A Little More Practice ~ Section I
By Sandy W
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Beginning, Next Section
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Part One
Posted on Tuesday, 14 February 2006

“I have told Miss Bennet several times, that she will never play really well, unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every day, and play on the piano forte in Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room. She would be in nobodyÅ‚s way, you know, in that part of the house."
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 31
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“Are you certain it is no trouble?"
“Quite so, Miss Bennet. Lady Catherine has instructed me to make the instrument available to you for one hour each day, should you desire it."
“I would not wish to inconvenience you or to intrude upon your privacy."
“That will not be the case. I am to accompany Miss de Bourgh in her phaeton this moment. We shall be from the house for the next two hours at least. There will be no inconvenience at all."
“Then I thank you."
Mrs. Jenkinson nodded her acknowledgment, and Elizabeth entered the room as the elder ladyłs footsteps faded into silence.
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ęShe likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.ł
Mr. Collinsłs words of the previous day echoed in Elizabethłs head as she examined her surroundings. Indeed, there was no useless finery, no ostentatious display in this part of the house. Everywhere she turned, her eyes rested upon a dull grey. The simple, utilitarian furnishings promised significantly less comfort than their more luxurious counterparts in the main drawing room.
She stood still for a time, having the leisure to wonder at her being where she was. A shrill voice drifted up the stairwell and into the corridor and soon halted her contemplation. Her ladyship, no doubt, was instructing Mrs. Jenkinson on the proper way to position Miss de Bourghłs garment about her, or some equally inconsequential matter; the words themselves were indistinct but the tone was as commanding as ever.
“Be sure to place it sufficiently high about the neck and shoulders." Elizabeth whispered her mockery to the empty chamber. “Fasten it securely, but not so restricting as to impede the proper movement of the head. Miss de Bourgh must retain her ability at all times to offer a superior, condescending nod to the occasional villager as she passes by him." She snorted, grateful to be only in Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room and not in her position as well, where she might be subjected to such superciliousness every day. Between the Mistress of Rosings Park and the Master of Hunsford Parsonage, Elizabeth had had her fill of pronouncements. Respect and civility she tendered willingly, but reverence for Lady Catherine or her opinions was beyond ElizabethÅ‚s desire and ability to feign.
She fingered the rough fabric draping the windows. If not for the extensive, expertly manicured grounds revealed by drawing the curtains aside, she might have fancied herself elsewhere: Guilford House, before Mrs. Longłs most recent improvements; a rarely used apartment in her Aunt Philipsłs home; perhaps even the Parsonage, although, to be fair, Charlottełs modest guest quarters effected a more welcoming impression, fitted up as they were with comfortable trappings in cheerful hues.
Her thoughts turned from Charlotte to that other permanent resident of Hunsford Parsonage. Thankfully, Mr. Bennet was in tolerable health, for the grasping Mr. Collins no doubt would hasten to claim Longbourn the very moment he heard otherwise. If that terrible moment were to come too soonshe hoped it would not take place for many, many years yetElizabeth might find herself in a similar situation to that of Miss de Bourghłs companion: relegated to four drab walls in another womanłs house; compelled, at her employerłs whim, to share her pianoforte with visiting ladies of no great talent.
Not one hour ago, she had sat in the dining parlour of the Parsonage, ill tempered and desperate to escape her cousinłs irksome society. Luckily, she had recollected Lady Catherinełs offer and informed Mr. Collins of her intent to depart for Rosings directly. Just as she had expected, he hurried her on her way. He could not approve of any scheme of Lady Catherinełs rapidly enough.
She would benefit from the practice. It was true that she did not perform as well as she wished and slightly mortifying that Lady Catherine had not hesitated to point out her deficiencies in company. The primary inducement to seek out Mrs. Jenkinson, however, had been that an hour-long, solitary music lesson seemed a heavenly alternative to bearing with Mr. Collins for any length of time.
The previous evening, the man had not waited for the carriage to pull away from Rosings before lecturing her on the impropriety of monopolising the attention of Lady Catherinełs nephews. Mr. Collins renewed the subject this morning, insinuating that Elizabeth entertained presumptuous aspirations of marrying far above her station. How laughable! She had made the acquaintance of the Colonel only the previous week. He had to mean the Colonel. As for Mr. Darcy, the notion was ridiculous in the extreme.
From his copious words and bitter tone, it was all too clear that Mr. Collins still resented her refusal in November. She understood that he thought her foolish for spurning his marriage proposal. He was entitled to his opinion on the matter, but to hint repeatedly at such a thing now that he had chosen another, and in CharlotteÅ‚s presence, too! How imprudent, embarrassing and entirely unreasonable! “Charlotte is the foolish one for connecting herself with such a man." Her good friend may have cast her lot with Mr. Collins, but she would not subject herself unnecessarily to his company.
And this was the gentleman who was to inherit Longbourn. The idea of Charlottełs husband walking into her childhood abode as its owner, of anyone displacing her family, struck her as both unnatural and overwhelming. If Lady Catherine maintained successful control of Rosings, why might not Mrs. Bennet manage Longbourn if she were to survive her husband? Why must the result of some ancient quarrel, whose initiator was laid to rest long ago, determine the manner in which she and her sisters were to live? Elizabeth suddenly found herself in surprising sympathy with her mother. Before this, Mrs. Bennetłs confusion over the nature of entails had inspired frustration and, occasionally, amusement. Being at a great distance from home, however, with the opportunity to see more of the world, gave Elizabeth a fresh perspective on her own fate. Of course, it would have helped matters ifin truth, all might be very different, indeed, were Mr. Collins a man she could admire and respectbut, alas, that was not to be.
At length, she crossed the worn carpet and sat down at the instrument. Ignoring the pile of music at her side, she began to play from memory one of several pieces she had taught herself in recent years. Halfway through the selection, she paused in wonder, with her fingers suspended over the keys. Not one note had sounded amiss. The rich, bright tone surpassed that of the pianoforte she and Mary shared at home. “I do believe I would find my sisterÅ‚s most pedantic efforts much more tolerable on this jewel of an instrument"
She continued her playing, though with a different song now, bobbing her head in time with the reel. At first she grimaced at every note her impatient fingers misplayed, but by the end she was unable to keep a smile from her face. This was just the sort of music Kitty and Lydia favouredyouthful, lively, spiritedespecially when the company of a redcoat was to be had. It was not made for regrets and melancholy.
Melody after melody filled the room as Elizabeth recovered her natural good humour. Sometimes she sang, sometimes not. For her final piece she chose an old favourite: a lullaby, not quite the fashionable choice to perform at country assemblies, but she had no audience now, and she was fond of it, for it displayed her voice to advantage.
She repeated the refrain at the end, humming this time instead of articulating the words. She looked around the room and somehow did not falter at the sight of a familiar form in the doorway. He had his eyes closed and, by the look of it, was enjoying her performance, but she could not be certain from this distance. His head rested against the doorframe. He had never appeared so at ease in her presence before. Was she lulling him to sleep with her singing?
She returned her gaze to the instrument and finished the song, then waited a few moments before glancing at the doorway again. It was empty, as if the man had been merely a vision. She had not heard him walking to or from the room. Perhaps he meant to observe her discreetly. Did he even realise she had seen him there?
Alone once more, she stretched her arms high above her head. The time away from her cousin had proven restorative, and now she felt weary of sitting and anticipated the walk across the lane to the Parsonage.
She met the gentleman on the stair.
“Good day, Miss Bennet."
“Good day, Mr. Darcy."
“I was not aware that you were to visit Rosings this afternoon."
She thought he looked as though he wished to say more. When he did not continue, she told him, “I have been practicing in Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room. I found I could not refuse your auntÅ‚s kind invitation." She waited for him to divulge the fact that he knew this, that he had watched her play only minutes ago, but he merely coloured a little, as he had the previous evening at Lady CatherineÅ‚s words. “I hope I did not disturb you." She wondered whether he had found her flawed performance distracting.
“Not at all."
Then she saw it. She was careful to observe him; even so, she nearly missed it. His stance softened with that same ease she had seen earlier, and his face filled withtenderness, really, she determineda trait completely at odds with her knowledge of his character. Just as quickly, his expression reverted to its former inscrutability.
“I should get back to the Parsonage now. Charlotte expects me to return for tea." She searched his face in her confusion.
He stared back at her, saying nothing until the silence grew awkward. “Have a pleasant walk, Miss Bennet."
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy."
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“Oh, Eliza! That is lovely work, but I do believe you will run out of that colour before you are quite through. I am sorry I have nothing of a similar shade to give you."
“This had no chance of being perfect anyway, Charlotte." She held up the cloth and eyed the short length of floss dangling from it, sighing at how little attention she had been paying to the work before her. “I am sure a different colour will do as well, and if not, I shall complete it some other time."
Elizabeth sat with Maria and Charlotte in the latterłs favourite parlour. Embroidery was not her preferred form of employment, but she had read, walked, practiced music, dined, and discussed both the weather and poultry already, so there was little left from which to choose.
She wished to answer Janełs most recent letter, but she had nothing to write that might raise her sisterłs spirits. That feat could only be accomplished by Mr. Bingleyłs return to Netherfield, and until that occurred her family must be content with a less cheerful Jane Bennet.
“I still cannot believe how grand Rosings is, Charlotte!" MariaÅ‚s grip loosened on her sewing as she spoke. “I have seen nothing to compare to it, except Netherfield, which is not half so impressive. Miss Bingley did prepare the ballroom very well in November, I will say, yet I cannot help but think that a ball at Rosings would be ten times grander. Do you not agree?" She turned her bright eyes towards Elizabeth. “Would Mr. Darcy ask you to dance again, Eliza? He could not be always paired with Miss de Bourgh. Even if they were positively engaged, it would not be proper. But he does not dance much, as I recall, and is none too amiable, either, for all that heÅ‚s so handsome and rich. But the Colonel would ask you to dance, IÅ‚m sure, and perhaps he would ask me as well."
A wistful look spread over MariaÅ‚s face, and Elizabeth smiled despite her exasperation. Dance with Mr. Darcy again? Never! Not that he would ever ask. She saw no reason why he should approach her at all, and shuffled uncomfortably in her seat as she recalled his presence in Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s doorway. Just as she had firmly decided that neither of them would take pleasure in standing up together for a set or two in the Rosings ballroom, she recalled his expression on the stair. “But that signifies nothing, surely," she murmured. “He is still the most hateful man."
“What were you saying, Eliza?"
Elizabeth blushed when she saw Charlotte looking at her. “Oh, I just recalled something. It is of no consequence." Charlotte nodded knowingly, much to her chagrin, but, thankfully, said no more on the subject and instead discussed with Maria her plan to walk into the village the following morning and call on some of the cottagers.
Sleep did not come easily to Elizabeth but at length it did come, although it was not to last through the night. Some hours before dawn, she awakened from a dream in which she sat, dressed all in grey, on the edge of the bed in Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room and sang her favourite lullaby to a little boy. He was beautiful. She ran her hands through his hair as he rested with his cheek pressed against the pillow. The last note faded and he broke the silence with a voice too deep for any lad. “No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you can think any thing wanting." He turned, no longer a boy, and looked upon her with a familiar tender expression...
She sat up, fully awake, and stared into the dark. Much as she endeavoured to prevent it, her thoughts strayed towards Rosings and remained fixed upon one of its inhabitants well after the sun had risen.
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Part Two
Posted on Monday, 20 February 2006
Elizabeth sat alone at breakfast. Though she had risen early, she had left her room very late. Charlotte and Maria were gone to the village as planned, and she did not expect them home before afternoon tea. Mr. Collins was shut up in his study, presumably writing a sermon.
She considered whether to go again to Rosings. The novelty of a long practice, as well as the fine sound of the instrument, held an attraction for her. Still, she hesitated. Remnants of the dream persisted, and she wished to avoid meeting with Mr. Darcy if at all possible. If she went to Mrs. Jenkinsonłs room again, would he come stealthily to watch her as he had before?
A commotion arose at the front of the house. It was Mr. CollinsÅ‚s “Lady Catherine is here!" that decided the matter for Elizabeth; in her current state, she had not the fortitude to bear with her cousin and the great Lady together. She slipped around the corner and retrieved her bonnet as Mr. Collins bolted out the front door to greet his patroness. Then she made her way to the back of the house as quietly as she could and walked out of doors and across the lane, taking care to stay far from the dining parlour windows. Before she had settled on a particular destination, her feet carried her up the steps to Rosings and through the entrance. She considered turning back but decided to stay. The house was pleasant enough when Lady Catherine was not in it. Her ladyship likely would remain at the Parsonage for an hour, and from there perhaps proceed to the village to seek out Charlotte for the pleasure of advising her on how best to carry out her charitable work.
Elizabeth engaged Mrs. Jenkinson in conversation as they walked to the pianoforte.
“Her ladyship had it imported from the continent several years ago." Mrs. Jenkinson appeared delighted with her guestÅ‚s praise of the instrument and eagerly answered her inquiries. “There was, apparently, a misunderstanding. Lady Catherine expected a much larger, grander instrument, one fit to replace the pianoforte in the drawing room." There was such animation in her features, as if she were honoured to be asked for an explanation. “She wanted it returned immediately, but Miss de Bourgh requested that it be brought here instead. SheMiss de Bourgh, that isrecalled that I had no instrument, and kindly suggested that it might allow me to prepare for those occasions when my playing is required. Unfortunately, Miss de Bourgh is often unwell and rarely desirous of lingering in the drawing room to hear music, and as I must attend her, of course, this does not get very much use." She sighed and trailed her hand along the edge of the piano.
Elizabeth had never heard so many words from this woman before, and it pleased her. She was even more curious now. “Shall I hear you play before I leave Kent?"
Mrs. Jenkinson started, as if she had been asked something quite shocking. “I am sure I do not know, Miss Bennet. I cannot tarry here much longer. Miss de Bourgh is going out again in the phaeton."
Elizabeth thanked Mrs. Jenkinson and, watching her leave, tried in vain not to think of the next person she was likely to meet before leaving Rosings. But surely he would not come a second timewould he?
Why him? Why not the Colonel instead? She knew of one good reason for that, at least. If Colonel Fitzwilliam sought her out now, as Mr. Darcy had done, would it not show particular interest? Surely the son of an earl, especially a younger son in need of a wealthy bride, would not wish to court a dowerless country gentlewoman. His friendly attention to her was unlikely to become more than that.
“At least he does not look upon me only to criticise, as his cousin does." Yet, Mr. Darcy had not criticised her the previous day or questioned her right to be there. Perhaps he had come to ensure that his auntÅ‚s advice was properly heeded, or her playing had been too loud and had distracted him from his business concerns. Though he did not seem displeased in any way; quite the contrary, in factHad he been anyone else, she would think that he
She perused the selection of music at her side in an effort to push that thought out of her head.
Elizabeth wondered at her dubious talent for drawing the attention of men who either repulsed her or could ill afford an attachment to her. Most heartily did she wish herself in possession of a fortune such as that which Mary King had; ten thousand pounds would be of no little comfort, for at least she would have the means to support herself should the worst occur. Or the best. She thought wistfully of Mr. Wickham and let her fingers fall into place.
She began with somber pieces. One song in particular she played over and over, earnestly attempting to improve her execution, until she grew sick of the sound. When at last she abandoned it, the tone of the instrument again worked its magic, and again her anxieties melted away until her fingers drew happier music from the keys.
She saved the lullaby for last. This time she heard the footsteps but refused to look up. As she hummed the final note, she heard him retreating. She tiptoed to the doorway and saw him disappear down the hall. Why had such a great, proud man gone out of his way to listen to a childłs song? It must have been the song that compelled him, for he thought little of the songstress, surely She blushed at the memory of the little boy and full-grown man of whom she had dreamt the previous night and shuddered at the notion of the dream recurring. The sudden heat in her cheeks compelled her to seek the fresh air of the Park.
This time when she met Mr. Darcy on the stair, she did not stop straightaway. In her haste, she brushed past him on the landing and took a false step. Only his quickness to grasp her arm kept her from stumbling.
“Miss Bennet? Miss Bennet, are you well?"
She realised how uncivil and how agitated she must appear. “II apologise, Mr. Darcy. I was not attending."
He walked to the step below her and observed her intently, clearly concerned. “You look as though some creature is hard on your heels. Though I can scarce imagine what might be fierce enough to intimidate such a courageous young woman as yourself." His slight smile did not diminish the intensity of his stare.
Was he teasing her? She shifted her arm and he released it. “I am only hurrying out to enjoy the beauties of Rosings Park, nothing more."
“It is a lovely day, and the weather is perfect for walking out." He seemed to be deliberating. “Will you allow me to escort you?" he said at last, offering his arm.
“Thank you, but it is not necessary. I am quite well." The last thing she needed was to walk back to the Parsonage on the arm of Mr. Darcy.
“Then at least allow me the pleasureer, um, comfort of seeing you to the door," he said with some awkwardness. He linked her arm in his without waiting for an answer, and they began the descent.
Thinking it would be rude to reclaim her arm now, but having nothing to say to him, Elizabeth walked on in silence. Darcy turned to her as they neared the base of the stairwell. “Did you enjoy your practice today, Miss Bennet?"
He must know, as he had observed it for himself; nonetheless, she answered him. “Very much. I find myself grateful to Lady Catherine for the suggestion. Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s pianoforte has a pleasing sound, not at all inferior to the grand instrument there." She gestured in the direction of the drawing room.
“I quite agree."
“Do you?" She turned to look straight into his eyes. “So you have heard it for yourself, then? Have you also been admonished to improve upon your skills by making use of that particular instrument?" She watched him, tempted to laugh as his expression registered surprise and embarrassment before he turned away. “I am astonished that your aunt has banished her favourite nephew to the servantsÅ‚ quarters. Perhaps she does not approve of gentlemen performers." She wondered how he would acquit himself now that he had been discovered.
“IIer, hmWell, I have heard that" He stammered and blushed as they stood in the hall and, when he dared to meet her eyes again, quietly asked, “So you saw me, then?"
She restrained her smile. “Yesterday, I did. Just now, I heard you coming and going." She would not dare admit that she had rushed to the door to catch a glimpse of him.
“And I congratulated myself on being so quiet." He sighed. “I never meant to disturb you."
“You did nothing of the sort," she lied. If dreaming of the man you were determined to hate was not disturbing, she did not know what was.
“Your playing was lovely."
“I cannot agree with you there, but I did enjoy myself."
“You should not think so meanly of your abilities." He leaned closer to her ear so as not to be overheard by a passing servant. “Everyone is not ascritical an observer as my aunt."
“I must go." The look in his eyes and his nearness disconcerted her, and she wished herself away.
“Then I shall not detain you further. Good afternoon, Miss Bennet."
“Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy." As she left him, she could hear the faint humming of a certain lullaby.
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Part Three
Posted on Monday, 27 February 2006
Upon her return from Rosings, Elizabeth resolved to remain at the Parsonage all of the following day and enjoy the company of her friends. Her encounters with Mr. Darcy unsettled her, and she had no wish to repeat them.
Events conspired against her, however. That evening, Colonel Fitzwilliam called at the Parsonage as he had done several times before. The Colonel sat by her and the two of them conversed with an animation that drew a steady glare from Mr. Collins. Charlotte chatted in a desultory manner with Maria, unable to mask her discomfort. Elizabeth wondered if she would be forced to display incivility towards an amiable man in order to pacify a curmudgeon. She hoped it would not come to that.
Thankfully, the Colonelłs visit did not last long, and Elizabeth retired early to her room. At breakfast she learned that a nightłs rest had been insufficient to relieve her cousinłs mind; he once again lectured her and accused her of employing her arts and allurements to draw in the unsuspecting Colonel. The rest of the morning he refused to speak to her directly but talked of her to Charlotte and Maria as if she were not present. The moment Charlotte went out to work in her garden, Elizabeth slipped out of doors as well, feeling that she could not escape the house soon enough.
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Elizabeth surveyed what fraction of the sixty-four windows could be viewed from her position on the front lawn of Rosings. She laughed at her newfound appreciation for the estate and wondered whether she might be developing a preference for grand houses.
She saw movement in one of the windows: the silhouette of a man stepping back, the drawing of a curtain. Whether it was Mr. Darcy she could not tell from where she stood, but the possibility deterred her from further consideration of practicing her music. She turned and walked back down the wide stone steps and into the shrubbery beyond.
She was heading in no particular direction when a man approached her. She hoped Mr. Darcy had not spied her from the window and set out to meet her. Her apprehension soon gave way to relief at the welcome sight of Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“I have been making a tour of the Park, as I do every year. Shall I escort you back to the Parsonage? I am going there myself, as it turns out."
“Ihad not"
“I received an express today." He continued without acknowledging her halting reply. “My leave is cut short. I must travel to London tomorrow and rejoin my regiment shortly thereafter." He smiled ruefully as her countenance fell. “I am sorry not to have the opportunity to improve our acquaintance, Miss Bennet."
“As am I, Colonel Fitzwilliam." Just her luck; the only amiable gentleman in the vicinity was now leaving. She had a sudden, happy thought. “Will your cousin return to town with you?"
“No, indeed. My aunt insists that he remain at Rosings at least a fortnight. She is quite immovable on that point. Darcy humours her, but on the fifteenth day, he is back in London before noon, without fail." His broad smile made him appear almost handsome. “Lady Catherine is less concerned with my plans, however, and the demands of my profession take precedence, at any rate."
“Then I do hope you enjoy the remainder of your stay."
The Colonel offered his arm and led her in the direction of the Parsonage. Elizabeth halted him, having no wish to hurry back into the presence of her cousin or to arrive in the sole company of Colonel Fitzwilliam and hear Mr. CollinsÅ‚s strictures on the subject. “Actually, Colonel, I would prefer to walk a little longer in this garden, if it is not any trouble."
“None at all. But do you wish to go into the house, then?"
“No; I should like to remain here."
They walked along the path and spoke little until Elizabeth introduced a certain subject.
“Does Miss Darcy often accompany you to Kent?"
“Yes, but this year we thought it wise to allow her to remain in London." At ElizabethÅ‚s questioning look, he explained, “My cousin and I share guardianship of Miss Darcy."
“Oh." Elizabeth wondered how long Mr. DarcyÅ‚s parents had been deceased. Just then it occurred to her that the Colonel, as cousin to the Darcys, might be in the position to confirm or deny Miss BingleyÅ‚s conjectures regarding her brother and Miss Darcy. “I understand that your charge has been much in company with one of my Hertfordshire neighbours, and that he and Miss Darcy are quite attached to one another." Not that she believed Miss BingleyÅ‚s assertions for a moment, but she wanted to discover what Miss DarcyÅ‚s feelings were, if she could. She was surprised to see the ColonelÅ‚s expression darken.
“The scoundrel! So he has loosened his tongue since Darcy left the county, eh? He will pay dearly for this!"
Elizabeth heard his quiet, heated words, though she could not imagine what had inspired them.
The Colonel rapidly regained his composure. “I am deeply sorry for my outburst, Miss Bennet. Your information quite took me by surprise." He paused, as if considering his words carefully, then he looked to her, resolute. “I hate to importune you, but I must know what he has told you. It is of great import, I assure you, or I never would presumePray, tell me, what exactly did George Wickham say?"
“Mr. Wickham?" What had he to do with it? And why was the Colonel so disturbed? “All Wickham ever said about Miss Darcy was that she was fond of him in her youth but had grown very proud, like her brother." She caught herself and looked up at the Colonel, wondering whether he had heard her incautious mumbling. “I do not follow your meaning, Colonel. When I spoke of my neighbour, I referred to Mr. Bingley, not Mr. Wickham. Miss Bingley twice wrote to my sister Jane predicting an alliance between Miss Darcy and her brother."
“Bingley?" He sounded as though he either did not believe her or did not understand whom she meant.
“Yes, Mr. Charles Bingley, Mr. DarcyÅ‚s friend."
The Colonel was visibly relieved and a little embarrassed. “Oh! Now, that is another matter entirely." His face took on a firmness that belied his light tone, and he looked every bit the soldier as he said, “Would you be so good as to forget we had this misunderstanding, Miss Bennet?" It was not a request.
“Certainly, Colonel. Let us speak of it no more." The man looked so severe, she had no choice but to oblige him, no matter how perplexed she was that Mr. WickhamÅ‚s name should be raised during a conversation about Miss Darcy and marriage prospects.
“I thank you. And in return for your kindness, I shall tell you this: I have never known Georgiana to claim more than a brotherly affection for Mr. Bingley." His demeanor regained that ease and amiability which she had been accustomed to find in him. “As for Bingley, poor chap, it is my understanding that his inclinations lie with a young lady who, unfortunately, neither loves nor deserves him."
It was Elizabethłs turn to be shocked. She could well imagine where Colonel Fitzwilliam had received his intelligence of Mr. Bingleyłs ęinclinationsł and she silently cursed the source of the Colonelłs information. How dare he! ęNeither loves nor deserves him She was too angry to respond.
“Miss Bennet?" The Colonel gently called Elizabeth out of her reverie. “I do believe I shall escort you back after all. You appear to be unwell." She did not protest, and they walked slowly to the Parsonage.
Mr. Collins glowered at Elizabeth when she entered the house on Colonel Fitzwilliamłs arm. He relented somewhat as the Colonel explained that Miss Bennet had taken ill, and after seeing his guest out, he allowed Elizabeth to retire to her room without recrimination.
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Elizabeth was still in her room when she heard the ring at the door signaling the Colonelłs return. He had promised Mr. Collins that he would call again in the evening to take leave of them all. Charlotte convinced her easily enough to come down and say her farewells, but when she saw that Mr. Darcy had accompanied him, she heartily wished she had stayed in bed. She spoke amicably to the Colonel, but she ignored Mr. Darcy when she could, and was coldly civil to him when she could not.
The next few days brought no invitations to dine at Rosings. Elizabeth, however, went thither each afternoon and practiced most diligently in Mrs. Jenkinsonłs room, with that most obliging ladyłs consent, and showed, unbeknownst to herself, slight improvement. The pianołs rich voice soothed her anger and frustration over Janełs disappointment. She never looked up at the doorway, though she knew Mr. Darcy was there each time. He had ceased his silent approaches now that there was no need for disguise of any sort. Each day when she met him on the stair, she gave no more than a cursory greeting before leaving the house. Mr. Darcy called at the Parsonage each evening, which was highly unusual behaviour for him, but she kept to her room and refused to see him.
On Sunday, Lady Catherine again invited the Collinses and their guests to Rosings for tea. Elizabeth would have been content to spend the afternoon scowling at Mr. Darcy and ignoring him by turns. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine often demanded her attention, and even asked her to entertain them.
“Mrs. Jenkinson informs me that you have been eager to improve your proficiency at the pianoforte and have practiced several times on the instrument in her room. Let us hear what you have been able to accomplish in just one week."
Elizabeth complied with the request and played with fervour and, for her, uncommon accuracy. Polite applause ensued. All enjoyed the performance; even Miss de Bourgh truly appeared pleased by it.
“Eliza, I always love to hear you play, but that was especially delightful."
“Thank you, Charlotte."
Mr. Collins grudgingly echoed his wifełs words. Lady Catherine then launched into a discourse on the benefits of constant practice. When she had said more than enough to satisfy all parties, the carriage was called and Elizabeth once again allowed her thoughts free rein, imagining all manner of scenarios in which Jane wasted away from a broken heart and Mr. Darcy was made very sorry for what he had done.
The following day, Elizabeth resumed her music practice. Mr. Darcyit could have been none otherappeared at Mrs. Jenkinsonłs door earlier than was his habit, and instead of remaining at the threshold, he strode into the room.
Elizabeth heard the door close behind him. She stopped playing but did not turn her head. “I do not recall inviting you in." It was useless to try to contain her hostility now that she was presented with the object of it.
“I was not aware that I needed to ask your permission." He moved quickly towards her.
“Perhaps you do not. As the future Master of Rosings Park, I suppose you might take certain liberties."
“What?" He looked at her in consternation. “Please, spare me that nonsense. I came here to talk of something of a most serious nature. The last several days I have desired to speak to you, but you would not see me at the Parsonage and you always manage to leave Rosings before I have an opportunity to"
“I doubt you can have anything to say that I wish to hear. Why did you close the door? Surely you know it is improper for us to be shut in here alone together."
“If you are concerned for your reputation, you need not be. This is the last place where rumours would be tolerated." He smirked. “Lady Catherine can ill afford to have my name linked with that of any woman other than my cousin Anne, if her plans are to come to fruition."
“Then you are to marry your cousin."
“Lady Catherine wants me to marry my cousin. There is a great difference. But, as I said before, I did not come here to discuss the vain wishes of my aunt. I came to talk to you about a mutual acquaintance."
“Mr. Bingley!" Though he had closed the door, she was careful not to raise her voice overly much. “Ah, your very persuadable friend! Yes, what do you have to say for yourself?"
“That is not"
“I have thought of little else for days now, and I have dwelt on JaneÅ‚s heartache far longer. Pray tell, what did she ever do to you to deserve your censure and cruelty?" Her anger drove her on before he could answer. “She Ä™neither loves nor deserves himÅ‚those were the words I heard, and I could not believe my ears! It must assuage your conscience a little to plead ignorance of JaneÅ‚s true feelings while enumerating your objections, which I imagine are only that she has one uncle who is a country attorney and another who is in trade in London."
She lost patience with him for not making the slightest effort to explain himself even while remaining vaguely aware of the fact that she had interrupted his every attempt. “Is it true, then? Did you persuade Mr. Bingley to abandon Jane? Can you deny it?"
“I have no wish to deny it."
She closed her eyes against her building fury. “And to think I was prepared to lay the principal fault at Miss BingleyÅ‚s feet, especially after she treated Jane so abominably in town." She suddenly recalled Mr. DarcyÅ‚s confusion during their first conversation after his arrival in Kent. “I suppose you knew all along that my sister has been in Gracechurch Street since January."
He said nothing; his eyes only widened and he looked uneasy.
“I wonder if Mr. Bingley is aware of it."
He turned his face from her.
Elizabeth knew Miss Bingley would never willingly reveal Janełs whereabouts to her brother, and now Mr. Darcy had all but admitted to conspiring to keep that information from his friend. Her strong dislike of him was blossoming into hatred.
“I daresay you congratulate yourself on saving your friend from what you must consider a most imprudent marriage, and why? Because my mother and uncles are not sufficiently grand for your tastes? Because Longbourn has not the income of Pemberley? It is horrid enough that your pride, your arrogance"
“My arrogance? What"
“and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others have brought misery to both my sister and your friend. But then to boast about your contemptible actions to others! How could you?" She noted his shocked, reddened face and supposed people rarely spoke to him in this manner.
“How could I not advise my friend against a union with a woman of no connections and no fortune to speak of, with so few relations of sense and breeding? A handsome face and pleasant manners might be found anywhere. It was clear to me that she could offer him nothing, not even tender feelings."
His words made her wince at first. It was one thing for her to say the Bennets were not grand enough to suit the likes of Mr. Darcy but quite another to hear him confirm that opinion. She struggled to remain focused on the subject at hand. It was too important to allow her anger, no matter how justified, to obscure it. “I will not even inquire how you dare insult my family to my face. After all, JaneÅ‚s connections or fortune can be of no importance to you. It is Mr. BingleyÅ‚s opinion that matters in this case, and he never appeared displeased with anything about her! And what you say of Ä™tender feelingsÅ‚ has no bearing, for Jane loves him. Have you heard nothing I have said today? My longsuffering sister has loved him all this time! Such an inconstant man does not deserve her."
“Miss Bennet certainly displayed no evidence of love."
Her hands formed tight fists. “What evidence do you require?" How she could refrain from screaming she did not know, but she managed to keep her voice at a respectable level. “And who are you to require it?" His gall, his callousness was shocking. She could not help but feel some disappointment that such a clever mind was hampered by a complete lack of human feeling. What could he possibly know of love? “I should have expected as much from the man who threw off his childhood friend and denied his own fatherÅ‚s wishes."
“What do you know of my father, or any of my private affairs? And what right has any person so wholly unconnected to my family to inquire?" He smirked again. How she hated the look on his face. “Considering that the source of your intelligence on the matter is anything but forthright and disinterested, I would venture to say that you know nothing at all."
“I do know this, Mr. Darcy: you have proven, over and over, the accuracy of my initial impression of you, and I despise you as much as you despise me. Please, leave me in peace." She was not usually one to be so uncivil, but what he had done was unfair. This place, this humble room had become her refuge, and he had spoilt it. Jane was rendered miserable, and Wickham made poor, by his hand; yet he was unrepentant. She would not say any more, but neither would she shrink from the challenge in his eyes. She waited in silence for him to go.
In the midst of her anger, she could not help but notice that he looked very like the image in her dream. That was when she realised his expression had changed. Had he taken her words to heart? She could not imagine he would deign to apologise, or that any explanation he could offer would appease her.
“Is that what you truly think, Miss Bennet? That I despise you?"
The question surprised her, but, thankfully, he did not wait for an answer. He turned, took several steps and stopped. Five steps, she counted, a fair way to the door, certainly, for such a tall man. Why did he not go? As if her unspoken thought prompted him to action, she heard the steps continue. To her astonishment, the sound grew louder, instead of fainter, as he moved; in another moment, she could hear him breathing. She refused to turn. There was no more to say, and he had been dismissed; sooner or later he would see this and leave her.
“I do not hate you, Elizabeth. Even if I wanted to, I could not."
She felt him draw out a loose curl at the nape of her neck. He twisted it around his finger before tucking it back into place. Her mouth opened soundlessly in disbelief as the proud, staid Master of Pemberley toyed with her hair.
“Good day, Miss Bennet." The gentlemanÅ‚s voice was barely recognisable in its hoarseness.
By the time she composed herself enough to turn around, he had left the room.
She had been mistaken. Charlotte, and even Mr. Collins, had been nearer the truth. Elizabeth could deny it no longer, despite her anger. Whether Mr. Darcyłs behaviour was born of an ardent love or merely of the impulse of the moment she could not say with any certainty, but in no possible way could she interpret his actions as stemming from dislike.
________________________________________
Posted on Monday, 6 March 2006
Part Four
When Mr. Darcy called at the Parsonage some days later, all the ladies were within. After exchanging greetings, he turned his attention to Elizabeth.
