Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of December 21, 2001
Jump to new as of December 26, 2001
Jump to new as of December 31, 2001
Mr. Bennet decided that the family reunion should take place without any spectators. He informed his family that Lizzy would be at Netherfield and was answered by "Oooh" and "Aaaah" from his youngest daughters, silence from Mary and Jane, and Mrs. Bennet saying, "Oh! My dearest Lizzy! But, this nonsense of her staying at Netherfield! Why is she not at home with her family?!"
Mr. Bennet continued, "Lizzy will be remaining at Netherfield as a friend to Miss Darcy. It seems that during Lizzy's visit to her aunt, she struck up quite a friendship, and, as they are to be sisters, I saw no reason to object to the plan."
"Oh! Mr. Bennet," His wife began, and as he knew how she would continue, he chose to allow her to go on now, "This is nonsense about Lizzy staying at Netherfield; if any person should visit with another, our Mr. Darcy's sister should visit Lizzy here."
"Mrs. Bennet, you have had your say and I have made my decision. Lizzy will remain at Netherfield as long as she wishes and is welcome. You, none of you," looking at each of the ladies for a second and smiling at Jane a little, "will ask her to return before she wishes it." Before his wife could form the sentence she opened her mouth to speak, "That is my decision and you will all abide it or not attend her wedding. And, yes, Mrs. Bennet, it is the same wedding that will see Jane leave us so you will miss them both. We are leaving in two hours, be ready." Mr. Bennet turned on his heel and left his family to prepare for the dinner. He did not wish to hear his wife's complaints or Jane's patient attempts to bring her mother to reason.
The Bennet's arrived in good time. Mrs. Bennet almost ran to her second daughter, who was standing with Mr. Darcy and his sister. Lizzy was not surprised by her mothers enthusiasm but calmly answered her questions and confirmed that she was to remain at Netherfield for a few more days at least. Lizzy quickly moved the conversation, introducing Georgiana. Mr. Bingley saw Mrs. Bennet with Lizzy and the Darcy's and moved to join their conversation, attempting to take some pressure from Lizzy. Lizzy quickly excused herself and went to Jane.
Lizzy passed the evening under the ever watchful eye of Darcy. When he could not be at her side, he watched her from wherever he was. She spent the entire evening with either her fiancé, his sister or her sister. She did not speak beyond the barest civility to her father and avoided her mother after the aforementioned conversation. It was when her father was preparing to leave that she found herself alone with him. Jane was with Bingley, Georgiana with Mary and Darcy was attempting to escape from Sir William Lucas' conversation.
Her father moved to take his daughter's hand "Lizzy, my dear."
She stepped back, "Father, I believe that there is nothing to be said. I thank you for your consent to my marriage, and I am sure that you are aware it will be soon. Until then I will remain here. Good evening." Lizzy moved to walk away, but her father took her hand as she moved to pass him.
At this moment, Darcy had escaped from Sir William and moved toward Lizzy and her father. He stood near enough to watch the lady's countenance and move to rescue if she needed him, but he knew that she needed to speak with her father, so he stood looking out the window.
"Lizzy, there is so much to say. I know that you are upset with me, with my decisions...."
"Upset? I am not upset. I was disappointed, sorry, that you of all people were willing to marry me off for the...for material comfort. How could you do that?" She was so near tears that both Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy wanted to take her into their arms and comfort her, but Mr. Darcy knew that he could not, and her father knew she would not allow it.
Mr. Bennet bowed his head and studied the floor, he had long realized how badly he had behaved towards his daughter, but he was unsure how to tell her. "Lizzy, all I can do is ask that you forgive me. I fear for your future, and that of your sisters' and mother when I am gone. I do not know how to tell you how sorry I am."
"I am sorry too. I lost my father that day. I can see that you are sorry for what you tried to do. You are my father and do not need my forgiveness, but I have forgiven you."
Mr. Bennet looked at his daughter, released her hand and said in a quiet, almost begging, voice "Please come home."
Lizzy stopped and thought. It would only be for a month, and she could help Jane make the wedding preparations (and it would be more appropriate and prevent some gossip). "I will move home father, but it will not be as it was."
Lizzy moved to speak with Darcy and Bingley while Mr. Bennet went to inform his family that they would be leaving soon. All the other guests had left and it was time to depart.
