he strode towards her. After the usual pleasantries, Miss Farrell indicated that she was required to carry a basket – a burden for which he was quick to relieve her of - to a family in need of some assistance and so they strolled out in the appropriate direction. Neither was inclined to speak at first and so the first few minutes contained a surfeit of silence. A tentative question from Darcy on the problem facing the family they were to visit, induced a sufficiency of discourse until they reached the objects of Miss Farrell’s charity whose circumstances were obviously strained. An injured husband, unable to work, had its usual consequences and the family, which included three children, faced serious hardships until he returned to health. Fortunately, the care of their friends and neighbours and assistance from the parish could see them through the worst. Miss Farrell did little but listen and commiserate, but her solicitude and company was clearly welcomed and Darcy could only marvel at her ease in such surroundings. He would have been content with observing her actions; however, the oldest daughter, a child of some eight years, reminded him of Georgiana at a similar age, and, detecting much of the same shyness that characterized his sister, he spoke gently to her. He was shortly rewarded by a smile and a little conversation. When they finally took their leave after a half hour visit, his bow to the young lady was returned by a clumsy, but earnest, curtsy.
As they resumed their walk, Miss Farrell cast a curious glance at him.
“You amaze me, Mr. Darcy. I would not have expected you to befriend such a child.”
Darcy looked at her askance, “Why would I not?”
“You must admit her family’s circumstances are much below your own.”
“I know you are not so particular, Miss Farrell, else you would not have been so at ease in their company. That you believe me to be so, however, I find rather discomforting. You must believe me to be insufferably proud. What have I done to warrant such censure?”
Miss Farrell coloured with embarrassment. "I meant no censure, Mr. Darcy. I simply had not thought you would be so much at ease.”
“I cannot claim to have been at ease, Miss Farrell. I am never comfortable in company with those I do not know well. However, I am master of an estate that contains a large number of tenant and servant families, and I could hardly discharge that responsibility if I did not attend to the needs of those families. My steward, it is true, handles most such problems but I visit and meet each family at least once a year, and often more frequently. Georgiana does as well.” They walked in silence for a few moments before he resumed, “The child reminded me of Georgiana at the same age.”
“How does Georgiana? I am surprised that she did not accompany you but I assume she is readying herself for the season in London. She spoke of travelling there next month.”
“She is well and will, I hope, be joining me tomorrow.”
“That is welcome news. I shall be pleased to meet her again.” She directed another glance at him before saying, “And how long shall you both stay here in our quiet corner of Shropshire?”
Darcy realized that the moment had come to declare his intentions and only a reluctance to disturb the comfortableness of their outing made him hesitate. He could not know how Miss Farrell viewed him but obviously she had some misconceptions of his character, for which he could hardly fault her as he had hitherto made little effort to reveal it to her.
“Mr. Darcy?”
Her words recalled him from his musings. "Miss Farrell, I apologize. I was lost in thought for a few moments.”
“It is of no consequence, Mr. Darcy, although it speaks poorly for my company, I believe.”
“In that you are very wrong, Miss Farrell, on both counts. It is of a great deal of consequence, and I take considerable pleasure in your company.”
The emphatic tone of his voice caused her to look up at him sharply, surprise written over her countenance.
“Mr. Darcy?”
“Miss Farrell, to answer your first question, I do not know the duration of our stay here. It will depend on another.”
“You are being very cryptic, Mr. Darcy. Is something not well with the Goodwells? I had not detected any distress there.”
Darcy shook his head with a slight smile in evidence. "My apologies, Miss Farrell. I had not meant to be mysterious. Put it down to…uncertainty.” He took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders and, taking comfort that she was once again directing her gaze ahead, began, “My purpose in coming to Oswestry was exceedingly simple. I have come to ask your permission to… call on you.”
Miss Farrell puzzlement grew, “But you have already called on us. We are walking today, are we not?”
“You mistake my meaning, Miss Farrell, or perhaps misunderstood my intent. I suppose I should be more forthright. I wish your consent to a courtship.”
