Beginning , Section II, Section III, Next Section

Chapter 8

Posted on Saturday, 18 December 2004

Obeying the elder gentleman, Darcy knew this would not be any part of the measured exchange he had once hoped in his asking for Elizabeth’s hand. And rightly so, Mr. Bennet became furious when he heard along with his proposal the inclusion of how the proper Mr. Darcy admitted to without giving details his having taken advantage of his Lizzy. Standing at the hearth in shock Mr. Bennet busied his hands stoking the fire. After recovery his power of speech he went about berating the young man with every vile attribute the elder man could think.

“Of all the contemptible, dissolute blackguard that ever graced my door, you, sir, are the most damnable! You, who profess to be a gentleman of the first caliber, but are no more than a rake, a woof, and villain hidden in sheep’s clothing to lure and debauch unsuspecting innocents into your trap.” Viciously stabbing at the logs to bring sparks flying he continued. “Here, I thought it was the officers in the militia that were the libertines with their oft times questionably obnoxious behavior that I assumed was part and parcel to their position and therefore to whom I must have my girls guard against.” Another stab at the logs, “only to find out it is a gentleman of high regard, supposedly highly principled and honorable whom cannot be trusted, who behaved with of such depravity. You are a loathsome scoundrel, sir, an atrocious and accursed brute. I am sorry I ever let you into my house.”

The young man remained silent, giving no excuse to defend his actions. Elizabeth’s father continued his verbal defamation of Darcy’s character while several times pointing the poker threateningly at the young man who had dared abuse his Lizzy in this manner. Darcy remained frozen to the floor, swallowing at the thought of the hot poker burning into his flesh. His only salvation came when Mr. Bennet savagely hurled the poker across the room before dropping in his chair misty eyed. The silence in that small room was almost as deafening.

“And so, there is nothing to be done, then. She must marry. And she must marry someone she can hardly abide!” Mr. Bennet sighed saddened that his favorite would be conscripted to such a dismal fate without happiness.

“Sir,” replied Darcy with a quiet sincerity and equal determination. “I love your daughter very much, and have for almost our entire acquaintance. I was attracted to her wit as much as her charms, although for a time I was not prepared to disclose my feelings.” Darcy paused deciding what he would and would not relate to her father for Elizabeth’s sake, and continued. “Yes, she was cold to me in the beginning, but we met again at Hunsford, and,” remembering his letter, “she allowed me to explain away some of her misconceptions of me. Her feelings had begun to warm to me by the time she visited Pemberley with her relations, and while there she declared that she did most fervently return my affections, sir.”

“And because she was without her escorts she came upon a despicable beast to molest her!”

“Yes, blame me if you will, for I am at fault, not Elizabeth.”

Mr. Bennet bristled, his eyes flashed in unbridled anger. “Just because you have taken advantage, sir, do not suppose you may address her in so familiar a manner!”

“I beg your pardon, sir. But Miss Bennet is not to be blamed for my transgression.”

Elizabeth’s father agreed. “You, sir are the disreputable rogue in all this! You are the one disgraced, dishonoring not only my daughter’s reputation with your viciousness but our family’s-”

At that moment there came a knock upon the door and Elizabeth entered before being given permission. Darcy’s attention shifted immediately to her, walking before her as Mr. Bennet glowered at him.

“Why are you not still in bed? Has the doctor come?”

“Yes. By some convenient happenstance he was already in the servants’ quarters attending to the broken leg of one of the grooms.”

“The doctor has been sent for, Lizzy?” Her father’s voice now filled with concern as both men now stood before her, waiting for her to speak.

“The Dr. Bell gave me leave to come down and tell you both that I am fine.”

“You are?” Darcy’s eyes asked more than did his words. She smiled at him.

“Yes, I am fine.” Her eyes sparkled as she stared into his.

“That at least is good news then,” replied Mr. Bennet returning to his desk to sit, to await all the details of whatever reason it was she had need of a doctor. He had thought it merely a turned ankle or sprained wrist.

Darcy could barely refrain from taking her hand as he whispered, “and are you …?” She raised her shoulders as a gesture of uncertainty.

He smiled; his eyes misting that there may yet be hope, and he turned to her father. “Sir, I think you should know that there may have been a development from our encounter, and that we must marry as soon as possible.”

Mr. Bennet snorted and began his reply. “Yes, you most assuredly will marry for such a transgression as…”

His voice trailed off as he stared astonished from his sensibledaughter to the scoundrel, not speaking for a half minute as he put all the puzzle pieces together of the recent events and her odd behavior to come to the only plausible conclusion.

Finally, making his mouth function connected to his mind he asked, “Lizzy, are you with child?”

“Dr. Bell is not certain, father, not without doubt, but wishes that I take no chance if it be the case. He has given me his word that he will not relate this news to anyone, especially Mama. I…ah gave him leave to tell a different reason for Fitzwilliam carrying me into the house.”

Mr. Bennet seemed much older suddenly, as he rubbed his hand over his forehead and sighed, totally devastated at his inability to keep this very thing from happening to any of his daughters.

Elizabeth knelt beside her father’s chair, and took hold of his hand. “Father, I know it is not what either you or I had ever envisioned, but know that I would not be…unhappy if this be so.”

Her father shook his head, disbelieving her words.

Her eyes filled with tears as she added, “That is not to say that I am proud of what I have done. You taught me better, father, and I am heartily ashamed of my behavior that is far worse even than Lydia’s flirtations.”

She heard him give a bitter snort at her talent for understatement.

“But father, know that I love this man who returns that love so deeply that he would stand by me, and allow you to vilify him when I was to blame.”

“No, Elizabeth,” Darcy whispered, helping her into the chair he drew over, and stooping beside her and taking her hand.

Mr. Bennet, however, was not yet ready to relinquish his fury. “He told you that he loved you, did he? Lizzy, he abandoned you after what he did!”

“It was I who left him, father, with full knowledge of what might befall me.”

“And he has only now come after you, Lizzy?”

“He was ill, father, and knew nothing of my plight until he was informed of it whereupon he came post haste to ask for my hand.”

“Nothing would have prevented my coming once I found out,” avowed Darcy.

“I know that now. I should never have doubted you. I love you, Fitzwilliam with all my heart.” He squeezed her hand tenderly.

“Well,” he father replied sadly to that statement he could not yet believe. “It seems in the light of all that has transpired I have no choice but to give my consent though not my blessing to this union. It is most disheartening to find a father so useless in these matters.”

There was a pause as they each thought in their dismay of the unfolding events trying to think of what would come next. Elizabeth was the first to voice their concerns.

“How are we to explain our desire to wed so hastily without raising suspicion?”

“Do you have a suggestion, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth’s face brightened with a thought. “Fitzwilliam, would you allow father to make known your proposal to me while at Hunsford?”

Mr. Bennet stared in shock at this report, and could barely voice his inquiry. “What is this, Lizzy? Mr. Darcy proposed to you all those months ago?”

Darcy owned up to it, smiling and not taking his eyes from hers. “I did, sir, but she refused me then.”

“Lizzy, why would you refuse him?” Mr. Bennet could not envision anyone refusing such a wealthy man.

Her eyes locked on Darcy’s, she smiled back. “Father, he was very rude.”

Almost losing his countenance at her incredulous understatement of the man’s normal behavior, Mr. Bennet retorted, “Mr. Darcy, you were rude?”

“Yes, sir, and devoid of every other desirable quality your daughter deemed necessary for a good match. She was right to refuse me then. I was not worthy of her.”

“Good for you, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet quipped.

His words hung in the silent room as he gazed upon the couple; their faces shone with such deep and abiding love for one another. With sudden clarity of mind Mr. Bennet came to believe the young man’s declarations of the length and intensity of his devotion to Lizzy that had made such a proud man at this humbled, now so altered that he would risk rejection a second time just for the chance to gain her consent.

Surely she has found her equal in this young man.