“I am glad to see that you are well, Miss Bennet, and not confined to your room. I have not had the pleasure of your company on my last few visits here."
Elizabeth did not favour him with an answer.
He shifted in his seat while continuing to look at her. “I have had a letter from Bingley."
This news piqued her interest. “Is he well?"
“He is in health. He mentioned apeculiar situation. As it involves Longbourn and, specifically, your father, I thought to take the opportunity to speak with you on his behalf."
Charlotte immediately invented some business in the kitchen which she had to oversee personally, and she pressed Maria to assist her.
Elizabethłs silent reproaches were ignored by her friend. She quickly found herself alone with Mr. Darcy.
“Do not be alarmed, Miss Bennet. I shall be the soul of propriety."
“Of course; I expect nothing less. I trust you will not so much as touch a hair on my head." She was well satisfied with his resulting blush, and it went a long way towards relieving some of her lingering anger at him.
“Shall we go there?" He indicated a desk in the corner. “I would like you to see the letter for yourself."
“If you wish, though I cannot imagine what difficulty can exist between Mr. Bingley and my father, or what I can do to assist him."
Elizabeth sat while Mr. Darcy stood at her side and spread the letter out before her. At first glance, she immediately recalled a certain conversation that took place at Netherfield. “Miss Bingley did not exaggerate when she described her brotherÅ‚s penmanship. It is indeed difficult to make out this scrawl." She leaned over the paper and examined each line. Her persistence paid off. She gathered from the letter several things that surprised her.
Mr. Darcy must have broached the subject of Jane with the gentleman. The missive clearly was a reply to one of Mr. Darcyłs own. Furthermore, it appeared that Mr. Bingley was not so easily led as Elizabeth had believed. Yes, he had stayed in London for the winter, as he had promised his sisters he would do, but he had not forgotten Jane at all. He had trusted Caroline to convey their decision to Jane by letter. That may have been an unwise choice, but it was a reasonable one, as he could not write to Jane himself. He likely knew nothing of Miss Bingleyłs insinuations regarding the nature of his acquaintance with Miss Darcy.
Elizabeth reluctantly allowed her resentment to give way, for although Mr. Bingley had considered his friendłs and his sistersł opinions, those opinions had not materially altered his own. He had determined to wait several weeks to prove to himself that this attraction was no passing fancy, as so often had been the case with him. Now fixed in his choice, he had decided to write to Mr. Bennet of his intentionsa decisive step, to be sureand if his words, smudges and blots were to be believed, her father had not responded. This was the crux of the matter. Janełs proximity to him, whether in Gracechurch Street or in Hertfordshire, was of little importance if he was denied permission to court her.
“As you see, he believes Mr. Bennet does not look upon him with favour." She heard Mr. DarcyÅ‚s voice as she read the last lines of the letter. “Are you familiar with your fatherÅ‚s opinion? Does he object to Mr. Bingley as a suitor for Miss Bennet?"
“No, I am sure he does not, although I see why Mr. Bingley believes the opposite. He wrote to Longbourn weeks ago. My father is a dilatory correspondent at best, but such a delay is unusual, even for him." She perused the papers again and smiled as a notion occurred to her. “Mr. Darcy, do you think Mr. BingleyÅ‚s letter to my father may have had a similar appearance to this one?"
“If you are asking me if his writing is always that untidy, the answer is yes."
“Then I believe I know what happened. Papa, while eager to receive letters, has little tolerance for struggling to make them out. If he unfolded the first page and saw this," she held up the paper, “he would just as soon have tossed it into the fire as not. I doubt he bothered to read the signature. He would see an unfamiliar hand and illegible script and decide the person did not care to make himself understood, and thus did not deserve his consideration." She smiled. “That is, if the letter did not go astray. Based on what I see here, there is a good chance that Mr. Bingley wrote the direction rather ill, and the envelope sits unopened on a Mr. BarnetÅ‚s desk somewhere in Herefordshire."
Mr. Darcy laughed at her explanation. “I am relieved. I shall advise my friend to be very careful with his next letter, or, better yet, to forego writing and ride to Longbourn to call on your father instead. Bingley makes a far better impression in person than in print."
“Shall you write to your friend very soon?" Elizabeth felt the stirrings of hope for her sister.
“No, I shall tell him myself tomorrow, or the following day at the latest."
“You are to leave Kent?"
“I am for London in the morning. I have put off my departure once already."
He gathered up the pages of Mr. Bingleyłs letter and replaced them with a sealed envelope addressed to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
“Mr. Darcy, I" She looked at him, apprehensive.
He lowered his voice. “Would you do me the honour of reading it?"
After their argument, Elizabeth had been certain that she never wanted to see Mr. Darcy again. She had purposely stayed away from Rosings ever since. There was still so much unresolved between them, she knew, but she had not desired resolution, only escape.
He, on the other hand, had delayed his departure from Kent, something he never did, according to Colonel Fitzwilliam. He had written to Mr. Bingley attempting to correct his error regarding Jane. And he had written to her as well. It was only fair that she read what he had to communicate. She looked again at her name on the envelope and noted the steady, neat lines and curves of his writing. Already this missive promised to be much more intelligible than Mr. Bingleyłs.
She grinned despite herself and took the letter. “I suppose I can do that much."
“Thank you."
They were more silent than not during the next several minutes. Elizabeth, curious as she was, could not open the letter just yet. She attempted to converse on lighter topics with little success, for it appeared that Mr. Darcy, unlike herself, had not taken the trouble of practicing and still was little inclined to parlour conversation. Perhaps it was that, or the nature of their previous discussion. More likely it was the lingering effect of his declaration in Mrs. Jenkinsonłs room that inhibited them.
Perhaps all that Mr. Darcy wished to say to her was written in the letter.
The return of Charlotte and Maria to the parlour was very welcome, for if they could not all talk, they could all eat, and the repast proved delicious enough to lend credence to Charlottełs eagerness to supervise its preparation.
________________________________________
Part Five
“Charlotte?" Elizabeth had come down to seek out a quiet place to think and was surprised to find her friend still awake. She closed the door behind her, though she doubted any conversation here, in the drawing room, would be distinguished over the snores emanating from the master chamber.
Charlotte dropped her book onto her lap. “Eliza? Can you not sleep? Is there anything I can get for you?"
Elizabeth slid down into a seat across from Charlotte. “He will be gone tomorrow."
Charlotte favoured her with a tired smile. “And this news keeps you from your precious slumber?"
The twinkle in CharlotteÅ‚s eye and her immediate understanding of who he wasthough she knew it required little effort to puzzle outmade Elizabeth feel that they had somehow instantly regained much of the intimacy that had been lacking in their friendship since CharlotteÅ‚s engagement and marriage. “I spoke my thoughts aloud again, did I? No, the fact that he is leaving has not kept me awake; rather, it is everything else. Charlotte, what are you doing down here?"
“I cannot rest comfortably just now. It appears that supper did not agree with me." She clasped her hands together. “Or with another, who is, unfortunately, too young to tell me precisely which part of the meal he found objectionable." She caressed her midsection and looked shyly at Elizabeth. “I was always told that women took ill in the morning in cases like these. It was that way with my own mother."
“Charlotte!" Elizabeth was up in an instant to embrace and congratulate her friend, her joy checked only by the notion that the child possessed a most unfortunate father. But having such a mother might atone for it. “Are you certain?"
“I am, though I have told no one yet. I wish to wait a month or two before allowing the news to go all around Hunsford and Meryton. I have not even told Maria. She is horrid at keeping secrets."
Elizabeth sat down again, and the two women lapsed into an easy silence. Charlotte picked up her book and marked her place before putting it on the table with an unsteady hand. “I thank you, Eliza, for your sincere good wishes. I do value them, especially in light of the circumstances."
“And what might those circumstances be? That someday there will be children by the name of Collins instead of Bennet running around Longbourn House? It was always to be so, as I have no brother."
“Eliza, you know very well it is a subject I dare not mention. I should not even have alluded to it."
“Charlotte, you were my friend first, long before" She waved her arm in a dismissive gesture.
“But still"
“You know I could never hold the consequences of the entail against you. I am not my mother." Their simultaneous smiles eased the tension. “If a Bennet cannot inherit our family home, it could be in no better hands than those of my dearest friend."
“That is kind of you to say, but there is something that I must discuss with you." Charlotte sighed. “I know you possess a generous heart, Eliza, and I am glad of it. However, my children and I will not be the only ones tosettle in Hertfordshire some faraway day." Charlotte fidgeted in her seat. “My husbandÅ‚s conduct of late has been inexcusable. I must apologise to you for it, as it is clear that he never will. I have tried in vain to make him reasonable, but he refuses to hear my opinion. It is very wrong of him to cast aspersions upon your character for any reason. You are his own relation, and you have done nothing to deserve such treatment."
Elizabeth had formed a playful reply, but she saw that her friend truly was troubled by Mr. CollinsÅ‚s behaviour. “I shall not argue with you, Charlotte. I am not pleased that my cousin thinks I sought to entrap a respectable gentleman with my Ä™arts and allurementsÅ‚, as he is fond of saying. And yetI find that he is right, in a way. It was never my intention, but I do seem to have drawn someone in all the same. Although it is very likely that nothing will come of it."
“But you think it possible that something may come of it?"
“I do not know. No, that is not entirely true." She did not know before he called her by name and caressed her hair and declared he could never hate her. And wrote to her, most kindly, to put her on her guard concerning their mutual acquaintance, concluding the letter with a charity she did not deserve after the harsh words she had flung at him. She spoke decisively. “Yes. Possible, but not probable."
“Do you not trust the gentleman to be constant in his affections?"
“It is my own mind that is undecided on the matter. I donÅ‚t love him, Charlotte. I do not yet know if I can like him. Besides, he has not declared himself, and he may never do so." He had only revealed his feelings, not his intentions.
“It would be a splendid match, you know."
“For one of us, perhaps." They were talking of something that may never be, something Elizabeth never expected to consider.
“For each of you. It will be to the advantage of both. He is your equal, and you know it. He certainly knows it. Eliza, you simply will have to grow accustomed to losing half of your arguments instead of none."
Elizabeth laughed. “How apt. I will have you know, it was an argument that started all this."
“Truly? I cannot imagine how. After all, the whole of Meryton is aware that you have admired Mr. Darcy for his tall form and handsome face, not to mention his superior manners, from the very beginning of your acquaintance."
They both laughed until Elizabeth recalled the contents of her letter. “There is something rather serious that I discovered today. At first I did not know what to make of it, but after thinking on it for several hours, I have to take Mr. DarcyÅ‚s word over Mr. WickhamÅ‚s."
“You talked of Mr. Wickham? I had thought you were discussing Mr. Bingley."
“We did not exactly talk of Mr. Wickham."
“Then howThat paper in your handMr. Darcy wrote to you?"
“Shh! Please do not tell your husband. I myself shall not breathe a word of it, or he will throw me out of the Parsonage well before my planned departure on Saturday next."
“He must mean to marry you, Eliza! Why else would he break with propriety in such a way? My, my; Lady Catherine will be most seriously displeased."
“I believe his purpose in writing was less romantic. He sought to warn me that Mr. Wickham is not the hapless victim that he claimed to be. I will show you part of what he says. Here." She handed Charlotte a page of the letter and indicated the relevant portion.
Charlotte read it and handed it back to her. “Remarkable. And all this time Mr. Wickham had us believing he was treated unfairly. The Darcys were more than generous to him, both father and son."
“Very true." It was good to speak of it to someone. She had resigned herself to waiting until she was in Gracechurch Street with Jane again, but tonight it seemed natural to talk of this to Charlotte. “But do you think I should make Mr. WickhamÅ‚s character known among our acquaintance? I wonder if Mary King has discovered his true nature, or if she is about to lose her ten thousand pounds to the gaming tables."
“Did Mr. Darcy give you leave to speak of it publicly?"
“No; neither did he forbid it, not this much, at least. There are other, more insidious charges against Mr. Wickham which I am not at liberty to relate, and there I must and will keep his confidence. I wonder if these lesser faults are enough to change the minds of all those ladies who have fallen for a handsome face. And it is a very handsome face, at that."
“Do you still favour Mr. Wickham?"
“I can hardly do so now, can I? Truly, I do not believe he touched my heart very deeply, though I admit I was pleased with his attentions."
“He is a very charming fellow." Charlotte thought for a moment. “Have you any objection to my sharing this news with Maria?"
“Why? Was she half in love with him, too? Kitty and Lydia certainly were."
“No more than most, but I have other reasons. I shall not tell her everything, just enough so that she will write to my mother, or Miss Long, or perhaps even Miss Swarthmore, who is an intimate friend of Miss King, and tell her that some of Lady CatherineÅ‚s family have accused Mr. Wickham of less-than-gentlemanlike behaviour. No one will know that it is you who told me, or Mr. Darcy who told you. Maria will assume that my information came from Colonel Fitzwilliam or even from Lady Catherine herself."
“That might be wise. I should hate to see Miss King suffer for her choice."
They sat in silence for some minutes.
Elizabeth yawned. “Are you well enough to retire now, Charlotte?"
“I believe so." She and Elizabeth walked to the door. “I still think it would be a splendid match, Eliza."
Elizabeth only smiled, and the two friends parted company at the top of the stairs.
________________________________________
Part Six
Posted on Monday, 13 March 2006
“Lady Catherine feels so dull as to be very desirous of our company today."
Mr. Collins had walked early to Rosings with the intention of seeing Mr. Darcy off, and he returned as the others were finishing their breakfast. “Mr. DarcyÅ‚s carriage departed at sunrise. Such a pity that I did not have the opportunity to speak with him before he left, but I am certain Lady Catherine will convey my apologies by post. My dear, we must hurry ourselves! Maria, Miss Elizabeth, you are to come as well. We must console Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh for the loss of their relationÅ‚s society. They expect us at any moment."
Within the hour, the four of them were seated in the drawing room at Rosings, listening to Lady Catherine expound on the pleasures of this most recent visit from her nephew. Colonel Fitzwilliamłs brief stay seemed entirely forgotten by her.
“He remained with us several days longer than usual," said Lady Catherine, referring to Mr. Darcy, “and was sorry to leave us at last. His attachment to Rosings certainly increases."
Mr. Collins appeared ready to interject his usual allusion to Mr. Darcyłs attachment to his cousin, when Elizabeth forestalled him.
“And did you see much of him, then, in these last few days?"
“No; strange you should inquire, Miss Bennet. I did not see him as frequently as I had hoped. He dined with us, of course, but he spent much of his time above stairs, writing letters of business, I understand. He works too hard for such a young man. If he had a steward like my Matheson, he might have more leisure for visiting. It is unfortunate that Mr. Wickham died when he did; he was an excellent steward to Mr. DarcyÅ‚s father. If the son, young George Wickham, had not turned out so wild, he could have taken his fatherÅ‚s place, but that scalawag might be capable of bankrupting even an estate as grand as Pemberley."
Charlotte and Elizabeth looked at each other with widened eyes and suppressed smiles. It seemed Maria now had plenty of gossip to carry back to Meryton, and her quiet gasp confirmed her interest.
Elizabeth trusted Mr. Darcy even more now that his account had been corroborated by his auntÅ‚s words. Wanting to test whether or not the auntÅ‚s opinion only mirrored that of the nephew, she boldly ventured, “Lady Catherine, it must be a great comfort that your nephew confides in you regarding his business affairs." Elizabeth hoped that her ladyship had grown accustomed to her impertinent ways and would not take offence.
Far from resenting the comment, Lady Catherine responded to it eagerly. “Darcy? He tells me almost nothing. He values his privacy, a trait which shall serve him well when" Her voice trailed off as she favoured her daughter with a fond glance. “Yes, he is most discreet. I took it upon myself to inquire about those closely associated with Pemberley when last I was in Derbyshire." She turned back to Elizabeth. “I journeyed there for the reading of the elder Mr. DarcyÅ‚s will. I anticipated becoming GeorgianaÅ‚s guardian, of course. It would have been for the best. Anne and Georgiana might have grown quite as close as sisters these five years." She smiled briefly. “I was quite put out to find that responsibility left to Darcy and Fitzwilliam."
Lady Catherine raised her head even higher. “Even more shocking, I found that my brother had bequeathed young Wickham one thousand pounds! I could not imagine what had obliged him to do sothe boy is merely the son of a servantso I inquired all about Lambton to find out as much as I possibly could. There was not a soul to whom I spoke who held him in any esteem there, and there were several who had good reason to dislike himdebts, debaucheriesoh, the rumours! I shall not pollute your ears with them. Darcy has done well to distance himself from George Wickham. I still find it deplorable that my brother meant to foist that man upon his neighbors and tenants as their parson. OneÅ‚s reputation is of the utmost importance in that profession."
Mr. Collins humbly concurred and expressed his gratitude to Lady Catherine for her patronage. Elizabeth took the opportunity to dwell upon all she had heard. She was indebted, for once, to Lady Catherinełs propensity to meddle in the business of others, though she credited her ladyship with slightly more selfish motives than those of simple familial duty in her particular attention to the financial affairs of Pemberley. After all, one thousand pounds given to Wickham was one thousand less for the future Mrs. Anne Darcy.
As Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine talked on, Miss de Bourgh displayed signs of fatigue, which were noted by the others, and after Mrs. Collins gave a few gentle hints to her husband, the party rose to leave. All afternoon, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins, Elizabeth and Maria spoke of little else than Lady Catherine and her surprising revelations.
________________________________________
Mr. Collinsłs behaviour to Elizabeth improved in proportion to her lack of potential suitors; thus, the latterłs final week in Hunsford was far more pleasant than the previous two. Charlotte did not raise the subject againfurther apology would have been absurd, as she herself was not to blamebut it was apparent she felt much more at ease now that her husband once again behaved civilly towards both their guests.
Invitations to Rosings were as frequent as before the gentlemenłs visit. Two days before Elizabeth and Maria were scheduled to leave Kent, the last of these invitations was issued and accepted. Elizabeth performed again at Lady Catherinełs request and was privileged to hear that her ladyshipłs opinion of her abilities had risen. Such good fortune did not shield her from criticism, however.
“Miss Bennet, I understand that you have not been to Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room very frequently of late."
“That is correct, your ladyship. I have been somewhat busy at the Parsonage, attending Mrs. Collins and preparing for my departure on Saturday." Charlotte had taken ill several days that week, and Elizabeth, being the only one who knew her true condition, had spent a great portion of her time nursing her friend and seeing to her comfort. The others were under the impression that Mrs. Collins had eaten something peculiar, and the Collinses had endured lengthy lectures on adjusting their daily menus.
“That is all very well, but on no account should you neglect your practicing. You see that even a small amount has enhanced your performance." Her face brightened with a condescending smile. “When you return home, you will instruct your father to engage a music master. There is no reason you should not continue to improve yourself. Your talent should not be wasted. With your fatherÅ‚s estate entailed, you cannot have much in the way of a dowry, so you must be careful to make the most of every accomplishment. If Mr. Bennet requires a recommendation, have him write to Mr. Collins and I will happily provide him with the names of one or two persons in London who might suit."
“Thank you, your ladyship."
“Now, if you stay another month entire, I shall take you to London myself in the Barouche and introduce you to GeorgianaÅ‚s former teacher."
Elizabeth tactfully talked her way out of imposing on Charlotte for another month simply to ride to town in luxury. She did, however, accept her ladyshipłs final invitation to practice before leaving the country, and she excused herself to do so while Lady Catherine directed Maria in the proper method of packing her gowns.
Mrs. Jenkinson stopped her before she exited the room. “I am glad you are going up again, Miss Bennet. I believe you left something in the room."
“I did?"
“Yes, by the pianoforte. It is a packet of some sort with your name on it. I took it to be newly purchased sheet music."
“Oh; yes, that." Elizabeth gave her what she hoped passed for a genuine look of understanding. “Thank you. I had quite forgotten it. And thank you again for the use of your room and your instrument."
“You are very welcome."
Elizabeth had not been in the room since that day, and she was certain she had left nothing behind. What was this packet Mrs. Jenkinson had seen? Her feet fairly flew up the stairs as she wondered what she would discover. She reached the room and closed the door behind her.
The wrapping indeed had her name on it: simply Ä™Elizabeth BennetÅ‚ this time, without the Ä™MissÅ‚. She recognised the handwriting immediately. “Is he mad? What if someone else had opened this? What if his aunt had seen it?" She peeked inside. It was indeed music, and looked innocent enough, until she found the unaddressed letter tucked inside one of the folded sheets. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, you are a heedless, reckless man! What am I to do with you?"
His previous letter, grave and painstakingly thorough, spanned several pages and detailed Wickhamłs history with the Darcy family: old Mr. Darcyłs support of his godson at school; the legacy of one thousand pounds; Wickhamłs refusal to take orders and his subsequent request for, and acceptance of, three thousand pounds in lieu of the living he was promised; Wickhamłs repeated attempts to claim the living at Kympton once his money ran out; and the worst of it allthe reprehensible scheme to elope with young Miss Darcy last summer in order to gain her fortune of thirty thousand pounds.
This letter, unlike the other, consisted of a single page, and was all lightness and exuberance.
Dearest,
I beg you to forgive my presumption in writing to you yet again. Having flouted propriety once in this manner, I could not resist the temptation to repeat the offence. Please accept the enclosed selections as my thanks for the privilege of hearing you play and sing. I hope to relive that pleasure as soon as may be, and as often as you will permit it. Will you promise to indulge me if I should happen to meet with you again in shire?
Your Devoted Servant
Are you now convinced that I am far from despising you?
ElizabethÅ‚s fingers shook. She folded the letter and hid it on her person. “I do not believe it. I do not believe it!" She paced the room, trying to sort through her anger, confusion, and this irrefutable evidence of Mr. DarcyÅ‚s feelings. How could he risk a scandal by leaving this package and this letter where anyone might see? True, he had not addressed the letter, nor had he penned her name or his. He had hidden it well in a package clearly marked for her, in the room of a servant. He had been careful, in his way. But, oh! She did not share his confidence in their safety. She was relieved that Mrs. Jenkinson had not shown the parcel to Lady Catherine or her daughter. Had she done so, they would have drawn their own conclusions, and Elizabeth had no doubt she would now be leaving Kent in disgrace.
Recalling that she had come to play, she sat down again, lest someone should seek her out and inquire about the lack of music coming from the room. Then she recalled that the only person who ever sought her out before was no longer in residence. None of it mattered, as her unsteady fingers refused to cooperate in any case.
Anxious to be doing something, she examined her gift and selected a piece at random. She recognised it as the same one that had concealed the letter.
It was a song of love.
The music did not appear overly difficult. Nevertheless, she slowly returned it to its place, gathered the papers together, and walked back to the drawing room.
________________________________________
Part Seven
Posted on Monday, 20 March 2006
Elizabeth listened patiently to Maria ramble on about Mr. Wickham and Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Catherine and Rosings and “Miss de Bourgh has such an inheritance to look forward to. I do so envy her! I shall never forget Rosings. We dined there nine times! How much I shall have to tell Father and Mother and all our friends!" Her soft voice and the clattering of the horsesÅ‚ hooves and carriage wheels together formed a strangely pleasing rhythm. “I hope Charlotte will invite me to Hunsford again in the autumn."
“I am sure she will. She will be glad of your assistance, I imagine."
“Assistance?"
“Company," Elizabeth corrected, recalling that Maria did not yet know she was to become an aunt. “I know she was very pleased to have you with her these six weeks. She told me so more than once."
Maria blushed and smiled and appeared at a loss for words on hearing of her sisterłs compliment.
Elizabeth turned to the window. ęI shall never forget Rosings, either,ł was her unspoken thought. However, the image in her head was not of grand dinners or of opulent furnishings but of bright eyes, haunting in their intensity, two sparks of lifeeven of beautyin that colourless patch that was the room of Miss de Bourghłs companion.
She recalled the sound of his voice as he touched her. She imagined him saying the words he had penned in his last letter, saying those words to her. “Dearest," she whispered, and Maria looked up, but the latter appeared to dismiss it from her mind immediately when Elizabeth said nothing further.
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“He has called here, in Gracechurch Street!" Jane whispered in her sisterÅ‚s ear as the two women embraced in greeting. “Only yesterday, or I would have written you word. Oh, Lizzy!" Elizabeth tightened her hold on her sister at this joyous news.
“Girls, come! I know you are pleased to see one another again, but do come and sit down. Let us not make Miss Lucas stand there in the entryway." Mrs. Gardiner ushered her nieces and Maria into the drawing room of her London home. “Now, tell me: how was the journey from Hunsford? And how did you leave your friend Mrs. Collins?"
Elizabeth answered her auntłs questions cheerfully and listened with great pleasure as Mrs. Gardiner next recounted Mr. Bingleyłs visit, which had occurred the previous day. Janełs constant smiles were a balm to her; Elizabeth felt a little less regret for every saucy speech she had directed at Mr. Darcy in Kent if her words had resulted in her sister being so happily situated.
Miss Lucas was shown to her room by the housekeeper, and Mrs. Gardiner took a moment to speak with her nieces alone. “It pains me to speak ill of any friend of yours, my dears, but I must say that Mr. BingleyÅ‚s amiable manners far surpassed those of his sister. Was there such a marked difference between them in Hertfordshire?"
“Yes." “Not always." Elizabeth and Jane did not agree on Caroline Bingley, even now.
“Miss Bingley was never as open or as cheerful as her brother," Jane continued, “but she was very kind to me while she resided at Netherfield."
“Lizzy, I can see from the expression on your face that you do not share JaneÅ‚s opinion." Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “However, we shall not argue that point." She patted JaneÅ‚s arm. “It is clear the brother considers you a valued acquaintance, and the sister, both sisters, will have to come to terms with that."
Elizabeth smiled her encouragement to Jane. “Shall we see Mr. Bingley again before we leave for Hertfordshire, do you think?"
“I shall be quite offended if we do not!" Mrs. Gardiner answered in her haughtiest tone. “He accepted my invitation to tea this afternoon. Mr. Bingley knows better than to slight a Gardiner." The three ladies broke into barely dignified laughter.
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Elizabeth observed that Mr. Bingley did indeed know better than to slight a Gardiner, or a Bennet, for that matter; he came to Gracechurch Street that day and every day thereafter while their party remained in town. His company was most welcome, primarily for Janełs sake, but Elizabeth had always enjoyed his pleasant conversation in Hertfordshire and she was glad of the few moments he could spare from the demands of his courtship to speak with her.
There was one thing she happily would have done without, however: Mr. Bingley had the disturbing habit of mentioning the name of his friend several times in the course of their conversations. Frequently when he did this, he looked pointedly at her just as she was attempting to conceal her reaction. She wondered just how much Mr. Darcy had confided in Mr. Bingley of what had occurred in Kent.
Elizabethłs last evening in London arrived all too soon. The trunks were packed, the sights seen, calls made and trinkets purchased; if only Jane were to return home engaged to Mr. Bingley, their mother would be prodigiously pleased. As the evening progressed, circumstances appeared to favour Mrs. Bennetłs wishes for her eldest child more and more.
Elizabeth smiled to herself. She had just overheard their guest ask her sister for a private interview on the morrow. Jane had consented, of course, and had risen to consult with her aunt. They were to return to Longbourn the next morning; she suspected they now would be leaving town no earlier than noon.
“I understand that I have you to thank for my good fortune, my dear Miss Eliza." Mr. Bingley appeared at her side, as he sometimes did when Jane was not immediately available. “Darcy paid me a visit on the day he returned from Kent and imparted to me some very useful information. I am grateful that he took it upon himself to canvass your opinion."
There it was again: Darcy. Elizabeth ignored her inconvenient flutterings as well as she could and fixed on the part of the gentlemanÅ‚s speech that allowed her to answer with composure. “Although I had a good deal of sympathy for your position, Mr. Bingley, I believe I thought only of Jane. My sister is very dear to me."
“How can she not be? She is the dearest creature in the world."
“I see we are of like mind. I am glad of it."
“Truly, Miss Eliza?" He smiled and leaned in to whisper, “Tomorrow, Jane and I" He nodded towards the place where he and Jane had been sitting. “I imagine you heard enough to know what I am trying to tell you. I am a very happy man, you may be sure." He leaned closer. “I hope you do not think me impertinent when I say that anyone would be delighted to have you as a sister." His smile broadened and his eyes had a look of mischief about them. “And I daresay that once Miss Darcy makes your acquaintance, she will be of the same opinion."
Luckily, Jane chose that moment to return to her former place, drawing Mr. Bingleyłs attention away and allowing Elizabeth to blush to the roots of her hair in relative privacy.
________________________________________
“So it appears I shall be traveling to Longbourn with an engaged woman."
“Oh, Lizzy! If I could just see you as happy!"
“I have had my chances and squandered them all, as well you know. Let us see if I can recount them now. There was that scrawny youth Mama insisted I dance with at my very first assembly." The sisters grimaced at the remembrance. “Then I was favoured with the fleeting attentions of a few of the local young men, none of whom considered themselves wealthy enough to choose a bride without some dowry or property to her name. And let us not forget Mr. Kildare with his wandering eyes."
“Papa never liked him."
“Neither did I, but Mama would not allow me to refuse his attentions entirely."
“I could not think well of him when I discovered that he was attempting to court two ladies at once."
“There were actually three of us unfortunate souls, if not more, or so Charlotte told me at the time, though she would not say how she came by that knowledge. And speaking of Charlotte, my crowning achievement was the refusal of the most eligible offer I am ever likely to receive. For, as the man himself said, upon my initial
or was it the second refusal, or the third? I cannot recall; I had never before been obliged to say ęnoł so often in a single conversation. ęIt is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to you.ł For some reason, of all the words that our cousin said to me that morning, those are the ones that stayed in my head."
“You poor dear! Was he so very rude? Had I been in your place, I should not have known where to look."
“I am sure I looked only at the nearest door."
Jane laughed. “I had quite forgotten howdetermined Mr. Collins had been in his pursuit of you."
“You have had much more pleasant things with which to fill your head, Jane! Besides, you have not just spent over a month in his company. Had I not done so, he hardly would bear mentioning. Our mother, however, has not yet forgotten him, IÅ‚ll wager, nor has she forgiven me. Tomorrow I shall hear again of her inability to provide for a willful spinster once our father is gone."
“Mother will have her opinion. You could not have been happy with our cousin, so there is an end of it." To one who did not know Jane well she might have appeared impassive, but Elizabeth could see that her sister was not pleased. “Twenty is still young. You are hardly a spinster."
“You would not be the best judge of that. You are two and twenty and not married yet, no matter how fervently Mr. Bingley is striving to alter that circumstance."
“Lizzy!" Jane swallowed her laughter at her sisterÅ‚s impertinence.
“Do not worry for me. I am quite resigned to my fate. As I have said, I threw away my best chance at happiness. Why, at this very moment, had I chosen it, I would be residing but a short walk away from the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the palatial splendour that is Rosings. To dine in the company of the reveredand largely silentMiss Anne de Bourgh twice weekly! Oh, sister! Can there be any greater felicity?"
“You are incorrigible!"
“Yes."
They giggled like schoolgirls until JaneÅ‚s face took on a serious expression. “Lizzy, there is something I feel I must discuss with you. Bingley has told me a little about Mr. Darcy and"
“Oh, no! Not you, too! Please, Jane."
“But he"
“No more about Mr. Darcy tonight!" Elizabeth crossed her arms in front of her, surprised at her strength of feeling on the matter, but the statement had the desired effect so she did not trouble herself.
Jane sighed. “Very well, Lizzy. I suppose it is nothing that cannot keep."
“Thank you, Jane."
Their earlier laughter had spilled out into the hall, and soon they heard footsteps and the rattling of a doorknob.
“Matthew! You must go back to bed." Jane rose to escort him.
“No, Jane. Allow me. You have had months with the darlings. Let me spoil Matty a little before I go home."
In the childrenÅ‚s room, not only Matthew, but his younger brother as well, stared at her with wide-awake eyes. The smallest one grasped the edge of the bed linen and sucked on his fingers while his brother begged Elizabeth for everything from treats from the kitchen to a walk outdoors, without success. Finally he yawned and crawled under the covers. “Will you sing for us?" He settled his head on the pillow.
She nodded as she tucked in her young cousins and began with the first tune that came to mind. After singing but half of the verse, she fell silent. A little voice brought her back from her thoughts.
“Cousin Lizzy, why are you crying?"
“Am I?" She had not observed it. She touched her cheeks; they were dry.
“Your eyes are shiny. Are you unhappy? Is that why you stopped?"
“No, no. I am sorry. IÅ‚m afraid I cannot do it justice tonight, is all. Sleep well."
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Part Eight
Posted on Tuesday, 28 March 2006
The bustle of a London morning always roused Elizabeth earlier than she was accustomed to awakening at Longbourn. Just now, she appeared to be rising with the sun. Her restless night had left her tired. Still, she was pleased to be going home after having been away so long. She would see her uncle and aunt again soon enough. The planned trip to the Lakes promised a multitude of pleasures.
Across the room, Jane slept on, her peaceful expression barely discernible in the first light of day.
Not wishing to disturb anyone so early, Elizabeth dressed herself in a comfortable gown fit for traveling. Her skin still smelled of lavender from her bath. She was glad the scent had outlasted the night; it calmed her now. She had wearied her mind and body dwelling on a certain gentleman. “I had best be prepared for whatever Mr. Bingley says to me today about his friend. I must and will meet it with equanimity."
Even in her agitated state, she had much for which to be grateful. She had prevented Jane from pursuing the subject of Mr. Darcy the night before. She had had the pleasure of seeing her sister courted by a worthy gentleman away from the curious eyes of their Meryton neighbours.
And though he had no prospects and rightly should not have been included in a list of any import, she nevertheless was thankful to have avoided the mention of Mr. Wickhamłs name among her former suitors. Under other circumstances she might have divulged to Jane the whole of her new understanding of Wickhamłs history, including those parts of Mr. Darcyłs account that the latter wished to keep private. However, her sister had been so happy, so overflowing with joy from the moment they met, that she shrank from the thought of spoiling that joy with such unpleasantness as she could have related. Once again she felt relief at the return of ease and intimacy to her conversations with Charlotte. At least she had already unburdened herself to one friend; she could thus spare Jane without causing herself undue suffering.
