Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Part 22
March 16, 1861
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet to see you," the maid announced only moments before Elizabeth walked into the Lucas' drawing room.
Charlotte, who had been sitting there working on her embroidery, immediately rose and embraced Elizabeth. "It is good to see you, Elizabeth."
"And you, Charlotte."
Charlotte Lucas was an old friend of Elizabeth's, despite a difference of five years in their ages. She was not exceptionally plain, but neither was she exceptionally lovely. So it was for all her qualities. She was not one extreme or the other, merely average. The only quality she possessed in any great degree was practicality. Her chances of marriage were slim, due to her average qualities, but she did not hold this against her friend Elizabeth, who possessed many fine qualities.
The two sat down just opposite each other, and Charlotte rang for tea. They talk of little things for several minutes, catching up on the details of the other's life.
"I have heard," Charlotte said, "that one of the politicians from North Carolina favors your sister."
Elizabeth nodded. "Mr. Charles Bingley."
"Ah. I believe I've met him," Charlotte replied. "He is quite a gentleman."
Elizabeth smiled. "He is indeed. And, by all appearances, likes Jane very much."
"Then she must encourage him. If a woman conceals her affection from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely - a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley may like your sister; but equally, he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on."
"Encourage him? Before she is sure of his character, or her own affection even?" Elizabeth asked.
"Certainly," replied Charlotte. "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."
"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know that, and that you would never act in this way yourself."
"Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success with all my heart." Then, with a delicacy unusual for Charlotte, she changed the subject slightly. "What of you, Elizabeth? I have heard you were seen driving with someone a week or so ago."
Elizabeth admitted to that, but refused to say more, and turned the conversation to more general topics.
At the Bingley residence, a disgruntled Caroline sat with her siblings in the drawing room, planning the ball to be held in three days.
Mr. Darcy came into the room during the lull in the conversation. "Charles, we'd best be going. We're expected at Senator --'s house in less than half an hour."
"Coming, Darcy." Bingley looked at his sisters. "I have the utmost confidence that you two can plan this without me."
Caroline didn't reply, just nodded politely. Louisa told the gentlemen to have a good time before they left. Then she looked at her sister.
"What is wrong, Caroline? You were barely polite."
"I am sorry, Louisa. It is hard to be pleasant about a ball that will only serve to further endear the Bennet sisters to our brother and Darcy."
"Now, dear, think about what you're saying. Both Charles and Darcy are well-bred Southern gentlemen. The Bennets, whatever their virtues, are Northerners. How much attraction could really be there? Besides, Elizabeth Bennet will have to stand against you, and Georgianna will be coming soon to provide a comparison to Jane. Does that set your mind a little more at ease?"
Caroline thought about it for a moment. "You are right, Louisa. I was upset over nothing. The best thing for me to do is just to be pleasant and charming."
"Precisely. Now, we must seat you beside Mr. Darcy at dinner..."
The sisters returned to their planning with renewed enthusiasm.
Part 23
March 17, 1861
With the ball to be held in only two days time, both the Bennet household, and the Bingley household were thrown into disarray.
At the Bennets', Mrs. Bennet scurried around everywhere, complaining of her nerves. Elizabeth and Jane, far from being their normal, efficient selves, wandered around the house dreamily. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced.
"Two daughters married!" she exclaimed to Hill, the housekeeper, at one point. "Mr. Bingley is such a fine, handsome young man. And Mr. Collins... He is better than Elizabeth deserves, the way she behaves. But it will all work out well."
Lydia and Kitty, now free from any sort of discipline, used the time to make better friends with the officers, who would also be attending the ball. One gentleman in particular had caught their interest, but Wickham showed attention only to Elizabeth when they met.
"I cannot decide," she told Jane that evening after Wickham, Denny and Carter had been to tea, "who is slimier and less to be trusted: Mr. Wickham or Mr. Collins."
"Elizabeth! What a way to talk!" Jane scolded. "Mr. Wickham may not be so truly bad."
"No," Elizabeth said. "I cannot believe that. Fitzw - That is, Mr. Darcy was so particular. And he would never tell a story like that about his own sister without it being true."
"Then perhaps there is some misunderstanding between them," Jane pointed out.
"No, Jane, you cannot absolve everyone. No, Mr. Darcy is all goodness, and Mr. Wickham is not."
"I believe you like Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth," Jane said, to which statement Elizabeth made no attempt at a reply. What could she say?
In the Bingley household, everyone had taken time for tea. Caroline and Louisa sat together on a couch, with Mr. Hurst asleep in a corner, Bingley on a chair beside them, and Darcy over by the window.
"I do believe Mr. Darcy is pining the loss of Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Caroline said.
"Not at all, I assure you," he replied. Why should he? He had seen her only a few days ago, and would see her again in two days. But for the first time in days, his thoughts were not even with her.
Caroline was pleased enough with this reply to continue the conversation. "Elizabeth Bennet is entirely too independent. Do you know what I heard today, Louisa?"
"No, do tell."
"Well," Caroline looked over at Mr. Darcy to see his reaction. "I heard she was seen in the worst part of Washington, giving out charity," Caroline's tone made that a great evil, "to those - those people there. And mark this, Louisa, she was alone!"
"Oh, my!" Louisa exclaimed.
Bingley and Darcy exchanged a glance. The attempt was so transparently obvious that it was almost laughable. "That is not true, Caroline," Bingley said.
"And how would you know, Charles?"
"Because her sister Jane and I were with her," he said calmly.
Darcy couldn't help smiling at Caroline's face when Bingley said that. She looks like a fish, he thought. But the smile quickly disappeared as he turned back to his brooding.
The news from home was worse than he'd predicted, and he knew with certainty that if he had another month until he had to return South, that would be all. It didn't sit well with him, though. There was so much he wanted to tell Elizabeth, to ask her. If only he knew he would have time.
Part 24
March 19, 1861
The night of the ball at last! Elizabeth sat at her vanity, her maid arranging a few white rose buds in her hair. The roses had arrived only an hour earlier, accompanied by a card from Mr. Darcy. How he had known she would be wearing white was quite beyond Elizabeth, but she blamed Jane for it.
Mrs. Bennet came in the room. "You do look well, Elizabeth. You'll never be as pretty as your sister Jane, but I must say you look very well."
"Thank you, Mama."
"I hope you will be polite to Mr. Collins, for he has paid great attentions to you."
