Section I, Next Section
Part 1
Author's Note: This begins a few days after Darcy's second proposal to Elizabeth, and you all know how that ended. So here we go . . .)
The gentlemen from Netherfield were now regular visitors to the Longbourn estate, often arriving quite early in the morning. So when breakfast had passed and no visitors appeared, Jane and Elizabeth began to wonder. A servant from Netherfield soon appeared with a note for Jane.
My dear Jane,Darcy's cousin and sister have arrived, they left the moment they received his letters, it would seem. I am to show them the grounds at Netherfield, and would like you and Elizabeth to join us for lunch. Come as soon as you can on the receipt of this.
Yours etc.
"But Jane," said Kitty, "you promised to come with me to Meryton. I am in desperate need of a new dress."
"Yes, so I did. And I shall keep my promise," replied Jane.
"Go to Meryton, when you have been invited to Netherfield!" exclaimed their mother, "No you shall not. I want you to go to Netherfield, Jane, and see Mr. Bingley."
"But I have promised Kitty. Lizzy may go ahead of me. I should not take long, and I can take my Aunt Philips' horse and join them before lunch." Elizabeth didn't argue. She was impatient to see Darcy again.
Her family were still in a state of surprise, though they had the knowledge of her engagement to Mr. Darcy for some days. But surprise had not frozen her mother's tongue, and the news of the engagement was spreading like wildfire throughout Meryton.
Elizabeth turned to her father, sitting at the head of the table and asked for the carriage. Mr. Bennet replied that it was not possible. "It seems that whenever an invitation like this comes up, the carriage must be unavailable.
His second daughter smiled and said, "Then I shall, again, be obliged to walk." Mrs. Bennet lamented that Elizabeth would present an unfavourable first impression on her future relatives. Jane laughed and replied that at least it had not rained.
The three sisters set off together. Upon reaching Meryton, they parted. Kitty's eyes automatically roved in search of a scarlet coat but soon corrected herself and proceeded with Jane to the dressmakers.
Alone, Elizabeth walked three miles towards Netherfield. Along the way, she imagined the reactions of each person when she would arrive. When she came in sight of the house, she espied a group of three men and a lady near the trees. She ran in that direction, and to her satisfaction, saw that the members of the group reacted in the way she had imagined them to.
Mr. Charles Bingley gave his greetings then inquired after Jane's whereabouts. She told him that Jane will arrive for lunch, then thanked Colonel Fitzwilliam for his congratulations and his compliments. Georgiana Darcy gave her a shy smile and added her congratulations to her cousin's and professed her happiness on their being sisters.
Darcy came forward, kissed her hand (and lingered over it).
"You look remarkably well, Elizabeth. And if anyone should comment on the fact that she has walked all this way alone, they will have to answer to me!" said he, remembering Miss Bingley's comments last year.
"No fear of that, cousin," said the Colonel, "And I must say that your engagement has improved Darcy enormously, Miss Elizabeth. He was quite desolate during those days in London."
"Oh?" said Elizabeth. She looked tenderly into Darcy's eyes. He had taken her arm and was walking along beside her. "And why was that?"
He smiled back, something that was all to rare before his engagement and replied, "Because I was unhappy - I did not know if I had done enough to banish your dislike of me."
Georgiana was surprised - she had never known that Elizabeth had disliked Darcy. Looking at the couple now, she found the fact to be impossible, and immediately asked why Elizabeth had disliked her brother so much.
Elizabeth said, "Do you really wish to know why?" With the strong assent of the entire party, she proceeded to perform a passing imitation of Darcy at last year's Meryton assembly. She began to laugh as she repeated what her lover had said of her at their first meeting, about her being just 'tolerable'. The entire group except Darcy laughed with her. He blushed and looked away.
"You do not know how many times I have regretted my words that evening. I was a complete fool. Will you forgive me Elizabeth?" He looked back at her and gazed shyly into her face.
Elizabeth moved closer to him and said, "Only if you will forgive me for thinking so ill of you."
Heedless of the company around them, who had become silent and were watching the scene with amusement, he leaned towards Elizabeth. "I do forgive you."
"As do I."
Time seemed to slow, and their lips met in a tender kiss ....... which was cut short by Colonel Fitzwilliam telling them to save it for the wedding. Blushing, they parted amid the good-natured laughter of their friends and family.
Georgiana was delighted. She had never seen her brother so happy.
Though their lips had separated, their hands had not. And they remained like that as the party walked into the house.
Bingley sat down at his desk and thought for a full ten minutes before beginning to write. He then thought of something and called to Elizabeth and Darcy, who were sitting together listening to Georgiana play the piano.
"Shall I inform Caroline of your engagement?"
Darcy looked at his beloved and smiled. "No," he said, "Let us spare her the shock until she arrives here. Then we shall let her know, where we can see her reaction." Elizabeth thought back to all of Miss Bingley's cruel comments and actions towards Jane, and Darcy remembered how irritating Miss Bingley could be, and how spiteful she had been to Elizabeth. They both smiled and anticipated Miss Bingley's reaction to the news.
