Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of November 14, 2001
Jump to new as of November 18, 2001
Jump to new as of November 26, 2001
Posted on Monday, 26 November 2001
"Mr. Darcy!" Caroline's voice echoed through the hallway, and both Darcy and Elizabeth cringed at the sound of it.
"It'll be okay," Darcy whispered to Elizabeth. "Besides, if she gives you any more grief, I'll just throw her out."
Elizabeth just gave a small nod and pulled herself closer towards her William as her heart did a complete nose-dive and settled in her stomach. Elizabeth knew that she had proven Caroline wrong, as she and William were now engaged, but she still couldn't face Caroline. However, Caroline, as if on signal, waltzed flirtatiously towards Darcy, batting her eyelashes. Elizabeth hurriedly pulled the sleeve of Mr. Darcy's coat, which she was still wearing, over her hand, and successfully hid her engagement ring from Caroline's view.
"It is so good to see that you are all right, Darcy, for we were beginning to worry that something had happened to you. That storm sounded so very vicious," Caroline said sweetly, completely ignoring Elizabeth. "Come, Darcy, you must warm yourself by the fire."
"That is very thoughtful of you, Caroline, but I must see that Miss Bennet is first taken care of. She is completely soaked through, I am afraid that she might catch a fever or worse, pneumonia, if she is not tended to quickly," Darcy added, shooting Elizabeth a worried look.
"Oh, Darcy! How thoughtful of you to worry after Miss Eliza, even though she was so foolish enough to go running out during a thunderstorm," Caroline said, managing to praise Darcy and insult Elizabeth at the same time. Elizabeth could feel William's arm muscles tense up, and she knew he was restraining the urge to punch or strangle her.
"I suppose she must have had a good reason, Caroline. Miss Bennet does not seem like the person to foolishly run out during a thunderstorm for the mere thrill of it," Darcy replied somewhat agitatedly, but Caroline either did not note this, or refused to accept that Darcy was not agreeing with her comment. (Considering how extremely dense Caroline is, the first seems more suitable).
Elizabeth gave a small cough, not to draw attention but because she was becoming very cold. Darcy's attention turned to her, his eyebrows furrowed in worry.
"Excuse me, Caroline. I believe I'll take Miss Bennet upstairs now. Tell the rest of the party that I'll be down shortly," Darcy said with forced politeness, and Caroline gave a small nod in approval.
Darcy dragged Elizabeth up the stairs, causing Elizabeth to run to keep from being dragged along the carpet.
"Really, William, you're about to pull my arm out," Elizabeth said, half teasing and half in pain. Darcy, not wanting to cause his fiancée any more pain (or any at all), slowed down his pace and gave Elizabeth another worried look. Suddenly, a servant appeared, and Darcy stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Would you please tell some of the servants to quickly prepare a bath for Miss Bennet," Darcy said forcefully, and the servant nodded. "And also tell Winston to prepare a bath for me in my chambers, after Miss Bennet's bath has been prepared."
The servant nodded at this and quickly ran down the stairs, knowing that the urgency in Mr. Darcy's voice had to be for a reason. Mr. Darcy dragged Elizabeth into what she recognized as his study and locked the door.
"What's all this secrecy for, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked as he went over to his desk.
"We need to talk in private, and I want to make sure that Caroline does not walk in on us," Darcy replied seriously.
"About what?"
"I've decided to go onto London tomorrow to take care of a bit of business. While there, I can journey on to Longbourn and speak with your father about consent. He will give his consent, correct?" Darcy asked, and Elizabeth nodded. "It shouldn't take more than three days at the most."
"You're going to leave me along with Caroline and Mrs. Hurst for three days?" Elizabeth asked with wide eyes. "Do you always torment young ladies like this, or am I the exception?"
"I would invite you along, but then Georgiana would have to come along, and I couldn't very well leave the Bingleys here all alone, now could I? Caroline would be prancing around like she was Mistress within the first five minutes I was gone," Darcy said with a smile. "Besides, I'll be in more torment without you than you'll be in with Caroline."
"And Louisa," Elizabeth added in a high shrill voice, imitating Caroline, before sighing. "Promise me that you won't tell either of the about our engagement before you return. I'm as anxious to tell them as you are, but I doubt I could stand to be in the same county as them when they find out we're getting married. Especially without you." Darcy just smiled at this.
"I did also wish you to write a letter to your father about all this. It may seem strange when I arrive out of the clear blue asking for your hand in marriage."
"You're right. Give me a sheet of paper, and I shall do this immediately."
