'Gentleman'.
All his life, Fitzwilliam Darcy had been haunted by that title.
When he was young, he wasn't allowed to cry for his mother. 'Gentlemen' do not cry.
When he was grown, he wasn't allowed to grieve for his father. 'Gentlemen' do not allow emotions to hamper their work.
When his father was gone, he had to allow his 'friend' the benefit of the doubt. 'Gentlemen' do not forsake those who depend on them.
When he wanted nothing more than to be a protective older brother, he had to abstain. 'Gentlemen' do not allow their family to be sullied.
When he wanted to hide his pain from the world, he had to come to some crowded, noisy, nosey, assembly of people.
'Gentlemen' help their friends. To the best of their abilities, at least.
Coming counted, right?
