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Chapter 21
Mrs. Bennet had plans of her own for the morning. These involved her second daughter going into town and taking the younger ones with her.
"But Mama," objected Elizabeth. "What if Miss Darcy accompanies Mr. Bingley today?"
"Surely you don't think she comes only to see you, Lizzy!" her parent replied incredulously. "Anyway, if she does then I shall entertain her so that Jane and Bingley may be alone. There," she concluded, very pleased with herself. "You can have no argument with that."
Elizabeth frowned, annoyed with her mother for frustrating her hopes for the day. Jane did not remain silent, however. "Mr. Darcy might come with his friend," she pointed out.
Mrs. Bennet would not be dissuaded. "No matter. I am sure to find something we can talk about." She was adamant and Elizabeth was not prepared to draw attention by insisting she be allowed to stay. One glance at Jane assured her that Mr. Darcy would not be left speculating about her absence.
Reluctantly, Elizabeth set off for Meryton with Mary beside her and their younger sisters racing ahead. Any other time she would have called after them to conduct themselves more appropriately but Elizabeth neither noticed nor cared at that moment. Her thoughts were centred on how to accomplish Mrs. Bennet's errands in as short a time as possible that she might return to Longbourn before the gentlemen left, for she was sure Mr. Darcy would be accompanying his friend.
Mary was usually content to be silent while they walked so it startled Elizabeth to hear her exclamation of surprise. She looked up to see Lydia and Kitty had stopped running and simply stood at the side of the roadway, watching the approach of a large, solid vehicle. The horses were heavy and plodding slowly, the driver unsmiling but watchful. Elizabeth drew in her breath sharply, recognising the gaol cart for what it was and knowing what it would contain. She steeled herself as it came closer. More people began to appear, lining the roadway and pointing. Lydia began to move forward with a clear intention of walking alongside the cart. She appeared more amused than upset and Elizabeth heard Mary voice her disapproval. When the horses drew even with the two sisters, Elizabeth dared to glance inside the barred wagon only to see Mr. Wickham staring right back. She refused to avert her eyes, however, lifting her chin and letting a sense of assurance settle around her shoulders like a cloak. It gave her the incentive to reach out and grasp Lydia's arm, to pull the laughing girl away from the cart's side and, when Lydia's objections were loudly expressed, sharply brought her to task with a cutting rebuke.
"Demonstrate a little respect for yourself, at least, if you have no consideration for the respect of your sisters! Stop behaving like an ignorant child, Lydia! There is no reason to ridicule a man in his position."
"I suppose you would cry for him, Lizzy, since you are so much better than the rest of us!" Lydia wrinkled her nose. "Well, I feel sorry for Wickham but he wouldn't want any sympathy so I'll just keep him company along the road until I can go no further."
Elizabeth seethed with indignation but would not give Lydia the satisfaction of knowing it. Further angering her was the sight of Mr. Wickham grinning indulgently at her young sister's exhibition. "Sympathy? I assure you," she said in an icy tone, "that sympathy is exactly what Mr. Wickham wants and has always wanted! He is entitled to neither your sympathy nor your friendship."
"How can you say that, Lizzy? He was once your favourite as much as anyone else's."
"Mr. Wickham is guilty of an assault upon a gentleman. That is how I can say it." Elizabeth's eyes moved to observe the man they were discussing, wondering why she ever thought his smile to be charming. It was ugly; she could see that now. He seemed to be mocking her, sneering. "No matter what you think of Mr. Darcy," she continued, the comments for Lydia but her gaze never leaving Wickham's face, "you must accept that Lieutenant Wickham has disgraced himself and his uniform and exposed his true character for us all to see."
The grin faded from Wickham's face. Elizabeth felt a wave of triumph wash over her, then realised that his eyes were no longer fixed on her but directed over her shoulder. Turning around, she knew her own eyes widened and her heart lifted to see Mr. Darcy swinging down from his horse. His expression was stern, eyes narrowed with an unflinching survey of the vehicle before them. Tossing the reins to Bingley, who had quickly dismounted as well, Darcy strode purposefully forward, stopping when he came abreast of Elizabeth. Wickham instinctively shrank back from the bars, retreating as if expecting the other man to reach through and grab him.
Darcy said nothing. He stared for a long moment until Wickham broke the contact, then he waved a hand and called to the driver to move on.
The gathered crowd had fallen silent upon the appearance of Darcy. With no further excitement in the offing, they returned to their previous activities although some kept a curious eye turned toward the serious young man with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
"I hope he did not cause you any alarm, Miss Bennet." Darcy spoke without taking his gaze from the cart disappearing around a bend in the road.
"I wasn't frightened," replied Lydia, oblivious to whom he was addressing.
Darcy instantly spun around to face her, his voice like iron. "You should have been. That man has the capability of stealing more than your heart. Consider yourself very fortunate, Miss Lydia, that you were never tested."
The young and foolish Lydia stared with an open-mouthed wonder at Darcy; not even her imprudence was tempted to contradict him. She could not continue holding his gaze for long, however, and sought out Kitty's company to comfort her wounded pride in the shops. Mary quickly followed, not trusting the two younger ones on their own. Elizabeth had never felt more grateful for Mr. Darcy's interference. When she at last perceived that his anger had subsided, she placed a hand on his arm to draw his attention.
"Thank you," she whispered. Darcy looked down at her face, the hard glint in his eyes immediately softening. "Lydia truly needs a strong authority to redirect her."
One corner of his mouth turned upward giving Darcy a rakish appearance. "Do you consider me an authority on willful young ladies? I assure you, the truth is more to the contrary."
Elizabeth shyly looked away. "I confess that I am not the authority I thought when it comes to deserving young men."
"Excuse me." Apologetically, Bingley interrupted before the conversation became too intimate. "I presume you wish to remain here, Darcy. I shall continue on to Longbourn alone." He smiled at Elizabeth and gave a polite bow. Handing the reins back to his friend, Bingley then mounted his own horse and bid them have a good morning.
Fingering the leather, Darcy asked, "Were you on your way to somewhere in particular? May I walk with you?"
A bright smile prepared him for her response. "Mama charged me with some errands but I'm sure she will not mind if I delay them, or perhaps I can even persuade my sisters to make the purchases for me. It will not take me a moment!" she added, hurrying off to find them. True to her word, Elizabeth was back before Darcy had time to lead his horse to a patch of grass on the other side of the road. "There," she announced. "My morning is now free."
For a few moments Darcy merely stood there, admiring the lady before him. There were many things he wished to say but eventually the words that left his lips were, "You look well this morning."
Elizabeth coloured. She considered herself far from looking well. She had hardly slept and the tired lines around her eyes were testament to that fact. Her resolution of the early hours had not disappeared, however. "You are too generous, sir. I know for a fact that I do not look at all well since I was unable to rest my mind all of last night."
His brow furrowed with concern. "I am sorry to hear that. I am intimately acquainted with that affliction but unfortunately cannot offer you any suggestions to alleviate its persistence. I shall hope it will be just the one night."
"I intend to make sure of that," said Elizabeth in a firm voice. She glanced around them as the town was left behind while they walked. There was no-one to overhear their conversation. "Mr. Darcy, I am a creature of little patience when something is on my mind and I must confess that my preoccupation may cause me to give little consideration to your own feelings. If what I am about to say gives you offense then I apologise in advance."
"I am certain there is nothing you could say or do to offend me, Miss Elizabeth." He preferred using her Christian name to the formal Miss Bennet, even if he was overstepping the bounds of propriety by doing so. Her words did cause him some alarm, however, and Darcy hoped his actions had not been premature.
"I have been thinking about your plans to leave Hertfordshire." Elizabeth saw that she had startled him with the turn of the conversation. "As much as I agree with your reasons, to allow greater freedom to Mr. Bingley in arranging his upcoming marriage to Jane, there is even more sense for you to stay."
"I beg your pardon?" Darcy was confused. There was nothing he could do to further Bingley's reconciliation with Miss Bennet. His friend had all aspects of that matter under control, or as much control as Mrs. Bennet allowed. Darcy would never presume to step into that lady's jurisdiction.