Mr. Bennet’s mind eased with the belief now in his daughter’s avowals as well and the thought of his favorite having a happy marriage, and he also realized a way now to be of use to his daughter.

Thus rising from his chair Mr. Bennet said further, “Well, then perhaps that report will suffice for your mother, Lizzy.”

They both stared at him, and stood up as he opened the door and called his wife into the study, whereupon she immediately began her tirade.

“Oh, Lizzy, you foolish child! The doctor just informed me that you are fortunate not to have sustained any serious injuries, but he wishes you to remain abed for a few days and at rest for a week’s time to insure that you have no long term effects he has not observe. I dare say you had us all in up roar. Oh! How could you!”

She finally stopped talking in order to draw breath, and the two gentlemen gazed at the woman with blank stares, not knowing about what she was ranting. It was her husband who found his voice first and asked her. “I have not the privilege of understanding you. Of what are you talking?”

Mrs. Bennet smacked her lips in disgust and waved her kerchief at her daughter shrilly exclaiming, “Why Lizzy, of course! Do you not know why the doctor was sent for? Because our daughter, your favorite has injured her back from a fall out of a tree! A tree, Miss Lizzy! Of all the cruelty toward your her dear mother!”

Mr. Bennet gazed at Elizabeth in amazement at the story she perpetrated that the doctor relate to Mrs. Bennet, while his daughter dutifully lowered her eyes to view her shoes, arms folded across her chest, trying to look remorseful.

Her mother then began anew with her admonishments of a daughter she had never been able to make compliant to her wishes. “ A tree, Lizzy, how in the world can you still be climbing trees at your age like some silly boy! You have always been such a willful high spirited child! I don’t know what is to become of you! You have no compassion for my poor nerves!

“Yes, Mama.”

Mr. Darcy wore his inscrutable mask that permitted him to keep his countenance that was betrayed only by his eyes. Mr. Bennet’s own eyes twinkled with mirth, as he then tried to becalm his spouse’s fluttering kerchief in order to tell her his news.

“Oh, Mr. Bennet! She will be the death of me! I am sure of it!”

“Yes, yes, well, it seems no apparent harm has befallen our rather… (ahem) rambunctious offspring. Now, if you will permit me, Mrs. Bennet, I have some rather remarkable news to tell you. Well, it seems that Mr. Darcy here has the wish to marry our Lizzy at the week’s end.” Mr. Bennet frowned at Darcy for confirmation. “Is that not so, sir?”

Darcy ascertained with confidence. “Yes, sir, it is.”

Mr. Bennet continued with, “And so what have you to say to that, Mrs. Bennet?”

Flustered at the thought of anyone wishing to wed her unruly, spirited daughter, Mrs. Bennet could barely make a complete sentence as she sputtered out, “Well, I don’t know…that is too soon…why does he wish to-”

Darcy then took over by stating, “Madam, my desire to wed your daughter has been long and hard fought. Since I first proposed at Kent I have little patience left and wish to have us wed forthwith before she sees fit to…change her mind.”

Elizabeth’s head jerked up, her eyebrows rising at his skillful turn of phrase that though strictly not a lie implied a secret engagement between them, realizing that was not what she had agreed to. Now wondering of the wisdom of this tale, she opened her mouth while trying to formulate some reply. Mrs. Bennet, however, took only a few seconds of total astonishment before her gaze fell to her second oldest daughter.

“You…you…you… he made an offer to you at Kent, Lizzy? You…you…could have been married all these months ago and you never said a word? Oh, child! How could you be so foolish?” Not wishing a repeat of the withdrawal of a proposal with Lizzy’s refusing it as in the case of Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet turned again to Darcy, patted his arm reassuring him. “Oh, sir, we will have everything ready by the week’s end, and have Lizzy at the church even if we have to carry her there.”

“Mama!”

Darcy remained silent merely trying to keep his face inscrutable at the thought of his beloved being carried into the chapel.

It would be my pleasant duty to have that honor, Madam.

Mr. Bennet had a calming effect upon his wife’s pronouncement. “Yes, yes, well I doubt such extremes will be necessary, my dear.” He motioned her to follow him out adding, “for it seems our Lizzy now wishes to be wed to Mr. Darcy. What say you now?”

“Oh, Mr. Bennet!” Mrs. Bennet wailed, waving her kerchief. “Oh! There is so much to be done for all to be made ready! I must go directly to my sister Phillips and tell her the good news, and then to the dressmakers. Oh, and the wedding clothes! And the flowers, and the church, and oh! We must know what Mr. Darcy’s favorite dishes are that we may prepare them for the wedding breakfast, and you must write directly to have Edward come soon again from London, and we must have the house be made ready and, the silver polished, and the mattresses turned, and…”

Mr. Bennet wisely remained silent as his wife ranted hurriedly down the hallway, gazing back at the young couple as he closed the door. His last words were spoken in jest but had the ring of truth to them. “Mrs. Bennet will give you a few moments peace before she again remembers you are still about to return and accost you with a great many details. I fear her head has been full of wedding plans these past twenty years that are only now coming to fruition, so gather your fortitude, you two. Your mother will not cease to bring forward every aspect to your attention until you both be in the wedding carriage.”

Gazing at Lizzy he sighed in resignation at the thought of losing his favorite in so brief a time. “Rest as much as possible, my dear.” Turning to depart the study his gazed then settled upon Mr. Darcy, saddened at how all had taken place.

Darcy made Elizabeth sit again and himself sat in her father’s chair beside her, holding her hand. Elizabeth leaned her forehead against Darcy’s and she tried to remain calm in the face of the subterfuge he had just perpetuated

Finally looking into his eyes she stated, “I thought lying was abhorrent to you.”

“Did I say anything that was untrue?”

“Not in fact, but with so many omissions you let Mama infer what was not in truth an actuality.”

He nodded, but he had vowed to protect Elizabeth with all his power even if it meant having people think what they will.

“It is done, and is for the best. We shall be soon married in actuality.

He heard her sigh in resignation of how the chaos that would ensue before the week’s end, and tried to make a jest. “Eloping to Gretna Green does have its advantages.”

She giggled at that added absurdity and shook her head. “The insanity will only be for a few days, and then it will be over.”

There was a pause as he gazed at her. “What did the doctor actually tell you, Elizabeth?”

“That he is not sure, for it is too soon to know without a doubt, and...”

“And?”

“If I am truly with child,” she gazed into his eyes bright.

It is my most fervent hope.

“Then he worries over the early pains that I experienced, and…”

“And?”

“To ensure that nothing unforeseen occurs, he requests that I…”

“That…you what, Lizzy?” She rolled her eyes acknowledging his correct assessment.

“Stay in bed or at rest until he deems any danger has passed, but it was only a request-”

“-which I will see that you obey.” As he finished her sentence with sternness in his voice Darcy stared at her, determined not to give way on this issue.

She began to protest. “There is so much to do between now and the week’s end-” Again he interrupted her to complete her sentence.

“I will see to it that all is taken care of.” His voice was that of a master unused to being defied. Then smiling at his next thought he added, “Including sending word to my cousin who is in England again and to my sister, both of whom would be at my uncle’s townhouse in London by now. Georgiana’s prayers have been answered, it seems. She will be pleased to finally have a sister.” He kissed the top of Elizabeth’s hand he had been holding melting all her ill mood. She smiled.

“I know we shall love each other as dear as natural sisters.”

He squeezed her hand suddenly realizing the crumpled paper within. “What is this?” Opening her hand she smoothed out the missive, its seal still intact. He recognized the handwriting to be that of his housekeeper.

“Hill delivered this to me before the doctor entered. I had not time to even open it beforehand.” Breaking the wax, she allowed Darcy to read the letter along with her, his eyebrows knitting at Mrs. Reynolds’ equally cryptic phrasing as Elizabeth’s letter. Both Darcy and Elizabeth had wit enough to deduce her true meaning when she referred to a young miss ‘walking down a path.’ She wrote of things encountered along the way in reference to signs Elizabeth should be aware, never mentioning those most common ones that she had previously told Darcy, realizing correctly that he would inform Elizabeth of them.