Darcy told Bingley to tell his sister that he was eagerly awaiting her arrival . . . though for a totally different reason than the one she would imagine.
Jane Bennet soon arrived. Bingley took her hand (he was too shy to do anything more) and introduced her to the Colonel and Miss Darcy. Colonel Fitzwilliam shook her hand, and Georgiana was immediately put at ease by Jane's sweet and caring disposition. They sat down to lunch, and afterwards engaged in conversation.
Darcy and Elizabeth soon separated from the party, and quietly went for a walk outside.
"I am impatient to see Miss Bingley's reaction to the news of our engagement. What do you think she will do?" asked Darcy.
On his side, Elizabeth thought and said, "I imagine she will give us her most charming and insincere congratulations, or she will be shocked into silence."
"One could wish for the latter." They laughed, then fell silent, content to remain in each other's presence.
Darcy led Elizabeth under one of the large trees, surrounded by a carpet of autumn leaves. He gently caressed her cheek and she sighed in happiness. Darcy reached into his pocket and took out a folded white handkerchief, which he unfolded to reveal a simple yet elegant ring. He opened Elizabeth's hand and placed it on her palm.
"I had forgotten to ask Georgiana to bring this with her, but she realised what I had neglected to tell her. Will you accept it?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Yes, I will. But keep it for me until the whole of our acquaintance knows about our coming marriage. Have you written to your Aunt Catherine yet? I have yet to tell my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner."
"Yes, I have. I thanked her. And despite what she says, I do not care if we will be censured by everyone. I have you, and that is worth everything."
He moved in closer until his body was pressed against hers. She reached up and brushed back his hair, and they continued the kiss that Colonel Fitzwilliam had interrupted.
Part 2
Author's Note: I have taken some of my information from 'In Ten Days Time' by Genette.
Kitty was not a great writer of letters, but she kept up her correspondence with her married sister, Lydia, though she received very few letters in return. Usually she would write about trivial matters, but this time there was something worth writing about.
My dear Lydia,I hope this letter finds you and Mr. Wickham well. I wish you would write back and tell me all about the officers in Newcastle, I long to hear of them. So many things have happened lately. Firstly, Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield. He visited us twice with Mr. Darcy, but on his second visit (he was by himself), Mama made us leave him and Jane alone - and he proposed to Jane, and they are to be married in December! I am very happy for her, and Jane has promised to give some balls at Netherfield during the winter.
A few days after that, we received a visit from Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I found her quite frightening, she was so critical and cold. Well, it seemed she wanted to talk to Lizzy, probably about Charlotte, for they went for a walk in the garden. Lady Catherine left soon after, for London I think.
But you will never guess what happened a few days later! Mr. Bingley came again (he comes nearly everyday now) with Mr. Darcy and we all walked to Meryton. Jane and Mr. Bingley walked together, and so me and Lizzy walked with Mr. Darcy. We said very little, I was too scared of him to talk and was very glad to go visit Maria Lucas. It would seem that after my departure, Mr. Darcy proposed to Lizzy! We thought all this time that they had detested each other, but it seems we were mistaken, and actually they have been deeply in love!
I am sure you are extremely surprised. Can you believe it? I could not believe it myself and we are all still in a state of disbelief.
I must conclude now - Maria has arrived to visit.
Yours etc.
Mrs. Lydia Wickham put down the letter and thought hard. Jane being married to Mr. Bingley was not much of a surprise, but Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? It was impossible to comprehend! Lydia then realised, that having two very rich sisters, Jane and Elizabeth might be prevailed on to make Wickham's fortune. Maybe she could ask them to give her dear Wickham a place at court ...
A sound from the bed made her turn. Mr. Wickham, his shirt stained with wine rolled over and snored. Lydia quickly brought the letter over and climbed into the bed beside her husband.
"Wickham dear, do get up! I have such surprising news from Kitty!"
Snores were her only reply.
"Wickham, you must read this! Lizzy is engaged to Mr. Darcy!"
Wickham immediately woke up.
"What?"
"Read this letter from Kitty."
Mr. Wickham grabbed the letter and read it. He had to read it twice for the information to sink in. When he had finished, he put down the letter and flopped back into the pillow.
"And I would think now that she knows the truth..." he said to himself. He remembered his suspicions after his last conversation with Elizabeth at Longbourn.
"The truth about what, dear?" asked his wife. Wickham looked at Lydia, beginning to regret that he had ever persuaded her to elope with him.
"Nothing, my love."
Lydia snuggled up to him and said, "Will you tell me if I kiss you?"
Wickham turned away, got out of bed and reached for his uniform.
"No I won't, and I must leave. Good-bye."
He left their home in a shock and a foul mood.