True to her word, Lizzy returned to Longbourn with her family. The first week of her return was a time of adjustment for her. Lizzy was visited daily by Darcy, and sometimes his sister accompanied him. Lizzy spoke very little when in company with her parents, and did not spend any time alone with her father as she had in the past. This estrangement from her father was the hardest thing to bear.
"Good day to you, Mr. Darcy."
"Mr. Gardiner, good day. May I introduce Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley this is Mr. Gardiner." He chose not to give the relationship of Mr. Gardiner to Jane Bennet for Miss Bingley was certainly not happy with the match.
"Good morning, Mr. Gardiner." She dropped a shallow curtsey.
"Miss Bingley," A small bow. "It is a wonderful day for a walk in the park."
"Indeed, I was only lucky to happen upon Dear Mr. Darcy here to accompany me on my walk."
"Alas, Miss Bingley," Mr. Darcy started, "I have urgent business with this gentleman and cannot possibly accompany you on your walk."
"But Mr. Darcy, surely you would wish to discuss my brother's situation further?"
Darcy looked a little unsure of what to say, especially since Elizabeth would be there any moment. Mr. Gardiner saved him from speaking.
"Your brother, Miss Bingley, do you refer to Mr. Bingley of Netherfield?"
"I do, he is currently in residence at Netherfield, but his family wishes him to London as soon as may be. Do you know my brother?" she asked, thinking she had a potential ally.
"I have not met him, but have heard many good things of him from my family. My nieces have met him and know him quite well."
"Your nieces, are they ladies of London?"
"No indeed, of the country. Mr. Darcy, is that not my niece approaching with my children?"
"Indeed it is sir. If you will excuse us Miss Bingley, but we have business to discuss before Mr. Gardiner can return to his family. Good day." He gave a slight bow, and led Mr. Gardiner in the direction of his family. Miss Bingley turned the other direction, though she planned to ask Mr. Darcy who the nieces are next time they met.
"Mr. Darcy, I believe that you are aware of the situation with Mr. Collins."
"I am, and I plan on dealing with it this evening. If you are willing to assist me, it would be better, but if you are not, I will take my own action in accordance with Elizabeth's wishes."
"I will assist as much as I can, but I do not believe that I can detain Lizzy in London longer than two days, and her father and Mr. Collins are to remain also."
The lady was approaching with the nanny and children not far behind.
"Uncle, Mr. Darcy."
"Hello, Lizzy, perhaps you would join us?" Mr. Darcy just looked at her with love for a greeting. "I shall ask the nanny to take the children home; I will return to you in a moment; we cannot have you unchaperoned in a public place where reports may return to your father and..."
"Thank you." Mr. Gardiner hurried to the children, Mr. Darcy continued, "We are alone now so I will greet you properly. Good morning, dearest Elizabeth."
"Good morning, Fitzwilliam," He took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it and held it for a moment longer than is truly required.
"Elizabeth, I have been discussing matters with your uncle, and I have told him that I meant every word I said to him. I will do whatever it takes to have you as my bride, if that is what you wish."
"Fitzwilliam, of course that is what I wish." He looked at her with a slight question, one which he did not want to voice, but did not wish to marry without having it answered. Lizzy guessed the source of his uneasiness. "Fitzwilliam, I love you, I could not marry you if it were not so. Although I would prefer a longer courtship, circumstances do not permit it. Do not think that I marry you to secure my material needs. If that is all I wished in a marriage, I would marry...no I cannot even say it"
"Shh, you do not have to say it. Thank you, I did not wish to ask but I did not wish to have you on any other terms than by your free choice based in love." She smiled prettily at him and he got lost in her gaze until a conspicuous throat clearing was heard.
"Uncle, we did not see you," a pink-faced Lizzy said, to save her pinker-faced fiancée having to speak.
"Well, that was clear," he chuckled. "I am truly happy that you have found each other. Now I believe that there are matters to discuss. I have asked that the children walk the perimeter of the park, but this only allows us twenty minutes to return Lizzy to the group to return home without suspicion."
"Indeed, you are correct, Mr. Gardiner. Are you certain that you wish to know of our plans?"