“Does anything you read sound familiar?”

Elizabeth shook her head frowning. “No, nothing whatever, but Mrs. Reynolds does mention women are individuals, so perhaps these are not things that will ever occur.”

Now both having memorized the list of subtle clues, Elizabeth closed the missive and tore it in two, throwing it into the fire where it flashed into ashes within seconds.

She paused, biting her lower lip and Darcy asked, “What else is there you have not told me?”

“Only that Dr. Bell was…curious at how you seemed to stop my pains. When I told him you got me drunk he laughed and said that perhaps for expedient’s sake that method was effective, but thought herbal remedies might be more prudent as a preventive measure in the future should there be a need.”

Darcy could not keep the smirk from his face which she ignored, leaning over to his mouth that she had longed to kiss. When his lips touched hers all other thoughts fled his mind except the desire to put her to bed once more, only this time not alone. When he finally found the fortitude to pull his lips from hers he saw the unspoken passion in her eyes with both of them breathing heavily as they tried to curtail their desires. He closed his eyes then, cradling her head in his hand, his thumb caressing her cheek.

How I love this woman.

As he felt Elizabeth’s serenity in his warm embrace Darcy knew then why he existed, why he was put on this earth, vowing to bring all in his power to bear to protect…her. For now that meant to hold Elizabeth to him for some few moments until they were summoned. He smiled, elated that she was at last to be his wife.

Chapter 9

Posted on Wednesday, 22 December 2004

With but a week before the wedding, Darcy was invited and readily accepted accommodations at Longbourn instead of residing at Netherfield, much to Caroline’s chagrin. Having received word from her brother regarding his engagement to Jane and Darcy’s upcoming nuptials to Elizabeth, Caroline hurried to Netherfield within a day’s time. Mr. Hurst begrudgingly allowed her the use of his carriage after enduring an entire morning‘s barrage of whines from both his wife and his sister-in-law giving him no relief until he could stand it no longer and did agree.

Louisa squeezed Caroline’s hand as the coach sped off, promising to find out some slander about the Bennet’s relations in London.

Louisa has many who will do her bidding, and will send an express within a day or two. Miss Eliza, you will not have him, not if I can help it.

Miss Bingley was feeling very smug as the carriage entered the grounds of Netherfield.

I will convince Mr. Darcy to halt his marriage to that upstart fortune hunter!

But upon entering to the house and inquiring after her brother she was informed that Mr. Bingley had left to visit the Bennets and Mr. Darcy who was presently in residence at Longbourn.

“Mr. Darcy is residing at Longbourn? For how long?”

“I was told that he would remain there until his nuptials at week’s end, Madam.”

Caroline turned her back to the servant in her usual dismissive manner to the staff and huffed down the hallway to her rooms. She would have preferred Darcy closer that she might talk him out of so imprudent a match. She was, however, confidant that when she thereafter joined her brother on his daily visits to Longbourn during the remainder of the week she would thwart Miss Eliza’s attempt to continue this attachment to Mr. Darcy.

Before long I will have Mr. Darcy convinced of his mistake of aligning himself to such a disgustingly provincial family instead of a more sophisticated cosmopolitan one. Then you will be mine, Mr. Darcy.

It had not been two days of his residing at Longbourn to have Darcy realize he had sacrificed his very peace of mind that he be near Elizabeth to ensure she adhere to the doctor’s instructions to at least rest even if she did not keep to her bed. Not being the kind of person to just sit about as she informed him without purpose, Darcy was frustrated at her constantly impeding his attempts to keep her at a standstill, even to have him agreeing begrudgingly to frequent but very short walks around the grounds near the house and the still fragrant gardens.

When Elizabeth had them set out on the first of these strolls on that second day of his being established at Longbourn, Elizabeth noted his disposition was one of agitation. She at first could only assume it due to her not following the doctor’s orders to rest, Darcy’s constant reminding her of it was now a mantra in her head. With his stress still in evidence as they continued their walk, however, Elizabeth began to wonder then if perhaps something else was disturbing his disposition.

No longer wishing to incorrectly speculate as to the reason for his mood, she touched his arm, and inquired in a quiet voice, “Fitzwilliam, what is troubling you?”

He remained silent, but held her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly as they continued to walk slowly upon the path that led to a small copse of trees with a bench. Darcy motioned for her to sit, and turned his back to collect his thoughts before replying.

It was then that his eyes gazed upon the loveliness of the gardens about him. The Bennets had always seen the importance of keeping up the care of the grounds about their small estate that even Darcy could see the difference between it to that of the grander Netherfield whose lands had been long neglected. Autumn asters and mums were now in bloom and the lateness of the lingering summer had given even those flowers a longer season in which to add to the beauty. Without meaning to this walk had given him some respite from the chaos within Longbourn.

“Now I understand more fully your desire to use walking not only as a form of exercise, Elizabeth, but as a restorative to your peace of mind as well.”

She smiled at his implication of being ill at ease while abiding at Longbourn as compared to that of the more tranquil atmosphere of Netherfield even with the arrival of Miss Bingley to beleaguer him. Elizabeth tried to tease him into a more positive mood.

“You have my permission to return to Netherfield and remain there until the wedding, although even there you will no doubt be annoyed.”

He turned around to gaze at her realizing to whom she was referring. He remained silent, however, knowing he would not leave her side lest she decide to further ignore her doctor’s requests of rest. She continued in a calm voice.

“Your years being in company with Miss Bingley and others of her ilk must have enabled you to perfect your talents of discounting unpleasant behavior. Might you not use those talents in this circumstance?”

He raised one brow realizing how easily she had deduced the reason for his ill mood, and admitted as much to her. “I am merely unused to being accosted by…so large…a contingent as to assail all my defenses at once.”

She now understood his mood completely. To be so unused not only to the mayhem inflicted by all those around him, but to be so disrespected by those residing at Longbourn, and dare she say even bold in their defiance of the master of a great estate as Pemberley!

My love, you have a long way to go before you are ready for such a family as mine.

She bade him sit beside her, and took his hand in hers and kissed it tenderly. “I know my relations are not what you would wish and that they are as a… contingent …quite difficult to tolerate. You must therefore separate them as best you can, and deal with each as an individual member of this large unruly family. Only then will you see how very caring each is in their own way. Then you will understand how I could miss them so dearly when we leave them behind.”

“Elizabeth-”

“I know this will be a difficult task for you, Fitzwilliam, but I implore you to try for my sake.” Darcy stared into the most devastating eyes he had ever beheld, rich pools of warm earth with specks of gold dancing within that left him little choice but to sigh with renewed conviction, the slightest smile gracing his lips.

“I shall, Elizabeth, for you know I could never leave you no matter the obstacle put before me.” His voiced softened as he vowed, “I shall conquer this.”

He leaned over kissing her cheek, and pulling close at last to feel himself grow content as he embraced her. They remained on the bench for some time before Darcy decided that his mood had improved enough that he was ready to brave the uproar that reigned within Longbourn once more.

Upon their return, the constant state of noise and calamitous behavior instigated by her younger sisters to incite a similar response from their mother was so unlike anything Darcy had ever known at Pemberley that it still caused Darcy to be rather disconcerted though he bore up well. At dinner Mr. Bennet took note of the young man’s pursed lips and finally drew him aside afterwards suggesting, “it would be wise, dear boy, for you to become accustomed to such raucous bedlam, for children have a way about them as regard to boisterousness.”

Darcy did not make reply to this statement, but merely stared at the elder gentleman and nodded in resignation, becoming more understanding Mr. Bennet’s wish for the solitude in his library. Later in the privacy of that same library after dinner Mr. Bennet talked more freely to Darcy about the raising of children, something Darcy had some experience with by his almost having raised his own sister. Mr. Bennet spoke of the difference between boys and girls.

“Climbing the walls, sliding down banisters.”

“Perhaps we shall be like you, sir, and only beget girls.”