A bend in the path now separated them from sight of the town. Elizabeth stopped to face her companion directly. "Will you please stay?"
Darcy felt the warmth of his tender feelings nearly overwhelm him with her request. These were words he hardly dared hope to hear her say. "My friend has also voiced his desire that I stay at the house, and delay my plans, which are by no means fixed. You suggest there is sense in my remaining yet have only asked without offering one argument in favour of its propriety."
If it were not for the brightness of his eyes Elizabeth would have thought his comments made in all seriousness. She was therefore easily reconciled to a mischievous reply of her own. "You appear to allow nothing for the influence of friendship and affection. A regard for the requester would often make one readily yield to a request without waiting for arguments to reason one into it."
Excitement gripped him. "Will it not be advisable, before we proceed on this subject, to arrange with rather more precision the degree of importance which is to appertain to this request, as well as the degree of intimacy subsisting between the parties?"
"I believe you have hit upon the heart of the matter, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth softly replied, a familiar flutter beginning to make itself known.
***
Bingley was impatient to inform Miss Bennet of the promising situation between his friend and her sister. He rode quickly to Longbourn and was immensely pleased with Mrs. Bennet's foresight in arranging for privacy on this visit. Jane's mother was equally delighted to find her daughter's suitor had arrived alone, negating any effort on her part to entertain extra visitors. It was therefore no great trouble to extricate herself from their company on the pretense of attending to household matters. No sooner had the door closed behind her than Jane worriedly enquired about Mr. Darcy's absence.
"Fear not, my dear Jane," assured Bingley. "Darcy is with your sister as we speak! We encountered all of them on our way through Meryton and he stayed to walk with her while I proceeded here."
Jane was vastly relieved by this news. Elizabeth's distress of the previous evening had been unsettling for them both and she knew her sister would not have been able to bear it had Darcy chosen to stay home that morning. "Excellent! Lizzy was very upset when Mama insisted that she go into town this morning. It meant she would have missed seeing Mr. Darcy, although I would have explained to him that it was unavoidable."
"Then everyone is happy," smiled Bingley. He reached for Jane's hand and blushed like a schoolboy when their fingers intertwined. "What do you think of Darcy courting your sister?"
Jane's colour deepened. Discussing her own feelings was enough cause for her to blush but Elizabeth's emotions were so much more passionate. "He is such a quiet gentleman and I do like him but Lizzy can be somewhat... overpowering at times."
A puzzled frown appeared on Bingley's face. "I'm not sure I understand."
Jane bit her lip uncertainly. "I love my sister dearly. Lizzy is very clever and she also feels very deeply. Perhaps Mr. Darcy does not realise how difficult such a combination can be? I do not want to see either of them in an unhappy situation."
"My dear, sweet Jane!" Bingley looked upon her with loving amusement in his eyes. "Darcy could not be happy without a daily argument. Your sister is ideal for him. I only wonder how much longer he can hold out before making her an offer."
Hesitant to reveal her knowledge of Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Darcy once already, Jane remained concerned that the gentleman's history with her sister would only impede the progress of what she agreed could be a very satisfactory arrangement for both. "Lizzy is so impatient and Mr. Darcy so cautious that I am afraid she may lose hope before he says anything."
Bingley's brows rose. "Lose hope?" His smile broadened. "Then she does return his affection! Even better! All he requires is a little encouragement from her and I'm sure it will be settled in the space of a moment."
"Oh, now I have betrayed Lizzy's confidence," fretted Jane.
"Do not be concerned," he comforted. "I'm sure she will not hold it against you when she is as happy as you are, engaged to my friend and looking forward to a lifetime of debates and discussions with all the seriousness those two can muster." Jane could not help laughing at this picture of domestic bliss. "Darcy is not a man to give up when he sets his mind on something. That is one of the things I admire most about him."
"That is good to hear." Jane's gaze dropped to where her hands rested in her lap, Bingley's fingers still wrapped around hers. She felt him move closer but was too timid to look up.
"Jane?" he said very quietly. "May I... may I kiss you?"
At last her eyes were raised to meet his, wide and filled with excited apprehension. Her nod of assent was barely discernible yet Bingley did not miss its significance. He moved closer still, heart beating faster. When his lips met Jane's for the first time he was astonished by the intensity of his own feelings. He thought he'd been in love before, had admittedly kissed a few ladies, as well. None of that compared to Jane's kiss, however.
They parted but briefly. In that shy and awkward moment both knew their choice to be the right one. Jane tipped her head to one side, inviting Bingley to kiss her again. A discreet cough made them jump. Guiltily, Bingley glanced over his shoulder to the doorway.
"Well now," murmured Mr. Bennet, his voice almost lazy with amusement. "Such an ideal opportunity."
Bingley swallowed forcefully. "Sir?"
"We have not had the chance to really sit down and get to know one another," the older man continued, settling himself comfortably in his favourite chair which just happened to be at Bingley's back in his current position. He considered how very fortunate it was that he had come into the room when he did. Reflecting on the natures of his daughters, Mr. Bennet grew uneasy as he considered that if Jane could be enticed into such an indiscretion as kissing in their own parlour then what might his more lively offspring be tempted into when his absence had been secured? To that effect he made a sudden enquiry. "Where is your friend this morning, Mr. Bingley?"
Relief was etched on the younger man's face at this opportunity to redirect attention from himself. "Ah... we met the rest of Jane's sisters as we passed through town. Darcy elected to stay there and I rode on alone."
Somewhat mollified at the thought of Mr. Darcy accompanying four young ladies around the shops of Meryton, Mr. Bennet was amused. That young man's interest in Elizabeth had not escaped his notice but as long as she was not left without a chaperone in his presence her father would not be overly concerned. He did intend to have a word with Mrs. Bennet about leaving their eldest daughter alone with her suitor. Some things were best not left to chance. "He shall be joining us later, I imagine." If he hasn't been driven away by the silliest of them.
"I imagine so," replied Bingley, clearly pleased with the turn of the conversation. "He and Miss Elizabeth were set on walking again. I don't know two people who enjoy walking half so much!"
Mr. Bennet did not feel half so amused as a moment before.
***
Chapter 22
"There must be some way to prevent it," she thought aloud. "What does that snippy girl possess that I do not? How can I gain Darcy's attention?"
Long hours of thought brought her no closer to a solution and finally, unable to find a conclusion on her own, she left her room to seek out Georgiana. Finding the younger woman alone in the morning room with some embroidery, Miss Bingley began with some obligatory pleasantries and then embarked upon a series of questions designed to provide her with a more exacting portrait of Mr. Darcy's interests and what it was about Miss Eliza that so intrigued him. Miss Darcy was satisfactorily forthcoming with her information. Her friend filed away each fact, considered the arsenal at her disposal and concluded that she could, with a few well executed alterations, achieve what she desired above all else; the position of Mistress of Pemberley.
There was no time to waste for she was well aware that once one engagement had occurred it often induced like-minded individuals, particularly besotted young men, to follow suit. Accordingly Caroline immediately excused herself from Miss Darcy's company and scampered upstairs to critically assess her wardrobe and prepare for the evening's strike.
Colonel Fitzwilliam watched the hurrying figure glide past him without her noticing his presence. His suspicions were aroused and this made him nervous. What is on Miss Bingley's mind? Her motives were no mystery; if she intended an awkward disruption in Darcy's wooing of Elizabeth Bennet then he was obliged to interfere with her interference! This was mildly perplexing. There was little doubt that his own qualifications could cause her to veer from her chosen course but to what end? It would require the utmost care to ensure Darcy's safety while protecting his own.
A mere flirtation might not be enough.
***
"Where do we begin?" Darcy looked enquiringly at the lady who walked beside him. "Perhaps with the importance of the request?"
