In Want of a Wife
Burb: Darcy is fed up with being chased, discovers unknown link to a country gentleman possessed of 5 daughters, Mr Bennet, and determines to re-establish the link with the family and check out the daughters. Matters are quickly brought to a head with an attempted assault and rescue in the nick of time. Followed by an arranged betrothal, a betrayal, a committal to a private hospital, Mr Bennet getting strict and a flight to London. That is just the first few chapters. I haven't worked out how it is going to end yet. This is my first Fan fic so please be kind.
In Want of a Wife
Chapter 1
A long sigh escaped from Fitzwilliam Darcy as he sat in his library nursing a late night brandy. At 28 he was getting too old to withstand the loneliness. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley had retired hours ago. He sat in his library pondering on his problem. Georgiana needed a sister, he desperately needed a wife. Yet he could not bring himself to offer for any of the myriad of society Misses that were all too frequently paraded before him at the various balls and soirees that he was obliged to attend. He was tired too of the constant hints and complaints by his various relatives that he had not done his duty and provided an heir for his estates. This last debacle with Georgiana and Wickham had highlighted his need and drove him to consider action. Where could he find a wife who would fit his needs and could provide the love, affection and intelligent companionship he craved.
He placed his glass down on the side table and began to pace about the library glancing at the shelves for inspiration. After a few minutes of this he walked to the shelves and began to scan the titles before him. Perhaps he could find something that would help him here. He walked slowly around the room searching all the shelves for something he had not seen before. It was such a large library that even after all these years he occasionally discovered a surprising volume. `There on that high shelf' he thought as he spied a slim dark volume with no title engraved on the spine. He wondered what it was as he carefully eased the thin dark book from its home. There was also no title on the front. Puzzled he hefted the book between his hands weighing it. It was very lightweight, dark and worn at the edges. William returned to his seat and carefully opened the cover. William exhaled in surprise. There in front of him in his father's handwriting were the words
“The musings and follies of George Darcy”
What was this he wondered, a diary perhaps? He was confused, he was sure that he had found all his fathers journals and they mostly were preoccupied with the estate and its minutiae. The turned the page and began to read, almost immediately he was chuckling as he read the anecdotes on the following page. His father had had a great sense of humour which he had rarely demonstrated to his children but here he had obviously written some of the experiences he had been most diverted by. Relaxing he picked up his brandy and settled back to read. He would not be able to retire now until he had read this book it was a fascinating insight into his father's life which he had never before been privy to.
In the early hours of the morning he reached the last page of the book. There had been laughter and tears aplenty as he had read about his father's life. One thing he had derived from the little book was the depth of his father's love for his wife. He knew he had to find this for himself and this threatened to throw him back to despair. As he was about to close the book a piece of paper slipped out from behind the last page. It was a letter from someone who Darcy had never heard of before but whom he had read of in this book. Intrigued he opened it
Longbourn
Nr Meryton
Hertfordshire
24 May 17__
Dear George
How does the Darcy family? I know that things have been hard for you since the death of your beloved Anne. I have missed your amusing banter and witty correspondence.
I write to you today to announce that once more Fanny has presented me with a daughter, Lydia Elaine Bennet. Yes, now I have five beautiful daughters and no heir. The doctor has also informed me that there must not be any more as my dear Fanny has been overextended in this birth and may not survive another. So I must accept my lot and resign myself to Longbourn passing on to my cousin Collins on my demise. My dear Fanny is beside herself with worry that I may predecease her and leave her homeless.
I am not too distressed as my oldest daughters Jane and Lizzy seem possessed of uncommon intelligence for ones of their sex and my Lizzy is as spirited as any son may be. I will have my hands full directing their education and keeping them out of trouble.
I hope Fitzwilliam and baby Georgiana are well. I have told you many times that your son is a credit to you and will make you proud you should not worry as much about his future. I only hope that one day someone of his calibre will offer for one of my girls. It would ease my mind considerably as they are so precious to me and I fear for their future.
Oh dear I must go I have been called to extract Lizzy from a tree. She is apparently refusing to come down until Fanny relents from her wish to dress Lizzy in some frilly concoction that makes her look like a wedding cake. I can't blame the poor girl I have never seen any girl child more uncomfortable in a dress. She much prefers exploring the great outdoors and reading in the library to girlish pursuits. She even has the makings of a chess player.
Stay well my friend and your children will give you the heart to persevere.
Your friend
Edmund Bennet
Fitzwilliam chuckled at the image of a rebellious young girl hiding in the branches whilst a frantic matron stood below hysterically waving a frilly dress at her. He was intrigued. He had not heard of Edmund Bennet before but this letter and his father's book had introduced him to this fascinating gentleman. He was eager to meet him in person. Perhaps one of his daughters may prove enticing. If he could be of service to one who had been a friend to his father, in his time of need, and solve his own personal dilemma at the same time he would be well pleased. He went to his chambers and retired placing the book and letter on his night stand.
A couple of days later Edmund Bennet sat in his study musing over another letter that had arrived out of the blue.
Barlow House
Gloucester Square
London
Sir
You do not know me. I have recently learned of your friendship with my father, George Darcy, and am desirous of meeting with you. I will be travelling to Hertfordshire in a few days time to view an estate that my friend, Charles Bingley, is considering letting and propose to call on you during that day as I have been informed that Netherfield, the estate my friend is viewing, borders on your own estate of Longbourn.
Please write to let me know if this is acceptable to you.
Yours truly
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Mr Bennet had already replied and invited Mr Darcy and his friend to join his family for lunch during their visit. Mrs Bennet had yet to be informed. He mused over her reaction. He was sure that she would be embarrassing and sought for ways to minimise her effusions. This was an interview he was dreading. He rang for a servant and Hill appeared.
“Hill, ask Mrs Bennet to join me would you.”
“Yes sir “ she replied and disappeared after a quick bob to her master.
Mrs Bennet fussed and muttered as she appeared in his study. This was her least favourite room of the house and she never enjoyed being called to it. She sat in the chair he indicated as he stood at the window and welcomed her. Nervously she was fluttering her fan causing her curls and frilly cap to flap in the ensuing wind.
“My dear, we are to have visitors for lunch on Friday. I tell you now so that you may be prepared.” Mr Bennet stopped and observed his wife.
“Oh my, who sir, I am sure I do not know who, Is it the Lucas' or the Longs?”
“No, Madam it is not. It is two young gentlemen that I have never met before. One is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy the son and heir to my late friend, George Darcy, and he hails from a rather fine estate in Derbyshire. The other is his friend, a Mr Charles Bingley, who is going to be in the neighbourhood that day inspecting Netherfield with a view to leasing it.”
“Oh what a fine thing for our girls! What news! I must run and tell my sister Phillips and make plans. The girls must have new….
“Mrs Bennet!” snapped Mr Bennet forcefully “You will do no such thing, These gentlemen are to be our guests for the afternoon and I will not have them as gossip fodder for the neighbourhood before they have even set foot in it. I am determined in this, you will say not a word to anyone. Furthermore when they are here you will not interrogate them on their fortunes and prospects you will not inquire as to their income and you will not throw our daughters at them. Do I make myself understood madam. We will have a normal repast on Friday and the girls will not have new clothes. I will not bend in this.”
Mrs Bennet sat staring at him wide eyed in shock. Mr Bennet had never spoken to her before in such a manner and she was worried by his manner.
“Fanny, dearest, I know you have our daughters interests at heart and are desperate to marry them off but I will not have you mortifying us all by trying to catch every Tom Dick or Harry that ventures near. Gentlemen as fine as these will be put off and offended by such manners. No Fanny if you cannot control your behaviour you must remain above stairs or perhaps we should find a more suitable place where your nerves can be cared for more appropriately.” Mr Bennet eyed his wife meaningfully and she gasped in shock “Do you understand me Fanny?” He asked waiting for her response.
“Yes Mr Bennet, I will do as you wish.” She replied subdued and quickly left the study to retreat to her room and recover her nerves.
Mr Bennet followed her out and watched her retreat upstairs shaking his head. He would be very reluctant to make good on his threat to send her away but he felt he needed to frighten her sufficiently to get her to see reason lest she harm the girl's prospects any more than she already had. It was long past time that he should take action but he now realised that he would not wish his friend's son to go away with a poor impression of his family. He went off in search of his eldest daughters and explained to them his news enlisting them in the effort to keep their mother and younger sisters under control. They in turn were interested to know of his friendship with Mr George Darcy and he spent a happy morning regaling them with tales of their exploits at Cambridge. He also told them a little of the more recent history of the family and they were appropriately saddened to hear of the deaths of the elder Darcys.
Lizzy and Jane left his study to prepare for lunch wondering at their father's news and very curious as to the nature of these gentlemen visitors.
Chapter 2
Friday had dawned , the autumn air was crisp and the early morning sun warmed Elizabeth Bennet's face as she strode eastwards along the track towards Oakham Mount. A favourite walk of hers. She was musing on the day's events considering what these young gentlemen who were visiting later would be like. A movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention. She turned and saw two gentlemen galloping their horses across the nearby field towards the neighbouring estate of Netherfield. As she stood there one rider, the tall dark haired one, pulled his horse to a stop and turned to look at her. Their eyes met for a moment, she saw that he was quite the most handsome man she had ever seen. Embarrassed she turned away and resumed her brisk pace towards the mount. That must be them she thought. This day was turning out to be very interesting indeed.
The tall rider, Fitzwilliam Darcy, held his horse still for a few moments longer and watched as the young lady hurried away. Her beauty had taken his breath away and her eyes had mesmerised him. Who was she he wondered? Was she one of the Bennet girls perhaps? He would find out later he mused. He turned his horse away and urged him back into a gallop to catch up with his friend, Charles Bingley, outside the estate they had come to view.
Elizabeth soon reached the base of the mount and gradually wound her way to the top up the twisting path. Once up there she flung her arms outstretched and spun round and round enjoying the rush of air as she twirled. All at once she became dizzy and threw her self onto the ground to recover her equilibrium. She lay there for some time gazing dreamily up at the great white fluffy clouds, like castles in the air, as they floated by. Lizzy closed her eyes and tried to picture the handsome stranger on the horse. She wondered whether he was Mr Darcy or Mr Bingley. Suddenly she heard the scrunching of dried grass and leaves under feet and felt a cold shadow cast over her. Startled she opened her eyes and started to push herself up when she stopped stunned by whom she saw. Two men in threadbare farm labourers clothing stood over her leering menacingly.
“Who ave we ere then Bobby, nice n tasty isn' she” he commented to his companion
Frightened Lizzy tried to get up and escape and screamed as she was pushed back down by the larger man.
“What's your urry Missy you aven't given us any pleasure yet. And screaming aint gonna do any good” He said as his friend circled round her and covered her mouth with one hand whilst preventing her escape with the other. Lizzy struggled desperately to escape. Innocent as she was she had no doubt what they meant to do to her and shame filled her as the other man grabbed the front of her dress with both hands and ripped it open down the length.
“Leave her alone” shouted a different male voice as he galloped up and sent her attacker flying. He levelled a pistol at the man who was restraining her. He dropped her and ran off down the hill closely followed by his partner in crime. Fitzwilliam Darcy looked down at the unfortunate but beautiful victim of this attack. She had curled up on her side and pulled the remnants of her dress around her in a vain attempt to cover herself and was sobbing quietly. He dismounted quickly, removed his greatcoat from his saddle pack and approached the young lady silently cursing that he hadn't noticed the men approaching when he saw her mount the hill earlier. He felt relief that he had been in time to protect this lady's virtue but felt remorse for the censure she and her family would almost certainly suffer as a result of the attack, innocent victims though they were.
Lizzy looked up at her rescuer. It was the tall dark rider she had seen earlier who stood over her gazing down at her with his dark brooding eyes. She saw them twinkle as he smiled gently at her.
“Be not alarmed, madam, I mean you no harm, I heard your cry and hastened to your aid. Are you hurt? Here cover yourself with my coat.” He said as he placed it over her..
Elizabeth resumed her efforts to get up and pulled the coat around her to maintain her modesty. She was met by the stranger's hand offered in silent assistance. She grasped his hand to steady herself as she rose.
“Forgive me, madam, let me introduce myself, I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire,” and he bowed to her, “May I be permitted the honour of knowing your name?”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, Sir. I am most grateful for your assistance.” She said as she dropped a shaky curtsey whilst struggling to keep his coat from falling open.
He saw that she trembled as she struggled for her composure, stepped forward and lifted her into his arms.
“Forgive me madam but you are in shock and I had best get you home forthwith” Without another word he carried her to his horse and placed her on the horn of his saddle and proceeded to mount behind her. He placed one arm around her waist to keep her in place and drew her to him so that she was resting against his chest. Both inhaled at the shock of contact between them. Elizabeth at the intimacy of her position and Darcy at the sensations that contact with this woman were sending through his body. He had seen her nakedness as her clothes had been ripped apart by that devil and the vision of her breasts and shapely hips and legs were seared into his memory. He was concerned by her silence and the violence of her shivering. She neither struggled nor argued with him but quietly did as he bid her.
“You are a daughter of Mr Edmund Bennet are you not?” he enquired matter of factly as he carefully guided his horse down the hill.
“Yes sir.” Lizzy replied finally regaining some of her composure. She was still trembling but the warmth of Mr Darcy's greatcoat and his physical warmth as he held her to him was serving to slowly settle her. She felt embarrassed by his closeness and mortified that he had seen her naked body through the great rents in her dress. She prayed that word of this would not escape but felt dismayed by the inevitability of her disgrace. She felt unable to look up into his face as he addressed her.
As they reached the bottom of the hill he indicated to the track ahead. “Is this the way to your home Miss Bennet?” Darcy enquired.
“Yes sir” she replied again and began to sob again as she realised that her family would be in uproar at their arrival. She heard galloping hooves draw near and pull up beside them and she hid her face in Mr Darcy's chest.
“Darcy, what is this. You suddenly galloped off and now I find you with a woman in your arms. What has happened? Who is she?”