“I was talking of girls.”

At that they both chuckled, each becoming more at ease with the other. When the elder gentleman regaled Darcy with Sir William’s tales of his boys scaring their sisters with frogs, Darcy’s mind reminisced of his own childhood in company of his two older cousins. Staring at his future father-in-law to see the mirth in the elder gentleman’s eyes, Darcy felt somehow of his being in a safe environment to admit a similar tale. He spoke of how as a group, he and his two cousins were accountable for scaring the daylights out of not only the earl’s cook but several of the scullery maids. Each had dared to put a frog, a young grass snake and rather larger beetle into the stew pot in the kitchen at Matlock House. Mayhem ensured due to the frog jumping out of the pot upon a maid, and the snake, still very much alive, slivering inside the pot when the cook began to stir.

Darcy finished with, “Our inability to keep from laughing was our downfall to being caught, and were all soundly punished and rightly so by my uncle.”

This brought Mr. Bennet to laughter. “Well, with such reflections of that memory and the soundness of the retribution you will no doubt adjust to your dealings with children, son. Boys do seem to require a heavier hand to put the point across to them than do girls, but each of mine needed quite different admonishments.”

Intrigued now at the elder gentleman’s insights, Darcy persuaded him to elaborate. “How so?”

“My eldest was never one to disobey, and I can’t remember ever having a cross word with Jane. And now she has managed to attract a gentleman quite her equal, would you not agree, Mr. Darcy? Is not Mr. Bingley the counterpart of my Jane?”

“Yes,” Darcy could not but agree. “They are quite similar in their gentle dispositions.”

“They are as alike as two peas in a pod! And of all places to find his exact match, the lad comes to let Netherfield, from which he has but to seek the next house over to find my Jane.” Mr. Bennet shook his head wistfully while Darcy encouraged him on to the next daughter.

“What of your remaining offspring, sir?”

“Lizzy, ah, she was always going off somewhere in that active way of hers, oftentimes enlisting her other sisters or the neighbor children into her plans of stream fording, and tree climbing, searching the fields and caves for hidden treasure, all the while regaling them with stories of pirates and hidden gold. Her mother would always be chastising her for a soiled or torn dress. The only way I saw to keep her in line was to banish her from my library. Never had I seen a child so eager to learn. Even Mary who is also a voracious reader limits herself on subject matter. Lizzy put no boundaries before her, and had the quick wit to absorb most of what she read to later in life keep me up well into the night with discussions.”

“And what of your last two daughters, sir?”

Mr. Bennet snorted and standing, poured himself more of his port with Darcy shaking his head to decline more, and then returning to the other unoccupied chair by the fire began to speak of his final two offspring.

“Those two are quite a different sort entirely, each with a touch of their mother to fill their heads with mischief, always chasing after boys almost from the time they were able to walk! With Mrs. Bennet’s encouragement first Kitty and then Lydia were in constant talk of one neighbor’s son after the other. It was silliness to put such fancies in their heads and nothing more of use, but with neither having patience for the written word, they did little with regard to learning more than was necessary as did the others, and I admit to some defeat in their case.”

Mr. Bennet sipped his port. “But many a man would choose a stupid wife if she were lively and pretty enough.” Here the elderly man sighed adding, “But prettiness fades with the passing of time, and liveliness without wit soon becomes tedious, resorting to monotony, and then what is left but boredom unless there is an added catalyst to spawn a common thread to keep the couple enthralled with one another.”

Darcy did not know how to reply to this sad statement that seemed to be the elder gentleman’s lot, and so simply sipped his wine.

The next day the crunch of horse hooves on the pebbles of the drive signaled the approach of the rider late that morning. Lydia and Kitty flew to the window, pulling back the curtains.

“La! It’s Mr. Bingley again, Jane!” Squealed Lydia teasing as she turned to see her sister face began to blush.

“Two days in a row! He must truly be in love with you,” added Kitty giggling at the romance of it.

“Come away from the window, girls,” ordered her mother shrilly, and Mrs. Bennet made to sit as in a casual repose, smoothing down the wrinkles from her gown and assuming a proper air.

Darcy, who was seated next to Elizabeth on a couch across the room, watched from one to the other while they all awaited the arrival of the visitor. Having for once a first hand account of what excitement was displayed by females in anticipation of a suitor, he remained silent at the proceedings although inwardly appalled at their behavior. The only other person not in any way interested at the arrival of Mr. Bingley seemed to be Miss Mary, her nose deep in a book, squinting even through her spectacles. Kitty and Lydia took their seats in a rush and went about the refashioning of their bonnets to keep their hands busy. Jane began diligently working on an embroidery sampler to leave Darcy to notice that Elizabeth was sitting very still beside him. He gazed upon her to see her silently staring at her Jane.

Jane refused to return Elizabeth’s gaze, but pricking her finger through carelessness she sucked on it and only whispered, “Stop it, Lizzy,” which made the younger sister drop her gaze into her lap and smile Darcy began to realize how all the sisters even Elizabeth found amusement in teasing each other.

Subtlety moving his hand to cover hers, he merely whispered his gentle admonishment, “ Why would you tease her so, when you see how she blushes with embarrassment.”

This brought on an equally rosy hue to Elizabeth’s cheeks as she now gazed unfaltering into his face, resulting in a quickening of her breath.

“It is what sisters do to ease the tension. I assume brothers or perhaps cousins have some similar means to that same end.”

He thought of his cousin Richard whose way of easing tension or of procuring information from Darcy was the tried and true method and whispered, “Yes, but it usually involves the consumption of a large amount of alcohol.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened in astonishment, and he smiled and squeezed her hand. “It is a very seldom occurrence, I assure you.”

Elizabeth stared into his face relieved with his admission that at least he no longer had the inclination toward drink.

By this time Hill had entered the room and curtseyed, announcing the gentleman they had been anticipating, and all rose to greet him.

“Mr. Bingley! How good of you to return to us!” Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice filled the room, but Bingley merely smiled and bowed politely.

“Good day to you, mum, ladies,” he added as he bowed all round his gaze lingering on Jane.

Darcy smiled. “Bingley, I am glad you came to visit again so soon.”

“It is good to see you, too, Darcy. I hope you are enjoying your stay here.”

“I am indeed, Bingley,” was all Darcy would admit to, but the touch of a smile graced his lips telling his friend of his happiness at his current situation.

Bingley showed as much jealousy as his kind eyes could muster at Darcy being allowed to be established so close to his intended while he was sequestered at Netherfield.

With Mrs. Bennet gushing platitudes to his person and bidding him sit to join them for refreshments, Bingley’s attentions were drawn away from his self pity, and he amused the ladies with open easy manner. The hour seemed to fly by before conversation gradually ceased in a natural cadence with Darcy finally giving Bingley the chance he had been so looking forward.

“Miss Bennet and I are in habit now of taking short turns about the garden, Bingley. The weather is still mild and there are still some shrubs in flower. Would you care to join us?”

Elizabeth’s brows rose, at first surprised that Fitzwilliam would now wish a chaperone on their usually solitary walks, but remained silent, having easily guessed what he had in mind.

“A turn…about the garden? Ah…yes, I thank you, I would be delighted to join you if…” Bingley looked to Jane who had just that moment chose to gaze at him. “…would you, Miss Bennet, would you care to join us?”

Mrs. Bennet smiled and nodded her consent with, “Oh, Jane! You must show Mr. Bingley the roses that are to this day still blooming in the far garden.”

Jane blushed crimson and dropped her gaze to her hands, but said softly, “I would be delighted…to give Mr. Bingley a chance to remark on the…resourceful roses bushes in our garden, Mother.”

Without further reply, for she did not have breath enough to speak more, Jane stood and quickly took hold of Elizabeth’s hand as they went to gather their outer wear.

“We shan’t be gone long, Mrs. Bennet,” Darcy informed his future mother-in-law as he bowed.