She came to an abrupt stop and stared at him in shock for several long moments before blurting, “Impossible! You…” she could not organize her thoughts sufficiently to express them coherently.
“Impossible, Miss Farrell? Why should you believe that? I concede that I have not, to this point in our acquaintance, behaved in the manner of a gentleman attempting to obtain a lady’s favour; nevertheless, we have met frequently – often in Georgiana’s company, I concede – and have even shared a dance. If my actions have been circumspect, it has become a habit donned to ensure that I raise no unwarranted expectations.”
“I…expectations? I had none at all, I assure you.”
“I realize that, Miss Farrell. That may be one of the reasons I have chosen this path.”
They began to walk once more and did so in silence for several minutes, Miss Farrell clearly attempting to organize a response. Finally, she responded, her voice tentative, “I overheard you, you know. When you were speaking with Baron Harland. Sir Charles’ voice does tend to carry.”
Darcy frowned, trying to remember the subject on which he had spoken to Sir Charles. "I must beg your assistance, Miss Farrell. I have no recollection of that conversation.”
“He was, I believe, speaking of a most inappropriate marriage made by an acquaintance of yours. There were, in his opinion, and I thought yours, great objections to the lady involved.”
Suddenly Darcy recalled the occasion, “Ah, now I remember. Sir Charles spoke of his beliefs and opinions. Not mine, I assure you! I did not wish to create an argument and, to be frank, his words reminded me of some actions of my own in the past that I greatly regret. I believe my thoughts were more on those than on Sir Charles.”
She looked at him with some embarrassment, “I hope I have not offended you, sir.”
“Not at all, Miss Farrell. You did not know me and the circumstances were such as to lead you to an obvious conclusion.”
She shook her head, “Putting that aside, I do not understand why you should wish to court me. You could have your choice of women with connections and fortune. Why me? I appreciate the honour very much, I assure you, but why? Why me?”
“Do you doubt your attractions then, Miss Farrell?”
This was said with just enough of a teasing note as to cause the lady to flush.
“No! Yes!...Oh, you must comprehend my meaning. Why would a man of your station and consequence seek out one like myself? You must admit it to be most unusual.”
Darcy removed the half smile from his face. On this matter, the lady required his assurances and his confidences. He somehow doubted she would allow his suit to proceed otherwise. He was not sure how he had come to that conclusion, but to act otherwise would be a poor beginning to any attachment between them. If he could not offer her a passionate affection, he could offer respect and honesty with the hope that affection would develop in time. Hence he stated firmly, “I will not insult your intelligence and pretend that I do not understand what you wish to know. I will satisfy that wish to the best of my ability. I cannot do otherwise. My honour, and my respect for yours, demands it.”
He walked in silence for a few moments, before stating firmly, “My actions are not impetuous, Miss Farrell. I must have you understand that. Such is not my nature; and when I have acted so, the results have generally been …unfortunate. When I left here in August, I believe the idea of an attachment with you had begun to form.”
“You had fixed on me then? I can hardly credit it.”
“I do not believe I had actually fixed on you, in truth; rather, for the first time in my life, I began to think seriously about marrying and starting a family. As I considered the qualities I would look for in a wife, you were the first one I thought of. I was very…impressed by you. Your intelligence, appearance, manners and liveliness drew my notice. Your sincerity, thoughtfulness and kindness could only further the attraction.” He noticed her slight air of disbelief and said simply, “I speak no more than the simple truth, Miss Farrell.”
She considered his words, “I will not question your honour on this, Mr. Darcy. Attraction does not, necessarily, lead to an attachment; in fact, one might argue that, amongst your circle, such an event is more of a rarity than otherwise.”
“Perhaps, Miss Farrell. In this case, however, and after careful consideration, I have decided to pursue the …connection.”
“It must, nevertheless, appear to be so unlikely as to strain my understanding. Surely there are women within your circle who would be equally or better suited?”
Darcy nodded once more – he had not expected this meeting to be easy or comfortable, and it was not. He had resolved to share his thoughts on the matter and would do so; however, it was proving more difficult than he had expected to open himself and his reasoning to another. Not since his letter to Elizabeth Bennet, had he laid bare so much of his inner thoughts and concerns.