"I am. I do not doubt your affection, Mr. Darcy, but I do wish to ensure that this situation is resolved with as little difficulty to Lizzy and her family as possible. I am sure that you do not care for her family at present, but in time, you may wish that this was done with them in mind."
"Uncle, I do not think that." A gentle finger was placed to Lizzy's lips and its owner spoke.
"Thank you Mr. Gardiner, I am sure that you are correct in all those points. Elizabeth, if you wish it, I would take you to Gretna Green this evening."
"This evening?"
"Yes, waiting will only prolong your difficulties with your father and Mr. Collins. I do not wish to go days without seeing you as I would need to, and," in a tighter voice, "Miss Bingley continues to approach me in a most inappropriate manner." Both his companions laughed at this.
"It seems we both have suitors to evade." She paused. "How will this be managed? My father is not going to allow me to leave the house."
"Lizzy, I believe I may be able to help." Mr. Gardiner spoke. "Tonight, I will insist on a separation of the sexes after the meal. Your aunt will be able to assist you to leave quietly. Take only what you need; we can send your belongings to you later."
"Oh, Uncle," Lizzy squealed in delight as she embraced her uncle, then disengaged herself as she remembered where she was.
And so it was planned, Darcy would arrive in his coach and collect Lizzy after the Gardiners had dined. They would proceed to Darcy's estates in Scotland over the next few days and then to Gretna Green the day after their arrival. Lizzy returned to the house with the nanny and children, but Darcy detained Mr. Gardiner.
"Thank you for your assistance. I am only sorry it has had to happen this way. Elizabeth deserves more."
"I cannot disagree, but I do believe that you will make up any deficit. Your affections are quite clear."
"Thank you." Darcy said rather shyly. "Mr. Gardiner, I do have a wish of a surprise for Lizzy. Would you be able to provide me with a little piece of information? Perhaps your wife could supply it without speaking with Elizabeth."
A change occurred in Meryton a week after Lizzy's return to Longbourn. Much to Lydia's disappointment, Mr. Wickham was leaving. He told all who cared to ask that a distant relative had asked for his presence. Every young lady in Meryton was disappointed, except the eldest Miss Bennets. Lizzy was glad that her sisters would no longer be exposed to this man, and Jane barely noticed the difference, as she was very preoccupied with Mr. Bingley.
Lizzy's life began to fall into a routine. She would go for a walk before breakfast, and often return for breakfast in the company of Mr. Darcy and his sister. To Mrs. Bennet this was a bit of a mystery, for why would a gentleman such as Mr. Darcy allow his sister to be out walking at that time? To Mr. Bennet it was no mystery. He could see that Mr. Darcy wished to spend every moment with Elizabeth and protect her, even from her own family if that was necessary.
In the times when Mr. Darcy was required to remain at Netherfield to complete his business (for unlike Mr. Bingley, he did not feel obliged to accept all invitations issued by the neighbours), Georgiana sent a note to Lizzy asking for hers, and sometimes Jane's, presence at Netherfield. Over the last few weeks before their marriages, Jane and Lizzy were more often found at Netherfield than their suitors at Longbourn. Again this was a mystery to Mrs. Bennet, but Mr. Bennet could see the wisdom of seeing Jane and Lizzy without their family, especially their mother.
These weeks also saw a lessening of the void between Lizzy and her father. Each made an effort to seek out the other when they were not likely to be interrupted by the rest of the Bennet clan. Mr. Bennet would walk a little way with his daughter in the mornings, and she would visit him in his library some evenings after Mr. Darcy had left. Their conversation was not very deep on any of these occasions, but it was enough to bridge the gap.
The morning of the day before her wedding was one of the days her father accompanied her on her walk. They spoke of general things at first, laughed at their neighbours, (Sir William was a good source of merriment) and then they arrived at the place where Mr. Bennet usually turned back. It was never spoken that he would return to Longbourn at that point, but he always did, until this day.
"Lizzy, I hope that you do not mind, but I thought that I would continue to walk with you this morning." Lizzy was a little puzzled by this as her father was not a great walker but she answered him.
"Of course I do not mind. I have enjoyed these morning conversations. It has been good to talk as we did before...well, before."
"Yes it has. And today it to be our last walk, for I fear your mother will lock you in the house tomorrow morning. I do not know how you have escaped so far, I think that I have heard more of lace and weddings than you have."