“Yes, yes,” agreed Bingley quickly. “We shall be back shortly, Mrs. Bennet,” he reiterated as he too bowed.

Mrs. Bennet nodded, pretending to be engrossed in Jane’s embroidery, and only replied with a casual tone, unable to keep smug, “very good, then. Enjoy your walk.”

Donning their bonnets and spencers, Jane still held Elizabeth’s hand as they removed themselves out the door, followed not too closely by the gentlemen.

“Do not go too far from me, Lizzy, I beg you!” Jane’s hurriedly whispered implore caused Elizabeth to wonder what Jane feared in Mr. Bingley’s company.

“Has he acted anything other than a gentleman, Jane?”

“Oh, no, dear Lizzy, it is not he whom I distrust.”

“Jane?”

Just…do not leave sight of me.”

“I will not, Jane. I promise.” She hugged her sister reassuringly which help to calm some of Jane’s composure.

By this time the gentlemen had neared with Darcy offering Elizabeth his arm. “Miss Bennet, shall we stroll the distance to our usual bench?”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy, I would love to.”

Elizabeth squeezed Jane’s hand before releasing it to place hers upon Darcy’s arm. He covered it with his own, and they set off down the garden path. Bingley and Jane stood together watching the couple retreat their company. He spoke quietly trying to reassure her of his control.

“Miss Bennet, you need not fear a repetition of the actions from several days ago. My resolve in quite set to behave more a gentleman.”

Jane knew it was her own resolve that could not be trusted, but merely nodded as he offered her his arm. She intertwined hers with his and they began down a secondary garden path toward the roses, a path that was in full view of both the house and the other couple.

After an awkward silence Bingley’s natural charm calmed Jane, and soon she was easily conversing with him about many topics. He then spoke of the wish for her to feel welcome to view Netherfield with the mind to alter the decoration to her preferences. Her heart was full of her love for him, totally disarmed as she caressed his arm while they strolled.

How wonderful he is to wish me redecorate his home to my liking. I could not wish for a more thoughtful husband.

“I am in such anticipation of our sharing Netherfield together, Charles, waiting two months seems a life time.”

“Yes,” agreed Bingley, somewhat dismayed at the seemingly long delay her father had insisted they endure. “Had Darcy and your sister not insisted on their marrying so quickly we could have planned a double wedding. Would that not have been grand?”

He felt her tense. Jane tried to turn her face from his that he not see her sad expression, but he had noticed it immediately.

“Yes.” Her voice was soft. “That would have been lovely to share our day with them, but it is not to be.”

Bingley sensed her changed mood. “Jane, is there something you wish to relate to me before we are wed?”

She dropped her arm from around his, and walked a few steps away from him to stand by the blossoming roses bushes. He was aware.

Clearly there is something wrong.

“No,” she finally said. “There is nothing that needs to be said regarding our wedding, Charles.”

Bingley could see how very upset she had become at his innocent query, and knew not how to give her assurance that he could accept her even after such an untrue reply, accept her without knowing whatever she chose not to share with him.

His instincts took over, and he came up behind her, his hands holding her arms, pulling her to his frame. For a moment they stayed thus with her head resting against his chest. Her need for more reassurance from him now caused her to turn in his embrace, hugging him tightly she quietly cried.

When he felt her arms cling to him, and heard her sobs trying to have him relieve all her distress, every feeling he had ever had for her swelled and coalesced for this woman who was to be his wife.

I love this woman beyond friendship, beyond mere arousal, beyond my very soul! My heart is so completely bound to hers I could never be free, never wish to, oh my Janey.

He heard his voice say aloud to her, “Jane, nothing matters now if you will but have me as your husband to share you life. Nothing else matters. Do you hear me? I care not for whatever else there is. I care only for you.”

Her voice faltered. “But there should not be secrets between us.”

Bingley could not help but wonder.

Lord Almighty, what could it be in her past to have her so distraught?

He tightened his hold on her trembling form. “Janey, please calm yourself. I do not need to know all in your life as long as you love me.”

“Oh, yes, Charles, there is no one else I have ever loved but you, only you.”

“Then all is well, is it not?”

His arms refused to let her go when she tried to pull from him. Finally she could not keep what she harbored in her heart from the man who would be her husband, whom would share all with her. “It is not about me.”

“Then you need not say more.”

“Yes, I do. We…should have no secrets between us…but you must promise not to tell.”

“I will say nothing of it if it is your wish. You have my solemn word.”

She took a deep breath; now knowing she could relate her burden to him, share it with him. “It is about Lizzy.”

“What about her?”

“And Mr. Darcy.”

Still not understanding to what she was referring, Bingley stared blankly, squinting in concentration to gleam some meaning by what little she said. He shook his head.

“Jane?”

“They must marry,” she said hoping such words would be all she would have to say for him to gain insight into her words.

And it took him a long moment to figure it out, but realization came to him finally as his eyes grew large and his mouth dropped open without any sound coming from it. His mind struggled to accept all the ramifications of what Jane had revealed to him.

“No!” His disbelief was firm. His friend’s behavior had never tended that way. Darcy would never have acted in so infamous a manner. “Elizabeth…and Darcy?”

Jane merely nodded at the implied question of his friend’s guilt.

“No,” he repeated. “Darcy would never…”

I would sooner believe he is saving her reputation at the hands of another, saving her family from scandal that we both might find happiness.

But Jane insisted. “Yes, she finally told me of it after Mr. Darcy came back with you to Longbourn…of his happening upon her at Pemberley…and now they must marry… oh, Charles.”

Jane hugged him again as he stood, still stunned unable to believe what she had related to him.

Darcy…and Elizabeth? No, it cannot be! Not Darcy!

Then Jane’s other words began to form in his mind.

At Pemberley? That was over a month ago, and now they …must marry? Elizabeth is…?

“A child, Jane?”

“She is not yet sure,” Jane whispered hugging him again, stammering all out to him. “but she is not well, and I am so afraid for her, Charles.”

Having finally told him all of what was in her heart, what was her greatest fear, tears flowed freely from her eyes as he held her.

Knowing now the trust she must have felt for him to have him share her terrible secret, he held her tighter to quell her trembling and reassured her. “I will not betray you, Jane, or them. You have my solemn oath I will tell no one.”

She nodded and soon felt more at ease within his arms than she had at any other time they had lately been together, now that there were no secrets between them.

“No one else knows of it except father…and Dr. Bell who has given Elizabeth herbs to help her.”

“I am glad you trusted me enough to tell me of this, Jane, that I might be of some use to both your sister and my friend.”

She merely nodded and he kissed her cheek, and hugged her again.

When he was certain she was recovered he said, “Come, let us go back to the house before we are missed.”

Elizabeth had kept watch to see Mr. Bingley embrace Jane, and how she had turned to hug him in return to commence into an apparently deep conversation. As Elizabeth sat beside Darcy on their usual bench without need of many words spoken between them, she continued to observe the other couple. Although she could not tell Jane’s emotional state as Jane did not face her, Elizabeth noted the two hugging at the conclusion of whatever was said by Mr. Bingley to have Jane seemingly more at ease with her betrothed. Since the distance between the couples prevented overhearing any words spoken by Jane or Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth had no knowledge of what had just been disclosed.

Chapter 10

The next morning after breakfast, Elizabeth readied herself for a short stroll, seeming much earlier than her normal one with Mr. Darcy later in the morning. “Mama, we shall be in the garden if you should have need of us.” Darcy was surprised at her decision, but gave her an imperceptible nod of agreement.

“Oh, Lizzy, I know not why the doctor recommended your continued rest to ensure that your back heal properly when there is so much yet to be done.”

Darcy interrupted her. “I would not wish to have her injury postpone the wedding-”

“Oh, my no, Mr. Darcy! Heaven forbid that!”

“Then we shall talk of the details later in the afternoon, Mama.”