Miss Bingley was in a foul mood. She and her sister had arrived in Bath from Scarborough yesterday, and Mrs. Hurst had suggested a visit the Pump-Room. Miss Bingley was only too glad to agree. Maybe the exercise would help dispel the anger over her brother's engagement.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst made a few laps around the room, then sighted a slightly familiar face. During their long acquaintance with Mr. Darcy, they had met his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh twice. Miss Bingley found Lady Catherine to be a charming woman, and her spirits rose upon seeing Darcy's aunt. They walked over to her to renew their acquaintance. Lady Catherine walked with a self-centered air and was accompanied by two servants.
After the ritual of greetings, Miss Bingley inquired as to why Lady Catherine was in Bath-"For I understand that you come here but rarely."
Lady Catherine nodded and replied, "This is my first visit here. While I was in London, a friend of mine recommended Bath as the place that all people of fashion go to frequently. As I am a woman of fashion, I had to come here."
Miss Bingley was surprised, for she knew that Lady Catherine also rarely went to London, and politely asked her why she had gone to London.
"I went to London to alert my nephew of a most alarming report. It said that Darcy was engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn," Miss Bingley gasped in shock, but quieted at the lady's next words, "of course this was a gross falsehood. I immediately traveled to London to inform my nephew of it. That morning I had spoken very frankly to Miss Bennet, appealing to her sense of honour ... but I found her quite lacking. So I knew that I must tell my nephew. He was quite shocked it would seem. He agreed with me fully, that Miss Eliza Bennet was an adventuress in pursuit of his fortune, and I am sure that the false report will soon be entirely discredited. After all, what decent man will connect himself with a family that includes Mrs. Lydia Bennet Wickham?"
Miss Bingley breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment she was afraid that Darcy would be lost to her forever. Then the name at the end of Lady Catherine's dialogue caught their attention. Mrs. Lydia Bennet Wickham?
"Has the youngest sister married?" asked Mrs. Hurst delicately.
"Oh yes. The youngest Bennet girl had eloped with Mr. Wickham, the son of the late steward of Pemberley. She lived with the man for several weeks before marriage I had heard, a marriage I believe that was a patched up business by her uncle and father. Such a scandal!" Lady Catherine looked at Miss Bingley and continued, "It is such a shame that your brother is caught in the sister's net. I would advise you to do your best to dissuade him from his choice of wife. He should marry a girl like my niece Georgiana."
Miss Bingley agreed with her; it would be better for Charles to marry Georgiana, and then with one intermarriage, another might be easily accomplished. She smiled as she thought of the disgraceful marriage of the former Lydia Bennet. But Miss Bingley wasn't entirely without sympathy, for Jane was a sweet girl despite her unfortunate relations, and did not deserve such trouble. She said, "But surely Mr. Wickham's bad character was known to the family? I had heard he was a gamester, deeply in debt and a seducer, and such debts and affairs could not be hidden for long. So why wasn't the youngest girl informed of his bad character? Surely someone would have known of it!"
"I would say that the people who held such information are really partly to blame for the elopement, for had they allowed their knowledge to be public, the whole situation might have been prevented! But I suppose that with such a girl as the youngest Bennet daughter, such a disaster would be inevitable."
Miss Bingley nodded and was careful to agree with all of Lady Catherine's opinions, for she did not want to offend so great and charming a lady.
The clock chimed for twelve o'clock, and the two sisters remembered that they were to have lunch with Mr. Hurst.
"I am sorry, but we must leave you. We are to have lunch with my brother-in-law, Mr. Arthur Hurst."
"Oh? I remember him. A very gentleman-like man I recall. Well then. Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, farewell." Lady Catherine continued with her walk, her two servants trailing behind.
Miss Bingley and her sister left, and took the carriage back to the hotel.
At home, Mr. Hurst had already started eating lunch. The two sisters ate what little was left, and then retired to the lounge room. A servant came in with the mail. There was but one letter, from their brother.
Mr. Hurst stretched out on the sofa and promptly went to sleep. Mrs. Hurst yawned and picked up her embroidery, leaving Miss Bingley to read the letter. She opened it and worked its contents, for again, her brother had written it extremely ill.
My dear sisters,Ever since my engagement, I have been so happy. Jane is everything I could wish for, and I am quite impatient for the wedding in December. Already Darcy's cousin and sister have arrived, and I want you all to come to Netherfield soon. Darcy is quite eager to see Caroline especially, though he will not tell me why.
I shall expect you all in two days, will that suffice?
Yours etc.
"Louisa, read the letter from Charles! He says that Darcy is eager to see me! Shall I dare hope?" said Miss Bingley excitedly.
Mrs. Hurst read through it and handed it back to her sister. "It would seem so. Perhaps his aunt's report had offended him deeply and he has lost interest in Miss Eliza Bennet's eyes."
"Please do not remind me of that, Louisa! Oh, I am glad I had seen Richard II while we were in town, for now I can converse on it with him. Louisa, wake Mr. Hurst. We must depart for Netherfield immediately!"
Part 3
Mrs. Gardiner was teaching her youngest son, Robert how to read when the post arrived. Emily reached for the letter, and to show how wonderful her reading was, read the address out aloud and opened it.
"Who is it from?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.
"It is from Cousin Lizzy, Mama," replied her daughter.
