Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 6
Posted on Saturday, 22 March 2008
Later that day Georgiana was very happy to see that Elizabeth had sent her a letter. She sat in the music room to read it to herself.
My dear Georgiana,I am not sure if you had heard the news, but I am engaged to be married to Lord Johnathon Ashby lately of Netherfield in Hertfordshire. The wedding will take place in thirteen days and I am greatly hoping that you and your father will attend.
I will also be sending a letter to Lord and Lady Matlock. They seemed to be wonderful people, and Lord Ashby claims an acquaintance with them, I hope that they will be able to attend. I hope that you and your father will be there as well,
Elizabeth
Georgiana furrowed her eyebrows as she realized that her brother had not been mentioned in the letter at all. Then she read Elizabeth's post- script.
PS. Please give your brother the letter enclosed to him.
Georgiana went to the next page and found her brother's letter. He was in the music room as well, so she went up to him and while handing him the letter said, "Brother, you have a letter from Elizabeth."
He put down the book he was reading and took the letter. Georgiana left to put her letter in her room, and Darcy's face paled a bit when he noticed that there were small ink blots all over the paper where her tears had fallen.
Mr. Darcy,Please excuse my boldness in writing directly to you, but as I am to soon leave for America I did not think it mattered. I find myself no longer desiring your good opinion, and after this letter I do not expect to receive it.
Please note that not only have I lost your good opinion, but you have lost mine as well. I know who you truly are now. I thought I did before, but I am now aware that I was mistaken. I think that I even believed myself in love with you at one point. I was foolish and naïve, but I am not any more. Thank you for opening my eyes to the true ways of the world.
You have played me for a fool Mr. Darcy, and I hope that you will speak of it to no one. Please do one kind thing for me and never speak my name ever again. It will be the best for everyone if we act like we have never met.
In thirteen days I will walk down the aisle of the church and become Lady Elizabeth Ashby. You will not be in attendance, and you will be no where the church on that particular day. You should leave London on the morrow and return to Pemberley to be with your wife. Good bye Mr. Darcy. May your life be filled with many blessings.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet
Darcy set the letter down and let the anguish make their mark on his features. How had she found out about Anne? He sighed and quickly penned a note to her that was sent out that day. Elizabeth received it and took it to her room. She didn't want to know what it had to say. She didn't want to hear his excuses, but she was so curious, and she wanted him to explain himself. She wanted to rid him of any guilt. She sighed and opened the letter.
Dearest ElizabethI know that I do not have the right to see you again, and I know that I should not even be writing to you. I felt however that I at least needed to attempt to redeem myself even though I know it to be impossible.
When I first met you I was instantly captivated by you. You made me forget about everything else in life. I forgot about Anne and all of my other obligations. I know that it sounds absolutely mad, but it is true.
Then we kissed, and it made me wish that I had never married Anne. Had I not been committed to her, I would have asked you to be my wife.
I wish that I could change the way things are, but I can't. I understand that you don't want to see me ever again, and after you are wed, you do not have to worry about that ever again. I will respect your wishes and stay away from you and your wedding. I just want you to be wary that I will continue to go to the park every night until you are gone. Please join me if you ever change your mind. All my love,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
More tears fell after she read the letter. She tried to hold them in but to no avail. They fell heavier than ever. Worried about her sister's welfare, Jane came into the room and saw Elizabeth curled up on the bed with a letter in her hand.
"Lizzy, what is the matter?" Jane asked. Elizabeth did not answer, she just clenched the letter in her fist harder. "What news can that letter bring that has you so upset?" Elizabeth shook her head. "May I read it?"
"No!" Elizabeth said forcefully. "No Jane, I cannot permit you to read it."
"Whatever it is, I am sure that it cannot be as horrible as you imagine it to be," Jane reassured.
Elizabeth smiled weakly at her sister's attempted condolences.
"Perhaps not," she said with the same doubtful smile as the tears kept falling. "It may take a while for me to realize that however."
"I understand."
Jane was about to leave when Elizabeth quickly added, "Please Jane, please be patient with me."
Jane smiled reassuringly and replied, "I will, Lizzy."
One week. It had been one week, and still she had not shown. He had not expected her to, but every day that she did not come it broke his heart in two. He always felt like a fool sitting on the park bench waiting for no one. How would he explain himself if someone had come into the park and saw him just sitting there?
Dear God, what if someone had come into the park late at night and had seen him with Elizabeth? He would be the ruin of society. He should have been more careful with her. Was one woman truly worth a lifetime of disgrace?
Any woman wasn't, was his answer. Elizabeth was different. She was worth anything. He would move heaven and earth for her if she asked. She held a power over him that he couldn't describe and that scared him at first. Once he got over that, he learned how much he truly did love her. And that is why she needed to come. She needed to know that he didn't think of her as just some common...mistress. She needed to know that he loved her, and that he would do anything to go back in time and refuse to marry Anne as he knew he should have.
He began to think about what their life would have been like if he hadn't married Anne. He would have, without a doubt, asked Elizabeth to marry him. Would she have said yes? Would they have been happily awaiting their own wedding by now instead of dreading hers? Would they have had any children? Would she be happy? Darcy sighed. He knew that nothing ever came from dreaming except more pain. But he didn't care. He knew that he would dream every night of the life he and his Elizabeth could never have.
Two days before her wedding, Darcy was beginning to give up hope that Elizabeth would ever show up. He sat on the same bench that he had for the past two weeks. Every night that he had been there, the park had been completely silent. This night however, there was a disruption. There was a rustling amongst the grass, and the crickets were more distant than usual. Darcy looked up and saw Elizabeth walking towards him. He stood up and hoped that his eyes were not deceiving him.