Elizabeth sighed. "Yes, Mama."
Not so far away, in the Bingley household, Darcy was getting ready. "The black, I think," he instructed his servant. The black would look dramatic against Elizabeth in white.
After he had dressed, Darcy picked up a small box from his desk and slipped it into the pocket of his jacket. The ring inside had been his mother's, and he thought it would fit Elizabeth admirably. That is, if she gave him the answer he hoped for when he asked her to marry him.
He went to the window where he could see as soon as her carriage arrived and so could hurry downstairs to meet her.
Finally the Bennets were off. In the first carriage were Jane, Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet and Mary, who was only attending in hopes of showing off her inconsiderable talent at the piano. The second carriage, then, had Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Kitty. Mr. Bennet had refused to ride in that carriage due to all the giggling that was sure to go on.
Elizabeth adjusted her necklace nervously, and looked over at Jane, who was doing the same thing. At almost the same moment, they reached out to each other and squeezed the other's hand for comfort and support.
"You will be fine, Elizabeth," Jane murmured.
"And you, Jane, will outshine everyone there," Elizabeth replied, smiling when her sister blushed.
The carriage stopped, and Mr. Bennet handed his daughters out. A movement at a window upstairs caught Elizabeth's eye, and she looked up to see Mr. Darcy watching her. She smiled and waved up at him a little, and he smiled back before disappearing from the window.
Part 25
Despite Mr. Collins' best efforts, it was Mr. Bingley who escorted Elizabeth into the house. He had come out immediately upon seeing who the carriages belonged to and had Jane on one arm. Perhaps it was at Jane's suggestion that he offered Elizabeth his other arm to bring her into the house.
Once inside, a servant came to take her cloak, and Elizabeth was left standing there for a moment. But only a moment, for Mr. Darcy came over to her as soon as he saw where she was.
"Good evening, Elizabeth," he said with a small bow. "You are looking beautiful tonight."
"And you look very handsome, Fitzwilliam," she replied with a smile. She couldn't help noticing how distinguished he looked, or how appreciatively he looked at her, and she blushed a little self-consciously.
"Shall we go in?" Darcy asked, offering his arm to lead her in. She took it, and arm in arm, they walked into the ballroom.
Of the four people who truly noticed that entrance, only one was pleased. Jane liked Mr. Darcy and thought he was the right man for Elizabeth, if any man was, and she had high hopes that she would hear of their engagement soon.
Caroline, Wickham and Mr. Collins were all less than pleased, however. Mr. Collins was simply affronted that 'his' Elizabeth would attend a ball on another man's arm. Caroline couldn't bear that 'that annoying Northerner' would be taking 'her' place at Darcy's side. And Wickham was just not happy. Elizabeth obviously hadn't believed what he'd told her, and Darcy was so clearly in love, it sickened Wickham.
Darcy and Elizabeth were, of course, oblivious to all this. They had eyes only for each other. Not long after they had entered the room, however, the musicians began to play, and Mr. Collins approached Elizabeth where she stood off to the side with Darcy.
"Cousin Elizabeth! I hope you have not forgotten that you have promised me this first dance," he said as he reached them.
"No indeed, sir, I could not have forgotten, even had I wanted to." Elizabeth looked to Darcy and rolled her eyes.
Darcy watched with some amusement as Mr. Collins led Elizabeth to the dance floor. Collins had no idea what he was doing, and Elizabeth was obviously frustrated by this. On more than one occasion, only quick movement on her part kept Mr. Collins from stepping on her dress.
When the dance was finally over, not nearly quickly enough for Elizabeth, Darcy claimed her again. "Come. There is someone I would like you to meet."
"A good someone?" Elizabeth inquired playfully. "It must be, for you look almost eager to see them, and you never look like that at mention of someone like Caroline Bingley."
"Yes, it is a good someone," Darcy replied, smiling at her. "A very good someone. And here he is." He gestured to a handsome man wearing the uniform of an officer in the United States Army standing off to one side. "Fitzwilliam!"
"Darcy! I had wondered where you had gotten to." The handsome man, who Elizabeth did not think was as handsome as Darcy, came over and shook Darcy's hand. "Who's the fair lady, if I may be so bold?"
"Fitzwilliam, allow me to present Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet, my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."
Fitzwilliam looked at Darcy with a raised eyebrow. It was the first time he'd ever seen Darcy with a lady, looking so happy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet."
"The pleasure is all mine, sir," Elizabeth replied with a smile. She could see that Darcy and his cousin were very good friends, and she found herself wanting to impress Colonel Fitzwilliam just a little so that he would think her good enough for Darcy. Elizabeth Anne Bennet, don't go thinking that! Darcy hasn't asked you, and he may never.
The musicians began to play again, this time a waltz, and Darcy held out a hand to Elizabeth. "I believe I have this dance."
Elizabeth set her hand in his. "I believe you are right, sir."
Part 26
Darcy led Elizabeth onto the dance floor and, setting his hand on her waist, began to lead her in the waltz. For several moments they were silent as Darcy struggled to find the words he wanted.
"Come, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said playfully. "We must have a little conversation."
"What would you like me to say, Miss Bennet?" he replied.
"You might make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."
He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.
"Very well. That reply will do for the present. Now we may be silent."
"Do you talk by rule then, while you are dancing?" Darcy asked, in much the same playful style that Elizabeth had used.
"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together, and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."
"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"
"Both," replied Elizabeth archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room."
"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure," he said, with mock solemnity. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."
"I must not decide on my own performance," she replied.
He didn't answer, being once again lost in his thoughts, and they were again silent for a few moments, until William Lucas, Charlotte's father and an advisor to two representatives from Maryland, appeared close to them, meaning to pass by to the other side of the room. But on perceiving who it was there, he stopped.
"I am most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Elizabeth," glancing at her sister and Mr. Bingley, "shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! But I shall not detain you longer."
After Mr. Lucas had left, Darcy turned back to Elizabeth. "Mr. Lucas' interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."
"I do not think we were speaking at all. He could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves." Here she smiled to take any sting out of the words. "We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next, I cannot imagine."
"What do you think of books?" he asked, smiling back.
"Books? Oh no, Mr. Darcy, you shall not trap me so easily. We have discussed books several times already, and we do not agree in the least."
