The Eldest | F. Darcy

Chapter 15: Red for Love

Adele was resolute—she would face Mr. Collins head-on. Rather than avoiding the ordeal, she decided to follow along with her mother's plan, only to turn the tables when the moment arrived.

Seated at the far end of the breakfast table, she barely touched her food, lost in thought while the idle chatter of the household drifted past her ears. Dread settled heavily in her stomach, making every bite feel like lead. Thus, she ate at the pace of a sloth, hoping to prolong the inevitable.

Only one person seemed to notice—her father. With a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes, the same one he wore when teasing Mrs. Bennet, he set down his fork and regarded her with an exaggerated frown.

"Addy, my dear," he said, waggling his brows, "must you nibble at your breakfast like a bird? You look quite fatigued for this hour."

Adele shot him a glare, though the corner of her mouth twitched despite herself. "Father," she replied in a dry tone, "I am in no humor for such amusement today. You may, however, continue enjoying your breakfast." Then, leaning slightly forward, she mouthed, before I decide you have had enough.

Mr. Bennet paled slightly at the prospect, hastily returning to his meal with a mock scowl in her direction.

Adele smirked to herself. If nothing else, at least she could still keep her father on his toes.

After breakfast, Adele attempted to make her escape to visit the tenants, but Mr. Collins, ever determined, insisted on accompanying her. She was about to refuse outright when she caught her mother's sharp glare, silently warning her against any such defiance. With a suppressed sigh, she conceded, though not without conditions.

"Yes, Mr. Collins, you may join me," she said, "but you must promise not to interrupt my conversations. The tenants are shy and will not speak freely if they are disturbed."

Mr. Collins, puffing up with self-importance, bowed slightly. "I shall restrain myself, Miss Bennet, and speak only when addressed. My esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, often entrusts me with the honor of accompanying the steward on estate matters, and I always oblige most gratefully."

Adele merely nodded, though she inwardly scoffed. She only does so because she is too indolent to trouble herself. Why else would Fitzwilliam and Richard take it upon themselves to conduct an annual inspection of the estate?

With that thought, she turned and led the way, already dreading the walk ahead.

Darcy paced the length of his chamber, his mind clouded with thoughts of the one woman who had managed to turn his world upside down. His heart was restless, his resolve shaken, for he had made a decision—to offer his mind, body, and soul to Adele and bind her to him in holy matrimony. And yet, he was utterly at a loss on how to proceed.

Seated comfortably nearby, Bingley observed his friend with open amusement. Watching the proud, composed Mr. Darcy unravel over matters of the heart was, in truth, an unexpected delight.

"It is quite entertaining, watching you lose your wits over an ideal proposal," Bingley chuckled.

Darcy shot him a glare but said nothing.

With an exaggerated sigh, Bingley leaned forward. "Darcy, be a brave man and do something about it. Go and give her a dark red carnation. I am certain we have them in the gardens. Ask Mrs. Thompson—she will provide one."

Darcy pondered the suggestion for a moment before nodding solemnly. "Perhaps you are right."

"I am right," Bingley grinned, then added mischievously, "And since you are in a generous mood, do drop a few good words about me while you're at it. Who knows? There might be another wedding in a few months."