"That will do for a beginning, yes." It was fortunate that Elizabeth was possessed of a quick wit for this conversation was not unfolding in the manner she had expected. She must start somewhere, of course, and rather than oblige Darcy to once again expose his position without knowing hers, immediately continued. "As the party making the request I can attest to the fact that I do not make it lightly. Nor do I expect you to accede simply because I ask, although I hope you may after hearing the rest of what I have to say." Elizabeth held up one hand to forestall Darcy's response. "My opinions have been forced to undergo such dramatic changes in a short period of time. I feel that I never really knew you, never took the time to know you. I would like that opportunity now. I realised it yesterday when you left Longbourn. My feelings were confused and it took me a while to make sense of them but now I am sure." She boldly observed his reaction to her words. "I do not want you to go."
Darcy's heart had lifted as Elizabeth spoke. As much as he had hoped and prayed that her behaviour indicated a more favourable opinion of him, he truthfully feared allowing himself to dwell on the possibility. Smug was what Bingley deemed him after their last meeting and Darcy was reluctant to deny it entirely for he did experience a sense of self-satisfaction with the nature of their parting; sleep evaded him for some time while his mind relived the vision of Elizabeth's upturned face with its clearly expressed invitation. If she continued to present such tempting situations he knew his resistance would erode and place them both in precarious positions. "I will admit that I do not particularly wish to leave, either, and especially after yesterday."
"I thought you were going to kiss me," Elizabeth said, eyes now shyly peering up at him.
The notion seemed to give him pain. "I am sorry, Miss Bennet. I had no intention of causing you any distress or embarrassment. Please forgive me. Perhaps now you will understand my motivation for leaving my friend's home."
Elizabeth stared at him in disbelief. "I do not understand it at all!" she cried. "I thought you were going to kiss me. I thought you wanted to kiss me!" She added in a tone that clearly expressed her wounded feelings, "I wanted you to kiss me."
As shocking as this declaration was, Darcy felt more confused than ever. "From the moment I met you, Elizabeth, I have been labouring under a great disadvantage; an inability to comprehend you. First my own arrogance blinded me to your dislike; nay, hatred of the very sight of me! How could I be so ignorant? My own feelings prevented any acknowledgement that you might feel differently. I was enchanted, bewitched! Yet did I notice that my attentions were not even remarked upon? Small wonder but, no. What vanity you must have observed! I cannot blame you for your opinion of me.
"Whatever my aim was yesterday when we spoke outside Longbourn, you must believe me when I say that all conscious thought disappeared with the touch of your hand on my brow. Oh, how I wished I had never presented you with that detestable offer in Kent! I cannot take back my words as much as I would like it, however. I cannot change my feelings and those I have no wish to alter! Yes, I wanted to kiss you, Elizabeth. It took all the strength of will that I possess not to do just that for your own desire was clear enough. I could not be sure that it was for me or for the moment and that is what gave me the necessary strength to resist. I could not bear to add another mistake to my list of wrongs where you are concerned."
"But you gave me something much more promising than a kiss," she said so quietly her voice was nearly a whisper. "If your feelings have not changed then know that mine have. It did not happen overnight as much as it may appear that way to some. I think there was always an element present despite my adamant refusal to recognise it. You must learn to trust me, Mr. Darcy. If I invited you to kiss me then it was because I truly desired it of you." When Elizabeth looked up into his face she caught her breath at the expression in his dark eyes. She would not regret her words no matter the consequences.
Without a word, Darcy gently touched her face, cupping his hand under her chin and drawing her forward. She came willingly, gaze never wavering even if the rhythm of her breathing became erratic. He lowered his own face to hers and allowed his lips to brush along her cheek. Elizabeth shivered with anticipation, sighing aloud when his low voice breathed in her ear.
"Elizabeth, you tempt me beyond reason but I cannot go on without some formal understanding. I must ask. I must hear the words. Will you honour me by accepting me, as pitiful an exchange as this may be? By far, my gain is superior to yours but I love you too dearly to compromise you in any way."
She knew she had to speak but that power had been stolen with his confession. No other option presented itself and so Elizabeth turned her head ever so slightly, putting his doubts forever to rest by demonstrating her answer. She was not prepared for his reaction. As Elizabeth's lips touched his, Darcy's arms suddenly enfolded her, pulling her closer. The kiss was more powerful than she had imagined. Every nerve in her body tingled, she felt as if she were melting and instinctively her hands rose to clutch at him for support. She need not have feared. Darcy's senses were alive with awareness of her every move; she would not slip away.
When he released her at last, Elizabeth lay against his chest, heart beating wildly while she tried to catch her breath. Her eyes finally opened to discover they were both kneeling in the long grass, Darcy leaning back on his heels to maintain his balance and continue to hold her close. She had no desire to move but, out of consideration for him, stirred in preparation to stand.
"Elizabeth," he said, his eyes still closed. She waited for him to continue but he merely repeated her name and she could feel his arms tighten around her, preventing any movement. Several moments passed during which she could feel his heart beating next to her ear; an hypnotic effect that almost lulled her into sleep.
A low rumbling disturbed Elizabeth's drowsing mind and she realised with a start that Darcy was laughing. Bemused, she pushed herself slightly away from him to see his face, a questioning look upon her own. This caused him more merriment and he freed her from his embrace, both of them toppling over into the grass. Elizabeth began to giggle as she stared up into the sky.
"I have no idea what you find so humorous but I can't help laughing, too," she said.
Gently stroking her cheek, Darcy sighed contentedly. "I was resolved to hear an acceptance of my offer, or at least your permission to pursue a course toward it, before allowing your charms to overwhelm my sensibilities. You, however, caught me unawares and now there is nothing for it, my dear. You are compromised and simply must marry me."
Elizabeth saucily raised an eyebrow. "You seem rather pleased about it, sir!"
"And why not? I shall marry the woman who has possessed my heart these many months, despite her not knowing it, and a finer wife I could not find. There is only one thing that would make me happier." His gaze upon her was fervent.
Knowing perfectly well what he wished to hear, Elizabeth was equally ready to oblige. "I am honoured to accept you, Mr. Darcy. Nothing could please me more." She bit her lip before quietly adding the words he most longed to hear. "I do love you, Mr. Darcy."
"My given name is Fitzwilliam," he smiled.
"Fitzwilliam," she repeated, testing the syllables on her tongue.
They remained thus for some time before recollecting their surroundings whereupon Darcy assisted Elizabeth to her feet and, after dusting off their attire of any stray greenery, set off in the direction of Longbourn once more. Darcy insisted that Elizabeth ride his horse while he led the beast, admitting to a wish for sparing her feet that they could take another walk later in the day. She minded not in the least for the view afforded from this height, with Darcy ahead of her, was quite satisfying and she was also able to tease him occasionally about watching where they were going when he often looked back to admire her.
***
Looking at his watch again, Mr. Bennet frowned and rose from his place behind the desk. The short distance to the window had been covered many times in the last half hour for he had found it quite impossible to distract himself from impatience for Elizabeth's return. Yet again he stood at the window facing the front lawn, scrutinising the verge for any sign of his daughter's approach.
After Mr. Bennet had spent some time conversing with Bingley and Jane in the parlour his wife had reappeared and a sharp glance from her husband sent her scurrying to her chair. Stationed in a position of observation and supervision, she was now left to mind the young couple so that no further liberties might occur. Her husband scuttled off to his library where he could continue brooding upon the many worrisome thoughts which had plagued him since Bingley's information about his friend's intention to walk with Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet was under no misapprehension of where Darcy's interest rested and he could scarcely blame him for it. Elizabeth was worth ten of those pretty young debutantes in London. However, his daughter's feelings were quite different from the young man's, he knew. This gave Mr. Bennet several avenues of thought.
Darcy was an honourable man; there was no real question about that. Yet he was still a man, and a father would be anxious, particularly when his daughter has become the object of admiration of such a commanding individual. If Elizabeth had never voiced her adamant dislike of the fellow, had she given some indication of partiality toward him, Mr. Bennet would be more uneasy. Comfortable in the knowledge of her distaste he amused himself with imagining the resounding slap his daughter would deliver upon Darcy's face if he were so foolish as to try anything untoward with her. She was the one of his four offspring with the passion for such a reaction. The thought made him smile.