"Oh?" said her mother, interest immediately caught. "Bring it here, Emily."
She began to read it, and her four children, Alice, William, Emily and Robert clustered around her to see.
My dear aunt,I must apologise for having been so lax in replying to your long letter. I would have thanked you before, my dear aunt, as I ought to have done, for your long, kind, satisfactory, detail of particulars; but to say the truth, I was too cross to write. You supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as you choose; give a loose to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford, and unless you believe me actually married, you cannot greatly err. You must write again soon, and praise him a great deal more than you did in your last. I thank you, again and again, for not going to the Lakes. How could I be so silly as to wish it! Your idea of the ponies is delightful. We will go around the Park every day. I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps others have said it, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world, that he can spare from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas.
Yours, etc.
"What are you smiling about, Mama?" asked Alice.
Mrs. Gardiner walked quickly to her husband's study and knocked on the door. She entered and gave Mr. Gardiner the letter. He read it through, then gave it back to her with a laugh.
"This is wonderful news! I only wonder, what took the young man so long to propose?"
Mrs. Gardiner laughed, "Well, we shall go to Longbourn and we will ask him." She called her children.
"William, go and fetch the maid. We are going to Longbourn. Elizabeth is to be married to Mr. Darcy!"
Reverend William Collins was busily eating his breakfast while his dear Charlotte read the post. The letters proved to be nothing of any interest. There was one very short missive that proved to be interesting, however.
My dear Sir,I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give.
Yours sincerely, etc.
Charlotte froze and gasped. Her husband paused long enough from his meal to ask about her apparent distress. Charlotte wordlessly passed Mr. Bennet's letter to her husband and watched as he read it. For once, he did not have anything to say. After five minutes of silence, he spoke.
"I believe that we must hasten to Rosings at once to inform Lady Catherine of this news."
"But 'tis only seven, let us wait a while longer."
"My dear Charlotte, I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters, but I must be firm on this subject. Lady Catherine, I believe, will want the earliest knowledge of this."
"I am sure that Mr. Darcy will write to her and tell her of it. He is after all, her nephew."
Her words were in vain, but she managed to delay their visit for a further five minutes while her husband gave lengthy speeches on the reason for their haste.
Lady Catherine was bored. Anne was again quite ill and had remained in her room. The arrival of the post was a welcome relief to the monotony of the morning, and she opened the letter eagerly.
Dear Madam,You must allow me to thank you for the information on your meeting with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It allowed me to hope, and gave me the courage to propose to her for the second time.
In London, you demanded me to do as my mother would have me do. I have obeyed your wishes. My mother would have wished for me to be happy, and I find my happiness in Elizabeth Bennet, who, contrary to what others may suppose, is not an adventuress determined to have my fortune, but the most charming and beautiful woman in the world.
I am sure that you believe that we will be disgraced in the eyes of our family and friends. I must inform you that Georgiana is extremely delighted to have such a sister, and my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam also supports me.
Give my regards to Anne, and allow myself and Elizabeth to give you our best wishes for your health and happiness.
Yours, Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Lady Catherine threw the letter onto the floor and crushed it under her cane. She stormed into the little-used music room and in her rage, knocked over a vase of flowers. She hardly noticed, but stalked around the room, abusing and cursing Elizabeth at the top of her voice, using language quite inappropriate for a lady.
Anne, hearing the noise, came into the room, and saw the broken vase and a crumpled letter. She picked up the letter and read it through. She smiled - she was actually very pleased with her cousin's engagement. The entrance of her mother though, killed the smile when she saw the expression on her mother's face.
"How can he do this to me?" she hissed, "How can he do this? All my plans for you two and the future of our estates, shattered, by the intrusion of that wretched, despicable girl!!"
Her voice slowly rose with each word, and Anne shrank away, then fled to her room. Once within its shelter, she caught her breath, then sat down to write a sincere congratulatory letter to her cousin.
Meanwhile, alone in the drawing room, Lady Catherine continued to rant and rave. With the arrival of Mr. Collins and his wife, she found something upon which to vent her anger.
"You!" she shouted, pointing a finger at him, "Why did you not inform me of this? Elizabeth Bennet is your relation. Surely you must have known of it!"
Mr. Collins' eyes widened with fear. He stuttered and tried to console his noble patroness.
"M-m-my Lady, though I am the cousin of Miss Elizabeth (who I assure you, will be most strongly condemned by me when I should see her), I had no information on this . . . . unforseeable incident until this very morning, and I - "
"You did not foresee it! You concealed it from me, I am sure of it! You and your whole family are despicable!"
Mr. Collins and Charlotte flinched at this angry tirade.
"Your whole family must have industriously circulated this report, so now it is impossible to prevent this marriage! It is further proof of the slyness and dishonourable ways of your family. Miss Bennet has used her arts and allurements to ensnare my nephew, her sister elopes with the son of the late Mr. Darcy's steward, you conceal this news from me and now you profess ignorance of it?! This is not to be borne!"