Darcy quietly explained all that transpired from his first view of Miss Bennet to their present course of returning the unfortunate young lady to her family. The same that they had been due to dine with.
“Thank goodness you heard her cries Darcy. Miss Bennet, pray are you well? You can have confidence that my friend here will keep you safe. He is the best man I know.”
“Yes, I thank you sir, I am most grateful to him sir and thankful to make both of your acquaintances today. I am sorry that I am not in a position to be more welcoming but I am currently so filled with mortification and shame at my predicament that I feel unable to express my self properly.” She replied quietly and risked a quick weak smile at both the gentleman.
Darcy chuckled, “I think Madam you are quite eloquent despite your situation and I look forward to conversing with you at greater length once you have recovered your composure.” Impressed at her spirit despite the difficult situation. They rounded a bend and before him he saw a sandy coloured Manor house set in a small but quite lovely park.
As they approached he saw the family gather on the steps and heard a lady's voice declare loudly, “Lizzy, where is that girl, LIZZY”.
He felt rather than saw her bury herself further in his chest and tightened his grip on her.
“Lizzy? a male voice exclaimed as they drew up in front of the house and the identity of Darcy's burden became obvious. “Whatever has happened, I demand to know why you are holding my daughter so familiarly sir.?”
Darcy pulled his horse up and a stable man rushed up to take the reins. He bowed to the Bennets and introduced himself and Bingley. Then he proceeded to lift Lizzy from the saddle and bring her to rest huddled in his arms.
“Where can I take her for her relief. She has been attacked. I was able to run them off before they succeeded in their designs but she is still very shocked and needs to lay down.” He heard gasps from all assembled as he spoke and they parted with Mr Bennet indicating for him to follow him. As they reached the stairs Mr Bennet instructed another of his daughters to lead Mr Darcy upstairs. They reached the landing and he was led into room decorated in pale lilac. It was obviously her room. He placed her on the bed bowed and left the room as the ladies of the house rushed in to see to her needs. Down stairs he could hear the Matron crying out in hysterics and heard Mr Bennet instruct the servants to escort her to her room.
“Come into my study gentleman,” Mr Bennet said quietly as Mr Darcy returned downstairs, “I would like to hear in as much detail as possible what has happened to my dearest girl.” He poured a stiff brandy for each of them and lowered himself into his chair with a sigh.
Darcy related all the events as he saw them though omitted to include his seeing Lizzy's naked body. The man in front of him literally shrank before his eyes in horror at the picture he painted. He heard expressions of relief as it became obvious that Miss Elizabeth's virtue was intact but saw great sadness on Mr Bennet's face as he fully realised the ramifications of the days events.
Mr Bennet was effusive in his gratitude to both gentlemen for bringing his daughter safely home and expressed regret at the circumstances of their meeting being much less felicitous as had been expected. Grasping for relief from the hopelessness of the situation he turned the conversation to other matters. They talked for a time of other matters, Mr Bingley praised the qualities of Netherfield and declared his desire to let the place. They talked of Darcy's parents and Darcy explained how he had come to discover Mr Bennet's friendship with his father.
Presently there was a knock at the door and Miss Jane Bennet came in and was introduced to the gentleman. Bingley was transfixed. Jane whispered into her father's ear who glanced at Darcy as he went pale with shock. Darcy knew immediately what Jane was telling him.
“Bingley, do you think you could give me a few minutes with Mr Bennet?” Darcy enquired looking pointedly at his friend who was oblivious to all else but the lovely Miss Bennet.
“Eh.. hm.., yes Jane would you show Mr Bingley to the parlour and entertain him until we can pull this house hold together for lunch.. Mr Darcy and I will join you shortly” instructed Mr Bennet, his voice shaking in barely disguised distress. Jane, worry clearly clouding her countenance, nodded in obedience and led Mr Bingley out of the study quietly closing the door behind her.
Darcy cleared his throat and looked Mr Bennet straight in the eyes. “I believe Miss Bennet has just given you the distressing news as to the state of Miss Elizabeth's undress,” he stated evenly and noted that Mr Bennet nodded but waited patiently for him to continue. “I will not hide from you the fact that I saw all that your daughter has to offer…” Mr Bennet groaned, “I didn't mention it earlier as I did not think that you would wish me to reveal so much in front of my friend. He only saw Miss Bennet wrapped in my coat.” Darcy finished and continued to watch Mr Bennet curious to gauge his father's friend's reaction to this latest news.
“I do not know how I can respond to this news. My dearest child will be ruined once word of this disaster spreads. We do not know the identity of her attackers and from your description of them they are hardly desirable son-in-law material. I could not in conscience force Lizzy to marry such a man. Yet something must be done to protect her from this scandal though what I am at a loss to know.” Mr Bennet shook his head slowly and lowered it to rest on his hand.
Darcy looked on in sympathy. Her remembered feeling much the same over Georgiana's near elopement with that scoundrel Wickham and looked on as this man, this good friend of his late father tried to compose himself in the face of such disaster. He was impressed with Mr Bennet whose previous statement gave him an idea as to how he could help. Inwardly he couldn't believe that he was about to suggest this. From what he had seen this family socialised in vastly different circles to his own. However Mr Bennet was a gentleman and had been his father's friend. His daughters from what he had seen were gentile. He felt it was worth the risk and could be of great mutual benefit.
“Mr Bennet, if I may, I have a suggestion that might bring relief to this present situation. I have been impressed by Miss Elizabeth's strength of character throughout the whole of this episode. When I first saw her, before the attack, as she walked towards the hill. I saw a young lady vivacious and full of the joys of life. She is a very beautiful woman and does not deserve the censure society will heap on her. I have learned from your letters to my father that she is a very spirited young woman as well as well read, intelligent and a mean chess player. I know that she is your favourite daughter sir, all that you have said and written about her testifies to that. However, if you could bear to part with her, I am in dire need of a wife and believe she would suit me very well.”
Mr Bennet looked for a moment as if someone had thrown him a life preserver but then shook his head. “I will not ask this of you sir. You are my friend's son you deserve a marriage which brings fortune and prestige for your family not disgrace and the censure of your peers. Besides I severely doubt I would be able to persuade Lizzy to agree. She has always desired to marry for respect and mutual affection. I am not sure I want to lose her respect by forcing this on her. I am grateful to you for the offer but I regret I must refuse.”
Darcy was to say the least surprised. “You cannot be serious, Sir, she must marry, immediately, otherwise your whole family will be shunned and none of your daughters will be able to marry. You must see this.” He exclaimed. He regretted his outburst almost immediately as it had happened but he was resolute in his beliefs.
Mr Bennet stood and walked to the window shaking his head. “I am sorry Mr Darcy, I know in my head that you are right but it may take me a little time to accept this course of action. Very well, I will accept your offer but we must tread carefully with Lizzy. She is very strong willed and will resent such interference in her life. You might feel the brunt of this. I hesitate to ask you this but would you be prepared to wait for you rights as a husband until she is more ready to accept you ?” Darcy was taken aback but recognised the wisdom of this request and nodded his assent. “You will have to woo her sir, to win her affection, it is the only way with Lizzy. You have not chosen an easy path but you will forever have my gratitude if you do this.”
Darcy rose and shook hands with Mr Bennet and they stood looking out of the windows as they made plans of how to proceed. Shortly afterwards they joined the rest of the family in the parlour. Mrs Bennet remained above stairs and Elizabeth was resting after her ordeal. The remaining Bennet girls were in the parlour happily chatting with Mr Bingley when they arrived.
Presently, Hill arrived and announced that lunch was ready. At that moment Elizabeth appeared at the door. She was pale but in Darcy's opinion quite beautiful. He immediately crossed the distance to her side and offered her his arm as they walked into the dining room for lunch, held her chair for her and then sat between her and Mr Bennet. He was rewarded by a shy smile and a flash of her captivating dark eyes. The family chatted amiably at the lunch table and all behaved as if the mornings events had not happened. Lizzy was quite subdued but when drawn out by her father showed signs of the liveliness he had heard of. Darcy smiled inwardly, Elizabeth was everything he had desired of a woman and much more. Her only lack was a fortune and he had no need of that.
Lunch was all that was pleasant and congenial and afterwards they withdrew again to the parlour.
“Mr Bennet, with your permission may I ask Miss Elizabeth to show me the garden.”
“Of course Mr Darcy, Lizzy, take your saviour outside and show him around.” Lizzy's eyes widened but curtseyed to her father and led Mr Darcy into the hall where the servants helped her on with her Spencer and returned Mr Darcy's hat to him.
As they reached a grove of trees they sat on a stone bench placed in the shade beneath facing back towards the house.
“I hope that you are feeling better after your ordeal, Miss Bennet?”
“Yes thank you, Mr Darcy.” Se hesitated and looked straight at him, “I won't deny that I am very unsettled by the whole experience and am somewhat nervous of venturing far alone in the near future. However I am determined not to let this adversely affect my life.”
“Are you concerned about the possible ramifications if word of this day's events leaks out?”
“I am sir, but I am sure that we can weather the storm.”
“Miss Bennet, I am sure that you understand all too clearly what will happen if word of this days events becomes known in your community. I have spoken to your father and he is in agreement that you should marry and soon. I have asked your father if I might marry you Miss Bennet and he has consented.”
“What! No Mr Darcy, I will not marry someone I do not know. I will marry for love or not at all.” Retorted Elizabeth too shocked to think of civility.
“You have no choice Miss Bennet the decision has been made for you. We will marry within a month. Your father asked me to take things slowly with you and to woo you but I despise deceit and artifice and I will not deceive you in this. Whilst I would prefer a willing and loving wife I am prepared to marry you and hope that we can come to understand each other afterwards.”
Elizabeth looked down and then away into the distance as she tried to fully comprehend how she could be in such a predicament. How could her father do this to her. It was incomprehensible. She stood up.
“I should like to return to the house now.”
“Very well Miss Bennet. But first hear me out. You may not be in love with me. Indeed you have hardly had time to get to know me at all. I, however, have seen and heard all I need to know. I was attracted to you from the first moment I saw you walking up that hill. Nothing that has happened since has diminished that feeling in me. I believe that we will do very well together and am determined to make this marriage succeed.”
Mr Darcy held his hand out to Miss Bennet and then placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Let us return to the house Miss Bennet you are beginning to look tired and Bingley and I must be away if we intend to get back to London today.”
They walked back to the house in silence each musing on what the other had said. Each not entirely happy with the outcome yet not discouraged either.
On returning to the house they found Bingley still in the Parlour with Mary reading in a corner. Lydia and Kitty were no where to be seen and Mrs Bennet had still not ventured down stairs. Mr Darcy addressed his friend and suggested that they take their leave. Bingley looked disappointed but readily accepted that it was time to go. As they returned to the hallway a maid came down with Mr Darcy's greatcoat which he was glad to have returned. Alerted by the activity in the Hall Mr Bennet appeared in the doorway of his study.
“Aha, you are off then on pleasures bent no doubt. Thank you for your visit and the service you did this family today. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Mr Darcy I shall write to you soon.” He said with a meaningful look.
“I look forward to it sir. Thank you again for your hospitality and give my regrets to your good lady. I hope she feels better soon. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Ladies, good day to you.” He nodded at all and shook Mr Bennet's hand before heading out the door to his horse.
“Yes, good day to you all.” Added Mr Bingley as he too shook Mr Bennet's hand and bowed to the ladies.
The gentlemen went out through the front door to their horses and quickly mounted. The Bennet's had followed them out on to the steps to wave them off and after each man had raised his hat in farewell they urged there horses on and cantered up the drive and beyond to town.
No sooner had they gone than a furious Elizabeth faced her father and insisted on a private discussion. Neither party was happy with the outcome. However Mr Bennet did concede that if news did not leak then he would not force her into marriage. Elizabeth was mollified a little by this and both agreed that nothing should be said until it became necessary.
Chapter 3
Hill came to summon Elizabeth to her father's study the third morning after Mr Darcy's visit. So far no word of her ordeal had been heard in the district and she was fervently hoping that this was a good sign. Curiously she knocked on the study door and quietly opened it when she heard her Father's invitation. She was surprised at the reason for her summons on Her fathers desk was a package and two letters addressed to her. She looked at her father for confirmation. He suggested that she sit down and he told her that he had just received these communications plus a package containing a book and a letter for himself from Mr Darcy. He explained that Mr Darcy had written explaining the conversation that Lizzy and he had had in the garden on the afternoon and his visit and was writing in the hopes that Mr Bennet might permit him the privilege of a private correspondence with his daughter by himself and his younger sister, Georgiana Darcy, until he could return in person and continue to court her in Hertfordshire. Whilst this was unusual Mr Bennet was minded to permit this provided that Lizzy read the missives in his study away from the prying eyes of her mother and sisters and provided that she also wrote her replies there and enclosed them with his own.
Lizzy picked up the letters from her father's desk. As she did so he indicated which was Mr Darcy's and suggested that she start with that one. She walked over to the easy chair beside the fire and placed the package and letters on her lap and looked at them thoughtfully. Mr Bennet looked at his most beloved child and smiled in amusement before returning to the very interesting book Mr Darcy had sent to him.
Lizzy looked at the precise and elegant handwriting on the front of the letter detailing her name `Miss Elizabeth Bennet'. Carefully she broke the seal and leaned back in the chair to read.
Barlow House
Gloucester Square
London
Dearest Elizabeth
Please do not be offended by my familiarity in addressing you. I do feel that you are dearest to my heart even though our acquaintance has been brief. I have asked your father for permission to correspond with you so that we may further our understanding of each other without delay. I hope that this is acceptable to you. I find that I am eager to know more of you and how you view the world. I hope, as I have already expressed to your father, that your family is well and that you are not feeling any unfortunate after effects of your ordeal either personally or through the vindictiveness of others.
I first learned of your existence when I found an old diary of my father's which had a letter hidden in the back from your father announcing your younger sister , Lydia's, birth. He described a mischievous young miss who was full of promise. I subsequently discovered more of your father's letters which over the years of his correspondence with my father painted a delightful picture. From our brief meeting I can see that your father was not exaggerating.