A flash of movement brought Mr. Bennet's attention back to the scene outside the window. He chuckled as the figure of Mr. Darcy came into view, obviously leading his horse. It was equally obvious that Elizabeth kept some distance between them as she must be on the other side of the animal, currently obscured by the shrubbery that lined the drive. The young man looked over his shoulder and it was then that Longbourn's observer noticed his daughter perched upon the horse's back. He experienced a momentary concern that she had suffered some injury requiring her to be conveyed home in this manner but that was just as quickly put aside by his perception of the expression on her face.
Something had changed.
Mr. Bennet frowned. He had never seen Elizabeth direct such a look at any man, let alone one of Mr. Darcy's deficiencies. Had she not been of the strongest opinion that he was unworthy of anything but her derision? It had afforded him a great source of entertainment to watch Darcy's struggles to maintain his composure when Elizabeth was near but now it appeared that she had experienced a change of heart and where it would lead gave Mr. Bennet a new sense of uneasiness. It was inevitable that the young man would eventually approach him about marrying his favourite daughter and, although it would grieve him tremendously, Mr. Bennet knew he could not refuse. He had relied on Elizabeth's guaranteed objection to thwart what he could not.
Upon reaching the front of the house, Darcy handed the reins to the groom who had come running from the stable and proceeded to assist Elizabeth down from the saddle. Mr. Bennet's anxiety grew with his inability to see what was happening; the horse was positioned to obstruct his sight of the young couple. Impatiently he willed the animal to move and so it did, revealing Elizabeth's slim waist being released from Darcy's support. Her hands continued to rest on his shoulders, however, and the resulting effect was that her face was angled up to his. Her father could see the temptation written on the young man's features although the fact that he restrained himself brought little consolation.
Reaching the limit of his endurance, Mr. Bennet left his study to intercept them in the hall.
Chapter 23
Elizabeth thought she'd never felt so happy. It was impossible not to! She knew that some people would be shocked at the news of her engagement to Mr. Darcy, believing her to have succumbed to the lure of his fortune. Still others would grudgingly accept that her feelings for him had truly softened. The people dearest to her Elizabeth hoped would understand the difficult process that had overcome her former dislike and which now allowed her to give her heart wholly and willingly to the man.
Regardless of what others thought, she could rejoice in knowing that Darcy himself knew the truth and he was, above all, the most important person in her life from this moment on.
"Lizzy?"
She looked across the hall, the smile still broadly writ upon her countenance and matching Darcy's enamoured grin. "Yes, Papa?" Darcy assumed a more guarded posture, his chest swelling as he rose to his full height.
"I would like to speak with you a moment, if you please." Mr. Bennet's gaze shifted to the gentleman and fixed on him in an appraising stare. "The others are in the sitting room if you would care to go in, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy nodded respectfully to Mr. Bennet, daring to send a look of encouragement to Elizabeth before leaving her. His effort only served to rattle her for it spoke more of his love and desire, sending her pulse racing and leaving Elizabeth in no fit state to attend her father's words when he closed the study door behind her.
"I am sorry, Papa," she faltered when her mind once more focussed on her surroundings. "I did not hear what you said."
"Lizzy, sit down." He waited until she was seated before he began slowly pacing the carpet in front of her. Elizabeth looked at him curiously. Mr. Bennet did not know what to say. He never expected to be in this position; his wife should have ensured that this duty had been fulfilled and until today he was sure that it had. However, finding Jane alone with Bingley, in a very intimate activity, had brought him up short and caused him to question what Mrs. Bennet had neglected to discourage - or rather, had particularly encouraged her daughters to do in order to secure desirable husbands. It was her life's work, he knew, to see each one of them duly situated and provided for. Never before had Mr. Bennet considered how misapplied was his trust in his wife's ability to perform this task.
"Papa? Is something wrong?" Elizabeth was becoming concerned with his prolonged silence. She rose from her place, prepared to offer him any assistance.
"No, no," he finally said, pulling her back to her seat and taking up one next to her on the bench. "Lizzy, I am uneasy with the interest Mr. Darcy is showing in you. I know you do not approve of him. If I can help in any way to alleviate the demands your mother has placed, expecting you to accompany him whenever he arrives with Bingley, just ask. I will gladly show him my library, offer him any book, to spare you." His expression was sincerely troubled and gave Elizabeth a start. She hastened to reassure him.
"There is no need for that, Papa. It is no hardship to spend time in Mr. Darcy's company. He is not as unpleasant as I used to believe." Elizabeth could not prevent a blush from suffusing her cheeks at the memory of his kiss.
The colour in her face did nothing to mollify her father; it fuelled his anger. "Elizabeth, I must caution you not to spend so much time alone with him. It is not safe."
She laughed. "Mr. Darcy would not let any harm come to me. Truly!"
"Harm comes in many forms, my dear. Promise me you will not risk your reputation for the sake of satisfying your mother's whims." His expression was so serious that Elizabeth frowned. "I do not wish to alarm you but I can see Darcy's feelings for you even if you cannot. A man with such preoccupation will try to take liberties he may not otherwise attempt." Hoping he had said enough, Mr. Bennet concluded with "Not even Mr. Darcy is above such lapses." He could see that had given his daughter something to think about. "Run along now."
Elizabeth was not so easily dismissed. She felt offended that her father had addressed her as he would a child. "I am not Lydia, Papa! I am perfectly aware that there is a line between propriety and indiscretion!"
"Are you really?" Eying her searchingly, Mr. Bennet conceded on one point only. "You are not Lydia, of course, and it is that reason alone which compels me to speak to you. Lydia would heed nothing I could say but you, Lizzy, are possessed of more sense than she. You can comprehend the grave position in which you place yourself by encouraging Mr. Darcy's advances."
This was too much for Elizabeth to bear. Was her father so disillusioned in his own marriage that he saw dishonour in every man's intentions? She jumped to her feet. "I offered no such encouragement to Mr. Collins and when he proposed you supported me in my refusal! If I now choose to encourage Mr. Darcy why do you presume to declare it a risk to my reputation? You claim to know what his feelings are but how can that be true? If you truly knew his heart you would not suggest him capable of behaving as would Mr. Wickham given such an opportunity!" She stormed toward the door but her father's voice cut through her fury.
"Elizabeth! Come back here!" Her eyes blazed when she turned to face him and it was clear that his own anger was as aroused as hers. "I am your father and until such time as another man takes over the role as your protector I will defend your honour as I see fit. Do not presume to tell me what goes on in the mind of a man enamoured of a pretty woman!"
Elizabeth's outrage was further sparked. "Have you also spoken to Jane in this manner?" she asked, lips pressed firmly together over clenched teeth.
"Jane is engaged." The scornful rise of her eyebrows indicated how she viewed that answer. "There is no cause for worry where Jane is concerned."
Informing him of her own engaged status occurred to Elizabeth but she immediately rejected the idea. She would not spoil Darcy's effort by preparing her father in advance of his appeal. "I assure you there is no cause for concern on my behalf, either." She could see the doubt in his eyes, however, and relented a little. "My original opinion of him was hasty, Papa. He did not deserve such harsh criticism."
If Elizabeth had continued to mock Mr. Darcy then her father's anxiety would have abated. Her newfound appreciation and subsequent praise of the man was very disconcerting. Had her head been turned when she realised the nature of his interest? Mr. Bennet hated to think such a thing of his Lizzy; she had always seemed steadfastly opposed to her mother's notions of what made a good match. What else could he think, however? Darcy was no different. He was the same proud, unpleasant fellow despite the revealing of his honest principles. Just because he was a good man did not necessarily follow that he was suddenly an agreeable one. It was his pride and his unpleasantness that Elizabeth detested. If she had put that out of her mind simply to make the notion of marrying him more palatable then she would be heartily sorry in the end. "Perhaps he didn't," Mr. Bennet finally said with a heavy sigh, "but that is not the point. I do not want to see you hurt."