The music drew to a close then, preventing Darcy's reply. Instead, he said, "I hope you will forgive me, Elizabeth, but I must leave you for a while, or else there will be unpleasant talk."
"You are right, Fitzwilliam. I hope, though, that you will not leave me all evening."
"No, of course not." He led Elizabeth back to the side of the room, to where Charlotte Lucas was standing. "Here you are, Miss Elizabeth. I hope that I may claim another waltz later."
"Of course, sir. Whenever you please."
Part 27
"It is nothing, Charlotte. It was just one dance, after all," Elizabeth protested. Much though Charlotte was her friend, she couldn't keep a secret for an entire evening. If she told Charlotte anything, the entire assembly would know it before the evening was out. And Elizabeth most certainly did not want that.
"You have not seen him pay that much attention to anyone else, have you? Nor has he even asked anyone else for one dance, but already he has asked you for a second. Do not be a simpleton, Elizabeth."
The musicians began another song, and Mr. Collins approached the two young women. Elizabeth hurriedly made the introduction between the two. "Charlotte, this is my cousin, Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins, my dear friend Charlotte Lucas."
Mr. Collins opened his mouth to ask Elizabeth to dance with him, but suddenly, Colonel Fitzwilliam was there. "Miss Bennet, may I have this dance? My cousin has praised your abilities as a partner."
"Why, of course, Colonel. It would be my pleasure." So saying, she set her hand in his and let him lead her to the floor, leaving Mr. Collins to ask Charlotte to dance. "I must thank you, Colonel, for rescuing me from having to dance with my cousin."
"I rather suspected something like that, which is why I was a bit precipitous. I would have come over in any case, however." He gave Elizabeth a somewhat sheepish look, as though she would think he had no interest in her except to rescue her.
They began to dance, and Elizabeth couldn't help comparing the Colonel's dancing to Darcy's. Darcy was so much warmer about it, more personal... With a start, Elizabeth realized that Darcy held her a shade too close, a touch too personally for strict propriety. That thought made her blush somewhat.
Colonel Fitzwilliam pretended not to notice this, instead remarking, "I must confess, Miss Bennet, if you will forgive the boldness of my comment, that I have rarely seen Darcy so animated as I have today. I am supposing that this behavior in him is due to your influence."
"That is bold of you, Colonel, and I cannot reply, for I have never seen Mr. Darcy behave otherwise. He is, in all respects, a perfect gentleman and always has been."
The Colonel smiled at her. "You set my mind at ease, Miss Bennet. If you have seen him only as a gentleman, you must care for him and he for you."
Elizabeth colored again. "Sir, I believe you presume too much."
Colonel Fitzwilliam only smiled at her.
Part 28
After her dance with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth was claimed for a dance with Mr. Bingley, while Jane danced with someone else. She enjoyed that dance, even if Mr. Bingley did talk a little too much of Jane.
Then there was a short break while the musicians rested a bit, and Elizabeth found herself with Jane and Charlotte.
"Mr. Darcy looks at you a great deal, Elizabeth," Charlotte remarked.
"I cannot imagine why," Elizabeth said. If he had something to say, he could have said it while we were dancing instead of letting me prattle on.
Jane and Charlotte exchanged a glance. "Can you not?" Jane asked. "I can."
Across the ballroom, Darcy watched Elizabeth where she stood with Jane and Charlotte. He should have asked her while they were dancing. That would have been the perfect opportunity. What a fool he was.
Caroline, seeing that Darcy was not with Elizabeth and noting the slight frown on his face, came up behind him. "Why are you not dancing, Mr. Darcy?"
"Because there is no music, Miss Bingley." He did not even turn from his contemplation of Elizabeth.
Caroline was put out. He was not supposed to respond that way. "Well, the music will begin again in a moment." He nodded abstractly. "Won't you ask me, Mr. Darcy? I am the hostess, and you have yet to notice me."
"I am already engaged for this next dance, Miss Bingley. Perhaps later." With a polite nod, he left her standing there, and walked over to where Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte stood.
"May I have this next dance, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked as he reached her.
"Oh course, Mr. Darcy. If you will excuse me," she asked her companions, who nodded their assent.
Darcy led her onto the floor, and into the set just forming. The dance was a Virginia reel, one of Mr. Darcy's favorites, and he found the perfect partner in Elizabeth. She was light on her feet, and quick to keep up with him. When the dance ended, he was sorely tempted to steal a kiss right there in the middle of the ballroom. Instead, he offered Elizabeth his arm. "May I get you something to drink?"
She smiled breathlessly at him, her face flushed from the dance. "I'd rather get some fresh air," she replied.
"Then that is what you shall have." He lead her outside to the porch. No other people were out there due to the slight chill in the air.
"It is very beautiful out here," Elizabeth observed.
"Yes," Darcy replied. "More so now that you are here to grace it."
Elizabeth turned back to him, a look of innocent uncertainty on her face. Darcy could hardly keep from pulling her into his arms. She was so beautiful, with the moonlight glistening on her.
"Elizabeth, I must say something," he said, his voice husky.
"Yes, Fitzwilliam?"
"Would you - Could you - "
"Mr. Darcy!" "Cousin Elizabeth!"
The simultaneous calls broke the mood. Elizabeth shivered a little, more at the thought of Mr. Collins than the cold, but that made Darcy aware of how chilly it was.
"We should go in. You will catch something out here like this." He slid his jacket off and put it on her, then took her arm to lead her inside.
Once inside, Elizabeth was pulled away by Mr. Collins, and Caroline hung all over Darcy such that they could not dance together for the rest of the evening. That did not prevent their thoughts from being on each other though.
Why did he not ask me then? Elizabeth thought. I was so sure he as going to. It was almost enough to make her cry, and she left as soon as she could.
Darcy watched her leave. I should have asked her then, and not paid any attention to that fool of a cousin of hers or Caroline. I am a fool.
Part 29
March 20, 1861
Elizabeth woke the next morning, her head pounding and the sunlight streaming through her window. She had cried herself to sleep the night before and was paying for it now. She pushed herself into a sitting position as someone knocked on her door. That someone turned out to be Jane, who came in carrying a tray with breakfast on it.
"I thought you might like to not have to get up right away," Jane said, setting the tray down on the bedside table.
"Only if you will join me, Jane," Elizabeth replied, trying to summon a smile.