“Oh, yes, Lizzy, for you will need to walk into Meryton tomorrow to let the dressmaker know which of the fabrics you have chosen and for your gown that she may begin your fittings. Oh, and then there are the flowers, and the food for the breakfast and-“

“One decision at a time, Mama. For now Mr. Darcy and I shall be walking near the house should you truly have need of us.”

With that Elizabeth took her bonnet and gloves and she exited the breakfast room through the foyer with Darcy following, gently admonishing her. “Elizabeth, you know you should be resting.”

She sighed looking at the different swatches of material. “I know, I know, Fitzwilliam, but I merely had the need to get away from all the bustle, for Mama never leaves me in peace if I am about, and the gardens are still quite beautiful. Come with me.”

They had just exited the house when he took note of how tired she appeared as though she had not had a restful night’s sleep. “Are you well enough to walk today or do you require my assistance?”

Thinking he meant the use of his arm, she was absently looking at the fabric swatches when she mused, “your assistance is always welcomed and-” She gasped then giggled when he lifted her in his arms.

“Fitzwilliam! I was not implying that I needed to be assisted in walking! Put me down at once before Mama sees us.”

He smiled and obeyed saying only, “then you need be more specific when you make such pronouncements.” They walked arm in arm down the path and towards the bench where he sat her down and then joined her. Looking about him he inhaled the still sweet fragrances of the waning garden.

“I am glad you insisted on these walks, Elizabeth, for I cannot but agree with you. This is a more pleasant prospect than being inside the house.” Continuing half in jest, he said, “Your mother and your sisters are quite beside themselves with so many details. When your father first made reference to such a happening I assumed it to be his usual dry wit, however, now I see even he had understated the situation. I would have thought we were garnering a merger than preparing for a wedding.”

“Ah huh. Which fabric do you prefer?”

He rolled his eyes. “I care not.”

When her voice grew louder and she repeated, “Which fabric do you prefer, Fitzwilliam, for my wedding gown,” he became aware that she was actually most desirous of his opinion.

Taking all the swatches, he held each up to the sunlight, using several minutes to study every one for texture and color before he made his decision “This one.”

He handed her his choice and discarding the rest over his shoulder to land in a rhododendron bush behind them. She smiled, and took the swatch from him without even looking at which he had chosen, but kept her gaze locked on his. “Yes, I agree.”

“Good. Now, since you have no other decisions to make for the time being…” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. When her face leaned into that caress, Darcy’s only wish was that he could hold her in his arms forever to keep her from all harm. He allowed them several peaceful moments before he spoke. “I…have something to give you…something I retrieved from my attorney’s office while I awaited his drawing up the settlement contract for you.”

Taking a small box from his vest pocket, he placed it in her hands. She opened the lid to gasp at the most beautiful ring she had ever beheld. At the center was set a large blue stone, encircled by smaller diamonds. She was speechless as she gazed upon it.

“My grandfather purchased the sapphire while on a trip to India, and had it set in this ring with diamonds he had been saving from when his friend had mined them twenty years earlier in Africa. It was my grandmother engagement ring.”

He took it from the box and held it that the sun would reflect upon the center stone. “See how the blue changes when the light hits it. There is a hint of green that the jeweler says is quite rare for a sapphire*. Whenever I looked upon it I was reminded of the color of the Mediterranean sea.”

“Oh, Fitzwilliam, I do not know what to say at such beauty.”

He placed the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. “As I gaze upon it now adorning your hand I will be reminded of a place where I would have you view that same sea, a balcony off some villa in Italy. When you are well again I will take you there.”

He leaned in then and kissed her cheek as she blushed with eyes filling with tears of joy. “I…like this side of you, unafraid to show your feelings to me.”

“We are to be married soon, and are quite alone at this moment.”

“And in perfect view of the house and its windows,” she reminded him.

“Elizabeth, you are already my wife… in my heart, and have been so for quite some time now, so forgive me if I no longer care if one of your sisters might see me embrace you, my love.”

He hugged her to his chest and they both sighed as he touched on another subject he would have her hear. “Elizabeth, we must have someone aid you with all your family’s putting upon you about this wedding. You are being too taxed because of it, and I swear I will carry you off to Greta Green if it becomes too much of a burden.” Staring into his eyes to see he was serious in his threat she merely nodded, silently agreeing that her energies were exhausted over the course of even these few days.

*http://www.walterarnstein.com/?OVRAW=sapphires&OVKEY=sapphires&OVMTC=standard
When I researched sapphires, it seems they have a range of rainbow colors, but the bluest ones have the most value.

Darcy and Elizabeth’s salvation came in form of the arrival of the entire Gardiner family the next afternoon after the quickly worded express from Mr. Bennet informing them only of Elizabeth’s nuptials to Mr. Darcy and to come posthaste. The Gardiners had been impressed by Mr. Darcy’s generous nature from reports from friends in Lambton, so different from Lizzy’s personal accounts of the man. They were naturally suspicious but also curious to now have a true rendering of the man, and were both cautiously optimistic of a relationship for the sake of their niece. The beginning, however, did not go as one might hope.

When the three gentlemen retreated into the library the first night of Mr. Gardiner’s arrival, Mr. Bennet poured drinks all around and seated them all, expecting to have a more amusing conversation of the coming nuptials. However, when he began a conversation touching on the true nature of the events that day at Pemberley it became apparent that Mr. Gardiner had yet to receive Elizabeth’s letter relating the particulars of the day’s events, and he was understandably incensed with all his guilt surfacing of his leaving Lizzy so vulnerable.

Mr. Gardiner jumped from his chair and stood before Darcy. “I challenge you to a duel on the morning, sir!”

“What?” Sputtering out his wine, Mr. Bennet rose, only now realizing of his brother’s not receiving Lizzy’s missive along with of his own acceptance of the situation.

Mr. Gardiner turned to his brother. “Thomas, for so wretched an offense against Lizzy where I was responsible for her safety, it is my right!”

Darcy remained seated, but swallowed at such an occurrence, trying to keep his voice calm though his feelings were anything but. “Yes, sir, that is your right, and if forced into a duel I must accommodate lest I be branded a coward as well as a rake. But know that you will then have given me choice of weapons.”

Darcy could not meet the gentleman’s gaze for he again feeling keenly how his behavior towards Elizabeth had thereby insulted her guardians. Thinking he deserved nothing less, he remained silent in his own defense.

It was Mr. Bennet who quelled his brother’s fury, placing his hands in front of Mr. Gardiner. “Edward, I doubt you would be the victor should Mr. Darcy be given the choice of weapon for he has told me himself of his skill with a foil. I imagine, dear Brother, of your being skewered before you could raise your blade, and I am not ready to go through the rest of my life without you as my ally against Fannie’s nerves.”

“But he compromised Lizzy right under my very nose, Thomas!”

“I know, Edward, I know, but sit and allow me to enlighten you of some additional facts of which you are presently unaware.”

Mr. Bennet poured each a glass of something stronger and both sat by the fire where Mr. Bennet told of Darcy’s long unrequited love of Elizabeth, and of her closer involvement with him, of his proposal at Kent that she had hidden from both her parents and her guardians as well as her own growing attraction to the young man unbeknownst to any of them.

This added information somewhat placated Edward, who glared at the young man. Darcy remained seated in the nearby chair refusing to meet his gaze.

“If that be the case, then I will not call you out, Mr. Darcy, no matter how despicable was your behavior.”

Darcy merely nodded at the knowledge of his being able to awaken the next morning without having to answer a challenge by Elizabeth’s uncle. Be it not for the fact that Elizabeth needed him intact for her own and her family’s reputation, he wondered of his raising a blade in his own defense, but would allow the elderly gentleman to run him through.

I deserve no better for what I have put all of them through.

“I am grateful, sir,” was all he could manage as he rose and bowed, and exiting the room without delay to find the only person who could give him comfort.

Elizabeth saw him pass the doorway of the parlor with a look of such agitation that she immediately excused herself to be with him. Hearing the front door close, she followed him, searching the lawn to know where he had gone. His hand pulled him into a darkened corner of the covered porch where she implored him.

