Beginning , Section IV, Next Section

Chapter 11

Posted on Monday, 27 December 2004, at

When the carriage was heard approaching, Kitty and Lydia jumped to the window to see Mr. Bingley alighting from it.

“It is Mr. Bingley again, Jane!” Lydia’s excited voice was carried throughout the house as Jane smiled nervously at Mr. Darcy, both wondering again at Elizabeth’s delay from above stairs.

The two youngest girls took their seats, eager for another visit from the kindly Mr. Bingley who would soon be their brother, but when Hill announced Mr. Bingley she added somewhat less enthusiastically “and Miss Bingley,” where upon Caroline swept into the room with a swish of organza. The room became at once more subdued as all stood up to greet their guests.

The two were received by only Jane and Darcy and Mrs. Bennet, and her two youngest. Since the younger sisters rather not stay in company of the unpleasant Miss Bingley long, both Lydia and Kitty conspired that at the first opportunity they would announce their plans for departure into Meryton with the excuse that the dressmaker required them for another dress fitting.

Mrs. Gardiner was also absent from the party caring for her four children. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner had not expected the visit so soon were within the library settling a family matter requiring both their attention. Elizabeth they were informed had not slept well, and was now merely running late in her routine.

Bingley’s eyes widened, but he merely smiled and said, “Ah, good, I am glad she is well, Mrs. Bennet.”

The elder lady dismissed his concerns that Elizabeth would soon join them and invited the Bingleys to sit as she ordered refreshments to be served. Caroline was happy that she had the opportunity to sit near Mr. Darcy without the upstart Eliza in the room.

Yes, this is far better a situation than I could imagine.

Sipping her tea Caroline could not keep from sneering. “And is everything progressing to your approval, Mr. Darcy?”

He opened his mouth to reply with a short quip, but it was Mrs. Bennet who answered in her long winded way, thus beginning a litany of what had already been accomplished, and what still needed be done by the week’s end.

Caroline smirked over the top of her teacup as she noticed Darcy’s blush at his future mother-in-law’s comments and innuendos of hand holding between the couple. Miss Bingley could not have been more pleased with this show and almost laughed aloud at his embarrassment.

Yes, yes, do go on, Mrs. Bennet. Give poor Mr. Darcy an ear full of what he will have in store for him. That alone should make him wish to call off this travesty of a wedding.

It was a good half hour of Bingley minimizing Mrs. Bennet’s display with pleasant talk of his own and Jane even trying to intersperse comments to keep the conversation light.

Finally Bingley suggested a walk in the garden, and both he and Jane rose from the couch at Mrs. Bennet’s approval. Darcy stood up politely, and Caroline rose likewise ready to accompany Darcy especially with Elizabeth still not making an appearance. Darcy seemed uncomfortable at her absence.

Jane offered to see what had delayed her, but Mrs. Bennet dismissed her. “I will see what is keeping Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, and will have her join you as soon as she comes downstairs.”

Without another means of escape now, Darcy nodded and together with Bingley and Jane escorted Miss Bingley out into the gardens. It was apparent that both Bingleys had a wish for privacy as Charles increased his pace with Jane beside him while Caroline slowed hers along side Darcy, the result being a greater distance between the two pairs.

Caroline began to tease him. “I have missed your company these four days past, Mr. Darcy. You seemed to be a prisoner here at Longbourn now. Have they not let you out of the house to stroll as you so often did while at Netherfield?”

“I am free to do as I wish, Miss Bingley. However with so many details that require my study and approval it seemed sensible to remain close.”

“I must admit to my lack of understanding of what seems like capricious behavior from you, Mr. Darcy. Never in all our acquaintance have I known you to act so rashly. You are a man of studied comportment who always seemed to judge each of your decisions from all angles.”

Darcy moved slowly down the garden path without taking his eyes from it, and calmly began to make her aware of his wishes from several months previous.

“There is nothing unanticipated of our wedding, Miss Bingley. As I am sure you have already been informed, I asked for Miss Bennet’s hand in spring while she was visiting her cousin and his wife at Hunsford cottage in Kent.”

“Yes, I had heard that rumor only recently, and was in total disbelief of such a report since you had never made it a point to disclose that fact to any in society while we were all in town.”

“I saw no point in publicizing it until I gained her father’s consent and then to have a chance to talk to her uncle that we could have everyone’s schedules coincide.”

They walked on with her doubting his word.

“You are very sly to keep this news so well hidden all this time, Mr. Darcy, especially when it was rumored of your not being well while in town as excuse for not mixing much in society then.”

“I assure you, Miss Bingley I merely had not the wish for more company.”

Well, at least that part was no untrue!

“And do all your relations approves of your alliance?”

“My sister is ecstatic and my aunt and uncle have given their blessing to my marrying.”

Hmmm, he did not answer fully my question.

“All your aunts, Mr. Darcy?”

“All my aunts approve who have any say in my union, Miss Bingley.”

She sneered at his apparent sidestep. “That is good news then that all your family approves your choice of wife.”