Jane pulled a chair closer. "I admit I was hoping you would say that. I wanted to talk to you." She took her sister's hand in hers. "I heard you crying last night, Elizabeth. Why were you so upset?"
Elizabeth looked away, not answering.
"I see. It is Mr. Darcy. Has he done anything... inappropriate?" Jane said the last word hesitantly, almost afraid to suggest it.
"No, dearest Jane, he hasn't done anything inappropriate. Indeed, he hasn't done anything at all." Elizabeth's eyes filled up with tears, and she began to cry again.
Jane pulled her sister against her, stroking her hair an murmuring soft, comforting sounds. "There, there, Elizabeth. It will be all right."
Finally, Elizabeth stopped crying and sat back up. "I am sorry, Jane. This is so unlike me. But I am hardly myself when it comes to Mr. Darcy."
"It is all right, Elizabeth. I understand." Jane squeezed Elizabeth's hand comfortingly. "Just remember that you always have me here for you."
"Always, Jane."
For a moment, they just sat like that, sharing each other's love and companionship. Then Jane, with all her usual sensitivity, poured Elizabeth a cup of tea, and, while Elizabeth ate the breakfast there, talked about the morning's uproar. "...Mary was there with all her platitudes, and so of course, Mama began to get even more flustered, and Mr. Collins moves around and does absolutely nothing. We miss your sanity and sense."
Elizabeth smiled. "I will get up as soon as I finish this breakfast."
From downstairs came Mrs. Bennet's voice. "Jane! Oh, Jane, where are you?"
Jane stood. "I must go, or Mama will be even more upset. I will keep her from bothering you as long as I can."
As Jane left the room, Elizabeth called after her, "Thank you, Jane."
Jane went down the stairs to the front hall. On the way, she met one of the maids coming up.
"Oh, Miss Jane! There's a gentleman here to see Miss Elizabeth."
"Thank you, Molly. I will see the gentleman. There's no need to disturb Miss Elizabeth." Jane continued down. She reached the bottom and saw who was there.
"Miss Bennet," he said, inclining his head politely.
"Mr. Darcy."
Part 30
"Is Miss Elizabeth home?" Darcy asked.
"I do not believe she is receiving visitors at the moment." Jane could hardly help the slight coolness in her voice. Much as she admired Mr. Darcy, she could not see letting him in to see Elizabeth when he had upset her so much already.
"Miss Bennet, I must see her, speak to her. It is imperative." He took Jane's hand in his. "I have been a fool for too long, and what I need to say to her cannot be delayed any more."
Jane could not resist the look in his eyes. "I will see if she will come down. I can't promise anything though. Elizabeth has a mind of her own."
"I know." Half to himself, he added, "That is one of the qualities I love most in her."
Jane hurried up the stairs to Elizabeth's room, unable to bear the look in Mr. Darcy's eyes any longer. She found Elizabeth with her maid buttoning up her dress. "Elizabeth, there is someone to see you."
"Who is it? I really don't feel up to seeing anyone."
"You must. It is a matter of great importance." Jane took Elizabeth's hand and pulled her out of the room and down the stairs. When Elizabeth stopped on seeing who was down there, Jane pushed her down a little ways. "Go on." Then she disappeared, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy alone.
"Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy began.
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth interrupted. "What can have brought you here so early this morning?"
"I have come to ask you to come for a carriage ride again. The weather is getting warmer, and I wish to speak to you in private."
The look in his eyes made Elizabeth's heart skip a beat, but she resolved not to get her hopes up, only to have them dashed again. "I - That is, I had not - Yes, of course, sir." She went to tell Jane where she was going, put her cloak on and was back in the front hall in a few minutes.
Mr. Darcy led her outside and helped her into the carriage before getting in himself. For several minutes they were quiet; Elizabeth did not know what to say, and Mr. Darcy did not know how to say it. When they reached the park they had driven in on their first carriage ride together, Mr. Darcy stopped.
"Miss Bennet... Elizabeth. In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Elizabeth felt herself flushing, unable to say a word. Could this be...?
Part 31
"Tell me truly," he continued, taking her hands in his. "Can I ever be worthy of your affection, your love?"
She stared at him, her breath catching in her throat and her heart pounding wildly. "My affection you already have. My love - " She paused for a moment. "If you do not have my love, no man ever will."
For a moment, there was complete silence, and Elizabeth could see that Darcy had not really expected that answer.
"Truly? I am not dreaming this? Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth..." Darcy let go of her hands, but only long enough to pull a small box from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes, Fitzwilliam, yes, a hundred times yes!"
Darcy opened the box and took out the ring inside. "This was my mother's. I think she would be pleased to know that you are wearing it." He slid it onto Elizabeth's finger.
Elizabeth looked at the ring. The deep blue sapphires on it glimmered as light hit them. "It is beautiful. I will treasure it."
"And I will treasure you," Darcy replied. Her eyes glimmered at those words, and he could not resist the temptation any longer. He bent his head and very softly kissed her lips.
For a moment, Elizabeth just stared at him. Then she smiled, and all was right with the world again.
"I think," Darcy said, "that I should bring you home now. I need to speak to your father, and you are entirely too irresistible."
Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, Fitzwilliam..." She wrapped her arm through his, trying not to interfere with the way he was driving.
He looked down at her, so trusting and loving. Everything he could possibly want, now or ever. "You do not know how long I have waited for this," he said softly.
"Why did you wait so long then?" Elizabeth asked pertly. All her good humor was restored by the fact that Fitzwilliam did love her, and whatever his reasons for waiting, he had proposed, and she had accepted.
Darcy shrugged a little. "Many reasons. For one, both times I wished to ask you, we were interrupted. Once by your sister, and once by Caroline Bingley." Elizabeth conceded this point gracefully, as it had not been too far off her own thinking. "Also, I was partly afraid of your response."
At this, Elizabeth laughed. "What, the great Mr. Darcy afraid? Never." When he laughed at her representation of him, Elizabeth sobered. "What was your final reason, Fitzwilliam? Neither of those two would really have held you back."
Darcy sighed. "My final reason, since you ask, was your family." He could feel Elizabeth stiffen beside him. "Before you get upset, here me out."
Part 32
"Please, Elizabeth, let me explain."
Slowly, Elizabeth relaxed and nodded. How could she not? She had listened to Wickham, and she did not care one button for him. Surely she could hear Darcy out since she claimed to love him.