I understand that you enjoy reading widely and wondered if you had had the opportunity of reading Byron's poetry. I have enclosed a small volume of his works for your enjoyment and look forward to hearing of your reactions to it. I thought that it would give you pleasure and also give us another thing to communicate about.
I would like to know about your days, what you do, what you enjoy doing and what you don't. I want us to be completely honest with each other about everything. I feel that this is the best basis for a true relationship. I will tell you about mine and then we can get a picture of how life might be like were we together.
I have also encouraged my sister, Georgiana, to begin a correspondence with you. I have explained to her that I have become engaged to you and that we will marry soon. She is very excited about the prospect of a sister. She is 15 years old and has long wanted a sister to love and confide in. Sometimes I feel that I have been remiss in not providing her with one before but as you know my search has been a long and tortuous one. I hope you don't feel it presumptuous asking you to begin an acquaintance with her through letters but she has begged me for the opportunity and I place her request at your mercy with the enclosed missive from her. I am sure that you will treat her kindly and we both look forward eagerly to your replies.
I remain yours
Fitzwilliam
Elizabeth was astonished at so familiar and presumptive a letter. However throughout it all she detected a genuine desire to build a friendship and know her concerns, she was also touched that he wanted her to know his sister though very put out about his assumption that their marriage was a forgone conclusion. She turned to Miss Darcy's letter curious as to what she might find there.
Barlow House
Gloucester Square
London
Dear Miss Bennet
Please do not be upset with my brother for allowing me to write. I could not go on without writing to you.
I want to tell you how excited I was when my brother told me that I would, at last, be getting a sister. I have long wanted a sister and when you marry my brother my happiness would be complete.
My brother is really a darling, he is always so good to me even when I least deserve it. He is always thinking of my needs and delights in giving me presents. He is never angry at me even when I do wrong and is patient and kind when I am sad. He understands that I am shy and never pushes me to do anything that I am not comfortable with. He has been very diligent in seeing to my education and indulges my desire for pretty things. I could not ask for a better brother. I hope that you will find in me everything you want in a loving sister, though I do not know how sisters interact. Would you be so kind as to tell me about your sisters and what life is like in a houseful of sisters.
I long for your reply and shall watch for the post everyday until it arrives.
Your prospective sister
Georgiana
Elizabeth was amused at the earnest letter and delighted in such an enthusiastic correspondent. She was worried though as her father had promised that she would not have to marry Mr Darcy if the attack remained secret. The Darcy's on the other hand seemed to be operating on the assumption that the marriage was a certainty. She was uncomfortable with this but did not want to seem critical of Mr Darcy in any reply. She decided to ignore the situation in her reply to Miss Darcy and try to correct misconceptions in her reply to Mr Darcy.
Finally she turned to the parcel. She now knew what it was and opened it with anticipation. It was a slim blue bound volume entitled `A Poetry Collection' by Byron. She opened the book and saw inscribed on the title page. `To my dearest Elizabeth, with love and admiration FD'. She gasped in surprise that he would be so forward but gingerly opened the pages and soon lost herself in the poetry.
Not long afterwards she heard her father clear his throat and looked up. He was smiling benevolently at her and said, “I know that you will want to devour that book my dear but you should answer your letters first. Mr Darcy's personal courier is being fed and given rest in the servants hall and will return to his master this afternoon. I advise you to write your replies before then so that you can make use of this opportunity.”
Lizzy acknowledged her father and moved to the small writing table she always used in her father's room and began to write.
Meanwhile. Mrs Bennet, Lydia and Kitty were in Meryton visiting Mrs Bennet's sister Mrs Philips. It has to be acknowledged here that these women would if pushed find it hard to muster a sensible brain between them. Mrs Bennet had been so distressed by the recent events that she would not be at ease until she had unburdened herself to her dearest sister. Mrs Philips was horrified by the news and both Mrs Bennet and Mrs Philips were aghast when Lydia joined the conversation and casually mentioned that she had seen Lizzy's damaged clothes before Hill had disposed of them and the whole front of the dress and underclothes had been ripped off. Mrs Bennet jumped up immediately and declared that she must go this instant and demand that Mr Bennet find the culprits and make Lizzy marry one of them. Lydia and Kitty were shocked and Mrs Philips tried to calm her down by reminding her that the attackers were common folk and if Lizzy were to be married so low it would harm her sisters. However Mrs Bennet would not be stopped and charged out of the door with Kitty and Lydia in tow to return to Longbourn forthwith. With Mrs Bennet and her daughters safely on their way back home Mrs Phillips quietly readied herself for a visit and went in search of her friend Mrs Long. Family loyalty did not figure high with Mrs Phillips when a juicy piece of gossip could liven up society. She gave no thought to the ramifications for Lizzy or her sister's family this was too tasty to keep to herself.
Lizzy had just handed her finished letters to her father when Mrs Bennet burst through the front door into the hallway and started calling for her and Mr Bennet. As her father opened his study door Mrs Bennet pushed her way in. She wagged her finger at Lizzy,
“How could you deceive me? How could you hide from me that you were compromised in such a fashion? Your clothes where literally ripped off you, so Lydia says. Even Mr Darcy must have seen you. I've always said those walks would come to no good and now look at you, you have ruined us all.” Shouted Mrs Bennet at a highly distressed Lizzy. “She must be married Mr Bennet, she must! You have to find them.”
Mr Bennet crossed the room to Lizzy's side and rested his hand on her shoulder in support.
“Fanny, please calm down. Where did you hear this? “
Mrs Bennet sat down and recovered her breath. Lizzy resumed her seat by the fire and Mr Bennet closed the door and stood looking expectantly at his wife. Once she had recovered her breath Mrs Bennet launched into an animated explanation of her afternoon to the growing horror of her husband and second daughter. Neither could believe their ears that Mrs Bennet and Lydia had betrayed Lizzy's misadventure to the biggest gossip in the town. It was beyond belief. Mr Bennet was angered beyond words. Lizzy was inconsolable and rushed from the room upstairs to her bedroom.
Mr Bennet chastised Mrs Bennet for her thoughtlessness and insisted that she retire above stairs and not leave her rooms again until he had considered how he was going to deal with her betrayal. Lydia and Kitty were also similarly confined. He found Jane and sent her to give comfort to Lizzy and then charged Mary with organising the servants for meals for the coming day or two. Finally he put pen to paper and then summoned Mr Darcy's courier who had been resting below stairs. He charged him with the various missives and bade him make the utmost haste to town.
This done he poured himself a stiff whisky and sat in his chair to ponder his response to Fanny. She had gone too far and could have materially damaged the family beyond repair. He had dreaded doing this but felt that he had no choice. He took out another sheet of writing paper sharpened his nib and began to write another letter the contents of which broke his heart.
Chapter 4
Later that evening as Mr Darcy was sipping his brandy in his library after Georgiana and Mrs Annesley had retired a knock came upon his door. He bade them enter and saw his courier approach with a collection of letters from Longbourn. He smiled and thanked his man who left quickly to get his supper in the kitchen.
Mr Darcy turned the letters over in his hands. One was for Georgiana and was obviously in Elizabeth's hand and three were for him. One obviously from Elizabeth, he smiled in anticipation of that missive and two from Mr Bennet. He frowned, curious as to why Mr Bennet would find it necessary to write two letters in the same day unless… heaven forbid… something had happened to warrant it. He opened the first from Mr Bennet.
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
Dear Darcy
Thank you so much for the intriguing book that I received from your man's hand this morning I look forward to delving into its secrets with great anticipation.
Lizzy is well and despite frequent nightmares is holding up admirably. She has not ventured far from the house but I am sure once she works up the courage she will resume her old habits soon. So far no news had been heard in the neighbourhood of the incident so we can be hopeful that it has passed notice of the local populace.
I have given your communications to Lizzy and have given her permission to reply to your letters. In my eyes you are her fiancé, even though she is unwilling to accept this. Therefore you need no permission to write to her and ply her with gifts. What ever your youthful fancy takes you. I urge you to caution though. Do not be too presumptive in your letters or she will on principle refuse to cooperate.
I will bid you good day now as I am eager to read my new book.
Thank you kindly sir.
Yours
Edmund Bennet.
Darcy read this with mild amusement though he frowned slightly at the news that Lizzy was having nightmares. He hoped that they would pass soon. Well no momentous news in this letter. He pondered on which to choose next. He desperately wanted to read Elizabeth's letter next yet something nagging in his head told him to read the second missive from Mr Bennet.
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
Dear Darcy
Since writing to you this morning things have taken an unfortunate turn. In fact so unfortunate that I am heartily embarrassed by them and quite incandescent with rage. But that is beside the point.
I am sorry to have to tell you that even now news of Lizzy being brutally exposed and almost raped is travelling round the sitting rooms of Hertfordshire. A gossip initiated, I am devastated to admit, by my own incredibly stupid wife and her equally idiotic youngest daughters.
Lizzy is inconsolable though Jane is doing her best. Mrs Bennet has been confined in her rooms upstairs since I chastised her for her stupidity as are my youngest girls.
All that we can do now is try to redeem the situation as quickly as possible. I have given no intelligence of your offer to marry my Lizzy to anyone in this house. Only Lizzy and possibly Jane, as these two confide in each other, know of your request. I need to know, Sir, whether you are willing stand by your offer to marry Lizzy regardless of her situation. If so, could you take the steps we agreed upon on the morrow and send me and express confirming you have done so. When I receive that express I will break the news to the rest of the family. Might I suggest a possible date for the wedding to be one week after your projected return to Hertfordshire. We should have all the arrangements in hand by then and be prepared for your arrival. There will be only one engagement party and that will be a very small scale event. The only large event we will be expected to attend is the Meryton Assembly which is the night before the wedding date. Please also communicate as soon as possible your willingness for all of these arrangements so that I can get plans in motion.
I have enclosed some documents detailing certain requests that I must make of you. If you could apprise me of your progress as soon as possible I would be very grateful.
Yours
Edmund Bennet
Darcy balled his fists and pounded the chair arm in rage as he read of Mrs Bennet's duplicity. His heart ached for Lizzy. How devastated she must be. His only thoughts must be for her now though he knew from what Mr Bennet had told him of her character that this meant that the early days of their marriage were likely to be very challenging until Elizabeth accepted and embraced her new life with equanimity. He prayed she would not hold these actions against him for long however he believed in his heart that the result would be worth the trouble.
He went to his desk in his study quickly read the documents enclosed by Mr Bennet and began to draft out a notice to the paper.
“Mr and Mrs E Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire
are proud to announce the engagement
and forthcoming marriage of their daughter
Elizabeth Ann
to Mr Fitzwilliam George Darcy of Pemberly, Derbyshire
That would do for now he thought I can sort out the rest tomorrow. He sealed it in anticipation of sending it over to the Morning Tribune offices in the morning. He began to reassess his day tomorrow. There was much to be done. He decided to retire immediately and only stopping to collect Elizabeth's letter from his desk he retired to his rooms where his valet Tomkins waited to assist him.
“I have new plans for the morning Tomkins. Tell Jameson to send for my solicitor in the morning and I want to be woken an hour earlier than normal.”
“Yes sir” replied Tomkins who once he had finished with the Master hurried down stairs to inform the butler and housekeeper of the changes.
Darcy, alone again looked at the letter on his night stand and wondered if it had been written before the news had broken or after. He poured himself a glass of wine and sat in front of the fire in his nightshirt and robe. He put his glass down and looked at the front of the letter. He admired her curvy feminine writing style, very much like the sender he mused. Inhaling a deep breath he opened the letter and read on
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
Dear Mr Darcy
Please forgive the formality of my address in contrast to your own. I do not possess an easy familiarity with men I hardly know. It will take me some time to accustom myself to anything other I am afraid. I hope that this letter finds you well and that Miss Darcy is also well. I was gratified to receive her letter, in which she gave you a flaming character reference, and I hope she will enjoy my reply.
As to your gift, Sir, you were correct in assuming that I would enjoy it. Indeed my father had to prevent me from reading it so that I might write replies to you and Miss Darcy. I had not known until then that you had sent them by your own courier. I must say that I was astonished to hear of it. I promise you, Sir, that I will give Mr Byron's volume my diligent study that I might stand up to your interrogation of my understanding of it when next we meet.
As to my days, they are remarkably similar. I would not think that a man of the world, such as you, would find anything of interest there. Most days I rise before the rest of the house except my esteemed father who is also an early bird and is to be found in his library nursing a cup of coffee at a very early hour. As a child I used to wonder whether he ever went to bed. After I descend the stairs having bathed and dressed I generally take a walk outside if the weather permits such exercise. Failing this I join my Papa in his library for a chat or a game of chess as this is the best time of day for no interruptions. Later once my sisters and Mama have come down we have breakfast at around ten of the clock. Then our mother assigns us tasks for the day usually to do with preparation of herbs or drying of flowers or planning menus and victual ordering or other ladylike occupations. My father frequently saves me from such tedium by enlisting my aid as a secretary for his estate matters. I often times spend my mornings in his study with him and his steward going over estate matters and working out tenant disputes. Also my father relies on me to visit tenants with goodwill baskets and care for their needs. It is a duty I share with Jane and more lately Mary as my Mama has never troubled herself on such matters. Indeed she makes it clear that she disapproves of such occupations. In my mother's eyes tenants are not worthy of her notice. Much, as my father's favourite, I am usually ignored or given least notice by my mother who prefers my youngest sister, Lydia, above all others. Our days are often disturbed by visitors or my mother's perceived need to visit other families in the area. However my mother rarely requires my presence for this as she much prefers the company of Lydia and Kitty. There is often a large amount of noise in the household as with five sisters there are often disputes and raised voices. Also with Mary and myself practicing the piano and our songs we add to the cacophony. Consequently I often try to get outside later in the day to be able to gather my thoughts and gain some peace. Our evenings are often spent quietly reading, writing letters or on our needlework unless of course we are called upon to dine with one of our neighbours. I usually retire early and am frequently joined by my dearest Jane. We then indulge in sisterly conversations late into the night in one of our bedrooms before finally retiring for the night.