As she began to brush her hair, her sister awoke.
“Good morning."
Jane acknowledged her with a smile. “I shall do that for you." She got out of bed and took the brush from ElizabethÅ‚s hand. The two ladies had much practice in the art, Jane more so, with four younger sisters upon whom to hone her skill. “I would have you look your best."
“It will be a momentous day for you, sister."
“It will be a delightful day for us both, I hope."
Several minutes later, Elizabeth, well pleased with the results, thanked Jane and left her to her own preparations. She then embarked on her habitual tour of the house, something she undertook whenever she was to leave Gracechurch Street, perhaps as an attempt to fix in her memory all the pleasant times spent there. She walked quietly along the corridors so as not to awaken her cousins, descended the stairs, and ended her circuit in the breakfast room where she awaited the others. Her aunt soon joined her.
“Lizzy! Good morning. I had not thought to see you so early. You look different somehow."
“Is it my hair, perhaps?"
“Yes, I believe so."
“JaneÅ‚s handiwork."
“Truly? It is very becoming."
“I thank you on her behalf as well as mine. She really is quite proficient. I must say I was surprised that she should dedicate so much time to the task today, of all days. But that is the way with her, always thinking of others."
Mrs. Gardiner only smiled.
Mr. Gardiner entered the room not long after his wife. “I have much work to do," he said while filling his plate. “However, I shall return before noon to see the girls off. You must give me a full report on all that I miss." Husband and wife shared a significant look which Elizabeth assumed had much to do with JaneÅ‚s imminent engagement, until they jointly trained their gazes on her.
She glanced from one to the other as the two shared yet another knowing look.
“It will be a day to remember." Her uncle ignored her questioning eyes.
As did her aunt. “Of that I have no doubt."
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“Shall we walk to the booksellerÅ‚s?"
Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet led the way, followed by Miss Lucas, Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. The latter would have given anything to be anywhere else as she turned her eyes away from the insistent stare of her tall companion.
She acknowledged that it would have been the height of rudeness to decline the company of Miss Darcy when her brother had gone to such trouble to introduce herbringing Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley to this part of London surely was an unusual event. Furthermore, she was needed both to serve as chaperone and to ensure that her sister and Mr. Bingley had their precious moment alone. Finally, she conceded that even a man as clever as Mr. Darcy could not engage in too much mischief in the company of all these people and likely would not act unbecomingly in the presence of a much younger sister.
All these reasons, along with her auntłs whispered encouragement, conspired to keep her placing one foot in front of the other.
Miss Darcy and Miss Lucas chatted amiably together. Elizabeth smiled as she watched their progress. A similarity in age and disposition had mutually recommended the two girls in the Gardinersł drawing room. Miss Lucas tended to shyness when not in the exclusive company of her intimate friends, and her gentle inquisitiveness, so far from intimidating, seemed to put the equally reticent Miss Darcy at ease. Elizabeth laughed to herself at the thought that Maria, ever conscious of rank and superiority since her fatherłs ascension to the knighthood, might well have felt intimidated herself by Miss Darcyłs presence on account of the latterłs fine clothes, elegant manners, or even her connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
The rhythmic step of the gentleman at her side echoed in her ears. She glanced up. He was still looking at her, not that she had doubted it.
“What is it, Mr. Darcy?" she inquired when she could tolerate his silent observation no longer.
“What is what, Miss Elizabeth?"
“Why do you stare so? Is anything out of place?" She lifted a hand to the nape of her neck as if to set aright any stray locks and amused herself with watching his expression change from one of embarrassment to one of determination.
“Quite the contrary. Your hair is lovely. I do not think I have seen it in that style before."
“I am collecting a great many compliments for my sister this morning." At his confused expression, she said “It is Jane who is responsible for any improvement in my appearance today. She wanted me to look my best. I had no idea at the time that we would be in company with more than just Mr. Bingley." She would not have him think that she had taken special care on his account.
Mr. Darcy touched her arm to slow their progress until the others were several paces ahead. “Your sister is very kind to me."
Elizabeth did not wish to answer that. Instead, she commented on his sister. “It has been a pleasure to make the acquaintance of Miss Darcy." The young girl had proven such a sweet creature that she detested Wickham all the more for his deviousness.
“I am certain she would say the same of you all. She seems comfortable conversing with Miss Lucas, and Mrs. Gardiner has made her, has made us both, very welcome. Shall we see your uncle today, do you think?"
His interest in her relations surprised her in light of his previously expressed opinion on the level of sense and breeding of some of the Bennets and their connections. Clearly, he must have been impressed by her aunt during this first brief meeting if he now wished to meet her uncle as well. That Mr. Darcy desired to be introduced to any member of her family could only make Elizabeth proud. That much, if not all, of the credit for this unlikely circumstance must rightly be given to the particular family members involved, for whom she knew there was no need to blush, kept her pride under good regulation.
They managed to keep up a steady conversation until they reached the shop. Miss Darcy stepped inside with Miss Lucas directly behind her. Jane and Mr. Bingley moved quickly from one display to the next; soon Mr. Bingley picked up a book seemingly at randoma noveland walked up to the proprietor to make his purchase.
Elizabeth recalled her purpose. “Mr. Darcy, your friendÅ‚s business is rapidly concluded, I see. Do you mind if I stay a little longer? I feel I have hardly had time to view the selection here."
Mr. Darcy readily agreed. Miss Darcy and Miss Lucas were in no hurry; oblivious to the others, they were occupied with looking over a large volume.
Elizabeth went over to her sister and spoke to her discreetly. “Jane, if Mr. Bingley is ready to leave, do not linger on our account. Mr. Darcy has agreed to stay behind and escort us back to my auntÅ‚s. We shall not be long."
Jane nodded. The unsteadiness of her smile betrayed her nervousness as she departed with her suitor.
Elizabeth silently wished her sister luck and made her way back to where Mr. Darcy stood. Only upon approaching him and noting his sly grin did she wonder why she had not simply remained where she was; after all, there were just as many books in one part of the shop as in the other.
“You seemwell satisfied." It was nearly impossible to restrain her tongue while he looked so smug. Her eyes darted about; it appeared no one else had taken notice of her speech.
He leaned over her shoulder as if she were obstructing his view. An observer might have believed him far more interested in perusing the titles before his eyes than in pursuing any conversation. His voice was low and steady as he said, “I hope I shall always be well satisfied to see you return to me."
So he had realised as well that she had, rather unnecessarily, come to his side; whether by choice or by instinct, she knew not, nor whether it even mattered, now she was here.
“What am I to say to that?" she mumbled before she could stop herself.
“Whatever you like. I enjoy hearing you talk."
“I thought it was only my singing that pleased you," she replied, thinking of his provocative note. She had no excuse for her flirting beyond her own unease with the current circumstances, and possibly the temptation of saying things that ought not be overheard, and thus ought not be uttered, in a public place.
He hesitated before answering, “I have pleasure in many things."
That sounded so familiar, very like something she would say, or perhaps had said. She did not have the chance to search her memory, however. Mr. Darcy brushed against her as he reached for a book and the brief contact jolted her into action. “We must return to my auntÅ‚s. Aunt Gardiner will not be pleased if I leave Jane alone for long." She walked over to the other ladies. “Maria, Miss Darcy, have you found anything of interest?"
Miss Darcy admitted that although she loved to shop, she rarely made any purchases while out with her brother, for he was forever giving her gifts. As if to prove the veracity of her words, Mr. Darcy approached and asked if he might buy whatever had taken GeorgianaÅ‚s fancy. “That one there, the one you and Miss Lucas were reading together. Shall I get it for you?"
“No, Fitzwilliam, but thank you all the same." Miss Darcy smiled at her brother and then at Elizabeth.
“Shall we return, then?" Elizabeth was anxious to see how her sister fared.
All but Mr. Darcy turned to go; he decided to follow Mr. Bingleyłs example and acquire something for himself. The transaction was soon completed and the foursome walked back to Gracechurch Street, this time with Miss Lucas and Miss Darcy following behind Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
As Elizabeth thought they must have some conversation, she began it. She had an obligation to discharge, and now was as good a time as any. “Miss Darcy tells me you often buy her gifts."
“I enjoy doing what I can to make her happy."
“I have not yet thanked you for minemy gift."
He seemed to be in a sudden hurry, and then she realised he once again was putting some distance between them and their companions. Perhaps he did not wish Miss Darcy to know the extent of his generosity towards ladies who were not family. As she continued, she was grateful for it. “And I thank you as well for the otherfor what came before," she pressed on in spite of the awkwardness she felt, “for telling me the truth of Mr." she looked behind her, “of him." She refused to mention Mr. WickhamÅ‚s name in Miss DarcyÅ‚s company.
Mr. Darcy gave her a solemn nod. “Say no more of it." His look was not one of reproach and she was glad, for she knew not how she would have borne it had it been so.
“Did you like the music?" He seemed as eager as she to move on to a more pleasant topic. “Although I was almost certain you would return to the room and see it, I am glad to have confirmation that the package is not still at Rosings." They leaned towards each other now, not wishing to be heard by the young ladies following them.
“You took quite a risk. It would not have done for your aunt to have discovered it."
“Not at all." He grinned at her. “Did youexamine everything carefully? I was sure you had, back there at the shop."
Elizabeth blushed. Was it so obvious that she was warming to him? She cursed her wayward feet and her flirting and every impulse that brought her that much closer to being in danger. He was waiting for an answer. “Even had I not Ä™examined everything carefullyÅ‚, as you say, Mr. BingleyÅ‚s pointed comments would have enlightened me as to yourviews on the subject." He was looking at her and she could see that he fully understood her meaning.
He glanced back at his sister and Maria and then slipped his hand into a pocket, probing for something. “What exactly did Bingley say of me?"
She averted her eyes. “You would find the details tedious, IÅ‚m sure." She was surprised to hear his quiet laugh. “I am glad you are amused. I certainly did not feel like laughing when he persisted in bringing your name into almost every conversation."
“It appears not to have done too much harm. You are walking with me now, and quite companionably, I must say." He held his new book in both hands and looked from it to her and back again.
In their silence they could distinguish the quiet, animated voices of the girls behind them. Elizabeth saw a familiar figure ahead. “There is Jane." Her sister stepped fully into view, her arm resting on her companionÅ‚s and her smile as bright as Elizabeth had ever seen it. “And so it is done." She caught Mr. DarcyÅ‚s eye and detected in his expression not the slightest hint of disapprobation. If anything, he appeared wistful. As they approached the couple, he opened his mouth to speak but closed it again.
Janełs happiness was evident, as was Mr. Bingleyłs, but as Mr. Bennetłs consent had yet to be obtained, and as they all were standing in a public thoroughfare, congratulations and inquiries would have to wait. Elizabeth smiled and turned to Mr. Darcy just as he offered her his arm for the remainder of their walk. She complied without quite knowing what she did but soon felt the full consequences of her distraction.
With each step she grew more conscious of her companion: his height; the firmness of his arm; the superior quality of his coat; his handsome profilealmost as handsome as Wickhamłs; his energy; how his eyes brightened when he looked upon her, how that brightness warmed her. On previous occasions in his company, the primary sensation he stirred in her had been anger, and sometimes shock. Now, she realised her anger had fled long ago and the only shock she experienced was due to her growing admiration, for admiration she must call it, of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
________________________________________
Mr. Gardiner returned to the house in good time. He and Mr. Darcy did meet, and Elizabeth was not surprised that each man appeared pleased with what he saw in the other. They did not have long to become acquainted, however. The trip to Meryton loomed, and as those at home must not be kept waiting or made anxious by any unnecessary delay, the guests began to stir themselves. Mr. Darcy cited business and Miss Darcy lessons to claim their afternoon hours; even Mr. Bingley grew restless and looked as though he wished to invite himself along on the carriage ride to Meryton whenever Jane talked of going.
In the midst of leave-taking, Mr. Darcy, somewhat agitated, stood before Elizabeth in such a way as to obstruct her view of the others. Instead of the usual farewell, he said to her, “You have not yet inquired about my purchase," and pressed his new book into her hands. Their attention was immediately diverted by her aunt, and soon everyone crowded around the drawing room door.
Elizabeth had no time to object and hardly any time to consider what Mr. Darcy had done before the guests departed. She followed them out, intending to return the book to its owner, and as she held the volume she feltand then sawa piece of paper protruding from the pages. Realisation dawned and she called out, “Would you say this text warrants careful examination, Mr. Darcy?"
He was handing his sister into the carriage but had looked up immediately at the sound of her voice. “Yes. I would." She could see she had his full attention.
“Then I shall endeavour to follow your recommendation as soon as may be."
“Thank you." His astonishment melted into a brilliant smile that held her in its thrall until he disappeared into the carriage. Elizabeth entered the house in a haze of confused though not unpleasant feelings.
“Lizzy, I thought that was Mr. DarcyÅ‚s book."
“Oh?" She had not noticed her uncle standing there and wondered what he had heard of their exchange.
“Is that all the reply I am to expect?" Uncle GardinerÅ‚s look was too penetrating by half. “I see. He was kind enough to carry it for you, then."
“I shall pack it away with my things." Half afraid her uncle might follow on her heels, she scurried up the stairs to her room and locked herself in. She freed the letter from its hiding place and sat upon the bed to read it.
The courage that brings my pen to paper fails me when I envision your response. Thus I shall promise myself to give you this letter only if I believe you would welcome it. Therenow I have the freedom to write what I will, knowing that if I do not meet with your approval I shall destroy this page and any that follow. If I am fortunate enough to receive your smiles and not your censure, you may think what you like of all you read here, though I hope you will not think ill of me for writing to you again. I am coming to enjoy the practice and would be loath to give it up.
Before I continue, dearest, forgive me for not addressing you properly. I mean no disrespect and only seek to safeguard your reputation and power to determine your own course. Until such time as I know you would not be averse to having your name closely associated with mine I shall not use that name, but do not imagine it is ever far from my thoughts.
I hope you will like Miss. She looks forward to meeting you. She does not have many friends and is not yet out. If you can coax more than a few words from hershe is quite shyyou are certain to get on well together. I have a firm belief in your success, for who can resist you?
There is so much I want to ask you, and there is so much I want to say. Are you often away from home? Would it trouble you greatly to be settled far from shire? I hope you enjoyed your stay in the country. Your friend has a comfortable house, but I anticipate that during future visits you will have the benefit of more spacious apartments. Such a visit is not likely to take place very soon, I fear. There are those in my family who will not look kindly upon a nearer connection between us. I am confident that most will have too much sense to continue in their disapprobation for very long, but one in particular, I am certain you know which one, will be bitterly disappointed in my choice and will not hesitate to make that disappointment known.
Perhaps I have said too much already, but I shall not start afresh. These words are no more than what I might say to you in person, given time and opportunity. You know enough of me to believe me capable of every presumption that might offend and insult, and yet I pray you are not offended by what I write.
Do you think you could come to care for me a little, enough to answer me just as I would wish? I am certain my mouth shall form the words, most likely when they are least expected. I look at you and my thoughts tumble about in my head; all sense deserts me and only sensibility remains. And yet, I believe my love for you is as rational and reasonable as any manłs love for a woman can be. Sitting here in my study, with all the comforts familiarity can give, I cannot guess what inane or inappropriate thing I shall have said to you by the time you read this letter, or whether I shall have been able to put two words of sense together without them tripping over my tongue. I hope the latter but despair it will only be the former, and again I beg your forbearance.
It is late, and we shall meet again in the morning, for good or ill. Yet I am sanguine; should you reject my overtures tomorrow, I shall not despair. Your presence can only ever do me good. I conclude with best wishes for your happiness from
Your Devoted Servant and Ardent Admirer
“Oh!" The letter fluttered to the floor.
“Lizzy?" There was a knock and then another call, “Lizzy! Are you well?"
“I am well, Jane."
“I heard you cry out."
“I am well. I shall be out directly." Elizabeth picked up the letter and hurriedly placed it with the others. “I have got quite a collection now, but this lasta man of his consequence, seriously contemplating an alliance with me!" She pressed her hands to her face. “Fitzwilliam, how ever can you love me? I have given you nothing but trouble, yet you write of me as if I were an angel." She fetched the book and placed it inside her trunk. “My presence can only ever do you good! You would turn my head with that sentiment alone."
“Lizzy, are you speaking to me?"
“No, Jane." She was mortified at the thought of her sister hearing her and thankful for the sturdy door between them. She stood still a moment to regain her composure, recalled Mr. DarcyÅ‚s parting smile and grew flustered once more.
Even Janełs soothing presence and the kind solicitude of her aunt and uncle could not calm her completely. In the carriage, neither of her companions succeeded in drawing her into conversation of any substance. Her mind would not latch onto anything that was said. She could think only of her letter.
A Little More Practice ~ Section II
By Sandy W
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Beginning, Section II, Next Section
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Part Nine
Posted on Tuesday, 4 April 2006
The travelers arrived later than their appointed time at the inn where Mr. Bennet's carriage was to meet them. Kitty and Lydia, who awaited them, hardly noticed the delay. They had whiled away the past hour making unnecessary purchases at the local shops and busily arranging a light meal for them all, the cost of which exceeded the contents of their joint purses. Luckily, Jane and Elizabeth had money enough, and as they sat down to eat, Lydia imparted the latest gossip. Of great interest was the news that the regiment would remove to Brighton in a fortnight and that there would be no Mrs. Wickham accompanying them.
"There is no danger of Wickham's marrying Mary King," Lydia told her sisters and Maria. "There's for you! She is gone down to her uncle at Liverpool; gone to stay. Wickham is safe."
"And Mary King is safe!" Elizabeth countered. She did not have opportunity to elaborate before Maria took up the charge.
"Oh, Lydia, Kitty! Oh, and you too, Jane, for I did not breathe a word of it to you in London. If you could have heard the things Lady Catherine said about Mr. Wickham you would have been quite shocked!"
Maria told them all she remembered, calling on Elizabeth to confirm nearly every detail. Lydia exclaimed; all were appalled. Elizabeth was glad Jane had had the foresight to send the waiter away.
One of the girls, however, remained unconvinced, certain that there must have been some mistake. "Has not Lady Catherine had her information from Mr. Darcy? Perhaps she knows nothing of the matter herself."
"But it was she who inquired into Mr. Wickham's dealings. Did she not, Eliza? Lady Catherine had accounts from the people of Derbyshire where Mr. Wickham lived some years ago. She said specifically that Mr. Darcy tells her nothing of his business affairs."
"La! I never would have taken Wickham for such a bounder! I cannot wait to tell Mrs. Forster and Mama and Aunt Philips. Do you think he has run up debts, or ruined any ladies hereabouts? Ooh!" Lydia tittered. "I shall make Denny tell me all he knows!"
Kitty continued alone in her stalwart defense of the soldier. "Lizzy, surely you cannot accept that! You have always liked Wickham." She looked with hopeful eyes at her elder sister.
"I did like him," Elizabeth answered, "but I cannot dismiss what I have heard. I am afraid Mr. Wickham has not been truthful with us about his past."
"What of you, Jane? Do you not think that Lady Catherine must be mistaken in her opinion? Wickham is the most agreeable of all the officers. He cannot be so bad. I refuse to believe it."
Jane had been quiet, save for a small gasp of surprise at the charges laid at the door of Meryton's highly favoured redcoat. She had listened to Maria and Kitty with equal earnestness. Elizabeth knew her sister well and could see she wished to pacify both parties, impossible though it would prove. Jane's words showed Elizabeth that she was right. "Much as I would wish to agree with you, Kitty, I find I cannot. It is clear from what Maria says that Lady Catherine's words have merit. She could have no reason to fabricate and spread a tale about the son of her brother's steward. What could she gain by it?" Jane paused and fiddled with her sleeve. "I have always suspected there must be more to the history between Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy than what we knew. I could not believe Mr. Bingley's closest friend capable of treating someone so cruelly." She blushed and said no more about it.
Jane's mention of Mr. Bingley did not go unnoticed by her sisters. As the party spilled out of the inn and settled in the carriage, Lydia took up the subject of her eldest sister's marriage prospects with as much energy as she had the last topic of conversation, especially after Maria revealed that they had met Mr. Bingley in London. Lydia dominated the discussion, rattling on and putting forth questions without waiting for any replies.
"Will Mr. Bingley give another ball when he returns? I shall ask him again, just as I did in November," Lydia said as the carriage door was shut. "We were all out walking with Aunt Philips several days ago, Mama, Kitty, and Mary too, when my aunt thought she spotted Mr. Bingley down the street from the blacksmith's shop, riding in the direction of Longbourn. None of us believed her at the time. We were sure he must still be in London." She shifted in her seat. "Do you think Mr. Bingley truly called on Papa while we were out? What a good joke that would be, and just like Papa never to tell us!" She clapped her hands together. "A daughter married! Mama will be so relieved that you are not to be a spinster after all." She huffed. "I should not like to be almost three and twenty when I marry. It would be great fun if I secured a husband before any of you. Then I could chaperon you at all the balls!" She continued in like fashion, steering the discourse from balls and dancing to ball gowns and finery, and from there to a recent incident involving Chamberlayne dressed in a woman's clothes. "He fooled them all, Kitty, did he not? Even Denny and Pratt and Wickham." The mention of that escapade led inexorably back to the subject of Wickham's scandalous behaviour.
By the time the ladies reached Longbourn, Lydia appeared to have forgotten all about Jane and her Mr. Bingley. With Maria's able assistance, she energetically related all she had heard of Wickham to her parents and Mary, and to several of the Lucases, who had come to meet Maria and were then in the house. Kitty was wild to walk to Meryton and reassure herself that Wickham was everything worthy. Lydia wished to accompany her, but for different reasons. "Mama, do let us go! I am sure I can make Denny give us the particulars if Wickham will not."
The conversation excited Mr. Bennet's concern sufficiently for him to prevent the excursion with a single curt remark; Mrs. Bennet agreed completely and declared it best that they all remain where they were. "Your father is quite right. There will be time enough to see the officers later, Lydia. Besides, I do not wish any of my girls to chance being in company with a known rake."
Elizabeth listened to the others in gratitude and relief that the truth had emerged without her giving away any of Mr. Darcy's secrets or earning the distinction of 'bearer of ill tidings'. She did not wish to consider what Mr. Wickham might do were he the type of man, as Mr. Darcy's first letter implied, to seek revenge.
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"Jane, how soon will he come?" Elizabeth whispered as they stood together and waved goodbye to the Lucases. She smiled at her sister's blush.
"Bingley will be here before dinner tomorrow."
Elizabeth did not inquire further but the question must have been in her eyes, for Jane answered it without hesitation. "Mr. Darcy is coming as well, but I do not know how long he intends to remain in Hertfordshire. That reminds me; I must warn Mama to expect guests. I wonder that she asked me nothing of Bingley. Her letters have been full of little else. It must be as Lydia said. Bingley must have called here while the others were with Aunt Philips, and Papa has kept it a secret from them all."
"Not to worry, my dear sister. As soon as the last Lucas is out of sight, Mama will recall her most beautiful child and her most pressing business, which is, as we know, to marry off her daughters so that she and Papa may have Longbourn to themselves once more. But perhaps she saw in your shining countenance all the proof she required and thus felt no need to trouble you for the particulars."
"Lizzy, do be serious!"
"I am serious," she laughed. Then more soberly she said, "You do look so happy, Jane."
"Does it show?"
"You are no longer the melancholy girl who left for London in January. It pleases me to see it."
Jane's smile brightened her whole face. "It is good to hear you laugh again. Will you revert to the teasing, playful Lizzy we all know once you and Mr. Darcy have come to an understanding? You were so quiet on the journey here."
Elizabeth was not in the mood to make light of her dilemma, and though she might have preferred to keep her struggles to herself, she knew it was useless to feign ignorance. "I had much to occupy my mind, Jane."
"I can imagine."
She supposed a sister on the verge of a formal engagement could very well imagine her thoughts. "It is all so strange."
"You shall grow accustomed to it soon, I think."
"How? How can you be certain?"
"You may not see it, but I do, and Bingley does. My aunt and uncle noticed as well. They did not know what to think of Mr. Darcy after all that my aunt had heard from Wickham at Christmas, although they were inclined to welcome any friend of Bingley's. I asked them to withhold judgment until they had the chance to meet him for themselves. They saw what I saw: a man who clearly cares for you; and youyou are different in his company, Lizzy, in a good way. Not so easy as you might like, but that will come in time. You are not unhappy, surely? You do not dislike him still?" Elizabeth shook her head in reply. "You and he got on uncommonly well today. Not a single argument or sour face, to my recollection."
Elizabeth laughed. "We did get on well. Mr. Darcy remarked on it himself."
"Come, girls!" Mrs. Bennet ushered her children inside. "Jane, you must tell me all about London and how my brother and sister do. Have you had any callers since last you wrote?"
Jane leaned towards Elizabeth. "I suppose the time has come to let my secret out."
"It appears so. You tell her, while I send Hill to fetch the smelling salts."
The sisters giggled and walked arm in arm through Longbourn's door.
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"Oh! My dear, dear Jane, I knew how it would be. I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing!"
Mrs. Bennet's reaction to her eldest daughter's engagement was all that Elizabeth had expected. She watched as her mother simpered and smiled and eventually scurried off in the direction of the kitchen, no doubt to plan an elaborate menu for the following day's dinner.
Mr. Bennet called after his wife, "Remember, Mrs. Bennet, the engagement has not been sanctioned. The young man has yet to present himself." His voice and manner, not to mention his unrestrained smile at Jane, plainly showed how happy he was.
"Mr. Bennet," Elizabeth heard her mother reply, "have compassion on my nerves! 'Tis not as if you are going to refuse him. Five thousand a yearwhat pin-money you shall have, Jane! Cook! Cook, I must speak with you."
As Mrs. Bennet's voice grew fainter, Mr. Bennet sidled up to Elizabeth. "I am glad you are come back, Lizzy."
"I am glad to be home, Papa."
"You seem a little quiet. Did you not enjoy your time with the Gardiners?"
"Oh, most certainly! I always do."
"And the journey home?"
"Uneventful."
"Ah, then perhaps you regret having to relinquish the exalted company of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter."
She forced a laugh. "Yes, something very like that, I am certain."
Mr. Bennet seemed satisfied. "Well, well," he murmured as he walked to his library, "I am glad you are come back, all the same."
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The evening, though as it passed it seemed long, was not long enough for Elizabeth to determine her feelings towards one of the gentlemen expected at Longbourn the next day, and she lay awake two whole hours endeavouring to make them out. She no longer disliked him; in fact, she believed she liked him very much. Whether those feelings might grow into something deeper was what she asked herself as she stared at the ceiling of her room. And if the answer was no, would respect and esteem be foundation enough for marital happiness? Would such offerings be deemed acceptable by a man who loved her so ardently?
She pulled out the letters and read each one again. As she tucked them inside Mr. Darcy's book for safekeeping, she resolved to leave her questions for the morrow. Mr. Darcy's presence so far had proven very helpful in bringing her true feelings to light. She could only hope that being with him again would help her know her own mind.
Late that night, Elizabeth dreamed of Mr. Darcy a second time. Instead of Mrs. Jenkinson's furnishings, the familiar objects of her own chamber surrounded them as they sat together, and no little boy made an appearanceFitzwilliam was quite grown up. She awoke to these vaguely pleasant recollections and fell asleep again almost immediately, attempting with limited success to recapture the fleeting images before they faded away completely.
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Part Ten
Posted on Thursday, 13 April 2006
Elizabeth stood with her eyes closed, willing herself to be calm. The first thing she saw when she opened them threatened to throw her emotions once again into disarray. There, on top of the pianoforte, was the music Mr. Darcy had given her. She had brought it down from her room after breakfast, intending to try one of the pieces before the gentlemen's visit, but there had been no time. Mrs. Bennet had kept all of her daughters occupied with various tasks until the moment Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley arrived.
Kitty and Lydia had achieved their heart's desire of the previous day: both were allowed to walk into Meryton. Their mother had sent them out early to purchase some new ribbon for Jane's hair. Lydia came back bursting to tell her family that she had seen Wickham and cut him on the main road. "You would have been so proud of me, Mama. I turned away like this," she demonstrated to Mrs. Bennet, who stood with Elizabeth and Jane in the latter's room, "and I refused to acknowledge his greeting. But Kitty walked right up to him as we have always done before, and they talked and talked as if everything was the same, only she won't tell me what he said. Make her tell, Mama! Oh; Jane, here is the ribbon. I picked it out myself. Kitty was too busy talking to go into the shop with me. I hope Mr. Bingley will like it."
Neither her mother nor Lydia could persuade Kitty to reveal any part of her conversation with Wickham. Whatever the matter was, it weighed heavily on her, for she seemed at least as preoccupied as Elizabeth herself and had behaved with open hostility towards Mr. Darcy.
It had begun the moment she saw him approaching Longbourn. "Mr. Bingley is here, Mama! The man with him looks just like Mr. Darcy." Kitty jumped back from the window. "It is Mr. Darcy! I had hoped he would not show his face in Hertfordshire again. How dare he come here! I, for one, shall not welcome him."
"Kitty," he mother scolded, "you certainly will welcome him, though I must agree with you that nobody wants him here. We all must be civil, for Jane and Mr. Bingley's sake."
"But he is the cause of Wickham's difficulties! If only he had not withheld the living, Wickham would be so much better off."
Lizzy could hold her tongue no longer. "As would we, for in that case we never should have met him at all. Kitty, there are many things you do not know, such as the fact that several years ago Mr. Wickham resigned all claim to assistance in the church in exchange for a large sum of money from Mr. Darcy." She ignored the looks of surprise on her sisters' faces. "It is his mismanagement of that sum, not anything Mr. Darcy has done, which has resulted in Mr. Wickham's present poverty. Beware that you do not let him fool you any longer with his charming manners and smooth words. Whatever he said to you today, I would not assume it is the entire truth, or even that it is true at all."
"Who told you that?" Kitty demanded. "Was it Lady Catherine?"
"No." Elizabeth hoped to put an end to the conversation by her short answer.
"Lizzy," Lydia asked her, "Maria never said anything to us about Mr. Darcy giving Wickham money, other than the one thousand pounds in the old man's will. How do you know so much about it?"
Fortunately Elizabeth was spared the trouble of a reply, as the gentlemen had reached the house and at that instant were being escorted to the drawing room. The callers' happy timing did not put an end to her discomfort, however. She sat wondering how to demonstrate her preference for the company of Mr. Darcy while avoiding the raised eyebrows and questions such a preference would inspire. Her family, other than Jane, knew only of her pointed dislike. Behaviour on her part that suggested friendlier feelings would alert the suspicion of everyone present.
Mr. Darcy looked just as handsome as he had the previous day. Elizabeth curtsied to him and felt her knees wobble. She steadied herself just in time to see Kitty cut him with her eyes and step away. He noticed the gesture and looked questioningly at Elizabeth, but she could do no more than offer an apologetic shrug.
Mr. Bingley soon excused himself to consult with Mr. Bennet on "a personal matter", eliciting smiles from all the ladies. Mrs. Bennet, giddy with excitement, exerted herself to speak to Mr. Darcy more than she ever had before. Mr. Darcy rose to the challenge, haltingly at first. Elizabeth watched, dumbfounded, as two people who had so little in common exchanged several sentences with only minor evidence of silliness on one side and haughtiness on the other. Mr. Darcy looked serious as usual despite the improvement in his manners, but perhaps he could not in her mother's presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was an uncomfortable, but not an improbable, conjecture.
After such a good beginning it was impossible that the visit should continue so; Lydia, clearly bored with the current topic of conversation, interrupted her mother mid-sentence. "Mr. Darcy, is it true that Wickham has been lying to us about the living in Derbyshire? Lizzy says he refused it and you gave him a great deal of money instead."
"Lydia!" Jane hissed, mortified. In a calmer voice, she said, "Mr. Darcy, I apologise."
Kitty glared at Mr. Darcy. "I doubt he can give us an answer that will satisfy."
"Kitty!" Elizabeth took her turn at checking one of her sisters. "Mr. Darcy, the fault is mine. Just before I departed Kent, Lady Catherine shared with some of us her opinion of Mr. Wickham. It seems she conducted an investigation of sorts into his habits when she visited Derbyshire about five years ago." She looked at him in silent sympathy for all he had endured since his father's death. "Miss Lucas, understandably concerned by your aunt's information, discussed the matter with her family and mine yesterday upon our return from town. Some of us," she glanced at Kitty, "are more reluctant than others to accept that we may have erred in our estimation of Mr. Wickham's character. The subject of the living arose just before you arrived, and I happened to mention that Mr. Wickham once refused a career in the church in favour of more immediate remuneration." She hoped he understood that this was the only part of his letter she had revealed and that his account of Miss Darcy's thwarted elopement remained a well-kept secret. "Thisdisclosure has inspired many questions among my sisters, as you can see."
Mr. Darcy's eyes had remained on her throughout her speech, and though he appeared anxious at first, she soon saw that determined look she knew so well. "Miss Elizabeth, thank you for that explanation. Mr. Wickham can be quite convincing, and I cannot blame anyone for having believed him. My own father doted on him and supported him generously for many years." He turned to face some of the other Bennet girls. "Had he lived, Miss Lydia, my father would have offered Mr. Wickham a valuable position in the church, and he recommended in his will that I do the same. However, Mr. Wickham decided against taking orders and expressed a desire to study the law instead. I gave him the money he requested to support him in that endeavour."
"How much?"
"Please, Lydia!" Elizabeth hung her head in embarrassment. She risked a glance at Mr. Darcy and caught the offended expression on his face just before it disappeared. 'He will want nothing to do with me now,' she thought. Sister to Lydia and Kitty! From such a connection she could not wonder that he should shrink. She absolutely started, therefore, when she heard him answer Lydia's indelicate question. Several voices had sounded then, one after the other, some overlapping.
"Three thousand pounds! That cannot be true!"
"Why, that is more than Longbourn's annual income."
"How generous of you, Mr. Darcy."
"I wish someone would give me three thousand pounds! I would know just what to do with it."
"A fool and his money are soon parted."
They all had stared at Mary in incredulous silence; all, that is, except Mr. Darcy, who quickly checked his bitter laugh. "How appropriate, Miss Mary. I cannot say who was the greater fool, Wickham or I. He neither completed his law studies nor lived prudently on the interest of his four thousand pounds; in that light, my money was thoroughly wasted. Yet I could have done no less than what my father asked of me. I would gladly do the same again, foolish as it would prove to be."