She smiled while she clung to his arm as they neared the house once more. With several pleasantries exchanged between Charles to Jane and then Jane to Caroline, the two left Longbourn for Netherfield until another visit planned for the next day. Silently Caroline sat across from her brother with a smug look upon her face.

Yes, I have given you pause to think what your indomitable aunt will make of all these coarse Bennets, and when I return tomorrow I will give you more to doubt your resolve to align yourself with their ilk. Soon, Mr. Darcy, you will be free of them.

By Wednesday Darcy had graciously suffered all the liveliness of the Longbourn household with his still making the effort to become acquainted with his new sisters. The first was Kitty who came upon him in the parlor.

Darcy was seated in one of the wing chairs by the fire reading while awaiting Elizabeth to return from her afternoon nap which he had insisted she take. He had been absorbed in Thomas Carew* when the whish of fabric signaled the entrance of one of his future sisters. Darcy ignored the noise until he heard a most despondent sigh. While keeping his place in his book, he turned to see that the despairing sigh had come from one of Elizabeth’s younger sisters who most resembled her, that of Kitty. As he rose his voice was soft but resonated through the room.

“Miss Katherine, I heard your sigh. Are you unwell?” She gasped.

“Mr. Darcy! I did not know you were about. I am disturbing your reading. I-I should go.” She turned to flee the room, but with only a slight pause he stopped her from exiting the room.

“Nay, tell me what has you so troubled, for I am soon to be your elder brother. Perhaps I can be of some assistance.”

“Um,” she began. He motioned her to the wing chair opposite him, and she obliged by sitting. “I have never been to town, and well, sir…”

Darcy’s eyebrows rose as he listened to a decidedly insecure young miss who was unused to talking to one who would actually give ear to her. He tried to encourage her. “Yes, Miss Katherine?”

“I was wondering…is London as exciting as Jane and Lizzy say? Are there gas lights* in the theatre and the opera house as well as street lights that glow brightly at night?”

“Yes.” His voice was quiet and reassuring.

Now breathless with excitement she continued without pause. “And is it…a very lively place all day long and into the night with shops and horse carts all about, and ladies in fine dresses and gentlemen in fancy clothes walking along the boulevards with so very much to do that one cannot decide which to do first and-”

He chuckled. “Miss Katherine, one question at a time if you please.”

Kitty’s eyes were lit up as the street lamps, her face as radiant as a child on Christmas morn that Darcy could not help but smile at her naiveté, showing her his dimples. And when he smiled, she was not so afraid of him, and smiled back more at ease with him.

“Yes, there are many things to see and do in London, and when Miss Bennet and I are married and returned to town we will have you come to visit us at our townhouse, and we will take you to the theatre and the opera as well as Hyde Park and the zoo-”

“You would? You would invite me to come be with you and Lizzy, truly?”

“Of course we will, Miss Katherine. You are most near the age as my own sister, Georgiana, and I am sure you will have many things in common to talk of when you visit.”

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, I thank you. You are most kind. I do not see why people called you proud and haughty.”

Darcy cleared his throat. “Perhaps because that was the way I was perceived by my behavior.”

“Oh, but Lizzy said you acted so because you were shy and-”

“Well, your sister is very kind to say so. And we will look forward to your visit when next we are in town-”

“After your honeymoon you mean.” Kitty blushed as would any maiden with romantic notions from reading novels.

Darcy was taken aback by her innocent remark, and did his best to hide his displeasure of that subject and replied only, “Quite so.”

“Well, I had best go to leave you to your book.”

Rising from the chair and he rising from his, Kitty curtseyed. He took her tiny hand in his and bowed. She smiled and exited the room in a better mood than when she entered.

Darcy on the other hand was not. As he watched her departure he did not return to his chair or his book. Instead he leaned his hand on the mantle thinking of what he had deprived Elizabeth of, what her sister had alluded to.

Had this been a normal courtship and wedding I would have taken Elizabeth to Tuscany or perhaps Florence, taken a tour of India or Egypt.

Again he felt what his mental instability had inflicted upon his beloved, wondering what their life would have been if he had been in his right mind. He hoped that somehow he would still be marrying Elizabeth, merely not in so abbreviated a fashion.

And would she still be ill when carrying my child? Would she have ever become with child if happenstance had not brought her to Pemberley that day?

He was still ensconced in the parlor leaning against the mantle and staring into a dying fire when Elizabeth came upon him to intertwine her arm with his. Seeing no others about, he pulled her to him, wrapping his arm around her. She could see he was frowning and whispered her tease of him.

“Are you still wishing to abduct me to Gretna Green, Fitzwilliam?”

He stared at her and asked also in whisper, “Do you regret the circumstances surrounding our need to wed?”

“No-”

“Do you not wish we had had a more conventional courtship?”

“Fitzwilliam, what has brought on such thoughts?”

“Would you wish not…to be with child…that you may have the opportunity to travel before we began our family?”

“Fitzwilliam, I chose you that day at our home, at Pemberley.” And suddenly unsure of his sincerity she whispered, “Do you now regret my choice, Fitzwilliam? Do you wish now that it were not so?”