Lizzy laughed, "Indeed, I believe you are correct. I think that this is due to the fact that every time she comes to me for an opinion I reduce the amount of lace or degree of frivolity far more than she wishes. Poor Jane has been left with most of the plans, and I get a review of them each evening from mother and then Jane. It will all be well as Jane has been firm."
"Yes, yes, I am aware of that, for I get the evening review of preparations too. But Lizzy, I do not wish to speak of wedding preparations."
She stopped for her father's tone was clearly serious. Knowing that she would 'accidentally' encounter Darcy, Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley soon, she wished this serious conversation to be over. She knew what was coming, it had been coming for the last week.
"Elizabeth, are you...do you...will you wish to have me visit you in your new home? I know that I have hurt you badly, but I could not bare to lose you."
"Oh, Papa. You seem so unsure. I have moved past our disagreement, and though it hurt, I am so happy now." Her father did something he rarely did; he collected her into his arms and embraced her.
Mr. Bennet released his daughter (Lizzy thought she saw a tear in his eye, but that disappeared as his sleeve passed over his face) and asked "Does this mean that you would welcome your father to your new home?"
As he said this, Mr. Darcy and his two companions came around the bend in the track. He had heard this last question, looked at the tear in Lizzy's eye and the smile on her face and he stepped forward, leaving his companions a step behind, and answered for his fiancée. "Mr. Bennet, we would be honoured by your visits." Darcy extended his hand to Mr. Bennet, who took it and shook it in agreement. For the first time, Darcy was pleased with his future father-in-law. It was clear that he had mended his relationship with Lizzy and that is all that was important to Darcy.
Happily Ever After?
The Bennet/Bingley, Bennet/Darcy wedding was the talk of Meryton. Though Mrs. Bennet thought that it was not near grand enough, she was pleased that there were many rich, and some titled, young single men there. They would surely be in the company of her three single daughters often.
Rosings was not a place that the Darcys wished to visit. The letters that Darcy had received from his aunt on his marriage were so abusive of Mrs. Darcy that he would not reply to them. When Lady Catherine wrote to invite him to Rosings for Easter, he was shocked that the invitation did not include his wife. All correspondence ceased, and Darcy would not even open the letters that his aunt sent. Over time, through the kind words and encouragement of his wife, Darcy began to feel that his aunt deserved his attention, and by the influence of her daughter, Lady Catherine began to write pleasant (or as pleasant as they ever were) letters to her nephew. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and their family only visited Rosings Park once before Lady Catherine's death. Darcy was glad that his wife had assisted him in mending the breach between him and his aunt. Anne de Bourgh never married, her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam assisted her in the running of the Rosings estate, and as he never married, they each had the companionship of the other and an estate that supported them in no little comfort.
After a year in close proximity to his mother in law, Mr. Bingley sought out the assistance of his friend in procuring an estate that he could purchase. To the satisfaction of their wives, Mr. Bingley was able to purchase an estate not ten miles from Pemberley. Though not so large as Pemberley, Bingley Manor (as it became known) was a happy place with a family that became very attached to it. To every joy in their marriages, the sisters could add their close proximity.
Mr. Bennet's relationship with his second daughter was never fully healed. He did visit Pemberley regularly, often bringing one of his younger daughters. After Kitty married and Mrs. Bennet could no longer leave home, Mr. Bennet's visits became less regular. Mrs. Bennet required a constant companion and Mary was often left to this task. After the death of his wife, Mr. Bennet attempted to heal the breach with his daughter and, though she had forgiven him, his son in law could never completely forgive his treatment of his daughter. Though the gentlemen did do their best to get to know each other, they were never the best of friends and Lizzy was never as close to her father as she was before Mr. Collins' proposal.
