Beginning, Previous Section, Section III
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Chapter 27
As Elizabeth entered back into the sitting room once again, both her elder sister and her future brother stood immediately upon observing her distressed condition and speedily hastened towards her direction. Elizabeth found her legs were increasingly weak with every passing moment and motioned for the servant, Fosset, to obtain and present her cloak.
"I must go," she croaked as Fosset helped the lady into her newly procured outing cape. Jane looked upon her fiancé with dreadfully worried eyes before she directed them back towards Elizabeth and inquired in a trembling voice;
"Lizzie, what did she say?" The troubled lady looked about her to discover Mr Darcy was not in the room and returned to shaking her head continually. "I must go," Elizabeth repeated as inaudibly as she did chokingly whilst she tied the cloak clasp around her neck. "I promised Mama I would be back before tea." Once done struggling with her cape, the lady curtseyed to exit but could not immediately once examining her still quite sick sister's petrified expression. Gifting Jane with a forlorn smile and a squeeze of the hand Elizabeth attempted to speak, though her voice refused to suspend quivering. "Do not worry, Jane. I am strong. I am. Now, I- I must now go." Wishing one last goodbye to Mr Bingley, the lady left the premises before either could halt her and her exodus was merely accompanied by their feeble attempts to call her back.
Elizabeth quite accelerated into a fast paced run as her walking quickened and the lady felt hot tears suddenly and unexpectedly roll down her cheeks. She was not the type of female who would usually cry for a gratuitous reason, and she usually would not have taken Lady Catherine's pompous and pretentious remarks to heart but in this case... She wiped her moist face with the back of her hand vigorously once outside air was reached and found that her Ladyship's words came hauntingly back to her...
"Do not play with me, Miss Bennet; you know I shall not endure it. Answer me yes or no. Are you engaged to my nephew?" Elizabeth had stopped for a considerable amount of time before she gave her answer, trying both Lady Catherine's patience and temper and her own confusions. She dearly wished to say 'Yes, Lady Catherine, indeed I am' in the loudest possible voice and to say it truthfully, but she found the painful truth had to be known instead of her betraying her quite whimsical imaginings.
"I am not." Elizabeth greatly desired to remove that look of relief that washed over Lady Catherine's sharp features by quickly declaring the statement to be an untruth... but that act would have been a falsehood in itself. Lady Catherine looked quite content and almost pleased as she requested the next application.
"And will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement?"And ruin my minuscule chance of his asking for the one thing I long for most in the world?
"I will make no promise of the kind," Elizabeth said determinably and almost enjoyed doing so for the reaction it brought upon her Ladyship's face was quite entertaining indeed!
"Insolent girl!" Lady Catherine had exploded with energetic anger, but still not fazing the ever-strong Elizabeth. "So, it is your devious plan to woo my nephew! Well, I shall not have it; do you hear me, Miss Bennet? I will not! Mr Darcy is engaged to my daughter, Anne, and will remain so until they are securely wed!" Elizabeth felt her face flush with anger and clenched both fists before she continued.
"Perhaps you should tell Mr Darcy of this course of action, Madam, for I am not sure he is even conscious of its existence."
"My nephew knows of all the particulars!" Lady Catherine carried on in her angry state and stood to prove her point's significance. "But you may have distracted him with your licentious methods and allurements," Lady Catherine quite snorted as she persisted. "I am not surprised with what degrading means you country girls will lower yourselves to secure a rich husband... but you shall not take this one! I forbid it!" Elizabeth could not believe her temper had taken the best of her as she recalled her next infuriated sentence.
"Are you his keeper, Madam? Do you decide his life and what he is to do with it?" Lady Catherine was quite taken aback. In fact, she was very for she could not speak for the shock of Elizabeth's words for a good minute. When that minute passed, she was back to her fuming tone.
"I have never witnessed such rudeness! Such bad breeding! Obstinate, headstrong girl, mark my words! I will never allow a girl of your sort to ever become Mistress of Pemberley. I shall die before I see you take the role of my dear sister. I shall disown that pig-headed nephew of mine if he even considers you as a prospective wife!" Before Elizabeth could quip back Lady Catherine uttered one last soft-worded caution as she managed to finally compose herself into a reasonable state. "I know about all your true dealings with Darcy at Brighton, Miss Bennet," she hissed dangerously. "Even you must agree that you would pollute the Shades of Pemberley and ruin my nephew's name and status within wedlock. No one will solicit his company. He will be shunned in public and will be looked down upon for the rest of his life." She paused as she saw she had finally managed to quieten and discomfort the intractable Miss Elizabeth. Wetting her lips slightly, she performed her grand finale impeccably. "If you truly cared for him, you would not destroy him thus." That was the very moment Elizabeth had realised that they could never be together... and that was the sentence where all her tears originated. However, she held them back in Lady Catherine's presence and her Ladyship carried on. "So, do we have an arrangement, Miss Bennet?" Elizabeth shook her head as Lady Catherine repeated the request again but more forcefully.