Mary apologised immediately thereafter, assuring Mr. Darcy that she meant no slight against him at all. Kitty, on the other hand, continued to glower, saying little to anyone, until Mr. Bingley returned with Mr. Bennet and declared himself to be the happiest of men. Mrs. Bennet suggested they remove to the garden while she saw to dinner preparations. "You arrived so early, Mr. Bingley. We have a bit of a wait before dinner is served. However, I am sure our cook can arrange something in the meanwhile."
The party eagerly consented, happy for a change of subject and scenery. Elizabeth lingered behind. At the last moment she took off in a different direction, stopping in front of the instrument, and now she was trying her best to recover from the disastrous conversation and wondering what excuse she might invent so she would not have to face Mr. Darcy at the dinner table.
She set before her some of the music and read the first few measures of a song, slowly picking out the melody. She played it again, tentatively, and again, more confidently.
The fourth time, Mr. Darcy surprised her by approaching the pianoforte and playing the same notes an octave lower.
"Oh!" Her hand flew to her bosom. So much for her hope of avoiding him. "I heard footsteps, but I thought it was my father." He only smiled. "You are making a sport of testing my fortitude." She was glad he had come, if only to provide her an opportunity to express regret for her sisters' unfortunate behaviour.
"I did not mean to alarm you, Miss Elizabeth."
Oh, his voiceits teasing lightness tempted her to dismiss every unpleasant thought from her head. Apologise, or avoid the painful subject altogether? The first, she decided, was the proper course. "The weather is lovely," she said to break the silence and give herself time to choose the right words. "I thought you would have gone out."
"Without you?"
"I must beg" Elizabeth's half-formed apology, spoken at the same instant as his question, froze on her tongue. Their eyes met and she suspected her cheeks were overspread with the deepest blush.
She played a little more of the song to conceal her agitation. Mr. Darcy followed her as well as he could. In a few moments she felt recovered enough to speak again. "Have you ever tortured poor Miss Darcy in this way?" she asked him, and he grinned in response. "How am I to practice properly with your constant interference?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Consider this a test of your musical fortitude."
"Mr. Darcy!" She laughed and played faster, disregarding the written notes altogether. "Stop!" When he did no such thing, she challenged him, "We shall see which one of us is the true proficient!" She played bits of scales and familiar melodies and nonsense, moving quickly between them and altering her tempo until he was thoroughly confused.
"I declare you the proficient," he said at last. "My clumsy hands cannot compete with your skilled ones."
"Your hands are far from clumsy, Fitzwilliam." He had kept pace with her rather well until she began to play a song she and Jane had composed as children. His long, elegant fingers were anything but awkward; his right hand felt so solid and warmit was the warmth that made her realise her hand partially covered his. She gasped as she recalled how familiarly she had addressed him.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy." She swallowed hard and closed her eyes in shame. "I have behaved no better than my younger sisters. Forgive me." Her whispered words filled the room.
"For what, Elizabeth?" He had caught hold of her wrist before she could pull away completely. "You cannot possibly believe I object to you calling me by my name." Though his smile was slight, his eyes sparkled. "However, I think we had better go out to the garden with the others."
Elizabeth nodded. Slowly she slid her hand through his until they were no longer touching. Mr. Darcy gestured to her to precede him out of the room, but her feet refused to move.
"Elizabeth, dearest, if I remain here with you, I am certain I shall dosomething I ought not."
She forced her trembling lips into a smile. Still, her voice faltered. "If you are quite certain, I suppose I must believe you."
"Please do not tease me now. I should hate to do anything you might find objectionable."
"And I should equally hate to witness it." Mr. Bennet's voice startled the couple and they quickly separated.
"Father!" He had not the indulgent look of her dear 'Papa' as he stared at them from the doorway. How long had he been there?
"Mr. Bennet."
"Mr. Darcy, may I have a word?"
After a brief glance at Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy wordlessly followed Mr. Bennet out of the room.
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Elizabeth paced back and forth in front of the pianoforte. She had been left alone no more than half an hour, likely less; twenty minutes?surely more than ten!long enough, at any rate, for the others to trickle in from the garden and congregate in the drawing room once more.
Mrs. Hill came to fetch Mr. Bennet, and Elizabeth cringed at the tone of her father's impatient reply. The housekeeper soon walked by in a huff. "I shall come with Papa, Hill," Elizabeth called after her. "He will not be much longer, I think." The servant nodded and disappeared down the hall.
A few minutes later the men returned and Mr. Darcy approached her. "Miss Elizabeth, will you grant me a private audience tomorrow morning?"
She looked at him and then at her father, who stood off to the side. Rarely had she been unable to read her father's face, but at that moment his expression gave away nothing.
"Certainly, Mr. Darcy."
"I thank you." He did not smile as she had hoped he would. "Shall we join the others?" This time he did not have to ask her twice.
When they entered the drawing room, Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, was begging Mr. Bingley to take some refreshment. "Do try one!" she said, indicating a particular dish. "I ordered it in honour of your engagement to dear Jane, after all." She looked up at the doorway and her lips stretched taut, her expression recalling to Elizabeth's mind the earlier tension in that room. "Oh," Mrs. Bennet said after a slight hesitation, "and Mr. Darcy, do sit down." She gestured towards a chair and immediately turned her attention again to Mr. Bingley.
"I appreciate your hospitality, madam." Elizabeth was surprised that Mr. Darcy's tone held no trace of sarcasm or resentment, though he must have noted the carelessness of her mother's invitation compared with her preferential treatment of his friend. "However, I find that I must see to an urgent matter of business and ought to take my leave very soon."
Elizabeth dropped her gaze to the floor. How wrong everything had gone, and how suddenly! First, Lydia and Kitty and even Mary had ruined a perfectly good visit with their improper remarks. Then, Elizabeth herself had behaved scandalously at the piano, and her father had only made it worse by calling Fitzwilliam to task for what had been her fault! Who knew what words had been exchanged behind the closed doors of her father's library? Now, her mother's preoccupation with Mr. Bingley had caused her to be almost dismissive of her other guest. Elizabeth could hardly blame Mr. Darcy for wanting to escape Longbourn as quickly as possible.
She only hoped he did not regret being compelled to pay his addresses to her sooner than he might have wished, if he still wished it at all. He, who had been his own master for so long!
What an inconvenient time for Mr. Bennet to take up the role of protector and defender of his children's honour. Had she been Lydia, flirting with some of the officers at Aunt Philips's house or at Lucas Lodge, her father would have been content to laugh at her, if he would have bothered to attend the gathering at all. He rarely went into society with them and therefore had not witnessed half of the folly and impropriety of some of his family. It simply was not fair.
As she wallowed in her misery, Mr. Bingley took steps to relieve her suffering. "Darcy, you cannot abandon us now! You must stay for dinner and you must taste this heavenly confection." He took a bite and groaned in pleasure. "Besides, today is a day of celebration. Surely your work can wait. Make an exception for me, old friend."
Mr. Darcy smiled for the first time since returning to the larger company. "I shall, Bingley, if you insist." He looked warily at Mr. Bennet, who, thankfully, offered no objection. "But I shall have my dessert after the main course, and not before."
"If there is any left! Mrs. Bennet, I must commend your cook."
Elizabeth knew Mr. Darcy dared not sit by her with her father watching them both. She wrung her hands together as he looked about the room and at last chose a seat near Kitty. Kitty! Now, there was trouble in the making.
Kitty rebuffed his first few attempts at conversation. They appeared at a standstill for several minutes, but soon the two of them were inexplicably talking, truly talking, conversing with such flow and intensity as to draw the notice of a few others. Elizabeth strained but could not make out a word of what was said between them. She never quite mustered the temerity to call out, "What is it you are talking of?" as Lady Catherine might have done in her place, no matter how sorely she was tempted.
When the time for dinner came, she took a turn about the room. As she passed the sofa where Mr. Darcy and Kitty sat, she heard a little of their dialogue.
"Why not?" Kitty was asking him. "If she had plenty of money and no objection to sharing it, why was it wrong?"
"There are several reasons I can name. Miss Catherine, shall we continue this conversation over dinner?"
Were they speaking of Miss King? At least Kitty was listening, though it seemed she still took Wickham's part.
Elizabeth followed them out, intending to sit near them and hear more, but her father intercepted her and placed her hand on his free arm. Had she not with great effort turned her thoughts from her own misfortune to Jane's utter happiness, she might have given way to tears right then. She walked solemnly to the table with her parents and resigned herself to a very different sort of dinner than she had envisioned that morning.
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Part Eleven
Posted on Friday, 21 April 2006
Elizabeth was awakened in the night not by dreams, but by voices outside her room. She heard Lydia shouting something and Kitty answering her. Determined to stop the argument before it disturbed anyone else, she crept across the hall and opened their bedroom door.
Lydia was busy donning a robe and slippers. Kitty was sitting up in bed with her arms wrapped around her knees. "I told you, stay away, Lydia," Kitty was saying. "Pay no heed to it."
They heard a tap at the window, or just below it.
"There it is again!" Lydia ignored her sister's warning. "Should we not send a servant to see what it is? Even better, I shall go down myself. It will be like an adventure!"
Another tap was heard; they all looked to the window and then away.
"I shall tell you both what I find." Lydia turned to the door.
"NO!" Kitty immediately covered her mouth. "Go back to bed," she insisted in a harsh whisper, "and keep the light away from the window or he will know I"
"Who will know?" Elizabeth demanded.
Kitty disregarded Elizabeth's presence altogether. "Just pretend you heard nothing, Lydia."
"Lydia, sit down." Elizabeth pulled her by the hand to the nearest chair. "No one is going anywhere, at least not yet." Elizabeth sat at the foot of Kitty's bed. "Kitty, do you know who is out there?"
Flustered, Kitty would not meet her eyes. "I cannot say."
"What do you mean, you cannot say? It is well past midnight, surely, and someone is on our grounds throwing stones at your window! You cannot convince me it is a common burglar, since he means to rouse the household."
Elizabeth got up and peered into the hall. There was no one else to be seen. She closed the door and sat back down. Why would someone deliberately try to wake the two girls? Lydia appeared to know nothing about it, while Kitty did not seem surprised or curious at all, only anxious. Every possible explanation that occurred to Elizabeth's mind troubled her. "Kitty," she begged, "please tell me what you know."
Kitty only buried her face in her hands. Elizabeth had to strain to hear her next words. "Oh, go away! I don't want you anymore!" Kitty turned her back to the window. "If only he would go away!"
"You did not agree to meet someone at this hour, did you?" Elizabeth hoped her sister was not so careless of her own safety or reputation. She desperately hoped the person outside was not who she suspected he might be.
They heard yet another clink against the glass. Kitty's hands flew to her ears. Elizabeth grabbed the younger girl by the shoulders and shook her. "Tell me!" she hissed at her, refusing to be put off again. "Is that man out there waiting for you?" Her eyes widened as Kitty burst into wracking sobs.
Elizabeth's feelings vacillated between anger and compassion as she embraced her sister and attempted to calm her. Lydia, surprised by the intensity of the scene, simply stared in silence. The three sat in semi-darkness until Kitty was quiet again.
There were several more taps, followed by a loud, dull sound far below. The noise continued, but inside the house now; someone else had taken noticeher father, or one of the servants. Shuffling, heavy steps and muffled words echoed in the corridor.
Elizabeth saw that Kitty had nearly cried herself to sleep. Lydia extinguished the light and groped her way back to her own bed. Elizabeth covered Kitty in a blanket before leaning down to whisper in Lydia's ear, "I shall see if Papa can tell me anything. Stay with her."
Downstairs, all was in uproar. Elizabeth heard her father's voice above the din. "Jones! Prepare to deliver a message to Colonel Forster in ten minutes. If I must be dragged from my bed for this nonsense, so must he." And again, "You, theretake another with you and guard the door. Make certain the rascal is gone and does not come back." The servants bowed and scurried in various directions.
"Papa, what is the matter? Who was here?"
Mr. Bennet appeared to notice her presence for the first time. "I am sorry the commotion roused you." He looked up to the top of the stairs. "Go back to bed, Mary, Lizzy. All is well. Things will quiet down in a moment." Elizabeth glanced up in time to see Mary's long plait flapping against the back of her nightgown.
"I heard noises"
She followed her father to his desk and watched as he pulled out pen and paper.
"Why do you not go back to bed?" He scribbled furiously. "These young men from the north are nothing but trouble. Oh, that they had never come to Hertfordshire! Jane's Mr. Bingley is the only tolerable one of the whole lot, and by far the most gentlemanly."
Elizabeth paled. "Who was outside, Papa? Why are you writing to Colonel Forster?"
He paused and looked up. "You heard quite a bit. It was not Mr. Darcy, if that's what concerns you!"
Her mouth dropped open. "I never thought it was."
"Did you not?" His stern, disapproving look pained her. "Ah, well, no need to worry, Lizzy. I am certain you are not involved in the business this time." His severe expression relaxed into one of bemusement. "Never before have I fancied myself under an attack of nervesmy own, not your mother'sand I sincerely hope it never happens again." He stared at her, and when she did not comment, he asked, "Do you not wish to hear why that is? What do you think has happened, Lizzy, to threaten to turn me into Mrs. Bennet?"
She did not understand how he could make flippant remarks at a time like this. "I hardly know."
"A young man in Forster's regiment knocks on my door at half past two in the morning, and when I open the door, do you know what he says? I am sad to report it is not, 'Mr. Bennet, I humbly beg your pardon for calling on you at this ungodly hour,' or anything remotely sensible. No, indeed! He whispers, 'Kitty, where have you been?' Before he sees my face, of course. Kitty! Hmph!" He hunched over his desk and again applied himself to his writing. "This is how he repays my hospitality; this is how he thanks me for his frequent teas and dinners at Longbourn! If that seducer thinks he can run off with one of my daughters, he is greatly mistaken."
"Run off?" To meet with the man at night, for whatever reason, was foolish enough, but surely Kitty had contemplated nothing worse; surely she had not been so completely lost to everything "Who was at the door?" Elizabeth had no need to ask, but she desired confirmation all the same. She knew very well who it was. She simply could not make herself believe it or say the name aloud.
"Lizzy, have you not worked it out for yourself? Where is your wit tonight?" He let out a frustrated sigh. "Asleep, I suppose, as it should be, considering the hour." Her father had misunderstood her entirely, but there was no help for it. "The man is Wickham, of course! Have you forgotten that he grew up in Derbyshire? He has mentioned it often enough." He looked her in the eye. "He used to be quite a favourite of yours, until you chose another. You seem to be partial to gentlemen from that county."
He completed and sealed the note. "Wickham was carrying a traveling bag. I would not be surprised if he had thought to steal away on one of my horses with Kitty and her pocket money in tow."
Mr. Bennet briefly left the library to dispatch the missive. Rather than return to his desk, he paced the room.
Elizabeth allowed her thoughts to wander while her eyes followed her father's movements. She recalled the day's events, contrasting her sister's earlier conduct with her words and manner in her room just minutes ago. "Papa, if what you suspect is true, we may have Mr. Darcy to thank that Kitty is safe. He must have talked her out of meeting Wickham."
"What?"
"Kitty spoke with Mr. Darcy at dinner, remember? She had been angry with him all morning, ever since she had returned from Meryton, where she had seen and talked with Wickhamthat must have been when they arranged to meetbut she was kinder to Mr. Darcy by the end of the visit. Perhaps something he said changed her mind."
"I must speak to Kitty myself, though I do not relish the prospect. I imagine she has been awake for some time," he closed his eyes, "packing her belongings."
"She is doing no such thing, I assure you. I hope she is asleep by now. I left her room just before coming down here."
"Why?" He looked up and frowned. "Did you catch her trying to sneak out of the house?"
"No. She did not even leave her bed. She heard something at the window but absolutely refused to acknowledge it and refused to allow Lydia to do so. In fact, we both had to stop Lydia from coming down. She was quite eager to discover the source of the disturbance. She thought of it as an adventure, I believe."
"Oh, tell me no more, please! I shall not even entertain the notion of my youngest and silliest daughter coming face to face with a redcoat in the middle of the night! Else, I truly will have reason to complain of my poor nerves." He shook his head. "I am glad you succeeded in keeping Lydia upstairs. But perhaps Kitty was only waiting for you and Lydia to return to bed. Might she have intended to come down later, do you think?"
"No. I heard her say she wanted him to go away, though she never mentioned his name. She was very distraught. I know she and Mr. Darcy talked of Mr. Wickham, and I am certain he is somehow behind her decision not to go through with whatever she had planned."
Mr. Bennet was silent for a few minutes. Elizabeth, too excited to sleep, lingered in hopes of hearing further news.
"I have no wish to be indebted to Mr. Darcy," her father said at last. "My opinion of him is not very high at the moment."
"He is an honourable man, Papa." Mr. Bennet looked at her as though she spoke gibberish. "Please do not hold the events of yesterday against him. The fault was mine."
"You did not force him to call you Elizabeth or 'dearest', did you?"
She lowered her head. "He has treated me with nothing but respect."
"Lizzy," he replied through clenched teeth, "the man has treated you with improper familiarity in my presence and under my roof!" He sighed and ran his hand over his face. "I have neither the time nor the energy to devote to this now. I must await Colonel Forster's reply. Go to bed, Elizabeth."
________________________________________
Part Twelve
Posted on Sunday, 30 April 2006
The morning activity of the Bennet household, at first glance, revealed blessedly few traces of what had transpired during the night. In looking back to what they had endured only six hours ago, Elizabeth felt all the advantages of this quick return to normalcy.
Kittyłs empty chair at breakfast was the most noticeable indication that anything was amiss; fortunately, Mrs. Bennet remarked on her tardiness only twice. The meal proceeded without incident until Mary asked Mr. Bennet whether the problem, whatever it was, had been solved and received a gruff, unintelligible response for her trouble.
Mrs. Bennet paused in her eating. “What problem, Mr. Bennet?"
“A slight disturbance behind the house. It has been taken care of."
Jane looked up. “I thought I heard someone walking the halls while it was still dark, but I was not sure."
Elizabeth looked at Jane and smiled. She was grateful for the way things had turned out. A rash act by one of their sisters would have thrown a shroud of scandal over JaneÅ‚s engagement. “I am sorry," she told her sister, “that you were roused from such pleasant dreams as you must have had last night."
“Oh, yes!" Mrs. Bennet joined in. “Mistress of Netherfield! How well that sounds! Jane, we must call on my sister Philips today to tell her the good news."
“I did not hear a thing after I finally fell asleep again," said Lydia. “Lizzy, did you ever come back into my room? I am sure I did not notice. Kitty is bound to have a dreadful headache from all that crying. When she is better, I shall make her tell me who was throwing things at our window. Did you see who it was, Papa?"
Mr. Bennet tried and failed to contain the curiosity unleashed by Lydiałs speech. He was in the midst of soothing his wifełs nerves and assuring her Longbourn had by no means been under attack when Mrs. Hill came in.
“Mr. Darcy is here to see you, sir."
“Mr. Darcy here, without Mr. Bingley?" asked Mrs. Bennet. “And so early?"
Mr. Bennet stood and threw his napkin on the table. “Show him to the library."
“Yes, sir." The door closed on Mrs. Hill, and Mrs. Bennet turned back to her breakfast.
Mr. Bennet looked at Elizabeth for a moment before speaking. “Lizzy, when you have finished eating, fetch that new book from your room and bring it to the library, please."
“Yes, Papa." Elizabeth was glad her mouth was empty; else she might have choked on her food. Had her father discovered and read her letters? She lost what little appetite she had remaining and rushed upstairs to do as she was told.
She heard Jane running after her and slowed her steps.
“I am so sorry, Lizzy." Jane hurried Elizabeth into her room and shut the door. “It is my fault. After the gentlemen left yesterday and you went to your room, Papa inquired minutely into our last days in town, particularly concerning any interactions between you and Mr. Darcy. At some point in our conversation I told him that Mr. Darcy had carried a book home for you. Perhaps I should not have mentioned my uncleÅ‚s conjecture that Mr. Darcy may have in fact loaned the book to you, or even purchased it for you. Of course, my aunt and I declared it unlikely, but my uncle seemed so certain."
“Oh, no."
“I believe Papa saw something between you and Mr. Darcy yesterday that concerned him. I only wished to ease his mind and assure him of my belief in Mr. DarcyÅ‚s sincere affection for you. Please forgive me if I have done you any harm."
“No, Jane. Truly, you have done no harm." She smiled sadly. “I have accomplished that all on my own. I just wonder whether Papa came in here at any point to examine the book for himself."
“Is it important? Was it Mr. DarcyÅ‚s gift to you?"
“Yes, in a way, but the reason for my concern is that it is where I have kept all his letters."
“Letters! How many?"
“Three. The first one contains an explanation of business transactions between Darcy and Wickham."
“So that is how you knew about the three thousand pounds."
“Yes. The other two letters are rather more personal in nature. I just hope Papa is ignorant of their existence."
“I am certain he is." Jane watched as she found the letters a new hiding place. “Come, Lizzy. There is no need to worry now, is there? It will all turn out well. Papa is just upset that he knew nothing of your courtship. You know how little he likes surprises when they involve his own familyÅ‚s affairs."
“True. But what could I say? That Mr. Darcy might come to Hertfordshire to pay his addresses to me? That I might like him enough to marry him, after hating him so vehemently for months? I felt I could do nothing unless he declared himself."
“Is that why Mr. Darcy is with Papa now?"
“Oh, Jane! If only it were that simplebut it is too late. I must go."
The girls were halfway down when Jane stopped. “Did something truly happen last night to make Kitty ill? Perhaps I should look in on her."
Elizabeth agreed. Jane turned around and went up to Kittyłs room while Elizabeth gripped her book with white-knuckled hands and walked to the library door.
“Lizzy, is that you? Come in."
She joined her father and her suitor.
“Miss Elizabeth." Mr. Darcy stood. His eyes widened when he noticed the book in her hands.
Mr. Bennet murmured something about his brother always having been a clever fellow.
“Mr. Darcy, good morning. May I return this to you?" She gingerly held out the volume to him.
He took it from her and they sat, waiting for Mr. Bennet to begin whatever conversation he felt necessary to have before allowing them a moment of privacy. Elizabeth fully expected a reprimand of some sort. She was not disappointed.
“Mr. Darcy," Mr. Bennet began, “as I said to you before, I will not tolerate the level of impropriety that I witnessed yesterday in your behaviour towards my daughter. Your manner is entirely inappropriate while no understanding exists between you." He looked at them intensely. “You have not been secretly engaged, have you?"
“No indeed, sir."
“No, Papa."
“Yes, well, the fewer secrets, the better." Elizabeth, thinking of her letters, blushed at her fatherÅ‚s words. “I have had enough of clandestine meetings under cover of night to last me the next twenty years."
“Pardon?" Mr. DarcyÅ‚s confusion was clearly etched on his face.
Elizabeth still keenly felt the debt of thanks she owed him for his forbearance the previous day and seized the opportunity presented to her. “Mr. Darcy, I am sorry; you have borne much at our hands already, but I must ask for your continued patience. There has been little rest and a great deal to try our tempers at Longbourn since last we met. We had an unexpected visit from one of the officers very early this morning, before dawn, in fact." She dreaded telling him the next part. “It appears he had formed designs on one of my sisters."
She could see him sorting the facts in his mind and arriving at an accurate conclusion. The rage that flashed across his face just before he spoke did not surprise her. “Is Miss Catherine"
“Yes, you are correct," Elizabeth interrupted. “Kitty is well, or soon will be, thanks in no small part to your talk with her yesterday, I am sure. I dread to think what might have occurred had you not taken the time to speak to her."
“I had no idea they had agreed to meet! I only knew he had her sympathy and I did not want her to be taken in as so many others have been."
“You would have been pleased with your efforts had you seen their effects last night. She steadfastly refused to come down or to acknowledge his presence at all."
Mr. Bennet had remained silent throughout the exchange. His sour expression made Elizabeth realise just how firmly set against Mr. Darcy he was; he had neither asked for an explanation nor expressed the slightest gratitude for the saving of his daughterłs reputation.
She looked from her father to the man she now knew she wished to marry. Her Papa sat nursing his wounded pride while Fitzwilliam could barely remain seated for the anxiety he felt regarding her younger sisterÅ‚s welfare. Elizabeth continued more gravely than before. “Mr. Darcy, you have accomplished far more than any of us have been able to do. Please allow me, on behalf of my entire family, to thank you, for most of them do not know how narrowly we have avoided discredit and misery, or to whom we are indebted for our present good fortune."
“I did not do it to be thanked, but I am happy to have been of use to youand your family."
Mr. Bennet roused himself to offer the pair an opportunity for private discourse. Without a word he opened the doors onto the lawn. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth proceeded through them to a stone bench several feet from the house.
Once seated, Mr. Darcy inquired, “Is the wind too much? Shall I get your shawl?"
“No, I am quite warm." Elizabeth turned towards the library windows. As she had expected, Mr. Bennet was watching their every move. “Mr. Darcy, please do not allow my father to force you into a situation you would not choose for yourself."
He took her hand. “Elizabeth, look at me."
“How can you bear it?" she cried. The more she looked, the less she saw of that proud, aloof man who had come to Hertfordshire so many months ago and insulted her at the assembly. “My family, excepting Jane, has treated you abominably, and I am the worst offender of them all! How can you abide us?"
“Your aunt and uncle were very kind to me"
She smiled a little; she could not deny that.
“and your mother has been gracious."
“Barely!"
“She is about to acquire Bingley as a son-in-law. He had every right to the lionÅ‚s share of her attention yesterday."
“But my father"
“Had every reason to act as he did."
“He has not even thanked you for what you have done! If not for you, he might at this very moment be calling on every neighbour for miles around, attempting to discover KittyÅ‚s whereabouts." She squeezed his hand. “You have preserved one of his daughters from ruin and the only thing he has done is to scold you for a breach of propriety that pales in comparison! I am so ashamed."
“I deserved the scolding, and what is more, I feel no shame at all." He sought her gaze. “Elizabeth, what is all this talk about your family? Where is the formidable young lady who defended the BennetsÅ‚ honour and stature against my ill-bred remarks at Rosings?"
She took a little time to form her answer. “The events of the last several hours have shaken me, I admit. And in losing my prejudices against you, perhaps I have lost a little of my boldness as well. Those same prejudices are behind much of what you suffered yesterday and continue to suffer this morning. Had I not voiced my disapproval so decidedly and so often, my family might have a better opinion of you now and treat you as you ought to be treated."
“I have done nothing to solicit their good opinion. You once spoke to me of my pride, arrogance"
“Oh! Do not repeat what I said then!"
“and selfish disdain for the feelings of others. I have thought about that again and again, and I have come to the conclusion that you were right to accuse me of those things. When I first came to Netherfield, I did not give your family the respect they were due. I dismissed you before I even knew you. Even after we became acquainted, I never looked for the good in your situation, only for those things that confirmed my opinion that your connections were beneath me.
“Yesterday, during our conversation in the drawing room, I determined to look at your family afresh. Do you want to know what I saw?" She shook her head, but he smiled and continued to explain. “I saw my belovedÅ‚s mother and sisters, and among them at least two impressionable young girls who had been misled by Mr. Wickham, much as Georgiana had been. I also realised I was in an ideal position to do something about it. I had asked you not to reveal my secretor, rather, my sisterÅ‚s secretbut complying with my wishes left your own sisters vulnerable to WickhamÅ‚s schemes. Thus I felt obliged to answer Miss LydiaÅ‚s questions and to speak to Miss Catherine myself."
“You take too much upon yourself."
“I do not believe so. I have begun to look upon them, and Miss Bennet and Miss Mary, as my own family. As such, they should have my protection if they are in need of it."
“Your family" she repeated, still finding it hard to believe that he was intent upon gaining such a mother and father and sistersand a woman such as herself.
“Can you have any doubt whatsoever about my intentions, Elizabeth? What more can I say? What must I do to convince you?"
“Fitzwilliam, there is nothing you need do. That is what I have been trying to tell you. I do not want you to be under obligation to me."
He smiled. “At least you are calling me by my name again. And there is one thing I can and must do." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. “I had this with me two days ago when we were still in London. I kept it in my pocket along with the letter I gave you. Unless you can tell me honestly that you want nothing more to do with me, you will have to put this on before we return to the house."
“Why?" The gold and jewels sparkled in the sunlight. A ripple of nervous pleasure ran through her. “Because my father expects to see it on my finger?"
He rolled his eyes. “You are impossible."
She tried to laugh but her voice came out in a breathless rush instead. “Was that a proposal, by the way?"
“No, merely your last chance to avoid one." He knelt before her. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will you do me the great honour of consenting to be my wife?" He whispered, “I love you," and tears welled in her eyes.
For a moment she was too overcome to say a word.
He caressed her hands. “What is wrong, dearest?"
Elizabeth did not know what she felt, only that she had never felt it with anyone but him. Ä™I think I love you, too, Fitzwilliam,Å‚ she thought. “Nothing is wrong." How right he had made everything. She shook her head and the tears fell. “Nothing at all."
“Is that a yes?"
“Yes."
He placed the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. Then he helped her to her feet. “I would ask you for a proper kiss, but your father is staring at us."
“I think you are right." She never would have believed it possible, but Papa had managed to detract from one of the most important moments of her life. She pushed her annoyance and frustration aside. She was an engaged woman, after all! “But Mr. Darcy, are you certain you would ask my permission?" she teased him, feeling more like herself. “Would you not just steal a kiss instead?"
“Perhaps, Miss Elizabeth. We shall see when the time comes. Now I had better speak with your father."
When they started walking towards the house, Mr. Bennet turned away and sat down at his desk. Elizabeth let her eyes trace the back of her fatherÅ‚s head. For once, she was glad not to be able to see the expression on his face. “Mr. Darcy," she wondered aloud, “how long will you be at Netherfield this time?" She received no answer. “Fitzwilliam?"
She looked up at her intended and immediately found herself physically prevented from repeating her question. In fact, for one long, delicious moment, she was hard pressed even to recall what that question had been.
________________________________________
Claiming a kiss to seal the engagement was not more than Elizabeth had expected from a man violently in love, but she granted that perhaps her father did have one valid reason to distrust Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
The man was a thief, and a very, very good one at that.
________________________________________
Part Thirteen
Posted on Sunday, 14 May 2006
“Send Kitty to me."
“Yes, Papa." Elizabeth closed the door and sighed in relief.
Mr. Bennetłs consent had been tersely given, and Elizabeth had been anxious to remove Fitzwilliam and herself from the library to seek more friendly company. At least Jane would be happy for her. But first Kitty needed to be brought down, and Elizabeth preferred to go herself rather than send a servant.
“Mr. Darcy, I believe Kitty is still in her room. I shall return in a few moments. Shall I show you to the drawing room first?"
“I shall wait for you here." He stopped at the base of the stairs.
She met his answer with an inquiring look and a bemused smile that quickly grew tender beneath his gaze. Then she turned and hurried upstairs to find her sister.
Jane was still with Kitty, sitting close beside her on the bed.
“Kitty," Elizabeth whispered, hating to disrupt the calm scene, “Papa wishes to speak with you now."
“I cannot face him."
“You must." Her tone was firm but not unkind. “Come; Jane and I will go down with you."
“I cannot, Lizzy! Jane, do not make me go!" Kitty lunged forward and thrust her arms around her eldest sisterÅ‚s neck.
Jane cradled Kitty in her mother-hen way and coaxed her out of bed, whispering assurances. Apparently Kitty had confessed to Jane something of what had passed.
Between the two of them, Elizabeth and Jane managed to make Kitty presentable in very little time. They supported her on either side as she walked down the stairs.
“Mr. Darcy, good morning." Jane had not had the opportunity to greet him before now. Elizabeth felt Kitty stiffen.
Mr. Darcy stepped aside so as not to impede the ladiesÅ‚ progress. “Good morning to you, Miss Bennet." His voice softened as he added, “And to you, Miss Catherine."
“Mr. Darcy," she mumbled in reply.
“I hope you are well this morning?" His tone held an earnest quality that seemed to disconcert Kitty even more.
“II am, I" She gulped. “I must go to my father," she said without looking at him. “Please excuse me."
“Of course."
As soon as Kitty was out of sight, the three of them moved into the empty drawing room. Mr. Darcy lingered at the door. “I hope" He looked towards the hall where Kitty had gone.
“What is it, Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth heard JaneÅ‚s gasp and turned to see her sister smiling at her. Realising what she had let slip, she nodded in response to JaneÅ‚s unspoken question. She took Mr. DarcyÅ‚s arm and guided him to a comfortable seat, but he remained standing.
“It is just that" He expelled a breath. “She reminds me so much of Georgiana afterafter last summer. That look in her eyes, the trepidation in her voice; they recall to mind bitter memories."
Elizabeth wished she could soothe away his sorrow. She reached up and touched his cheek, causing him to look at her. “Both our sisters are most fortunate to have you for a brother."
Their tender moment lasted no longer, for at this further confirmation of Elizabethłs relationship with Mr. Darcy, Jane offered her congratulations to them both.
“It is a joy to know there is someone who is not unhappy with our betrothal." Elizabeth embraced her sister. “You are the first to express good wishes," she said as they all sat down.
“But no one else knows yet, Lizzy! When you make the announcement, surely" She stopped short. “Do you mean to say that Papa is not pleased?"
“Unfortunately, he is not."
“Perhaps this business with Kitty is clouding his joy."
“Joy was the last thing on his countenance when he gave us his consent."
Jane pondered this news for a moment then gave Mr. Darcy an apologetic smile. “I am disappointed if our father truly does not welcome this union. I hope after he grows accustomed to the idea of losing Lizzy, he will think differently. She is something of a favourite with him."
Elizabeth appreciated JaneÅ‚s attempt to smooth over the difficulties of the morning. She looked at Fitzwilliam to see how he fared. His face looked grim. “Do not worry; Jane is right. Sooner or later my father will show himself to be more pleased than he appears now."
“It is not your father I was thinking of. If you believe his disapprobation is worrisome, imagine what my aunt will say when she hears the news."