He shook his head. “As I told you before I will never regret loving you.”

As confirmation of his resolve his hands pulled her face to his to give her a most ardent kiss that left her clinging to him. She could barely ask her next question. “Fitzwilliam, what has brought on your doubts of my constancy?”

Trying to calm he gazed into her eyes and with a deep haggard breath gained his control. Holding her hands he began. “Because of your illness now you will not have a chance to travel and see the world that you have only read of in books. When your sister alluded to a honeymoon I realized you are not well enough to be taken anywhere, might never…and I thought perhaps you might rue what I have put you through -”

“No, Fitzwilliam, I never will, my love!” She squeezed his hands, her kisses were soft and sweet on his cheek. “My confinement will not last forever, and afterwards we may travel, mightn’t we?”

The serenity of her statement made him smile at her confidence in a happy outcome with a bright future which calmed his troubled thoughts, his fears for her.

“Yes, of course, we may. As soon as you are returned to health I will show you the world.”

“ I will gladly go with you, Fitzwilliam, but you must know by now that you are my world.”

Darcy nodded assured of her faith in him and of her commitment to the path he had chosen for them. He gazed at her intensely, his hands refusing now to relinquish hers as they stood in the silence of the parlor. He wanted nothing more than take her again into his arms.

It was not until they heard a distinct “Ahem” that they instantly disengaged from one another immediately moving apart as they turned to see her father in the doorway. Both blushed at the fact that they had been caught in so loving an exchange by her father. But with that awkwardness brought about in Darcy more villainous thoughts.

Is there not one room in this house where I might find some little privacy with Elizabeth?

Darcy’s mind then raced as he remembered of what they spoke. “How long have you been there?”

“I am just arrived, sir, but I must warn you that idle talk even in whispers can be heard by many ears. If you intend to keep your confidence, you must refrain from talking of it in so public a room.”

Darcy pursed his lips. “Yes sir.”

Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth raised their eyes from the floor, standing dutifully apart. Mr. Bennet smiled at their attempt to decorum. Surely he could give them a few moments relief.

“Carry on then with what you were doing before I interrupted.” Both looked up at this incredulous statement.

“Sir?”

“I could see that the two of you were giving comfort to one another without the need for words. Perhaps that above all else will keep idle talk at bay.” He smiled and departed the room closing the door behind him and took out his pocket watch.

I will give them five minutes.

“I think,” Darcy replied pulling her into his embrace once more, “I am beginning to warm to your father, Lizzy.”

“I am happy to hear it,” Elizabeth retorted, hugging him tightly, relaxing in the security of his arms.

http://netpoets.com/classic/poems/012001.htm Thomas Carew was an English poet 1594-1640. His longest poem is called “A Rapture.”

*http://www.gas-lights.com/gas-light.html this site mentions the existence of gas street lights in Pall Mall, London as early as 1807 with its general use taking off within a few more years, and so I pushed its use in theatres and opera houses up a bit.
http://www.british-museum.ac.uk/visit/history.html Sir Han Sloane (1660-1753) bequeathed his collection of 71,000 objects to King George II for the nation which Parliament used to establish the British Museum some years later. By 1802 it included the Rosetta Stone from Egypt and I am sure someone like Darcy would have been a frequent visitor.
http://www.aboutbritian.co.uk/LondonZoo.htm The London Zoo was established in 1828, but was not actually opened to the public until 1847, so this is just wishful thinking of Darcy visiting such an exhibit.
http://encarta.msn.com/text_761564555____76/Library_%28institution%29.html This site is a history of libraries and in G section tells of the establishment of laypeople libraries by 1586, so Darcy could have walked through the stacks at the British Library.

Mary had only entered the salon tentatively to approach Mr. Darcy of a matter of verse she could not discern. Knowing from Lizzy of his being quite learned, she approached him and was about to open her mouth when suddenly Lydia annoyed Kitty to have both begin shouting at one another that also brought about the shrill voice of Mrs. Bennet saying they had ‘no compassion of her nerves’. Mary added to the shouting admonishing her two sisters of their bickering and shouting her whines to her mother across the house almost deafening Darcy standing directly beside her. He gasped, closing his eyes while trying to keep his composure, offering up supplications he had often heard in church, things like ‘Heaven help the undeserving’, and ‘Lord, give me strength to endure this rampage’, and ‘This too shall pass’, and ‘My Lord I am in Your hands.’

Opening his eyes once more he found himself staring into the face of Mary who was transfixed before him. “Sir, were you…praying just now?”

Not realizing he must have repeated his pleas aloud as his ears rang, Darcy cleared his throat admitting it. “Ahem, I…believe that I was indeed in prayer, Miss Mary. With so few family members at my house I am unused to such…cacophony.”

She nodded her head in agreement. “Both Lydia and Kitty and indeed even our mother can be quite a challenge to those of whom are without means of prayer.”