Mr. Collins was now in fear of losing her Lady's patronage due to his unfortunate relations and tried to separate himself from his cousins.
"I assure you, Madam, that I was not in the least aware of this. Though my cousin's family are to be censured, you must believe me to be wholly innocent of any blame. My Lady, had I known of this I would have most strenuously opposed it, as my position as a clergyman I can clearly see the woes of crossing social barriers, and I know that social intermarriages to be totally unacceptable. As a matter of fact," he added, remembering something, "I sent a letter to Mr. Bennet some time ago advising him against this engagement, and - "
"So! you sent a letter to her father before this! It is proof that you had prior knowledge of this!"
"But, my Lady, I told you of it when my dear Charlotte's father, Sir William Lucas wrote to me and informed me of the coming marriages of Miss Jane and Elizabeth, which was, I most humbly suggest, the reason to your journey to Hertfordshire and London."
Lady Catherine paused in her tantrum to meditate on this.
"That is true. But it does not exclude you from your relations to the wretched Bennet family! Heavens above, I wish I could wipe them off the face of the earth! Darcy has obviously been deceived and I must write to him immediately and inform him of the real character of Miss Eliza Bennet!"
"Y-y-yes, my Lady. You will, of course, need privacy to write such a letter, and so, we shall leave you, if you do not mind - "
"Leave my presence at once!"
Mr. Collins and his wife quickly hurried out of the room and back to the Hunsford Parsonage.
Charlotte put her bonnet away and sat down. Running while heavy with child had exhausted her and she asked her husband to fetch her a drink. He did not hear her, but sat down beside her to recover from Lady Catherine's accusations.
"I believe that it would be best, if we were to leave the neighbourhood for the time being," said Charlotte. "I have not seen my mother and father for some time, and the journey will remove us from Lady Catherine's wrath."
Her husband looked at her and thought hard about the proposal. "Yes, yes, I believe it would be for the best if we were to let Lady Catherine recover from the shock. I feel most extremely sorry for her, and when we go to Hertfordshire, I will do my best to dissuade Mr. Darcy from marrying my wayward cousin."
Mrs. Collins gave Mr. Collins an angry glance.
"No, you shall not do that."
"And why shall I not? I shall inform him of his aunt's disapproval and persuade him to break up his engagement from my cousin. I am certain that he will listen to a clergyman of my position."
"No," replied Charlotte firmly, "Think of the consequences. Mr. Darcy has more patronage to give; he is richer than Lady Catherine and his estate is, I am sure, much larger. You have already angered Lady Catherine, will you insult the nephew?"
"My dear Charlotte, of course not! How could you even suggest such a sin! Better to bear the anger of the less-powerful aunt, than to risk the displeasure of the more powerful nephew. But," he said, getting up and looking down at her, "you will not give your congratulations to my cousin, for she does not deserve such attention. She is, by all rights, to be looked down on. Her sly arts show that she is to be compared with the disgrace of her youngest sister. But I shall give my compliments to Mr. Darcy." He bowed to her and left the room to make preparations for the journey.
Charlotte sighed. She was happy for Elizabeth. Who would have thought it! Elizabeth was to be the wife of Mr. Darcy! She smiled as she thought of her words to Elizabeth when she visited her in April, that Charlotte had suggested to her friend that Mr. Darcy was partial to her. Elizabeth had dismissed the thought as nonsense. It would seem that her feelings had changed drastically.
She looked to where Mr. Collins had gone. She felt a wave of depression wash over her. Though she was happy for Elizabeth, she was sad for herself. Elizabeth had found a perfect marriage, with love, respect, and wealth, while she had married a buffoon, who could only promise her security in life.
Charlotte heaved herself up. Her home was slowly losing its charms for her. But she accepted it.
Charlotte went upstairs to pack her trunks, making sure her gowns were placed in exactly the right way in which Lady Catherine had advised them to be placed.
Chapter 4
Before dinner, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana awaited the arrival of Bingley's relations. They discussed when would be the best time to make Miss Bingley aware of Darcy's engagement. But sooner than expected, the carriage arrived, and they hurriedly decided not to let her know until the time came when she would be the most surprised.
Miss Bingley alighted from the carriage with the help of Mr. Hurst. She looked at the steps leading into the house and put on a charming smile as she saw her brother walk out with Jane on his arm.
"My dear brother, how lovely to see you! And Jane, I am extremely glad to know that I shall soon have the pleasure of calling you sister."
Though no longer deceived by Miss Bingley, Jane kindly gave a heartfelt and sincere thank you for her compliments.
Miss Bingley smiled even more and more sincerely as she saw Georgiana come down with Colonel Fitzwilliam. She declared it an age since she had seen the Colonel in London last winter, and to Georgiana, she heaped compliments on her musicianship, accomplishments and her beauty. Miss Darcy was too shy and unsure of Miss Bingley to do anything more except curtsey and thank her.