"Hello Fitzwilliam," she said softly.
"Elizabeth," he breathed. After he composed himself a bit he said, "Please, allow me to apologize..."
She held up her hand to silence him. "Don't. What's done is done, and there is nothing that we can do about it now. I am to marry in two days time, and you already have a wife." He looked down at the ground. She softened a bit and moved closer to him. "Fitzwilliam," she said as she endearingly placed a hand on his cheek, "fate has already decided against us. What use is there in pretending that we could have had something?"
He swallowed thickly at the cruel reality of her words. "You are correct," he said.
"But," she continued as her throat closed up, "I know that even though there is no use in pretending that we could have married, I will find myself imaging that Lord Ashby is actually you. I will dream every night of what could have been. I will always think of you. I will always love you."
He watched her beautiful russet eyes shine with tears. He pulled her into a close embrace, and she was greatly comforted by the entrapment of his arms. "I love you too," he said. "And I will always think about you, and I will always love you." He pulled her back a little and kissed her forehead. When he pulled back she leaned her head up a bit, and their lips connected in the most longing of kisses.
"Please Fitzwilliam," she pleaded once they had parted. "Please don't let him own me."
It took a moment for Darcy to realize what she was talking about, but after he realized, his eyes opened wide surprise.
"Elizabeth," he said. "It would be absolutely foolish for us to..." Her eyes begged him, yet he still protested. "I will not ruin your reputation."
"No one will know about it," she said. "The very next day, I shall be married, and everyone else is none the wiser save us."
He sighed. There was nothing more that he wanted than to prove to Elizabeth just how much he loved her, but Anne was in the picture as well...
To hell with Anne he thought selfishly. He grasped Elizabeth's hand and they rode in his carriage back to his townhouse. Darcy had to make sure to look out for his father, who could sometimes be found in the entrance hall waiting for his son's return. Lucky for Darcy, his father had decided to not wait up for him any longer. George had decided that if Elizabeth wanted to speak to his son again, she would have.
The two lovers made their way to the guest rooms on the first floor. With his father and sister on the second floor, there was little chance for them to be overheard. They noiselessly crept into a room near the entrance hall so that Elizabeth could escape easier. They reveled in the sense of adventure as they closed the door behind themselves. Darcy placed an ardent kiss on her lips that Elizabeth hungrily returned. She turned around and slowly he began to undo the buttons of her dress. It was a very simple dress and was quickly thrown aside to reveal her undergarments. Elizabeth then helped Darcy shed his clothing as well. It took a little longer than her dress, but eventually his was left with a bare chest and a thin layer of clothing covering his private areas.
After their love making session had ceased, the two clung to one another, both breathing heavily. Elizabeth kissed her lover's forehead and tears brewed in the brims of her eyes.
"My love, are you not happy?" Darcy whispered concernedly.
Elizabeth drew herself to his chest and held herself there. "I don't want to go to America, Fitzwilliam. I don't want to leave. I wish to stay here with you. Forever."
Darcy closed his eyes in order to not the pain in them show. "I don't want you to leave either. Would I have not been married. It could be our wedding in two days."
"I wish it were."
"Think of me always," Darcy replied.
"Absolutely, and you of me."
"Of course."
Elizabeth let the tears fall, and Darcy just rubbed her back comfortingly.
Chapter 7
Posted on Wednesday, 26 March 2008
It was nearly three in the morning when Elizabeth finally departed. Both she and Darcy knew that that was to be their last night together. Neither of them would go to the park the following evening. If Elizabeth was too exhausted for her own wedding, people would start to suspect things, and the last thing that either of them needed was suspicion.
As Darcy watched his carriage take away the one woman he loved more than life itself, he knew that he would never be whole until she was his wife. He knew that without her his life would never be complete.
I suppose I must get used to the emptiness her absence will bring, he thought despondently. He went back to the chambers that they had just exited. He took one look around the messy room and knew that the staff would suspect something. He sat upon the bed and soon his eyes were clouded with tears. He never knew pain like this before, not even when his mother died. This was worse. He knew that he would never feel the same about any other woman. He knew that every woman in comparison to Elizabeth would be just a shadow in a world of darkness.
After his grief for the night had passed, he went to open the door to leave. That was when he noticed something on the doorknob. It was a necklace. It was her necklace. He looked around the room to see if she had left anything else, and that was when he saw the note on the bedside table.
My Dear Fitzwilliam,As we lay next to each other tonight, I decided that I did not want to leave you with nothing. You will find my necklace on the doorknob if you have not already. Keep it in the breast pocket of your jackets for all the days that you love me so that I may be near your heart always.
Love, your Elizabeth
Darcy held the necklace (which was a simple gold chain with a gold cross pendant) tightly. Then he kissed the cross before placing it in his breast pocket.
Darcy awoke dressed in what he had worn the previous day. He sat up in bed and held his head. The previous night's activities seemed like a dream to him. He reached into his breast pocket and found the necklace still where he had placed it. He knew that everything was real. He hid the necklace in the drawer of his writing table just as his manservant came in.
"Good morning sir," he said.
"Good morning Henry," Darcy replied in the most composed voice that he could manage.
Henry eyed his master's clothing carefully. "Isn't that what you wore yesterday, sir?"
"Yes, I seemed to have over exerted myself. Mention it to no one."
"Of course not sir."
After Darcy was dressed and ready for the day, he left his room and headed towards the breakfast room. On his way there, he was stopped by the housekeeper, Mrs. Woods.
"Forgive me, sir, but there was a disturbance amongst the staff this morning," she said.
"Shouldn't my father be dealing with this?" Darcy asked curiously.