"And it is your opinion that Mr. Darcy would hurt me, or my reputation?" Elizabeth did not wait for him to answer. "If you had come into Meryton with us this morning you would have seen how misdirected is your advice. It is not I who would benefit from this lecture, Papa. This morning I had to prevent Lydia from practically clinging to the gaol cart as it paraded Mr. Wickham through the streets of town on its way to London! I don't know who was more embarrassed, Mary or myself, but there was no question that Lydia hasn't the slightest idea what proper behaviour is! Kitty would have been just as eager to follow in Lydia's footsteps if Mary and I hadn't been there. Mr. Darcy appeared and even Lydia was quelled. I think he even made her realise the truth about Mr. Wickham."
Mr. Bennet was forcibly struck by these words. To hear his Lizzy compare Mr. Darcy favourably to his own lack of success with Lydia brought him more pain than he'd imagined possible. It was then that he knew he'd lost her.
***
Darcy was not comfortable. The last thing he had expected was to be entering this room at Longbourn without Elizabeth by his side. He wondered what her father had considered so important to whisk her away at that moment and suddenly recalled Bingley's words to him the previous evening. Thinking back on their arrival at the front door he could recall doing nothing that could cause Mr. Bennet alarm should he have coincidentally seen them from a window. After all, there had been servants present as well. Darcy would never expose Elizabeth to gossip by breeching propriety in front of retainers.
Although Bingley and Miss Bennet had warmly greeted him, Darcy could feel Mrs. Bennet's shrewdly appraising eyes on his back. The younger daughters stayed on the other side of the room, although Lydia occasionally glanced his way with something akin to wariness in her gaze. Darcy was content to remain silent, appearing to be listening to the conversation around him but actually indulging in reminding himself that Elizabeth had truly accepted him this time. The knowledge was new enough to amaze him and he suddenly recalled that his sister was still ignorant of his current happiness. Indeed, everyone but himself and Elizabeth were unaware of the great change wrought an hour ago.
The door opened and Elizabeth stood for a moment in the space, quickly scanning the room to find Darcy. His eyes seemed to catch fire, watching her cross the room to sit next to him. He was pleased to detect no disturbance in her mood, enjoying the smile she sent his way and was tempted to take hold of her hand despite sitting in full view of her entire family. Unfortunately he had to content himself with discreetly leaning toward Elizabeth's ear to quietly say, "I feel a sudden impatience to speak with your father. Would tonight be too soon for you to make our news public?" He could see by her widened eyes that his suggestion was premature. "I'm sorry," Darcy hurriedly said. "I didn't mean to rush you."
"Oh, do not apologise," she was just as quick to reassure him. "I was only surprised that you would want to ask Papa so soon." Elizabeth considered her father's reaction to Darcy's petition for her hand. In light of his recent warnings she wondered if there was any hope he would believe their feelings to be genuine. In that case it would not matter when Darcy approached him. Sadly, she accepted that her father would be disappointed and unhappy with her choice no matter when he found out the truth. She refused to let this thought dampen her own joy, however, and considered that eventually he could not help but see how much happiness her marriage would bring to her. "Perhaps we can discuss it on a walk this afternoon?"
Pleased that her inclinations coincided with his own, Darcy relaxed, his brief moment of anxiety having passed. He took this opportunity to observe the others in the room. Bingley and Jane were, as usual, absorbed in one another's company despite the efforts of Mrs. Bennet to involve herself. Mary played quietly on the pianoforte, stirring the notion in his mind that a master's instruction might be to that young woman's advantage. Making an effort to finish some needlework appeared to be Kitty's intent although Darcy suspected that her gaze more than once was directed, with just a touch of envy perhaps, toward her eldest sister. It was Lydia who puzzled him. Until that day he had not given much thought to the youngest Bennet daughter; indeed he had not considered any of them save Elizabeth, but Lydia was least likely to have entered his thoughts. Her antics on his previous visit to Hertfordshire had been a striking contrast to his own sister's behaviour and the knowledge that they were only a year apart in age merely emphasised Lydia's foolishness. Wickham's ability to charm girls of this age was disturbing, of course. Lydia had not appeared to have contemplated how dangerous her flirtation with the officer had been until Darcy addressed her that morning as the gaol cart drove away. He was shocked that her education had been lacking in such basics while also relieved, for Elizabeth's sake, that his warning had some effect on the stubborn girl for he was certain his words had sunk in. Even now she continued to cast looks in his direction that bespoke a fearful curiosity.
"Mr. Darcy?" Startled from his wayward thoughts, he looked at Elizabeth contritely, causing her to laugh. "Mama asked if you would like some tea. May I pour you a cup?"
He nodded, smiled sheepishly and turned to address her mother who was staring at him with a very odd expression. Suddenly Darcy had no idea what to say and he wished for Elizabeth to return with the teacup to give his hands something to do rather than twist his signet ring repeatedly around his finger, a habit he wished he could break as it usually made him more nervous than less. Mrs. Bennet relieved him of the responsibility of speaking by embarking on a monologue extolling the virtues of her remaining available daughters. It failed to irritate Darcy this time as he could not disagree with any praise of Elizabeth. He wished for more but eventually began to feel a sense of alarm when Mrs. Bennet seemed to be dwelling most warmly on her youngest daughter's attributes. It was then that Elizabeth returned, handing him a steaming cup of tea, and Darcy gratefully turned his attention to the dark depths of the liquid.
"Mama, I'm sure Mr. Darcy does not want to hear about Lydia's follies," gently suggested Elizabeth.
Her mother was of the opposite opinion, however. She had observed the gentleman watching her youngest on the other side of the room and Lydia had actually been sending him looks since he had arrived! It was unexpected, to say the least, but she was not going to argue about what might come in the shape of a lover to any of them. She was pleased that Lydia had not ignored her advice and was actually encouraging such an attractive prospect! "Perhaps you are right," Mrs. Bennet said, thinking to prod Darcy into protesting a change of subject and confirming her suspicion. "How is your sister today, Mr. Darcy?"
The gentleman paused in the middle of a sip, eyes flicking to the lady's face. "She is quite well, thank you. She would have liked to visit today," he said more to Elizabeth than her mother, "but Miss Bingley arrived last night. Georgiana thought it best to keep her company as her brother would not be home."
And Miss Darcy's brother would not be home, either! thought Elizabeth with amusement.
"Oh!" cried Mrs. Bennet. "Mr. Bingley, we must invite your sister to Longbourn for dinner, too. She will naturally want to know all about the wedding plans."
"Er.. yes," replied Bingley hesitantly. The last thing Caroline wanted was to be involved in planning a wedding to which she objected.
"Dear me," she fluttered. "I did not ask but you are staying for dinner tonight, are you not?" For a moment she appeared to be prepared to bring out her handkerchief but contented herself with placing a hand over her heart. Darcy quite expected to hear a report on the quickening of the palpitations. "I hope Miss Bingley does not feel snubbed if you do. Will she be offended, do you think? Oh, my! Is it too late to send a note and invite her to attend? No, that will not do." Mrs. Bennet allowed no-one the opportunity to answer any of her questions; she knew not the answer but had another in its stead. By the end of her monologue she had decided that the gentlemen were staying to dinner, Miss Bingley would appreciate the quiet of Netherfield after the bustle of London and the previous day's travel and that the day after the morrow would be best for all the residents of Netherfield to dine at Longbourn. Bingley nodded in agreement for there was little else he could do. His intention was to visit Longbourn every day as long as Jane was there. As for Darcy, there was no objection other than he would like to see Elizabeth at Netherfield rather than in the company of her substantial family, at least once or twice as propriety allowed.
Most of the afternoon passed in similar fashion, tedious for some who were impatient to reaffirm things that had been said earlier in the day. Unable to bear it any longer, Darcy sent Elizabeth a desperate glance, willing her to suggest something that would remove them from the rest of the company. Escape was welcome to Jane and Bingley as well, although there was a moment of panic when Mrs. Bennet seemed bent on Lydia accompanying them. Elizabeth was unconcerned; even should her youngest sister walk out she would just as quickly abandon them on some momentary whim. As it turned out, Lydia managed to put off her mother on the pretense of a headache, of all things. Frustrated in this effort, Mrs. Bennet turned her attention to reassigning the seating arrangements for dinner.