This, Sir, is an accurate description of my days broken only by infrequent but much anticipated visits to stay with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in town. I hope I am not too much a disappointment to you for surely you would expect more interesting exploits from so spirited a young lady, but alas my quest for ladylike behaviour has mostly, of necessity, impinged on the tree climbing pre-occupations of my youth.
I trust this letter meets with your expectations,
Yours
Elizabeth Bennet
Darcy read the letter several times chuckling at the humour and smarting over the implied criticism. He marvelled at how cleverly she had managed to be both critical yet deferent and polite whilst remaining sportive and cognisant of his request to know more of her life. Indeed she was a woman worthy of his interest. He was troubled by her reference to Mrs Bennet's disapprobation of Elizabeth and could not help wondering if there had been some underlying malice in her having betrayed Elizabeth so thoughtlessly. That was something Mr Bennet had to deal with and he did not envy the man. Elizabeth was his first concern now and he had to make all the arrangements to facilitate their wedding. He was cheered by the fact that part of his surreptitious planning with Mr Bennet had included the swift removal of Elizabeth to town and the safety of her relatives care. He hoped that this would allow him ample opportunity to spend time with her and help her to come to terms with this hasty marriage. With that happy thought he blew out his candles and in the firelight crossed the room to his enormous four poster bed and retired for the night.
Chapter 5
Before breakfast next day Mr Bennet was drawn from his study by the arrival of a large carriage at the front door. As he went outside he saw that it was one of Mr Darcy's and graciously went to help the lady within alight. She introduced herself as Mrs Annesley, Miss Darcy's governess, and handed him the letter that Mr Darcy had charged her with presenting to Mr Bennet. That gentleman invited the good lady in and led her into his study whilst he had directed the driver to take his carriage to the stables until it was needed.
Once inside the study he read Mr Darcy's letter with satisfaction. That gentleman was very definitely a man of his word thought Mr Bennet as he read Mr Darcy's reassurances that all that they had previously discussed was this day being set in motion. With the addition of the carriage and chaperone he had sent for Elizabeth to facilitate her swift removal to town thereby allowing Mr Bennet the freedom to deal with the difficulties that the rumour mill and his wayward wife presented. He smiled at the thoughtfulness of this gentleman and hoped that it boded well for his Lizzy's future life.
Mr Bennet called for a servant and Mrs Hill appeared at the door.
“Hill ask Miss Bennet to come and see to our guest in the breakfast room and ask Miss Elizabeth to come and see me in my study. Also as soon as Miss Elizabeth has left her room ensure that Lily packs her trunks for a stay of about three weeks at the Gardiner's in town.” Hill bobbed a curtsey and hurried out to fulfil her master's orders.
“This may take a little time I am afraid as my family are somewhat late risers with the exception of myself and my Lizzy” Mr Bennet smiled and indicated that Mrs Annesley precede him out of the room to the breakfast room where he proceeded to serve her with a cup of tea and waited with her chatting amiably about her life with the Darcy's and inconsequentialities until Jane and Lizzy arrived.
The introductions were performed and Lizzy's surprise was great at finding Miss Darcy's governess in her father's company.
She obediently followed him to his study whilst Jane calmly took over the duties of hostess. Once inside the study Mr Bennet indicated that she sit. He then carefully explained to her the ramifications of yesterdays unfortunate betrayal' To be forced to marry the man with haste was too much and she told her father so. Nevertheless Mr Bennet was adamant that it would be so as they now had no choice. If she did not the whole family would feel her disgrace and might never recover. He assured her that he had already planned steps to minimise the damage that had been done and prevent her mother and sisters having opportunity for a recurrence but unless she married these steps would be for nought.
“I am sorry my dear. If it could be done any other way don't you think that I would do it. I hate the thought of losing you but you will be well cared for. Mr Darcy is a fine man. It need not be so bad and you may, I hope, come to care for him in time. At least you will get to spend some time gallivanting in London and spending my money on feminine fineries with your Aunt before you have to submit to this marriage. It need not be so awful and you get to travel to London in Mr Darcy's most luxurious carriage accompanied by the gentile lady in our breakfast room. I would think that you have been most honoured by the gentleman.”
“I know Papa but it is not at all what I wished. I know I should be grateful but I find it hard to be so disposed.”
“Give it time my child, all will be well, you will see.”
“Yes Papa.” Lizzy replied sadly.
Mr Bennet smiled benevolently upon his favourite child and suggested that they join the others in the breakfast room as he had heard others descending. They went out together and sat down to breakfast with their guest. Mrs Bennet was the only one not present. All were astonished when Mr Bennet announced Elizabeth's engagement and forthcoming marriage to the assembled family. There were cries of jealously when the younger sisters heard of Lizzy going to town but they were quickly squashed by Mr Bennet who reminded them that they were currently in disgrace and should expect no favours in the near future.
After breakfast there was a flurry of activity as Lizzy collected a few items of needlework, her volume of Byron's poetry and some other small nick knacks that she wanted with her. Then she called in on her mother to take her leave. Mrs Bennet was unrepentant and highly disparaging of Lizzy. She had not yet heard of the impending marriage and was astonished when Lizzy told her. Then she was singing the praises and extolling the virtues of Mr Darcy to the rafters. She called loudly for Mr Bennet and demanded to know why Lizzy was going to London without her, as, she declared, Lizzy would not know which warehouses to visit. Then she started on about all the parties and organising she was going to have to do and called Hill to get her dressed. Mr Bennet spoke firmly to Mrs Bennet.
“You will not trouble Lizzy over these plans you have done enough madam. Madeline Gardiner will know all the best places to go I am sure. Pray do get dressed Madam for we have a short trip to make ourselves.” He turned to Lizzy. “Come my dear it is time for you to go.”
He guided her out the room and accompanied her to the carriage. Lizzy bade each of her sisters farewell though the saddest was to her elder sister Jane who she would miss terribly. Then she climbed into the carriage assisted by her father who kindly kissed her on the cheek as she did so. Mrs Annesley was already in the carriage waiting for her and as soon as the door was shut the driver urged the horses on. Elizabeth looked out of the carriage at the familiar sights and thought sadly that she would not have much longer to enjoy them when she returned. All too soon her wedding would be upon them and her husband would take her away from all that was familiar. It was too much to take in and she had to fight hard to hold in the tears. Mrs Annesley was quietly watching her and smiled gently when Lizzy looked at her. In an effort to overcome her emotions she took out her book and began to read.
Back at Longbourn, Mr Bennet called for his carriage to be made ready and asked Hill to pack a small trunk of clothes for Mrs Bennet for an indefinite stay away. He said she was to do this secretly and ensure that it was placed on the carriage out of sight. When all was made ready he called Mrs Bennet to make ready for her trip out. She was all excitement wondering what treat Mr Bennet had planned for her and barely paid any attention to her daughters as they came to wave her off. She chattered the whole way commenting on what she saw out of the window and speculating as to where they were going. Mr Bennet said not a word though he looked up from his book sadly from time to time and raised an eyebrow at Mrs Bennet's flights of fancy. Soon the carriage slowed and turned into a driveway. Mrs Bennet looked out of the window and froze as she saw the sign. St. Boniface's Hospital for Distressed Gentle Folk. She looked at her husband in horror and demanded why he had brought her to a Bedlam Hospital.
“My dear, you have not been yourself for a very long time. Your nerves are troubling you far more than ever before. Dr Pearce said that it was only time before you had a nervous breakdown. Your gross betrayal of our dear Lizzy is to me an indicator that such has taken place. Therefore you are coming here for treatment. Your stay will be of an indefinite nature. Though, providing the doctors think it wise, you will be allowed to attend your daughters wedding, under escort, of course. It will also depend on whether Mr Darcy and Elizabeth can forgive you enough to allow such.”
“But Mr Bennet you cannot leave me here” Fanny begged plainly terrified, “how will you manage with the parties and wedding? You must take me home this instant so that I can begin to make plans.” She paused and looked out the window again as the coach slowed at the front of the building. “You must take me home now, I insist.”
Mr Bennet looked at Mrs Bennet over the top of his glasses and shook his head sadly. This was the hardest thing he had ever had to do but his daughters futures depended on him being strong at this moment. He got out of the carriage and called to Mrs Bennet to get out of the carriage. She would not. At that moment two men in white coats appeared at the door and another gentleman, Dr Pearce and a stern looking woman. They all approached at once. Dr Pearce addressed Mr Bennet.
“We received your express and all is ready.” If you will just come with me and fill out the appropriate paperwork my assistants will persuade Mrs Bennet to come in.”
Mr Bennet looked slightly alarmed but nodded his head and quietly followed the doctor and lady inside. He heard Mrs Bennet's squeals and screams as she was manhandled out of the coach and escorted in to the hospital.
It was remarkably quick for Mr Bennet to complete the appropriate documents and take his leave of the hospital staff. He climbed in to his carriage and signalled for the driver to set off. Once the carriage had turned out of the gates and was back on the road to Longbourn Mr Bennet put his head in his hands and wept. Fanny had been the light of his life when they first married but had turned into a caricature of a society mama with none of the decorum or manners. Her behaviour had deteriorated to the point that he feared for her sanity and the betrayal of Lizzy had been the final straw. No sane woman would so compromise her family's reputation when they had so many daughters to safely marry off. It was beyond belief. No this was the only course of action he could take but it grieved him to do so.
On his way home he called at Mr Phillip's Solicitors office and informed his brother-in-law of Mrs Bennets committal to hospital citing a nervous breakdown as the reason. Mr Bennet further informed Mr Phillips that Fanny had been in error about the attack on Lizzy and that this had been brought about by her troubled mental state. He hoped that that gentleman would pass the news on to his wife who would undoubtedly disseminate it widely. They then got down to business as Mr Bennet felt that he should alter the terms of his will to protect his daughters from their unstable mother. A couple of hours later he returned home and called the girls to the drawing room to inform them of his actions. They were horrified. Lydia went ballistic calling her father allsorts of names young ladies shouldn't even know let alone speak. When her sisters finally managed to quieten her down Mr Bennet continued to inform them of changes that would take place in the household forthwith. Jane with the assistance of Mary was to take on the duties of mistress of the house. Kitty and Lydia were not to leave the Longbourn without specific permission of their father and then only in the company of one of their older sisters. Furthermore Kitty and Lydia were to no longer consider themselves `out.' That privilege was rescinded until they could prove that they were worthy of such trust. In an attempt to improve their manners, behaviour as well as their minds a governess was going to be hired as soon as a suitable lady could be found and she would have sole charge of the girls until they were deemed ready to return to society. Kitty burst into tears, Lydia stormed from the room, Mary praised her father for finally seeing the light and Jane questioned whether she would be up to organising the wedding festivities. Wearied by the emotions of the day Mr Bennet retired to his study and port ordering that he not be disturbed until lunch which was to brought to him on a tray.
Meanwhile, on the road to London Elizabeth had passed a pleasant morning conversing with Mrs Annesley about the Darcy family and their homes. They stopped for lunch at a little inn not used by the post. Mrs Annesley told Lizzy that Mr Darcy preferred the less regularly used inns and that this one was one of his favourites. They ate a delicious meal and were able to refresh themselves in pleasant rooms before again embarking on their journey.
In London, Mr Darcy was also having a busy morning. Having roused the household early and sent Mrs Annesley off to Hertfordshire in his best carriage, he informed his senior staff of his engagement and the imminent arrival of his intended at her relatives in town. He wanted the whole house in tip top condition for her inspection. Then he saw his steward to catch up on outstanding business matters as he wanted as much free time as possible when Miss Bennet arrived. After his steward left to deliver the marriage announcement to the newspaper Darcy's solicitor arrived and by the end of their meeting they had drafted out the terms of the marriage settlement and the solicitor had been charged with acquiring the necessary special marriage licence from Lambeth Palace. Georgiana, as expected, was overjoyed and begged to meet her new sister as soon as possible. Darcy smiled indulgently at his little sister and promised that he would arrange it as soon as he could.
With all his jobs done Mr Darcy picked up a note Mr Bennet had included with his last letter. This was to introduce him to the Gardiners and inform them of Elizabeth's imminent arrival. Mr Darcy checked the clock and decided he had time to complete this errand before lunch. He ordered his carriage made ready and collected his greatcoat on his way out. On the way he wondered what kind of people these were. He knew that Mr Gardiner was in trade and would therefore be normally beneath his society. However Mr Bennet seemed to have a high opinion of them so he hoped that this visit would not try his nerves too much. As they pulled up in front of the small but neat terraced house. He could see it had four storeys so he reasoned that the Gardiners were successful at what they did. He knocked on the door and within a minute or two the door was answered by a manservant.
“I'm sorry sir but Mr and Mrs Gardiner are not receiving visitors at the moment. There is illness in the family. If you could leave your card they will return your call as soon as they are able.” Said the man.
“Oh I see, could you perhaps give my card to your master or mistress now. Whichever is at home. You see it is most urgent. I am here on behalf of Mr Bennet with regard to his daughter's imminent arrival here this afternoon.” Replied Mr Darcy somewhat disconcerted. This was not what he expected.
“Yes Sir. Under the circumstances perhaps if you would just step into the parlour I will go and see my mistress.” Said the man who then led Mr Darcy to the front parlour, a very tastefully decorated room overlooking the street, and then left in search of his mistress. He stood by the window and waited for several minutes before he heard light footsteps coming towards him from the hallway.
In walked a lovely woman, a little tired looking, but with an engaging smile. “Mr Darcy is it?”
He nodded.
“Would that be the Darcy's of Pemberly in Derbyshire, Sir.”
“Yes ma'am” he answered surprised that she should know of him.