“Fitzwilliam, what is the matter?”

He held her hands and shook his head. “This will not do, Elizabeth. I will never be accepted by one member of your family. I am a loathsome creature in his eyes and can never be forgiven for my misdeed.”

She knew of whom he spoke. “It will take time, Fitzwilliam, but I am sure he will come round.”

“Never have I considered what others thought of me, never because I always knew I had acted honorably. But now I realize how much I desire his good opinion though I don’t deserve it.”

She tightened her hold on his hands, wanting him to feel how much she cared for him. But he was not mollified.

“How can your love have so altered me, Elizabeth? Now my only wish is to be the best man I can…for you.”

“And so you are, Fitzwilliam. None of this was your doing. I was the one at fault. I was the one who chose to continue.”

“No, Elizabeth, you are not to blame.”

“Yes, and it is up to me to make this right. I will be the one.”

He hugged her tight, crushing her to his chest, feeling her warmth against him. “I would give up my life for you, Elizabeth.”

Confused by his next cryptic statement, she merely smiled and kissed his cheek tenderly saying only, “ I only require that you live for me, Fitzwilliam.”

He cringed at the knowledge of how desperate she was to have him now, and resigned himself to endure any low opinion her relations harbored of him. Within her embrace he inhaled her sweet lavender scent that began to calm his troubled mind, helping him begin to forgive himself as she it seemed had already done.

“You are the balm for my wounded soul, Elizabeth. As long as I live I will love you.”

“ Everything will be fine if you just hold me ,” she whispered back, feeling his arms tighten around her. Fortunately no one came in search for them which gave them leave to remain in the darkened alcove for some moments longer until she felt him calm enough to finally notice coldness of the weather.

It took the combined efforts of Elizabeth and her father to bring about a renewal of civility by her uncle. First, Mr. Bennet applied his retelling of Elizabeth’s changed attitude from her introduction to Mr. Darcy a year earlier at the Assembly Ball where she thought him haughty and arrogant, having been misinformed of his true character, to his improving more upon closer acquaintance after being frequently in his company at Kent.

Requesting her uncle walk with her later that same evening, Elizabeth herself beseeched him to forgive Mr. Darcy, deciding to relate to him a true accounting of all that had befallen Mr. Darcy since her leaving him at Kent.

“Uncle, your having not received the letter I sent by express just prior to your arrival make what else I need tell you very awkward.”

“Lizzy, my receiving only your father’s brief request that we come at once seems to obligate you whether awkward or not if you feel the need that I know more of this affair.”

She closed her eyes and tried to remember some of her phrasings to make him understand. “My letter will explain all to you …”

With a voice that trembled with emotions she began. “In my letter explaining all to you, I told of how I felt for my transgression at Pemberley.”

“Lizzy, do not try to take on the blame for his behavior."

Biting her lower lip she shook her head, and haltingly revealed to her uncle her most remarkable tale. When she spoke of how her desires had overwhelmed a deluded Mr. Darcy who had thought she alreadyy his wife, her uncle had no choice but to believe her.

He watched as his niece finish her narrative and took a deep breath before reverting into silence. Mr. Gardiner suddenly noticed her pallor and how very tired she appeared. Having experience four of his dear wife’s confinements, he suspected the reasoning for so brief a betrothal.

Taking her hand he made her meet his eyes. Smiling and kissing her hand, he nodded, begrudgingly relenting much of his anger towards the young man who had come to stand by his niece when he could so easily have ignored owing up to his responsibilities. Mr. Gardiner realized he would now have to accept Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth paused trying to recover from having admitted her lax behavior to her guardian, and then with a breathless plea made a further request. “I trust all I have related …I hope you not repeat…that this will go no further, uncle. Fitzwilliam is a very private man, and would not approve any infirmity be public knowledge.”

Her uncle saw no rationale for such a confidence in the case of the young man. Sickness was not tantamount to moral weakness or iniquity. But seeing how Elizabeth wished him to keep all concealed, he patted her hand and nodded. “I will say nothing more of this if you wish it, Lizzy, excepting of course to my wife. We have no secrets between us.”

Elizabeth nodded, knowing her aunt was the model of discretion. She hugged her uncle. “Thank you, uncle. It eases my mind to have you finally know of this. I wish I had told you sooner and am glad you can now accept him.”

“Well, Mr. Darcy seems an honorable man after all, coming thus to stand by you once he had become sane again and knew his dream was in truth reality. And he does appear to care for you a great deal. Although not an auspicious beginning, I would wish you both every happiness, Lizzy.”

He kissed her forehead trying to lessen her burden of his resentment of her soon to be husband, seeing her relax for the first time since his coming to Longbourn.

She must have enough to shoulder if what I suspect is true.

He smiled finally trying to return to his jovial self by adding, “I do, however, expect an invitation to your home in future, my dear.”

Her eyes misted and she laughed with relief. “Uncle Edward, I know I speak for Fitzwilliam when I say you will be most welcome at Pemberley. Whenever your business gives you leave you may come and fish often.” Mr. Gardiner laughed aloud.

“Ho, ho, with such a particular invitation as that I might truly be convinced to see your young man in a more positive light!” They both laughed and hugged agreeably. She did not see his expression of resignation.

The next morning while the Gardiners took coffee in their sitting chamber as was habit before anyone else was awake to gather downstairs for breakfast, Hill returned, knocking softly. Mr. Gardiner answered and the Longbourn housekeeper handed him a missive.

“Sir, this express has come for you by way of your own housekeeper in London.” Recognizing the identity of the writer from years of sending Elizabeth’s posts Hill merely added, “it must have arrived to your home after your departure, sir.”

Without further delay Hill curtseyed and went about her other duties. Mr. Gardiner sighed and came to sit in the chair beside his wife by the fire and opened his niece’s letter, his great bushy eyebrows knitting into one as he read. He shook his head, and then handed it to his wife to peruse while remembering their discussion the night before.

“She takes on all the blame for all that has occurred.”

His wife nodded. “She claims that if she had not been so vehement in her refusal perhaps his mind would not have snapped to have such a mental lapse.”

“When I accosted him in the library he refused to allow anyone but himself charged with the offense, giving no excuse for such behavior that he says he alone was responsible.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “They are in love and each is trying to protect the other in our eyes.”

“I now sense their love for one another is so unfathomably deep she would do anything for him and he would do likewise for her.” A look of recognition passed between them of that kind of abiding love. “How could we been so blind not to see that in her, Madeline?”

Mrs. Gardiner raised her eyebrows, and they both knew the answer to that query. With a mother such as Fanny perhaps most of her daughters felt the need to keep their true feelings hidden, not trusting the wisdom of one whose own agenda might not coincide with their own. Elizabeth especially was in habit of keeping her own counsel, wishing to have harmony inside the family and not dwell on any unease she felt, but rather have those around her contented. Her relations usually could see through Elizabeth’s attempts to deflection, wondering that neither of them had foreseen Lizzy’s well hidden feelings for the man.

“I think her attraction became more pronounced when we arrived at Pemberley, so she could no longer keep it hidden from us. Remember her somberness when we toured the house which we both thought odd for her? When they met all her feelings must have coalesced in such powerful emotions to be so enraptured by him, giving her leave to behave differently than she had ever known her capable.” Mrs. Gardiner swallowed for both she and her husband knew of such powerful emotions.

“With both of us suspecting something had occurred, we could have alleviated much of Lizzy’s distress if we had forced her to relate what had transpired. Perhaps we could have been of greater service to our niece to have resolved the situation in a more timely fashion. I feel I am to blame for not being a better guardian to her.”

“Edward, we are not the kind of relations who distrust a charge who has never given us any reason to before now, and even if we had tried to make her tell us, I doubt she would have been forthcoming then for she thought him still deluded. There would have been no solution to the dilemma at the time.”

“We would have been privy to it, Madeline, to give her our assurance of support.”

“Lizzy is so strong minded, Edward, that until she decided upon a plan for herself she would have been adamant to protect all her family. I think she knew she had our support in whatever she chose to do afterwards and would have come to us eventually.”