Darcy raised one eyebrow at Mary, since she obviously did not consider including herself in the “noise”. He wondered if anyone living at Longbourn was even aware of their own contribution to its chaos when there were so many to share it.

“I have found Fordyce a great calming affect. Would you like me to quote some to you, Mr. Darcy?”

“Ah…no, I thank you, Miss Mary, you are most kind, but I was on my way to have a discussion with your father of the merits of Mr. Bacon’s essays. Have you read any of his works?”

“Well…I…that is…”

“If you wish to, I have an extra copy I might lend you. Then you can join your father and I in the discussion.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Actually I had begun to read some of Dante’s works, and Lizzy gave me her copy of Milton’s Paradise Lost that I have only managed the first twenty pages.”

“Indeed? Then when you have read a bit more of each you and I may argue the merits of both. What say you?”

“I…yes, Mr. Darcy, I would like that very much. No one of late has thought to ask my opinions on any works of literature.”

“Then I shall look forward to it.”

When all heard the carriage approach, Kitty and Lydia merely glanced at one another, and smiled knowing it to be Mr. Bingley. This time it was the elderly Bennet to announce his arrival to all.

“It is Mr. Bingley, Jane!”

Mrs. Bennet’s excited voice was carried throughout the house as Jane smiled nervously at Elizabeth who returned it, happy for her sister. Then Hill entered and announced “Mr. Bingley”, and unable to keep exasperation from her subtle addition she said, “and Miss Bingley.”

Hill curtseyed, and stepped aside for the two to enter the parlor. Charles could not keep the smile from his face as he beheld Jane, although he bowed at Mrs. Bennet when making his greeting.

“Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, all you Miss Bennets, Darcy.”

Mrs. Bennet took up the same attitude and jovially remarked, “How good of you to come, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley. Won’t you sit and join us?”

“We would be delighted, Mrs. Bennet. Caroline?”

Caroline nodded and sniffed before deciding on a high backed wing chair closest to Darcy who was occupying the couch with Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner, both of whom Caroline ignored.

“Mr. Darcy, we have missed your company at Netherfield. It has not been as lively as when we came from the Assembly Ball to comment of it. And now you are residing here.”

Remembering well that conversation and of his insult of Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth, Darcy stiffened beside her and Elizabeth knew both would have to be annoyed by at least one of their visitors. Darcy tried hard to hide his displeasure lest the clever Miss Bingley suspect anything amiss. He smiled as he felt Elizabeth’s skirt touch his leg.

“I thought it best due to the circumstances of Mrs. Bennet wishing my knowledge and approval for certain aspects of the wedding.”

“As you have said now more than once,” Caroline smiled and squinted to have him know she was calculating the truth of his statement.

But then Mrs. Bennet interjected. “Oh, yes, indeed, Miss Bingley! You have no idea how invaluable his assistance has been to me this past week. I could not have arranged all without his aid, to be sure!”

Caroline’s focus was shifted from the obtuse woman to that of one of her daughters as she accepted a cup of tea from Kitty. Without acknowledging her kindness, but rather treating the girl as a servant, Caroline made a subtle face as though the tea had not enough lumps of sugar to suit. Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose, and she tried not to smile.

Miss Bingley, I fear you will find nothing will suit now. You must hold up with forbearance to Mr. Darcy’s decision of neglecting to ask for your hand.

Mrs. Bennet kept talking as though Caroline had the least interest in what she was saying. “Oh, Miss Bingley! You have no idea what we have to do before the week’s end!”

With barely a pause for breath, Mrs. Bennet continued to describe in great detail all the arrangements in the works in order that all be made ready by Saturday with Caroline’s eyes growing larger and finally glazing over with the myriad of the particulars.

“…and have you been long at Netherfield, Miss Bingley?”

Caroline gulped down a swallow of tea when she realized she was asked a direct question from the Cheapside aunt who had yet to make conversation.

“Ah…yes…but a few days, Madam. I came directly upon my brother’s request.”

“That is very delightful for you to be so amenable to your brother, Miss Bingley.”

Caroline merely smiled in her insincere way and sipped more tea, making that face again.

A servant interrupted with a curtsey and a “beg pardon, ma’am.”

“Yes, what is it, Betty?”

“I am sorry to disturb you, but one of the Gardiner children is asking for their mum.”

“If you will excuse me, Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley,” responded Mrs. Gardiner, standing and leaving the parlor. Both gentlemen stood politely until she was out the door, and then sat down once more, and continued with conversation. But it was not long before there was another interruption, this time from Hill. She entered the room and curtseyed and began.

“Excuse me, Mr. Darcy, sir. The master requires your presence in the library.”

“I will go to him directly. Thank you, Hill,” As his gaze fell upon her Darcy’s soft rich baritone vibrated through the Longbourn housekeeper. Even she was not immune to his charms that his happiness could no longer hide. She then turned so that he not see her blush from his kindly appreciation of her duties.

Darcy turned to Elizabeth then, and said, “I wonder why your father has need of me? I will return shortly that we may take our walk.”

“I will await you.”