Elizabeth scribbled hastily a few lines to her father:
Father, doing fine at Pemberley. Enjoying Miss Darcy's company. Hope you and everyone else are well. I hope that Mama is not becoming to annoying with her constant chatter about Mr. Winterbury and Jane. Please do not be alarmed by Mr. Darcy's requests, for you can be assured that I love him very deeply. (I wonder why he even asks, because I would marry him with or without your consent.) Will be glad to see you in a few weeks.
Yours &tc.
Darcy, who was reading over Elizabeth's shoulder, smiled as he read bits and pieces of the letter.
"You'd marry me even without your father's consent?" He asked.
"Of course."
"New change of plans. How about we go to Gretna Green tonight, then? Skip the whole consent thing at Longbourn?" Darcy asked, giving Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek.
"What would my mother think! I suppose she would wring your neck for not allowing us to have a proper wedding, but I doubt she would, since she would be as charmed with you as I am!" Elizabeth exclaimed with a laugh, and Darcy kissed her again.
"Who's Mr. Winterbury?" Darcy asked with slight confusion.
"Don't ask. He's almost as bad as Mr. Collins, and looks twice as bad," Elizabeth said, suppressing a gag. "He's set his sights on my elder sister, Jane. My mother things he's the best thing to ever happen to the family, but the rest of the family can't stand him."
"I feel bad for your sister, then," Darcy said sympathetically. Elizabeth responded by shivering, and Darcy looked pale. "How selfish I am, locking you up in here while you catch your death of that rain!" Darcy ushered her out the door towards her room. "I'll talk to you later after you've had a bath and are warmed up."
With a quick peck on the lips he was gone down the hall, and Elizabeth sighed with happiness as she walked into her room. Only, she was unknowingly ambushed by three servants, who quickly got her out of her wet clothes and into a bath. Still, Elizabeth was too much in a dream world to notice.
Posted on Monday, 26 November 2001
Darcy left the next day for London, which left heartache with all of the female guests at Pemberley. Georgiana was upset at the prospect of her brother going to London, which was very unsafe at any time of the year, and Elizabeth was upset (although she concealed it quite well) that her fiancée was gone (for no matter what anyone believes, she really did love him). Caroline was upset that her future husband (although he did not know this) was gone, and to her, it was three days less that she had to win him over.
The three days went by rather quickly, as Caroline took up acting as the almost-mistress of Pemberley. Elizabeth spent most of her time speaking with Georgiana and Mr. Bingley, of whom she had varying ideas. Mr. Bingley and Georgiana did seem to make a very good couple, despite the difference in their ages. Both had very quiet demeanors, although Mr. Bingley was much more outgoing than Georgiana was. Still, they would make a good match, even though Elizabeth had the idea in the back of her mind that Mr. Bingley was perfect for her sister, Jane.
Mr. Darcy returned very late the evening of the third day, when most of the household was asleep. Everyone except for Georgiana, who was impatiently awaiting her brother's return. Mr. Darcy was surprised to see her, wrapped in a blanket, sitting in his study.
"Georgiana? Are you all right?" Darcy asked, walking over to her with a mask of worry on his face.
"Oh, Fitz! I was wondering when you'd be home," Georgiana said with a smile.
"Georgiana, what's wrong?"
"What do you mean, what's wrong?"
"Georgiana Darcy, I know that you would not wait up for me unless you had something on your mind," Darcy replied firmly, and Georgiana just sighed.
"I received a letter from Lady Allred today, saying that she planned on having a ball this winter. I decided that I would wear my new white dress if she did, and I went into your room to try on some of Mother's jewelry with it," Georgiana began.
"And..."
"And, well, as I rummaged through to find a suitable ring, I noticed Mother's engagement ring was gone," Georgiana said quietly. "I think that someone here must have stolen it."
"Is that what you waited up to ask me about?" Darcy asked with a laugh. "Is that all?"
"Fitz, this is serious! We have to have the whole house searched! We'll have to call in the police to catch this perpetrator!" Georgiana exclaimed, tears coming to her eyes.
"Georgiana, there is nothing to worry about. I know exactly where the ring is," Darcy said reassuringly.
"You ... what?" Georgiana asked, confused, and then her face went grave. "No, Fitz. I don't believe you."
"What?"
"HOW COULD YOU!" Georgiana whispered angrily. "How could you ask Caroline to marry you!"
"You..." Darcy began, as he fell into his chair and burst out laughing. "You think I asked Caroline to marry me? That's ridiculous!"
"Well, then, where is the ring?"
"I'll have you know that I gave it to Miss Bennet," Darcy replied.
"You..." Georgiana's face lit up when she realized what that meant. How could she have been so stupid? "You two are getting married?"
"Yes, Georgie, we are." Darcy replied, and Georgiana squealed with delight.
"You mean she's going to be my sister?" Georgiana asked, jumping up and down as she gave her brother a huge hug. "I'm going to finally have a sister?"