"First, let me say that I hold your father and your elder sister in the highest respect. Your father is one of the most brilliant men I have ever known, and your sister, besides being beautiful, is sweet, gentle, caring... But I am digressing. The rest of your family though... Well, they are very silly. And they show an astonishing lack of propriety."
Elizabeth winced at every word, as much at her own thoughts as Mr. Darcy's words. How often had she thought the same thing, had argued in vain with her mother to check Kitty and Lydia! She wanted to be angry with him for saying such things about her family, but she could not. He was right.
Darcy watched her struggle with this. He would not blame her for being angry at his words. He doubted that he could remain calm, should someone say that about his sister.
She looked at him. "Is that all?" she asked, a faint quiver in her voice.
"No," he said, adding hastily when he saw the look on her face, "my ending is not that bad, I promise." She nodded, and he continued. "My last reason.... is perhaps the most well thought out, though that isn't saying much, I grant you. You are from the North, Elizabeth. That is how you have been brought up and the beliefs you follow. Am I correct?" Again Elizabeth nodded, beginning to see where this was going. "I am from the South, and that is so different from the North. I did not know if you would be willing to come to the South with me, to try and make a life there, where everything is strange to you."
For a moment, Elizabeth sat with bowed head. "Is that what you thought of me and my feelings, Fitzwilliam? That I cared so little that I would not go with you?"
"It is not just about love, Elizabeth. It is a different way of life. I could not bear to make you unhappy, and I was afraid that bringing you South would make you very unhappy."
She lifted her head and looked at him. "I cannot argue with your points, Fitzwilliam. Any of them. You are quite right, my family is very silly, though I hope you will not say that to anyone else. And perhaps I would not be happy in the South, if I were with anyone else. But I will be with you, and any place will be home if you are there."
Darcy wanted very much to lean over and kiss her again, but he could not very well do that when he had to drive the carriage, or when half of Washington could see them. So he settled for something less demonstrative. "I love you, Elizabeth Bennet."
"I love you, Fitzwilliam Darcy."
Part 33
March 21, 1861
Elizabeth sat in the parlor arranging flowers and humming to herself. She was expecting Mr. Darcy to arrive any time, which is why she had chosen the parlor for her activities. From there she could see anyone who arrived.
Yesterday, Mr. Darcy had done no more than drop her off at home, promising to come by today. "I would ask your father's permission today, Elizabeth, my love," he had said, "but I'm expected somewhere else. I'm late as it is."
"Then why did you come today?" she had asked.
"Because I could not wait any longer. I had to know if you loved me," he had replied. They had stood several more minutes in the kind of conversation that only lovers use before he had torn himself away to go wherever he had been going.
Elizabeth had then gone inside and poured out the whole story to Jane, who had partially been expecting something of that sort. It had taken some time to tell the entire story, and Jane had confessed herself very well pleased by Mr. Darcy and his actions.
"Now if only your Mr. Bingley were as confident as Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth had said.
"He is not my Mr. Bingley," Jane had replied, but she was smiling and blushing.
Elizabeth looked at the ring on her hand. It was a beautiful ring. She felt privileged that Darcy had thought her special enough to wear his mother's ring. She heard the door open, and, thinking it Mr. Darcy, she rose to go to the parlor door.
It was her mother and Mr. Collins.
"Elizabeth, Mr. Collins has something he wishes to discuss with you in private," she started to leave and shut the door behind her.
"Dear Mama, do not go. Mr. Collins must excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. I am going away myself."
"No, no, nonsense, Elizabeth." And seeing that Elizabeth truly seemed about to escape, she added, "Elizabeth, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins."
Elizabeth sighed as she returned to her seat. There was no use arguing when Mrs. Bennet was like this. She would be better off just listening to what Mr. Collins had to say, then leaving. She touched her ring again. She could get through this.
"Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections. You would have been less lovely in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to assure you that I have your respected mother's permission for this address. You can hardly doubt the purport of my discussion, however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life."
Part 34
"Mr. Collins - " Elizabeth attempted to interrupt. She couldn't let this continue.
"But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it will be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying, and moreover, for coming into Washington with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did."
The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him farther, and he continued:
"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances, like myself, to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly, which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the great lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford, between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh's foot-stool, that she said, 'Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a lady for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.' Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond any thing I can describe; and your wit and vivacity I think must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite."
Elizabeth was nearly choking, torn between laughter and horror. She had to stop this, but she really didn't know how. Mr. Collins never stopped for breath.
"Thus much for my general intention in favor of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed to Washington instead of my own neighborhood, where I assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honored father, who, however, may live many years longer, I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place, which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that only a small amount, which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married."
Elizabeth couldn't let this continue. It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now. "You are too hasty, sir," she said. "You forget that I have not yet given you an answer. Let me do so without further ado. I thank you for the compliment you have paid me, I am very sensible of the honor of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to accept them."
"I am not now to learn," replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, "that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favor; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar before long."
"Upon my word, Mr. Collins," Elizabeth exclaimed, "your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration. I assure you that I am not one of those young ladies, if such young ladies exist, who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am certain that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so. If your friend Mrs. de Bourgh met me, I am sure she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation."
"If it were certain that Mrs. de Bourgh would think so," said Mr. Collins very gravely, "but I cannot imagine that she would disapprove of you at all. And you may be certain that when I have the honor of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other fine qualifications."
Elizabeth was nearly ready to scream. This was a nightmare. If only Fitzwilliam would arrive and save her! "Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary. You must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy and very rich, and by refusing your offer, do all I can to prevent your being otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have satisfied the delicacy of your feelings with regard to my family, and may take possession of the estate whenever it falls, without any self-reproach. This matter may be considered, therefore, as finally settled." And standing as she said this, she would have left the room, had Mr. Collins not addressed her,
"When I do myself the honor of speaking to you next on this subject, I shall hope to receive a more favorable answer than you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty at present, because I know it to be the established custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female character."
"Mr. Collins," Elizabeth said with some frustration. "I don't understand you. If what I have said to this point has seemed to encourage you, I don't know how to phrase my refusal such that you'll accept it."
"You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy of your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in its favor; and you should take it into further consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you."
Elizabeth almost started laughing at that. Oh, Fitzwilliam, she thought.
"Your portion is so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females."