Both stood as did Bingley and even Caroline, having tired of sitting the entire time. When Darcy was out of the room, it was Caroline this time who made the request of a walk.

“Charles has often mentioned of the beauty of your gardens especially the roses during this extended season. And I realized I have never taken a turn in them. Miss Eliza, would you do the honor of showing them to me?”

Elizabeth paused and looked to Jane and Bingley for their accompanying her in the suggestion before she made her reply. Jane nodded inconspicuously.

“Yes,” Elizabeth said quickly so as not to keep Miss Bingley in suspense. “I would be happy to join you for a turn in the garden.” She waited for Jane to arise, and then both headed for the entrance hall to secure their bonnets and Spencers. Caroline smiled.

At least I will not have to be in company with all these tedious Bennets! And I shall give Miss Eliza a dose of insecurity to have her doubt her choice of partner that may cause her to call off this wedding.

Choosing a path that was the short way round the garden, and with Caroline’s arm intertwining hers, Elizabeth began to gesture while speaking of the still beautiful flowering shrubs as she walked by with Caroline in tow.

“The Netherfield gardens are nothing compared to this, Eliza. The previous owners did not make any attempt to keep it up as your family has yours. Of course, Longbourn is nothing as compared to the gardens at Pemberley.”

Elizabeth nodded silently, and Caroline smiled thinking that Elizabeth must have seen them.

“When you were there during summer, Miss Eliza?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You mentioned that you had seen Pemberley’s gardens, and I wondered if you had seen them in their splendor of summer.”

You will not catch me so easily, Miss Bingley.

“I…said no such thing, Miss Bingley. I merely agreed with you, trusting your statement of their grandeur because you mentioned several times of your having been there.”

“Hmmm, yes, I have been there many time, Miss Eliza. It is like my second home, and I feel I would always be welcomed there, whereas some of those less deserving might feel out of place at such a grand estate as Pemberley.”

Elizabeth felt a headache coming on as she sparred with the clever and haughty Miss Bingley.

“There are those who think they are the more deserving.”

“I know my place, Eliza, and wonder at your knowing yours.”

“Miss Bingley-”

“Let us face facts, Eliza. Mr. Darcy’s family shall never accept his marriage to you. How society would look down upon poor Mr. Darcy if he proceeds with it. Is that what you would wish for him, to be pitied and neglected by all of London, by his own family, Miss Eliza? If you cared for him at all, you would not allow him to sacrifice his good name.”

Elizabeth’s cheeks were burning at such a statement coming from this woman’s mouth. Elizabeth was at the point almost fainting, but her anger and indignation caused her to rally, rising at such intimidation. Her voice was even but the statement was not kind.

“It is a pity then that you cannot take your own advice, Miss Bingley. Can you not see that after all yours of being in his company no matter what you attempt, Mr. Darcy will not make you an offer? If not me, it will be another to come between your intent to be the mistress of Pemberley.”

Now it was Caroline whose anger erupted.

How dare she say that I will never be the mistress of Pemberley? I will, I swear I will!

“How dare you presume to negate my aspirations, Eliza? I have been educated in the best schools that only the very rich may attend. My wealth and connections are well beyond anything you or your family will ever know. I have been accepted in the first circle for many years now, and unlike you, those of society will always welcome me.”

Unbeknownst to them both, Mr. Darcy had quietly neared the position to hear Caroline’s continued tirade.

“Mr. Darcy would not intentionally form such an alliance unless you used your charms to manipulate him to have your family then force him into marriage.”

As Darcy quickly approached them, he remained calm though his anger towards Caroline rose to a height he never thought possible.

“Miss Bingley, you will desist in speaking ill of the family that I will soon be a part.”

Caught in astonishment at the tone of his voice, Caroline immediately tried to placate his violent countenance, trying to meekly comment. “But Mr. Darcy, you are too good a man to be bothered with the likes of-”

“Do not utter a single word more to malign their character, Miss Bingley, for it only makes you the one unseemly.”

“How could you even consider-”

“Miss Bingley-”

“How could she impose on you that you would condescend to-”

“Miss Bingley, you will never understand my motives, and it will do no good to continue this conversation. Good day, Miss Bingley.”

“Caroline!” Bingley and Jane had approached to hear the last of her words and Darcy’s obvious irritation. “I think we would do well to depart. I have…several business letters to answer, and I am sure Mr. Darcy is…still busy with details to finalize. Good day to you, Darcy. Good day to you, Miss Bennet, Jane.”

He bowed to both Darcy and Elizabeth and kissed Jane’s hand, and then took hold of his sister’s arm, firmly turning her toward the carriage. “Come, Caroline.” He opened the door, and handed her in, his face crimson with mortification.

“But Charles-”

“Not a word, Caroline! Not…one…word! Roadster, drive on!”

As the carriage began down the lane, Darcy let out his stale breath, and shook his head. Then both he and Jane noticing Elizabeth’s pallor beside him, and held her about the waist while Jane held her arm to support her walk back into the house.