The distant sky threatened rain and so the party chose a walk that would not take them far from Longbourn's grounds. They were not more than halfway down the drive when Jane heard her father call to them from the nearby grove. It was unusual to see him out there, preferring as he did the sanctity of his library. The two couples joined him, only Elizabeth a little reluctant to engage in the light conversation that followed.
Their plans changed, they began to wander the path that led from the far end of the grove, through a small garden on the other side and turned back along the outside wall of Longbourn's grounds. Mr. Bennet managed to separate Darcy from the others, engaging him in discussion of the merits of being a landowner. Although Darcy was not particularly forthcoming with details, he said enough that his listener was able to discern the due care and expertise utilised in the management of Pemberley. It was some comfort to know that the young man took this aspect of his responsibilities as seriously as he did the guardianship of his sister. Mr. Bennet was led to wonder, however, just how accepting his Lizzy would be if Darcy's sense of duty caused him to apply the same type of strictures on his wife as he did upon Miss Darcy. To this end he felt it necessary to steer the conversation in a more pertinent direction.
"You have only the one sister, is that correct?" Darcy's nod gave him leave to continue. "I understand that she is sixteen. I must congratulate you on having withstood the difficult years of raising a young girl. You have done an admirable job so far."
"Thank you, sir. Georgiana has never been difficult, for that I am grateful," Darcy informed him. "My father saw to her early education and made clear provisions for her before his death. Colonel Fitzwilliam and I share similar views on many matters, my sister's welfare being one area we never disagree. It has been most advantageous for Georgiana to spend several weeks each year with Fitzwilliam's parents. It provides her with the female company lacking in our own family arrangement since our mother passed away when Georgiana was but three years of age."
Mr. Bennet's eyebrows rose and he shook his head. "This only makes your accomplishment yet more impressive."
Darcy was loath to accept credit for something which several hands had formed and said as much.
"As you wish," his companion acceded. "I suppose your cousin and his parents will be welcome assistance when Miss Darcy is formally released onto society."
"My aunt has launched two of her own daughters quite successfully. I'm sure Georgiana will present no difficulty." Darcy felt this was becoming less of a discussion than an interview and wondered where Mr. Bennet was leading.
"I was spared the troubles that go with a young lady's first Season. My girls did not attend in London for their debut. Meryton Society had to suffice."
"Troubles, sir?" Darcy began to suspect that his sister was not the object of this conversation.
Mr. Bennet's eyes held a glint of amusement. 'Young men, Mr. Darcy! Suitors! No pretty woman is short of them, regardless of fortune or lack of acceptable society."
"I am very much aware of that, sir."
"I'm sure you are."
There was silence for a few minutes during which Darcy became aware of the real intent of Mr. Bennet's remarks. "Gentlemen who aspire to the favour of my sister must first win my approval," he said carefully.
"A demanding fellow. We seem to have had this conversation before," chuckled Mr. Bennet.
"At Netherfield," confirmed Darcy with a smile. "I recall you offering one or more of your daughters for the equally eligible gentlemen present."
Mr. Bennet frowned. He had not remembered that bit of flippancy on his part. "So I did. Perhaps it is fortunate for me that only Mr. Bingley acted upon it. I'm not sure that Mrs. Bennet's nerves could withstand the shock of ridding herself of two daughters in such quick succession."
"She may surprise you with her fortitude." Darcy was not one to back down in the face of a direct challenge.
"I daresay if the situation were to arise there would be an opportunity to test your theory. With five daughters it might be inevitable that two of them will be spoken for within a short time of one another. Consider yourself lucky that you have only one sister, Mr. Darcy!" he added, unprepared for the younger man's reply.
"I would not rule out the possibility of having daughters some day," Darcy said as if musing aloud. "Then I may relive the ordeal all over again in twenty years."
Mr. Bennet laughed. "First you must brave those vigilant fathers if you are to eventually have daughters of your own."
Darcy glanced ahead to see that Elizabeth was well distracted with her sister and Bingley before he spoke once more. "Vigilant fathers notwithstanding, I have no desire to brave any of them.... but one."
The potential that this remark held was left unfulfilled as the heavens chose that moment to deliver their bounty to the earth below. Bingley, a lady on each arm, quickly joined the other two gentlemen and the entire party returned to the house at a brisk pace. Elizabeth was happy to release Bingley's arm, taking Darcy's instead and walked a trifle slower than the others, defying the rain in order to spend more time in what little privacy the circumstances offered.
"You and Papa seemed to be deep in serious conversation," Elizabeth ventured in her straightforward manner that Darcy admired. "Dare I ask what it was about?"
"You may ask," replied Darcy, covering her hand, which lay upon his arm, with his own. "We were considering the various challenges inherent in raising young ladies and introducing them into society for the purpose of marrying them off." Elizabeth's surprised expression caused him to laugh. "I suspect there was an underlying message in it all, however."
"You were being warned."
"I was being warned," repeated Darcy with a smile.
"Not to trifle with his daughter," concluded Elizabeth, not entirely pleased with her father's tactics.
Darcy was quite amused, though, by both father and daughter's feelings on the subject. "I was prepared to solicit my case, to confess that I had found the lady eminently suited to be my wife, Mrs. Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley and mother to my children."
Elizabeth barely heard the rest of his sentence, her imagination had been captured with his description of the role he envisioned for her, and she blushed becomingly at the implied intimacy it would entail.
"Your father's attentiveness is not offensive, Elizabeth. You may chafe at the unspoken affront and watchful eye, the diminished opportunities for privacy or," he leaned down to whisper, "a kiss." Straightening again, he continued in his usual low voice, "It is no different than I shall practise with Georgiana and, later, with our own daughters."
The smile in his eyes softened Elizabeth's irritation with her father. She recalled her anger in his library and felt ashamed. Not only had she been insulted on Darcy's behalf but she was now aware that her father's words were justified. Although she was perfectly aware of the kind of liberties, if not acquainted with the specifics, that a man might take, she was now equally aware of her own willingness to allow them from Darcy. It startled Elizabeth to think how much she must rely on the two men most important to her, her father and her betrothed, to remind her not to make a mistake, the blame for which she had always thought would rest solely with the gentleman. Realising her own vulnerability was eye-opening and she now saw the very real danger that Mr. Wickham had posed as a man who was so easily able to capture a lady's heart with his charming flattery.
Lydia's escape was lucky indeed!
Chapter 24
The afternoon wore on. Miss Bingley anticipated her brother's return any minute and with him would come Mr. Darcy, too. She had selected her dinner gown with care, keeping Georgiana's words in mind as she made slight alterations in order to create the effect she desired. Although unpracticed with the needle she dismissed the notion of ordering her maid to perform the necessary task. The fewer people who knew about her plans, and fewer meant none, then the better chance of achieving success. The finished product was acceptable and Miss Bingley was quite pleased that her skills were not so limited that she could not perform such a simple undertaking.
Putting her materials away in a drawer, she smoothed the fabric and, with one last look in the mirror, left her chamber to go downstairs. A window in the upper hall admitted the fading sunlight, casting a reddish hue over the floors and on the walls. Caroline stopped to glance out over the front lawn, hoping to see her brother's carriage had already arrived. Alas, the drive was empty but she noticed a solitary figure walking amongst the flowering shrubs and knew it to be Georgiana. This in itself informed her that the gentlemen had not yet returned.
When she reached the main floor Caroline paused to consider her next move. Which room should she select? Which one would show her to best advantage? Where was Darcy likely to go first?
She settled on the music room. Perhaps if she was playing some soothing music when the gentlemen entered the house it would entice Darcy to peek in. He was very appreciative of music and Caroline was not deficient in this talent. Being seated behind the instrument, facing the door, was also calculated to show off her newly emphasised figure. How could Mr. Darcy resist such a sight? How could Eliza Bennet's slight form possibly compare with that of Caroline Bingley!
Pulling the sheet music forward, Caroline began to leaf through it, looking for what she considered the perfect title. There was a variety of composers represented; symphonies, arias and hymns. One in particular caused a moment of amused reflection as she was reminded of Miss Mary Bennet's performance at the ball held at Netherfield the preceding November. Caroline tucked the dirge in the bottom of the pile.