The most charming smile Miss Bingley was capable of producing was given to the brother, who merely stood outside the door and gave his greetings. Mrs. Hurst nudged her sister and smiled. Miss Bingley was about to offer a compliment to Mr. Darcy, when Elizabeth stepped out to stand beside him. The smile faded.
"Mr. Darcy, how delightful to see you again! I have not forgiven you for leaving us in Pemberley by ourselves while you went to London, and I demand that you make it up to me. And Miss, Eliza, this is a most unexpected . . . pleasure," The last was said with some resentment.
Bingley noticed this exchange and grinned.
"Shall we go inside?"
After dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst declared themselves to be tired from the journey and went to bed. Georgiana was called upon to perform on the pianoforte, and she proceeded to play Mozart's Sonata in C major, while Colonel Fitzwilliam stood by her side and listened. Bingley talked to Jane, leaving Darcy, Elizabeth and Miss Bingley to conversation.
"Oh Mr. Darcy, I happened to see the play by Shakespeare while I was in Town, it was Richard II. I have to admit that I do not understand the ending at all, could you explain it to me?"
"Richard II? I thought it to be Richard III," said Elizabeth.
Miss Bingley looked at her. Elizabeth sat with a puzzled expression on her face. Thinking this to be further evidence of Miss Bennet's low level of accomplishments, Miss Bingley replied, "No, it is titled Richard II."
Unseen to her, Darcy smiled and glanced at Elizabeth.
"No Miss Bingley, I must agree with Eli . . . Miss Bennet. You are mistaken. It is Richard III."
Embarrassed, Miss Bingley tried to laugh off her mistake and then repeated her question. Darcy winked at Elizabeth and, knowing that Miss Bingley had not seen the ending, said, "I thought the ending very simple. King Richard decided to give up his tyranny and become a farmer, crying, 'My kingdom for a horse!'"
Bingley, who had caught all of this, tried not to laugh. While Miss Bingley was not looking, Darcy turned around and gave his friend an amused glance.
"I would have to say that my favourite of Shakespeare's works would be 'Much Ado About Nothing'. I found the character of Beatrice most enjoyable," said Elizabeth.
"That is because her character has a very strong resemblance to yours, Lizzy," said Jane. "You both enjoy witty conversations and enjoy even more, duels of words with a young man."
Elizabeth looked at Darcy, and smiled at him, "Yes, I suppose so. Would you agree, oh Signor Mountanto?"
Darcy laughed, "Oh my dear Lady Disdain, I think I cannot argue with you there!"
Colonel Fitzwilliam came over and interrupted the light banter. He gave an apologetic smile and asked Elizabeth, "Will you excuse me, my Lady Tongue, if I steal Darcy for a moment? I need to speak with him about a matter of business."
Elizabeth said she did not mind. Jealous of her, Miss Bingley began a campaign that would discredit her in the eyes of Mr. Darcy, and with luck, separate her brother from Jane.
"Miss Eliza, how are your parents? I trust they are in good health?"
"Yes, they are."
"And all your sisters?"
"I can vouch for the good health of all, save Lydia. She has left Longbourn."
"Oh? Why?"
"She is lately married."
"Oh, allow me to give you and your family my congratulations," Miss Bingley smiled thinly. "Who, pray, is she married to?"
Elizabeth looked away and said quietly, "Mr. George Wickham."
Miss Bingley smiled; her plan was so far succeeding.
"I had heard that Mr. Wickham had eloped with a young woman . . . Surely that was not your sister!" she said in feigned disbelieve and shock.
Elizabeth refused to look at her. "Yes, it is true."
But this time, the room had become quiet. Georgiana stopped in her piece, Jane looked stricken and Bingley, with a sense of foreboding, gestured to his sister to be silent. She did not see it. The Colonel looked puzzled and Darcy was silent, his face expressionless.
Miss Bingley continued, "But I had also heard that Wickham was badly in debt and had had indiscreet . . . liaisons with various young women of Meryton. Such affairs cannot be held secret for long! Surely your sister had known of his bad character!"
Elizabeth said softly, "No, she had no knowledge of it."
"But someone must have known. A person with such information could have informed your sister of it, and so prevent the elopement and spare your family the pain I am sure they must have suffered."
With these words, Elizabeth looked at the heartless young woman, and choked back a sob.
Miss Bingley delivered her final blow.
"I am sorry to observe, that that unfortunate incident will have had an influence on the honour of your family. I must say that to some, your reputation has been stained with a blot that will be near impossible to remove. But you must not blame yourself. I, personally think that those who had withheld the knowledge of Wickham's bad character are really to blame."
Unable to bear it any longer, Elizabeth got up and walked away to the window. She stared outside, silent tears streaming down her face.
Unknown to anyone, Elizabeth still harbored a guilt that she had not made her knowledge of Wickham public. If she had, her father would have insisted on Lydia's remaining at home instead of letting her go to Brighton, and Wickham would have been prevented for making any designs on other young women. The last statement of Miss Bingley, though not said for intentional harm, had cut the most deeply.
Jane was also upset, and excusing herself, left the room. Bingley followed after her. Georgiana looked stricken, and the Colonel was shocked at Miss Bingley's bad manners and heartless words.