"I went to him first, sir, but he said that it would be best if I let you handle it."
Darcy's brow furrowed in curiosity, but he urged Mrs. Woods to continue.
"Well this morning as the maids were changing the sheets, they saw that the first guestroom on the first floor was in complete disarray. I went to look for myself, and it looks as though someone might have snuck in and slept in there since we know that you and your father and sister were each in your own room."
Darcy tried to keep his eyes from shooting open. They thought that someone had snuck in. He could have laughed out of relief. "Did you tell my father any of the details of this?" Darcy asked.
"No, sir," Mrs. Woods said. "He dismissed me to find you before I filled him in on any of it."
"Good, well I am slightly ashamed to admit it now, but it was I who caused the disturbance. I was very frustrated last night, and I foolishly thought that it would be easier to rip apart a guest room rather than actually deal with my frustration. I am truly sorry about it, Mrs. Woods. Please tell the rest of the staff that they have no cause to worry, and the topic should be completely dropped. And please, mention my little fit to no one."
"Of course not, Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Woods said. She curtsied and allowed Darcy to be on his way.
Darcy let out a breath as he walked away from his housekeeper. No one had any cause to believe anything else, and they did not even suspect what had actually gone on.
After breakfast, Darcy began to think about the necklace. He made a decision and went up to his bedroom to compose a letter.
All day the only thing that Elizabeth could think about was the previous night with her beloved Fitzwilliam. She truly had wanted it to never end. She didn't want to get married to anyone but him, but there were circumstances not to be avoided. She might be happy with Lord Ashby, certainly not as happy as with Fitzwilliam, but there might be respect or even friendship. She sighed and knew that it was very unlikely. She had met him before, but it had been a brief acquaintance before she was off to London for her first season.
Around noon the doorbell rang, and Elizabeth was passing the door when she heard the man at the door say, "I have a letter for Elizabeth Bennet."
Elizabeth went over to the door and said, "I am she." He handed her the letter and she thanked him. Instantly recognizing the handwriting, she told the doorman to mention to letter to no one. He complied. She raced up the steps to her room where she ripped open the wax seal and was about to read the note when she felt something heavy fall in her lap. She looked down and saw the most exquisite ring to ever befall her eyes. It was a gold band with three rubies and two diamonds, one in between each ruby. The gold designs that held the gems in place were very intricate and curvy. There were eight other smaller diamonds, each placed in their own curve along the edge of the placement as well. It was breathtaking. She hurriedly read the letter.
My Dearest Elizabeth,You have given me a necklace, in return I give you a ring. There is also a very long chain for you to wear it on and tuck into your dress so that no one will question where you got it. Wear it for every day that you love me. I love you so much and know that your necklace will never leave my breast pocket. The thought of you living so far away, leaving me, it tears me apart inside. The necklace you have given me is my only solace, my only savior from insanity. Thank you, for everything.
All my heart, your Fitzwilliam
Elizabeth found the chain and placed the ring on it. She then clasped it around her neck, and she could feel his love again. It was as if he had placed it all in that ring for her to feel always. She dreaded the morrow when she would have to become Lady Johnathon Ashby. It would be a sad day indeed.
She was glad to see that Georgiana and George Darcy had made it to the wedding. At first she was distressed that Fitzwilliam did not show, but then she remembered that she had not issued an invitation to him. She was somewhat happy that he did not come. It would have been much harder to sign away her life with him so near her.
Her first night as Lady Ashby was not nearly as wonderful as her night with Fitzwilliam. Lord Ashby tried to be unnecessarily gentle whilst Fitzwilliam did his best to make her comfortable. Fitzwilliam knew exactly how to touch her, exactly what she liked, and how she liked it. Then again, one's lover is always perfect when one is blinded by love.
She was numb. There was nothing for her without her Fitzwilliam. During the first few months of her life as Lady Ashby, her beloved would sneak in his own letters with Georgiana's. In the letter that would be his last, he proclaimed his love for her over and over again. With a smile, Elizabeth continued on to Georgiana's. It contained very grave news. George Darcy was dead.
He couldn't believe that his father was dead. He was never very close to him, but he was his father for God's sake! He was now the master of Pemberley he was now the sole guardian for Georgiana. How was he going to do this?
He knew nothing of bringing up a child. He had helped with Georgiana's care-giving when she was younger, yes, but it was different now. Back then his father was the one who hired the nursemaids and the others who were to provide for her. Now he was in charge of finding a governess and companion for her. Not only that, but he had to run the estate now.
He had had plenty of practice with that, but it was still hard to believe that he was to do it all by himself.
In the months that followed, Darcy was slowly adjusting to his new roles. Becoming Master of Pemberley was easier than being Georgiana's guardian, but he was still able to manage both superbly. He had been so busy that he never had time to write to Elizabeth. He still loved her dearly, but he imagined that she was happy. He imagined that she was no longer thinking about him since she probably thought he had lost interest with his absence of letters.
It was quite the opposite in fact. Elizabeth had asked her husband what it was like once his father had died and left him their estate. Johnathon replied that it was not easy. He was a man of thirty when his father passed, four years previous. It took a while to get used to being the master of the home even with all the practice he had acquired whilst his father was alive. Elizabeth understood that Fitzwilliam must not have been able to write to her.
Georgiana's letters still came with frequency. Even an ocean apart, the two friends still shared a special bond. Georgiana told Elizabeth everything. She told her about her brother becoming busier and busier with each passing fortnight. She told her about Anne's declining health, and nearly two years into Elizabeth's marriage, the letter arrived saying that Anne had died.