“I grew up in Lambton, sir, and have fond memories of the place.” She paused and gathered her thoughts, she was obviously fatigued though she was making an admirable effort to hide it. “I understand you are a messenger from my brother-in-law Mr Bennet. Something about one of my nieces coming today.”
Mr Darcy proceeded to relate the circumstances of his visit and the predicted time of Elizabeth's arrival. Then he inquired as to the nature of the illness in the house. He was informed that all the children were in various stages of suffering colds and that Mr Gardiner himself had only just returned to work. Mrs Gardiner was worried that with Elizabeth's wedding so close it may not be wise for her to stay in a house full of illness however benign. Mr Darcy was wont to agree and suggested that Elizabeth stay at his house instead. He informed them that he could ask his sister's governess who was accompanying Elizabeth from Longbourn to act as chaperone. He suggested that Mr and Mrs Gardiner call later in the week when they were all fully recovered. He left his card and took his leave agreeably impressed with the lady.
Mr Darcy hurried to his home and sent a rider to intercept his carriage on the London road to divert it to his house. Then he called Mrs Jenkins his housekeeper to inform her of the change of plans and order the best guest suite prepared. Finally he went in search of his sister to give her the glad tidings. Immediately she became uncharacteristically flustered and demanded of her brother to tell her whether she looked well and did he think she should change. Suddenly she exclaimed in exasperation at his assurances and hurried out of the room calling for her maid.
A short time later she reappeared in a whole new outfit having had her hair redone too. They sat down to lunch and chatted about Elizabeth. After lunch Darcy excused himself saying he had to call on the Matlocks to inform them of events before they read the news in the paper. He assured her that he would be back before Elizabeth arrived but Georgiana was quite anxious. Darcy hurried off as he wanted to get this interview over quickly.
Across town he gained admittance to Matlock House with relative ease and found his Uncle and Aunt still at lunch. They invited him to join them but as he had already dined he just opted for a cup of coffee whilst they continued to eat. After a few sips and answering polite enquiries about himself and Georgiana he decided it was time to broach the subject of his engagement. The Earl and his wife were astonished and immediately curious at their nephew's news. They questioned him for some time about his intended before seeming satisfied and congratulating him on his engagement. They were further surprised when Darcy announced that he must take his leave as his intended was due to arrive at his home very soon and he wanted to be there to welcome her. Their hasty queries about the propriety of such a visit were answered when he explained the unforeseen news of her relatives ill health. Lady Matlock stunned all in the room by saying that she would come to stay at Darcy's home to act as chaperone as using his sister's governess as chaperone was not seemly and would not do at all. Beside she could take Elizabeth's aunt's place in assisting with the shopping until Mrs Gardiner was able to join them. Lady Alicia told Darcy to hurry off and meet his intended and expect them to arrive before dinner. Darcy, though unhappy at the turn of events, could not think of an appropriate argument without offending his aunt, thanked them both and took his leave.
On his way back across town he called at a small office and enquired about governesses as Mr Bennet had requested. He gave Mr Bennet's requirements to the gentleman in charge and asked to be informed of suitable candidates before the end of the week so that he could interview them on Friday. Finally he headed home to wait for Elizabeth.
On arrival he again informed Mrs Jenkins of more guests and asked them to prepare the Matlock's usual suite for immediate occupation. He expected that the Earl would probably tag along as he didn't like to be parted from his Lady wife if he could help it. Their love seemed as strong as ever despite the years mused Darcy. He hoped he might be so blessed once Elizabeth accepted the situation. He headed upstairs to his chambers to bathe quickly and change so that he might be refreshed for his fiancée.
Tidings that will Give Satisfaction
The carriage made good time from Derbyshire, and two days after leaving Lambton it pulled up to the steps of Longbourn. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner tarried but an hour before gathering up the children and pushing on to Town, to Mrs. Bennet's dismay. But to no entreating would the couple attend - they were expecting very distinguished company at Gracechurch Street.
Mrs. Bennet was all that Kitty described and more. She flailed about, alternately blaming her distress on everyone but herself and making herself hysterical over fears that Wickham would make her a widow in the inevitable duel. "If I had been able," said she, "to carry my point of going to Brighton, with all my family, this would not have happened; but poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Why did the Forsters ever let her go out of their sight? I am sure there was some great neglect or other on their side, for she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing if she had been well looked after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge of her; but I was over-ruled, as I always am! Poor dear child! And now here's Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight Wickham, wherever he meets him; and then he will be killed, and what is to become of us all? Mr. Collins cannot run the estate, and if my brother is not kind to us, I do not know what we shall do!" To the girls' peace of mind, she kept to her rooms, allowing the sisters to talk and console each other without interruption.
Mary was heard from:
Sisters! Such distressing news you send me! Lydia run off with Mr. Wickham! Oh, why did no one pay heed to the warnings? How was it my father allowed a girl with such weak understanding to go to Brighton, where the temptations must be overwhelming? This is a most unfortunate affair; and will probably be much talked of. But we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation.
Mr. Collins is very concerned, and would go to Longbourn to offer succor, but I have convinced him to stay and attend to his duties. Alas! Be careful what you wish for! My husband took me at my word, and went without delay to inform Lady Catherine of our distress. She is all concern, I am told, and advises us to write the wayward girl out of our lives this instant. Lady Catherine's kindness knows no bounds. Anne, of course, is truly concerned and sends her private condolences.
Mr. Collins has been advised on the poor choice he made in sharing our burden. He will feel it greatly, I have no doubt.
The only good news to come of this is that you tell me that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have offered their services. I, of course, have shared this intelligence with only Anne. She is as surprised and happy over this news as I; and begs me to assure you both that Mr. Darcy is the cleverest of men, and will soon see the matter set to rights, if any man can. I pray to Our Lord that her confidence is not ill placed, and that more than one lady may win her happiness…
~~~~}+{~~~~
The day after she returned, Jane was walking about the flower garden where she discovered Kitty in tears. Hurrying to her side she embraced her sister while asking about the reason for her distress.
“Oh! I have just c…come from Meryton…I went for some lace…and was most cruelly cut by Mrs. Fairweather!”
“Oh, Kitty, are you certain? She has been our mother's friend for years.”
“The cut direct, I say!” she cried. “I was coming out of the shop, and…and I saw her and her daughter come out from the bakery across the street. They had just begun crossing the street when I bid them hello. She…she saw me and turned on her heel and walked in the opposite direction, dragging her daughter with her!”
“Oh, my!”
“That is not all. I saw Lady Lucas and Maria on my way to the village. Lady Lucas was polite, as always, but I could tell she was uneasy. Oh, Jane, what shall I do if she decides I am unfit company for Maria? She is my only…friend…left…” She broke down.
Jane tried to offer consolation, but Kitty would not hear of it. “No, Jane - I deserve it! I knew what Lydia was planning. I could have stopped it if I told. But I did not, and Father is so angry with me, and now all of Meryton is rising against me!”
“How much did you know, Kitty?”
“Lydia wrote to tell me that Mr. Wickham had been paying her exclusive attention in the last week before she…” Kitty dug into her reticule. “And she left this note at the Forsters…”
MY DEAR HARRIET,
You will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help laughing myself at your surprise to-morrow morning, as soon as I am missed. I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with who, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love, and he is an angel. I should never be happy without him, so think it no harm to be off. You need not send them word at Longbourn of my going, if you do not like it, for it will make the surprise the greater, when I write to them, and sign my name "Lydia Wickham." What a good joke it will be! I can hardly write for laughing.
Pray make my excuses to Pratt for not keeping my engagement, and dancing with him to-night. Tell him I hope he will excuse me when he knows all; and tell him I will dance with him at the next ball we meet, with great pleasure. I shall send for my clothes when I get to Longbourn; but I wish you would tell Sally to mend a great slit in my worked muslin gown before they are packed up. Good-bye. Give my love to Colonel Forster. I hope you will drink to our good journey.
Your affectionate friend,
LYDIA BENNET.
"Oh! thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia!" cried Jane, when she had finished it. "What a letter is this, to be written at such a moment! But at least it shows that she was serious in the object of her journey. Whatever he might afterwards persuade her to, it was not on her side a scheme of infamy. My poor father! How he must have felt it!"
“I never saw any one so shocked. He could not speak a word for full ten minutes. My mother was taken ill immediately, and the whole house in such confusion!"
“Oh, Kitty," cried Jane, "was there a servant who did not know the whole story before the end of the day?"
“I do not know. I hope there was. But to be guarded at such a time is very difficult. My mother was in hysterics, and though I endeavored to give her every assistance in my power, I am afraid I did not do so much as I might have done! But the horror of what might possibly happen almost took from me my faculties."
Jane stoked Kitty's forehead with concern. “Your attendance upon her has been too much for you. You do not look at all well. Oh, that I had been with you! You have had every care and anxiety upon yourself alone."
“I know, and it has been hard. But what has Lydia done that was so bad? Is it not romantic to elope?”
"Kitty, you must understand. Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable - that one false step involves her in endless ruin - that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful - and that a lady cannot be too much guarded in her behavior towards the undeserving of the other sex."
“And my reputation, too…?”
“Yes.”
“Then it is my fault!”
“No, Kitty. It is no more your fault than it is mine or Lizzy's.”
“How is this?” Kitty asked. “Did you know of Lydia's intentions?”
“No, but we knew of Wickham's true nature.”
“Then why did you not say something?”
Elizabeth did and Father did not attend. “The information came from another. We thought it not our story to tell. In this we were wrong. But you must see that this must be laid at Lydia's feet. She was not carried away. She chose to go with Wickham. We must now try to save her from herself - she does not know Wickham's true nature.”
“How can we? Father will never find them in London.”
“Father will not need to - we have help. Kitty, you must promise to keep this most secret; even from our mother.” Kitty's eyes grew wide as her sister continued. “Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, who we saw in Derbyshire, accidentally became aware of our shame and have volunteered to help us. Mr. Darcy assures us he will be able to hunt down Mr. Wickham.”
“Mr. Bingley and…Mr. Darcy? Odious Mr. Darcy?”
Jane smiled. “Do not let Lizzy hear you say that.”
“What do you mean?”
Jane recalled Lizzy's outburst: “Find them, and I am yours.” Aloud she said, “We have discovered in Derbyshire that Mr. Wickham was not so admired, nor Mr. Darcy so disagreeable, as we had been lead to believe. Allow me to assure you that Mr. Darcy, rather than being proud and aloof, is the most kind and generous man. Wickham is his enemy, having had done great injury to him in the past. He feels he must protect his friends from Mr. Wickham.”
“His injuries? But Mr. Wickham said…”
“All lies, my love. Everything Mr. Wickham said the opposite is true.”
“Friends…Mr. Darcy considers us his friends?”
“Us and the Gardiners - yes.”
Kitty smiled. “It is agreeable to have such a friend, even if he is not an officer.”
Jane laughed. “It is also agreeable to have you as my sister. You have done well here. Do not dwell overmuch on this sad business. Come - I would have you laugh again.”
Kitty's eyes shown. A born follower, she copied Lydia because Jane and Lizzy had had no time for her - and Mary was ill-suited to set an example. Now that Lydia was disgraced and Jane was paying her attentions, it was but a moment's work for her to switch her alliance to her eldest sister; and by extension, to Elizabeth, too.
~~~~}+{~~~~
“Mr. Bennet, sir,” the butler announced at the doorway of Darcy's study.
Darcy arose from his desk and greeted the older man. He offered his guest a chair, but the gentleman waved him off, lost in admiration of the owner's collection of books.
“This is a fine library, Mr. Darcy!” he said. Darcy acknowledged the complement and watched Bennet peer closely at the volumes. Seeing that all had been read, some numerous times, the Master of Longbourn looked at the Master of Pemberely with new respect. “I am glad you are not one of those who collect books for the color of the spines, sir.”
Darcy hid a small smile; he knew many who did just that.
“And does your home in Derbyshire have a like collection?”
Darcy shook his head. “This library has been my humble construction. It is nothing to Pemberley's; that is work of many generations.”
Bennet sighed. He took a chair and sat, looking at Darcy. “I suppose you are wondering why I wished to speak with you.”
“I must admit a curiosity, sure,” he replied as he took his own chair behind his desk.
“This has been a most unpleasant business, and a puzzling one, too. I am the injured father, and I wish I had nothing to do with it. You, on the other hand, are a stranger. Yet you have announced that you will see that my unfortunate daughter reclaim her respectability though lawful marriage. No matter the cost.”
Darcy coughed. “Sir, I must insist…”
“No, no…there is no talking you out of it, I am sure. My one question is: why? Why do you do it? Do you not know you are the kind of man I can deny nothing?”
Darcy started. “I…I do not have the pleasure of understanding you, sir.”
“If you want to marry my Lizzy, why not ask me?”
Darcy leapt to his feet and crossed to the window, trying to settle his emotions. Bennet watched him with glee. I got you there, Mr. Darcy!
After a moment, Darcy turned to him. “Mr. Bennet, I will not insult your intelligence by denying feelings that I may have. I will say that I admire your second daughter - admire her greatly, in fact. But I must make myself perfectly understood upon this matter. I do not do what I do in search of thanks or reward. I expect nothing. Duty requires I set right what Wickham has done.”
“Yes, yes; I remember your tale. Frankly, I would have let your cousin run the bugger through.”
A smile tugged at Darcy's lip. “The…thought had occurred to me.”
Bennet was pleased to see that Darcy was human after all. “So you expect nothing, eh? Does Elizabeth know of your involvement?”
Darcy blushed. “Yes - unfortunately.”
“Why do you say this? Do you not want my daughter's gratitude?”
“Again I must say I ask for nothing…”
“Yes, yes; let us stop beating around the bush. Do you have something to ask of me, Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy swallowed. “Mr. Bennet, may I have the honor of paying court to your daughter, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Well, that wasn't so hard, was it?” Bennet said, while his heart sank with the reality of the situation. He knew this day would come, and he admired Darcy, but Lizzy was his favorite. “Have you any idea if Lizzy would welcome your company?”
Darcy recalled her words: I honor the man - not the action. “Yes, I believe she would have no objection.”