"Excuse me," she said as her head reeled and she thought she would quite literally be sick. "I must go." I was not exaggerating... I would ruin him. I would disgrace him, his grand ancestry and the name of Darcy. Can I allow merely my vain happiness to destroy all that he finds important? And with that last and terribly bewildered sentence, Elizabeth had exited the room pursued by Lady Catherine's insulting and thunderous remarks chasing behind her....
Get out of my head! Leave my thoughts! She cried within her mind and resulted in sprinting towards Meryton and finally Longbourne as she tried to outrun her poignant and unpleasant memories and dry her uncontrollable tears.
Chapter 28
"Where have you been?" he demanded in a desperate tone and Darcy was quite taken aback by the new behaviour of his closest friend. He finally answered in a bewildered tone.
"I have been walking about your park, Bingley," Trying not to go mad by thinking of what Lady Catherine could be saying to my Elizabeth. In a concerned voice, Darcy inquired, "Why? What has happened?" Bingley did not speak immediately and Darcy found his new manners unnerving. He found his heart beating frenziedly as he choked. "Elizabeth? What has happened to Elizabeth?"
"Talk to your Aunt, Darcy." Darcy could not endure Bingley's solemn tone and spoke animatedly,
"Damn it, Bingley! Tell me!"
"She left here in a terrible condition."
"And you let her go?!" Darcy cried out at his quite calm companion.
"I suggest you speak to your aunt if you would like to know the full story," His friend replied, exhaling deeply. "She is the only person but Elizabeth to know." Bingley walked towards the door and turned to Darcy. "If you will excuse me, I must return to Jane. She has been in a state since her sister's distressed departure."
As Darcy opened the door his aunt stood up and spun around to face him. Her features softened once she came to see it was indeed him in her presence.
"I thought you were, Miss Bennet," she spoke sharply. Darcy did not think as he immediately spoke.
"What have you said to her, aunt?" Lady Catherine let out a sharp breath as she prepared for her energetic speech.
"It is her that has offended me, Darcy!" She spat out angrily. "She used such filthy language that I have never heard in all my life!" Darcy shook his head. Nothing his Aunt could say would ever make him think ill of Elizabeth. In fact, not even Georgiana could persuade him against her. The two women I love the most in the world have never met. How I long for Georgiana to learn from Elizabeth's spark and vivacity... Realising he was getting, once again, quite sidetracked, Darcy coughed to shake out of his reverie and began again.
"Aunt, you must have prompted her."
"How dare you, boy!" she boomed, causing her nephew to both cringe and close his eyes. "Just because of your disgusting partiality to the creature does not mean she is so innocent!" She could insult him as much as she wished to, but she could never utter a word against Elizabeth... he would not allow it.
"Lady Catherine, please do not ever speak about her so when in my presence." Her Ladyship narrowed her eyes as she discovered the profundity of his feelings for the gold digging child.
"So, you are under her spell. That vindictive little witch! Mark my words, Darcy, no matter how much she pretends to love you, it is merely your money she is after!" Darcy was about to answer back when he halted himself. Did she utter the words 'she', 'love' and 'you' in the same sentence?
"She said she loved me?" his voice trembled with fear, sudden excitement and new hope. Lady Catherine did not note the optimism in her nephew's eyes as she carried on in a disgusted voice.
"She said she refused to not marry you!" Darcy restrained himself from jumping in the air and punching his fist in the sky. "Watch out for her, my boy, she is a sly one!" He could not keep his mind focused as her Ladyship spoke, which she supposed to be due to his now negative feelings for Elizabeth. Feeling triumphant, Lady Catherine added, "If I were you, I would visit her and let my sentiments be known!" Darcy nodded and pressed his lips together from smiling, even laughing! Tight-lipped, he replied.
"Thank you, Aunt. I shall go directly." He kissed his Aunt's offered hand, turned and sprinted out the door.
"Dearest?" Bingley whispered as he opened his fiancé's door. Jane looked up at her Charles from her moist pillow and he felt his heart break with every tear that fell upon her face. He hurried towards her and embraced her lovingly.
"Oh, Charles," she sobbed into his shoulder as he stroked her hair. "What have we done?"
"Dearest, it is all for the best." He said relaxingly, though he himself doubted his words. Jane shuddered against his chest as she continued her weeping.
"We should never have interfered. Just seeing that look upon Lizzie's face, and knowing I had caused it..."
"If we did not write the letter then nothing would have brought them together." Bingley attempted to convince both Jane and himself. His fiancé merely shook her head against him and he felt exceedingly culpable for thinking up the plan originally.
"But how do we know this?" Jane moved her face so she was staring into his eyes, and he found himself stroking her cheek lovingly as he endeavoured reassurance.
"I have seen them together, Jane. They stare at one another longingly but I know Darcy will never ask for her hand for his fear becomes him." Jane composed herself slightly as Bingley wiped away her tears. She smiled weakly as she accepted the reality.
"Do we know what Lady Catherine said to Lizzie?"
"No, I could not hear through the door," he smiled sheepishly. "But hopefully she mentioned to her our bogus account of the occurrences at Brighton but not in too much depth." Jane, who had never hazarded trickery in all her three and twenty years, could not help but question for her inexperience made her nervous at their being caught.