"Yes, and yes. I had hoped that you would be happy," Darcy confessed, and Georgiana nodded.
"Are you joking? I'm ecstatic! But wait..." Georgiana realized, stopping in her merriment. "Have you told Caroline yet."
"I suppose I'll tell her tomorrow," Darcy said with a hesitant sigh.
"You're very brave, Fitz," Georgiana replied with a grin. "Good luck - you'll need it."
"All right, sleepyhead, it's time for you to get to bed," Darcy said in his best parental voice. Georgiana just nodded and happily ran up the stairs at the prospect of having a new sister.
The next morning, the entire party was in the dining room, busily eating breakfast, when Georgiana came down.
"Good morning, dear Georgiana," Caroline gushed, and Georgiana just smiled as she walked towards her seat. Then, having a brilliant idea, immediately rushed up to Elizabeth.
"Congratulations," she exclaimed, giving her future sister a huge hug. Elizabeth just smiled and looked warily at Darcy.
"Congratulation?" Caroline asked. "Congratulations for what?"
"Yes, Georgiana, we must know!" Louisa added.
"Miss Bennet is engaged..."
"Oh really! Miss Bennet, you sly thing, keeping us in the dark like that!" Caroline exclaimed, happy that Elizabeth was no longer a threat to her plans.
"To who are you engaged, Miss Bennet?" Louisa asked.
"To my brother," Georgiana added with a smile. She watched as Louisa's face drained of its color, and Caroline stood up cautiously.
"You mean ... Elizabeth ... and ... Mr. Darcy ... are... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! "
Caroline's scream rattled throughout the house, but was not as loud as the sound of her body as she fainted and fell to the floor with a loud thump. Louisa was busy crying over her sister, whom she was afraid was dead. Mr. Hurst was getting a good laugh out of this, Elizabeth and Darcy were exchanging looks of laughter (and love), and Mr. Bingley was busy talking to Georgiana.
And while the house was in uproar for the next few minutes as Caroline's limp body was transported upstairs, Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy had to admit that they were all in relatively good moods.
Posted on Wednesday, 5 December 2001
Caroline's collapse (or Ducky's demise, as it had been dubbed in private) was the talk of the servants, and the rest of the party, for the entirety of the morning. Most comments were quite humorous (although to repeat them would be very rude to Caroline's 'fragile' condition). The doctor had been immediately called in to check on unresponsive Caroline, who lay in her bed as white as a ghost. The doctor had assured the party that Caroline was fine, was only in so much shock that she was asleep, and would probably wake up by dinnertime.
Mr. Hurst was glad to hear this, as he did not wish for dinner to be postponed while the sad, floppy group waited for Caroline to wake up. Louisa just kept crying next to her sister's bed while her husband cracked jokes, and Bingley stayed away from her room all together. He believed his sister was being a bit melodramatic for the occasion (mind you, he's not all that heartless, as he was very concerned with his sister's health).
Georgiana stayed only briefly, for looking at Caroline's unresponsive state made her want to be sick. Darcy, on the other hand, said in the room as long as it was necessary to, before giving his apologies as he headed for his study. It was not a lie when he said he had urgent business to attend to, for his wedding was business and he urgently wanted it to take place. Louisa looked upset when Darcy left the room and thought about her sister, which only made her cry more.
Elizabeth had briefly visited the limp Caroline until Louisa's cruel, hard stares at them became too much for her to bear. She hastily retreated to her room, where she found three letters waiting for her on her bureau. She recognized the first to be in her father's hand, and the other two from Jane and her mother. Elizabeth hastily ripped open her father's letter as she sat in a chair by the fire on this cold, rainy day.
It was a relatively long letter compared to the letters her father usually wrote, but compared to others, it was relatively short. Elizabeth skimmed quickly over the paper, laughing in all of the right spots.
My dearest Lizzy, no sooner had your mother and sisters gone out than my peace and serenity was broken by a most alarming of visitors. I was close to refusing to speak with him, but reluctantly gave in. He claimed that he wanted your hand in marriage, which seemed strange since you had not mentioned anything about him before. After assuring me of your consent to such a marriage, and brandish a letter which, after a thorough check, was in your hand, I gave him my consent. I hope nothing but the best for either of you, even though Mr. Darcy is taking away my sanest of daughters. I must admit that you found yourself a fine husband. I must confess, however, that my main motive of consent was the fact that I wanted to be present for your wedding, which I would not be able to do if you had gone to Gretna Green. I, as the rest of the family, will be waiting for your return in one week. God Bless You. Yours &tc.
Elizabeth just smiled at her father's letter, and laughed at how he was attempting to make her think he was upset at the marriage. Elizabeth was sure that her father would have been more than happy to speak with Mr. Darcy and to give him his consent. Elizabeth pushed aside that letter and warily opened up the one from her mother.