“This is rather sudden. I know you were in her company while she and Jane were traveling with the Gardners in Derbyshire.”
“Yes…I also saw Miss Elizabeth in Kent. I was visiting Rosings while your daughters were visiting Mrs. Collins.”
“Ah ha…And it was there you began changing Lizzy's opinion of you? It was rather low at one time, as I recall.”
Darcy recalled his disastrous proposal and his mortifying explanation the next day. “Yes, I suppose that was the genesis of our better understanding. Sir, I must assure you that nothing underhanded has occurred. Your daughter is one of the most unique and intriguing individuals I have ever met. I have for many months been impressed with her wit, understanding and principals. I am well aware of the differences in our…situations. Yet, she is a gentleman's daughter.”
Bennet nodded.
“And I am a gentleman. So we are equal. I also wish you to know that I am a better man for knowing your daughter. Believe me when I say that I value Miss Elizabeth above anyone I know - she is on a par with my dear sister, for whom I would do anything.”
Again Bennet nodded.
“I am my own man - I answer to no one save my conscience. My good father raised me to know my duties and responsibilities. Should I be successful in my suit, I would look upon it as a great gift from my creator. Your daughter would want for nothing, be it her comfort, her respect or her…affections.” By now, Darcy was blushing furiously.
Bennet, who had already gotten the same intelligence from his brother Gardiner, decided to end his teasing game. “Then you have my permission. Now that that is over with, do you have any port? I could use a drink.”
Darcy smiled and gave the older gentleman a glass of his best tawny. Grinning at the look of pure delight on his guest's face as he sipped, he asked, “Did you bring a carriage, sir?”
“What? No, I did not. I used a hired coach.”
“Then we shall return to Gracechurch Street together. I am to supper tonight, along with Bingley.”
“You are a glutton for punishment, sir. There will be little suitable conversation with my daughter in the house.”
“Perhaps. Might I interest you in a bit of entertainment tomorrow?”
“I am all ears.”
“You must come to my fencing club. There will be a most interesting match; I think you will enjoy it.”
~~~~}+{~~~~
As Jane and Kitty were walking together in the shrubbery behind the house a week after their earlier conversation, they saw the housekeeper coming towards them, and, concluding that she came to call them to their mother, went forward to meet her. Instead of the expected summons, when they approached her, she said to Miss Bennet, "I beg your pardon, miss, for interrupting you, but I was in hopes you might have got some good news from town, so I took the liberty of coming to ask."
"What do you mean, Hill? We have heard nothing from town."
"Dear miss," cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment, "do you not know there is an express come from the master this half-hour? Miss Elizabeth has it.”
Away ran the girls, too eager to get in to have time for speech. They ran through the vestibule into the breakfast-room; from thence to the library - Lizzy was in neither; and they were on the point of seeking her upstairs with their mother, when they were met by the butler, who said -
"If you are looking for Miss Elizabeth, miss, she is walking towards the little copse."
Upon this information they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across the lawn after their sister, who was deliberately pursuing her way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock.
Jane, who was not so light nor so much in the habit of running as Kitty, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for breath, came up with Elizabeth and eagerly cried out -
“Oh, Lizzy, (puff) what news - what news? (puff) Have you heard from my father?"
“Yes, I have had a letter from him by express."
“Well, and what news does it bring - good or bad?"
“What is there of good to be expected from this business?" said she, taking the letter from her pocket. “But perhaps you would like to read it."
Kitty impatiently caught it from her hand. Jane now came up.
“Read it aloud," said their sister, "for Jane's sake.”
Gracechurch Street,
Monday, August 2.
MY DEAR DAUGHTERS, - At last I am able to send you some tidings of my wayward daughter, and such as, upon the whole, I hope will give you some little satisfaction. Soon after your uncle Gardiner came to Town, I was fortunate enough to find out in what part of London they were. The particulars I reserve till we meet: it is enough to know they are discovered. I have seen them both -
“Then it is as I always hoped," cried Jane; "they are married!"
“Keep reading, Kitty,” said Elizabeth.
I have seen them both. They are not married, nor can I find there was any intention of being so; but I hope it will not be long before they are. All that was required of me is to assure to your incredibly silly and irresponsible sister, by settlement, her equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among you girls after the decease of myself and your mother; and, moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing her, during my life, one hundred pounds per annum.
These are conditions which, considering everything, I had no hesitation in complying with. You will easily comprehend, from these particulars, that Mr. Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be. And if you believe that, I shall think you all are the great simpletons of the world. Without the aid of a certain gentleman from Derbyshire and his good friends, I doubt that this even this melancholy event would have come to pass. The world is upside-down, my loves.
I command that you all therefore stay quietly at Longbourn, and depend on my diligence and care. I shall not further reward this sham of a holy event with the attendance of yourselves and your mother. We have judged it best that my daughter should be married from this house, of which I hope you will take comfort from. I leave to you the task of informing your mother of the above. Tell her what you will.
I shall write again as soon as the deed is done.
Your's, etc.
THO. BENNET
“Is it possible?" cried Kitty, when she had finished. “Can it be possible that he will marry her?"
“My dear father, I congratulate you!” said Jane. “And have you answered the letter, Lizzy?"
“No; but it must be done soon."
“Let me write for you," said Jane, "if you dislike the trouble yourself."
“I dislike it very much," she replied; "but it must be done. Oh, Jane! Can you not see what has passed?”
Jane colored. Kitty, confused, asked, “Of what do you mean?”
“Kitty - Wickham was bribed to marry our sister; depend upon it!”
“Well, yes - Father settled some money on him. A hundred a year is not so bad…”
“No man in his senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year!" cried Elizabeth.
“That is very true," said Jane. "His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! It must be our friends' doings! Good, generous men, I am afraid they have distressed themselves. A small sum could not do all this."
“No," said Elizabeth; "Wickham's a fool if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds!”
Kitty gasped. “Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid?" She stopped and thought about what Jane said. “And…who has to be repaid?”
Lizzy took the letter from Kitty's hand and re-read: “`…without the aid of a certain gentleman from Derbyshire and his good friends, I doubt that this even this melancholy event would have come to pass.'”
Kitty gasped again. “Mr. Darcy?!?”
Elizabeth threw down the hated letter as tears formed in her eyes. “Yes! Fitzwilliam Darcy - the most honorable, the most worthy, the most generous man of my acquaintance - has paid a fortune so that the most un-worthy man in England, his greatest enemy, marry our…our…fool of a sister!”
Jane was troubled, as well; Mr. Bingley might have felt inclined to help his friend. "And they must marry! Yet he is such a man!"
Anger and mortification battled over Elizabeth's expression. “Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done! But there are two things that I want very much to know: one is how much money Mr. Darcy has laid down to bring it about; and the other, how I am ever to pay him."
“What are you talking about, Lizzy?” cried Kitty.
“Never mind, Kitty; I have coin he will accept.”
“Lizzy - do not speak so!” Jane grasped her shoulders. “Do not do this! I…I thought your exclamation in Lambton was due to your heightened emotions. You cannot have been serious! Oh, Lizzy, no matter what, do not marry without love!”
Elizabeth smiled through her tears. “Love and devotion is my dowry, Jane - and he shall have it all.”
Jane looked at her sister. Then, breaking into tears herself she embraced her.
“L…Lizzy?” Kitty still looked horrified. “Are you speaking of Mr. Darcy?” Lizzy nodded. Kitty asked, “Do you…love him?”
“With all my heart and all my soul.” Kitty joined in the embrace. Jane made no comment - her thoughts still in turmoil.
“And they are really to be married!" cried Elizabeth. "How strange this is! And for this we are to be thankful. That they should marry, small as is their chance of happiness, and wretched as is his character, we are forced to rejoice. Oh, Lydia!"
“I comfort myself with thinking," replied Kitty, "that Wickham certainly would not marry Lydia if he had not a real regard for her. Though your…kind friends have done something towards clearing him, I cannot believe that ten thousand pounds, or anything like it, has been advanced. How could even he spare half ten thousand pounds?"
“If we are ever able to learn what Wickham's debts have been," said Elizabeth, "and how much is settled on our sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Darcy has done for them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own! The kindness of Mr. Darcy - and Mr. Bingley - can never be requited; nor my uncle and aunt either. Their taking her into their home, and affording her their personal protection and countenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. If such goodness does not make Lydia miserable now, she will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for her, when she first saw my aunt!"
Yes - Aunt Gardner would have had some choice words for Lydia! “We must endeavor to forget all that has passed on either side," said Jane: "I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His consenting to marry her is a proof, I will believe, that he is come to a right way of thinking. Their mutual affection will steady them; and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly, and live in so rational a manner, as may in time make their past imprudence forgotten."
“Their conduct has been such," growled Elizabeth, "as neither you, nor I, nor Kitty, nor anybody can ever forget! It is useless to talk of it."
Kitty stood silently, thinking on what had been said. "May we take Father's letter to read to Mother?"
“You are right, Kitty; it shall be done instantly.”
The sisters walked quietly to the house and they went up stairs together. After a slight preparation for good news, the letter was read aloud - edited, of course. Mrs. Bennet could hardly contain herself. As soon as Jane had read Mr. Bennet's hope of Lydia's being soon married, her joy burst forth, and every following sentence added to its exuberance. She was now in an irritation as violent from delight, as she had ever been fidgety from alarm and vexation. To know that her daughter would be married was enough. She was disturbed by no fear for her felicity, nor humbled by any remembrance of her misconduct.
“My dear, dear Lydia!" she cried. "This is delightful indeed! She will be married! I shall see her again! She will be married at sixteen! My good, kind husband! I knew how it would be. I knew he would manage everything! How I long to see her! and to see dear Wickham too? But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I will write to Mr. Bennet about them directly and ask him how much he will give her. Ring the bell, Kitty, for Hill. I will put on my things in a moment. My dear, dear Lydia! - How merry we shall be together when we meet!"
Her eldest daughter endeavored to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leading her thoughts to the obligations which Mr. Gardiner's behavior laid them all under. “For we must attribute this happy conclusion," she added, "in a great measure to his kindness. We are persuaded that he has pledged himself to assist Mr. Wickham with money." The girls had decided to continue their omission of the involvement of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley in the affair. Kitty, deeply distressed at her mother's antics, silently agreed to the scheme.
“Well," cried her mother, "it is all very right; who should do it but her own uncle? If he had not had a family of his own, I and my children must have had all his money, you know; and it is the first time we have ever had anything from him, except a few presents.”
By this outlandish statement Mrs. Bennet proved the wisdom of Jane's and Elizabeth's choice.
“I am so happy!” she continued. “In a short time I shall have another daughter married. Mrs. Wickham! - how well it sounds! And she was only sixteen last June. My dear Jane, I am in such a flutter, that I am sure I can't write; so I will dictate, and you write for me. We will settle with your father about the money afterwards; but the things should be ordered immediately."
She was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, muslin, and cambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful orders, had not Jane, though with some difficulty, persuaded her to wait till her father was at leisure to write again. One day's delay, she observed, would be of small importance; and her mother was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes, too, came into her head.
“I will go to Meryton," said she, "as soon as I am dressed, and tell the good, good news to my sister Phillips. And as I come back, I can call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and order the carriage. An airing would do me a great deal of good, I am sure. Girls, can I do anything for you in Meryton? Oh! here comes Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of punch to make merry at her wedding."
Mrs. Hill began instantly to express her joy. Elizabeth received her congratulations amongst the rest, and then, sick of this folly, took refuge in her own room that she might think with freedom.
Poor Lydia's situation must, at best, be bad enough; but that it was no worse, she had need to be thankful. She felt it so; and though, in looking forward, neither rational happiness nor worldly prosperity could be justly expected for her sister, in looking back to what they had feared, only two hours ago, she felt all the advantages of what they had gained.
~~~~}+{~~~~
Jane proved to be right and wrong at the same time. Mr. Bennet did write again - letters were delivered the next day. But there were more than one. A public letter was sent to Mrs. Bennet. Private messages were sent to his two eldest daughters.
Jane's letter was an accounting of Mr. Bingley's actions during la affaire Lydia. Still of two minds about that gentleman, she was warmed to know that he had kept to his word and was instrumental in finding her wayward sister. But clouding her happiness was her guilt for hurting him so badly in the spring. Did she deserve his attentions, his services? She thought not. She was confused, however, about one line in the letter:
Mr. Bingley continues to be a surprising individual, with unexpected abilities; as Colonel Fitzwilliam discovered to his dismay.
Elizabeth's was far less teasing:
My dear Lizzy, may I say how much I like your Mr. Darcy? Ha - I have shocked you, I think. He and I have had a long talk, about many things, and I would like to share our conversation with you when I return home. That, and a small request.
~~~~}+{~~~~
“Stop fidgeting, Darcy!”
“I am certainly not fidgeting, Fitz. I just wish this to be over.”
Darcy, Fitzwilliam and Bingley stood in the pews of St ----, the Gardiner's church, watching Wickham and waiting for the bride to arrive. Finally, a quarter-hour past her time, the doors opened and the Gardiners entered the church.
“Aww, too bad, Wickham,” teased Richard. “She made it.”
“Sorry, Darcy,” said Gardiner. “Lydia had to change her hair three times.”
Four young men rolled their eyes.
“Are we ready now?” asked the curate.
The signal was given and the bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. All brides were lovely, but this one's insistent giggling ruined the illusion.
“You still have your sword, Fitzwilliam?” asked the groom from the side of his mouth.
“Sorry, Wickham; you missed your chance,” returned the colonel.
Chapter 6
As the carriage neared London they were hailed by an approaching rider in the Darcy livery. A note was passed in to Mrs Annesley from the rider who gave the driver instructions to proceed directly to Barlow House. Elizabeth was shocked at the redirection and looked to Mrs Annesley for explanation. That good lady just smiled and handed her Mr Darcy's note.