Finally making a decision, she placed the score upon the music stand and studied the notation before warming up her fingers on the keys. Despite the concentration applied to the task, she was very much attuned to any sound from the hallway. The door she had left ajar; closed enough to prevent anyone from surprising her but open sufficiently to allow her playing to be heard into the front entry and any noise from there to be heard by her.
Miss Bingley had been playing for almost a half hour, and growing impatient with Darcy's failure to appear, when the figure of a man crossed the half open doorway, paused, and returned to look into the music room. Colonel Fitzwilliam's hand reached out to gently push the door open further and he leaned against the frame to boldly watch Miss Bingley at the piano. She was irritated but tried not to let it show, even tried not to acknowledge his presence. That was not possible for long.
Fitzwilliam couldn't believe his good fortune. Presented with the perfect opportunity to impress Miss Bingley with his desirability over that of his cousin, in the absence of witnesses as well, it could not be wasted. His confidence bolstered by his good luck, the Colonel advanced into the room and, with great deliberation, closed the door behind him.
Miss Bingley jumped when the latch closed with a sharp click. Her eyes peered over the top of the music stand, watching his approach with some misgiving. All hope of his simply going away, leaving her to await Darcy in peace, was erased. Her hands ceased playing and she simply sat expectantly while Fitzwilliam drew closer.
"Please," he finally said. "Don't let my presence stop you."
Caroline glanced past him to the closed door, then back to his face. "I was merely resting my fingers. I have been playing for some time already."
Fizwilliam had reached the piano and now placed his elbows upon the lid of the instrument, bringing his hands together and positioning his chin atop them. His gaze was steady upon her, confident and meaningful. "You play beautifully."
"You are flattering me, Colonel."
"I am too shy to attempt flattery." She stared at him. Fitzwilliam chuckled. "Is that so difficult to believe?"
She frowned, disbelief plainly written on her face. "I had never considered it. Is it possible?"
He raised his head and opened his hands as if in supplication. "I stand before you." There was a hint of a smile in his expression which continued to disquiet Miss Bingley. "Will you not play some more? Please?"
"I..." She wanted to say no, now very conscious of the new cut of her gown, but instead heard herself giving in to his plea. "My hands are sufficiently rested, I think."
"I shall turn the pages for you." Fitzwilliam eagerly moved to the bench to take up a seat beside her. This caused her no little anxiety. Her plans had been calculated to encourage this response but from Mr. Darcy, not his cousin! Now her fingers trembled slightly as she placed them on the keys. She was at a loss to think of a way out of this situation. What if her brother and his friend were at this moment coming up the drive? What would they think to find her here with Colonel Fitzwilliam, cosily seated together alone behind a closed door? Again she regretted her bad luck that it was not Darcy who had come upon her; it was not Darcy who now sat so close that she could feel the sleeve of his coat brush against her as he reached for the page.
"Do you know this well enough to sing, too?" his voice vibrated in her ear. She couldn't answer. Her tongue was tied to the roof of her mouth. "Now who is shy, or are you toying with me, Miss Bingley?"
Caroline was shocked at the suggestion. "Toying with you!" she cried. "I would not adopt such obvious arts even if I were interested in currying your favour. Which I am not," she hurriedly added. Too late was she aware of the contradiction in her appearance with her words, however. The daring redesign of her neckline had transformed her gown into evidence of a well-known practice guaranteed to draw a man's notice.
Fitzwilliam's expression remained the same, continuing to watch her as if they shared a secret. "But there is no-one else here."
"You closed the door."
"I meant that Darcy and Bingley are out. Is your alluring appearance not for my benefit? Are we expecting company?"
"It is nearly dinner time. Charles and Mr. Darcy should be home any minute." Caroline hoped the words didn't sound as desperate to his ears as they did to hers.
"Oh, do you mean to say that you did not know? Did Bingley not send you a note to say that they are dining at Longbourn this evening?" He could tell by her face that the news came as a surprise, and an unwelcome one at that. "I am crushed, Miss Bingley. Truly crushed," he said with just the right amount of sorrow. "You expected Darcy to enjoy the full effect of your performance but, alas, you are left with only myself. I assure you, though, your effort has not gone unappreciated."
The colour rose in Miss Bingley's cheeks. "You, sir, are shameless!"
"You are mistaken," he corrected then cleared his throat and dramatically stated, "If I have offended you with my behaviour I feel ashamed and beg your forgiveness."
"And quite insincere," she added with a sneer.
Grinning, Fitzwilliam leaned closer to her ear. "Not completely. I do appreciate the trouble you've gone to."
"Oh!" she huffed angrily. Cheeks blazing, Caroline attempted to leave his side but unfortunately the Colonel's boot had trapped the trailing edge of her skirt under his heel and, instead of the quick and graceful exit she had planned, Miss Bingley felt herself pulled back down to the bench. She fought against gravity, indignation urging her on, until her skirt was pulled free. All of this took only seconds but the end result was quite unexpected for both parties.
Miss Bingley looked down in horror to see that her afternoon's handiwork had come undone; her gown now lay open from one shoulder, the fabric falling nearly to her waist as the new seams let loose.
Fitzwilliam was just as alarmed. He quickly leapt from his seat, not knowing what to do but at least turning his back to spare her the agony of being observed. "I.... Forgive me, please, Miss Bingley! This was unintentional, believe me! Is there something I may do, something I can get, to... to assist you?"
"I think you have done quite enough, Colonel!" In spite of the tone, Caroline was thoroughly mortified. She was thankful for the small favour of his looking away. It gave her a moment to examine the damage to her dress. Relieved to find that it was not irreparable, she tried to think of some way to escape back to her rooms without being further exposed. "It is not as bad as I feared," she quietly said. "I need something to hold it together long enough to get upstairs. Have you any suggestions?"
He nearly turned around in surprise. "What would I know of it?"
"You are a soldier!" cried Caroline, exasperated. "Are you not trained to solve problems?"
"Not with ladies' torn dresses!"
"Oh, never mind!" She had suddenly thought of a solution. Pulling out several hairpins, Miss Bingley began to work them into the edges of the fabric, one at a time. The idea was a good one with only one small problem; it required more hands than she had in order to complete it. Reluctantly, she was forced to ask the Colonel for assistance. He was, in turn, grateful to be able to provide it after causing the mishap in the first place, however unplanned.
"But don't look," she warned him.
"Don't look?" He was mystified. "How can I do this without seeing what I'm doing?"
"That is your problem," snapped Miss Bingley.
It is, however, highly recommended never to work with pins when one's eyes are closed.
***
Darcy sat between Mrs. Bennet, at the foot of the table, and her youngest daughter. The good lady's original plan had been to seat Elizabeth in Lydia's stead, simply because she seemed quite able to keep that gentleman sufficiently entertained when accompanying Jane and Bingley. Since her revelation earlier in the sitting room, however, it was clear that the seating must be reworked. She could scarcely believe their good fortune; her eldest daughter engaged to a man of five thousand a year to be so closely followed by the youngest who had surprisingly managed to attract a man of twice that sum!
Of course, she told herself, it is not settled yet. He has not asked for her hand but with a little more encouragement it won't be long. She was therefore displeased with Lydia, who was uncharacteristically quiet through dinner. Still, Mr. Darcy was a quiet sort, himself. Perhaps Lydia was on the right track after all.
Elizabeth was unhappily situated at the opposite end of the table from Darcy. It was her usual seat but she had expected her mother to place her nearer to him, given her preference for sending Elizabeth out with the gentleman whenever he visited. The only advantage, she consoled herself, was that she had time to consider the argument with her father and his subsequent discussion with Darcy. It was not the first time Elizabeth wished that she hadn't responded so rashly. It was a relief when dessert was cleared and the ordeal was finally over. Elizabeth had decided that introspection was not nearly as pleasurable when one had many mistakes to consider. Now that everyone would be retiring for coffee and tea she would at least be able to converse with Darcy again.