Mr. and Mrs. Bingley became the proud parents of three daughters. One with the fiery spirit of her Aunt Lizzy, the other with the even temper of her parents, but it was the third and youngest that tried the patience of both her parents. When the Darcys discussed young Selina, they avoided mentioning what they both thought, Caroline. By the age of ten, Selina Bingley thought herself a breed apart from the servants and all of her cousins with the exception of the Darcys. By the age of thirteen she was batting her eyelashes at the eldest Darcy cousin, and any other young single, rich man that visited her parents. Jane was at a loss as to what she could do with her youngest, she blamed herself for indulging the girl and allowing her to spend time with her godmother and aunt, Caroline Bingley. Finally, Jane and Mr. Bingley agreed to Mary's offer that the girl stay with her and their father at Longbourn. Through the daily six hour study sessions with Mary and two hours of silent reading in the library with Mr. Bennet, and no contact with her Aunt Caroline, six months later Selina returned to her family a new young lady.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were always welcome visitors at Pemberley. They spent many weeks in the company of their niece and nephew. Their children often visited with their parents around Easter until Mr. Gardiner was no longer fit to travel. The children continued to visit at the same time each year, and the eldest daughter of the Gardiner house became a resident of Kympton when she married the clergyman.
What can be said for the Darcys of Pemberley? Mr. and Mrs. Darcy did not have any children in the first two years of their marriage. This did not distress Darcy as he did not wish to share his Elizabeth with any others, but when she hurt, he hurt. Elizabeth was in complete agreement with this sentiment for the first year.
As the second year of marriage progressed, Elizabeth Darcy began to worry that she would disappoint her husband and he would resent her for her lack of children. No matter how happy they were, nor how much he assured her that he loved her and they did not need children to complete their marriage, Elizabeth still felt that she was disappointing her husband. It was after returning from visiting Jane after the birth of her second child that Elizabeth entered a depression. She cried and no comfort by Darcy could console her, at least not for the first month after their return. He took her North to some of their other estates, they traveled to Bath and then home again. Darcy did not know what he could do, but was surprised on returning from Bingley Manor to find his wife playing the piano and singing a happy tune. He entered the room and she stopped playing as soon as she saw him and flew into his arms. This was a greeting that he had not had in many months, but the smile on his wife's face was a mystery. He hoped that this was an end to her pain when she spoke.
"Good day, Mr. Darcy, I hope that Mr. Bingley and Jane and the girls are all well."
"Indeed they are. And may I say Mrs. Darcy that you seem in excellent spirits, may I inquire as to why?"
"Well, Mr. Slaines has just left..."
"Mr. Slaines, Elizabeth are you unwell? Why would that make you so happy?"
Elizabeth laughed a little and smiled, "I am perfectly well, he has just informed me that my life is to be complete."
"Elizabeth, please do not speak in riddles, I thought that your life was complete."
"Oh! Fitzwilliam, I am to give you a child. We are to have a baby!" Darcy embraced his wife more tightly, then released her quickly.
"I am sorry Elizabeth, I will not be so fierce in my display of affection. I do not wish to do you harm."
"You could never harm either of us with your affection and care."
And so, six months later the first child to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy was born. She was soon followed by two brothers and a sister. Fifteen years later Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were proud parents for a fifth time.
Indeed their life was complete. The love that Darcy held for his wife and that she held for her husband grew over the years. They were as happy at the birth of their fifth child as at their first, and Lizzy was happy to see that her proud husband was easily wound around the little finger of all the Darcy ladies.
Tea and the afternoon were painful for Lizzy. Mr. Collins would not leave her alone, despite the attempts of her aunt and uncle to dissuade him. They did not fear that he would be hurt by Lizzy leaving; it was clear his affection was imaginary and based on a desire to have a pretty wife.
Supper was a solemn affair, but Mr. Bennet was equal parts suspicious and grateful that Lizzy appeared cheerier. Her departure to the sitting room with her aunt was nearing her former self.
As promised, the Darcy carriage awaited in the street and Mrs. Gardiner promised to tell only Jane of what had happened. She bid farewell to Darcy and they were gone.
The ride was a great deal like their previous ride. Though Lizzy was happy to be traveling to be married, the circumstances did not please her greatly. She loved Darcy, of this she was sure and he loved her, but to be married without Jane by her side.......
"Miss Bennet," he said in an attempt to lighten the mood. She looked at him, hopeful he would be able to cheer her. "I do believe we must have some conversation, though a little may suffice." He smiled, and Lizzy gradually began to giggle and then laugh.
And so the trip continued. Gradually both became happier and more relaxed, they had, after all traveled together before and now they had a much better opinion of each other. The silences were not unpleasant, and Darcy often pointed out landscapes that would interest Lizzy.