Have you no patience for my nerves, for you know not how negatively affected they were when I arrived home to hear from your father that you were engaged to Mr. Darcy! How dare you give me no warning of his coming! I hope you are satisfied, young lady, at causing me so much grief. But to think that you shall be married with a special license. Ten thousand a year! I shall go on distracted! I shall be the talk of the neighborhood, and imagine how jealous Lady Lucas will be! Oh, you must bring dear Mr. Darcy back to Longbourn as soon as possible, for the two of you must marry before he changes his mind. How cruel that I should not have been home to greet Mr. Darcy ...
The letter went on like this for some time, as Elizabeth noted, and, after being yelled at several times and having her fiancé praised, the letter ended. Elizabeth just rolled her eyes, and made sure to hide the letter from any prying (and possible blackmailing) eyes as she picked up her last and final letter, which was in Jane's hand. Elizabeth smiled, as she had not received a letter for the entire time she'd been at Pemberley, and was anxious to hear what she had to say.
Elizabeth, I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear about your engagement to Mr. Darcy. I hope that you are both very happy together, although I am sure you shall be. Mama was in hysterics when she first heard the news, but now spends her days worrying that Mr. Darcy will break off the engagement unless you are quickly married. Papa does nothing to discourage these comments, which makes Mama's worry increase and her nerves flair up. I fear all of the excitement is a bit trying for her nerves.I must warn you, though, that Kitty was not in the best of moods about your engagement. At first hearing of it, she immediately locked herself in her room, only to emerge hours later. She says nothing about your engagements, and I suppose that she tunes out mother's ranting. I fear that she may take her anger out on you when you return home. I hope that you two may make amends before any unpleasantness begins, though. Mary says nothing substantial, only spouting quotes about the ideals of an obedient wife, and how improper your staying in the same residence as your fiancée is, which I won't continue into detail with.
Longbourn is just as you left it, and so is Meryton. Mr. Winterbury has called for dinner several times while you were away, and Mama is certain that he will propose to me shortly. I suppose I should be glad of his attentions, but to be honest, dear Lizzy, I neither want them nor seek them. I pray that he does not propose for I would much rather not marry him, to be honest. I almost wish for you to bring me a husband back with you, as I am sure that Mr. Darcy knows quite a few young men. I only tease you, Lizzy, for you know my disposition and wishes. I should so much like to marry for love, rather than for the fact that Mama finds the man rich and secure.
I cannot wait for your return in one week, and I hope that your journey is safe. Give my best wishes to Mr. and Miss Darcy. God Bless You, Yours &tc.
I almost wish for you to bring me a husband back with you, as I am sure that Mr. Darcy knows quite a few young men. Jane's words echoed in Elizabeth's head as she thought immediately of Mr. Bingley. They would make such a good match, Elizabeth thought. But Georgiana ...
"What are you smiling about?" Darcy's voice asked, startling Elizabeth in her dreamworld.
"Nothing. I was only reading something humorous in my sister's letter," Elizabeth replied as Darcy gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"How did your family react to our engagement?" Darcy asked.
"Quite well, considering that they know nothing of you, your background, or your character," Elizabeth replied, planting a kiss on Darcy's lips. "You could be a murderer or a highwayman for all we know."
"True," Darcy said, returning the kiss. "How shall I ever wait until our wedding? Are you quite certain you don't wish to travel to Gretna Green tonight?"
"Positive, Sir," Elizabeth replied, placing her letters in her lap. "I do believe my father collapse with grief if he was not allowed to see his daughter's wedding."
"Your father was very agreeable when I met with him," Darcy said.
"Yes. It sounds like he's rather taken with you, judging by the letter, although he won't admit that in person," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"I should have like to meet with the rest of your family, but they were off in town," Darcy added, and Elizabeth smiled.
"Yes, my mama is very fond of shopping, as our my two youngest sisters."
"As is Georgiana."
"You shall meet them soon enough, for I hope we won't be waiting long for the wedding," Elizabeth said, looking deeply into Darcy's eyes.
"Nor do I. Georgiana and I will travel with you until London, as I have more business there. Hopefully you and your family can travel to London so wedding plans can be made up shortly," Darcy responded, and Elizabeth nodded.
"That seems like a very good plan," Elizabeth said, giving Darcy another kiss. "I change my mind. I'm marrying you for your sensibility."
"You have quite a good head of sense on your shoulders, as well," Darcy added.
"Sensibility and sense - sounds like a book my sister would read," Elizabeth added, and Darcy smiled.
"Or mine."