Barlow House
Gloucester Square
London
Dear Mrs Annesley
Please forgive the brevity of this note. You are to proceed directly to Barlow House. Miss Bennet will be unable to stay at her relations as there is illness there and, whilst not serious, her aunt believes it unwise and impractical for her to stay. Mr and Mrs Gardiner have agreed to Miss Bennet staying at Barlow house under appropriate chaperonage and have expressed their intention of seeing their niece later in the week when the illness has subsided. Please reassure Miss Bennet as best you can.
Until later.
Yours & c..
F Darcy
Elizabeth looked up at Mrs Annesley who smiled back and asked.
“Does that answer your questions Miss Bennet?” the good lady enquired.
“Yes thank you, I am just a bit worried about my aunt and uncle and their children”
“I shouldn't worry about your relatives Miss Bennet. If there was anything serious Mr Darcy would have said. He abhors deceit and is scrupulously truthful. Besides your uncle and aunt would not have expressed their intention to see you this week if there was anything serious wrong.
“Thank you, I am sure you are right.” Lizzy replied
Soon enough the carriage entered the outskirts of London and the quiet green of the countryside was replaced by the grim streets and hustle and bustle of human life teeming through the streets. To Elizabeth this bustle and the smells were oppressive but exciting nonetheless. It was not long before they moved into a more exclusive and quieter part of town where the streets were broader and lined with trees. The houses were set back in their own courtyards and everything was more opulent in appearance. They turned off a main thoroughfare into as smaller street which led to square around a little park and then into a courtyard in front of the largest town house she had ever visited. As they pulled up to the steps, footmen rushed out followed by Mr Darcy and a young blonde lady who Mrs Annesley informed Elizabeth quickly was Miss Darcy.
Mr Darcy stepped forward and handed both Mrs Annesley and Elizabeth out of the carriage.
“Welcome Miss Bennet, I hope that your journey was comfortable.” He said to her after acknowledging Mrs Annesley.
“It was, Sir, very comfortable and the company was very pleasant also. I am very grateful to Mrs Annesley for her trouble. She must be very tired now though.”
“I am Miss Bennet but truly I enjoyed the trip out. I will go and freshen up now if that is acceptable Mr Darcy.” Said Mrs Annesley.
“Of course Madam and my thanks to you for delivering my fiancée to me in such good spirits. Of course we should all go in. But first, Miss Bennet may I introduce you to my sister.”
Elizabeth smiled and nodded her agreement.
“Georgiana, May I present to you my fiancée, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Both ladies curtseyed and smiled at each other as they went through the formal greetings.
“Come ladies it is past time that we went in. We have refreshments waiting in the back parlour. Or if you would like to go to your rooms first to refresh yourself we could wait.”
Elizabeth laughed, “I would love a drink and something to eat I do not need to go upstairs yet though I would like the opportunity in a little while.”
Darcy smiled and led Elizabeth to the back of the house where tea and cakes were laid out in a charming bright sunlit room decorated in a blue floral print and with blue chintz armchairs. Elizabeth thought it both welcoming yet elegant in an understated way.
“I hope that your family are well Miss Bennet?
“Yes sir, all were well when I left though Mama had an attack of her nerves after the incident at Mrs Philips yesterday and had not come down stairs before my departure this morning.”
“I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps news of your wedding will cheer her up.” Conjectured Darcy
“Perhaps” replied Elizabeth flatly looking down at her hands unwilling to be drawn further on either the subject of her mother or her impending marriage.
Darcy quietly observed her reaction to his words. She was obviously ill at ease with the idea of the wedding. He couldn't blame her as this was being forced on her. How could he break through her reluctance he wondered.
In the ensuing silence, Georgiana, who had quietly followed the couple into the room began to prepare the teas and handed them out before sitting herself opposite Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet, my brother tells me that you will be shopping for your wedding gown and trousseau whilst you are here. Would you be kind enough to allow me to join you on your outings. I am sure that I would find it very educational and I would really love the opportunity to get to know you better. Also, I have never had a sister to go shopping with before and I am sure it would be great fun. Would you consider it please?” pleaded Georgiana in a sweet voice.
Elizabeth laughed, “You would be most welcome to join me Miss Darcy though I do not know when we will be able to begin if my Aunt is not available. I really need her counsel in this endeavour.”
“If I might be so bold, Miss Bennet, our Aunt, Lady Matlock, will be joining us before dinner and has decided stay and act as chaperone for your visit. She indicated to me when I saw her earlier today that she would be willing to stand in for your Aunt in these excursions until such time as your aunt is able to join you. I hope that this is acceptable to you. Aunt Alicia can be quite a force when she makes up her mind and I felt it impolitic to argue with her when she suggested this.”
“Thank you Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth forced a smile. Not only was she not able to stay with her relatives, now all her activities were being taken over by the Darcy family. Again tears threatened to overtake her. This was not to be borne how could she accept this. Her life was no longer her own.
“If you don't mind Miss Darcy, Mr Darcy, I am suddenly very tired. Could I be shown to my room so that I might rest before dinner.”
Darcy was alarmed when he heard the raw emotion behind her voice. He could see that she was visibly trying yet not quite managing to hide emotions that were threatening to overwhelm her.
“Of course, Miss Bennet,” Darcy jumped up and helped Elizabeth up. He tucked her arm in his and led her up the stairs. As he stopped outside her suite he turned to her and lifted her chin up with his finger so that he could look into her eyes. “Elizabeth, I know that this is all very sudden for you and that you are surrounded by strangers in your greatest time of need when you hoped to be with your dearest relatives. Please don't be afraid to tell me your concerns. You cannot offend me in any way that would change my mind about you and I dearly want to know you better.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead, released her and opened the door to her suite. She walked in and stood as it quietly closed behind her. She heard Darcy's footsteps walk away from the room and breathed out as sigh of relief.
Elizabeth looked around her. The room she was in was a sitting room decorated in lemon yellow. It was bright and airy and larger than her own bedroom at home. She crossed the room to an open doorway and found herself on the threshold of a large bedroom with a huge four-poster bed and armchairs near a dressing table. A maid appeared through another doorway in the corner of the room. Elizabeth supposed it must be a dressing room. The maid curtseyed and began to address her.
“If you please Miss, I am Lucy, I will be your maid whilst you are her. I have drawn a bath for you in case you wanted one. May I help you out of your clothes.”
“Pleased to meet you Lucy. A bath sounds like a wonderful idea to get the dust of travel off. Thank you. Your help would be much appreciated.”
Elizabeth followed Lucy to the dressing room and stood quietly as Lucy began her ministrations.
Darcy returned downstairs to Georgiana.
“William is Miss Bennet well? She was very lovely to me but it did seem that she became very unsettled by our conversation”
“Georgie, dear, do not worry yourself about Miss Bennet. She is perhaps overwhelmed by all these changes in her plans. You must understand that she has just been through a very difficult experience which I am not at liberty to divulge to you. Also certain members of her family have been less than kind about it which is one of the reasons why she has come to London so suddenly. I think she is distressed that she will not have the chance to unburden herself to her beloved aunt for several more days.”
“Who could be unkind to someone so lovely?” exclaimed Georgiana.
“I agree with you Georgie, so we must be more than kind to her to compensate.”
“Of course brother.” Agreed Georgiana. “Do you mind if I go and rest before dinner myself?”
“No dear off you go I have some matters to attend to.” Darcy kissed his sister on the cheek and smiled fondly as she skipped out of the room.
Darcy returned to his study and poured himself a brandy. Then he sat at his desk and was about to check over the marriage settlement papers that had been drawn up for him and delivered this afternoon. However his attention was drawn to Elizabeth's letter. He sat back, sipping his brandy, and read it again admiring her writing style and drinking in the scent of her that still pervaded the paper.
He prayed that it would not be too long before she could become adjusted to her fate and perhaps face the challenge with more enthusiasm. He unlocked a draw in the side of his desk, took out a small jeweller's box and opened it to look once more on his mothers ring. Darcy gazed on the sparkling stones as if mesmerised and pondered Elizabeth's possible reaction to his presenting her with it. She would not be overjoyed he mused as he had hoped his future bride would be. But at least her reaction would be honest unlike that of some ladies he could think of when presented with an engagement ring. He thought of his situation. He had hoped for a marriage borne of love but Elizabeth quite clearly hardly knew him she certainly hadn't had much chance to form any opinion of him yet. He hoped to change that. He decided to spend as much time with her as possible over the next three weeks so that he could court her properly. How did he truly feel about her he wondered to himself. He examined his feelings as he sat looking at the ring. Since he first laid eyes on her as she had walked towards the hill on that fateful Friday he had been mesmerised by her. She had haunted his dreams since that day. He was drawn to her as he never had been to any woman before. He knew so much about her from his father's correspondence with Mr Bennet. Yet he knew so little about how she felt about things, what she thought and how she would react to life's challenges. So she was a delightful mystery which he wished to solve and moreover a beautiful woman who had captured his heart with one look of her sparkling eyes. Yes she would definitely be worth the effort he hoped she would feel the same about him by the time their wedding was upon them. He would marry her regardless, he had given his word but he hoped all would be well. He closed the little box and placed it in his pocket and left the study. There would be time to peruse the papers tomorrow. He decided he would go and prepare for the evening as his Aunt would be arriving soon.
Elizabeth had finished her bath and had dismissed the maid until later and rest in her robes unencumbered by stays restrictive clothing. She had instructed the maid to return in time to help her dress for dinner and had lain on the bed to rest. Unfortunatly sleep eluded her. She finally gave in to the urge to cry and wept unceasingly for several minutes. Her situation was impossible to reconcile. She was to be married to save the family to a man who was virtually a stranger from a social circle she hadn't even dreamed of joining. He had after all saved her that day from a fate she barely understood. The lascivious looks of those labourers haunted her dreams. Undoubtedly the gossips of Meryton were doing their worst. The thought of returning home and facing the society there was daunting to say the least. Yet her family were there and though she had barely left them she felt devoid of their love and protection in this strange house. Oh how she lamented the illness at the Gardiner's and prayed for their speedy recovery so that she might remove there. Finally, exhausted by her weeping, Elizabeth slipped into a more peaceful slumber.
Chapter 7
“Ah, Darcy there you are” called out Lady Matlock as she entered the house and saw him descending the staircase. “Well has she arrived? Where is she? Come I must meet her at once?” she demanded as she was being relieved of her outerwear by the servants.
“I am afraid you will have to be a little patient Aunt. She was fatigued by the journey and has been sleeping. I am informed that a maid has gone to wake her as per her request and help her prepare for dinner. I am sure she will be down soon. Come let us go into the drawing room and wait together.” He gestured for her to proceed him and greeted his uncle who had since appeared through the front door following in his wife's wake as he preferred to do.
They had just taken their seats when Georgiana joined them and was instantly interrogated by the Matlock's on her impression of her new sister. Georgiana declared her to be very lovely but seemed a little sad. Lady Alicia declared how could anyone be sad when engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors in the country.
“I expect she is just disappointed not to be able to be with her family” declared Darcy determined to bring the conversation under control before Elizabeth came down. Then a footman appeared with a note for Darcy and he excused himself from the room. It was from Elizabeth requesting his presence and he saw her at the bottom of the stairs waiting for him as soon as he had left the room. Darcy quickly crossed the hall to greet her.
“Elizabeth, what is it?”
“Sir, is there somewhere we could have a private talk before I meet your relations?”
“There is not much time before dinner Elizabeth.”
“Nevertheless it is my wish and I am willing to risk disapproval if need be but there are matters which I feel can wait no longer to be addressed.” replied Elizabeth tersely
“Very well this way if you would join me in my study.” And he led Elizabeth across the hallway to his private study.
As soon as the door was closed behind them Darcy turned and faced Elizabeth. He looked deep into her sparkling eyes and waited for her to speak.
“Mr Darcy, pray enlighten me as to why you feel the need to take control of my life. Whilst I am grateful for the service you did in rescuing me I fail to understand why you would want to ally yourself with me in matrimony. What other decisions about my life and my family have you and my father cooked up. It is all too overwhelming Sir and I resent control of my life being wrested away from me. Please ensure that I am consulted on all decisions affecting me in the future.”
By God she is beautiful when she is angry thought Darcy. As he watched he felt that he could almost see sparks emanating from her eyes.
“I am sorry, to what are you referring exactly?” he responded cautiously. Darcy did not want to fan the flames of her anger.
“Your decision to force this marriage on me aided and abetted by my father who should know me better. Also your presumption in bringing me here when I could be of use to my Aunt. Finally, your foisting your aunt on me to influence personal decisions such as my wedding attire and trousseau. I am not pleased, Sir. Indeed, I am far from happy about any of this.”
“Miss Bennet, please understand that you were not here to consult with. It was your Aunt's decision and not mine that you should not stay in Gracechurch Street. It was my Aunt's decision to descend upon us and take over the chaperonage duties. I learned long ago not to argue on matters such as these with my Aunt as she is quite a formidable lady. Also, I wanted her to become acquainted with you and look favourably on our marriage as it is certain that my other aunt will not. I understand you are upset and am very sorry to have been the unwitting cause of this. Please accept my apologies. I will endeavour to include you in any plans concerning yourself in the future. However please remember that I am the master of a large estate and this house and have therefore been accustomed to making decisions for all in my care. That now includes you. Please understand that it will take time for me to accustom myself to considering your thoughts and feelings as well as my own.”
“Very well, Mr Darcy. I am glad that we understand each other. I look forward to evidence of cooperative decisions in the coming days.”
“If that is all Miss Bennet shall we join the others.”
“As you wish” acquiesced Elizabeth who then allowed herself to be led out of the study and into the drawing room.
As they entered the drawing room together arm in arm all heads turned to watch them.
“Uncle Andrew and Aunt Alicia allow me to introduce my fiancée Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Both rose and greeted the couple courteously.
“We are delighted to meet you my dear” said Lady Matlock after Elizabeth had curtseyed and greeted them properly. “You must address us as Darcy does dear we are to be your Aunt and Uncle now and we do not stand on formality in the family”.
Elizabeth was agreeably surprised by the Matlocks and soon was happily conversing with them on all manner of subjects.