"It will not ruin Lizzie's reputation if Lady Catherine reveals it in public?" Bingley shook his head and squeezed her hand.
"No. Simply seducing a man to follow you to Brighton is not going to make an impression upon a person." Jane raised a brow softly, as she pondered if her companion thought over what he said.
"But are you certain? I could not bear to be the cause of Lizzie's troubles..." Bingley shook his head once again, but more adamantly in this occasion as he spoke in a strong voice.
"It is all taken care of. I have already forged a letter in my sister's hand pronouncing the story as a complete hoax." Jane smiled lovingly and her eyes shone as she gently whispered.
"Should I be worried that you are so cunning, my dear?" Bingley grinned for Jane finally looked content and was absolutely correct about his sudden perspicacity.
"I'm sure it is a temporary thing. It shall pass as soon as they are both united." Jane nodded with still a hint of a smile upon her beautiful features.
"So the trip with Lydia was actually worthwhile, in a strange way."
"It was." The two were silent for a considerable while before Jane spoke insecurely once again.
"What do you think happened at Brighton, Charles? She refuses to tell me the full story." Bingley shrugged, for he was none the wiser.
"That is between herself and Darcy."
"Do you truly believe this is going to unite them?" Jane asked as soon as he finished. Her hopeful look melted Bingley's heart and he could not help but give her the answer she wished... and he truly desired as well.
"Yes, I do, dearest."
"But I know Lizzie," Jane began worriedly again as she stood and paced a little. Bingley sighed slightly but did not quit smiling as her consternation touched him. "She will not marry Mr Darcy if she believes his reputation will be tainted." He pulled her down beside him as he rested her fears.
"That is why your letter to her is so important. Does Mary still have it?" Jane nodded, and exhaled in some relief.
"Yes, hopefully, she will give it to Lizzie once she returns home." Bingley looked upon the clock on the mantle.
"Then, that should be taking place about now." The sudden knock on the door shocked then intimidated the two conspirators, revealing that they were not the slyest couple in the world! Darcy entered and both were quite shocked to see his excited and restless countenance.
"Bingley, I must away to Longbourne this instant. May I borrow a carriage?"
"No, Darcy," Bingley said solemnly and both Darcy and Jane were shocked at his answer. However, the gentleman soon revealed a suppressed smile. "You cannot borrow a thing unless I am in your company." Darcy was about to protest when Jane's voice also joined the conversation.
"And I," the lady said lightly. "I believe I am suddenly fully recovered enough to leave for home." Very convincing, Bingley thought as he watched his fiancé willingly attempt deceit and could not help but wish to burst with pride. "Just give me a few minutes," She continued as she gave Bingley a knowing smile. "I shall be changed, packed and down without delay."
Chapter 29
Mary Bennet studied the window without a blink of an eye but an awful amount of nervous fidgeting and a pursing of her thin and quivery lips. In her hand she held the letter Jane had expressly wished her to present to her sister Elizabeth after she returned from her visit; for Jane knew Elizabeth well enough to know she would venture to Netherfield immediately after hearing of her illness. Ever since Jane's going to Netherfield, Mary had wished to view the contents of the letter with such curiosity as was normal for any person put in the same circumstance; even a moderately quite sensible one as Miss Mary Bennet. She felt somewhat privileged and honoured that her sister entrusted her for such a duty... though she was not surprised for the only other alternatives would be Lydia or Kitty. She had never really associated or spoken with any of her sisters for they regulated in keeping in pairs but recently she had spent more time with her eldest, whom she found to be sweet, good-tempered and ever kind. Young Mary had not ever practised what life was like in close company with her sisters and discovered she did not truly know any of them, and for this she was truthfully repentant. Though Mary did at times simulate to know many things she was in no means familiar with and had no real knowledge in, she was not the type of woman who would go back on a promise and she would try with all her ability to perform her task the best she could.
Once Elizabeth was finally in view, Mary felt a feeling she had hardly ever experienced... genuine excitement! Rushing from the room and towards the front door of the house, Mary panted for breath, for she was not a frequenter in strenuous physical sport, as she reached her sister... but suddenly halted. The young Miss Bennet knew not what to say when she observed Elizabeth's usually fine eyes were blood red from crying. Mary was not a proficient in handling this type of situation in her calm and non-expressive history and was not the type to be so swayed by trivialities like emotion. She suddenly berated herself for being so inexperienced in matters of the heart and thought back on the many books she had read for assistance on this subject. However, none from her memory provided any advice or solace for the disturbed and scared girl and she attempted to converse and operate with her own merits and conduct. You can do this, Mary. You have lived in the world and you have knowledge of people... well, perhaps not an understanding as well as others may possess but...(sigh) Be strong. You can do this.
"E-Elizabeth, are you alright?" She found the words could barely surface from her mouth as her first attempt of revealing her true affection was harder than she anticipated. Elizabeth looked disconcerted and distracted, but managed a weak smile.