In the carriage Caroline saw how very angry her brother was, more so than she had ever seen him, and decided it prudent not to pursue any discourse with him at the moment. Instead she would wait until later after he had calmed, when she would succeed in manipulating him to her way of thinking as she had always done in the past. Silently he left her alone to her own thoughts of Mr. Darcy.

He does not love her. How could he? No, I will find a way to stop this. I must!

Chapter 12

At Darcy insistence that Elizabeth rest, he expected her usual protestations. When she for once did not arguing with him, both he and Jane realized how Miss Bingley’s visit must have taken a toll on Elizabeth’s limited vigor. Jane assisted Elizabeth to her room trying to assure Darcy that she would rally after rest, and asked if he would be so kind as to order tea be sent up.

Nodding he made his way to inform the housekeeper only to be accosted by Mrs. Bennet, insisting on his approval of some wedding detail or other. He found that even he had acquired a headache from trying for a but a quarter hour to be civil to his mother-in-law’s babbling about…what was it…oh, yes, the flower arrangements.

Good Lord! Why the devil would I care about how they were arrayed?

Having finally freed himself of her company he rubbed his left throbbing temple as he entered the south parlor to hear the unmistakable sigh of Elizabeth’s youngest sister. He froze in the doorway and spied Lydia, kneeling in a chair, staring out the window, carelessly flipping the curtains back and forth in a bored manner. He thought to retrace his steps out of the room before she noticed him, but Lydia’s keen sense knew of his arrival, and turned to face him. He had nowhere to escape from her barrage.

“Good Lord, you look horrible, if I may say so! Are you unwell?”

His temple throbbed worse at her shrill voice so reminiscent of her mother. “Merely a slight headache, I assure you.”

“I never get headaches. Mama says it is because of my heritage from my father’s side of the family and therefore not prone to them as she is.”

Due to your heritage you are prone to inflict them upon others. No, Darcy, that is not kind.

He began to count from one to ten as Lydia continued to speak to him.

“Lizzy says she sometimes has headaches, but I think she merely wishes to be out of company that she finds objectionable.”

Darcy stopped mentally counting to stare at her. “Indeed?”

He was reminded of Elizabeth attesting to a headache after hearing from Richard of Darcy’s interference of Bingley’s attraction to Jane, and having the same excuse to absent her from the dinner at Rosings when he came to make his first proposal.

Lydia continued to gossip. “There was once a visiting clergyman that fancied Lizzy a few years ago, and followed her about like a puppy dog, hanging on her every word. Lord! It was so amusing to see how she contrived to stay out of his way until he was due to depart even to the point of climbing a tree when he went passed. I recall one day when Mama made her keep in his company for nearly an hour, Lizzy swore to us how her head was about to explode from listening to all his nonsense! Kitty and I had the best laugh over it!”

“You were not sympathetic to her being in pain?”

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, Lizzy was not the least in pain! She was only angry at Mama for making her stay with so silly a little man when all she wanted to do was run away into the forest! Upon his departure so too left Lizzy’s headache! Kitty and I had such a jolly time making fun of him. He was such a horrid little man with greasy hair, and always sweating. I say all of us were very glad when he finally left the area, only to have Mr. Collin arrive with all the self same tendencies. Kitty and I were certain they must be related.”

He blinked his eyes at the conversation he and this youngest Bennet were having as she continued with a sigh. “We will be less noisy with Lizzy gone, and then Jane soon after.” He rolled his eyes in disbelief.

I am sure the noise level will not dim any considerable degree with the absence of the two least noisy sisters.

Lydia continued to lament. “I shall miss them and all the fun we have had all these years. I do so love all the noise we make.”

“You…love all the noise?”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Darcy. That is how I know that all my sisters are about and Mama too. Sometimes even father begins to shout when he is terribly angry. I know not how you can abide in a big old house that is as quiet as a crypt. Are you not lonely in such a tomb, sir?”

Darcy had to think a moment in order to make a reply. “It is my home after all, and so my memories are of my parents and sometimes my sister is present. I am comfortable with its being quiet, just as you are of Longbourn being noisy and filled with all your sisters.”

“Yes, I wish it would never change.”

“Miss Lydia, everything changes. That is the way of the world.”

“I know, I know, but at least you will have some noise at your house now when Lizzy comes to live there, for she is very loud sometimes.”

He actually smiled admitting, “I know, Miss Lydia. She has been…very loud to me on several occasions.”

“Oh!” Lydia giggled aloud and put her hands to her mouth and her eyes became as big as saucers sparkling with mirth as she smiled. “She can also be very bossy sometimes, Mr. Darcy! Did she put you in your place?”

“She did, indeed.”

“But, Mr. Darcy, you must put her in her place too, for she is too bossy sometimes, especially to me, I dare say! And then I will not have it! Only Papa and Mama should scold me! Well…I sometimes will listen when Jane tells me things…if I wish it.”

“Soon you will have neither of your older sisters to depend upon for guidance. You must be on your guard, Miss Lydia.”