Not long afterwards they were called into dinner and Elizabeth found herself sat at Mr Darcy's side opposite the Earl and next to Lady Alicia. Georgiana sat next to the Earl. Conversation flowed as easily as the wine and Elizabeth was surprised to find how much she enjoyed the stimulating conversation and the joviality of this family. There was no strife or raised voices just agreeable and educated company. This was something that Elizabeth had longed for in her future life and she caught herself looking at Darcy in a lull in her own conversation and wondering at the depths of this man. Could they have enough in common to make this match a pleasant one. He was domineering to be sure but not unreasonably so. He had admitted that he was not used to consulting others and would need to accustom himself to such behaviour. He had not refused to consider her demands. Perhaps she should give him a chance to prove himself before deciding completely against him. After all she would have difficulty refusing her father when he was so adamant. She did not really wish to leave all her friends if it could be avoided.
When the ladies retired to the drawing room The Earl got up and followed his nephew to the Library where they both sat down to savour a mature port.
“That's a rare find you've got there Darcy, don't let her slip through your fingers. She is a sharp one and definitely not the kind of simpering miss that has been dogging your coat tails. Well done young man I believe your parents would have approved. You will have your work cut out handling her from what I have seen this evening. Though that is not a bad thing as it will keep you from getting bored.”
“I doubt I will ever get bored of her, Uncle and I do not intend to let her get away. I am glad you approve.”
Conversation turned to more gentlemanly subjects as they relaxed with a second glass of port.
In the drawing room Lady Alicia was asking Elizabeth how she had met Mr Darcy.
“I was out walking on my father's estate and Mr Darcy came upon me on a hill overlooking the countryside. He escorted me home as he and his friend were due to visit us for lunch in any case.”
“How so?”
“Mr Darcy's father and my father were friends at Cambridge. Mr Darcy, Fitzwilliam that is, recently found some of mine and his fathers' correspondence and determined to make his acquaintance with our family.”
Lady Matlock then began to talk of the wedding and asked Elizabeth what her thoughts were on how it would be. They then discussed her mother and how all the plans were probably being made in her absence. All that she had to do was find her wedding clothes and purchase a trousseau.
“Well my dear, we will have to see to it that you have the best that London has to offer. We can go out tomorrow if you like and make initial enquiries. I understand that your own aunt is expected to join in with this endeavour when the illness has subsided in her family. Would you wish to wait for her. I would not be offended, though I would like to be of assistance. Having only sons I have not had much chance of feminine companionship in this family. My oldest son's wife has as little to do with us as she can and my sister-in-law is not the most agreeable person. So apart from Georgiana I am bereft. Please say that I may join you in your endeavours it would be such a delight.”
Elizabeth looked at the earnest expression in Lady Matlock's face and regretted her previous objections. She couldn't deny such a request and was taken aback at the humility it belied. She had expected to be ordered about yet she found Darcy's aunt gentle, kind and very like her own Aunt Maddy.
“Whilst I would prefer to wait for my own Aunt, Lady Matlock, sorry Aunt Alicia,” Elizabeth smiled apologetically, “It might not be wise as there is so much to be purchased. I would be honoured to have your assistance.” Elizabeth smiled at Lady Matlock and was rewarded with her Ladyship's delighted response.
At that moment the gentlemen reappeared and they all moved to the music room where Elizabeth and Georgiana played and Elizabeth sang until all were tired and desirous of their beds.
As Elizabeth was excusing herself Darcy requested a private moment and once again they found themselves in his study.
“I hope you enjoyed the evening Elizabeth, I know that I did.”
“Yes Mr Darcy I did. Your family are very entertaining and your aunt is kindness itself.”
“Thank you for agreeing to her help. It will mean a lot to her she has long bemoaned the lack of feminine companionship in this family. I hope that you will become friends.”
“I believe that process has already begun.”
“Elizabeth, however much you object to this we are now officially engaged. I would be grateful if you would call me by my given name. Fitzwilliam or William if you prefer.”
“If that is your wish then I will call you Fitzwilliam.”
“Thank you.” Darcy then reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. When he opened it he removed a golden engagement ring with a trio of diamonds the centre one larger than the others. “This was my mother's ring. It has been in the family for generations. I would count it an honour if you would consent to wear it as a public acknowledgement of our betrothal.” He looked at her earnestly waiting for her response. He prayed that she would not reject the ring.
Elizabeth was for a moment stunned though inwardly she knew she should not be. This was one more step closer to marriage and she was still unhappy about the whole thing. How could she wear his ring when she felt thus. But then she looked into his eyes and saw the earnest entreaty that waited for her there. She knew that it would be considered strange if she did not wear an engagement ring but the full ramifications of an heirloom ring on her finger daunted her. Could she turn back from this if she accepted his ring. Elizabeth doubted that she could yet she was inexorably drawn to accept. Finally she made her decision.
“I will accept your ring Fitzwilliam but please remember that whilst I will willingly wear this ring I am still not disposed to happily accept the ring that naturally follows this.”
“I understand Elizabeth but I do hope to be able to adjust your thinking in that regard.”
Elizabeth nodded and allowed Darcy to take her hand and slipped the ring on her finger. He held her hand for a moment and looked at the ring in its place then kissed her fingers and released it.
Elizabeth gasped at the tingles that that kiss sent coursing through her body. She raised her hand to get a better look at the ring as she tried to compose herself. “It is beautiful” she whispered.
Darcy smiled then quietly took her arm and escorted her back to the drawing room where her ring was admired and congratulations were reiterated before Elizabeth finally managed to excuse herself and retire.
After her maid had left her Elizabeth climbed into bed and reflected on the evenings events she looked again at the ring. What was she to do? She thought again of her body's response to Darcy's kiss. What did that mean? She had never before felt such feelings when kissed on the hand? It was all so puzzling. Elizabeth leaned over and blew out the candle and laid down to sleep wondering what the morrow would bring.
In his room Darcy was having more agreeable thoughts. She had accepted his ring, his family approved and she seemed to be reacting to his touch. He certainly did to hers. The tiny kiss he had given her fingers had created a powerful response of desire to race through his body and it had taken all of his self control to hide it. He vowed to redouble his efforts to win her over and with his mind agreeably engaged in thoughts of Elizabeth he too went to his bed.
Chapter 8
Elizabeth woke early next morning, as was her habit. Though initially she was confused by her surroundings her senses soon returned. She rose and flung back the curtains to let in the early morning light. In the dressing room she found a jug of water and a bowl ready for her and proceeded to cleanse herself for the day ahead. Whilst she was perusing the racks and drawers for appropriate clothing for a shopping expedition with Lady Matlock her maid, Lucy, appeared. Lucy seemed appalled that her mistress was preparing herself for the day and attempted to take over. Elizabeth had other plans.
“Lucy, at home I must share a maid with four sisters. I am used to looking after myself. Whilst I am grateful for your assistance I do not expect to be dressed like a helpless child.”
“Yes Ma'am”. Lucy replied with a curtsey.
“Now where have you hidden my pale green muslin? I think that is most appropriate for today. Ah, thank you.”
Elizabeth surrendered herself to Lucy's ministrations and was soon ready for the day. She went downstairs in search of the breakfast room. The aroma of coffee helped her discover it with ease.
Inside she found Fitzwilliam already eating and reading his paper. Which he put aside and jumped up immediately he saw her enter.
“Good morning Elizabeth, I hope you are well. Was your room comfortable?”
“Yes thank you Fitzwilliam I am well and my room is more than comfortable.”
“I am glad. I hoped that you would rise early, Elizabeth, so that we may have some time together before the rest of the family get up.”
“Oh!” Elizabeth exclaimed in surprise. She sat down at the table with her coffee and breakfast.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I thought a stroll in the park would be just the thing. The weather is fine and bright.”
Fitzwilliam sat and watched her as she partook of her breakfast. He marvelled at her grace and beauty and again felt strong pulls of desire towards her. If he weren't a gentleman he would have taken possession of her right there in the breakfast room so strong was the passion that was pounding through his veins. It took all of his resolve to remain in his seat and cool his ardour.
Elizabeth looked up at Fitzwilliam from time to time and saw him staring at her intently, his eyes dark. Whenever their eyes met he smiled and his cheeks dimpled. Elizabeth caught her breath as curious and powerful sensations began coursing through her body. Surreptitiously she watched him take a sip of coffee. Unbidden came the thought of how it would feel to have those lips kiss her. She felt herself blush and redirected her concentration to her breakfast embarrassed at her wantonness. Why was she having such thoughts about this man, she pondered. Her dreams had been filled with visions of him coupled with potent feelings of desire that she had never before experienced. This made her confused and fearful. She didn't understand what was happening to her. This man that she hardly knew, whom she was promised to, provoked such strong reactions in her that she was both concerned and frustrated. How could her subconscious mind and body betray her so. She was far from decided on how to view this enigmatic man and yet her innermost being was crying out for him.
As she laid aside her coffee cup and wiped her mouth with her napkin Fitzwilliam rose and walked to her chair.
“Shall we go, Elizabeth?” he enquired as he stood ready to assist her with her chair.
Not trusting herself to speak she nodded and rose quickly. He took her hand and led her into the hall. Their hats and coats were quickly provided and they were outside within minutes.
Fitzwilliam took her hand again and placed it in the crook of his arm smiling at the electricity that was passing between them as he touched her.. Her light touch on his arm warmed his soul. `Yes' he thought `she is the one I've been searching for'.
He led her along the road and as they turned the corner Elizabeth gasped as she saw the huge expanse of green and trees spreading out before her.
“Is this your first time in Hyde Park, Elizabeth?” he asked thrilled with her reaction.
“Yes, I never thought it was so big. It is beautiful.”
“Come Elizabeth let me show it to you.”
As they walked Elizabeth looked at the trees and flowers. She could hear the birds singing. She was delighted with everything she saw. Slowly she became accustomed to her surroundings and began to focus her attention on the gentleman beside her.
“Fitzwilliam, may I ask you something?”
“Of course, whatever you like.”
“Why would you marry a woman who's disgrace you witnessed, a woman you only saw for the first time on that day, who's family are strangers to you and are not from your social circle? I need to understand why you chose me?”
“Elizabeth, this may be a little tricky to explain and I am concerned that I may embarrass you if I tell you truthfully why I asked your father for you.”
“I may be a gentlewoman, Fitzwilliam, but I am also a country girl. We are made of sterner stuff than these town flowers. I promise not to hold anything you tell me against you however shocking.”
Fitzwilliam spied a bench a little off the main path and led Elizabeth to it. When they sat he took both of her hands in his and looked straight into her eyes holding her gaze.
“I am a man of strong passions Elizabeth. I want to care as passionately about my wife as I do all other aspects of my life. More so if it is possible.”
Elizabeth swallowed nervously as his penetrating gaze held her in its spell.
“As a gently bred young lady you will not have been taught of the pleasures that a man and a woman can experience together. I have long desired a wife who could be equally passionate about life and all the things that interest me. I desire a wife that could love me with equal intensity. All that I learned about you before we met gave me hope that after a long fruitless search I had found that someone. Then I saw you climbing that hill. You were everything I ever dreamed of and more. Your passion for life thrilled me to the core. I desired you from that moment. Every moment in your presence and even in your absence I have had to control powerful desires for you. Both for propriety's sake and for fear of frightening you. I know you do not share these feelings as I had hoped you would but I hope you will give me the chance to court you and win your love.”
Fitzwilliam lifted her hands to his lips and kissed them tenderly. All the time he held her gaze with his own. Calmly he waited for her response though it took all his control not to do more.
Elizabeth was overwhelmed by this declaration and somewhat intimidated by his depth of passion. She hesitated as she desperately tried to formulate a coherent response. She must not alienate him or hurt him but she didn't want to promise what she could not deliver.
“Fitzwilliam, I do not know how to adequately respond to such a declaration. My feelings about you are very confused. Whilst I am still angry and upset about this engagement that you and my father have cooked up against my wishes, I have to admit that I am not immune to you. When I am with you and when you touch me I experience sensations that I have never felt before. They are exhilarating and yet they confuse and unsettle me. I do not know how to respond to them. You are correct that I do not love you. I have not had opportunity for such feelings to develop. However you do ignite feelings in me that I cannot explain or dismiss. I am not decided against you, Fitzwilliam, and in light of our circumstances I feel it best to give you the opportunity you seek. However, I ask you to be patient and allow me the time that I need to know you better.”
Fitzwilliam's heart warmed at her words and as Elizabeth lightly stroked his cheek with her fingers he caught her wrist and drew her to him. With his other hand he cupped the back of her neck and gently brushed her lips with his. When he felt compliance instead of the resistance he had anticipated he deepened the kiss and tasted her mouth filling hers with his tongue. He continued drinking her in until he felt her begin to resist and released her peppering her jaw line with little kisses as he withdrew. He held her to his chest as they regained their breath and senses.
Elizabeth struggled to regain her composure as she tried to comprehend the full effect of that most unexpected kiss. It had awakened a yawning chasm of need in her core and she felt mortified at her wantonness. As she turned away from him flushed with embarrassment Fitzwilliam caught her chin and turned her face back towards his.
“Elizabeth, never be embarrassed by your passions, they are as natural as breathing.”
He drew her to him once more and kissed her lightly on the lips again before taking her hand and standing up.
“Come we must return to the house. My aunt and Georgiana will be down by now and wondering where we are.”
Elizabeth rose and allowed herself to be led back to the house. They were silent for the rest of the walk each trying to make sense of the new understanding that had developed between them. Fitzwilliam was delighted with her reaction to him and was finding his self control even harder to keep in place. Elizabeth was confused and shocked by her own reactions. Part of her wanted to fight these feelings and to resist these plans for her life that she had had no say in. Another part of her was excited by the prospect of further physical contact with Fitzwilliam but yet another part of her was truly ashamed at her wantonness. She desperately needed her aunt's guidance to know how to proceed. She prayed that Aunt Maddy would come soon.