"Yes, why should I not be?" she expressed in amusement, though Mary could see her sister's act automatically and it was not going to deceive her.
"You do not have to be fearful of showing fragile eyes to me, Lizzie," she whispered softly and Elizabeth's face softened into a true but slight smile.
"Thank you, Mary," She said as she fondly squeezed her younger sibling's hand; much to the latter's happiness. "You do not know how your words comfort me."
"And you do not know the power of your own," Mary smiled back then shyly looked back upon the letter. This sudden feeling of affection was... warm. Did it always feel like this to have the exposed love of one's family?
"Jane directed me explicitly to give you this letter, Lizzie," she said handing the letter, for this was her true assignment and the main matter at hand. Her sister looked flustered and shook her head.
"Err... Mary, you must be mistaken. I have just been in Jane's company..."
"She wished for you to read it now," Mary added with subtle urgency. She smiled a small smile. "I shall leave you to read it."
Elizabeth watched her suddenly mature sister hurry back into the living room and made her own way up the stairs towards the sanctuary she referred to her room. On opening the door, she wished to fall upon her bed and sob to her heart's content but she knew this would do no good but make her appearance worsen and her pillow damp. She had to face the reality; Mr Darcy would never be hers. She would never again feel herself in his arms and never wake up hearing his voice utter her 'Good Morning' every day... she had to get use to the idea. She could cry forever for the pain it had caused inside her but she knew if she started once again, she would not be able or strong enough to stop herself. She had always believed the theory that one only loves once, and she supposed her time had come and would not ever go.
The lady had quite almost forgotten about Jane's letter, which was quite creased and crumpled since she had clenched her fists in her agonising frustration but soon remembered it upon scraping it's sharp points upon her palm. Not drawing blood, it provided itself as a reminder and she hastily broke the seal as she pondered what Jane could possibly be writing of.
My dearest Lizzie,
I know you will never believe the contents of this letter or my actions,
but I suppose you will finally see that your sister is capable of hiding some plans from her only confidant. I am in earnest, dearest; I have been the cause of much of your grief. For this, I know I can never forgive myself... please assure me you can. My actions may seem reckless but Charles and myself saw no other alternative. We both have sensed your partiality for Mr Darcy, though my Charles more than myself (I could scarce believe it! Had you not always hated him?). We both involved ourselves in a little trickery and I confess that I was quite shocked at how much I enjoyed it! I must now lay down all the facts, and I beg you to read it all before making an opinion, my dear Lizzie. We wrote a letter to Lady Catherine as Caroline, informing her how Mr Darcy followed you to Brighton and how 'imprudent' we believed the match to be. We did not mention any of the particulars, Lizzie, for you have not shared them with us... perhaps one day you will when you can forgive our interference. We hope that her Ladyship will come to visit you both; making you both believe that is widespread knowledge that you are partial to one another... and we know neither of you can deny your adoration for the other. In fact, you should be receiving this letter, optimistically, following a conference with Lady Catherine. If our plan worked, then Mr Darcy will soon know of your discussion with her Ladyship and will call upon you very soon indeed. I am writing this from the past, so I have no knowledge if I find you in a happy or quite a reverse state. I pray it is the former.
I must say one last thing, Lizzie, and this is as honest as I can muster. Mr Darcy loves you. He always has and Charles is more than confident that he will marry you in a heartbeat if he knows of your own feelings. All Charles has ever heard from Mr Darcy is his admiration for you, and he informs me if he did not think so highly of you, he would hit his friend to quieten him up! Reputation means nothing and yours is fully intact, be sure of it; Charles and I have the matter in hand. I know how you will go against your own wishes by fulfilling the dreams of the ones you love... and the only fixation he dreams of is you.
Charles sends all the love he can direct away from myself and says that you will understand his not writing a letter.
Affectionately and quite slyly yours,
Jane
Elizabeth was utterly speechless and tried to still her beating heart as she read over the letter again and yet again. Could it all be true? Could Jane be suddenly so sly and cunning? Could Lady Catherine really be the means of reuniting herself and Mr Darcy? Could that gentleman overlook her reputation... the one that Jane and Mr Bingley say they have preserved? And most importantly, could Mr Darcy still love her enough to propose marriage? It cannot be true! This is all a dream! After all these agonising weeks... could I finally have a happy ending?
The sudden knock on the door broke Elizabeth from her spinning thoughts and she found she still had the letter clasped in her hand.
"Come in," she called as lightly as she could in her state but her permission was not requested or obligatory, for Lydia hurried in before Elizabeth had given her approval and bestowed upon her sister the cheekiest of grins.
"Lizzie, you are needed immediately. Guess who is downstairs? Jane, Mr Bingley... and guess who else...? Mr Darcy!"
Chapter 30
Lydia escaped the room as rapidly and stridently as she had entered, leaving her sister Elizabeth to have a short and quite exhausting breathing attack! My God! How can I face him so quickly after I know of his true feelings... and my own? I have not even had time enough to meditate my next conference with him! O Lizzie! Do not make a fool of yourself... Elizabeth placed her palm over her wild heart and closed her eyes as she thought of the only image that would calm and quieten her fears of her conduct with the gentleman... his very face. She recalled a time when she would look away from the haunting memories of his uttering those painful words at Hunsford... however now knew that that very same face was her only solace and comfort to reminisce within. She opened her eyes slowly as her heart gradually began to decelerate and the lady exhaled softly.