"After I returned to Pemberley, I had much time to contemplate my situation and, while this is all rather sudden for you, my offer is not impulsive but the product of much thought.” He paused for several seconds and then shook his head. "Miss Farrell, …I am quite prepared to answer your questions and we have time in which to address them. We need not resolve all issues today.”
“Why do you wish to call on me? For the purpose of…?”
“Can you not guess?”
“On such a matter, I prefer to avoid guessing, Mr. Darcy.”
“Very well. I will be forthright. I wish to make you an offer of marriage should you be willing to receive it. I understand that this is…unexpected. My purpose in courting you will be to allow us both to come to a better understanding of the other and my hope is that you will accept my offer.”
“There is to be no affection then? You cannot claim to have fallen in love with me and I will not have you believe I currently have any such affection for you.”
“Miss Farrell, while you are not incorrect regarding my current feelings, as I have said, even in the short time I have known you, I have come to hold you in high regard. I believe my affection for you will only increase with time, and I would hope that your regard for me will grow as well. I will make an offer only if I have reason to believe it is acceptable to you.”
She walked in silence for a few minutes before responding, “I am quite amazed, Mr. Darcy. I cannot claim much familiarity with gentlemen of your consequence. We see very few here in Oswestry, but I would have thought, given the disparity in our stations, such a man would simply have made the offer and expected it to be accepted.”
Darcy chuckled and its rueful note surprised Miss Farrell but she had not time to consider the meaning of it before he replied, “Many would, I grant you. I, however, hope to win your respect and regard and, to do so, I must allow you to understand my character.” He could never reveal to her his proposal to Elizabeth Bennet or the manner in which it was made; however, it had taught him one salutary lesson – he could not presume that a woman of worth would be swayed solely by considerations of wealth and status. He would not wish to marry one who would.
They strolled in silence for quite a few minutes as Darcy allowed Miss Farrell to ponder, her eyes resolutely fixed on the path ahead. That she wished to consider the matter thoroughly did not diminish his regard for her at all. She was, he knew, a rational, intelligent creature and she would wish to consider the implications of his request as fully as possible. Finally, she raised her gaze and looked straight ahead. Oswestry could be seen some distance away – perhaps another quarter hour’s walk distant.
“I will be pleased to have you call on me, Mr. Darcy.”
He could not but admire the steadiness of her voice. His own acknowledgement was brief and he hoped that she could detect the sincerity behind it, for truly he was relieved that she had agreed.
"Miss Farrell, I hope that you will not believe me presumptuous but the reason that I have invited my sister to join me is to act as our chaperone. I would not have your reputation sullied in any way because of the frequency of our meeting.”
“This will be no imposition for me, Mr. Darcy. So, you anticipated my acceptance then?” The arched eyebrow that accompanied this question drew a smile from Darcy.
“You remember, I hope, that I asked you not to believe me presumptuous. It was but a precautionary move on my part, Miss Farrell. I knew my sister’s company would be welcomed, even if mine should prove otherwise, but I admit I hoped that your…prudence, your sensibleness, would not allow you to reject it.”
"When will she arrive?"
“Tonight, I believe.”
“Will I not see you before then, Mr. Darcy?”
“I had hoped to call on you tomorrow. I believe I am to play chess with your father tomorrow evening, but I would wish to see you before then. When may I call?”
She thought for a minute or so. "I expect to be free most of the day. As you know I walk in the morning. Your company would not be unwelcome and we would able to talk privately. I leave after breaking my fast – usually about ten.”
Darcy nodded, “I will call at ten then.” He paused for several moments before saying, “I must speak to your father. When should I do so?”
Miss Farrell considered the question thoughtfully, “I believe you could speak to him when we return to the house. I expect him to be available.”