Elizabeth did imagine what Lady Catherine would say, and it made her laugh. “I doubt she will be happy to allow me access to Rosings after this, not even to the humble Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room."
Darcy slowly smiled. “You may well laugh, but I assure you, when she makes her opinion known, you will be far more inclined to anger than mirth."
“I do not doubt it." She turned her eyes to Jane. While Mr. Bingley had no overbearing aunt that she knew of, there were still Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. No oneÅ‚s path was completely free of thistles and briars, she supposed. “Jane, has Mr. Bingley informed his sisters of his engagement?"
“He writes to them today."
“Had they any idea of it when we all were in town?"
“I have neither seen nor heard from them since Miss BingleyÅ‚s visit to my auntÅ‚s. Therefore, I do not know."
“How shall they behave when you meet again? I suppose Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst will be as friendly to you as they ever were." Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy and was struck by his mortified expression; she remembered a little late that he, like Mr. BingleyÅ‚s sisters, had contrived to separate the couple. Jane noticed his distress as well, and Elizabeth silently berated herself for dredging up the awkward business.
“Miss Bennet" Mr. DarcyÅ‚s voice cracked. “Miss Bennet, I hope one day you can forgive me for my unwarranted interference in your affairs."
“Mr. Darcy, considering everything, there is nothing to forgive."
“Pardon me, Miss Bennet, but you must know that there is." He looked pained. “I gave my friend faulty advice. It was most fortunate that Bingley did not rely upon it. I was mistaken as to the depth of your affections. I was mistaken in many regards."
“You have more than compensated for your errors. Bingley was so discouraged, when PapaOh!" Jane paused to retrieve her handkerchief. “Had you not taken the trouble, I donÅ‚t know what would have become of us."
“It was no more than I should have done."
“I must disagree with you. You were under no obligation to correct a problem you did nothing to cause. Pardon me." She patted her eyes with the cloth. “Mr. Darcy, my present happiness is such that I cannot be anything other than grateful for your most recent act of interference."
“Jane!" KittyÅ‚s call reached their ears, putting an end to the gentle argument. “Jane, where are you?" They all looked to the doorway as Kitty poked her head through.
“Please join us, Kitty."
Kitty hesitated a moment, then ran into the room. “Oh, Jane! Oh!" She flushed beet-red when she realised that Lizzy and the gentleman also were within. “P-Pardon me, Mr. Darcy."
“Kitty, we are all friends here," Elizabeth offered, grasping FitzwilliamÅ‚s hand.
“Yes indeed," Jane added. “In fact, we are not just friends, but family. Mr. Darcy is to marry Lizzy."
“Truly?" KittyÅ‚s face lit up with pleasure. “I shall be honoured to have such a brother."
“The honour will be mine, Miss Catherine."
“Please, call me Kitty," she replied, giggling. “Or Catherine, if you like."
Elizabeth rejoiced to see her younger sister smiling again. “Was Papa very severe on you?"
“Horrid in every way! He said I am not to leave the house for a month, not even to go into the gardens, and that he would not trust me so near society as our front door for fifty pounds!" She pouted like a little girl. “No officers will be allowed to visit us, save Colonel Forster, who is coming today. I hope the Colonel will not ask to speak with me. When he calls, I shall run up to my room and stay there."
She batted at the tears that had begun to fall. “Oh! I cried and cried! Then Papa told me not to make myself unhappy and said if I was very good he would allow me to stand up with one of my sisters at the next ball."
Elizabeth laughed, to everyoneÅ‚s astonishment. “It sounds to me as if he already has forgiven you, Kitty."
“I told Papa I had not really wished to go away. I was only to meet Wickham and loan him some money." She sat down next to Jane. “Wickham told me the rumours had spread and already three creditors had called on him. I should have known then that Lady Catherine was right. But I felt sorry for him. He seemed so hurt when Lydia walked away! I said to him, Ä™All of Meryton may turn against you, but I shall not.Å‚ I thought I was being noble." She laughed nervously and sighed. “Now I see how foolish it all was. I would have ruined my reputation if I had met him last night and anyone had seen us. And who knows whether he might have convinced me to do something even worse."
“You are safe now, and that is what matters." JaneÅ‚s gentle voice seemed to start the tears flowing in earnest from KittyÅ‚s eyes. “Shall I accompany you to your room?" Kitty nodded, and the two left Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to themselves.
“Would you like anything to eat or drink, Fitzwilliam?"
“No, no; I breakfasted at Netherfield."
“Then what would you like?"
“I believe you know the answer to that, my love."
Elizabeth lowered her eyes. “Do I?"
“Do not be coy with me." He ran his finger down the side of her face. “As it is, I must leave you soon."
“Can you not stay awhile?"
“Unfortunately not." He stood, pulling Elizabeth to her feet. “Will you see me out?"
They heard footsteps and chatter, and in another moment, Mrs. Bennet, along with Mary and Lydia, entered the room.
“Mr. Darcy! I heard you had come to call on my husband."
“Good morning, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Mary, Miss Lydia. I have talked to Mr. Bennet. I was just about to take my leave."
“Have you had refreshments? Lizzy, why did you not invite Mr. Darcy to join us at breakfast?"
“I did, Mama. He declined."
“I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Bennet, but I must travel to London. My mention of business yesterday was no idle excuse. There are some important financial matters I must see to in person."
“Well, I shall not keep you, if you are in a hurry." She smirked as Mr. Darcy shifted from foot to foot and moved a little closer to the entrance. “Please give my regards to Mr. Bingley."
“I certainly will, maÅ‚am."
He turned and raised an eyebrow to Elizabeth. She caught the hint and announced to her mother and sisters that she would see him to the door.
“Must you go just now?" she pulled him closer and whispered as soon as they were out of the drawing room.
“The sooner I leave, the sooner I can return." He grinned. “There is also the small matter of your fatherÅ‚s anger. I hope that it may lessen more quickly in my absence."
“You are hardly its primary cause." She could see the wisdom in giving Mr. Bennet time to recover from recent events, however. “How long will you be away?" she asked as they reached the outdoors.
“A few days, at most. I shall miss you."
“I wish I could go with you." She coloured at her forwardness, but Mr. Darcy did not seem to mind it at all.
“Thank you for that." His eyes caressed her. “I must draw up the settlement papers for your father to approve."
“Oh! I had not thought of it. I see that marriage to you is going to be a dreadfully practical, tedious business."
“Do not tell me," Darcy said, leaning towards her, “that your head is not as full of the prospect of trinkets and pin-money as that of any other woman of marriageable age."
“You wound me, sir! My mind is far above such earthly concerns."
His expression softened considerably. “Then you are indeed an angel, as I have believed these many weeks now."
Elizabeth had nothing to say in reply and only tore her eyes away from his when Mr. DarcyÅ‚s horse was brought. “I suppose I shall have to tell Mama and Mary and Lydia the news before nightfall."
“Do." He smiled and moved closer as if to steal another kiss but quickly backed away and mounted his horse.
Elizabeth watched her gentleman gallop towards Netherfield. No sooner than he was out of sight did Colonel Forster appear, and Elizabeth returned to the house to tell her father. On her way to the library, she cast a fleeting glance up the stairs and hoped that this matter with Wickham would soon be over.
________________________________________
The hours flew by and Elizabeth still had not found the right opportunity to inform her mother of her engagement. From the moment Colonel Forster was announced until he departed Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet engaged her daughters in wild speculation about the nature of his talk with Mr. Bennet and the danger to Longbourn from roaming marauders who tried to force their way into the homes of respectable gentry.
Once the Colonel left without confirming or denying any of the ladiesÅ‚ conjectures, Mrs. Bennet hurried Mary, Lydia and Jane out with her to call on Mrs. Philips, and they were gone much of the afternoon. Elizabeth had been commissioned to sit with Kitty in JaneÅ‚s stead. “I imagine it is only a headache," her mother had said before leaving, “brought on by the noise of that awful man, whoever he was, but do stay with her, Lizzy. She will feel sorry not to be going to her auntÅ‚s with the rest of us. Oh, and if Mr. Bingley calls, tell him he is welcome to join us at my sister PhilipsÅ‚s. Otherwise, we shall see him in time for dinner." Elizabeth gladly consented to everything and spent a quiet afternoon with Kitty in her rooms.
Mr. Bingley put in an appearance at dinner and apologised for not calling earlier in the day. He, like his friend, had been attending to business related to his upcoming marriage. “I spent the morning poring over my accounts," he explained to the Bennets, “and the afternoon writing to Caroline and Louisa. I must confess my letter writing took more time than it should have, but I made sure to take particular care so that nothing would be misunderstood." He winked at Elizabeth. “Mr. Darcy left for London some hours ago. He was sorry to go, but it was for a worthy cause." His warm, expressive look left her in no doubt of his good information.
He sat across from Jane and next to Elizabeth. As soon as there seemed the least danger of his being heard by the others, he spoke to the latter. “I congratulate you."
“You are very kind."
“Do they all know?" His eyes wandered to her mother.
“Not all, as you have surmised, but they shall before the day is over."
“I suppose now I may pronounce my friendÅ‚s name as often as I wish without causing you any undue discomfort. I believe I shall miss watching you blush; you do so charmingly."
“You are very naughty, Mr. Bingley. I am surprised my sister tolerates that trait in you."
“Your sister tolerates a great deal in me, for which I cannot be thankful enough."
That evening, Elizabeth followed Mrs. Bennet to her room.
“Your father is not the least bit concerned for our welfare. He refuses to tell me what happened last night, no matter how many times I ask. Did you notice that he changed the subject when I told Mr. Bingley of it?" She sat down and began to remove her necklace. “Colonel Forster will help us. That must be the reason for his visit. If we beg the ColonelÅ‚s assistance, perhaps the militia will set a guard around Longbourn. But they will be gone in less than a fortnight, and then who will protect us?"
Elizabeth almost laughed at the irony of her motherÅ‚s last statement. Forster and that scamp Wickham would leave together for Brighton, and good riddance, she thought. “Mama, I am certain that we are safe in our own home." She smiled at her motherÅ‚s agitation. “If Papa thought otherwise, he would say so." Amused as she was, she could not help but be grieved that her father kept so much of import from her mother. She hoped Fitzwilliam would never shut her out in such a way.
“Mama," Elizabeth said when she felt she could no longer put it off, “I have something to tell you."
“Well? What is it, girl? Goodness knows we have had more than our share of bad news."
“This will be welcome then, for it is very good news. I am going to marry Mr. Darcy."
“Mr. Darcy? Have you not always hated him?"
“Not always, and not at all now; quite the contrary."
“Has he spoken to your father already? Of coursethat is why he came so early! And is it really true? Oh!" Mrs. Bennet began to get that familiar gleam in her eyes. “My sweetest Lizzy! How rich and how great you will be! This certainly makes up for your refusing Mr. Collins!" She got up from her chair and grabbed ElizabethÅ‚s hand. “Is that ring new? I have never seen you wear it before." She gasped. “Is it from Mr. Darcy? Has he given you a token of his esteem already?" “He presented it to me when he proposed, Mama." “An engagement ring! How unexpected! Well, he certainly can afford it." Mrs. Bennet examined the sparkling object with an appreciative smile. “But how did I not see it earlier? Did you wear it at dinner?""
Elizabeth explained, amidst her motherłs continued exclamations, that she had twisted the ring around so that no one might notice.
“You will have a double wedding with Jane and Mr. Bingley!"
This new idea gave birth to a host of others, and Elizabeth sat down and prepared to stay a long while. She knew her mother was not in general backward to credit what was for the advantage of her family, or what came in the shape of a lover to any of them, but this excitement at present seemed too much, her own happiness notwithstanding, until compared with the less enthusiastic reaction of Mr. Bennet. After the censure that Elizabeth and her intended had borne from her father since the day before, she almostnot quite, but almostwished Fitzwilliam had remained long enough to hear her motherłs effusive but sincere good wishes.
A Little More Practice ~ Section III
By Sandy W
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Beginning, Previous Section, Section III, Next Section
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Part Fourteen
Posted on Wednesday, 31 May 2006
“Flat."
“What?" Elizabeth blinked. She spun around to see Mary sitting behind her. She had not heard her enter the room.
“The A should be flat, I think."
Elizabeth turned back to the music over which she had laboured for the last quarter of an hour. She repeated the offending chord with the alteration Mary suggested. “Ah!" She smiled at the improvement in sound. “That was it exactly, Mary. Thank you."
“You are welcome."
Elizabeth toiled a little longer, paying closer attention to the page before her. When she had had quite enough, she got up from the pianoforte and saw that Mary was still there. “Do you wish to try it now?"
“May I?"
“Of course! I should like it if you did." She was not in the habit of asking her younger sister to play to her, but Mary always had been the better musician of the two and was far less apt to have difficulty working her way through the music. Though the performance might be uninspired, at least all the correct notes would be pressed; MaryÅ‚s penchant for practice had made her accurate, if nothing else.
Mary had moved with alacrity towards the instrument, and Elizabeth saw her eyes light up with anticipation as she reached for the pages. “I appreciate your patience, Mary." She probably had interrupted her sisterÅ‚s routine. “I know you are not accustomed to waiting."
Mary seemed to consider her words. “I have rarely seen you here this early in the day."
“I found, this morning, that I missed a habit I had established while in Hunsford. Lady Catherine recommended that I improve my skills, and as she also provided the means for me to do so, I could not refuse." She smiled at the memory of her first visit to Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room and the improbable appearance of Mr. Darcy at the door. She recalled the way he had stood there with his eyes closed, listening to her sing; she grinned at the thought of him disappearing from the doorway like a phantom.
“Did you purchase this while in Kent or in London?"
“I did not purchase it." Elizabeth blushed. “Mr. Darcy gave it to me as a gift."
“Oh." Mary looked awkward. “Congratulations on your engagement. Mama told me of it last night, but you had already retired."
“I suspected as much." From behind the closed door of her room, Elizabeth had heard her motherÅ‚s voice ring out as she spread the happy news throughout the house.
“Are you pleased?"
“I am."
“I suppose he will buy you whatever music you like, since he is so rich."
“Mary," Elizabeth laughed, “you know that as Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I can buy whatever music I wish. I do not need a rich husband for that! Papa is not so ungenerous with our pocket money, is he?"
“No, indeed," Mary stammered. “I only meant"
“That I shall have endless resources at my disposal?"
“Why did you agree to marry him?"
Elizabeth felt insulted and almost refused to answer, but she reasoned that if anyone had the right to question her, it was her own sister. “Because I love him," she admitted.
“You love him." Mary appeared to digest this revelation. “How did that come about?"
“It is not surprising that you should wonder. Sometimes I can hardly believe my opinion of him has changed so drastically."
“It has nothing to do with his money?"
“No." Elizabeth sighed. How could she make someone else understand what she herself did not yet fully comprehend?
“I just thought thatafter you refused Mr. Collins, perhaps you had despaired of making a prosperous match."
“I had not despaired of making a match. I had no thoughts of matrimony when Mr. Darcy approached me." She knew she would need to explain herself. “When Mr. Collins proposed to me, I knew I could not accept him." She sat down near Mary. “I cared nothing for him as a suitor."
“You had just met Mr. Wickham then."
“True." Elizabeth supposed that her attraction to Mr. Wickham had added force to the other inducements which led her to refuse Mr. Collins, but she would never admit such a thing to Mary. “But Mr. Wickham had not the means to support a wife, and now we know that even were his income sufficient, he would make any girl a poor husband."
“Those rumours"
“Yes," interrupted Elizabeth, not wishing to discuss Mr. Wickham further. “Mr. Darcy, unlike the others, completely took me by surprise with his regard for me."
“What did he say? What did he do?"
She shifted in her seat, not accustomed to Mary hanging on her every word. “We argued. Not unusual, really, but this instance was worse than the others. I told him I despised him as much as he despised me. He informed me that his feelings were quite the opposite of what I had assumed."
“Did this happen in Kent?"
“Oh, yes. At Rosings."
“And your feelings changed immediately?"
“No, but eventually they did." She smiled. “Is that not what truly matters?" She resisted the curiosity in her sisterÅ‚s eyes. “Now, let us hear these notes played properly. I shall turn the pages for you."
Mary did the piece justice and was easily persuaded to try another. At its conclusion, she put her hands in her lap and sat still for a moment. “It is a beautiful love song," she declared with a rare smile. Then she looked at Elizabeth and said, “Mr. Darcy chose well."
Elizabeth nodded her agreement, but as her sister began to play again, she grew pensive. ęI hope you are right, Mary,ł she thought. ęI hope you are right.ł
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Mr. Bingley called on the Bennets each morning before breakfast and often departed after supper. Mr. Darcyłs stay in London was brief, and not many days passed before he joined his friend on the three-mile ride to Longbourn. Now that Elizabethłs engagement was known to all the family, Mr. Darcy rarely strayed from her side, though he spoke politely to the others. He even found something to say to Lydia on each visit, and his continuing solicitude for Kittyłs comfort earned approving glances from Elizabeth and Jane.
Three mornings after Mr. Darcy had returned from London, not long after the gentlemen had arrived, the attention of the entire party was drawn to the sound of a carriage approaching. Mr. Bingley hurried Jane to the gardens for a walk. Kitty rushed to peer outside. “It is a very fine carriage, Mama. Who can it be at this time of day? Is it the Colonel, come to bring your sister to us, Mr. Darcy?"
“It cannot be. I do not expect them for another week." His curiosity roused, he left his seat and joined Kitty at the window. Elizabeth saw his mouth turn down at the corners. “Excuse me." He stepped back. “I hope to return to you very soon."
The ladies watched as Mr. Darcy stormed out of the room. Every eye turned to Elizabeth, but she had no explanation to offer.
Kitty, who had moved to another window to better observe the mysterious visitor and Mr. Darcy, broke the silence. “There he is! I see him now. He is speaking to a lady. He is handing her out of the carriage."
“Kitty, remove your nose from the glass, please." Mr. Bennet walked fully into the room.
Kitty sulked and went back to her seat.
“Do I understand correctly that we have a visitor at this hour?"
“We do, Papa." Mary confirmed. “Mr. Darcy has gone out to meet her."
“Who does he think he is, Master of the Manor? This is my house, not Pemberley! I shall go."
“But Papa," Kitty added, “I believe he knows her."
“Hmph!" Mr. Bennet strode to the door.
With Mr. Bennet out of sight, both Elizabeth and Kitty got up and ran to the window. Elizabeth gasped at what she saw. “Lady Catherine!" It could be none otherher comportment, fineness of dress, gestures, all were instantly recognisable. She did not want to imagine what her ladyship must be saying to her nephew. Slowly, the others gathered around them as the seconds passed and no servant had come to escort the caller into the drawing room.
Elizabeth slipped away from her family and sought solitude in the gardens to think on what she had seen. Why had Lady Catherine come? Surely not to congratulate her and Fitzwilliam; her ladyship could have nothing good to say about their engagement. She could not help her curiosity, however. As she walked towards the front of the house, the sounds of Lady CatherineÅ‚s displeasure became increasingly intelligible. The words “disgrace" and “regret" were quite clear. Mr. DarcyÅ‚s responses were less so, but his uneven tone betrayed his struggle to maintain even a modicum of propriety. She did not hear her fatherÅ‚s voice at all. As she considered the spectacle her ladyship must be making in front of the servants and anyone else who happened to be near enough to witness, she felt anger well up inside her.
“Lizzy!" Jane whispered. Her sister and Mr. Bingley had found a perfect spot from which to observe the quarrel undetected. “I cannot make out much of what Lady Catherine is saying. She is Lady Catherine, is she not?" Jane shifted to make room for her.
“Yes."
“It must be half a dayÅ‚s journey from Rosings Park," Mr. Bingley observed. “She must have stopped in London for the night and departed at dawn. I wonder that she took the trouble of coming so far."
“What can her ladyship hope to achieve by it?" Jane asked.
“She hopes," Elizabeth said, her anger increasing, “to assert a prior claim on her nephew on behalf of Miss de Bourgh."
“That is unlikely," said Bingley with a quiet laugh. “I would say it is impossible. Your engagement notwithstanding, Darcy never meant to marry his cousin. He told me so."
Jane pressed ElizabethÅ‚s hand. “Mr. Darcy did warn you that his aunt would not be pleased by your betrothal."
“True, but I never expected this! Must she make her opinion known to the entire neighbourhood?" Had she not been so incensed, Elizabeth would have laughed at the notion of three rational adults hiding in the bushes and whispering to each other like children. She peered through the shrubbery. “I suppose Papa is just going to stand there like a statue until he is formally introduced. He likely is enjoying the scene."
“Now, Lizzy, that is not fair! The situation is very awkward."
Bingley agreed. “If Lady Catherine continues to decline Mr. BennetÅ‚s hospitality, perhaps I should invite her to rest from her journey at Netherfield."
“Oh, will you?" Elizabeth sighed in relief. “I would be so grateful. Though I wonder whether she will acknowledge your offer if she will not listen to her own nephew."
“I can but try."
Elizabeth and Jane watched Mr. Bingley approach the others.
“I doubt Mr. BingleyÅ‚s efforts will succeed, but it is kind of him to go to the trouble."
“I hope her ladyship accepts his offer. How long can she persist in arguing in public?"
“You would be surprised, Jane, at how much Lady Catherine can have to say once she warms to her subject."
Mr. Bingleyłs petition at first appeared to have the desired effect; Lady Catherine looked around her at suddenly being addressed by a stranger, and she seemed to gather her misplaced wits and get her indignation under regulation. Then Mr. Darcy moved to hand his aunt into the carriage, and the pretense of peace collapsed as Lady Catherinełs voice rose to new heights.
After a moment, Elizabeth gathered her courage. “This is ridiculous! I must put an end to it."
Jane, seeing that Elizabeth was determined to intervene, stepped out of her hiding place. “I shall go with you."
The girls walked together, arm in arm, stopping before the carriage. “Lady Catherine, it is a pleasure to see you again," Elizabeth lied.
“Miss Bennet!" Lady Catherine fairly shouted. Apparently, she had not seen Elizabeth and Jane approach. “I cannot say that I return the sentiment."
“That is unfortunate. Will you not come into the house?"
Mr. Darcy, keeping his eyes on Lady Catherine, seethed. “My aunt has refused every reasonable offer made to her, and she likewise refuses to return to the comfort of her carriage."
“I am sorry you will not stay and have tea with us. You have come such a great distance only to turn around and go back again. Are you certain we cannot change your mind?"
“Miss Bennet, my mind is not the one that needs to be changed!"
“Her ladyship has spoken, gentlemen. She will not be persuaded."
“I certainly shall not! If my nephew will not give me the assurances I require, I will have them from you, Miss Bennet! This presumptuous match cannot take place!"
“By Ä™presumptuous matchÅ‚, I presume you mean my engagement to Mr. Darcy?"
“Insolent girl! You know exactly what I speak of! Why else would I come here?"
Jane made an unintelligible sound and began to speak in her sisterÅ‚s favour, but Elizabeth stopped her with a shake of her head. “Why else, indeed?" Elizabeth asked, striving to look not the least bit perturbed.
“Is this to be my reward for my attention to you at Rosings?" Lady Catherine continued. “Ungrateful girl!"
“Your ladyship," Elizabeth answered, “I cannot allow you to continue in error. I am not ungrateful, nor would I have you believe me so."
“Then how do you explain your attempts to ensnare my nephew?"
“I cannot explain attempts that were never made, your ladyship."
“He claims you are engaged to him, that he, and not your family, sent the announcement to the papers! How can that be, unless you have tricked him into it?"
“Lady Catherine," Elizabeth pressed on, “while I realise it was not your intention, or even mine, to further my acquaintance with Mr. Darcy, I do not wish to be remiss in offering my sincere thanks for the service you rendered us. Had you not impressed upon me the need to improve my performance at the pianoforte, I would not have been thrown so often into Mr. DarcyÅ‚s company, and I doubt we would have come to a better understanding of one another. Circumstances could not have turned out more advantageously had you purposely arranged them."
“Arranged them? Preposterous!"
“Indeed. It is wonderful, is it not? I am quite pleased with my choice of husband, and I thank you for the part you have played in our current happiness."
Lady CatherineÅ‚s face became alarmingly red. “You speak nonsenseYou cannot be serious"
“Let me echo the oft-repeated words of your dear friend, Lady Metcalfe: Ä™Lady Catherine, you have given me a treasure.Å‚" She smoothed her skirts. “Now that I have discharged my obligation, I shall not detain you. I bid you good day and good journey." She curtsied graciously and turned to the gentlemen. “Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley, shall we return to the house?"
Mr. Darcy took her hand and kissed it before tucking it under his arm and escorting her inside, leaving Mr. Bingley and Jane to follow. Elizabeth heard Lady Catherine spewing venomous insults at her back, but she never turned to acknowledge them. Nothing that woman said could touch her now. It was, surprisingly, the sound of her fatherłs voice that made her clutch Fitzwilliamłs arm; she faltered when she heard him address Lady Catherine at last, just as the door to Longbourn closed behind her.
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Part Fifteen
Posted on Sunday, 18 June 2006
Mrs. Bennet queried Mr. Darcy as soon as he returned to the drawing room. “Is it true that Lady Catherine is here?"
Mr. Darcy only nodded and proceeded to escort Elizabeth to her seat.
“Why did she not come inside?"
“She did not choose it," Mr. Darcy answered.
“I suppose her ladyship called to congratulate you and Lizzy on your engagement. From what little I saw, I must say she did so quite energetically."
“Her purpose was by no means as benevolent as you suppose, madam."
“Congratulate us?" Elizabeth added under her breath. “Refuse her consent, more like."
“I cannot imagine why Lady Catherine did not come into the house," Mrs. Bennet continued. “I hope her ladyship was not displeased with Longbourn."
“She was prevented by my going out to meet her," Mr. Darcy said, “but I am glad to have spared you a most unpleasant scene." He whispered to Elizabeth, “I wish I could have spared you, my love."
“It is not your fault, Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth whispered back.
“Unpleasant?" Mrs. Bennet repeated.
“I should have protected you from her wrath," Mr. Darcy murmured to Elizabeth.
“Quite," Mr. Bingley replied to Mrs. Bennet.
“Do you believe I required protection?" Elizabeth asked Mr. Darcy. Her attempt to laugh elicited from the gentleman his first smile since his aunt had made her appearance.
“Oh, dear," Mrs. Bennet fretted. “Where is your father?"
“He is speaking with Lady Catherine now," Jane supplied.
“Perhaps I should go to them." Mrs. Bennet turned to the door.
“Madam!" Mr. Darcy leapt out of his seat. “That will not be necessary" The sound of the carriage departing punctuated his outburst. “My aunt is not in the best of spirits today," he explained to Mrs. Bennet in a calmer voice. “It is fortunate that you did not meet with her in her present state."
Mrs. Bennet appeared unconvinced and not a little insulted. “But now I shall have to wait until the wedding to make her acquaintance!"
“Mr. Darcy is quite right, Mama." JaneÅ‚s tone was so stern that she sounded like Mary. “The wait is of no consequence. You are better off as you are."
At the sound of footsteps, Mr. Darcy stood. “Your father cannot wish to see me here after what has occurred," he told Elizabeth and Jane. “I believe I should go."
“Mr. Darcy," said Mr. Bennet upon entering the room, “did I just hear you say you are leaving? This is the second time in a seÅ‚night that you have attempted an early escape from Longbourn. Your aunt would not avail herself of our hospitality; surely you do not wish to follow her example?"
Mr. Darcy froze in place. His lips barely moved as he replied, “Certainly not."
“Then, please, sit down."
Mr. Bennet himself took a seat, and after frustrating his wife by his vague replies to her detailed inquiries regarding their exalted guest, he began to speak upon another subject entirely with his eldest daughters and the gentlemen. Mr. Bennet carried the conversation, as Jane and Mr. Bingley did not exert themselves to talk much. Mr. Darcy offered few remarks, and Elizabeth none at all; the latter silently sought to discover whether her father was pleased or disgusted with her behaviour towards Lady Catherine.
Despite Mr. Bennetłs remonstrance and subsequent civility, the gentlemenłs visit did not continue long after Lady Catherinełs departure. Mr. Bennet walked them out, and the ladies began to stir.
“Well! All of our company has left us," complained Mrs. Bennet. “I am sure I feel very dull."
“Mama, why do not we go into Meryton?"
“An excellent suggestion, Lydia! We shall call on my sister Philips. Kitty, will you come with us?"
“Papa will not allow it."
“Ah, yes. I had forgotten. I do not know where your father got the odd notion of keeping you bound to this house. How are you to have any amusement, or meet any eligible gentlemen? I have tried to talk him out of it, but he says he will not relent."
“The restriction will not last forever, Kitty." Elizabeth was mortified for her sister, but even more disturbing was her motherÅ‚s obvious ignorance as to the reasons for KittyÅ‚s punishment. “With all the wedding preparations," she continued, “I am sure Papa will permit you to walk the streets of Meryton and visit the shops soon enough."
“True, true!" Mrs. Bennet said, cheering immediately. “Lydia, come along. I must tell my sister of Lady CatherineÅ‚s call."
While Kitty busied herself with picking apart a bonnet and Mary turned her attention to a book, Jane walked to the window. Elizabeth joined her and watched their mother and youngest sister take the path to Meryton. The men were still talking, standing near the place where Lady Catherinełs carriage had been.
“Before this morning, I would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much incivility existed in the whole race of humankind as is collected in Lady Catherine de Bourgh alone. I never would have believed it, had I not heard her ladyshipÅ‚s words with my own ears."
“Jane!" Elizabeth abruptly turned her head from the window.
“How could she abuse you so, Lizzy? She must have observed you and Mr. Darcy together before you liked him. Why, even at Aunt GardinerÅ‚s house, you received him cautiously. You were hardly forward then, and certainly could not have thrown yourself at him weeks before, upon first renewing your acquaintance in Kent. Had you sought to entrap Mr. Darcyhow vulgar of her to suggest it!she would have seen evidence of your attempts and not been shocked by your engagement. After all, what benefit could there be to you in feigning indifference if you were wishing, expecting his addresses?"
Elizabeth stared at her, struck speechless by her words.
“Yet, if you had cared for Mr. Darcy and welcomed his attentions in Hunsford, she still would have accused you of being a fortune hunter. It is so unfair, Lizzy. If a woman displays her affection, genuine affection, for the world to see, she runs the risk of being subjected to all manner of impertinence and even censure. But if she does not," Jane added in a lower voice, with her eyes fixed on the gentlemen, “she runs the greater risk of concealing that affection from its object."
“Oh, Jane!" Elizabeth laid her head on her sisterÅ‚s shoulder for a moment and suppressed her tears. How glad she was that Mr. Bingley had not taken the counsel of his sisters or his friend to heart!
“I hope that in time you will forget Lady CatherineÅ‚s behaviour, Lizzy."
“Her ladyshipÅ‚s conduct has been such," said Elizabeth, blinking to allow a tear to escape, “as neither you, nor I, nor anyone else can ever forget. It is useless to hope. But I shall endeavour not to dwell on it overlong." Through watery eyes, Elizabeth saw Fitzwilliam turn to face her. She could not tell whether she truly detected or merely imagined his slow smile, but she placed her hand against the glass nonetheless and smiled in return.
________________________________________
“Less than a week and they will be gone!" Of all the Bennets, only Lydia expressed any feelings of loss at the regimentÅ‚s imminent departure. “Mama and I met Mrs. Forster on the way home," she told her sisters. “I had not seen Harriet for an age, and now we must part! We talked and talked while Mama was taking leave of Aunt Philips. She wishes to invite me to Brighton, and I long to go, but Colonel Forster will not permit it. He is so disagreeable!" She dropped into the nearest seat and continued her whining, her arms inelegantly splayed over the sides of the chair. “Harriet is my best friend in the world. How I shall miss her."
“Of course you will miss your friend," her mother said. “However, I cannot be angry with Colonel Forster as long as he takes that foul Mr. Wickham away from Meryton when he goes."
Elizabethłs eyes flew to Kitty, but she turned them elsewhere when she noticed Mary regarding her.
“Colonel Forster is a wise man," she heard Mary say. “You should be happy to avoid Mr. WickhamÅ‚s society, Lydia."
“Oh! Hang Mr. Wickham!" Lydia cried out, surprising the others, as she rarely replied to anything Mary said. “What has he to do with it? I have no intention of enjoying Mr. WickhamÅ‚s society in Brighton or anywhere else!"
“It is not your intention I question," Mary said, “but his. No so long ago, he was on very good terms with our family."
“Why does that matter? I did not even speak to him when I saw him last."
“Your staying in the colonelÅ‚s household would bring you frequently into company with all the soldiers, including Mr. Wickham." MaryÅ‚s statement arrested everyoneÅ‚s attention, including her motherÅ‚s. “A man who has lost his good name may try to cling to what friends he can. A man as charming as Mr. Wickham may even succeed. Any remaining bonds of friendship we girls share with himor with any undeserving member of the other sexmust be severed, for the sake of our reputations."
Kitty made a tiny squeak and began to cough violently.
Elizabeth and Jane glanced at each other, the former preparing to intervene, the latter perhaps doing the same. They waited too long to act, however; Lydia had grasped the one concept that was of use to her in the whole of MaryÅ‚s speech. “Mama, do you think it is Mr. WickhamÅ‚s fault that I cannot go? Harriet did say the colonel is keeping a close watch on him." Lydia glowered. “I dare say it is all his doing."
KittyÅ‚s coughing continued as Lydia heaped blame on Mr. Wickham for her disappointment. “How could he ruin my holiday? I shall never forgive him, and if I ever see him again, I shall tell him exactly what I think of him and his"
“Never you mind, Lydia," said Mrs. Bennet over the commotion. “I would not have you go so far away when there is much to be done here. You must help your sisters choose new gowns for the wedding ceremony. In fact, I shall have new dresses ordered for all my girls."
Lydia squealed in delight at this announcement and prattled on with their mother. Kitty soon recovered enough to smile a little. Mary looked quite satisfied, and Jane and Elizabeth breathed sighs of relief.
________________________________________
The following morning, Mr. Bennet called Elizabeth into his library. He stood at his desk waving a piece of paper.
“As I know you cannot bear being away from Mr. Darcy for very long, I shall be as brief as I can."
“Mr. Darcy has not yet arrived. What do you have there, Papa?"