Mrs. Bennet rose to signal their departure, the gentlemen rising politely from their seats. The ladies began to exit the room. Bingley and Darcy prepared to follow them when Mr. Bennet sat down once more. The younger men paused, glanced at one another, and resumed their seats as Elizabeth, trailing the others, passed through the doorway, a wistful look cast back over her shoulder.
Why of all nights did Papa choose not to retire to his library straight away, as usual!
Mr. Bennet poured out drinks for his guests, beckoning them closer as he held out two glasses. Bingley quite affably claimed Elizabeth's vacant chair; Darcy choosing the one opposite. If their host intended a lecture for his daughters' suitors Darcy would rather the man be able to keep his eye on only one at a time.
"How are you surviving the wedding planning?" the older gentleman finally asked.
Ah, Bingley is to be the first victim. Darcy smiled inwardly.
"I had not realised the event is as complicated as all that," his friend replied.
Mr. Bennet laughed. "I'm sure is isn't. Mrs. Bennet does like the finest for her girls, however."
Bingley's smile beamed. "I see nothing wrong with that."
"Exactly what a father likes to hear." Raising his glass to his lips, Mr. Bennet shifted his gaze to the second young man who seemed to be deep in thought. He lowered his glass and added, "Or a guardian, eh Mr. Darcy?"
"Indeed," replied Darcy, who was not so inattentive after all. "Unless the suitor is a fortune hunter but I think we're safe in saying that Bingley is not."
"Oh, of that there is no doubt," agreed Mr. Bennet. "My girls, fortunately or unfortunately, have nothing to tempt such a man. But enough of this talk." He waved an impatient hand. "Was the shooting good at Netherfield last autumn? There seemed to be a scarcity of birds here. Perhaps we frightened them all to your fields."
The change of topic came as a surprise to both of his listeners but therein followed a lively discussion of the most likely hiding places for partridges and grouse, which hounds performed the best in flushing them, none of the details finding an uninterested participant.
***
Elizabeth cast aside her needlework, annoyed with her father for keeping the gentlemen away for so long. Jane looked up, concern evident in her gaze but her gentle nature prevented any prying questions. If Lizzy wished to unburden her troubles then she would do so in her own time.
The doorlatch rattled and Bingley entered the room, Jane's face immediately lighting up with her smile. Elizabeth looked beyond him to the hallway, frowning when there was no evidence of his friend. Jane saved her the misery of suspense, enquiring directly of her fiancé if Mr. Darcy would be joining them as well.
"Shortly, I believe," said Bingley, taking up a seat next to her and casting an admiring gaze upon her embroidery. "I left him and your father talking about some book or other. I believe they were going to his library to look it up and settle a dispute about a passage."
Elizabeth wasn't sure whether to be worried or relieved at this news. She was, by this time, well acquainted with Darcy's delight in an argument as well as his love for reading, yet her father's sense of humour often led him to pursue a disagreement merely for the entertainment value. She wished she dared leave the room to ease her mind but it was out of the question. There was nothing to do but wait for Darcy to return.
***
"I concede. You were right." Mr. Bennet set the open book on his desk, finger poised over the relevant text. He shook his head. "I must have read this book a dozen times or more. How did I miss it?"
"To tell the truth, I did not notice the significance myself the first two times I read it," Darcy admitted. "My father pointed it out to me. We would sit for hours discussing a particular book we'd read. This one he'd recommended to me, not realising I had already read it while away at school."
"Lizzy and I have done the same over the years." He sighed, knowing this was soon to become only a fond memory.
Despite the other man's sorrow at his imminent loss, Darcy was elated to discover such a delight awaited him when Elizabeth would become his wife. The library at Pemberley was overflowing with titles they could read and discuss at their leisure. "It has been many years since I have had that pleasure. I shall enjoy renewing that activity."
The other gentleman's eyes narrowed and his gaze flicked over Darcy's countenance. "You are welcome to come and discuss books with me anytime you feel the inclination."
The confidence in the young man's expression dissipated. "Thank you," he muttered in some consternation then immediately rose from his chair and slowly paced across the length of the room. He made some pretense of examining a shelf of books, one finger running along the spines but the titles did not register on his mind. Mr. Bennet was about to enquire if he was looking for something specific when Darcy turned around, placed his hands behind him and drew his shoulders back. The effect was more than he had intended, for Darcy's tall form and refined dignity created a formidable presence in the small room. Mr. Bennet drew in a breath, waiting for the words. "Your offer is very kind, sir, but I had something more permanent in mind." His throat tightened with the emotional effort required for his declaration. "Your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, has come to mean a great deal to me. No, that is not quite accurate. There is no other woman, in my estimation, who could possibly possess the qualities in her which are beyond admirable and have captured not only my respect but my heart. She has bestowed the greatest honour upon me by accepting my offer of marriage. Now my petition is to you, as her father, to grant permission for her to become my wife. Know that if you do not find me worthy today I shall not rest until I have proven myself to you." Once he had begun Darcy found it impossible to stop speaking. He continued to expound upon Elizabeth's virtues; his appreciation for her wit, perception and outspoken nature. There were no finer attributes he could desire in his marriage partner and the pleasure that a future life with her would hold knew no bounds. He would cherish her, worship her and bestow upon her all that she could desire, both emotionally and materially. Elizabeth would want for nothing that was within his power to give and if it were not, he would find a way to accomplish it. When he finally fell silent, waiting, Darcy had never felt such weariness of body but the elation of his mind prevented him from collapsing into the nearby chair.
Mr. Bennet sat in stunned silence during the young man's discourse. He had not suspected such depth of feeling in him! Was this what Elizabeth had found in her recent walks with him? It was no wonder her view had altered and she regretted her hasty estimation of his character those many months ago. As Darcy watched, Mr. Bennet sat pondering more than just the answer that was required. As he'd already admitted to himself, there was no debate about that reply; Mr. Darcy was a man accustomed to having his way, a man of such position and authority that a refusal of any kind was unthinkable. Someone of his own modest means could hardly dispute the advantage being offered to not only his daughter but her entire family. Yet Darcy, the man, continued to puzzle Elizabeth's father, and he felt a need to consult her about the reasons for her acceptance of him. He may not be able to deny the couple permission to marry but if there was one shred of doubt in his daughter's decision he would not allow her to be influenced by fears of public disgrace if she chose to break off the agreement formed between them. Noting the worry now creasing Darcy's brow, Mr. Bennet opened his mouth to speak. "You have stated your case quite admirably, young man. You must be aware that Lizzy is, and always will remain, the favourite of my girls. Impolitic of me to say but there it is. It is a special man who can find a place in her heart and if you are the one she has chosen then who am I to argue? Well, I serve you no justice with such a reply, of course. You wish to hear me grant my blessing, not my resignation. I admit that I have seriously underestimated your worth. My wife, as you are well aware, has often enough touted the financial stability of young men such as yourself. Of that worth I do not speak, but you have demonstrated with your application that there is more than material value in your offer. I could not part with her under any circumstances but to a man who will esteem her as much as you have professed."
Darcy dared to exhale but remained standing, unsure if his knees would not give way should he attempt to sit. "It is but a portion of what I feel, sir. There are no words to articulate everything in my heart."
"There is no need to say any more. I cannot disagree with your assessment of Lizzy." The expression on Mr. Bennet's face grew more serious for a moment, then he met Darcy's eyes with an honest gaze. "You have my blessing, Mr. Darcy, if this match is truly what my daughter wishes."
Relief washed over Darcy. Never in his life had he been in this position; to ask, nay, to appeal for something he desired. Placing his future happiness in the hands of one man, allowing Mr. Bennet the power to grant him joy or despair, was as foreign a concept as it was necessary. Hearing his wish granted brought more than simply satisfaction in his success. Darcy was aware of how much her father meant to Elizabeth and without his approval she would be unable to fully enjoy the felicity their union would bring. Sinking into the chair, he permitted a deep sigh to escape. "Thank you, sir. You cannot comprehend my gratitude for your consent."
And you cannot comprehend my pain. Mr. Bennet merely smiled in acknowledgment.