The two spent quite a good amount of time speaking with each other, until Georgiana interrupted their solace, expressing a wish to go riding with Elizabeth. As the two headed off onto the wet grounds, Elizabeth had a small sense of dread forming in the back of her mind as the prospects of returning home loomed in the near future.
Posted on Wednesday, 5 December 2001
Most would wish that Caroline stayed in her deathly form, but she did not. (I feel your pain at this news) Sadly, she awoke three days later, just in time for lunch. A great screaming was heard on behalf of her sister when Louisa first found her sister awake. Caroline stayed in bed the rest of the day, immediately leaving the next with Louisa, Mr. Hurst, and Mr. Bingley for their home in London. Caroline would have stayed longer, but her embarrassment at what had happened at breakfast still loomed over her.
The week went by so quickly for Elizabeth that she was soon on her way to London. Georgiana and Darcy stayed with her until London, but that part of the journey seemed to go by the quickest. The three were engaged in lively conversation that the hours seemed to go by in the blink of an eye, and soon Darcy and Elizabeth unhappily parted, with the prospects of seeing each other within the week the only solace for the two lovebirds.
Every mile closer to Longbourn made Elizabeth worry more and more. She tried in vain to read her book, but the constant bumping and rattling of the carriage made her mind uneasy. Elizabeth had no clue how Kitty would react, or what Kitty would say about her engagement.
Why do I even worry? It is not as if Mr. Darcy ever showed Kitty any bit of particularity or interest in Kent? She acts as if I stole Mr. Darcy away from her! Elizabeth thought angrily.
One look out of the window told Elizabeth that they were coming up the way to Longbourn, and the hasty stop of the carriage confirmed that. Elizabeth was jolted from her seat as the carriage door opened, and Elizabeth was carefully helped out of the carriage.
" Elizabeth!" Mrs. Bennet yelled as she ran outdoors. "You are finally home!"
"It is good to be back."
"Do not vex me, child, for I know that you would much rather be at Pemberley that here! Oh, if only you had brought Mr. Darcy with you! Then we could begin immediately on plans for the wedding," Mrs. Bennet droned.
"Mama, Mr. Darcy invited us to his home in London to make up the plans," Elizabeth replied, causing Mrs. Bennet to exclaimed violently her joy at such news.
With this, Mr. Bennet, Mary, and Jane emerged from the house, all overjoyed to see Elizabeth returned home.
"Ah, Lizzy! I had thought that this would be the last trip for you for some time now, but you are to leave us soon!" Mr. Bennet replied, giving his favorite daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Are you tired of your family already?"
"No, father, and I doubt I ever will be," Elizabeth replied.
"Oh, Elizabeth! You must hurry and get inside! Mr. Winterbury is to come to dinner tonight, and you must look your best for him! He is very anxious to give you his congratulations, I believe," Mrs. Bennet replied, pulling Elizabeth towards the door while raising her eyebrows at Jane. "Among other things."
Elizabeth just smiled and walked towards Jane, giving her sister a huge hug.
"I missed you so, Jane," Elizabeth said. "But you look sad! Do not tell me you are not excited for tonight's dinner!"
"Elizabeth, do not tease! This is not the time!" Jane replied stiffly, but Elizabeth could detect the smallest of smiles on her face.
"I have seen the rest of the family, but not Kitty. Where is she?" Elizabeth asked.
"In her room."
"She would not grant me the pleasure of her company?" Elizabeth teased, and Jane shook her head.
"I think ... I think that you should go upstairs and speak with her before dinner, and get this whole mess out of the way," Jane replied, after some thought. Elizabeth just nodded, gave her sister one last hug, and walked cautiously into the house and up the stairs.
She stopped in front of Kitty's door, and took a deep breath. Please don't throw anything at me! Elizabeth prayed to her self as she raised her hand and knocked firmly on the oak door. A muffled reply was heard, which Elizabeth took as a 'come in' invitation.
"Kitty?"
Muffle mumble.
"Kitty, it's Elizabeth."
"I know who it is. Do you think me a simpleton?" was Kitty's snappy reply.
"Can we talk, Kitty?" Elizabeth asked.
"We're talking already."
"Kitty, I mean have a serious talk," Elizabeth replied. "Something has torn us apart, and I sincerely wish to mend our rift."
There was a long silence, so Elizabeth decided to make the most of it and continue on.
"Are you upset at me for accepting Mr. Darcy's proposal?" Elizabeth asked, walking over to where Kitty lay on her bed, and sitting down in a nearby chair. "Kitty?"
There was another long pause, and Elizabeth was close to grabbing Kitty and shaking an answer out of her. Finally, Kitty replied.
"He'll be at your wedding."
"Mr. Darcy? Of course. You can't have a wedding without the groom," Elizabeth teased, and Kitty just sighed.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"Well, yes, I suppose he will be there, since he is Mr. Darcy's cousin..." Elizabeth said hesitantly.