“A letter from Mr. Collins."
“Mr. Collins! What can he have to say?" Ä™Nothing that can interest me,Å‚ she added to herself.
“Based on yesterdayÅ‚s events, I am sure you can guess."
“Oh" She immediately recalled his connection to Lady Catherine and frowned.
“He does not even offer congratulations on the approaching nuptials of your eldest sister, though I do not doubt that some of the good-natured, gossiping Lucases have informed him of it. He gets directly to the point. Very unlike him." Mr. Bennet looked at her. “But I see I am sporting with your patience. Here is what he says." He handed the letter to her. “Read it for yourself. Then I shall burn it, I think."
My Dear Sir,
I feel myself called upon, by our relationship, and my situation in life, to beg your assistance in righting the grievous wrong that has been done to my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and to her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh. Be assured that neither Mrs. Collins nor I cast any blame upon you for the ill-advised actions of Miss Elizabeth, actions which have brought much undeserved distress to Rosings. Neither do I blame Mr. Darcy, for I have no doubt he has been tricked into the arrangement, which, I must warn you, has not been sanctioned by his nearest relations. As you may imagine, I am quite familiar with your daughterłs ability to draw one in. This consideration has led me to reflect with augmented satisfaction on a certain event of last November, although I can almost wish circumstances had turned out quite the opposite for the welfare and happiness of dear Lady Catherine, as I would gladly bear any mortification for her sake. The past cannot be altered, however, and for this I am thankful, being quite certain that my contentment, as the husband of my dear Charlotte, is far greater than it would be were I married to a lady whose arts and allurements had blinded me to her mercenary motives. I can now credit your daughterłs refusal of one proposal to the expectation of another.
Let me strongly advise you, my dear Sir, for the restoration of Lady Catherinełs peace of mind, to withdraw your consent to the marriage and leave your unworthy child to reap the fruits of her own insufferable presumptions.
“Are you well? You are not going to be Missish, I hope, and pretend to be intimidated by a mere lizard when you have braved the dragon herself."
Elizabeth shook her head and read the remaining lines of offensive script. She was too diverted to be very angry; she had almost laughed aloud when reading Mr. Collinsłs comparison of her motives to Charlottełs. Her father was right. Having faced Lady Catherine and retained her dignity, she was untroubled by the bitter words of her cousin. She was more grateful than ever that her father had refused to grant his consent to a marriage between herself and Mr. Collins. The accusations in the letter were not unlike those she had endured while staying at Hunsford Parsonage, and at such a distance their effect was weakened. She reminded herself that what Mr. Collins insinuated was no truer now than a month ago, despite her engagement to Mr. Darcy, and she handed the letter back to her father, who promptly disposed of it.
“Sit down, Lizzy."
She settled herself in the chair across from his, and for a moment, they sat and looked at each other in silence.
“I allowed you to read that letter for one reason." Mr. Bennet continued to look at his daughter earnestly. “There are going to be people, both within your new family and in greater society, who will not look upon your marriage with a friendly eye. Some will use words much harsher than those of my cousin; hopefully none will surpass Lady CatherineÅ‚s performance." He frowned. “That person is unlikely to call here ever again. I told her she is not welcome within three miles of Longbourn unless she apologizes to you, Jane, Mr. Bingley and her nephew, of course. Oh, and your mother, who, I informed her ladyship, may never forgive her for not sitting down to tea." His eyes smiled though his mouth did not. “I considered suggesting that she save time by making a general announcement in the town square, but I doubt she would have received the idea in the proper spirit. She has not much of a sense of humour, eh? Ah, well. Are you certain you are prepared to defend yourself against future attacks, Lizzy? You have no reservations about entering into this union?"
“None, Papa. I am not troubled by anyoneÅ‚s disapprobation. My family approves, and Miss Darcy approves; that is sufficient for me."
“Good. Very good. Your Mr. Darcy has no reservations either. He made that point very clear to Lady Catherine yesterday. I nearly lost my composure when he said to his aunt, Ä™I am a gentleman; she,Å‚ speaking of you, of course, Ä™is a gentlemanÅ‚s daughter.Å‚ Now, we all know this modest estate cannot possibly compare to Pemberley, and the thousand pounds you will inherit someday is less, I would wager, than Miss Darcy receives in the course of a year. It was kind of him to reduce your disparate circumstances to those simple terms." Her father smiled outright. “I had an agreeable talk with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Worthy men. I would not have believed it possible just two days ago, but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as JaneÅ‚s."
“Oh, Papa!" Elizabeth could not restrain her relief and pleasure at her fatherÅ‚s words. “I am so glad!"
“Yes, I can see that you are. I am happy myself to see you smiling so, after yesterday. But Lizzy, can you tell me whether you and Mr. Darcy are in the habit of exchanging books on the subject of agriculture? Is he attempting to correct a deficiency in your education so that, as the need arises, you may be fully prepared to discuss such matters with PemberleyÅ‚s steward?"
Elizabeth, unprepared for the rapid turn of the conversation, blushed at the thought of revealing the truth and blushed again at the mention of Pemberley. “I would rather not say, Papa."
“Well, you are to be married, after all, and couples must have their little secrets. As long as Mr. Darcy remembers that you are not married yet, I will not press you for details."
“He is a gentleman, Papa."
“Yesyes, and you are a gentlemanÅ‚s daughter!" he laughed. “Thank heaven for that."
“Papa," she hesitated, “may I ask you something now?"
“What is it?"
“Why is Mama yet ignorant of Mr. WickhamÅ‚s last visit to our house? Even Mary has divined something of what occurred that night, I think."
Mr. Bennet sighed. “Do you wish your sisterÅ‚s reputation to be ruined, perhaps forever? If your mother were to discover the truth, she would spread the word around Meryton in a dayÅ‚s time. Kitty would not be able to show her face in public for months, if not longer. I do intend to let her out of the house at some point in future, to see her sisters married, if for no other reason."
She was disappointed and sorry, not least because she was unable to dismiss her fatherłs concerns as unfounded.
“Lizzy, I will tell her someday. Just not now."
Elizabeth nodded, and with a smile, she left her father to his solitude.
________________________________________
Part Sixteen
Posted on Wednesday, 19 July 2006
More letters came to Longbourn after the last from Mr. Collins, including another from Hunsford Parsonage. Charlotte wrote Elizabeth to congratulate her friend on her conquest. “I know that you are too much of a romantic to have accepted him merely for his wealth and consequence," CharlotteÅ‚s letter said, “but that does not change the fact that you have made a most enviable match."
Mrs. Gardinerłs communication to her niece conveyed her approbation and pleasure with every line. She teased Elizabeth for her behaviour on the last day of her visit to Gracechurch Street and pressed her to share at least a few details of her surprising courtship. Mr. Gardiner added to his wifełs raptures his own good wishes and expressed a hope that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, as a married couple, would continue their acquisition of noteworthy additions to Pemberleyłs library.
Other letters regarding the business fell to Mr. DarcyÅ‚s lot. His uncle, the earl, sent a cold acknowledgement of the betrothal along with a few impertinent questions and one or two insinuations about Elizabeth. The viscountÅ‚s note was brief in comparison to that of his father, with surprise being the prevalent sentiment expressed. Lady Catherine sent a rather thick missive, which her nephew had refused to open. It was not completely wasted, however; Mr. Darcy claimed to have put it to immediate use by repeatedly tossing it into the shrubbery around Netherfield and ordering one of the dogs to fetch it out. “Never before has one of my auntÅ‚s letters given me such pleasure," he told Elizabeth when relating the incident.
His fatherłs cousin, the son of his great uncle the judge, responded to the news with barely concealed resentment. Whether his disapproval had more to do with not being informed of the engagement prior to reading of it in the London papers or with his relationłs choice of wife, Elizabeth could not tell. As she read the letter againfor Mr. Darcy had shared it with her as he had the others with the exception of Lady Catherinełsshe wondered if it were not the choice itself, but rather the ability to choose that nettled his cousin. Fitzwilliam was, after all, the heir to Pemberley; his cousin was not. As the child of a younger son, this Mr. Darcy might not have been at liberty to marry where he liked.
Elizabeth handed the letter back to Fitzwilliam. “Was your cousin very jealous of your father?"
“I have heard that he was. My mother certainly hinted at it. He visited us but rarely, usually in town. I have not seen him at Pemberley since the time of my fatherÅ‚s funeral."
“There do not seem to be many of your family who approve of me. Papa did warn me this would happen."
“You know Georgiana approves of you. As a sister, she will adore you."
“What does the colonel think?"
“Now that we are engaged, he is possibly as jealous of me as this Mr. Darcy," he indicated the letter, “was of my father. He thinks highly of you." His smile quickly disappeared. “Elizabeth, do youdid you everadmire my cousin?"
“I do admire him. He is a very gentlemanly, amiable man, with a great deal of lively conversation." Elizabeth watched the emotions flicker across FitzwilliamÅ‚s face. “But I never thought of him as anything more than a welcome acquaintance. There was no time for that in Hunsford. I was far too busy contemplating the actions of two other, far more troublesome men."
“Two?"
“The first, my own cousin, expended an inordinate amount of effort attempting to make me sorry forwell, envious of Charlotte in her role as Mrs. Collins." She saw FitzwilliamÅ‚s eyebrow rise at this. “That is, when he was not accusing me of seeking to garner the attentions of one or the other of Lady CatherineÅ‚s nephews. The second gentlemanÅ‚s attack on my peace was subtler. He seemed content to confound me with smiles and compliments where I had grown to expect only cool civility." She levelled a steady gaze at Fitzwilliam. “You know not how shocked I was to find an admirer in him instead of a critic."
“Oh."
“Being privy to his earliest impression of me, you understand, I had no reason to suspect that I would ever become an object of his admiration."
Mr. Darcy sat up straight in his chair and spoke slowly and distinctly. “I shall not even ask what you heard, or how, or when, or where," Elizabeth was almost laughing now, “curious as I am on all four points."
“Bravo! I applaud your restraint."
“I see you will not take pity on me and tell me what I will not ask," he said, pouting. “Very well, then." Elizabeth laughed openly, drawing a slow smile from Fitzwilliam as he continued. “I hope, dearest, that you have lately heard more gratifying opinions expressed by the gentleman."
“I have indeed. As for those early remarks, and I shall let the Ä™howÅ‚ and Ä™whenÅ‚ and Ä™whereÅ‚ remain a mystery, now that I have had my fill of diversion and amusement from them, they shall be forgotten. I shall think only of the past as its remembrance gives me pleasure."
________________________________________
Changes continued to flow through the Bennet household at a rapid pace. Colonel Forsterłs regiment departed Meryton, and Kitty was allowed once again to leave the confines of Longbourn House. At each meal, Mrs. Bennet discussed some new item that she deemed essential to the wedding preparations, and Jane and Elizabeth daily received the congratulations of their acquaintance on their upcoming marriages.
Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Netherfield and called at Longbourn that very same day while the Bennets were entertaining some of their neighbours. Miss Darcy was pleased to find Maria Lucas among those who greeted her, and she spent much of the visit in conversation with Miss Lucas, Kitty and Lydia. The colonel, after some initial embarrassment, struck up a conversation with Elizabeth and was almost as attentive to her as he had been in Kent, despite being under the watchful eye of his cousin.
One evening while there was still daylight left, Longbourn welcomed an unexpected visitor.
“Mrs. Collins!" Mrs. Bennet blurted as the lady stepped into the room.
“Good evening," Charlotte calmly replied, looking around the room. “I am happy to see you are all well."
“Well, indeed, especially now that you are here!" Elizabeth rose and stretched out her arms towards her friend. “Come! Tell me what has brought you to Hertfordshire. I thought to receive a mere paper reply to my last letter through the post, but this is much better." She smiled broadly at her friend, although she could not help but notice that something was not right.
CharlotteÅ‚s expression and tone of voice gave nothing away. “I have come to stay a few weeks with my family."
“And Mr. Collins is at Lucas Lodge?" Elizabeth asked out of obligation rather than interest.
“No, he remains in Hunsford."
“I assume you will require the use of the carriage later this evening?" Mr. Bennet inquired, to which Charlotte nodded and offered her thanks.
Mrs. Bennet mumbled something and Elizabeth was grateful that neither she nor Charlotte could hear what it was. Mrs. Bennet had not completely forgiven Charlotte for stealing Mr. Collins, and thus Longbourn, away from her daughters and was unlikely to be kind or even civil in her remarks. “Mama," Elizabeth said, “shall I show Charlotte the new lace we purchased yesterday? It is very fine."
“Yes, do! It is finer than any I have seen a bride wear in Meryton. You and Jane will look very well in it. Take Mrs. Collins up to your room and show her." She shooed them away and languidly took up her stitching.
Elizabeth slowed her steps as they climbed the stairs. “Charlotte," she whispered, “are you well?" She glanced at the place where the youngest Collins was hidden from view.
“I am better than I was when you saw me last, but I have much to tell you, Eliza."
“Why did not Mr. Collins accompany you?" was the first question out of ElizabethÅ‚s mouth when they had reached her room and shut the door.
“He refuses to set foot in Hertfordshire, for reasons you must know. Ä™Lucas Lodge is too near for comfortÅ‚, he said. He would not even send a servant with me. My father was not pleased that I arrived alone, and it was some time before I could quiet his solicitude and set out to see you."
“Yet Mr. Collins did not forbid you to come?"
“I told him I needed my motherÅ‚s counsel."
“So he knows he is to be a father."
“No. I merely hinted at it. I was never explicit. He is only convinced that a female matter is behind my sudden desire to be in Meryton, and he shies away from such things."
This of course inspired Elizabeth to imagine Fitzwilliamłs reaction to the news of a Darcy heir, and that thought led to the contemplation of how heirs come about; the little Elizabeth knew of the process brought the deepest blush to her cheeks.
“I believe in the end," Charlotte continued, “he allowed me to leave because he thought I might be of use in convincing you to call off the wedding."
At this notion Elizabeth could only laugh.
“I know, I know. Silly of him to think so, but convenient for me."
“You assure me that you are well?"
“Eliza, stop! I am only with child; I am not an invalid."
“It is just that you were so pale when I left Hunsford. Obviously you are better now. I can see that. Your colour is much improved." She smiled, feeling more at ease. “I was only five when Lydia was born. I remember little of my motherÅ‚s experience."
“I remember enough, but anotherÅ‚s experience only goes so far."
“You said you had much to tell."
Charlotte took a deep breath. “Lady Catherine became quite angry with me when I refused to join in censuring you and Mr. Darcy."
“I assume Mr. Collins was less than pleased?"
“At first, yes. Later I mollified him by suggesting that I would rather not be heard speaking ill of her ladyshipÅ‚s nephew or that nephewÅ‚s chosen bride while there is the smallest hope that reconciliation might be achieved in future. He lauded my intentions, and I in turn refrained from further expressing my true opinion."
Elizabethłs own temptation to anger was great, but she knew that her cousin was not a reasonable man. Charlotte had taken considerable risks and while she appreciated her friendłs loyalty, she was not happy that it should be tested, especially at this delicate time, and by her very own relation.
“Lady Catherine is not the only one who disapproves of me," Elizabeth informed her friend. "Mr. Collins may flatter himself that he is in excellent company."
“Has it been difficult?"
“Not terribly so. Just words, really."
“Words can injure."
“True." Elizabeth recalled some of the things that had been said and written since Mr. DarcyÅ‚s interest in her had been made public. “Is that all?" she asked eventually. “So you have fled the wrath of Lady Catherine?"
“I am not the only person who lately has left Hunsford. At least I left by choice."
“Who else has gone?"
“Miss de Bourgh is now without a companion. Lady Catherine accused Mrs. Jenkinson of insubordination. Specifically, she blamed her for aiding your courtship. She questioned all the servants and discovered that one of them had seen Mr. DarcyÅ‚s valet carry a parcel in the direction of Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s room and return empty-handed." Charlotte paused at ElizabethÅ‚s sharp intake of breath. “Mrs. Jenkinson admitted there was a package belonging to you that had remained in her room for almost a week before you retrieved it, though she claimed ignorance of Mr. DarcyÅ‚s involvement. Lady Catherine has dismissed Mrs. Jenkinson and the other servant."
“Poor creatures! I feel sorry for them both. They are not at fault. I doubt Mrs. Jenkinson knew anything of what passed between Mr. Darcy and me. What is to become of them? Do you know?"
“The maid, Marsden, I think, has a new position with the Fieldings. Mrs. Jenkinson is to stay with a sister in London, a Mrs. Whitfield, until she procures a new post. Miss de Bourgh has been surprisingly open about the affair. I suppose that without a companion she feels very much alone. Her mother, she says, has not been the best company of late."
“Oh, Charlotte! I feel awful." Although she was not answerable for Lady CatherineÅ‚s actions, she hated the thought that her own could in any way result in innocent people suffering the loss of employment. She shook her head. “Oh, I know I am not to blame, and I have long forgiven Mr. Darcy his method of delivering the collection of music to me. Lady Catherine has authored the greater part of her own misery by insisting that her daughter and nephew should marry. Had there been no parcel, her ladyship would have invented some other reason to lash out at her staff. She did not succeed with Mr. Darcy or with me, and her displeasure must have an object." Elizabeth then revealed to Charlotte the particulars of her ladyshipÅ‚s visit to Longbourn.
Charlotte proved to be unsurprised by the recital and declared it of a piece with Lady Catherinełs recent behaviour. More details of the upheaval at Rosings followed, and by the time the carriage was wanted, Elizabeth knew, among other things, the area of town where Miss de Bourghłs former companion resided and the fact that Miss de Bourgh had been far less distressed than her mother by the news of Mr. Darcyłs betrothal.
“This last is the most difficult." Charlotte swallowed. “My husband is very angry, Eliza. I am glad you are all in health and that you and Jane, at least, will have Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley to care for you. I fear Mr. Collins will not be kind when" She bent over and gave way to muffled sobs.
“Charlotte, do not worry for us. Neither Mr. Bingley nor Mr. Darcy will allow my mother or younger sisters to suffer when Longbourn is no longer ours."
“I hope your father lives for a great many more years!" Charlotte tried to laugh her tears away. “Mr. Collins does not deserve his inheritance. I can only pray that he will by the time it devolves to him."
Elizabeth held CharlotteÅ‚s hand, wondering exactly what her cousin had said and done to drive his wife away. “When do you return to Kent?"
“Never!" Charlotte whispered. “I do not know!" Visibly embarrassed, she pulled out a handkerchief and exerted herself to regain her composure. “What I truly do not know is what has come over me. I feel so out of sorts. I am too old for this display of silly emotion."
For once, Elizabeth could think of nothing to say to her usually imperturbable friend.
Luckily, Charlotte did not require a response. “It is my Ä™conditionÅ‚, I suppose." She looked away. “Let us talk no more of Kent. I do not wish to think of hi" she hesitated, “of Hunsford."
Elizabeth obliged her until the servant came to fetch them. Sir William had arrived to collect his daughter and was waiting in the drawing room. Elizabeth observed with relief as the cheerful, courteous manners of the father restored to the daughter much of her former good humour. As she watched her friends go, she had never in her life been so grateful to Sir William Lucas for simply being the man he was.
________________________________________
Mr. Bingley soon had the pleasure of announcing the return of his sisters and Mr. Hurst to the country. “They arrived yesterday afternoon. I urged them to come with me today, but they say they are fatigued from their journey and beg leave to call another time." His expression was one of disappointment, and Elizabeth could see that he felt the insult to Jane.
“It is of no import, Charles," Jane reassured him with her customary aplomb. “Do not worry yourself. We shall meet again before long and all will be well." Mr. Bingley gave her a half-hearted smile, kissed her hand and walked across the room to join the other gentlemen in conversation.
“CharlesÅ‚s concern is for naught," Jane said to her sister when there was no danger of Mr. Bingley overhearing. “At this moment, it matters little to me how soon I see Caroline again! But how shall I face her after knowing of her duplicity?"
“As you face everyone and everything else," Elizabeth answered. “I know exactly what you will do, Jane. You will blush on Miss BingleyÅ‚s behalf, for I doubt her own cheeks will suffer any variation of colour at the recollection of her dishonesty, and then you will proceed to treat her and her sister with more kindness than they deserve."
“I do not intend to be uncivil, certainly, but neither do I wish them to believe that we can ever be what we once were to one another."
“I hope in time you will be better than what you once were to each other, at least on Miss BingleyÅ‚s part, and Mrs. HurstÅ‚s. I have always found something lacking in their treatment of you."
Jane made no protest; she merely sighed.
“All will be well, Jane, just as you said."
“And we must begin thisrenewal of our acquaintance, perhaps as early as tomorrow."
“You stood with me through Lady CatherineÅ‚s assault on my character. I will stand with you, or rather sit while you pour the tea and entertain your two very undeserving future sisters. I will not even mind should you choose to add salt, and not sugar, to their teacups. Nor will Mr. Bingley, I think." This brought a smile to JaneÅ‚s face at last. “And do remember that no matter how displeased they are that their brother has not chosen a bride with a dowry of fifty thousand pounds, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst are unlikely to complain about it in loud voices while standing just outside the door of Longbourn."
“No," Jane said, eyes wide. “I shall keep that in mind."
Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley called the following day along with Mr. Bingley and his other guests, and Elizabeth was happy to find she had been correct in her predictions. Jane behaved with elegance and grace, and no one besides Elizabeth, with the possible exceptions of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, could detect any difference in her manner. Jane did not put salt in the sistersł tea, although to those who were observant enough to see it, she appeared to take less pleasure in serving them than she had done on previous occasions.
Mr. Bingley alternated between smiling at his betrothed and glaring at his sisters, particularly the younger one, for although Jane conducted herself admirably, the same could not be said of Miss Bingley. The latter sulked her way through the entire hour, and when she did speak, she more often than not directed her conversation to Mr. Darcy or Miss Darcy. Mrs. Hurst had the sense to look ashamed at her sisterłs ill breeding. By the end of the visit, Mrs. Hurst had compensated for what was lacking in her sisterłs behaviour by smoothing over the worst of Miss Bingleyłs remarks, and with that Mr. Bingley was forced to be satisfied.
“Caroline has been in a foul mood all day," Mr. Bingley said to Jane and Elizabeth before leaving. “Darcy said very little to her at breakfast, which she ought to recall is hardly unusual, and he refused to answer any questions on how his engagement came about. Her being vexed with him may explain her behaviour, but it cannot excuse it. I am sorry."
“You need offer no apologies, Charles."
“Your sister might not agree with you," he said, looking at Elizabeth.
“If Jane is satisfied, so must I be."
Jane looked at Elizabeth with scepticism but said nothing.
“Very well, then; I shall accept your gracious words and take my sisters back to Netherfield where I hope at least one of them will come to a right way of thinking before long. I believe you can trust LouisaÅ‚s efforts today to be sincere."
Both Jane and Elizabeth could agree with Mr. Bingleyłs statements regarding each of the ladies in question, and the matter was closed.
“The Bennet brides are a hardy lot, would you not agree, Jane?" Elizabeth said after bidding Mr. Darcy farewell.
“I hope we are." She waved to Mr. Bingley, who had mounted his horse. “Had I known how much there was to bear"
“You would not have fallen in love with Mr. Bingley?"
“I could not help that, any more than you could help falling for your Mr. Darcy."
“If you speak the truth, which I suspect you do," Elizabeth responded with a smile, “what hope have we, helpless creatures that we are? We have no choice but to prepare ourselves as best we can for whatever unpleasant scenes may arise between now and the wedding." She thought suddenly of Charlotte and added to herself, “And may marriage be kind to us long after the wedding is over."
________________________________________
Elizabeth watched the movement of the billowing curtains one morning as she sang to Maryłs able accompaniment. She was in a fair way of knowing the song by heart, only occasionally finding the need to look over her sisterłs shoulder to read the next word or phrase. She and Mary completed the piece to unexpected applause.
“Lovely." Mr. Darcy leaned forward from his position at the doorway. “Lovely. Thank you, ladies."
“You are welcome, Mr. Darcy." Mary smiled and then, with a quizzical glance at each of the others, she left the room.
“You are early," said Elizabeth, delighted to see him. “I had not expected you before noon."
Mr. Darcy moved to stand next to her. “I have often desired to hear you perform again."
“Why did not you ask?"
He blinked as if he either had not heard or had not understood her. “We are so rarely alone." His eyes strayed to the door.
“Ä™WeÅ‚ are so new, I cannot yet say what is rare and what is not. We have been engaged for what, a fortnight? Three weeks?"
“Eighteen days."
“You are frightfully exact." She took in his appearance; he always was impeccably attired, and today was no exception. “But returning to the subject, are you suggesting that a private performance is preferable to a public one? I might not disagree with you, although I do not believe we can recreate the circumstances in the servantsÅ‚ wing at Rosings. Here, one of my many sisters is likely to" Feeling his arms encircle her, she shifted her gaze upward. “I thought we were talking of music," she teased, for he had begun to whisper words that had nothing whatsoever to do with notes and melodies.
Mr. Darcy placed ElizabethÅ‚s hands on his shoulders. “We were." He lowered his face to hers.
Elizabeth indulged him as long as she dared, which was not long at all. “I was serious in saying that one of my sisters may interrupt at any time. Or, worse, one of my parents."
“I know." Resigned, he sat down while Elizabeth took MaryÅ‚s former place at the instrument. “Is it too early in the day for a lullaby?"
“No," she smiled. “Never."
It was thus engaged, Elizabeth singing and Mr. Darcy reclining in the chair with his eyelids lowered, that Mrs. Bennet came upon them. “Lizzy, how came you to be playing that childÅ‚s tune?" Her mother bustled into the room. “Can you think of nothing more suitable?"
Before Elizabeth could explain that she was performing at anotherłs request, her mother drew her attention to Mr. Darcy, who remained still but for his breathing, and to all appearances was fast asleep.
“Oh! I never" Mrs. Bennet pressed her pink cheeks. “Well, if Mr. Darcy does not mind it, then I suppose" Flustered and momentarily silent, she hurried out and shut the door behind her.
“See to it that Mr. Darcy is not disturbed," Elizabeth heard her mother charge one of the servants. “He" She heard only a few more muffled words as she resumed her playing. “important manbusinessneeds his rest." Elizabeth kept her fingers steady, though her voice wavered when she started to sing again, for she had caught Mr. Darcy attempting to stifle a smile. At the gentle sound of her ill-repressed laughter, Mr. Darcy opened one eye. Elizabeth quickly covered her mouth to keep more laughter from bursting forth.
“Had I but known," said Mr. Darcy, opening the other eye, “that time alone with you would be so simple to achieve I would have attempted it days ago." He moved to sit next to her. “Play to me again. I promise to stay awake."
“You were not sleeping before."
“No. I find your company too stimulating." He grinned at her. “I suppose it was unfair of me to fool your mother like that."
“Badly done, sir!"
Later, when she had retired for the evening, Elizabeth would reflect upon her tęte-ą-tęte with Fitzwilliam and conclude it was inevitable that they should inch closer with every softly spoken phrase, and equally inevitable that they should cling to each other when their words ceased and privacy afforded the opportunity for their lips to become more agreeably engaged. At the time, however, she suffered much of the nervousness and suspense one might experience at the prospect of a first embrace, though Fitzwilliam had kissed her only minutes before.
The difference was on her part, not his; this was the first instance where she moved towards him and reciprocated his ardour, knowing full well what she was about. As they touched, she was fascinated by his softened expression, his attractiveness, how at peace he seemed to be in her arms. She noticed his long lashes, upper and lower ones pressed close together, and wondered that the beauty of his eyes could affect her so profoundly without their being focused on her. So captivated was she that when Fitzwilliam eventually returned her gaze, she gasped and held him even closer, feeling right then as if the ground beneath her had fallen away and she were floating on air.
Elizabeth was the first to pull away at hearing her fatherłs voice in the hall. She was not sorry for it; during these few moments, she and Fitzwilliam had forgotten themselves, had quite forgotten where they were.
“Papa is determined to save me from my own imprudence."
The door creaked open.
“He is determined to save you from me, I am sure of it," Darcy hissed across the now proper distance between them.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy!" Mr. Bennet stepped into view. “I see the reports of your falling asleep during my daughterÅ‚s performance are merely rumours. Yet I understand how you could be tempted to it." He paused and glanced everywhere but at the two persons in the room. “The air in here is a little warm. Why not come and join the others? Elizabeth?"
The couple rose without looking at one another and followed Mr. Bennet out until the latter motioned to a part of the room where a looking glass was affixed to the wall between two portraits. Elizabeth caught sight of her reflection and flinched. Mr. Darcy was beside her in a moment, slipping his arms around her waist. “Is not this a pretty picture?" he asked her, bending to kiss her neck.
“Aye, if a bit untidy." Fitzwilliam was less vain than she, despite his handsome features. There was a glow to their faces that had not always been there, a natural ease in the way they stood together; that must be the prettiness to which he referred. “We must be quick if we are to return to company shortly." She smoothed the wrinkles out of her gown and tucked her wayward locks into place. Mr. Darcy effected similar adjustments to his appearance, and in a few moments all was set to rights.
“My dear," said Mr. Bennet to his wife when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy walked into the drawing room, “I do believe it is high time we selected a wedding date."
________________________________________
Part Seventeen
Posted on Tuesday, 12 September 2006
“I hope she stays in Meryton indefinitely."
“But Fitzwilliam!" During a walk on LongbournÅ‚s grounds, Elizabeth found the opportunity to reveal to Mr. Darcy what lately had occurred at Hunsford. They talked briefly of the changes at Rosings before discussing CharlotteÅ‚s plight. She knew he would be concerned, but she had not expected this reaction.
“I do not know how anyone can live at peace with Mr. Collins."
Elizabeth had no answer for that, never having come to terms with Charlottełs marriage herself.
“She has not suffered more thanHe has not"
“Oh, no!" Elizabeth startled when she realised what he was suggesting. “She expressed no concern on that score. My cousin is many things, but I cannot accuse him of being a violent man."
“Sir William cannot be pleased with CollinsÅ‚s treatment of his daughter." His tone was less agitated, Elizabeth was pleased to note. He glanced back at Mary, who was chaperoning them. “Had a man treated Georgiana so," he began but was unable to finish the thought aloud.
Elizabeth felt his arm stiffen. “We must hope for the best."
“Exactly. It would be for the best if she were to remain in Meryton."
“You must understand, Fitzwilliam, that Charlotte accepted Mr. Collins in order to avoid the very situation to which you would condemn her. She would never agree to sever all ties with her husband and become dependent again upon Lucas Lodge, no matter how distressed she is right now."
“Then invite her to Pemberley to stay as long as she likes. Collins is not likely to follow her there."
Had they been talking of anyone else, Elizabeth might have found it disconcerting that Fitzwilliam, almost a husband himself, could speak so coldly of another manÅ‚s claims on his wife. Yet this was her cousin of whom they spoke, hardly the most deserving person, and FitzwilliamÅ‚s generosity and compassion for CharlotteÅ‚s sake overwhelmed her and brought her to the brink of tears. “I do not think Charlotte will want to travel so far from her family," she told him in a quiet voice, “especially now."
“At least ask her to accompany you to London."
“London?"
“To purchase your wedding clothes."
“The shops in Meryton are sufficient for my needs."
“You know full well your mother will not be satisfied if you do not purchase at least a part of your trousseau at the shops in town. Invite your friend to come with you. She may find that she likes it there."
“But Jane and I have just come from my uncleÅ‚s house. I would not wish to inconvenience them again so soon."
“We have a house there as well, though you have never seen it. We need not trouble your uncle and aunt."
Ä™We have a house in town.Å‚ The idea was utterly foreign to her. She tried to picture receiving her uncle and aunt at her very own residence and retiring afterwards to her own rooms instead of those she occupied in Gracechurch Street. Unable to form a clear image of it all in her mind, she resolved to put the notion aside until she was more at leisure to dwell on it. “I shall ask Charlotte," she consented, “but that will not solve her dilemma. She must return to Kent before the winter." Ä™Unless she wishes to stay in Meryton for her confinement,Å‚ she mumbled, caught up in her thoughts.
“Ah. There is a child, then."
“Did I say that aloud? Yes, there may be a new heir to Longbourn and dissolution of the entail in the foreseeable future." Elizabeth smiled in Mr. DarcyÅ‚s direction. “Perhaps Charlotte and I shall plan an alliance between our families. After all, a young Mr. Collins of Longbourn will have a gentleman," she rolled her eyes, “for a father and the daughter of a knight for a mother. Is that not a fair prospect for a Miss Darcy? Especially if the young man is lucky enough not to have five sistersand thus five dowriesto diminish his inheritance?"
“Daughter-in-law to Mr. Collins! You would consign your own child to such a fate?"
“Daughter-in-law to my dear friend!" she said with mock indignation.
“My love, I shall not argue with you, as we are merely talking possibilities. Suffice it to say that you are well acquainted with one Darcy whom it pleased to disregard his familyÅ‚s opinions on the subject of marriage. And another," he said, his voice tinged with bitterness, “whose former choice, though lamentable, revealed her disinterest in wealth and position. Any child bearing the name of Darcy may turn out to be just as willful."
“Willful, you say? You make the pair of you sound quite fearsome. Though you will not argue, I find your argument has some merit. Perhaps I should be anxious. After all, I have not many weeks before I must abandon my compliant, accommodating ways and throw myself into the power of the Ä™willfulÅ‚ Darcys of Pemberley."
He was absolutely silent, not even turning to glance at her.
“Mr. Darcy," she prodded, “will you not smile?" They had stopped walking. “You cannot think me serious. It was only a bit of silliness about the betrothal. Charlotte and I will make no promise of the kind. I would not dare! Any daughter of yours will be free to choose her own husband, pending your approval, of course."
When he still would not look at her, she moved to stand in front of him. “Fitzwilliam," she said, reviewing her recent speech for anything that might have caused offence. “Oh!" She remembered the sound of his voice when he had alluded to his sister. It had been his solemn tone that had inspired her teasing; she merely wished to cheer him, but she should have known it would not be so easy, or rather that it would be so easy to make everything worse. “Truly, I am eager to join your family and to bear your name. I could not wish for a more wonderful sister than Georgiana." She stroked his arm as if to stir life back into it, for it had gone so still just then, along with the rest of him. “And I cannot imagine ever finding a better husband than you."