"I assure you, sir, that I have no claim to that sort of elegance which consists of tormenting a respectable man. I would rather that you believed me sincere. I appreciate the honor you have done, but I must decline your proposal. Need I say more?"
"You are uniformly charming!" he cried, with an air of awkward gallantry, "and I am sure that when sanctioned by the authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals will not fail of being acceptable."
To this, Elizabeth made no attempt at a response, only left the room silently. How could she argue with someone who was going to make everything she said more proof of her love for him?
Part 35
Elizabeth went into the sitting room, sat down on the sofa and buried her face in a cushion. She couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry, or both. Mr. Collins was so ridiculous, so pompous, and there was no way she could have stopped him without revealing her engagement. But she couldn't do that until her father had given his consent. Where was Fitzwilliam?
Darcy had, in the meantime, arrived, and Jane had sent him to the sitting room. It was there he found Elizabeth, her face still in the cushions to the point where she did not notice him coming. When he saw her, he rushed over to pull her into his arms.
"Elizabeth, my dearest, what is wrong?" he asked.
She told him the story, managing to get it out around slightly hysterical tears. "Oh, Fitzwilliam," she concluded. "I was afraid I would laugh myself to death."
Darcy touched her face gently. "I should go speak to your father before this nonsense with Collins goes any further."
"I will go with you." She dried her face. "Do I look as though I have been crying?"
"You look beautiful, as you always do," Darcy said sincerely, which did much to put a smile on Elizabeth's face. She would have replied, but she heard a voice out in the hall.
"Elizabeth! Come here this instant! Your father wishes to speak to you!"
Elizabeth pulled away from Darcy. "I must go. This will undoubtedly be about my refusal of Mr. Collins."
"I'll go with you," Darcy offered.
"If you wish, but I think it best that I talk to my parents alone first." Elizabeth smiled. "Else my mother will think it some sort of trick to get out of marrying Mr. Collins, which only she thinks is a good idea. Marrying Mr. Collins, I mean."
Darcy put a finger under Elizabeth's chin. "I will follow your lead in this, my love. Just remember you can always count on me." He dropped a feather soft kiss on her lips, and Elizabeth wanted to melt into him.
The door handle jiggled, though, and Elizabeth and Darcy each took a step back before her mother walked into the room. "Elizabeth, your father wants to see you in the library right now. Why, Mr. Darcy, to what do we owe this pleasure?" She didn't pause a beat between the two sentences.
"I have urgent business with Mr. Bennet," Darcy replied calmly. "But it can wait a few minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth managed with a wry smile. "You are too kind."
With Mrs. Bennet leading, all three made their way to the library. Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth went inside, leaving Darcy to wait impatiently.
Part 36
"Come in, my dear," her father said as soon as the door was shut. "I've asked for you on a matter of some importance. Now, I am told that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?"
"It is," Elizabeth said with a nod.
"I see. And this proposal you have declined?"
"I have."
"Yes, well, we come now to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Am I correct, Mrs. Bennet?"
"Yes, or I will never see her again."
"An unhappy choice is before you, Elizabeth. From this day on you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins. I will never see you again if you do."
Elizabeth wanted to laugh at this; she had known her father would not let her down. Mrs. Bennet, however was less than pleased.
"Oh, Mr. Bennet! Elizabeth, you must marry Mr. Collins. Otherwise, what will become of us when your father dies, and he inherits the estate?"
"Mama, it is not like that." There was a knock at the library door. Mr. Bennet called out for them to come in, and Mr. Darcy came in.
Now, Mr. Darcy had done something he would have been ashamed to admit. He had been listening at the door, so he knew Elizabeth needed someone to back her up. And by all rights, that was his job. So he knocked on the door and went in.
"Mr. Bennet, there is something I must speak to you about," Darcy said rather abruptly.
Mr. Bennet sighed. "Of course, Darcy. Now, will you ladies please excuse us?"
Darcy stopped them. "I think they should hear what I have to say." Elizabeth glanced at him and met his eyes. The look she gave him was as intimate as a kiss and assured him of her full support. "I wish to ask for your consent to an engagement between your daughter Elizabeth and myself."
To say that Mr. Bennet was surprised would be an understatement. Shocked and speechless would be closer. "Have you asked Elizabeth herself?" he asked.
Elizabeth extended her left hand to him in response. "I accepted Mr. Darcy yesterday, Father."
"In that case," Mr. Bennet said with a sigh. "I suppose there is nothing more to be said on the matter." He took Elizabeth's hand and set it in Darcy's. "I wish you all the joy in the world, my dear. And Darcy, I think that you are getting the better of this bargain."
"Oh, Mr. Bennet!" Mrs. Bennet wailed. She left the room pouting and crying. She had so wanted to see Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins.
Darcy tugged gently on Elizabeth's hand, pulling her very willingly to his side. "See?" he said, putting his hand alongside her face. "I told you it would all work out."
"On the contrary, Mr. Darcy," she replied with a smile. "I believe it was I that told you."
Mr. Bennet slipped out of the room with a smile, shutting the door firmly behind him, just before Darcy ended the argument once and for all with a kiss.
Part 37
Lydia and Kitty Bennet left the house, giggling. They had no intention of staying and listening to the row at home, not when they could go see officers. Besides, who knew if Mrs. Bennet would convince Mr. Collins to marry one of them?
Charlotte Lucas was coming up to the Bennet house just as Lydia and Kitty were leaving. "Charlotte! Oh, you will never believe!"
Well used to this from her own sister, Charlotte merely asked what the news was. That was all the encouragement Lydia needed.
"What do you think has happened this morning? Mr. Collins has proposed to Elizabeth, and she has turned him down."
"I cannot say I am surprised at that," Charlotte said with a smile. "Elizabeth made her feelings for him perfectly clear."
"Oh, but you haven't heard it all!" Lydia exclaimed. "She is already engaged. To Mr. -- Mr. -- Kitty, what is his name? He came to ask Father's permission this morning."
"Mr. Darcy," Kitty supplied. "And he has given her a ring with sapphires. It was his mother's, I heard Jane say so."
"Elizabeth is engaged to Fitzwilliam Darcy?" Charlotte asked, though not with much surprise. She had seen he was attracted to her friend the night of the Bingleys' ball. She had not expected him to propose so soon.