They stayed at the various estates of the Darcys and the Matlocks (he had informed his aunt and uncle of his plans when he had spoken with Georgiana at their home in London. They had offered the use of any of their properties that would be of use) and one small one belonging to a friend from University and at last they were in Scotland. They were in all ways proper, manservants and maids traveled with them, usually on the outside of the carriage, and at all stops Darcy was the perfect gentleman, insisting that Lizzy be given the best room available for guests.
As Lizzy had never traveled in this area before, she assumed that the estate they drove up to was Mr. Darcy's. It was a great surprise, therefore, when Mrs. Green met them at the door.
"Elizabeth, I am so happy to see you!"
"And I you!" Turning to Darcy (who had a satisfied smile on his face), "but how?" Darcy looked at her and Lizzy continued, "Oh I am sorry, Samantha Green, may I present Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy, this is my good friend Mrs. Samantha Green."
They exchanged pleasantries, then Elizabeth continued her questioning of Mr. Darcy, "You have still not answered my question, how have we come to be at my friend's home?"
"I obtained the directions from your uncle and here we are. I knew this trip would not be everything you had hoped for the occasion," he stopped her from denying this with a quick look, "and so this, my dear, is a wedding present." Lizzy smiled most becomingly, but Mrs. Green was the first to speak once her shock had subsided.
"Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, please come in, Mr. Bennet wrote my husband the strangest letter and from Mr. Darcy's last statement, I am sure that you have a story to tell."
"Yes, of course Samantha." And with that they went into the house, and, over a pleasant tea, Lizzy told her friend the entire story, starting with her first proposal.
"Lizzy, this is so romantic, but you are traveling together and still unwed. I can see by the looks your gentleman is giving me that he has misread my meaning. I do not doubt his affection, but should not the wedding be soon?"
It was Darcy who answered, "You are quite correct Mrs. Green, I had planned for the wedding to be this very afternoon. I did not bring Elizabeth here simply to be reacquainted with her friends, but to ask if her friends would care to be the witnesses to the ceremony."
Before Mrs. Green could answer Lizzy leapt to her feet and took a station beside Darcy's chair. "Oh Fitzwilliam, you are the very best of men, so thoughtful..."
"Elizabeth, perhaps your friend should have a chance to answer," he laughed.
"Indeed that would be an honor. My husband will be here in less than an hour, and Gretna Green is merely five miles away. Yes, I do believe there is to be a wedding today."
Lizzy beamed her delight, and she was rewarded by a smile such as she had never before seen on Darcy's face.
And so for the next forty minutes, Lizzy and her friend talked of old friends and gossip and Darcy sat quite happy with her transformation to her normal self. It was during this time that Mr. Green arrived home.
Mrs. Green made a quick introduction to Mr. Darcy, and then swept Lizzy away to prepare for her wedding, leaving Darcy to explain the situation to Mr. Green.
Mr. Darcy was hesitant in telling the story at first, for he was well aware of the letter that Mr. Bennet had sent, and this, coupled with his natural tendency toward shyness, made this conversation difficult.
Mr. Green was by no means unsympathetic, since receiving the letter he had planned on taking Lizzy in if she requested it, but he was glad for such a happy solution.
And so, two hours later, the happy foursome set off for a church. It was not difficult for Darcy to arrange the ceremony, and it was performed quite elegantly under the circumstances. The gown Lizzy wore was not the finest he had ever seen, nor were her flowers the most elegant, but his bride could never disappoint, and with the assistance of Mrs. Green, she had become the most beautiful bride he had ever seen. If a tear fell from her eyes due to the absence of her family, it was one among the many of joy that fell.
After the ceremony, the Darcys and the Greens departed for the Darcy estates for a fine dinner (the servants were well able to provide a good dinner for four at short notice) but the Greens declined the invitation to remain. It was late, but they did not wish to impose on the Darcys so early in their relationship. They left with many promises of visits over the next two weeks, which the Darcys were to spend in Scotland.
The day after her marriage, Lizzy wrote a letter to her sister Jane, her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, her mother, and her father. Mr. Darcy wrote to his sister, his Aunt Matlock and his Aunt Catherine. He also wrote to Lizzy's father, but did not share the contents of this correspondence with his wife.