As they continued to walk up the path, Elizabeth found herself yearning to converse with Mr Darcy merely to see him gazing upon her. She discovered just how selfish she had become when she became quite conscious that she wished for all his attention to be justly on her. She promptly cursed herself for such fancies, though she knew they could not be helped. She had almost forgotten the days she had thought ill of the gentleman beside her, yet the gentleman could think of nothing but. His sudden confidence didn't prevent him from believing that she thought defectively when her mind was engaged in thought of him; however, his understandable paranoia did not deny him to believe that she did not dislike him as she had in their history with one another. We cannot keep walking without speaking a word! I must try and extinguish this invisible awkwardness... Dear Lord, Lizzie! why are you behaving so? You never thought it difficult to speak and debate with Mr Darcy in the past. Quickly, say something constructive.
Epilogue
Two years after the eventual marriages of her eldest sisters, Miss Lydia Bennet wedded a clergyman, whom she was a great deal in love with. Her past immaturity and childishness had both slowly dissolved into pure adulthood due to her beloved and handsome husband's acumen and wit. Mr Bennet himself, who found this young gentlemen pleasing and very agreeable to be in company with, believed this almost unlikely match to resemble his own marriage! However, due to considerable study, the elder gentlemen discovered their couple to be of a more affectionate kind than his own and in this attachment, the younger gentleman's temperament greatly improved his silly young wife. The couple lived close to Longbourne, so the gentlemen and his father-in-law and his wife and her mother could communicate with one another easily; however, Lydia soon discovered her mothers antics to be quite trying for her own nerves and attempted, very successfully, to rebuild the relationship with her father.
As good-natured as Mrs Bingley and her husband were, they discovered Mother Bennet's frequenting her visits to their home, Netherfield, four times a day instead of the week to be quite trying indeed! The handsome couple soon resolved on moving further north, and but 20 miles from the grand estate of Pemberley, where they had some acquaintance with the current owners... The Bingleys were blessed with one child; a boy whom they decided to call Edmund. The youngster grew, quite obviously, amiable, kind and gentle and with the goldest hair that ever was seen. The gentleman was quite shy and needed the assistance of the Darcy children to bring him out of his shell and chase away Miss Bingley's (now Lady Grustrock) persistant daughter, Elsie. However Edmund, despite his endearing shyness, conversed enough with a lady to make her violently in love with him... and she him.
Finis
With yet a few more attempts of composure, Elizabeth shakily opened her door and ventured down the stairs and towards their main sitting room. When the lady had finally plucked up enough courage to open the door her eyes quite greedily scanned the area. There was no one there but Mrs Bennet and her three younger sisters. Both Lydia Bennet and her elder sister Mary noted Elizabeth's heartbroken expression and looked upon the other with a small smile... it was indeed true love. The two had never had any subject or mutual fondness for a topic that coerced them to be in conversation or company with one other but the matchmaking of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy seemed to bring the two young ladies closer together. Young Lydia had found that Mary could be up for a good joke and Mary and recently discovered that Lydia had matured greatly and spoke with just a little more intelligence than she was known to provide. Neither spoke until Mary decided it was cruel to leave her sister in such a state for any longer.
"Erm, I think you will find Jane, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy waiting for you outside, Lizzie."
"And I believe a good walk is in order," Lydia quipped in cheekily. Mary suppressed a smile as she looked upon the youngest girl then returned her eyes back to Elizabeth, who was somewhat surprised to see the two foes of the family suddenly... joining forces?
"Thank you." She said rather suspiciously but then thought nothing of it as her excitement and fear at seeing the gentleman strongly took over. As she procured her outing jacket and bonnet, she quickly made her way outside. The lady's anticipation merely allowed her to look ahead of her, thus she did not notice the small party to her side and her sister's sudden inquiry was quite a surprise.
"Lizzie? Are you ready?" Elizabeth turned and could not help but smile at her sister's sweet voice. In her new line of view stood Mr Bingley, Jane on his arm and Mr Darcy to her side. She suddenly felt a new type of confidence and the lady smiled warmly at the gentleman that owned all her affection. Mr Darcy seemed in a trance... which was strangely directed at her own person. Both Jane and Mr Bingley noticed the 'more than affectionate' look they unconsciously provided for the other and knew if they did not speak or break the stares, then they would still be standing in that very spot after dark! Jane coughed lightly as she stared upon her fiancé in amusement. "Are you quite well now, Lizzie?" Elizabeth took several seconds to adjust her 'fine eyes' from the gentleman and looked upon her sister with a quite flustered expression.
"Erm... yes, perfectly so."
"I am glad to hear it, Miss Bennet." Mr Bingley smiled warmly. Jane looked upon the other gentleman as she added.