Darcy was unable to bear it any longer, and abandoned the charade. His expression made Miss Bingley's hopes rise for one brief second, but he strode past her to Elizabeth's side. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder and murmured something to her. In the silence that followed, Elizabeth's reply was clearly heard.
"I cannot help . . . feeling that I am guilty . . . for Lydia's disgrace. Had I told everyone of it this . . . . . it could have been prevented, and my family's honour retained . . . . . . I . . . am to blame for it . . . " Her speech trailed off as she turned and sobbed, resting her head on Darcy's shoulder. He stroked her hair, and said, "No, it is not your fault. Elizabeth, look at me." He gently turned her face towards him and continued, "The fault is no one's but Wickham's. You are not to blame. You could not have foreseen it. It is not your fault, or your sister's, that you were deceived by Wickham."
As she watched this scene, Miss Bingley looked stunned, then shocked. She could not speak a word, but looked confused, trying to understand the events around her.
The door opened and Bingley entered, without Jane. His face was grim and determined. He looked to the window where Darcy was embracing Elizabeth who was still crying, then at his sister. Bingley spoke. His words were cold and hard.
"Caroline, I must speak with you."
In the next room, Miss Bingley tried to regain herself and decided to begin on the offensive.
"Charles, what in the world is going on? I - "
Bingley cut her off, and spoke in a low tone.
"I advise, dear sister, to apologise to Elizabeth immediately. You have insulted the future mistress of Pemberley and - "
It was Miss Bingley's turn to cut him off.
"Elizabeth? Mistress of Pemberley? Charles, what are you speaking of?"
Bingley drew in a deep breath and said, "Elizabeth is the future mistress of Pemberley, Georgiana's future sister, in short, she is soon to be Darcy's wife. They have been engaged for some weeks. I advise you, if you wish to retain visiting rights to Pemberley, to apologise to her right now! And, may I add, you are in danger of losing favour with me. Jane is extremely upset, and you are rapidly losing my affection. You have not even apologised to me for your part in deceiving Jane, preventing us from meeting in London! Come now, do not deny it, Jane told me all!"
Miss Bingley was caught off-guard at this outburst. She stood there, shocked. After a while, Bingley turned and left, returning to the drawing room, leaving his sister to gather her wits.
Bingley entered the room. Jane had returned pale but with a semblance of composure, and was also comforting Elizabeth. He cleared his throat and began, "Darcy, I must apologise for my sister's shocking behaviour. Please forgive her, she is upset over her performance."
Darcy glared towards the next room. "Good," he said.
Jane left her sister and came to Bingley's side. "I hope you were not too hard on her," she said, "I am sure Miss Bingley regrets her words."
Bingley gave her a weak smile. "Yes, I am sure she does."
Elizabeth had stopped crying now. She looked away, out at the setting sun.
"I know your words are meant well, my love, but I still cannot help but wonder, what would have happened if Lydia had been prevented from going to Brighton?"
Georgiana spoke up from the end of the room, where she was sitting with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Elizabeth, do not distress yourself. It is past, and the past cannot be changed. Put it behind you, and do not worry. My brother and I will always be there to support you."
Elizabeth smiled through her tears. "Thank you."
Darcy came around to look at her.
"Elizabeth, do not cry anymore. It hurts me to see you so unhappy." He gently wiped a lone teardrop off her cheek. Her eyes were bright and she whispered, "I love you."
He bent down to kiss her. No one said anything.
The door opened and Miss Bingley came inside. She opened her mouth to apologise. Her words faded on the tip of her tongue as she saw her rival locked in a passionate kiss with Mr. Darcy.
Chapter 5
With a rumble of wheels, the carriage pulled up outside Longbourn and all four Gardiner children poured out, followed in a more dignified way, by their parents.
Mrs. Bennet greeted them all and immediately related the news of Jane and Elizabeth's engagements, which although they already knew, she could not resist telling for a second time to again hear more congratulations.
"Yes, wonderful news, sister!" said Mr. Gardiner, "But where are the two young ladies themselves?"
"Oh, they are out walking in the garden. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy usually come quite early, and I must say how wonderful it is to have Mr. Bingley living so close to Longbourn! But Lizzy is to move to Derbyshire, and I so wish for Mr. Bennet to take us all visiting to Pemberley, which I have heard, is a great estate, and Netherfield in comparison is absolutely nothing and . . . "
The rest of this diatribe was cut off by the arrival of the Netherfield gentlemen, walking with their fiancees whom they had met on the road, and leading the horse behind. Upon seeing their uncle and aunt, Jane and Elizabeth came towards them and greeted them each with a kiss. Mrs. Bennet suddenly realised that she had to arrange rooms for the Gardiners and left calling for Hill.
The Gardiner children came up and shyly said their greetings. Mr. Bingley, who had never met them before, knelt down to their level and gallantly kissed the girls' hands and bowed to the boys. Jane, as their favourite cousin, was bombarded with embraces and kisses with Elizabeth soon sharing the favour.