I know that he did not hold a high regard for her, Georgiana wrote, but he was still so devastated after she passed. She was his wife after all, and she was our cousin before that. Perhaps he is more grieved at the loss in general. I know that that is disrespectful towards Anne, but the true reason for their marriage was to make my father and her mother happy. They both understood that. Anne knew that she would not live forever, and she was happy to have married by brother whilst he was young. I think that she always knew that she would not survive before he turned 30. She was a very smart woman.
Elizabeth, I worry for him so greatly. Ever since your departure he has not been the same. He usually spoke to Anne regularly, but after you left he rarely spoke two words to her. It was as if he felt guilty about something.
Elizabeth was distressed to hear about Anne's passing causing William (as she had begun to call him) so much grief. After their being separated and his father's passing, the last thing he needed was added grief. Still, in Georgiana's letters following, she said that her brother was overcoming his wife's death very well, and he was beginning to spend more time with his sister. Elizabeth wrote back saying that she was glad to hear it. She could not imagine what William had gone through. Little did she know that a little over a year later, she would find out.
Johnathon had gone to Williamsburg for business one day, and he had told his wife that he would return before supper. Elizabeth had sent a smile to her husband and told him to hurry back. She and her husband had formed a friendship during the years of their marriage. She did not love him, but she grew to respect him more and more each day. He placed a kiss upon her cheek before leaving. He would never return.
Supper had come and gone, and Elizabeth became more and more worried about her husband's absence. At around eight in the evening, she received a letter from the family doctor Mr. Harrington.
Lady Ashby,I'm afraid to say that my letter contains news of a most grievous nature. This afternoon, a few villagers barged into my office saying that I was needed immediately. There had been an accident on a road not far out of Williamsburg. I rushed to the scene immediately to see three figures. Two of the figures were servants who were both badly injured. The other, it pains me to say, was your husband, Lord Ashby. I rushed to his side immediately, but I'm afraid it was too late. He was already gone.
I examined the scene after seeing to the two servants and determined that there was a faulty wheel on the carriage. Lord Ashby was expelled from the carriage which resulted in a broken neck. He died instantly, and it is my professional belief that he did not suffer at all. I am very sorry for your loss.
Mr. Peter Harrington
At first Elizabeth was in denial that he was dead. She wore a blank expression for days and did not shed a tear. Eventually the reality caught up with her and she cried every night for nearly a fortnight. She overcame her grief, and life went on. Having only been three years into their marriage, and Elizabeth being only 18, Johnathon thought that there would be plenty of time to produce an heir. Therefore, he did not have all of his belongings signed over to Elizabeth in the event of his death. The only thing that was signed over to her was his London townhouse which he had purchased in the event that he wished for himself and Elizabeth to return to her home country. As a result, all of Lord Ashby's belongings went to his brother and sister-in-law.
Henry Ashby was as kind a gentleman as his brother. Elizabeth was very grateful to be connected to such a family. Once Elizabeth's decision to move back to England in the townhouse that was rightfully hers, Henry allowed her to stay at the plantation in Virginia until she sorted everything out.
Two years after Johnathon's death, Elizabeth was to set sail for England. The only people to know of her return were her sister Jane and her father.
Georgiana was a little surprised to receive a letter from Elizabeth asking her what her summer plans were. Elizabeth knew that she returned to London every summer, but this year was different. Georgiana was headed to Ramsgate to enjoy the seaside. What confused Georgiana the most was when a footman refused to leave without the letter saying that those were his orders and he was forced to obey them. Georgiana handed him the letter and began to pack her things to leave in the morning.
Chapter 8
Posted on Thursday, 10 April 2008
Elizabeth was excited to go to Ramsgate. She had not spent more than a week in her townhouse before she left it again. She had gotten used to running a household after Johnathon's death in Virginia, but it would take some time to get used to not having as many servants to deal with, and lord knows Elizabeth was glad to be rid of the slaves. They always seemed to work so hard, and they made Elizabeth nervous. She wasn't used to seeing people with skin so dark.
The journey to Ramsgate had been pleasant, but Elizabeth was glad to be out of the carriage. She had taken a room in the same Inn as Georgiana, and she asked one of the workers there if Georgiana was in.
"Miss Darcy?" he asked. "No ma'am, she went to the seaside nearly a half hour ago. She should be just down the road."
Elizabeth thanked the man after retrieving directions for where she was going. Noting that it was not a long distance from the Inn, she decided to go and see Georgiana on foot. When she arrived at her destination, she did not see the young girl at first. After looking down by the rocks a bit, she spied the girl standing on the rocks alone. There was an older woman near the top of the rocks whom Elizabeth assumed to be her companion. In the distance she could see a man walking determinedly in the direction of her friend. Knowing how inappropriate it would be for Georgiana to be alone with a man she was not engaged to, and Elizabeth knew that Georgiana was not engaged for she would have mentioned it in one of her letters, Elizabeth quickened her pace and reached the girl first. As the two friends hugged, Elizabeth saw the man retreat. She smiled with satisfaction.
"Dear Lizzy, why did you not tell me that you would be returning?" Georgiana asked as the two parted.
"I wanted to surprise you," Elizabeth said.
"Well you have succeeded, and a most wonderful surprise it is!" Georgiana smiled and said, "Lizzy, as glad as I am to see you, I must say that I am meeting someone."
"Who?" Elizabeth asked.
"George," Georgiana said. Then she covered her mouth as she realized how informal it was and corrected herself. "Mr. Wickham."
"I see," Elizabeth said. "Do you and this Mr. Wickham have an understanding with each other? I never remember you mentioning him in your letters."
"This has been very recent, and we do have an understanding with each other...sort of."
Elizabeth's inquisitive gaze was all that Georgiana needed to continue. "Mr. Wickham has proposed, and I have accepted, but he seems to want everything to be kept a secret."