"Do you ..."
"Do I what, Kitty?"
Pause. "Do you think he hates me?" Kitty asked timidly. "For rejecting him?"
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to pause and think. Did she tell Kitty that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been miserable every since she had rejected him, or should she flat out lie about his feelings for her. Why was everything so complicated!
"I don't really know," Elizabeth replied. "I don't know why he'd hate you, though."
"Because I rejected him."
"Kitty, is this what's bothering you?" Elizabeth finally asked, and Kitty nodded. "I'm sure he thinks minimally about what happened in Kent."
"I don't. It crosses my mind every second of the day," Kitty replied, a tear rolling down her cheek. "What if I made a mistake? What if that was my only chance to be a wife?"
"Kitty, I am sure that you will be admired wherever you go. If it was meant to be, then your dealings with Colonel Fitzwilliam are not yet over," Elizabeth replied.
"Do you believe so?" Kitty asked curiously.
"Yes. But you are only eighteen. You have your whole life to find that right person for you," Elizabeth added. "You should start getting ready for dinner. Mr. Winterbury is to be our guest." With that, Elizabeth walked towards the door.
"Are we friends again?" Kitty asked timidly.
"Of course, Kitty. We'll always be friends," Elizabeth replied with a smile as she quietly closed the door. Elizabeth happily walked to her room to prepare for the evening, with a picture of her fiancé implanted in her mind.
Posted on Friday, 14 December 2001
London
Things between the Bennet sisters remained particularly calm for the next few days. Kitty and Elizabeth were on good terms after their conversation, and seemed closer than ever. Elizabeth had to admit that she was growing very close to her younger sister, who seemed so altered since Lydia's departure and marriage. Elizabeth had to confess that she was beginning to feel that she and Kitty were closer than she and Jane were, at the moment.
Mr. Winterbury continued to shower his attentions to Jane, who paid them as politely as possible without seeming cruel (although I suppose Jane would never be cruel, especially to an oaf like Mr. Winterbury). Mrs. Bennet ranted and raved endlessly, wondering when Mr. Winterbury would propose. Elizabeth and Jane hoped never, Mr. Bennet could care less about Mr. Winterbury, as he was more concerned over how far away his Elizabeth was going to be. Mrs. Bennet just cooed about how envious Mrs. Long will feel when Mr. Winterbury marries Jane.
Mr. Winterbury barely talked to Elizabeth that evening, although mentioning to her about her engagement.
"Miss Elizabeth, I must congratulate you on your engagement!" Mr. Winterbury had exclaimed, sitting down next to her (what he assumed would one day be his sister) with a huge smile on his face.
"Thank you, Mr. Winterbury."
"You have my warmest wishes towards a happy marriage," Mr. Winterbury added. "It is hoped that all can be happy in a marriage with a partner they can love and trust." With this last comment, Mr. Winterbury looked toward Jane with a smile on his face, something that Elizabeth couldn't help noticing and had to suppress a grimace (Mrs. Bennet also noticed, and had to suppress a scream of joy).
"Yes. That is my philosophy also."
"I hear you are to be married to a very substantial man in society, Miss Elizabeth. A Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire?" Mr. Winterbury asked.
"Yes. Have you ever heard of him?" Elizabeth asked curiously, praying that he wasn't some close acquaintance of William's.
"I have heard that he is very wealthy to the extent of at least ten thousand a year, although preferably more," Mr. Winterbury exclaimed, his eyebrows raised. "It is a fortune to your family."
"Yes, sir. It is."
"It looks well upon your family to marry so highly, as it will certainly throw your younger sisters into the paths of other rich men," Mr. Winterbury added with an unstated underlying meaning. Elizabeth just smiled, and ended the conversation there.
It was later decided that Elizabeth and her mother would stay in London, with the Gardiners, for a few days while they shopped for a wedding dress for Elizabeth. (Mrs. Bennet than decided this more by Elizabeth.) Elizabeth had decided that one of her fancy white dresses would suit her just fine, but Mrs. Bennet would not allow the opportunity to go to London go to waste, and they were off the next morning for London.
Elizabeth and her mother searched feverishly for three days trying to find the perfect wedding dress. Anything that Elizabeth remotely liked was immediately shot down by her mother, claiming it was not fancy enough for the wife of Mr. Darcy. Anything that Mrs. Bennet like was too frilly (or silly) for anyone in their right mind to wear, and was quickly rejected by Elizabeth. Finally, after three days, the perfect wedding dress was found. It was neither too fancy nor too simple, with a style of elegance and a reasonable price to match it. It was quickly ordered, and Elizabeth and her mother left with a smile on their faces that afternoon.