By this time they had entered Oswestry and their progress through the village did not go unnoticed. Miss Farrell was greeted by several ladies, all of whom were obviously curious as to the gentleman who was escorting her. Some remembered Mr. Darcy from his previous visit; however, he had not been seen very frequently in the town itself and so was not known to them all. Now the proper introductions were made and, if most of the ladies were too polite to question the purpose of their walking together, one or two did not scruple to be explicit. Such questions were ignored as Miss Farrell or Darcy simply responded by observing that they needed to return to the parsonage.
When Darcy was shown into Mr. Farrell’s study, he found him comfortably ensconced in an armchair and reading. Invited to sit in the facing armchair, Darcy did so but suddenly found himself hesitant to address the purpose for his visit. Mr. Farrell looked at him quizzically, “You did wish to speak to me, did you not?”
Darcy could see that his host had no inkling of his interest in his daughter; that his attention to her today presaged no more than a casual desire to share a walk. He knew that in London such an initiative on his part would have the parents of the lady involved all aflutter with anticipation. Not so in the Farrell household.
“Mr. Darcy?”
The gentle prompt and the puzzlement on Mr. Farrell's countenance finally loosened Darcy's tongue. "I apologize, sir. I…you may not be aware that I have just returned from a walk with your daughter.”
“Yes, she spoke of it this morning at breakfast. I hope you enjoyed yourselves. The weather has been truly pleasant these last few days.”
“Yes, I found it quite enjoyable. Actually, sir, I had a purpose in walking with Miss Farrell today. I have, you see, asked her if she would allow me to court her…and she has agreed. I am here to seek your consent to our courtship.”
The book in Mr. Farrell’s hands fell closed in his lap as he gazed at Darcy in stupefaction. It was almost a minute before he managed, with a strangled voice, to say, “You…wish to…court Judith?”
“Indeed I do, sir.” Darcy smiled slightly. "I am quite determined on the matter.”
Mr. Farrell shook his head, in bemusement rather than denial, as he began to closely examine the man before him. His study lasted for several minutes. Darcy could not detect any sign of disapproval – not that he had expected any.
“I give my consent, of course. Indeed, I cannot see how I could refuse a man of your consequence if my daughter has agreed to your offer. I must wonder at your interest, sir. Judith has rarely moved in your society, has no portion to speak of – I have set aside some monies for the care of her and her mother after my death, but it is only sufficient to provide a very modest life for them both. Very modest.”
“That matters not, sir. I have no need of further funds.” He paused and then continued, “Should I make your daughter an offer of marriage, you may be assured that I will provide for your wife all that would be necessary.”
Mr. Farrell waved that aside with a slight motion of his hand, “You intend then to offer for Judith?”
“I do….if I believe she would accept it. This courtship is to allow her to come to know me and to see whether she wishes that such an offer be made.”
Mr. Farrell nodded slowly, “Very well. I will speak to my daughter later – and to my wife – I expect we will be seeing a great deal of you. How long do you expect to court Judith?”
“I am prepared to take as much time as necessary.”
“I have not observed any particular affection on Judith’s part, nor on yours. Have I been blind?”
“No sir, you have not. I will not claim to be in love with your daughter, but I hold her in great respect and hope that a true affection can develop between us should we marry.”
Mr. Farrell pursed his lips and Darcy could see that this revelation had disturbed him slightly. His response was not unexpected.
“I will, of course, have to talk to Judith. I see no obstacles but I would not wish to see her enter a marriage with a man who does not hold her in affection.”
On this note, Darcy took his leave, stopping only to inform Miss Farrell that her father had consented to the courtship but that he probably wished to speak with her.
Mrs. Farrell was astonished at the news of her daughter’s courtship and quite literally dropped into the nearest chair, gazing at her daughter in stupefaction.
“Dear me! Are you sure, Judith? And your father has consented? How foolish of me! Of course he consented! Dear me, I can hardly credit it.” She paused to regain her breath and a smile crossed her face, “He is very handsome to be sure, Judith. Very handsome, indeed, and wealthy, I understand. This a great compliment to you.”
Judith smiled down at her mother, “Of that I am very much aware, Mother.”