He glanced down at her at last, relief apparent on his face. “I wish we were already husband and wife."
“Less than two months, my dear, and you will have your wish."
As Mary came near, they turned to walk back to the house.
“Why do not you invite all your family to London?" Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth as he held out his disengaged arm to her sister. “Our house has rooms enough to spare."
“An offer like that would make you my motherÅ‚s favourite son." Ä™How Mama will crow over the invitation,Å‚ she thought, trying to keep her own head from spinning at this second mention of their house.
“Miss Mary, do you fancy a trip to town?" Mr. Darcy waited patiently for an answer.
“II suppose I am notdisinclined" MaryÅ‚s cheeks flushed pink. Elizabeth observed her sisterÅ‚s embarrassment with mild amusement.
“Ask Mrs. Collins," Darcy reiterated while Mary was adjusting her ideas, “and her sister as well. Georgiana would be happy to see Miss Lucas again."
“Are you certain you wish for all of us to descend upon your home at once?" She smiled at him; the poor man could not know what he was in for.
“Do you think that I wish to be separated from you, or Bingley from your sister, over the matter of a few gowns and dancing slippers? He and I practically live at Longbourn as it is; we certainly eat most of our meals here. Allow meand Georgiana, of courseto return your familyÅ‚s hospitality for a few days. You are right to be considerate of the Gardiners."
Elizabeth was still contemplating the offer, which she dearly wanted to accept, when Darcy interrupted her thoughts.
“You do realise," he said, “you have been denied the same privilege your elder sister has enjoyed: that of viewing your future home and having the opportunity to suggest improvements. How can you accomplish this in a timely manner if you do not stir from Hertfordshire until after the wedding? I am certain your mother will support me in my wish to rectify this inequality as soon as is practicable.
“Mrs. Bennet," he said in a booming voice as he entered the drawing room with the two ladies on his arms. The matron of Longbourn turned her full attention to him; indeed, all the room turned to hear what urgent message Mr. Darcy had to impart. The man himself smiled at ElizabethÅ‚s open-mouthed stare and said, “I have a proposition."
________________________________________
“Charlotte, how lovely! You must have a gown made from that very fabric."
CharlotteÅ‚s fingers slowly caressed the material as she returned it to its place. “I am afraid my pin-money is not as plentiful as yours will be, Eliza."
“Who said anything of your money? Between Jane and me, we can afford a little indulgence. You are not leaving this establishment without ordering at least three gowns. I insist!"
“Eliza, really, that is not necessary"
“Lizzy is right, Charlotte. We can well afford the cost." Jane gently pleaded with her. “You have been so kind, bearing with us all day long without complaint. It is only fair that you get something for your trouble."
“And do not tell me you have no need of new gowns," Elizabeth said with a significant look towards CharlotteÅ‚s middle. “The matter is settled in any case. My father has been quite generous. He gave us leave to buy whatever we like, for he shall soon have not only Jane and myself, but all of his girls off his hands. Or so he says, for he has threatened to punish Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley for Ä™depriving Longbourn of two of its most sensible residentsÅ‚ by sending our younger sisters to stay very often at Netherfield and Pemberley, or here in town. Papa will feel like a rich man with only Mama frequenting the Meryton shops and no Lydia or Kitty begging him for new bonnets every week."
The girls giggled as Mrs. Gardiner, who had accompanied the young ladies and advised them as to which were the best warehouses, admonished Elizabeth to be serious.
“I shall try, Aunt. Charlotte, you have no choice but to receive these meagre additions to your wardrobe as graciously as you can, for we will not relent."
Charlotte only wanted a little pressing to accept, which Jane readily provided, and a delightful hour passed before the ladies returned to the carriage.
“Where shall we go next?" Mrs. Gardiner asked her nieces and their friend.
“I do not know if there is room in here for any more packages." Jane pushed a bandbox aside to accommodate their latest purchases.
“Unless one of us sits with the driver," Elizabeth concurred as she cleared a space for herself. “If we all agree that our shopping for the day is complete, I propose we call on Mrs. Whitfield."
CharlotteÅ‚s gasp was quickly followed by a smile. “Truly?"
“I have a message for her sister from Mr. Darcy, and I promised him I would deliver it today if I could."
“Then, I suppose you had better do just that." Mrs. Gardiner procured from her the direction and, after instructing the driver, she leaned back in her seat.
“I should like to know how Mrs. Jenkinson gets on."
“I just hope she will see me, Charlotte. She might refuse, and if she does, I could not blame her."
________________________________________
“Thank you for seeing me." Unsure of her reception, Elizabeth had asked Jane, Charlotte and Aunt Gardiner to remain in the carriage. Upon being informed that the mistress of the house was not in, she requested to see Mrs. Jenkinson and waited for her in the front room. The lady appeared after a minute or two and responded to her greeting with a wary nod. “There is something I wish to discuss with you," Elizabeth forged ahead, “but first, does your sister happen to have a pianoforte?" To her dismay, the expression on Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s face grew grim.
“That is the one thing Lady Catherine gave me before I was forced to leave Rosings. She wanted Ä™that confounded instrumentÅ‚ out of her house, she said. Luckily, my sister had ample room for it in the other parlour."
“May we go there now?"
Mrs. Jenkinson mumbled to herself as she led Elizabeth to the back of the house, and Elizabeth did not ask her to repeat the words aloud.
“Here it is." Mrs. Jenkinson stopped just inside the room. “Why do you wish to see it, if I may ask?"
“You certainly may." Elizabeth tried to smile. “I do not wish to see it so much as to hear you play it."
“Whatever for?"
“Will you not sit down?" Elizabeth asked, gesturing to the seat in front of the instrument. “I will be happy to tell you what you wish to know, but I must hear you play."
Once Mrs. Jenkinson acquiesced, Elizabeth felt calmer, though far from easy. She took a seat herself and listened with rapt attention. It struck her that for all Lady Catherinełs professions of superior musical knowledge and taste, her ladyship had proved herself either a liar or a fool by failing to take advantage of this womanłs obvious talent while she had the chance. She wondered whether Fitzwilliam, while roaming the servantsł halls of Rosings, had ever stumbled across Mrs. Jenkinson practicing instead of herself. Or, perhaps he had heard her play years ago during a previous visit to his auntłs home.
“That was beautiful," Elizabeth said when the room grew quiet. “Thank you. You make me quite ashamed of the quality of my own performance." She ignored Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s demurral. “My training was rather limited. It is obvious that you had no such deficiency in your education."
“All my sisters were taught by capable music masters. My aunt saw to it. We took lessons along with our cousins."
With a fleeting sense of gratitude towards Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s aunt, Elizabeth decided to dispense with the least pleasant part of her errand now that it appeared all would turn out well. There was another aunt whose actions must be acknowledged, loath as she was to bring any reference to her into the conversation. “You must understand how distressed Mr. Darcy and I were to hear of your treatment at Rosings. Neither of us had any idea that you would share in the blame for what occurred. I suppose you know by now that the music I Ä™leftÅ‚ in your room was actually purchased by Mr. Darcy?"
Mrs. Jenkinson nodded.
“I had no more idea than you at the time. I knew only that I had not left anything behind, and I was appalled when I perceived what Mr. Darcy had done. You must understand that I had no expectation that he would make a gift to me of any sort. He and I were not on the best of terms then. It was not until later thathisaffections were reciprocated." Elizabeth stopped, not having intended to reveal something so personal to one wholly unconnected with her.
“Lady Catherine was very angry," said Mrs. Jenkinson, breaking the silence. Her face contorted as if a particular memory pained her.
“I am well aware of that, Mrs. Jenkinson. Her ladyship visited my home and expressed her anger to my face. Actually, she abused me to my face and to all my relations, at least to all those who were within her hearing." Her words and awkward smile were answered by Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s compassionate glance.
“That must have been horrible for you."
“I shall not deny that it was. However, my purpose for calling, I hope, is a happier subject. Am I being presumptuous in assuming that you are desirous of employment?"
“My sister has been very kind, but I cannot impose upon her indefinitely."
Elizabeth was pleased and relieved by Mrs. JenkinsonÅ‚s reply. “You do play marvelously, if I may say so. Would you be averse to taking on a few pupils?"
“Pupils? Do you mean for lessons on the pianoforte?"
“Of course."
“Whyno, not at all. I had not thoughtthat I would everMiss de Bourgh, you see, was never allowed to" Mrs. Jenkinson took a moment to regain her composure. “I should like it very much." Her slight frown did not remove the hopefulness from her expression. “It has been a long time since I have practiced with any regularity."
“Your lack of practice does not appear to have injured your performance."
“I must beg to disagree with you."
“As you are the expert as regards your own abilities, I shall take that not as a boast, but as your sincere opinion. It gives me great pleasure to present this offer to you on Mr. DarcyÅ‚s behalf." She handed the letter to Mrs. Jenkinson and watched her read it.
The ladyÅ‚s brow rose in disbelief. “Å‚Tis too much!" she said at length. “To teach you? But you already play. How can he give so much for so little work?"
“Mr. Darcy is surprisingly generous. And you are too quick to assume that only a little work is necessary."
“He says here that he is acquainted with two or three more families who may require my services. I cannot think each of them will offer as much as Mr. Darcy, but if they pay half such a sum, I shall do very well indeed." She looked up from the letter. “But why does Mr. Darcy feel obliged to hire me when there are these others? He owes me nothing."
“He is pleased to do so." Elizabeth waited as Mrs. Jenkinson considered the proposal. She did not have to wait long.
“I suppose I would have had to leave Lady CatherineÅ‚s employ at some time or other. Had Miss de Bourgh married by now, I would be in a similar predicament."
“Her ladyship would not have made any provision for you?"
“I have always understood Lady CatherineÅ‚s intention to be to relieve me of my duties upon her daughterÅ‚s marriage. Lately, her ladyship has mentioned a family in the north with several children and no governess. I believe she hoped to persuade them to take me into their household." She looked as though being a governess, at least to this particular family, was the last thing she wished to do. “Oh! I have not offered you any refreshment," she said, suddenly recalling her role as hostess. “How rude of me. Would you care for some tea?"
“I would like that very much. May I have permission to ask my friends to join us? My sister and aunt are with me, and so is Mrs. Collins."
“Mrs. Collins is here? Please, do have them shown in! I am so sorry; I had not realised you had anyone waiting."
“You could not have known."
The others were glad to escape the confines of the carriage, and soon the room was abuzz with animated conversation. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner took pleasure in forming a new acquaintance. Mrs. Collins agreed to call on Mrs. Jenkinson again before returning to Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, bubbling over with good cheer and eager to apprise Fitzwilliam of the success of her mission, suppressed her impatience to be gone and instead settled in to enjoy a slice of cake and the abundance of good company.
A Little More Practice ~ Section IV
By Sandy W
________________________________________
Beginning, Previous Section, Section IV
Jump to new as of February 26, 2007
Jump to new as of June 13, 2007
Jump to new as of January 3, 2008
________________________________________
Part Eighteen
Posted on Monday, 8 January 2007
Mr. Darcyłs London residence had been fashioned on too grand a scale to suffer the semblance of overcrowding merely due to its accommodation of ten guests in addition to its master and mistress. Moreover, Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters sought the pleasures of the shops very often, and, predictably, the level of noise and activity within the household diminished noticeably in their absence. On the whole, the gentlemen and ladies housed within the spacious dwelling were well pleased with the arrangements.
The two brides had contrived to complete all necessary errands within their first few days in town so that the remainder of the visit might be spent at leisure. Elizabeth quickly grew accustomed to the quiet elegance of her surroundings. She relished this chance to acquaint herself with the house and, more importantly, with Miss Darcy. Furthermore, she detected in Mr. Darcy a softening of his stately air, which she attributed to his being in his own home. While she did not regret the separation from Longbourn that her marriage would entail, she did feel it, and each delight culled from time spent with her future family helped counter the odd bout of melancholy brought on by thoughts of leaving behind the familiar and dear.
One afternoon while her mother, Lydia and Kitty were preparing for yet another outing, Elizabeth joined the remaining ladies in exploring the ballroom. It was a tastefully decorated space, and she found herself humming as she imagined it fitted up in full splendour for a grand event. Charlotte ventured out onto one of the balconies, and the others followed suit. Elizabeth wandered away before the rest. She continued out of the room, walking with no particular destination in mind until she saw Mr. Darcy step into the hall ahead of her. He apparently had not seen her.
“Fitzwilliam?"
He stopped and turned back when he heard her call his name.
She knew not exactly what she wanted to tell him, for what she desired to impart was more feeling than thought. Standing there observing him, she had an inkling of what it might be like to do so as the mistress of his home, and suddenly she wished that their wedding were already accomplished.
“Yes, Elizabeth?"
His obvious pleasure in seeing her, combined with the content of her musings, halted her speech. “II do not knowif there is anything, really." She stepped closer and lifted her face to his, hoping her expression would convey what her words had not.
“Are you well?" He manoeuvred her into a convenient corner.
“Oh, yes," she sighed, wrapping her arms around his waist. She felt embarrassed and shameless in turns, neither able to articulate her longing nor inclined to regret her forwardness. Embarrassment won, and her hands dropped to her sides. She imagined her face to be the most unbecoming shade of red. “I am sure you think me quite silly."
“Not at all," he replied. He pressed a quick kiss upon her lips and backed away, to her chagrin. “I dare not do more," he whispered, “lest we be seen, in which case your father would want to have another word with me. The lecture at Longbourn was sufficient to last until our own daughter is old enough to have a suitor."
“I see." His words did nothing to restore her composure. She lowered her head only to feel him raise it the next instant.
“Elizabeth, you cannot know how happy I am that you," he relented and kissed her once more, unhurriedly this time, “that you desire this. But now I must leave you. Your father awaits me."
“Off with you, then." She smiled, relieved that he had understood her but unable to calm the fierce beating of her heart as she watched him go.
________________________________________
More than an hour later, Elizabeth shivered in her chair, recalling the texture of Fitzwilliamłs waistcoat against her bare arms. She could still sense the warmth of his fingers on her face, just below her ear. The words on the page before her floated indistinctly until she had lost her place again. Shaking her head, she began to read the same chapter of her book from the beginning for the fourth time. Or was it the fifth?
“A letter for you, Miss."
She looked up in confusion and reached for the envelope, wondering who might have written to her. Her parents and sisters, as well as Charlotte, were here in London with her, staying in the same house. It was not likely to be Aunt Philips or even Aunt Gardiner, whom she had just seen the previous day. Her bemusement lasted only until she read the direction. This missive had not come through the post; it had no need to, at any rate. One moment and one fortifying deep breath later, she tore the letter open right where she sat. Immediately she thought better of it and ran off to seek the greater privacy of her guest chamber, almost colliding with the servant as he was leaving the room.
My dearest Elizabeth,
I believe I comprehend your search earlier this afternoon for the proper words. I hardly know what to write, after you so sweetly accosted me and reminded me how unbearably long the time between this moment and our wedding is proving to be.
I have just left your father after discussing with him the finer details of your settlement. He remarked more than once on my distracted air and has had much amusement at my expense, which I do not begrudge him. He is presently in the library, and I have shut myself up in my study.
I meant what I said to you today. Mr. Bennet has given me his trust, and I do not intend to violate it. I would come to you this moment and talk, or not talk, as we did before, but I am afraid a brief embrace and two stolen kisses will have to suffice for now. Were you to offer me more, I could not vouch for my ability to refrain from sweeping you up to our chambers in full view of the servants and any passers-by.
Ever since you arrived in my home, I have been presented daily with the promise of such domestic happiness as I had not believed I ever would attain. Put any other woman in your place, and I cannot imagine smiling as genuinely as I do now at the prospect of taking a wife. There is more I could write, but I intend to have this letter put in your hands before tea. I will add that loving you has given me great satisfaction already, and I pray you are as satisfied with your choice. God bless you, Elizabeth.
Yours entirely,
Fitzwilliam
It was only fitting that the first proper letter she received from Fitzwilliam should contain improper allusions. She reassured herself that he had every right to correspond with her now, and if the content of that correspondence was somewhat overpowering, it was no more than what she deserved after provoking him to it by her brazen conduct.
She was tempted to remain on her bed and read the letter over and over, but she could not sit still. She left her room to find Mary regarding one of the many portraits in the hall.
“Oh; it is you, Lizzy." Mary turned back to the painting.
“Only I."
“Do you think Mama will allow us a visit to a museum while we are here? It seems all she wants to do is shop, and Papa hardly stirs out of doors."
“I doubt we will interest Mama in anything beyond the finest silks and lace, but it will do no harm to ask her."
“Perhaps Miss Darcy will agree to accompany us."
As Mary continued to admire the artwork and Elizabeth attempted to determine which of the myriad faces on the walls bore a resemblance to the visage she loved best, the sisters each put forth suggestions as to how they ought to spend their last few days in town. Eventually they made their way downstairs to await the others. They did not have to wait long. Mrs. Bennetłs shopping expedition had been efficient and successful; she and her youngest daughters arrived just before tea, bursting with news of their purchases.
By the time Fitzwilliam joined the gathering, Elizabeth was surrounded by ladies in so close a confederacy that there was not a single vacancy near her. She followed him with her eyes, envying everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to attend to the conversation around her, and then admonished herself for being so silly. She was a little revived, however, by his look and his smile, both of which often were directed at her, too often, she surmised, to escape the notice of anyone in the room.
On reflection, Elizabeth concluded it was for the best that they met in company so soon after the writing and receipt of his last letter. She was willing to allow that her fatherłs tendency to interfere in their courtship might be seen in a prudential light. If Fitzwilliam were to make good on his threat, she mightoh, what she might do! It was most shocking indeed that her sense of decency and virtue in such a point should admit of a doubt, and, really, she knew not what to say in her defence. Nevertheless, the way things were now, if Fitzwilliam Darcy were to sweep her up into his arms to take her anywhere at all for any purpose, she sincerely questioned her ability (she had no illusions as to her desire) to offer a hint of protest, even for proprietyłs sake.
________________________________________
“Well, girls, have you had your fill of LondonÅ‚s delights? I, for one, am eager to return to the country, the unstinting and gracious hospitality of our host and hostess notwithstanding." Mr. Bennet bowed to Mr. Darcy first, and then to Miss Darcy.
“Oh, Mr. Bennet! You know we always meant to go home tomorrow." Mrs. Bennet sighed visibly and audibly, her falling shoulders rustling the fabric of her dress. “How I should love to have a house in town." She looked at Elizabeth, who turned her eyes away, amusing herself with whether to construe her motherÅ‚s envy as an indirect compliment or an indirect request.
“Thank you, Mr. Bennet." was GeorgianaÅ‚s timid reply. “Your words are very kind, but I am certain Miss Elizabeth will do a much better job than I."
“Now, Miss Darcy, you must learn to accept such compliments as are given. Growing up in a house full of sisters has taught my daughters that, has it not, Lizzy? I cannot imagine Lydia or Kitty eschewing their share of whatever pretty words happen to be spoken to their advantage and in their hearing."
“True, Papa." Elizabeth drew Georgiana aside. “My dear Georgiana," she said playfully, “I assure you my father will not mind if you call me Eliza, or even Lizzy, as my other sisters do."
Georgiana smiled. “If you wish, but I believe I shall always think of you as Elizabeth. My brother rarely calls you anything else."
“Very well. Elizabeth it shall be, but do drop the Miss, if you please." The uncharacteristic look in GeorgianaÅ‚s eyes made her ask, “What else does your brother call me, if you are willing to reveal it?"
“It is nothing extraordinary, certainly not very imaginative. I fear you may be disappointed."
Elizabeth had the odd feeling that she was being teased. “Out with it, Georgiana! You have my full attention now."
Georgiana stifled a giggle. “I have heard him say it only a few times. He even wrote your name this way in a letter once but blotted the latter part, though I could still make it out, of course. He calls you Elizabeth Darcy on occasion." Her eyes flashed with a mischievous sparkle. “I suppose he prefers not to shorten your name. Although, Darcy does have fewer letters than Bennet..."
Elizabeth stared at Georgiana, whose laughter no longer could be contained, and began laughing herself. Fitzwilliam looked at both of them in amusement as he approached. They could hardly acknowledge him for laughing.
“What has the two of you in such straits?"
Georgiana caught her breath first. “I was just telling Elizabeth DarcyI mean Elizabeth Bennetsomething amusing."
Fitzwilliamłs confused expression only increased their levity.
“Just imagine, Fitzwilliam, if I had referred to Elizabeth as Elizabeth Darcy in the presence of Miss Bingley. Before the wedding, I mean, or even before you were engaged. In December, for example."
Fitzwilliam chuckled at the thought. Then, abruptly, his face reddened. “Oh." He slowly blinked. “Did I do that?" Georgiana nodded. “Did she hear me?"
“Certainly she heard you. Everyone in the room did." With a smirk, Georgiana walked away to speak with Kitty and Maria.
Fitzwilliam groaned.
Elizabeth looked up at him, amazed. “So, as early as December, when you had not known me three months, you claimed me as your own in the company of our mutual acquaintances, at a time when Iwell, let us just say, when I was unlikely to have appreciated the gesture. But even then, when I did not value you as I ought, I had credited you with being a clever sort of man. What, sir, induced you to say such a thing in Miss BingleyÅ‚s hearing?" She was careful not to speak loudly enough for the others to take notice, especially Mr. Bingley or Jane. “How she must have hated you! No, she could never hate the Master of Pemberley. How she must have hated me!"
“Miss BingleyÅ‚s feelings on that occasion hardly merit our speculation," he lowered his voice to match hers, “but had I set out to declare my feelings to our friends, I agree that would not have been the ideal manner in which to do so. You may well think me foolish for my carelessness. I had meditated on your merits constantly, becoming wholly engrossed by thoughts of you and quite inattentive to certain other ladies, almost to the point of incivility. Your name fell thus from my lips before I was aware of it."
She grinned while turning this delicious intelligence over in her mind. “Are you suggesting that I would condescend to marry a careless fool? May it never be!"
“You would not condescend to marry anyone, fool or otherwise. I cannot see it."
“Unlike you, who will have stooped down from your exalted plain to marry me, is that what you are implying?"
His look softened. “I mean nothing of the sort."
“Miss Bingley certainly will deem our marriage an act of your condescension, considering my descent."
“That is enough talk of Miss Bingley." He sidled close enough to whisper to her.
“Then what shall we talk of?"
“Elizabeth Darcy."
Her breath caught. From the look in his eyes, he had much to say on the subject, and she was not certain any of it was meant to be made public.
The sound of footsteps broke the spell as her father chose that moment to interrupt their discourse. The pair separated sufficiently to allow him to stand between them, which evidently had been his intent when he approached. Mr. Bennetłs efforts to draw them into light-hearted banter blinded neither of them to his actual purpose. Nor could her father, Elizabeth realised, be blind to the genuineness of affection between Fitzwilliam and herself. The latter thought gave her comfort.
________________________________________
Mr. Bennet continued his vigilance throughout the afternoon and evening without any objection from Elizabeth or Mr. Darcy. Even the arrangements for their journey home the following day reflected his watchful care. Mr. Bingley travelled with Jane, but Maria and Georgiana accompanied them. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet rode with their two youngest daughters, and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy found themselves in the company of Charlotte and Mary.
When two of the carriages stopped at Lucas Lodge, Charlotte urged Elizabeth to come inside. “Only for a few moments, Eliza." She offered an apologetic smile to Mr. Darcy. “I know you are anxious to unpack and settle in at home, but my parents will be happy to see you."
“Certainly." Elizabeth wondered at CharlotteÅ‚s insistence. The tone of her voice had seemed a little too bright.
She squeezed Fitzwilliamłs hand as he helped her from the carriage and smiled when she saw he did not begrudge her half an hour with her friend. Not many weeks ago, she would have hesitated to leave him to the company of her family, except Jane. Today he would have Bingleyłs company as well, but she no longer needed to be overly concerned for his comfort; he had insinuated himself into the lives and, she suspected, even the affections of all her family.
“How soon shall I send the carriage back for you?" Fitzwilliam asked her.
“There is no need." How had he managed to make a simple request sound romantic? Was it something in his voice, or was she simply losing all her good sense? She laughed at herself. “I doubt this will take long. I shall walk home."
“Then I shall await you at the crossing."
Sir William and Lady Lucas welcomed the party warmly and ushered the three ladies into the house. Before Elizabeth had seated herself, she heard Charlotte informing her parents and Maria of the child to come.
“Oh, Charlotte! How wonderful!" Lady Lucas, all aflutter, alternately repeated inquiries as to the expected date of the childÅ‚s birth and pressed her daughter to rest. Sir William was silent but for a few half-spoken phrases, although he looked as if he could not have been more proud. Maria simply stared at her sister in awe.
“Let me see you, Charlotte. Up, now," commanded the matron, grabbing her daughterÅ‚s hands and pulling her to her feet again. “No," she said thoughtfully, “you do not yet show. Your face is not full. Perhaps it is even thinner than usual; else I might have been able to guess something from that. Have you been ill? I have seen no sign of it."
“I was ill some weeks ago, but I felt much better by the time I arrived in Meryton."
“I cannot believe you kept the news from us all this time! You have been out making calls, even going to town, when you should have been here, allowing me to look after you!" Lady Lucas pouted, making her appearance ridiculously childlike. “What of Mr. Collins? Is he not pleased to be a father?"
“He does not yet know."
“How sweet of you to inform your mother first. Dearest daughter! I forgive you, then, for not telling me when you first arrived. I suppose you wanted to be certain before speaking of it to anyone. But that always is the way with you, such a loyal, dutiful girl."
Elizabeth considered it unlucky that she had not thought to feign surprise at the announcement, but her genuine enthusiasm and happiness for her friend were sufficient to keep Lady Lucas from suspecting that Charlottełs loyalty had not extended quite as far as her mother supposed.
“Oh, but you must inform my son-in-law immediately! You can send an express today."
Sir William frowned. “Mr. Collins will want you to return to Hunsford, of course."
“Sir William, surely he will allow our dear girl a few months with her own mother! There are so many things to talk of; we may as well take the time now. Maria must go to Hunsford for your confinement, Charlotte. Your father and I will bring her with us to the Parsonage, and she can remain behind as she did in March. We will return in time for the birth." Lady Lucas went on and on, elaborating on her plans, until her husband bade her sit and rest herself.
As Sir William fussed over his wife, Maria expressed her pleasure at the prospect of becoming an aunt and hurried to spread the word among her siblings. Charlotte took Elizabeth by the arm and accompanied her outside. “Thank you for obliging me. It was shameful to impose upon you in that way, but I felt it would be easier if you were there when I told Mother."
“Lady Lucas is very pleased," Elizabeth said to cover her discomfort. She suspected her usefulness to Charlotte consisted of checking Lady LucasÅ‚s impulse to heap excessive praise upon her son-in-law for this latest accomplishment, an impulse she might have followed without restraint had her audience been limited to her own family party.
“Yes, Mother is pleased. Her pleasure in my marriage has not diminished in any regard." CharlotteÅ‚s words confirmed ElizabethÅ‚s suspicions. “She still takes delight in boasting of it to the Gouldings and Mrs. Long, from what I hear. This is one more reason for her to throw my husbandÅ‚s name and situation in their faces."
“She cannot do worse than my own mother." Elizabeth grimaced in sympathy with Charlotte. She could imagine the unguarded things her mother would say of Fitzwilliam and the mortification such vulgarity would engender in her listeners. Mrs. Bennet exercised little if any restraint over her tongue at the best of times, and the superiority of both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley to the local gentlemen virtually guaranteed that people for miles around would hear the praises of those two men for some time to come. “Perhaps I should beg Papa to take Mama and the girls on holiday directly after the ceremony to give the neighbours peace."
“Kitty would be in raptures."
“Lydia would, too, now that the officers are gone." But would her mother choose travelling over remaining in the neighbourhood to boast of her good fortune to the four and twenty families with which they dined? “Mama may not agree to the scheme, but my sisters would love a change of scene. Did you notice how reluctant they were to remove from town? Since we are all to be old married women," she was heartened to see Charlotte smile at her turn of phrase, “our younger sisters need not remain at home more than six months out of the year if they do not wish it. There is London or Derbyshire, or perhaps even the seasideanywhere but Brighton will do."
“Maria did seem to enjoy herself in Hunsford."
“Yes, she did. It was all she could talk of as the carriage pulled away from your door. She had hoped to receive another invitation this year and will be glad to be of use to you." She frowned, thinking of Charlotte going away. “How long will you stay at Lucas Lodge?"
Charlotte looked down. “I shall have to go back soon after the wedding, no matter what Mother thinks."
“Are you ready to go back?"
“I am now. I shall write my husband today. It will save my parents the fuss and bother of an express. He shall have a few weeks to prepare for my return." Charlotte smiled a tentative smile.
“Will he not be eager to see you after so long an absence?"
“As to his eagerness, I cannot say. But he will be ready." Charlotte looked determinedly in the direction of Longbourn; the boundary was just visible from where they stood on the road near Lucas Lodge. “He most definitely will be."
Despite Charlottełs chilling tone, Elizabeth imagined Mr. Collins would be willing to forgive his wife anything once he knew that he might be the father of an heir. Surely Lady Catherine would not be able to demand all of his attention and deference in the face of that circumstance. While Elizabeth had no fear of Charlotte turning into another Mrs. Bennet, she nevertheless desired that the Collinses would be blessed with a son. Perhaps Mr. Collins would feel less beholden to Lady Catherine if his familyłs prospects were secured to the next generation. He likely would always remain petty and pompous, but she hoped her cousin might become less grasping and resentful in view of his increasing good fortune.
The ladies walked together until they spied Mr. Darcy ahead of them.
“Thank you again, for everything. I had a marvellous time in London." Charlotte grasped ElizabethÅ‚s hands and smiled before turning towards home.
Elizabeth resumed walking until she reached the tree beneath which Fitzwilliam stood.
“What did you and Mary discuss on the way to Longbourn? Something practical, or at least edifying?"
“We did."
“Just as I anticipated."
“But you will be surprised, I think, at the topic of our conversation."
“Surprised? I do not know. Did she petition you again for the use of the library at Pemberley? Or did you request a particular song to be performed during the wedding breakfast?" Ä™One that does not require Mary to sing,Å‚ she added silently.
“No, but your prescience amazes me, my love, for we did speak of music. I broached the subject of her joining us in town next winter, and I may have mentioned the opportunity to study with Mrs. Jenkinson."
Fitzwilliam smiled and Elizabeth smiled back, warmed by his thoughtfulness. Mary could only benefit from such a guide as Mrs. Jenkinson and would be grateful to Fitzwilliam for investing in her talent. Kitty, while not exhibiting any new accomplishments as a result of her elder sisterłs engagement, had already grown less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid under Fitzwilliamłs influence. She wondered whether her betrothed would stumble upon some key to Lydiałs improvement as well. ęPerhaps not,ł she gleefully thought. ęAfter all, he must leave something for Bingley to do.ł
Linking arms, the lovers proceeded slowly towards the house. They took advantage of their close proximity to one another to indulge in the lingering touches and whispered endearments expected of an engaged couple. These small but satisfying liberties rendered them proof against the temptation to veer onto the path leading to a prettyish, and rather private, little wilderness that was part of Longbournłs grounds.
________________________________________
Part Nineteen
Posted on Monday, 26 February 2007
“Sister!" The voice of Mrs. Philips rang out through the corridors of Longbourn. “Sister, where are you? Are you busy?"
Mrs. Bennet stood, barely catching her sewing as it slid from her lap. “Busy?" She rolled her eyes. “With but two days until the wedding, what else can I be?"
Elizabeth and Jane looked at each other and smiled. Mary glanced up. Kitty and Lydia, easily distracted and eager for any excuse to rest their weary fingers, shoved their work aside as Mrs. Philips charged through the door ahead of the servant.
“There you are!" She proceeded to impart her news, which could not be delayed: Mr. Collins had come to Hertfordshire to fetch his wife. “Maria Lucas told me just this morning. I saw her on the way to the butcherÅ‚s shop. Mr. Collins arrived last night at Lucas Lodge at sunset. Had I not been in my kitchen at exactly that time, I would have seen his gig from my parlour window. I try to keep watch and note who is coming and going, but I had so much to do yesterday that it simply was not possible to observe the main road at every moment."
“Well, well, and so Mr. Collins is come, Sister." Mrs. Bennet frowned and shook her head by turns. “Not that I care anything about it, though. He is nothing to us, you know, and I am sure I never want to see him again. But, however, he is very welcome to go to Lucas Lodge, if he likes it. His presence there will keep Charlotte from calling on us at all hours."
“Mama!" Elizabeth protested. Her friend could hardly be accused of calling Ä™at all hoursÅ‚. In fact, Elizabeth had seen very little of her since their return from London. “Charlotte has always been welcome here."
“But her husband! "
“Mama, If Mr. Collins does not convince Charlotte to go away with him before the wedding, he may attend with her. If he does, we all shall have to do our best to be civil and welcoming to him." The last thing Elizabeth needed was for her mother and Mr. Collins to have words at her wedding breakfast.
“I do not need my own daughter to tell me how to behave to guests! Of course I will be civil, but no more than civil. I welcomed that man into my house last year, and it ended in nothing. Had you not had the good fortune to catch Mr. DarcyÅ‚s eye, I would be furious with you still for refusing Mr. Collins. Even now I do not know how I shall bear giving up Longbourn when your father is dead."
“My dear sister, do not despair!" Mrs. Philips sat up straight, her smile at odds with the gravity of the topic. “You may be the mother of five girls grown up, but you still have your looks. Should you have the misfortune to lose poor Mr. Bennet, it is possible that you might remarry. There are many gentlemen, respectable widows of our age, or a little older, who find themselves in need of companionship. Keep your eyes open, and do not despair."
No one dared respond, though Lydia giggled. Elizabeth stared at her aunt in shock and disgust, resolving within herself to draw no limits in future to the vulgarity of a vulgar woman. Her fatherłs joining them immediately after did nothing to dispel her uneasiness.
“Mrs. Philips, I thought I had heard your voice."
“Oh! Mr. Bennet, how dÅ‚ye do, my dear brother?"
“I am glad to know I am still dear to you. Just a moment ago, I had feared otherwise."