“That is what Jane and Lizzy said of the militia when they were at Meryton. How I loved dancing with all the officers!” Her eyes glazed over, her head bobbing to imagined music, remembering the balls she attended at the Assembly.

“Your older sisters were right to warn you, Miss Lydia. Sometimes officers have not your best interests at heart, and you must be vigilant to know which of whom are trustworthy and honorable.”

She became despondent at his mentioning her being vigilant. “Father said the same when he disallowed me to be the companion of Colonel Forester’s wife as her particular friend when the militia decamped to Brighton. My heart was broken!” She was at the beginning of another pout.

“The Assembly will have other dances and balls for you to attend in future, Miss Lydia.”

“Yes,” her eyes sparkled again, hoping it would sooner than later. “I do so long for a ball!”

“I am sure you will be soon satisfied.”

“Of course, for you will have dancing the night of your wedding. That is a wonderful thing to think on and look forward to.”

“Yes, I have approved with your mother’s insistence that there will indeed be a ball.”

“Oh, thank you, Mr. Darcy! Kitty was right! You are a very jolly fellow when you wish to be!”

Lydia then bounded out of the room with a surprised Darcy in her wake. He shook his head, noticing that his headache had disappeared completely, and he could not but chuckle.

Darcy had seen to Elizabeth’s tea when Mr. Bennet called him into his library with something he thought would be of import. Handing him a book, Mr. Bennet waited for a reaction. Leafing through the beginning folios Darcy was astounded.

“Is this a first edition?”

“No, I fear it is not my habit to purchase them due to their expense. However, this is an early edition. My grandfather was also bookish, and added to the Longbourn shelves when he was young. I found this treasure one night when I was upon the ladder to reach the topmost shelf.

“I have not seen one printed as early as this. May I?”

“Please,” Mr. Bennet motioned to a chair by the hearth.

Darcy had at the very moment settled in one of the high back leather chairs by the fire for him better peruse an early edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales*, one of the few books that Darcy did not have in his possession and was greatly desirous to view. With such a reverence for books, Darcy beheld each page holding each gingerly so as not to damage any while he turned them. A knock on the door and an “enter” brought in Hill with a curtsey along with a letter.

“Sir, a letter’s just come-”

“Very good, Hill, thank you,” Mr. Bennet spoke, but Hill was somewhat disconcerted.

“Sir, ah, the letter is for Mr. Darcy.” The gentleman in question looked up at the sound of his name.

“Oh,” Mr. Bennet quipped. “Then by all means, Hill, do not feel squeamish about delivering it to him.”

Mr. Darcy stood and Hill curtseyed and handed it to him.

“Thank you, Hill.”

Hill bobbed her head and curtseyed again, and then to her master and hurried out as Mr. Bennet watched with a raised brow. He had never before seen his always unflappable housekeeper so flustered with any young man who had ever graced the door of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet gazed over at his future son-in-law to know the reason for it.

Darcy had already opened his letter and was in the midst of reading. This left Mr. Bennet to surmise that whatever effect caused by Mr. Darcy, the man himself was unaware of it. Indeed, the young man’s brows knitted in concentration as he turned from the second to the third page of his missive. Mr. Bennet wondered at some dire news that might postpone the wedding.

Darcy’s eyes viewed what he considered an extraordinary and rare letter from his uncle, the earl of Matlock, whom he had written to of his plans to wed along with a general description of Elizabeth and her family. Having had his uncle’s prodigiously supportive relationship all his life, Darcy was certain that the earl would trust Darcy’s usually sound judgment to give his blessing to the match. As he began to read the missive, Darcy was not disappointed, for the earl did indeed trust that Darcy was a grown man with prudent discernment that whomever he chose to marry must be of the finest caliber. He sent not only his blessing, but that of his wife and Darcy’s Aunt Rebecca.

As Darcy continued to read his uncle’s letter a frown graced his face with news of a less than pleasant visit to his uncle by Aunt Catherine who evidently had been made aware of her nephew’s upcoming nuptials by no doubt Elizabeth cousin, that groveling toad of a clergyman, Mr. Collins through his connection with the Lucas family.

…So vehement was her antagonism of your fiancé and of her entire family that had I not already read your letter explaining the financial situation of the Bennets, and how you assured me that your Elizabeth had never been impressed by your worth nor saw the need to further her income by marriage to you, I would have begun to worry that you had finally been entrapped by a fortune hunter. Your Aunt Catherine will try that argument when she talks to you, and she will come to you.

She will also argue of the promise between herself and your mother of an attachment to Anne. We all know how my sister’s wishful thinking had made that promise come about, and no one of your family had ever put any stock in it.

And if you have not been yet visited by your aunt, Darcy, I must caution you to be fortified with the knowledge that she will at some point make her way to you and try to put a stop to your wedding. Rebecca and I attempted to make her see reason, but you know how very stubborn your Aunt Catherine is, and how vitriolic she can be when she thinks she is being challenged or defied.