“How do you feel about him, Judith? I am sure I had no idea his affections were attached. No idea at all.”
“No more did I, Mother. And I am not sure his affections are attached.”
Mrs. Farrell gazed at her daughter in puzzlement, “But surely, if he wishes a courtship…”
“Mr. Darcy made it quite clear that he holds me in respect and admiration. This courtship is intended to provide me with an opportunity to sketch his character and decide if I wish him to offer for me. I suppose he will be doing likewise with me, for we know each other very little.”
“Will you…. No, it is too early to discuss your answer.” Mrs. Farrell considered her daughter carefully. Now that she had thought about the matter, there was one thing she wished her daughter to know.
“Whatever your decision, Judith, know that your father and I will support you. Know as well that you need feel no obligation to marry. Your father has assured me that he has put enough aside for us to live in modest comfort when he passes. You need not marry to secure our future.”
Judith kissed her mother’s cheek, “Thank you, Mama.”
~~~~~~
Judith retired to her room earlier than usual. Her need for solitude to consider the proposition before her was imperative. Mr. Darcy’s offer that afternoon had left her speechless for some minutes. She could not now recollect how long it was before she could articulate a response. Whatever she had expected - and as she considered that further, she realized she had given little heed to his purposes - the thought that he would ask for a courtship with the intention of making an offer of marriage had never presented itself. She had not believed the gentleman to have any such design, nor had he given her any reason to suspect his intentions. That he would have developed such an interest was almost beyond her comprehension; and yet, he had. And, if she was to give credit to his words - and she could think of no reason to disbelieve his assertions or his honour - his interest was sincere and rational.
Love, he had not mentioned. Respect he had claimed and, as she thought about their acquaintance, she could remember some admiration as well. As she contemplated, she was grateful for his consideration - for consideration it was - in allowing her time to improve her understanding of him. She was most definitely flattered by his desire to court her. How could she not be? To have a man of such consequence prefer her, a woman of no fortune and limited connections, to ladies of the highest society possessed of both, was indeed a compliment of the highest order.
But what did she know of him? She believed him to be a man of honour and considerable intelligence, although her conversations with him had been limited. In this she faulted herself, as she had made little effort to converse with him and, on several occasions - to her shame now - she had deliberately avoided his company. His sister held him in the greatest esteem and that, she thought, was no small commendation. She had heard nothing but praise from the Goodwells during his stay with them; and, she thought with a smile, her mother was quite correct, he was certainly one of the most handsome men of her acquaintance.
Of her own feelings she was equally unsure. That she had misjudged him was now clear and her dislike based on a misunderstanding. She knew that she did not possess any tender feelings towards him. How could she? Their attachment was too new, too untested, too unfamiliar, to have engendered such feelings on her part. If he had considered the matter for a month or more, she had done so for a few scant hours. The important questions were simple enough. Could she develop such feelings for Mr. Darcy? And, if not, could she accept an offer of marriage based on respect and esteem alone? Could she be content in such an arrangement? She had often wished for children and a husband and, if her romantic dreams had faded with time, those aspirations had not. However, she must, she thought, put aside such concerns for the nonce. Her primary concern must be to satisfy herself as to the character of Mr. Darcy and determine whether or not she wished for an offer of marriage from him. The offer was, apparently, within her control. She would accept unreservedly Mr. Darcy’s assurances on that. He would only offer if she wished him to do so. Therefore her task was simple in principle but perhaps harder to carry out. She must encourage a man noted for his reticence – she had seen him accept considerable teasing on that part of his character – to reveal himself. He had committed to answering, to the best of his ability, such questions as she might have for him, and she would hold him to that promise.
Her father had not spoken to her of this as yet. She rather thought he was allowing her time to ponder on the matter. For this she was grateful. He had been, she knew, concerned for the last year or two about her future, although he had said little. She knew that he and her mother wished for her future security and happiness; they would see such a match as forwarding that object.
As she kept returning to the same concerns, she realized that her thoughts had become too jumbled and that fatigue had robbed her of coherency. She needed to sleep. Her courtship would start the next day and she would not be well served if her mind was not refreshed. She sought and found the novel she had started the night before and within a half hour it had done its duty and she was able to settle down to sleep.