“Nonsense, I" It appeared even Mrs. Philips possessed some delicacy, though belatedly applied. Either that or the edge in Mr. BennetÅ‚s voice had shaken her.
Mrs. Bennet certainly was not unaffected and rose from her chair with alacrity. “Mr. Bennet, are you at leisure?" Her voice was tremulous and low, and she latched onto her husbandÅ‚s arm with a sort of tender desperation. “Sister," she said, turning to Mrs. Philips, “I would love to stay and talk, but I have far too many things to attend to. I shall see you tomorrow. Girls, keep to your work; the time is short."
Elizabeth watched her parents and aunt leave the room amidst the disappointed groans of her two youngest sisters. “Jane," she said, “promise me we shall never behave in such an unfeeling manner to each other."
“I cannot imagine it, Lizzy." JaneÅ‚s smile wavered. The two of them glanced at Lydia, who was already laughing again at whatever it was she and Kitty were discussing. MaryÅ‚s quiet remonstrance, as usual, had no discernible effect on LydiaÅ‚s behaviour.
“I love this house, I really do," Elizabeth confided to Jane in a low voice, “but there are some aspects of living here that I shall not miss at all."
________________________________________
“My dear cousin, I congratulate you. I hope you and Mr. Darcy will be very happy together."
For the second time that day, Elizabeth felt adrift in her own drawing room. She stared unblinking at the man in front of her, thinking surely she must have misheard him. The combination of awkward silence and Mr. CollinsÅ‚s anxious but sincere expressionall the more convincing because she had never seen it on his face beforeroused her to civility. “Thank you, Mr. Collins, for your good wishes. I believe we shall be quite happy."
“Is your father at leisure? I wish to speak with him."
“Certainly. You will find him in the library."
“No, no; stay, please," he said as she began to rise from the sofa. “No need to escort me. I am quite familiar with the rooms of my futureer, your lovely home."
Elizabeth nodded and forced herself to remain in her seat, not at all certain she should not run ahead of her cousin after all to warn her father of the alteration in his kinsman, lest he faint from the shock.
“Charlotte!" Elizabeth hissed the moment Mr. Collins had left the room. “Charlotte, what did you do to him?" Luckily, she and her friend were alone, her sisters being engaged elsewhere in the house and her mother having declined to greet the visitors.
“I wrote him a letter."
“That is all?"
“I told him the truth."
“The truth," Elizabeth repeated in awe, having no idea what Charlotte meant. “My cousin is quite changed from when I last saw him." Ä™I only hope it will last,Å‚ she thought. She was desperate to know more. Her expressive look to Charlotte finally achieved her desire. With a sigh, her friend began to tell her about the letter she had penned to her husband.
“I thought it wise to put an end to any pretence that Mr. Collins and I had been impelled by unqualified, unalloyed inclination to marry. He knows I cannot but be aware of his previous interest in you. I am certain his decision to pay his addresses to me was due as much to his hurt pride as to his determination to follow Lady CatherineÅ‚s orders. And though my dowry was small, my being the daughter of a knight did not injure my chances with him."
Charlotte looked down and folded her hands in her lap. “As for me, his prospects were compelling to a lady with no prospects of her own."
“You broached all this in a letter?"
“I did."
“Was my cousin not offended?"
“I cannot say what his initial reaction was. He has not mentioned it. But he is here, and he has begun to make amends. Is that not proof enough?"
“It is more than enough." Elizabeth shook her head, marvelling at CharlotteÅ‚s initiative as much as the effects of it.
“I also told him there was no need to struggle for what he already had obtained. I have since come to understand that his father was a miserly, tight-fisted man, always giving a treat or a privilege only to take it back again, without warning or explanation. It is no wonder the son has never been completely secure in what he possesses."
Elizabeth tried to picture a younger, less confident Mr. Collins suffering the whims of a tyrannical parent. She did not doubt CharlotteÅ‚s information; Mr. Bennet had never had a good word to say about the elder Mr. Collins. “I can imagine my cousinÅ‚s former experiences made your absence even more troubling."
“You are right, Eliza. He allowed Lady CatherineÅ‚s version of events to stand uncontestedshe told our neighbours that he had sent me away on some cause of disapprobationbut all the while he was terrified I would not come back. I had not written him at all, you see, not one word before last week. He tells me my father did write to him, however, and that only heightened his fears. He will not say what was in the letter, and my father refuses to speak of it. Fortunately, the two of them have been on cordial terms since my husbandÅ‚s arrival last night."
“That must ease your mind considerably." Elizabeth thought on all Charlotte had said. “You were very bold, but I believe boldness was required. I do not know that I could have done what you did, had I been in your place." Even with an infinitely more amiable husband than Charlotte possessed, would she be daringand graciousenough to make the first move towards reconciliation in a similar circumstance?
“Oh, for heavenÅ‚s sake, Eliza! You, who scrupled not to argue with Mr. Darcy? You would have said that and more, only in person rather than by letter."
Elizabeth laughed and could not deny it. “You make me quite ashamed of myself, Charlotte."
“You should rather be proud of yourself. I have come around to your way of thinking. There is much to be said for frankness. As for letters, some of us find written communication more to our taste when faced with difficult explanations. But where is your Mr. Darcy today?" Charlotte enquired, signalling that she had said all she intended on the topic of her marriage. “And Mr. Bingley? Have your busybody neighbours frightened away your and JaneÅ‚s lovers?"
“No." Elizabeth smiled at CharlotteÅ‚s teasing. “They are keeping themselves occupied at Netherfield as a favour to us. Mama has been at witÅ‚s end, trying to finish all this work. I have entertained a doubt or two myself as to our ability to accomplish everything we would wish."
“You have come far, from what I have seen. Some things can safely be left until after the ceremony."
“Yes; we have not been negligent. All that is truly important has been done. Yet, as much as I miss Fitzwilliam, I am happy to have one full day dedicated to womenÅ‚s business."
________________________________________
The next day, Elizabeth awoke and lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and thinking on all she needed to accomplish before nightfall. Charlottełs words about letter-writing had given her an idea, but she had not yet found time to implement it. Fitzwilliam was to dine at Longbourn in the evening, so Elizabeth resolved to make the most of what remained of the morning hours before the tasks at hand swallowed up her good intentions.
After breakfast, she returned to her room with Kitty and Lydia. She had asked her mother for some time to allow the younger girls to sort through those of her belongings that had not been packed away or given to her maid, who had got most of Jane's cast-offs already. Both mother and sisters agreed heartily with the plan. Elizabeth marvelled at how quickly her tidy assortment of clothing was reduced to a chaotic jumble on her bed.
“Oh, Lizzy! This gown is gorgeous! You have hardly worn it."
“You may have it, Kitty. The colour suits you better than it does me."
“I want it!" Lydia dropped the dress and bonnet she had been admiring and reached for the garment in KittyÅ‚s hands.
“Lydia, you are too tall for it. It really would look better on Kitty. Here," Elizabeth offered, “take this one. It is a little longer, and the shade complements your eyes."
“Lizzy is right, Lydia," Kitty agreed, holding her own find behind her back.
Elizabeth sighed. She would never be able to think with the girls bickering beside her. “Why donÅ‚t you take these things to your own room, where you may fight over them as much as you like?"
“Do you mean we may have all of it?" KittyÅ‚s eyes shined in excitement and gratitude.
“I promise I shall join you later and take back anything I absolutely cannot bear to leave behind," she answered with an affected solemnity that faded quickly when her sisterÅ‚s shoulders drooped in disappointment. “Do not fret, Kitty. I am certain most if not all of these clothes will remain safe at Longbourn with you and Lydia."
Once alone, Elizabeth sat down, armed with paper, pen, ink and Fitzwilliamłs letters. Not one to dally over a task, she began immediately to write, stopping from time to time to glean inspiration from one of the other missives.

My dear Fitzwilliam,
I have been remiss in not writing to you before now and am grieved to find myself already several letters in your debt. However, as only one of your letters to me was written within the bounds of proprietyand then barely soI have hopes that you will find it in your heart to forgive me and consider yourself amply recompensed by the receipt of this note.
I miss you terribly. You call me ędearestł often enough; let me assure you that you are most dear to me. I feel your absence acutely and can only rejoice that after tomorrow I shall be assured of your presence on a more permanent basis.
All this missing and Missish behaviour turns me melancholy, so now I must tease you and require you to account for having ever fallen in love with me. I can comprehend your going on charmingly when once you had made a beginning, but what could have set you off in the first place? My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners, my behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil. Is it possible you admired me for my impertinence?
Mama has called for me once already, so I must go. I have loved my name, ordinary as it is, for as long as I can remember, yet how anxious I am to give it up for another! Tomorrow cannot come soon enough.
Yours most sincerely,
Elizabeth Darcy Bennet
No sooner had Elizabeth given her letter to a servant with instructions to deliver it to Netherfield immediately than she was waylaid by Lydia, who had been sent by her mother to fetch her. She went directly to the dining room to discuss the eveningłs dinner plans with Mrs. Bennet. Her mother found a few more items requiring her daughterłs attention before their conference was declared at an end, and above an hour had passed before Elizabeth was at leisure to go upstairs again. Returning to her room, she opened her door and, to her horror, heard her betrothedłs written words spoken in her fatherłs voice.
“Ä™Having flouted propriety once in this mannerÅ‚"
“Papa! No!" Elizabeth rushed forward and grabbed at the letter in Mr. BennetÅ‚s hand.
“You will tear it in your haste." Mr. Bennet held it out of reach.
“Please, Papa!" She thrust out her hand, and he placed the paper in her trembling palm.
“What is the matter, Lizzy?" JaneÅ‚s voice sounded from the doorway.
“Your sister apparently received more than one letter from Mr. Darcy before her engagement."
Jane showed no surprise on hearing this announcement.
Mr. Bennet huffed, visibly annoyed. “You knew of this, Jane? You approve of such impropriety?"
Elizabeth watched her sisterłs expression harden as her father stared in indignant impatience.
“What is done cannot be undone," Jane said. “They have harmed no one." As she retreated, Elizabeth heard her continue, “Your time would have been better spent attending to your own correspondence." Jane gasped and muttered, “Forgive me," before fleeing down the hall.
Elizabeth, incredulous, turned her head just in time to see the effects Janełs bitter words had wrought on her fatherłs countenance.
Mr. Bennet shuddered and turned his face away. “I had suspected she was still upset over that letter from Bingley. Now I have proof."
“I do not know when I have seen her so affected."
“If Jane is angry with me, it has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it."
“But, Papa, I believe she already regrets her outburst."
“No, Lizzy. Let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough." He made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a snort. “Your mother would have known better what to do with that letter than I! Bingley should have addressed his scribbles to her instead. She has patience aplenty where her daughtersÅ‚ marriage prospects are concerned."
“Papa, please! How can you make a joke of this?"
“Do not worry. I shall find Jane and set things to rights." Mr. Bennet stopped in front of the door. “I suppose you are wondering what brought me to your room and, more to the point, how I came in possession of your private correspondence."
Elizabeth, still discomposed by her sisterłs words and very much mortified by her fatherłs discovery of Fitzwilliamłs letters, struggled for the appearance of composure and did not wish to open her mouth until she believed she had attained it.
Her father did not give her the opportunity. “I will not make you ask. I had come to see your room, to say farewell, in a way, to the little Lizzy I once knew. The letter fell from atop that stack there," he said, pointing to her table. “I picked it up, and it opened in my hand. I did not read the whole, only enough to know it was not from any of your sisters. The wording struck me as suspicious. You know the rest." He offered no apology, but there was penitence in all his looks. “I shall not question you about any of the others. Jane was quite right. After tomorrow, you no longer will be under my roof." He sighed, and his smile was bittersweet. “Despite the occasional lapse, your Mr. Darcy is an admirable gentleman." He took a last look about him and left the room.
Elizabeth gathered Fitzwilliamłs letters to her bosom and waited until her breathing had returned to its normal, steady rhythm.
________________________________________
Before dayłs end, all seemed well again within the Bennet household.
The Gardinersł arrival that afternoon proved something of a curative. Jane was considerably cheered, and her sisters diverted, by the presence of their young cousins. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner unknowingly eased the lingering awkwardness between the Bennets and Mrs. Philips, who had stopped by to meet her brother and sister from town. When the time came to dress for dinner, Aunt Philips took the children off to dine in Meryton with her and her husband and left the parents to enjoy their meal at Longbourn.
Elizabeth was relieved to note that Jane and her father were as easy in each otherłs company as they had ever been. Her sister loved her family very much and loathed being at odds with any member of it. Apparently these sentiments extended to her new family as well, for when the dinner guests arrived, Jane welcomed not just Mr. Bingley, but also Mr. Bingleyłs sisters and Mr. Hurst, with genuine enthusiasm.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst both appeared humbled by Janełs amicable greeting, in striking contrast to Miss Bingleyłs deplorable behaviour during her previous visit to Longbourn. When the Bennets were lately in town, there had been little contact between the Darcy residence and Grosvenor Street, to which Miss Bingley and the Hursts had fled only days after acknowledging their brotherłs engagement. Perhaps with time and distance had come resignation, Elizabeth reasoned. Whatever the truth of the matter, neither Caroline nor Louisa showed outward signs of disapprobation or discontent, and Jane was positively beaming.
Dinner passed off uncommonly well. The gentlemen rejoined the ladies after a brief separation, for they had agreed to make an early night of it to allow the brides ample rest. In addition, the Netherfield party wished to return in time to greet the late arrivals, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam among them, who were travelling at Mr. Darcyłs invitation.
Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth to entertain the company with some music.
“I shall, if Mary will play for me."
“Of course," Mary acceded. The sisters made their selection and performed it delightfully, if the response of their audience was any indication.
“More, please!" Mr. Bingley begged them. “That was splendid!"
Elizabeth looked at Jane sitting serenely by CharlesÅ‚s side and grinned. “If you can convince my eldest sister to join us, I shall oblige you."
“Jane, do you also sing? Why have I never heard you?"
“I hardly ever do, and never in public."
Jane continued to demur, but Elizabeth gently coaxed her from her chair. “We are amongst family now. Just this once and I shall not ask you again. Well, not for several weeks, at least." She assumed a most plaintive air. “Please, Jane? You cannot disappoint dear Mr. Bingley." Mrs. Bennet and even Mrs. Hurst joined in her plea, and Jane had no choice but to consent.
Mary started to rise from her seat, but Elizabeth spoke quietly to her, and she nodded and stayed where she was. When Elizabeth repeated the words to Jane, the latter chortled and quickly covered her mouth, but she did not protest. The girls took a minute to consult with one another and ascertained that they all recalled enough of the song to do it credit. They decided that Mary, whose voice was not so weak in the lower register as it tended to be when she aimed for high notes, would sing contralto. Elizabeth would take the soprano, and Jane would strike a harmony between the two.
The three ladies barely maintained their composure as they began a whimsical piece about a girl who, after a long and arduous search, met her Prince Charming, kissed him, and cried as he transformed into a toad and hopped away. Elizabeth turned aside from Mary and Jane in order to keep from chuckling as the tale unravelled. She refused to meet her fatherłs eye or her unclełs. She noticed her mother and aunt talking quietly in the corner, or, rather, her mother talked while her aunt listened. Mr. Darcyłs puzzled brow suddenly relaxed; Elizabeth wondered if he had just recognised the melody from their playing several weeks before. Mr. Bingley sat in delighted astonishment. Mr. Hurst looked decidedly amused, and his wife ceased fiddling with her bracelets and curiously observed her husband. A sour-faced Miss Bingley stared at Mr. Darcyłs back for much of the performance.
Kitty appeared a trifle pale at one point; then she giggled and whispered something to Lydia. Lydia, who could never be quiet for long, especially when she ought to be, almost spoiled everything with her impromptu yet fitting descant of “Warty Wickham." Fortunately for the performers, the song concluded soon after this unexpected addition, and the party, save a few, burst into laughter and applause. Even Miss Bingley could not wholly suppress a smile.
Mr. Bingley approached the trio at the pianoforte and offered his compliments. “Jane, you should sing more often! The three of you sound very well together."
“I have heard that members of the same family often do." Jane looked pleased at his approbation.
“Next time, my dears," suggested Mrs. Bennet, “I hope you will sing of something more appealing than toads."
“Princes and toads," laughed Mr. Bennet, “and warts!" he added, glancing at Lydia and Kitty. “Truly, I must have five of the silliest girls in the country."
“Not for long, Papa," Elizabeth cheerfully reminded him.
“No indeed, my dear Mrs. Darcy," sounded a familiar voice close to ElizabethÅ‚s ear. The touch of FitzwilliamÅ‚s hand on the small of her back made her shiver despite the heat in the room. “Not for very long at all."
________________________________________
Part Twenty
Posted on Wednesday, 13 June 2007
“Does not she look lovely, Mrs. Long?"
“Oh, yes, quite."
“Just as handsome as Mrs. Bingley, I dare say."
“Mr. Goulding, Mrs. Goulding, how dÅ‚ye do?"
“Jane is a vision!"
“Mama, she is so very pretty."
“Those Bennet women are a handsome lot, I grant you."
“I cannot wait until I get married. I shall have bolts and bolts of satin."
“La! Who would want to marry you?"
“Look at the lace on that gown!"
“Mrs. Darcy, are you well?"
That last voice caught ElizabethÅ‚s attention immediately. “Very well," she answered her husband. She had sensed, for a brief moment, his hand slipping away, and she had slowed in her walk. “Only please do not let go, Fitzwilliam." She hoped she had whispered her request, or at least not been heard over the murmuring of the crowd. She was relieved when his strong fingers stroked hers, and she felt a sudden burst of loathing for gloves of all sorts.
Fitzwilliam looked down into her eyes. “Have no fear, dearest. I am not going anywhere without you today, of all days."
Elizabeth could not explain to herself why she felt anxious. Her dress fit perfectly. Her hair had stayed exactly where her maid had put it that morning. Jane appeared every inch the angel she was, and her other sisters, even Mary, looked quite pretty in their finery. Her father, who was in uncommonly good humour, had refrained from teasing her and Jane before the ceremony. Even Mrs. Bennetłs nerves had resulted in nothing worse than the excessive waving of her handkerchief.
The wedding had gone by in a whirl of colour and sound. Elizabeth knew she had not missed the details, but at the moment she recalled little of what she had said and done. The one thing she remembered with perfect clarity was the tone of FitzwilliamÅ‚s voice as he had repeated after the parson. When he had spoken the words “wedded wife," he had looked directly into her eyes with an intensity that had stopped her breath. She had heard her heart beating loudly in her ears and could only wonder, for she did not precisely know, how she had managed to say her own vows in her turn.
They proceeded to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Just as they were about to reach the entrance, Elizabeth asked her husband to stop the carriage.
“Why?"
“I simply wish to walk a little before going inside."
Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Even on your wedding day, you insist on demonstrating that you are an excellent walker." They got out, and Elizabeth led him towards a stand of trees. “Thankfully there is no mud to spoil your gown. Your mother would be furious with you otherwise."
Elizabeth tried to laugh but could not make herself do so. She moved quickly to her destination with Fitzwilliam hard on her heels. Finally, she reached a point beyond the view of prying eyes and took a deep breath. “Oh, the comfort of being sometimes alone!"
“What, should I leave as well so that you can be perfectly comfortable?"
“No!" Elizabeth grabbed his arm before realising the he had not moved an inch. His look told her he had never intended to abandon her. “How have you become so teasing?" She turned away.
“How have you become so taciturn?" Fitzwilliam gently pulled her to himself until her back was pressed against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her hair. “You have not acted like yourself since we left the church."
“I do not feel like myself at all."
“You seem almost nervous. Are you?"
“I feelexposed. From the moment you said your vows to me, I felt as though everyone in the room knew what I was thinking. I could not look at the married women without blushing. They all knew."
“And what were you thinking that shamed you so?" He punctuated his question with a few kisses on her cheek and neck.
“You are not helping me at all, Fitzwilliam."
“Then I shall simply help myself. I can, you know. You are mine now; even your name is mine." He caressed her face. “Your neck is mine," he whispered, kissing that particular place again.
“Stop! No, do not." She sighed and relaxed in his embrace. She wanted nothing more than to be his. She had thought of little else all morning.
But self, though it would intrude, could not engross her, not even on this momentous occasion. The voices of their family and friends reached their miniature paradise, reminding Elizabeth of another instance when she had stood not far from this very spot, concealed by greenery as she was now, listening to other voices. Though wishing she did not have to attend the wedding guests quite so soon, she could not help but appreciate the sound of their happy chattersuch a pleasant contrast to her memories of Lady Catherinełs loud, shrill disapproval reverberating throughout Longbournłs pleasure grounds.
With a laugh, Elizabeth turned and kissed Fitzwilliam lightly on the lips. “Come. Are you not hungry?"
“Hungry? I suppose you could say I feel a certain hunger."
“Well, I would not wish you to starve" The words “on my account" were swallowed as he prevented their escape from her lips in a manner which could not but delight her and make her just as ravenous as he. Still, there was the wedding breakfast, and surely the chances of someone discovering them increased with every moment they lingered!
Elizabeth resolutely disentangled herself. “My love, let us go." The rising din of the well-wishers, amongst which the voice of Sir William could be clearly distinguished, made their situation more urgent, but it had no effect on Fitzwilliam. “Husband!" She pulled him towards the celebration, as much as a light-figured girl of twenty could force-march a man nearly twice her size.
Fitzwilliamłs reluctance shone in his eyes, but he followed her without hesitation, holding tightly to her hand.
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“Lydia!" Elizabeth clenched her teeth as Jane let out a sigh. “Will that girl ever learn to behave?" Much to the sistersÅ‚ chagrin, Lydia was displaying little more decorum than she had shown at the Netherfield Ball many months previous. That Kitty refused to join her in her antics was little comfort to Elizabeth. “Fitzwilliam had the right of it. We should have stayed in the copse."
“What do you mean?"
“Nothing." Her cheeks flushed with heat. She could tell by JaneÅ‚s look and smile that no explanation was necessary. “I do not regret being here now. I am grateful for the kind wishes of our friends. One more hour, however, and I must go. We wish to get to London before dark." She winced as LydiaÅ‚s boisterous laughter reached their ears. “Do you think we can convince Papa to keep her under lock and key?"
“Papa is as unlikely to change as Lydia; less likely, for he is more set in his ways. Besides, I doubt our sister will be at Longbourn much longer. Lydia is a girl who will marry somebody or other. When the right man catches her eye"
“When does Lydia not have her eye on a man?"
“Oh, well, then, when she catches the right manÅ‚s eye. Is that better?"
“Much better." Elizabeth felt herself smiling and realized not even LydiaÅ‚s wild behaviour could spoil this day.
The hour came and went, and Elizabeth prepared to say goodbye to Hertfordshire for many months and to her former life forever. She said her farewells to neighbours, visitors and new family alike, smiling most warmly as she spoke to the Gardiners and to Charlotte.
Finally, she embraced her sisters. “Goodbye, Lydia. Try to behave yourself. Goodbye, Mary. I shall see you next in town."
“But surely, Lizzy," Kitty interjected, giving Elizabeth a hug and glancing at Fitzwilliam, “you will stop at Longbourn on your way to Pemberley?"
“I think you are right," she said, and Fitzwilliam nodded his agreement. “I suppose I shall see you all very soon, then." Elizabeth approached Jane next. Having shed tears and shared dreams the night before, there was nothing left but to revel in their joint happiness. They grasped each other's hands and stood wreathed in smiles. “Write me soon and tell me how my new brother treats you."
Jane laughed. “You know there is no need to worry on that score."
“I do know it. We are so very fortunate, Jane."
“That we are. Now go, for your husband seems a bit restless."
Elizabeth gave a nervous laugh and walked with Fitzwilliam to where her father and mother stood. “Mama, Papa," she began but found her words cut short as her mother swept her into her arms.
“Oh, my dearest child! You will be living so far away! It seems you have just come back from Hunsford, and now you are to go away again."
“I shall see you before I travel to Pemberley, Mama. And until then, I shall only be in London."
“Yes, that is true. You must write to me when you are settled."
Elizabeth could not recall the last time her mother had requested a letter from her. She almost lost her composure as she looked into the familiar pair of eyes that were so much like her own. “I shall write to you soon, and to you as well, Papa." She turned to her father, whose own eyes were glistening.
“You know that I shall always be glad of a letter from you." He enclosed her in a light embrace and held out his hand to her husband. “Take care of my daughter, Darcy. Take good care."
“I shall, Mr. Bennet."
Mr. and Mrs. Darcy left Longbourn and rapidly settled into their equipage. Very soon Elizabeth felt the jolt that signalled the beginning of their journey to London.
Several minutes later, Fitzwilliam broke the silence. “I am shocked. Utterly shocked."
“Why is that?"
“My wife has not said ten words to me since entering this carriage."
“We have travelled only a few miles."
“Elizabeth, is something the matter?"
“No."
“Are you well?"
She nodded.
“Mrs. Darcy, please talk to me."
“Fitzwilliam, what do you wish me to say?" She was mortified that her voice trembled.
He visibly relaxed. “Oh, love, are you afraid? Of me?"
“Not of you, not really."
“But?"
“But I am terrified," she whispered. Ä™And loath to admit it,Å‚ she thought. She rarely was intimidated by anything, but this circumstance was beyond her customary audacity.
“Oh, Elizabeth!" To her surprise, he laughed and held her close.
She had not expected his reaction. She pouted. “I suppose you are not afraid ofof anything."
“No, indeed! Certainly not of you! My fears were at their worst when I discovered that day at Rosings how much you detested me. I cannot feel anything but satisfaction now that you are mine. Satisfaction and a great deal of happiness."
“I am happy, too."
“I want you to be happy." He pulled her closer. “Does this frighten you?" He brought his lips to hers. “Or this?" He kissed her for a long time, more deeply than he ever had before.
Catching her breath, she shook her head.
“Good." He cupped her face in his hands and looked directly, and warmly, into her eyes. “Elizabeth, do not be afraid."
His reassurance had not erased every fear, but suddenly she felt a great deal more at ease.
They reached the house before dark, as they had hoped. After refreshing themselves, Fitzwilliam escorted Elizabeth to the dining room.
“Are you hungry?" His mouth turned up at the corners.
She bit her lip, unable to repress her own smile.
Dinner passed off as well as it had the night before, though there were not so many at table. The room felt full enough, however, and Elizabeth was happy to leave it in favour the music room.
“Will you play to me?"
“You must not require anything too complicated tonight. It is a special occasion and I wish I were better prepared, but as you know, I have never been inclined to practise much." She thought over the unusual amount of time she had spent doing just that during her visit to Kent.
“Play whatever you like. I am certain I will enjoy it."
She chose a short, simple piece and remained seated as the last note lingered in the air. She heard Fitzwilliam come closer.
“Shall we retire?"
She stiffened. So much was contained in those three little words he had spoken. “Yes." There was nothing for it but to go.
In less than an hour, they sat in her room on the bed, facing each other.
“You look entirely too comfortable." This was her chamber, and he seemed more at home in it than she felt. “It is not fair."
“You will be comfortable soon enough." He caressed her cheek. “With a little more practice. We are only just beginning, dearest." He reached for the buttons of her gown. “But as you said earlier, you have never cared much for practising."
She stroked his helpful fingers. “I do believe you mean to change my opinion."
Much later that night, wrapped in her sleeping husbandłs arms, she smiled and hummed to herself, thoroughly persuaded that some kinds of practice were no trouble at all.
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Epilogue
Posted on Thursday, 3 January 2008
The sounds emanating from the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's parlour kept poor rhythm with the percussive clicking of a certain young boy's boots.
"Quiet, Andrew! I am trying to concentrate!"
The owner of the boots sniffed the air, his facial expression a curious mixture of his father's imperious stare and his maternal grandfather's dismissive smirk. "It is so tedious listening to you playing those tedious exercises."
"Tedious or not, you would do well to emulate your sister's dedication to practice." Mrs. Darcy smiled on young Sarah. "Though to be fair, I must admit to having teased my sister Mary a time or two as a child when I had heard more than enough scales for my liking."
"But Aunt Harrison plays so well!"
Elizabeth and Mrs. Jenkinson exchanged a knowing smile. Elizabeth recalled a time when that had not been the case, and how it all had changed during Mary's first season in town with the Darcys. Mary had enjoyed her early lessons with Mrs. Jenkinson so well that she had begged to remain in London with the Gardiners in order to continue them when Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam removed to Pemberley. She had come back a second year and a third, so that by the age of two and twenty, she truly had earned the title of 'the most accomplished young lady in Hertfordshire society,' musically speaking, of course.
"Your aunt does play well, Jane. And so do you, I might add."
"Not so well as Sarah, but thank you, Mother."
Elizabeth did not deny her eldest daughter's claim. Sarah was the only one of the Darcy brood who seemed to have inherited Georgiana's superior musical abilities.
"I do not see why I have to have lessons. Father never had any."
It was always 'Father' this and 'Father' that with Mr. Darcy's heir these days. Elizabeth was learning much about what it might have been like to have had a brother at Longbourn.
Although Jane calmly bore Andrew's grumbling, Sarah had little patience for his frequent complaints. "Someday you will be gone, and we shall have peace at home until your holidays come."
"I wish I were going into the navy."
"You are too young, and besides, you would have to convince Papa to allow it, which I doubt you could do," Jane told him. "I am glad, for this way we shall be sure to see you throughout the year."
"I would not care if you went to sea, as long as you stayed away until you were too old to click your boots during my lessons."
"Do not be so quick to be rid of your brother, Sarah." Elizabeth did not want to think of how much she would miss her son once he was away at school. "And take care what you say, my dear." She wished her youngest daughter would remember where she was and not run on in the wild manner that she was suffered to do at home. Thankfully, Mrs. Jenkinson was never perturbed by the children's banter. She knew them all well and forgave them their shortcomings.
"I am sorry, Mama."
"Miss Sarah, shall we get back to your lesson?" Mrs. Jenkinson kindly prodded her young student. "And, please, no metronome this time, young man."
Andrew coloured and ran off, no doubt to the kitchen in search of cake.
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"What are you thinking of that has you so out of sorts?"
"Am I so obvious?"
"Yes, my love, you are." Darcy rubbed her shoulders.
"I was thinking of home." She meant Longbourn, not Pemberley; they had returned from a week's visit to Hertfordshire just a few days before. By Fitzwilliam's soft touch upon her shoulders, she assumed he had understood her.
By his next words, she was certain of it. "Mrs. Collins seems a little happier every time we see her." Charlotte, well and truly settled at Longbourn as its mistress, had appeared more content with her lot than she ever had with her poultry and her parish at Hunsford. "Your father was so generous with Mr. Collins. I could not imagine doing what he did, although I admit it seemed a sensible solution at the time."
"Our situation is different." They had a son, a natural successor in the eyes of the law, and, furthermore, no entail to prevent a daughter from inheriting the Darcy estate. Elizabeth closed her eyes. She did not like to think of death; she had done enough of that in the past year. She still missed her father sorely.
Mr. Bennet had declined slowly enough for his family to become used to the idea that he would not last forever. Still, the end, when it came, had been a blow. Almost as shocking had been the news several months earlier that he had sent an express to Hunsford, requesting that the Collinses take up residence while there was still time for him to acquaint his cousin with the particulars of running the estate. At first Mrs. Bennet had protested the idea, but Mr. Bennet had been firm. In the end, Charlotte's assistance had proved invaluable to a woman whose own daughters, save one, no longer resided in the neighbourhood, and the presence of children in the house had been a balm during that dark period.
Mrs. Bennet's heart had broken as the companion of her youth and middle years slowly slipped away. Mr. Bennet's affections had revived, coaxed back to life through his wife's tender care, and Elizabeth and her sisters, along with the sorrow of losing their father, had borne the additional pangs of regret that it had taken tragedy to reanimate the love their parents had shared.
With the assistance of her sons, Mrs. Bennet had removed to a spacious dwelling on the far side of Netherfield Park, close enough to all her friends but not so close that the view of Longbourn's environs would be a constant reminder of her loss. With time, Mrs. Bennet's good humour began to appear more frequently and her nerves less so, a circumstance helped along by her genuine joy in being a grandmother and her pleasure in the company of her family.
"It was good to see Mary." Kitty and Lydia were to go to their mother within the month, and Jane and Bingley had departed for the north. At least Mr. Bennet had lived to see all his daughters marry and take the sting out of the eventual loss of Longbourn. Even Lydia, the last to wed despite being the most willing, had added joy to her father's waning years by not only presenting him with a tolerable son-in-law, but also bringing into the world two lively children, a girl and a boy, who were openly fond of their maternal grandpapa.
Elizabeth directed her thoughts down a less personal, and therefore less painful, route. "Being in company with Charlotte's husband was not the trial I had anticipated," she admitted. "He has changed considerably from the Mr. Collins of Hunsford parish. He no longer seems so..."
"Pompous."
"I was going to say silly."
"Mr. Collins is invariably silly."
"I suppose, but he is no longer irritatingly so. Nor is he the resentful man he once was."
"He is your cousin. I should not speak of him in that way." Darcy's smile belied his true opinion; he did not in the least appear ready to take back his words describing the somewhat improved Mr. Collins.
"He is your cousin, too," she grinned in return. "You are allowed your share in the conversation."
________________________________________
As Elizabeth allowed the notes to fade and her fingers to rest upon the pianoforte, she felt a fleeting touch on the nape of her neck, followed by a familiar caress.
"Have you any idea," Darcy murmured between kisses, "why that song never seems to make me the least bit sleepy?"
Elizabeth laughed: a low, satisfied rumble. "I can guess."
"I am grateful that it has the proper effect on our children, though." The nurse had just carried their youngest child to his bed for the night.
"I should be surprised if a man of forty years could be felled by a simple song." She leaned into Fitzwilliam's touch as he continued to stroke her hair.
"It was not the song that conquered me, but the singer, as well you know."
All was quiet for some minutes. Eventually they slipped through the door and up the stairs, the conqueror and the conquered. Which one of them truly fit which role might have been a matter for debate, Elizabeth mused, smiling as Fitzwilliam eagerly drew her into her room. Then the door closed, and all thought of debate and conquest vanished, her head being full of something else entirely.
The End
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