"How so?" Elizabeth asked.
Georgiana seemed hesitant but then said, "Elizabeth you are my dearest friend, and I trust you wholeheartedly. Please offer me some advice?" Elizabeth nodded. "I do not know what Geor...Mr. Wickham is truly feeling. He says he loves me, and there is truth in all of his looks. But he will not go to my brother for permission saying that my brother would not approve of the match because of the lack of fortune.
"Then he said that we must elope. It all sounded so romantic and true at the time that I did not question it and agreed. Now I am not so sure. What do you think?"
Elizabeth thought for a moment before saying, "I do not believe that this Mr. Wickham loves you." Georgiana looked a bit put out, but Elizabeth continued. "I do not mean to be so frank, but Georgiana think about his actions and words. He says that he will not go to your brother because he knows that your brother would refuse him because of his lack of fortune. I do not believe your brother capable of such things, and I also believe that there is another reason as to why your brother would refuse Mr. Wickham."
Georgiana nodded in understanding and Elizabeth went on. "Your brother is a great man, and from what you say, it seems as though you barely know this Mr. Wickham. If Mr. Wickham loved you as much as he says he does, he would know that you are not worthy of an elopement. You deserve something much better. But this all basically comes down to one question. Who do you trust more: Mr. Wickham or your brother?"
Georgiana smiled and said, "My brother. Thank you Lizzy, you have been a great help and a true friend. The next time I see Mr. Wickham, I am breaking off the engagement." Just then they heard Georgiana's name being called. Both girls looked over to the top of the rocks where Elizabeth had descended from and saw Fitzwilliam Darcy standing there. Elizabeth could not see his face, but she knew it was him by his posture.
"Come Lizzy!" Georgiana said excitedly. "I know my brother will be as happy to see you as I!" The young girl rushed up as safely as she could to see her brother with Elizabeth trailing slowly behind. She took in deep breaths and slowly released them as she prepared to see the man she loved for the first time in five years.
"Brother," Georgiana said as she affectionately hugged her elder sibling. Once they parted she looked behind her. "Look brother! Look who has come!"
Darcy looked in the same direction as his sister and his eyes widened. He saw Elizabeth walking towards them. With the sun reflecting off of her delicate brown hair, she looked like heaven. She had definitely matured over the course of five years, but that is to be expected.
"Eliz...Lady Ashby," Darcy said as he released a hold on his sister to bow politely. Elizabeth, not noticing his near blunder, curtsied back. "It is just Mrs. Ashby now, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said. "Since my husband had no children to pass his title to, it passed from him to his younger brother."
Darcy nodded in understanding and said, "This is indeed a most delightful surprise. When did you return to England?"
"Barely a week ago," Elizabeth replied. "I would have stayed in my townhouse, but when I heard that Georgiana was in Ramsgate, I could not help but come and see her immediately."
"When do you return to London?" Georgiana then asked.
"In a week," was the answer. "I cannot stay away from my new duties for too long."
"What a coincidence," Georgiana said. "That is when I am to return as well."
The three spent the day together amicably. It was mainly Elizabeth and Georgiana carrying on a conversation. Darcy was still in too much shock to speak with her. He thought to the necklace in his breast pocket and criticized himself for not thinking to look and see if she had her chain on. When he took the chance to glance at it, he realized that there was no chain around her neck. He felt heartbroken, but it was to be expected that she would not continue her love for five years. Did he honestly expect her to love him forever?
They dined together at the Inn that night and Georgiana retired before Elizabeth and Darcy. Once they were alone, Elizabeth immediately began speaking with him in a hushed manner.
"Mr. Darcy please forgive me, but this conversation must be had. I do not wish to ask questions of such a personal nature, but they must be addressed."
Darcy looked confused, but he said, "Mrs. Ashby, you may ask anything of me."
"Are you at all acquainted with a George Wickham?"
This was not what he was expecting, but he tried his best to maintain his features. "I believe we have already had this conversation, but it was long ago. I do not expect you to remember."
Elizabeth looked slightly confused, but suddenly his words rushed back to her. "He has many...interests and therefore he is undecided as to what he would like to do."
"Yes, I remember," she said. "You two went to Cambridge together."
"Yes," Darcy replied. "Why do you ask about him?"
"He is here."
"Here? In Ramsgate?"
"Yes, and apparently...please do not be angry with her. She is still young."
"Georgiana? What does Wickham have to do with Georgiana?"
"She fancies herself in love with him," Elizabeth said. "She told me today that she and the gentleman had a secret elopement planned. Georgiana was confused as to why they had to elope and why he would not ask for your consent. I suspected that there was more to your objection than just lack of fortune. After speaking with her, she has decided that it would be best if she broke off the engagement."
Darcy was silent with a dark look across his features.
"I hope you do not think me presumptuous," Elizabeth said quietly.
"No," he replied. "Once again, you have been a perfect judge of character. I thank you for persuading her to end it. Mr. Wickham is nothing more than a gambler and a womanizer."
Upon hearing this, Elizabeth's eyes widened, but she continued. "Forgive me sir, but I do not think that Mr. Wickham is the only one to be blamed."
Darcy looked at her curiously. "Surely you cannot mean Georgiana..."
"No, of course not," Elizabeth reassured him. "No I simply mean...the woman who rode back with us is Georgiana's companion is she not?"
"Yes," Darcy answered. "Mrs. Younge."
"She and I...we were both standing on the top of the rocks looking down at Georgiana. She was not near me, but I saw a man approaching Georgiana. I assume that he was Mr. Wickham. If I could see Mr. Wickham nearing Georgiana, then it is most certain that Mrs. Younge could as well. She did nothing to stop it. She may have something to do with it. When I reached Georgiana, I saw Mr. Wickham retreat. It is my belief that he had hoped to be alone with her."