"As are we all." However, he still seemed incapable of speaking as he could not help but allow his eyes to look over every part of Elizabeth's face.
"Shall we set off to Meryton now?" Bingley asked but had already decided in the matter for he and Jane hurried on ahead up the path. There were many questions Elizabeth should have asked. Why are you all here so soon after our last meeting? Why are you all acting as though nothing has happened? And why are we walking to Meryton all of a sudden? A woman with less affection would have questioned; a woman who felt less love than the lady who was expected to ask all these. Instead, the second pair smiled slightly at one another then followed behind.
"Erm, do you have any news on David Fisher, Mr Darcy?" Darcy was immediately shaken out of his silence as he awaited any word from Miss Bennet, and when this was presented, he attempted to his utmost capacity to grace her with the words she chose to hear.
"Yes, but not happy I am afraid."
"Oh?" She asked in sudden concern for she had come to care for young Master Davy substantially during their short acquaintance. Darcy heaved a heavy sigh as he elaborated.
"His mother recently passed away."
"And what of his father? Is he to care for him now?"
"His mother died a widow and he was an only child." Elizabeth suddenly felt responsible for the child. She had to be of some help.
"Well, what is to become of him?"
"Do not distress yourself, Miss Bennet," Darcy said, finding her even more beautiful as she revealed her affection and care for the child. "He is at present at Pemberley and has become one of my staff, for the time being. I promise to take good care of him." he paused before he boldly and quite shakily added. "Perhaps, some time in the future, you could visit him there?" Elizabeth looked upon him with warmth, but the gentleman was too terrified to catch her eye to take note of it. She replied with trembling ardour and found herself, to her own displeasure, choking up with emotion.
"It would be an honour." They continued to walk as Darcy nodded to her last sentence, though he truly believed it to be an empty remark and merely due to civility. Again, Elizabeth was stumped for conversation and before she really considered her next words, she spoke. "Mr Darcy, why did you come to Brighton?" Oh no! How rudely abominable of me! How could I blurt such an inquiry out loud? I have always pondered it... but to actually implore! Darcy looked at the woman beside him and found himself at a loss for words. I cannot speak the truth... as it was all for you. The gentleman stuttered as he attempted to search for a logical and reasonable falsehood.
"I-I believed that it was through my poor conduct that Wickham's deceit and character were not exposed to the world before that night at the inn, Miss Bennet." I did not tell untruths exactly. There is indeed some honesty in that statement. I could not bear to deceive her. Elizabeth raised her brow, for she was not wholly convinced of this story. However, she did not question his account and Darcy thanked her mutely for it.
"Mr Darcy, you cannot think that you are to blame for all Mr Wickham does. He is his own being and adult and performs as he chooses, perhaps not sagaciously however but that is his own downfall...and not yours." Darcy shook his head adamantly, for he knew he could not make his association with Wickham so light.
"Are there not proceedings you considered yourself responsible for, Miss Bennet? Have you not ever believed that if you had not preformed a certain miniscule task at a certain time, then the awful repercussions of a bigger, partially-connected event would never have surfaced?"
"Are you now studying my character, sir?" she asked smiling.
"I am," he said softly, smiling back at her warmth. "As a delightful young lady once preformed the very same analysis towards myself."
"What did she conclude?" Darcy sighed deeply as he recalled her piercing words at Hunsford.
"She fixed my person as arrogant, conceited, selfish, condescending, disdainful, derisive, irreverent and contemptuous." Elizabeth blushed as she recognised her angry hypothesis of Mr Darcy. How wrong I was.
"T-That is quite a list, sir," Elizabeth stammered, whilst attempting to continue indifferently as they walked on further. "She sounds extremely presumptuous and impertinent."
"She was perfectly correct. I was a selfish being, full of prejudices and pride."
"I do not know about that certain lady, Mr Darcy, but may I be so bold to put forth that I believe she quite foolish in making such a grand error." Darcy stopped walking. Were his ears deceiving him? Was that a compliment?
"How foolish and how grand an error, Miss Bennet?" he managed to croak. Elizabeth looked down at her muddy feet as she softly answered back.
"Extremely in both cases, Sir." She finally glanced up, hoping to see a becoming smile diffuse over his handsome features. However, Elizabeth was quite taken aback to see Mr Darcy rushing off further down the lane. Surely, he could not have altered his opinion from love to abhorrence so hastily? My God! Jane and Mr Bingley must have been wrong in their letter! He dislikes me so very greatly he is running away to seek avoidance? Curse my inexcusable behaviour at Hunsford! He is surely the only man whom I could ever love and I have chased him away with my ill manners and impertinence. How could I believe that my reputation was the only thing he disapproved of? I, at length, now comprehend his own feelings when I had first refused him... Oh! The agonies I must have caused him... To her immense relief, the lady understood Mr Darcy was merely hastening to a nearby bench, for he did not appear capable of standing. Is he unwell? In great distress, Elizabeth rushed to his side to anxiously grasp his hand. As the apprehensive young lady crouched beside him, her face betrayed her colossal concern. "Mr Darcy?" She knew not what to say but his shaking head in addition to his quivering voice petrified her. Could I survive if anything happened to him?