Mr. Gardiner nodded with his wife’s assessment of their niece, still wishing for some prior knowledge of her attachment that he could have better guarded her. “As usual, my dear, you are correct. For now, we must give Lizzy all our help to get her through this week.” Mrs. Gardiner could not but nod in agreement to it.

Later that day Mrs. Gardiner stood at the window while the couple partook in their now daily ritual late morning walk. Scrutinizing them she was reminded of the letter written to Jane about her suspicions of an altercation between the two at Pemberley. After a discussion with her husband the night before and being privy to Elizabeth's letter to her uncle this morning to now know the truth, Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. As she witnessed Darcy attend Elizabeth with such tenderness, she wondered at her missing all the signs that something quite the opposite of a quarrel had occurred between the couple. She saw Lizzy smile when he kissed her hand, and knew her niece was as much in love with Mr. Darcy as he was with her. But when Elizabeth touched her waist in such a tender way, Aunt Gardiner gasped and her hand covered her mouth coming to suspect even more.

Why did I not see this before, how radiant she is with new life within her?

Mrs. Gardiner recollected all her niece’s altered behavior since the incident, and it all made perfect sense now.

Oh, my dear, I am so sorry you were not able to confide in me then. How you must have suffered through the entirety of our travels with such uncertainty, and doubt of his fidelity to you.

Continuing to stare at the two, she calmed as she observed his hand caress Elizabeth’s cheek and saw Lizzy’s look of utter happiness.

His love is true and constant, and she now knows this of him. I must be happy for them.

She watched as Darcy rose and gently aided Lizzy to rise. He placed her arm onto his, and smiled. Her other hand covered his and she smiled back and they slowly made their way back to the house. As the couple moved again towards the house, she turned from the window to join them when they entered. As they removed their outerwear, and turned to see her smiling at them, they were unsure of what she wished to speak to them.

“Aunt, what is it?”

Mrs. Gardiner took Lizzy in her arms and whispered loud enough for just the three to hear, “I am so happy for you, Lizzy, but wish you had felt free to talk of this to me.”

Elizabeth was not sure of what she spoke, but was beginning to imagine, and did not know how to proceed.

“Mrs. Gardiner,” Darcy began, feeling the strain of discovery that would ruin more than Elizabeth’s reputation, but this gentlewoman placed her finger over her lips, and motioned them all to move into the small antechamber off the main foyer for more privacy. Her voice was soft.

“We will not speak of this at length, but you cannot fool me for as long as you have the others in this house, Lizzy.”

Darcy blanched and Elizabeth felt faint, but her aunt smiled.

“Fear not, my child, for I am here now if you have need of me. I only wish you would have turned to me before this-”

Elizabeth hugged her aunt and whispered, “I wish I had. You would have known how to deal with all, but I wanted to keep all my dear family safe from scandal.”

“I am sure of that, Lizzy. But you and Jane are so dear to me, as dear as my own children. I would gladly have braved anything for you.”

Elizabeth merely nodded and hugged her aunt again who gazed up at Mr. Darcy staring back.

“And you! I should still have my husband throttle you for what you have done.”

“Madam, he has already challenged me to a duel-”

“What?” Elizabeth was astounded at this news.

“Rest assured your father had the good sense to talk him out of such an endeavor, and Mr. Gardiner has treated me with more civility this morning due not doubt to another’s intervention.” Here he gazed at Elizabeth who confirmed his suspicions when she smiled back.

He then his eyes turned once more to Mrs. Gardiner adding, “But Madam, know I would gladly offer myself over to any punishment your husband or Mr. Bennet deems fit. Even though deluded at the time what I did was inexcusable to all except we two. I ask only that they leave some life within me that Elizabeth be given a bridegroom to marry at week’ end instead of a corpse.”

She knew he had spoken his words in jest, but there was such earnestness behind such a statement that she gazed into his eyes and could not help but smile, her eyes filled with mirth.

“I would think you are being punished quite severely by having to reside in a house of such liveliness, no doubt unlike anything you are accustomed.”

He nodded, knowing he had been forgiven by this gracious woman, and he relaxed, smiling at her alluding to Longbourn. She was amazed that he had dimples. “It is different I grant you, but I…am beginning to warm to it.”

She laughed softly. “Indeed? Then you are most welcome at our house when you return to London, sir.”

“It would be an honor.”

Turning once more to Elizabeth, her aunt asked, “but you are unwell?”

“I had pains that are too early, and am taking a remedy in my tea for which Jane is in charged, but-”

“She should be abed,” Darcy interrupted, “but does not wish to obey the doctor’s request of this. That is the reason I remain here with her rather than residing at Netherfield, to see to her care, but as you are no doubt already aware, she can be quite obstinate.”

“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth whispered indignantly. “There is so much that still needs be done, and I cannot appear weak to lead others to suspect.”

He would not relent on the issue. “You do not need to be bothered by the myriad of details of this affair that your mother inflicts upon you.”

Mrs. Gardiner intervened in their spat. “Say nothing more of it. I will be your intermediary. Whatever yet needs to be done, I will see to it. Come, Lizzy, let us go to the parlor where your mother will inform you of all that is still necessary, and I will have it be done.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth sighed, actually relieved to be rid of bulk of this burden and hugged her aunt.

“My thanks to you as well, Mrs. Gardiner. You have set my mind at ease in your kind offer. Whatever the task think nothing of the cost, only that it be accomplished without Elizabeth being overly concerned of it.”

That very afternoon after a walk into Meryton Mrs. Gardiner convinced the dressmaker to oblige Lizzy with a visit to Longbourn after being offered a bonus by Mr. Darcy to have Elizabeth be fitted for an elegant silk gown and bonnet which she adored. It was also agreed upon that Darcy willingly allow Mrs. Bennet and each of her other daughters be fitted with a new dress for the occasion. Aunt Gardiner reasoned that this would keep the household diverted with extra fittings. At dinner when word of this reached Mr. Darcy he merely raised his eyebrows at the lady’s ingenuity, and acted the gracious benefactor.

“I am happy to have all of the ladies adorned in such finery.”

This remark of approval by the gentleman in question began a wealth of complimentary chatting by Mrs. Bennet and the sisters about which colors would best bring out their features and plans for fittings the next day with Mrs. Bennet making comments to spur their enthusiasm to the project. Darcy and Mrs. Gardiner were virtually ignored with knowing smiles at the ease of the diversion. Ignored that is except by the two elder gentlemen seated at the opposite ends of the table. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet were well aware of a subterfuge, and merely smiled at Mrs. Gardiner.

The lady’s smile faded as she took note that Elizabeth had barely touched her meal, choosing instead to shift the food about on her plate. When Mrs. Gardiner gazed up at the bridegroom he locked his eyes on hers in the unspoken understanding that he had also taken note.

While the men were in the library with the port, Aunt Gardiner sat beside Elizabeth and whispered, “you must try to eat, Lizzy.” Jane who sat beside her nodded her agreement.

“I can barely keep anything down, and the smells make me nauseous.”

“I will have the cook prepare some broth and will bring it to you where you may consume it in your bedroom at your leisure.”

Mrs. Bennet interrupted their conversation with had yet one more task that could be accomplished by no one but Elizabeth, but making her request, Mrs. Gardiner was at her side at the time ready to have it be easily done. Satisfied that it be taken care of Mrs. Bennet’s departed a smug look upon her face, Mrs. Gardiner squeezed Elizabeth’s hand.

“You see, Lizzy, all is well. I can handle any task your mother puts before you that you may be easy and rest.”

“I am so happy you are here, Aunt.” Elizabeth admitted hugging her. Mrs. Gardiner’s efficiency left Darcy with the task of seeing to it that his fiancée rest as much as possible while Jane surreptitiously sprinkled the herbs in Elizabeth’s tea each day. So far all her caregivers were relieved that Elizabeth’s pains had not returned.

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