And now having warned you of the impending storm heading your way, let me again send you all my best wishes for a happy marriage, and say I am joy filled that you, like me and your father before you have found someone whom you could love and respect. Knowing we are welcome at your residence in London whenever you deem any visit convenient, and to Pemberley when you two finally settle there, I will be patience to have you send me word of your readiness for a family reunion. You may always depend on my support whenever you have need. I remain ever faithfully, your Uncle Henry.

Darcy swallowed and closed the letter as Mr. Bennet stared at him to wait an explanation or his reflections on his missive. Darcy then gazed back at his future father-in-law.

“My uncle writes to give his blessing and relate that…we are to expect a visit from my Aunt Catherine.”

“The Lady Catherine DeBourgh?” Darcy nodded watching Mr. Bennet’s facial expression change from surprise to amusement, with Darcy not understanding the elderly gentleman’s obvious delight.

“Sir?”

“So, she does not look upon the match with a favorable eye?”

“No, I fear not.”

“Ah,” was all the man said to Darcy as he re-seated himself behind his desk and began to read from the previously abandoned book.

“You are not at all disturbed by this news, sir?”

“Why should I be the one upset? It is not I whom will have the task of arguing my case before the illustrious Lady Catherine DeBourgh. That I fear falls on your shoulders as her nephew and the one who is defying her wishes.”

“You will not be present to lend your support to defend my decision to wed your daughter?”

Mr. Bennet sighed and closed his book as he fashion his thought. Then his gaze fell upon the young man as he made reply. “Having already seen you once in action, sir, in this very room the day you ask me for my daughter’s hand, I am confident you do not need my support, and my presence might be a detriment to your…thinking you must be civil to one who obviously will not return it in kind. I fear I would only be in the way however much I would desire to be witness to your discussion with your aunt. I have only read about such battles of the titans, and find I should very much like to actually see one.”

“Mr. Bennet, I assure you-” But Darcy paused when Mr. Bennet shook his head, and waved him to silence.

“Mr. Darcy, if your aunt, as I suspect, has any of the tenaciousness that I witnessed in you, then you will be locked in a battle royal as you have never before experienced, but I have every confidence on your being victorious, for you can boast to possessing what is lacking on your opponent’s side.”

“Elizabeth.”

“My daughter’s love for you seems to know no bounds. You two make an impenetrable fortress which none can breech, not even by the likes of your formidable aunt.”

“I hope your faith in me is not misguided.”

“It is not my faith that you will call upon, but that of my Lizzy’s, an equally formidable foe I must admit when she sets her mind. I do, however, have but one request of you.”

“Sir?”

“When your aunt makes her appearance as we are now assured she will, do me the kindness to have your conversation somewhere other than my parlor, somewhere that has the least amount of breakable objects about. Cleaning up debris after a storm is quite tedious.”

“Yes, sir, I will try to accommodate you in that regard.”

Mr. Bennet quipped, “Perhaps the forest where only the trees will suffer?”

Darcy rose to the challenge with, “or perhaps the meadow where only the grass will fail to grow for a number of years.”

Mr. Bennet nodded smiling. Darcy could not believe he had actually voiced such an unkindness toward his aunt. He wondered if being in his father-in-law’s company was corrupting him.

*http://www.bl.uk/treasures/caxton/homepage.html William Caxton established one of the first British printing press, and in 1476 printed the first edition of Chaucer and in 1483 printed the second edition. If his book was one of these early editions it must have truly been a treasure for Mr. Bennet to have such squirreled away in his library.

Darcy mused alone in his room late that night; the longer his stay at Longbourn the greater was his understanding of all these Bennets, even of Miss Jane who was serene as ever, and Miss Katherine who seemed always overwhelmed by all the lively personalities about her. It was not until that particular Miss Bennet was visited by Mrs. Collins’s younger sister, Miss Mariah Lucas that even she began to exhibit her share of the Bennet exuberance with a discourse to rival the liveliness of the other members of her family. Most like his own sister, Darcy realized such behavior must be common for ones so shy then suddenly free to express themselves, wondering if Georgiana’s mind similarly tended but without the means to express itself due to her lack of having any sisters.

This is truly an enlightening experience that I hope to remember when our own children are this age-

Even as his mind began to form the thought he shuddered at such a premature notion with nothing of certainty on which it to be based.

We are not yet sure if she is truly with child, nor are we certain if it will survive to fruition, or if Elizabeth will be able to…to…

Staring out the window into the darkening night, Darcy swallowed as he allowed his thoughts to tend to that direction, no longer trying to avoid dwelling on his fear. He gasped as his greatest fear surfaced then to come racing into his consciousness, a notion he had tried to bury so long ago with the death of his mother...that some Fitzwilliam family trait he had inherited could now threaten Elizabeth, her demise at his hands with her confinement of his child.

He could barely draw breath as he envisioned the long ago funeral, his father’s grim face, the plaque on the mausoleum…beloved wife…

No! He closed his mind to it, slamming his fist at wall by the window such force the panes quivered.

No, I will not even think such a dark thought. Elizabeth will survive. She will thrive as do all her family. I must believe that. I will believe that! There is no other choice for me.

Continued in Next Section