"I cannot say it." He stammered out and shook his head as he gazed restlessly upon his feet.
"Say what sir?" she inquired softly. Had she lost her voice? Why was she choking with emotion by seeing him so distraught?
"I.... I must ask you or I shall go insane... but I could not endure.... well, anything if you refused me once again..." She could never believe a man of his strength and reserved character as being so vulnerable and open... and all this insecure pain was based on her response! He suddenly looked so innocent and her heart begged her to reach out to touch him.
"Mr Darcy," Elizabeth whispered, her eyes unconsciously welling with tears and her hands clenching in irritation with herself. "If you do not ask we shall both regret our lives hence forth and forever, Sir. Please..., say what you had wished to."
"Do you promise not to be too cruel?" He asked softly, almost like a child would. She gazed at him intensely although the gentleman (for once!) refused to meet her passionate stare.
"Sir, I could not, even if I wished to cause you pain. My own being would be in agony with even a trace of your own distress." Mr Darcy shook his head, for he did not believe her words to be sincere. Insufferable! Just ask! Merely permit me the opportunity to answer...! Elizabeth exhaled deeply before she continued, for she knew her courage was a necessity.
"Sir, may I grant you the permission to ask for my hand?" Mr Darcy looked up at her eyes in what seemed like an eternity. This cannot be happening... Darcy, wake up man! Do not tease yourself so cruelly...
"You may, Miss Bennet, if that is your wish," he whispered, choking.
"It is my greatest wish, sir. I grant you it without a second thought." Elizabeth eagerly awaited his proposal, causing her heart to flutter and her hands to dampen within her gloves. Darcy still shook his head in disbelief.
"This cannot be occurring in reality. Am I not dreaming, Miss Bennet?" Ask me! I have been waiting to hear your voice utter those very words for so long now...
"Aye, it is real!" she cried out, her sudden and uncontrollable tears began to chaotically stream upon her delicate features. "And if you do not ask me soon I shall run home directly and refuse to see you again." I am not dreaming. And if I am, I shall dearly like to finish it. My dear Elizabeth, how could I bear to never see you again?
"Miss Bennet, will you do me the honour of marrying an ungentleman-like being as I am?" He has said it! Now, how shall I answer his proposal with just as much passion with purely my lowly self to construct a suitable response? However, Elizabeth found herself answering without previous consideration, for her excitement and delighted disbelief caused her to speak freely.
"With all my heart, yes, for there is no one to accept but you, Sir." Darcy stood and continued to walk as Elizabeth followed, staring intently upon his face for a reaction. I have professed my love in the most animated language yet you continue to look so grave and solemn? As they walked further, Darcy's face betrayed the realisation of her words within his thoughts, causing him to smile so very wide that the gentleman had to look away from his beloved's adoring gaze. She placed her gloved hand into his and brought his to her lips. Dear Lord, Lizzie! Can you not control yourself without using such perverse aids? If you continue thus he will retract his offer, I am sure! Darcy laughed at her masculine and gentlemanly formality yet did not wish to stop her, for he'd been anticipating to feel her lips since before his memory could recall.
"Miss Bennet, " he asked huskily as he tenderly stroked her cheek, causing the habitually well-countenanced lady to colour. "Do you know of any lanes where we may easily lose our way in?" Elizabeth coughed softly as she raised her glittering eyes to her fiancé.
"I am convinced any lane would suffice, Sir, for I am sure my terrible sense of direction would make even the shortest a considerable challenge."
"Are my ears deceiving me, my dear Elizabeth, or did I honestly hear that a woman without fault, as you clearly are, admit a flaw?" The lady laughed and flushed concurrently as she recollected a certain tête-à-tête with Miss Caroline Bingley at Netherfield. She smiled quite mischievously as she placed her delicate hand upon the crook of the gentleman's arm, who scolded himself in silent annoyance for reacting so when they made any sort of physical contact.
"I am merely as flawless as Miss Bingley, Sir." The lady replied. He chuckled at her play as they wandered somewhat off the path.
"Ah, then you must be as accomplished as she!" Elizabeth smiled at his teasing expression, though he was still quite reserved in demeanour... and she realised she would not have him otherwise.
"You flatter me too much, Sir,"
"I believe you must be right." Darcy quickly responded with a sharp nod. Elizabeth attempted to look affronted and struck the gentleman playfully on the arm, who chuckled gaily at her sport. To think, I am striking Mr Darcy! Yet, I can now see myself with this man till the end of my days, for that smile encourages me to believe I will never tire of seeing him. And, headstrong and obstinate Lizzie, I am convinced you never will. He placed his arm around her waist protectively and Elizabeth suddenly forgot how to commence in the action of breathing. He sensed her uneasiness immediately and felt his chest ache as he began to remove his arm. "I-I am sorry, Miss Bennet, I thought you might have felt a chill..."
"No!" Lizzie suddenly cried as she pulled his arm securely back. Both parties were indeed surprised by her outburst and she blushed feverishly as she attempted to explain herself. "It is that I, erm... I was indeed quite cold, and fear that your touch is my only remedy."