Now, we mustn't forget that the two did see something of Mr. and Miss Darcy while they were in town. An invitation had arrived, inviting the two to dinner one evening while they were in town, and had been readily accepted by Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth was dreading the meeting, but Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed at the prospects of finally meeting her future son-in-law.
It is common knowledge that when you dread something, time just seems to fly by. In the matter of the blink of an eye, it was time to go to dinner at the Darcy townhouse, and Elizabeth's stomach was in a fit of butterflies being attacked by lizards (or whatever else eats butterflies. Elizabeth was too nervous to think about this one.)
Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth were quickly shown to one of the many sitting rooms (different from Elizabeth's last visit) where Mr. and Miss Darcy sat formally (and Darcy handsomely) with huge smiles on their faces when they saw the Bennets.
"Hello, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet," Georgiana said shyly in an almost whisper.
"Why, Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you at last! You have a very sweet room here, I must say! With such beautiful views!" Mrs. Bennet gushed, walking over to Miss Darcy. "And Mr. Darcy! A pleasure to meet you as well, for I was very much despaired over not meeting with you when you came to Longbourn!"
"As was I, ma'am," Mr. Darcy replied formally.
"You had just caught us out shopping, which is highly unlikely for my family, but was necessary at the time. I suppose Miss Darcy must be forever shopping," Mrs. Bennet asked, and Georgiana just blushed.
"Indeed," was Georgiana's only reply.
"And I was very sorry that you did not meet the rest of my girls, for they will be your new sisters-in-law, and were very upset at not meeting you," Mrs. Bennet rambled, and Elizabeth tried to discreetly roll her eyes.
The rest of the evening continued on like this. Mrs. Bennet ranted and praised, Miss Darcy kept her mouth shut and her eyes to her plate, and the two lovebirds kept staring at each other with intense love. (I won't bore you with all of the details of the evening, as I am sure all of Mrs. Bennet's comments will either 1. Make you fall sleep, or 2. Make you violent. )
Overall, the evening could be considered a success to Mrs. Bennet, who was pleased to be acquiring such a handsome, rich son-in-law, and had set her sights now on finding rich husbands for the rest of her single daughters.
Posted on Friday, 14 December 2001
The engagement dinner was held two nights before the wedding, at Netherfield. Mr. Hurst had decided to lease Netherfield for a year, as it was rumored that it was a very good piece of land for hunting (as hunting was the only thing Mr. Hurst woke up for, besides eating). The Hursts had gracious, although reluctantly, allowed the Bennets to use their home for the party, and Mrs. Bennet had readily accepted the invitation.
Most of the neighborhood was there, including the Longs (who were quite envious, thank you very much) and the Phillips, who were also envious yet joyful at the fact of having such a wealthy nephew-in-law. Miss and Mr. Bingley had also been invited, and accepted, along with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had strangely turned down the invitation. Although to Darcy, Elizabeth, and Kitty, the reason for his rejection was not unknown. Mrs. Bennet was upset that such an eligible man was not to be in attendance, and cried for almost two days straight.
The night began calmly and contentedly, as Elizabeth stood near the doorway with Darcy and welcomed their guests. Both would occasionally steal looks towards the other, but tried their best to focus all of their attentions to those who had come to celebrate with them. (There would be no time after the wedding, as Darcy and Elizabeth would immediately leave for London as to be there by nightfall). No real events occurred until Mrs. Bennet found one suitable gentleman among the group, a particularly friendly gentleman.
"Jane! Lizzy! Come here," Mrs. Bennet said, ushering them towards her. Elizabeth paid her excuses to Charlotte Lucas and went over with her sister and mother. "Do you see that man there?" Elizabeth squinted the gestured direction.
"Oh, you mean Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said, after a moment's hesitation.
"Mr. Bingley! Is that not the most handsomest name ever?" Mrs. Bennet asked. "Besides Darcy, of course dear Lizzy."
Jane just mumbled a reply, and Mrs. Bennet seemed to be satisfied with that.
"I have heard that he has five thousand a year! Is he not a dream, Jane?" Mrs. Bennet asked, and Jane just gave a small nod, although Elizabeth could tell he was certainly captivating Jane's attention. "Although I am very shocked at you, Elizabeth, for not mentioning him sooner to myself and your sister. Mr. Winterbury is nothing compared to him." Mrs. Bennet whispered this last bit under her breath, as Mr. Winterbury was attending the party with his sister.
"Yes, Mama, he is," Jane agreed at length, and Elizabeth smiled inwardly.
It was at this time that Miss Bingley came over, with Mrs. Hurst, to speak with Jane, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet. They had, for the entirety of the conversation, been watching them. To Caroline, it had been obvious that Mrs. Bennet was setting her sights on Mr. Bingley to marry one of the Bennet girls, and neither Caroline nor Louisa would have that happen. (Their excuse was, of course, that they didn't want to have Georgiana's fragile feelings hurt).