Near the end of their two week residence, a number of letters arrived for the Darcys. Letters of congratulations came from Miss Darcy, Lady Matlock, the Gardiners, and Jane, whose letter had a small note from Mr. Bingley enclosed. Lady Catherine sent strong language of disowning her nephew and abuse of his wife, so great that it led to an estrangement between aunt and nephew for years to come. Mr. Bennet wrote with his disapproval of his daughter's actions but it contained a note from Mrs. Bennet who was so happy with the match she was willing to forgive the manner the marriage was arranged. The most unexpected letter arrived addressed to Mr. Darcy.
'Dear Sir,I had been informed by Mr. Bennet that my fiancée Miss Elizabeth Bennet has recently been married. This, I knew must be a falsehood for she would not break an engagement in such a way.
It was, therefore with great sadness that I was informed by my most esteemed and noble patroness that you are the man to whom she is wed. Lady Catherine de Bourgh has further informed me that this action, though you have informed her you are married, could not have taken place as you are engaged to Anne de Bourgh.
I, therefore, request that you release my cousin, though I could not marry her now after she traveled so far alone with a gentleman. Lady Catherine insists that you return and marry Miss Anne de Bourgh. She has arranged it with me that the service is to take place in two weeks, and you are expected at the church by four in the afternoon. Lady Catherine is making the arrangements as I write, for we have seen no marriage announcement stating you are married.
Yours, William Collins'
When Mr. Darcy showed his wife this letter, she was amused, and then concerned. What if his aunt placed the engagement notice? Darcy soon settled her fears.
"My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, I sent the notice to the London papers the day of our wedding. The papers are not going to print an engagement notice for a gentleman who is married, do not fear. And besides, we are married, so what do we care for scandal? What do you say we travel to the continent for six months rather than return to Pemberley. I will arrange to have Georgiana meet us in Rome with her new companion and my Cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and we can enjoy our new life together."
"That sounds wonderful," she said with enthusiasm, but then with less, "What of Jane and Bingley's wedding?"
"Did I not tell you? Bingley plans to honeymoon in Europe so we can arrange to travel with them in a month when they arrive."
"Thank you, for you know we cannot go to Longbourn for the wedding. I am not ready to face my father and mother, especially with the letters they have sent me." He pulled her close and whispered words of comfort into her hair and then, pulled away so he could look into her face.
"Elizabeth Darcy, you have made me the happiest I could ever be, I can only hope that I do the same for you." For an answer she smiled and snuggled in closer to his chest while whispering.
"You already have."
Three weeks after Georgiana arrived, the Bingleys joined the group. The six of them (including Mrs. Annesley who vastly enjoyed this opportunity to see Europe) traveled together for four months as Bingley had sold the lease on Netherfield and was planning on purchasing his own estate when they returned to England.
The decision to return to England was hurried along by the ladies. Elizabeth found herself in the family way. All were pleased with this change but sorry that their traveling had to end, so to Pemberley they went.
The Bingley's new estate was very pleasant, it was on a smaller scale than Pemberley, but the sisters were vastly happy. In addition to their happiness in their marriages, Bingley manor was not ten miles from Pemberley.
Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy baby girl but still would not go to her parents, and her father refused to be the first to write. It was not until they had three children that her parents met their grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Bingley invited the whole Bennet family to the christening of their first child Elizabeth Jane, three years and ten months after their marriage. The Darcys were to be the godparents so a meeting was inevitable. After careful consideration, Lizzy decided that her children should meet the rest of her family, and so, the day before the christening the Darcy family visited the Bennets at Bingley manor.
Reconciliation was slow and was not complete by the time of the death of her father. Lizzy was very sorry that the good relationship she had with her father was lost, but glad that they had worked on patching it up near the end.
And Mr. Collins. There is little to say of Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine. For many years Lady Catherine continued to instruct Mr. Collins that he must marry, but he had not family beyond the Bennets and no other young lady would be connected to such a man. So seven years after the marriage of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mr. Collins returned to Longbourn to claim the hand of his cousin Mary. Mary was more than happy to agree to the match and they had one son before Mr. Collins' death, three days after the death of Mr. Bennet, thus ensuring that Longbourn estate remained under the watchful eye of the more sensible members of the Bennet line.