"Then I shall never leave your side, dearest."
"Promise me you shall never fall under the charms of another." she suddenly whispered. "I could not bear it if you..."
"There is no one alive who can bewitch as you." Elizabeth smiled through watery eyes.
"Not even Caroline Bingley?"
"Not even Caroline Bingley." He spoke adamantly and kissed her lightly on the forehead as he murmured into it. "Though she comes a very close second."
"I believe we have lost Jane and Mr Bingley, Fitzwilliam."
"You do not know what pleasure I feel from your saying my given name, Elizabeth."
"And I you, Fitzwilliam." she pronounced his name in a more accentuated tone which prompted the gentleman to clasp her amorously. "But though that may be, we still have no inclination to where our future brother and sister have disappeared to."
"I do not care when in presence with you, Elizabeth."
"Mr Darcy, that is not kind," She said sternly, though her eyes betrayed her approval of his thoughts. He sighed into a dimpled smile.
"As always, you are right, dearest. Shall we head back towards the house?"
"The quicker we go the sooner you may get my father's blessing." she said, smiling mischievously. Darcy released his hold of Elizabeth's slender waist and held her hand securely instead.
"Then let us run for it."
Kitty Bennet also wedded well. The young Miss Catherine was a frequent visitor at Pemberley and made many acquaintances at the balls her sister and her amiable husband hosted. Secretly, Kitty believed he her favourite brother-in-law and came to tease him and enjoy his reserved yet charming character as often as her lovely sister did. Kitty stayed most of her time either in Pemberley or with Georgiana Darcy, who had become a great friend and was positively influenced by Kitty's wit and energetic conversation. Darcy also could not deny Kitty was his favourite sister-in-law (even before Jane!) and himself, his wife and his sister undertook some matchmaking to get her in good graces with the young, and rather shy, Jacob Winterbourne. The match, to everyone's grand shock, did indeed unite the pair and they married three months afterwards.
And as for our dearest Mary Bennet, she also married for love. Mary had initially encountered with her potential significant other at an Assembly, where the gentleman asked for every dance, much to the inexpert young lady's astonishment and keenness. Her sisters, particularly Kitty and Lydia, taught the inexperienced dancer how to perform every step and Mary found herself preferring the physical aspect to a ball rather than the observation and reflection side increasingly. The young gentleman was a well respected, and quiet young, physician who was sensible and amiable... though became more easy and playful with Mary's company and changed in countenance for the better; as had his wife.
Our dear Mr Bennet could finally justly pronounce he has no silly young daughters, merely five mature and sensible young women.
As for Mr Collins, he suffered influenza and shortly after Elizabeth's wedding to Mr Darcy, died. The days before his death, he had improved vastly in his pompous character, gained maturity and wisdom and his wife did indeed quite sincerely grieve when he did pass away. A short few years after her husband's death, the widowed Charlotte Collins became legally bound to a certain Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom she had made quite an impression on during his stay at Rosings Park. With this attachment, Mrs Collins pleasantly came to the conclusion that she was, to her own astonishment, quite romantic indeed.
Mr Wickham was by no means allowed in polite society again, befell bankruptcy, was wanted all over the country by the authorities and eventually died at the age of seven and thirty in a flea ridden back room of an inn.
And as for young Davy Fisher, Darcy not only compensated the child substancially for his mother's death and his help with Elizabeth but hired him as permanent staff at Pemberley, where the child blossomed into a good looking young man who caught the heart of many a girl as well as retaining Elizabeth's and her husband's.
And finally, our most beloved hero and heroin, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and his lady Mrs Elizabeth Bennet Darcy. They lived a very pleasant life indeed. They were blessed with two children, a boy and, followed by a few years, a girl. The fellow grew to be like his father and his grandfather and as amiable a gentleman as ever was seen (with no pride, and as Elizabeth noted, a very many teeth). As with his younger sibling, his eyes were uncommonly fine and he portrayed a wit and easiness in his character that proved to one and all that he was indeed his mother's child and a handsome mien and striking resemblance betraying he was his dear father's, as well. The daughter was, by even Miss Caroline Bingley's strict measures, an extremely able and accomplished young woman. Having the reverse disposition of her brother, looking as fine as her mother and betraying a quiet but passionate countenance like her father, meant the two siblings got along extremely well, for, like their dear parents, their personalities flattered each other perfectly.
But alas, both grew older (as children often do), married and moved from Pemberley, leaving their parents again, all alone, as they were for years before their births.
It is a truth universally hypothesised that a man and woman lose their love and affection for one another due to the aging process, which inevitably, dies down any flames which were once ignited in youth. However, those critics would tolerate to retract those ideas if they witnessed the sheer passion Mr and Mrs Darcy still felt for one another in the years of their retirement. Any outsider who had the pleasure of observing the expression of love the couple had for the other would surely have to agree that a man and woman were never so perfectly matched as were the Darcys of Pemberley, Derbyshire.
© 2001 Copyright held by the author.