"Yes. And Mr. Collins is in a temper, for he says Elizabeth only meant to make a fool of him. And Mama goes around saying 'Oh, Mr. Collins!' and telling Elizabeth that she will never speak to her again." Lydia seemed almost pleased with that fact.
"I am surprised that your mother is making such a fuss over the matter. Mr. Darcy is an infinitely better match for Elizabeth. But perhaps I can help. Do you think he would come to dinner at my home?"
"Oh please," Kitty begged. "Or else we will have to listen to him all evening."
Charlotte replied that she would indeed invite Mr. Collins to spend the evening with her family. She did not say so, but an idea was beginning to form in her mind.
Part 38
Kitty and Lydia, who wished to be rid of Mr. Collins as quickly as possible, ushered Charlotte into the sitting room, where Mrs. Bennet was sitting and moaning over the loss of Mr. Collins.
She called on Charlotte for comfort and support. "Dear Charlotte, you must persuade Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins, else what will become of us when Mr. Bennet dies? But no one thinks anything for me and my poor nerves."
Charlotte frowned, as if in thought. "But, Mrs. Bennet, if I may be so bold, isn't Mr. Darcy five times more suitable as a husband? He does have a large plantation in Virginia, as well as being a favorite for the next senatorial election there."
"But he has no reason to take care of us when Mr. Bennet dies," Mrs. Bennet wept.
Charlotte forbore to point out that Elizabeth would not wish to take care of her mother and younger sisters no matter who she married. In any case, she was spared the necessity of replying by the arrival of Mr. Collins.
Being a sensible woman, she would have left the room and gone in search of Elizabeth, so great was the tension in the room, but she was detained by Mr. Collins' inquiries after her family. He would not be satisfied with simple answers, but needed to ask every detail. By that time, her curiosity was piqued, so she walked to the window, so as not to seem like she was listening.
Mrs. Bennet began the conversation in such a voice that Charlotte could have heard it in the next house over, or so it seemed to her.
"Oh! Mr. Collins!"
"My dear madam," he replied, "let us be forever silent on this. Far be it from me," he continued, in a voice that marked his displeasure, "to resent the behavior of your daughter. Rather, it is my duty, as a clergyman and as her cousin, to wish her and her fiancé great joy." His tone implied that he doubted there would be joy on either side of that marriage. "Now, if you will excuse me, madam, I will retire to change for dinner." With those words, he bowed and left.
As it turned out, Lydia and Kitty did not entirely get their wish. Charlotte never had an opportunity to ask Mr. Collins to dinner. Instead, Mrs. Bennet had invited her to stay. But, for the evening, Mr. Collins paid no attention to any of the Bennet girls.
At dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet sat at the head and foot of the table, as was their custom. Elizabeth and Jane sat on their father's left and right sides. Mr. Darcy, who was also staying for dinner, sat on Elizabeth's left, with Kitty to his other side. On Jane's right was Mary, with Charlotte beside her. Mr. Collins sat between Mrs. Bennet and Charlotte, while Lydia was between her mother and Kitty.
Mr. Collins, in an attempt to snub Elizabeth, ignored her entirely, bestowing his attentions on Charlotte. Elizabeth never noticed, or if she did, she paid no attention to it. She was so occupied with Mr. Darcy that she barely noticed the food she ate.
After supper, they all retired to the parlor, where the ladies played the piano in turn, and Mr. Collins again paid all his attention to Charlotte. It was at this time that the matter was brought to Elizabeth's attention.
"Your cousin is paying a great deal of attention to Miss Lucas," Darcy said softly as he turned pages for her.
"I cannot imagine why Charlotte is allowing it. He is a fool, and she is entirely too sensible for him."
"She does not seem to be objecting to his attentions in the least," Darcy remarked thoughtfully.
Elizabeth looked and almost missed the notes, as she felt something strange. It might be called jealousy, for, though she did not want Mr. Collins, some part of her was angry that he had a replacement so quickly. But her own good sense reasserted itself when Darcy put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"If that is they both want it," she said to Darcy, "then what can I say?"
Part 39
March 22, 1861
Elizabeth spent most of the next day in Jane's company. It was as though the fact of her engagement had made them realize that they could not always be together, and they wanted to make the most of all their time.
Together, they went to their seamstress' to arrange for a new dress for each of them. The Darcys were going to host an engagement party in a few weeks, after Darcy's sister had arrived in D.C., and the eldest Bennet sisters would be the guests of honor, especially if Charles Bingley proposed to Jane.
After that, they took a long walk, pouring out their hearts to each other. It was a good time for both of them.
On their way home from this walk, they were overtaken by Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy almost immediately dropped back a little. Neither was much inclined to talk, both lost in their own thoughts.
Finally, Elizabeth gave voice to her thoughts. "They make a fine pair, don't they?" she asked, indicating Jane and Bingley.
"Hm?" Darcy said. "Oh, yes, I suppose so."
"Fitzwilliam, you are in a very thoughtful mood. Share your thoughts with me, please."
"It is nothing, Elizabeth. I was just thinking about my home."
"Virginia or Pemberley?" she inquired
"Pemberley," he replied with a smile. "I did not think I had ever spoken of it to you."
"You have not. It was Caroline Bingley who first mentioned it to me." In a precise imitation of Caroline's voice, Elizabeth said, "'Oh, Louisa, I grow so tired of Washington. How I long to be at Pemberley! I do hope Darcy will bring us back with him.'"
Smiling in spite of himself, Darcy scolded her gently. "Somehow I doubt that Caroline was speaking to you."
"No," Elizabeth agreed, "but she was speaking at me. I think she was endeavoring to discourage me."
Darcy let that comment go. After all, what difference did it make if Caroline had wanted to discourage Elizabeth? She was his, and he was hers now. "I can hardly wait until I take you to Pemberley, Elizabeth," he said. "You will love it there."
"Tell me about it," she pleaded.
And so he did. Until they reached her house, he told her of the beauties of Pemberley. He had the pleasure of watching her eyes light up at his words and knew that she belonged at Pemberley as much as to he did.
Part 40
March 23, 1861
The next afternoon, Elizabeth again went over to the Lucas' home. She had not seen Charlotte since the dinner with Mr. Collins. As a matter of fact, she hadn't seen Mr. Collins since then either.
To her surprise, when she was shown into their sitting room, Mr. Collins was there, speaking with Mr. Lucas. Charlotte immediately drew Elizabeth over to a seat by the window.