"Hello, Miss Elizabeth. I hope you are well?" Caroline asked, walking coldly towards Elizabeth.
"Yes, I am well," Elizabeth replied. Mrs. Bennet gave a small cough, and Elizabeth just hurriedly realized where she was. "Oh, Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, this is my mother and my eldest sister, Jane."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bennet, and you, Miss Bennet," Louisa replied, and Caroline just nodded.
"And you, Mrs. Hurst. I must complement you on your fine decoration of Netherfield. It is so good to have new neighbors, especially those with taste," Mrs. Bennet complemented, and Mrs. Hurst just smiled.
"How long you expect to be in the neighborhood, Miss Bingley?" Jane asked, and Caroline gave a small smile.
"My brother and I are planning on returning to London sometime after the wedding, probably within a few days. I must warn you, Miss Elizabeth, that we will most likely be visiting you in London shortly, as I, as well as my brother am very anxious to see Georgiana again," Miss Bingley replied, and Mrs. Bennet looked quite confused at this statement.
"We have great hopes for another union to be taking place shortly. One that will most likely combine two great families of England," Mrs. Hurst said more bluntly, and Mrs. Bennet finally got the whole meaning of what was being said. She was a bit shocked at this straightforward remark, but tried to cover up her surprise as best she could.
"Well, I hope that this such union will soon take place, so I can give my warmest congratulations to the couple," Mrs. Bennet added with a small smile.
"As do we," Miss Bingley replied as the two ladies walked on to speak with another acquaintance.
"Well, I never!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet in a whisper when she was sure that the two ladies were out of hearing range. "To be so curt as to say such a thing!"
"Mama, I am sure that they had the best intentions. I am sure that they merely wished to inform me that Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy had something between them. The wished that I did not hope for something more and get hurt in the process," Jane replied, and Elizabeth was overcome with her sweetness and ability to see good in people.
"I am sure that cannot be it, however right you may be!" Mrs. Bennet replied angrily. "Lizzy, was there ever any peculiar regard on either party's side when you went to Pemberley."
"Mama! This is neither the time nor place to discuss this!" Elizabeth replied bitterly.
"Elizabeth ."
"Fine. There was a small bit, yes, on Miss Darcy's side. I am not sure of Mr. Bingley's side, but I did not speak with him very much. He did seem to be very attentive to Miss Darcy, though," This was a peculiar answer, because Elizabeth did not want to raise her mother's hopes, nor Jane's. But Elizabeth did not want to lower any chances that Georgiana had with Mr. Bingley if the two really were, truly, in love.
Mrs. Bennet was not satisfied with this answer, but kept her distaste hidden as much as possible. The rest of the evening was spent agreeably, although Mrs. Bennet refused to clap after Georgiana had timidly played a piece beautifully on the pianoforte for the group. Elizabeth sighed as she realized that the next evening she was to be 'Mrs. Darcy.' She did not mind this thought, but hungrily awaited the moment when she would become Mr. Darcy's wife.
Posted on Friday, 14 December 2001
It was one of those weddings that rivals all others. Elizabeth was dressed splendidly, and most commented that she appeared to be as beautiful as an angel, as graceful as a princess, and holy as a saint. Darcy looked very formal and handsome in his outfit, and many girls envied Elizabeth after the wedding. The ceremony went off without a hitch and before too long, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were married.
The Darcys immediately left for London afterwards, even with all of Mrs. Bennet's pleadings to stay (where, I have no idea.) Mr. and Mrs. Darcy calmly rejected the plans, and were on their way to London to spend their honeymoon together. (But we won't go into that).
It can be said that Mrs. Bennet cried - she cried a great deal. Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed that her daughter was marrying so well, into such a rich family. She also had great hopes that she would soon be watching Jane marry, to either Mr. Winterbury or any other suitable, rich young man that came into the neighborhood (Mr. Bingley, perhaps? I know many people would be pleased.)
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had grimaces on their faces throughout the entire ceremony. (I also have it on good authority that Caroline burst out into tears when she returned to Netherfield.) Mr. Bingley had nothing but joy for the happy couple, and wished that he too could be so happy in a relationship. Georgiana was overjoyed at finally having a sister, especially one that she loved so dearly, and couldn't wait until she was back in London.
One other guest cannot be forgotten, and must be said before this story can end. Colonel Fitzwilliam attended the wedding. He, however, stood in the back of the church and looked gloomily upon the happy couple. It could not be said what he was thinking, but he left abruptly before the ceremony had ended by slipping outside quietly, and no one seemed to know that he had been there. No one except for, well, Kitty.