She did not know that her father could hardly say no to Mr. Darcy, knowing that his family would be entirely in the young man’s power in a matter of months. Mr. Bennet wished for Mr. Darcy to think of his family with affection and ease, as accommodating and kind people, not as cantankerous fathers and difficult relations. Darcy was exactly what he had been looking for. A trifle serious perhaps, but that was not necessarily a bad thing. He had enough money to take care of his favorite well and to take care of his widow if it came to it. He would expose the family to a wider circle of acquaintance and the connection would ensure better marriages for the other girls.

Darcy was measured, intelligent, and not afraid of difficult tasks, something that would serve him well in his marriage and in raising his own children. Bennet also thought it would be very useful once he was gone, since he did not trust Mrs. Bennet to keep Lydia in line. The young girl had improved immensely, but she was still wild at heart, and he knew as soon as the firm hand was removed, she would revert to her previous ways. He hoped the impression was lasting and that it would not change easily, but he was too realistic to believe that would come to pass.

Mr. Darcy was an answer to a most fervent prayer. He could be nothing but grateful. He hoped his daughter would realize it in time.

~

Darcy headed to the Bennet cottage shortly after changing for dinner. His plan was to help Elizabeth to know him better and thereby set her at ease about their impending marriage. He was sure that once she felt more comfortable with him, the idea of sharing his life would be one that made her happy instead of trepidatious. He was still insulted she had tried to end the engagement—what man wouldn’t be? But he was wise enough to know that what he loved about her was her energy and liveliness and that if she was frightened of him, or of the idea of marriage with him, those qualities would diminish.

So he set about making her easy with him.

~