Darcy nodded and said, "I thank you for relating this information to me, and I will act upon it on the morrow. As for now, I believe that we both need some rest."
Elizabeth agreed and the two both retired to their rooms. The next morning Georgiana came to Elizabeth nearly as confused as she had been the previous day.
"Georgiana, what is it?" Elizabeth asked her friend.
"My brother has fired Mrs. Younge," Georgiana said. "I cannot imagine why. She was an amiable enough woman, and she knew her place."
Elizabeth sighed and said, "Perhaps it is your brother's belief that she did not." Georgiana did not understand her words, but she thought no more of it. She had initially come to invite Elizabeth on a shopping day. Glad that the young girl had overcome her puzzlement so quickly, Elizabeth agreed with a smile.
Chapter 9
Posted on Sunday, 13 April 2008
A week later, the three friends were on their way back to London. They stopped at a quaint village for lunch before continuing on their way. Once they reached London, Georgiana extracted a promise from Elizabeth to join them for dinner in two days time. After Elizabeth's agreement, the Darcy carriage went in the direction of Grosvenor Square, whilst the Ashby carriage was bound for Belgrave Square*.
Elizabeth was no longer discomfited by Mr. Darcy's presence. She was beginning to realize that he probably no longer held any regard for her. He would always know how she felt by the ring that now rested up her middle finger of her right hand as opposed to a chain around her neck. She would never take it off as long as she lived.
She had been informed when the invitation was issued that she would not be the only guest at the Darcy table that evening. Darcy had invited one of his friends along as well. Elizabeth could not imagine what this gentleman would be like. He would not be at all like Darcy, for Mr. Darcy's personality could not possibly be duplicated. With the way Mr. Darcy spoke of Mr. Wickham, the man could not be a rake either. Darcy would never befriend such a man.
Elizabeth was not disappointed. Mr. Bingley was a very affable man who always had a smile on his face. She was exceedingly pleased by his manners, but she feared that he was too obliging at times. During dinner, Mr. Bingley had tried to initiate a conversation with her about London's diversions, but she responded, "I'm afraid I do not know much of London. Before my marriage, I had been here but once for my first season out. After my marriage, I moved over to America with my husband, and I have only just returned a fortnight ago."
Mr. Bingley was surprised. "Well Mrs. Ashby, in that case I must ask this question. Which is better, England or America?"
"Without question the answer is England," she replied with a smile. "Perhaps I am biased because I lived here 15 years and only 5 in America, but America does not seem as ordered nor as beautiful as England at least the England that I have seen."
Bingley smiled and nodded and asked her what America was like.
"Well," Elizabeth replied. "I will not deny that it had its positive attributes. Lord Ashby ran and owned a tobacco plantation, and the aroma was very pleasing. The winters in Virginia are not so severe as here in England, and I am more inclined to believe that the people in Williamsburg were more friendly than the majority of London."
All in all, the evening was a very pleasant one, and it was agreed that it must be repeated some time.
"Perhaps next week," Elizabeth offered. "I am hoping to have my aunt and uncle dine at my home. The three of you are more than welcome to join us."
"Thank you, Mrs. Ashby. I can say that Georgiana and I shall be there," Darcy said. Georgiana nodded her agreement. Bingley said he would join them as well, and everything was set.
Elizabeth was exceptionally happy to see her aunt and uncle again, and they were just as pleased to see her.
"Oh Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner said. "We have missed you so."
"And I have missed you."
"In your letter you stated that we would not be the only ones in attendance," Mr. Gardiner said. "Who else shall be joining us?"
"It is Mr. Darcy and his sister and a Mr. Bingley whom I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with just last week," Elizabeth answered. "I am not sure if you remember Mr. Darcy..."
"Yes," Mr. Gardiner replied. "Ever since our first meeting in town all those years ago, he has become a regular visitor to your aunt and I."
"He has brought his sister as well," Mrs. Gardiner said, "and she and the children get along so dearly. It will be such a pleasure to see them again. But tell us about this Mr. Bingley."
"I must admit, he is very much like Jane," Elizabeth said with a smile. "He is Mr. Darcy's good friend, and he has one of the happiest dispositions that I have ever seen. He is so obliging and good."
"You seem to like him very much Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner said with a smile.
"Oh, no aunt," Elizabeth replied with a mimicked smile. "No, I fear that Mr. Bingley is too obliging for me."
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner chuckled along with Elizabeth just as Mr. Bingley was announced into the room. Introductions were made, and the four adults ignited a wonderful conversation, one that the Darcy's joined upon their arrival.
During dinner, there was much conversation to be had amongst the group.
"So, Mr. Gardiner," Bingley said, "I hear that you are in trade. My own father was in the business, and indeed, my uncle still runs it to this day. What sort of trade do you do?"
"Mostly port," Mr. Gardiner replied. "It is a blooming business, and my parents always said that I had a fine taste for a fine wine."
"My father was in the cigar business."
"I wish I had known him, then," Mr. Gardiner replied. "We would have made a fine team."
"Indeed, I believe you would have."
"Mr. Gardiner is my main supplier of port," Mr. Darcy said. "I am pleased to say that neither his taste nor his deals have ever faltered."
"He is my supplier as well," Elizabeth said. Both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley looked at her with shocked faces.
"Well, I need a fine supply when I find elegant gentlemen such as yourselves as guests in my home." Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled and laughed as did Mr. Bingley and Georgiana. Darcy looked down at the ground uncomfortably. This did not go unnoticed by Elizabeth. She too, looked at the ground embarrassedly. Darcy said considerably less throughout the meal.