In a low voice that would not carry to the men, she told Elizabeth of Mr. Collins' visit the day before and that morning.
"Oh, Charlotte," Elizabeth said. "I am sorry he was foisted off on you."
"You need not be sorry, Elizabeth," Charlotte replied. "I am not done with my story." She went on to explain to her friend that Mr. Collins had proposed, and she had accepted him.
While the thought had crossed Elizabeth's mind that Mr. Collins could fancy himself attracted to Charlotte, never had she imagined that Charlotte would truly accept him. "Engaged to Mr. Collins! Charlotte, you are joking!"
Charlotte's face betrayed a momentary confusion and pain at such a direct reproach, but she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied, "Why should you be surprised, Elizabeth? Do you think it so impossible that Mr. Collins should be able to win any woman's good opinion, because he was not so lucky as to succeed with you?"
Elizabeth had by this time recovered her own composure and managed to assure Charlotte that the prospect of their relationship was very welcome to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.
"I know what you are thinking," Charlotte said. "You are surprised by the fact that Mr. Collins has proposed so soon after being rejected. But I hope, when you have had a chance to think it over, you will be satisfied with what I have done."
"But, Charlotte," Elizabeth protested, "can you really be happy with such a man?"
"I'm not romantic, Elizabeth. I never was. I ask only for a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins' character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."
"Undoubtedly," Elizabeth answered. After an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Elizabeth did not stay much longer; she needed time to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed that, when it came to the test, Charlotte would sacrifice every feeling to worldly advantage.
It was a humiliating picture for Elizabeth, and added to the pain of a her friend disgracing herself that way was the certainty that it was impossible for that friend to be happy in the way she had chosen.
Part 41
That evening was another large dinner. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were again present, as were the Lucases and Mr. Collins.
This was when Mrs. Bennet first heard about the engagement between Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Predictably, she went through her hysterical stage, and complained to Jane that "those Lucases are so artful". Jane barely managed to keep her mother out of earshot for that discussion.
When she had recovered from that, though, Mrs. Bennet could not help making several comments to Mrs. Lucas about Mr. Darcy's fine plantation in Virginia, and what a fine match Elizabeth had made.
Elizabeth could not help laughing to Darcy about that after dinner. "My mother is as changeable as the weather. I knew she would stop complaining eventually." Then she grew serious. "I just wish my mother's mood change had not depended on Charlotte doing something so foolish."
Darcy took her hand in his. "You cannot live Charlotte's life for her. She think this is best, so it is your duty, as her friend, to support her in this decision."
"I know that, Fitzwilliam. It just pains me to see her saddling herself with such a man." Then she smiled. "I am so happy that I want everyone to be equally so."
Darcy agreed with her on that idea, and spent some time proving it to her.
The next day the Bennet family bid farewell to Mr. Collins. He was returning to Hunsford in order to prepare for the coming of his bride as soon as could be arranged. No one in the family was overly sorry to see him leave, excepting perhaps Mary, who thought him fairly learned.
Elizabeth, for her part, was glad to be rid of her cousin. Much though his airs could amuse her, it was a pleasure of which a little went a long way.
Life quickly settled into a new routine at the Bennet household. Mornings and afternoons were filled with the rounds of visits as always, though a frequent topic now was Elizabeth's engagement. Evenings generally saw either Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley, more frequently both, as guests for dinner and conversation after at the Bennets'.
Elizabeth was in heaven, happy as she could never claim to have been before. The only shadow in this happiness was that she could not yet share it with Jane. But she was sure that would come soon enough.
Darcy, too, was happier than anyone could remember him being. He was more animated and lively in company than previously.
It was this change that prompted his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to remark one day, "Elizabeth Bennet has worked wonders on you, Darcy. You are a changed man since meeting her."
"Hmm? I suppose so. She is an amazing woman, and I am the luckiest of men that she loves me."
"It is a pity that her sister Jane is not unattached. You make me almost wish to marry into such a remarkable family," the Colonel said, only half in joke.
Darcy frowned thoughtfully. "Yes," he replied, not really paying attention to his words.
The Colonel, though failing to see what had caught Darcy's attention like that, changed the subject. "So when will we hear wedding bells?" he asked.
"After Georgianna arrives. I could hardly marry without her here." The conversation shifted to Georgianna's upcoming visit, and soon after Darcy left, still with that thoughtful look on his face.
Part 42
March 28, 1861
Elizabeth could not get much out of Darcy when he came over the evening after seeing his cousin. He was distracted, and spent much of his time watching Jane and Bingley. Elizabeth did not see what he was watching; Jane and Bingley were acting as they always did.
"Fitzwilliam," she asked finally in frustration, "what are you looking at? You have watched Jane and Charles more than you have watched me this evening. Is something wrong?"
"I beg your pardon, Elizabeth," he replied with a smile. "I have been most inattentive. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Not unless you tell me what you are thinking."
Darcy paused only a heartbeat before saying, "I am wondering if Charles and your sister will marry any time soon."
The slight frown on Elizabeth's face disappeared. "I hope so. They are so well suited." He mumbled some affirmative, which seemed to satisfy her.
April 3, 1861
Elizabeth stared out the window at the drizzling rain, waiting futilely for Darcy. Today was the day his sister was expected, though some sixth sense told Elizabeth that Georgiana would not be arriving today.
One of the maids came into the room. "This letter just come for you, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth took the letter. "Thank you, Sarah." She broke the seal, which she recognized as Darcy's.
Dearest Elizabeth,I am sorry to inform you that my sister will not be arriving today. She has written that her preparations are taking longer than she had hoped. Instead, I am to go to Pemberley in a week's time and bring her back with me. I am sorry it is not you who will be beside me for that trip.
I cannot even join you today, for Bingley, as you will know, is traveling to North Carolina this afternoon, and I have some commissions for him. I shall see you instead tomorrow.
I remain yours devotedly,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Elizabeth put down the letter and sighed. She wanted to see Fitzwilliam so badly. Then a thought crossed her mind. Charles was traveling to North Carolina? She wondered if Jane knew anything about it.
"It is nothing to be concerned about, Elizabeth," Jane said. "Charles said he had some business to take care of, though he would not tell me what. He will be returning with Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy, so he will not be gone long."
"If you are sure, Jane, I will not worry."
"I am quite sure. Come, let us go break the bad news to Mama that she will have no guests this evening."