~~~~~
Georgiana had arrived quite late the previous evening and, although showing some traces of fatigue, consented to accompany her brother on his call at ten. If Judith had harboured concerns that Georgiana might feel some disapprobation, her pleasant and sincere greeting alleviated them directly. Georgiana performed the duties of a chaperone in an exemplary manner, joining them in conversation for the first quarter hour, talking amiably with Miss Farrell until finally, slowing her pace, allowing the courting couple to move ahead until a sufficient separation between them was created to facilitate private conversation.
Now that the purpose of their meeting had been established, they both found that ease of conversation had deserted them. It took no few efforts on the part of both to overcome the difficulty, but they did so and, by the time they returned to the parsonage, their conversation, which for the most part had encompassed Darcy’s reasons for marrying and why he had fixed on her, was remarkably easy.
Darcy visited later that evening to play chess with Mr. Farrell and it was readily apparent to him, as soon as he was shown into the parlour where the chess board had been set up, that his intentions towards their daughter had been made known to Mrs. Farrell. Neither parent said anything directly – the manners of both too fine to allow such impropriety - but he could not help but be aware of their wondering gazes. Judith and her mother remained in the room, occupying themselves with reading and sewing, respectively. After a few brief pleasantries, Darcy and Mr. Farrell settled themselves before the chess board and began to play. As a rule, not one who wished to talk during a match, Darcy was at first a little surprised that Mr. Farrell was not of a like mind and it was some time before he understood that the questions directed his way were not simple conversation but an attempt by Mr. Farrell to sketch his character - to come to a better appreciation of the gentleman who had come to court his daughter. Once he understood the purpose, Darcy was not reluctant to be as forthcoming as possible. Playing chess was, this evening at least, the secondary objective. By the end of the evening and two chess matches – with both gentlemen claiming a victory – Darcy felt that Mr. Farrell was pleased by such disclosures as had been made.
This became the pattern for the following days. Darcy visited and walked with Miss Farrell every day, accompanied by Georgiana, and he and Georgiana called again in the evening, frequently to dine with the Farrells. The chess games continued with Mr. Farrell taking every opportunity to know Darcy better. Georgiana, Miss Farrell and her mother were usually content to talk quietly, although they could also be found watching the matches and listening to the conversation between the two gentlemen. Darcy soon came to realize that Mr. Farrell, by virtue of his profession, was not only an excellent listener, capable of understanding more than what was explicitly said, but also one who, with skillful questions and observations, induced his company to reveal more than perhaps they intended. Such intensely personal matters as his sister’s near elopement and his dealings with Elizabeth Bennet had, of course, not been disclosed. Nor would they be although he had no doubt that Mr. Farrell had, perhaps, developed suspicions of their existence. But little else had been spared. In the course of those discussions with her father, Darcy also came to a better appreciation of Judith, for her father could not mask his delight in his daughter and was more than willing to speak of her. Such stories as he shared only confirmed to Darcy that her understanding and intelligence were all that he had expected.
It is not to be expected that the attentions paid by a gentleman of Darcy’s consequence to a local young lady – the daughter of the vicar – could occur without becoming the subject of much interest and gossip in Oswestry and its neighbourhood. Within a few days, he had become the object of much attention and, for several members of the local society, his efforts were viewed with some incredulousness. The Goodwells made Darcy aware of some of the less favourable reactions, but since Darcy appeared to give little weight to them, the Goodwells were content to do likewise. For the most part, the general opinion held that Miss Farrell was an extremely fortunate young woman to have garnered such a suitor; speculation abounded as to when he would offer and when the marriage would occur. That she might refuse such an offer had been touted, but quickly dismissed. No young woman, in her circumstances, could be so imprudent; although one or two people noted she had refused or discouraged other suitors, none of whom had been as attractive or of the consequence of Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire. Why he would court her, was a question for which none could find a ready answer, nor could they ask it of the gentleman.