Over the course of the following two months, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Mr. Bingley became a merry group of friends. Elizabeth felt a little guilty for spending so much time with them and not having gone to see her family, but she assured herself that she would soon return to Hertfordshire. The night after she had made that promise, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were in her presence, yet again, at Mr. Bingley's townhouse.
"Did Georgiana not accompany you?" Elizabeth asked.
"Unfortunately Georgiana is suffering a headache today," Darcy explained. "I would have stayed with her, but she insisted that I come."
"Please send my wishes for her to feel better upon your return," Elizabeth said.
"I shall."
It was then that a woman entered the room. Elizabeth noticed that she seemed to have favoritism in the color orange. She was not remarkably pretty, but she had the aura of someone noble.
"Charles, you did not tell me that we would be having company," she said. Upon noticing Elizabeth, she seemed to become even more...haughty.
"I thought I had mentioned it at breakfast," Bingley said. "No matter, Mrs. Ashby, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Miss Caroline Bingley."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Bingley," Elizabeth said as she bowed her head. Upon hearing her title, Caroline seemed to loosen a little.
"'Tis good to meet you as well ma'am," she replied before making a beeline for the seat beside Darcy. Elizabeth would have guessed that the two had an understanding with each other, but Darcy's immediate reaction to Caroline's presence was to scoot as close to the arm of the couch as possible.
"I have some news I wish to share with all of you," Bingley said. "I have decided to lease an estate."
"Really, brother?" Caroline said, sounding surprised. "And where, might I ask, is this estate?"
"It is in Hertfordshire, near a little village called Meryton."
"Wonderful choice, Bingley," Darcy said. Darcy had helped Bingley search for an estate in the spring, and they had seen many. Netherfield was the best option for him.
"Yes," Bingley agreed, "and I invite you all to join me and my sisters for my first few months there. Georgiana is invited as well, Darcy."
"I thank you Bingley," Darcy said. "I shall accept your offer. Unfortunately, my sister has neglected her studies for far too long, and it is high time that she returned to them."
"I see," Bingley said. "And you Mrs. Ashby? Would you be willing to put up with me for a few more months?"
Elizabeth laughed a little, and the smile would not come off of her face. "Yes, Mr. Bingley. I accept your offer whole heartedly. Thank you."
It was decided that they would not leave London for another month. The house needed to be readied, and Elizabeth and Darcy had many dealings to handle with their households. Elizabeth had told the staff that she did not know when she would return, but she would write them in advance so that they were not scurrying about for her arrival. Darcy warned his staff of the same thing, but he also had to prepare his staff at Pemberley for Georgiana's arrival, and his steward needed to be notified that he would be sending all letters of business to Netherfield until further notice. In the middle of September, the Darcy and Ashby carriages set off together in the direction of Hertfordshire.
Directly upon their arrival, Elizabeth and Darcy were led to the drawing room on the second floor where Elizabeth became acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. Elizabeth did not have much an opinion of Mr. Bingley's relations. Mr. Hurst was man who enjoyed his ale, Mrs. Hurst was a woman who enjoyed things such as fashion and lace, and Miss Caroline (as Elizabeth had surmised earlier) was a woman who held a high regard for fashion, lace, money, social rankings, titles, and, of course, Mr. Darcy. Miss Caroline cared for everything that Elizabeth possessed and cared little for. Mr. Darcy, of course, was an exception to both of these characteristics.
Elizabeth still loved Mr. Darcy and she had not been alone with him since the first night of her travel in Ramsgate. Since she had not been forced to speak only to him, she avoided it as much as possible. It slowly diminished the pang that tugged at her heart every time she saw him.
Not long after the party entered and was settled in Netherfield, local fathers began to call upon the house, leaving their cards for Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth was a little more than surprised to not see her father's card amongst them. She was sure that her mother would have forced him to visit them by then. She would wait until he called to let him know that she was there. It would be a difficult task to make sure that she was not seen by any men that she recognized, or any that she didn't as a matter of fact. Elizabeth knew that Meryton was a delightful village that was known to gossip. She did not want it getting out too soon that she was back in Hertfordshire.
* Belgrave Square was a square in London that housed many a titled person in the 19th century. It wasn't actually built until the 1820's, but I couldn't find anywhere else for Lizzy to live.
Chapter 10
Posted on Thursday, 17 April 2008
Three weeks after their arrival, her father finally left a card. A few days later, he appeared in the Bennet carriage, and Elizabeth had been waiting for him all day. When at last he appeared, she rushed as quickly as propriety would allow to the front door. He had just had his cloak and his hat removed when she came upon him.
"Papa!" she said excitedly. He looked up the stairs where she stood, and she hurried to him. He held her close in an embrace and once they parted he placed a kiss on the top of her head.
"Lizzy, is it truly you?" he asked disbelievingly.
"Yes, papa, it is I," she replied with a smile.
"My, how you have grown." Elizabeth laughed a little and they spoke a little as she led him to the drawing room where Mr. Bingley was waiting to greet his new guest. He was more than a little surprised to see Elizabeth clinging to his arm.
"Mr. Bingley," she said with a smile. "Please allow me to introduce my father, Mr. Bennet."
"A pleasure sir," Mr. Bingley said. "Lady Ashby, I did not know that you had family in the area."
"Certainly, sir," Elizabeth said. "Longbourn is but three miles from here."
After a few minutes of conversation between the three of them, Mr. Bennet asked Mr. Bingley if he had been invited to the Meryton Assembly that would be held in a week's time.
"Indeed, sir, I have," was Bingley's reply. "Sir William Lucas invited me, and I assured him that I and my party would all be in attendance."
After a few more moments of talking with Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth and her father spent a long time deep in conversation about what had happened to Elizabeth after her last letter two months ago. She told him everything and he was glad to have her back. After nearly two hours, Mr. Bennet felt that it was time to return to Longbourn.
"Papa," Elizabeth said. "Please do not tell the others that I am here. I wish to surprise them when we meet again at the Assembly." Never able to deny his favorite daughter anything, Mr. Bennet smiled and complied.
After seeing her father off in his carriage, Elizabeth began to make her way up the stairs when Mr. Darcy accosted her.
"There you are Lady Ashby," he said. "Forgive me, but I have been trying to find you for the past two hours. It seemed as though you had disappeared."
"I was talking with my father," Elizabeth replied. Their conversation was emotionless, and it left Elizabeth uneasy. "He came here this afternoon to call on Mr. Bingley and make him feel welcome in the neighborhood."
"Miss Bingley has been looking for you for quite some time," he said. Elizabeth's eyes fell a bit. She did not know Caroline Bingley very well, but what she did know, she did not like. Caroline seemed friendly enough, but it all seemed to be false. Perhaps it was Elizabeth's fortune and place in society that came with her marriage, but she wasn't sure. Reluctantly, she followed Mr. Darcy to the drawing room where Caroline Bingley waited.
A week later, the Netherfield party all climbed into two carriages and made their way to the Meryton Assembly hall. They were late because Miss Bingley took an absurdly long time to ready herself. Elizabeth had nearly burst laughing when she saw Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst's gowns. They were very elegant and not at all what the people of Meryton would be wearing. Elizabeth was in one of her more humble gowns, and Miss Bingley was almost shocked that she would wear something so simple to a party.
As they entered the hall, the music stopped playing. People began to stare, but Elizabeth's head began to dart around the room looking for her family amidst the crowd. When she spotted her sisters, she smiled and noticed that they were not looking at her but rather at the gentlemen around her. She was not surprised. Such action was probably under her mother's advice. She followed the rest of her party to the front of the room, and when they turned about, she noticed that nearly all of the attendants were staring directly at her. She smiled graciously, and the dancing recommenced. Elizabeth then watched as Mrs. Bennet dragged over Jane who had a hand on Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth's smile widened.
When they arrived, Elizabeth began to make introductions. "Mr. Bingley, please allow me to introduce my mother, Mrs. Bennet, two of my sisters Miss Jane and Miss Mary Bennet, and my dear friend Miss Charlotte Lucas."
"It's a pleasure sir," Mrs. Bennet said. "I have two other daughters, but they are already dancing."
"I'm delighted to make your acquaintance," Mr. Bingley said amiably.
"And also allow me to introduce Miss Caroline Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy."
"Mr. Darcy," Jane said. "Your sister has mentioned you in many of her letters. It is good to see you again."
"And you as well, Miss Bennet," Darcy replied. He was surprised that he still remembered Elizabeth's sister. They had not been very well acquainted in London, but apparently he left a lasting impression on her. Then again, Georgiana was a close friend to both Elizabeth and Miss Bennet. Perhaps she had mentioned Miss Bennet in a conversation...
Bingley requested Jane's hand for the first set, and Elizabeth was sad that she did not have the opportunity to talk to her sister right away, but she was given the opportunity to speak with Charlotte.
All in all, the evening went splendidly. Elizabeth was able to speak with her family and friends, and she danced with many gentlemen including Mr. Darcy. Not only that, but she was able to induce him to dance with others of her acquaintance.
"I am simply shocked and amazed," Mr. Bingley had said as he and Elizabeth watched Mr. Darcy dance with Charlotte Lucas. "He never dances with people he has just met, and he rarely dances at all. I wonder what has changed his mind."
Elizabeth had just smiled. "Perhaps a little persuasion was all he really needed."
The next day Elizabeth journeyed to Longbourn to spend more time with her family. During the ride to her destination, it began to rain. She was a bit put out by the weather, but she would just have to manage with seeing Longbourn's outdoors on the morrow.
Darcy was indifferent to Elizabeth's departure. It had become so natural to have her near him so often that when she was out of his company...he felt somewhat hollow. He knew that he still loved her, and the knowledge that she no longer felt the same was more than he could tolerate. He always wanted to leave her company, maybe it would help him overcome his feelings faster. He found that he could not, however. He was completely incapable of not being near her. He resolved that it was easier to be near her and know that she no longer cared for him rather than bearing the pain of being away from her. The pain had lasted ever since she had set sail for America, and it remained with him until he was in her presence again.
When she returned home that evening, Darcy had made up his mind that it would not be good for him to stay in her company for so long. He needed to overcome his feelings for her, and he would not be able to do that if he spent as much time with her as he did.
When he told Charles that it would be best if he returned to town, Charles would have none of it. He asked Darcy what was going on, why he had been acting so strange lately.
"It is none of your concern," Darcy snapped.
Bingley looked affronted. "Darcy ever since your father died, you've been so withdrawn. After Anne died you barely even spoke to Georgiana. All of a sudden, Lady Ashby enters your life, and it's as if you're at Cambridge again. It is almost as if the past five years have never happened." Darcy sighed and sat in a chair with his head in his hands. "You love her, don't you Darcy?" Bingley asked.
Darcy gave in. "I do," he admitted. "I love her, Bingley. I have always loved her, and I will continue to love her until the day I die."
"But you barely know her..."
"Yes, but I used to know her better than anyone else in the country."
Bingley looked confused.
"I never explained how Mrs. Ashby and I met," Darcy said, preparing to share his tale.