Mrs. Gardiner looked at Bingley's display and smiled when she thought of the day when Jane and Bingley would have children of their own. She looked over to her other niece who was being bullied by Alice, the eldest girl, into giving her an account of the way Darcy had proposed.
"Oh no, Alice," laughed Elizabeth, "that is information only Fitzwilliam and I can ever know." Darcy on the other hand, was slightly blushing, for he didn't want such information to become public.
"Well, sir, I can see you finally worked up the courage to propose to Elizabeth. When I first received her letter, my first reaction was, 'What took you so long?'" said Mr. Gardiner.
Darcy shook his head. He wasn't quite ready to deal with all the emotions that had kept him going the days before his proposal. He was saved by the arrival of Mrs. Bennet, who fussed around, saying it was cold and hustled them all inside.
Mr. Bennet was in the drawing room, reading the paper. Mr. Gardiner proposed a walk to Meryton where he could called on his sister. So Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet all went walking. Kitty and Mary also went, the former to hear the latest gossip, the latter to avail herself of the opportunity to show off her accomplishments again. They left the two sisters and the two friends to deal with the four Gardiner children.
Robert and William wanted to play outside, and went out to the garden, followed by Alice, as well as Jane and Bingley who went to look after them. This left Elizabeth and Darcy with Emily, who remembering Darcy's visit some weeks ago, went up to him and asked to sit on his lap. Permission was granted, and she curled up, looking extremely at home.
"And how have you progressed with your reading, Miss Emily?" asked Darcy to the little girl. She began to relate to him all the new stories she had read, and then progressed to anecdotes of her brothers and sister.
"Robert is very shy, he was frightened of Mr. Bingley's sister. She glared at him which made Robert hide behind Mama's dress. What does she say about you marrying Cousin Lizzy?"
The sudden change in subject left Elizabeth and Darcy at a bit of a loss. They thought back to the way Miss Bingley, after walking into the room while they were slightly 'engaged' and how she had recollected herself and then apologised for her behaviour. Feeling guilty about how they had treated her that evening, Darcy and Elizabeth had apologised for their behaviour towards her. These continual apologies had broken down the barriers between the couple and Miss Bingley, and though things were still tense between them, it looked as if their relations were heading towards a comfortable conclusion.
Emily looked into Elizabeth's face, waiting for an answer.
"I would say, she is taking it rather well, after the initial shock. At first, she was rather speechless," replied Elizabeth. "But now, she seems to accept it." To get off the still uncomfortable subject, she asked Emily, "And what would you like for Christmas, Emily?"
"A kitten."
Elizabeth suddenly remembered something and turned to Darcy. "I hope you do not mind, but I have invited my aunt and uncle as well as their children to Pemberley for Christmas."
"I don't mind at all - I am actually quite glad to hear of it. And when you arrive there Miss Emily, you shall find a kitten waiting for you, as a present for your kindness when you entertained me with your story."
Elizabeth was surprised at Darcy's tenderness to Emily and the rest of the Gardiner children. It was a side of him that she had never seen before, and she was intrigued. She remembered her words last year, when she had declared that intricate characters were more interesting than less intricate ones. She looked forward to the day when they had children of their own that they could love and care for.
Lured by shouts of laughter from outside, Emily excused herself and joined her sister and brothers in their game, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth alone in the drawing room.
Elizabeth then noticed her lover's troubled face, a fact which had escaped her notice with her occupation with her relations.
"Whatever is the matter?" When he tried to deny the existence of anything wrong, she said, "Come now, I know you too well to not realise something is the matter."
He sighed. "I have a letter. From my aunt."
Elizabeth smiled at his distress. "And what does she say of our engagement?"
He drew a letter out of his breast pocket and wordlessly handed it to her. He then got up and walked to the window, watching the children at play.
Elizabeth opened it, wondering what it contained that made Darcy so upset.
My nephew,How could you do this to me? Have you forgotten the high hopes your mother and I made for you and Anne? What did that despicable Miss Bennet do to rob you of your wits?
I cannot give you my congratulations on your forthcoming 'marriage'. I must tell you of the true character of Miss Bennet, in hopes it will bring you to your senses. Miss Eliza Bennet is a insolent, vile adventuress with eyes for your fortune, and has used her womanly wiles to captivate you! She is as dishonourable as her youngest sister who has married the son of your father's steward. How can you bear to marry into such a family that includes Mr. Wickham? Does this not shock your sense of honour?
No, of course it does not. I have forgotten that by now, that cunning girl has blunted what remains of your wits. I can do naught but despise her for all she has done. I know, that though you may think yourself happy for the present, Miss Bennet's true nature will soon assert itself and you will see her for the vile, insolent, creature she is! Her abominable, conceited independence is no substitute for the propriety and honour of Anne.
Your parents must be turning in their grave, to know that you have ignored the honour of our family and become engaged to that fool of a girl! I can but hope that this letter brings you to your senses, but if not, depend upon it, your names will never be mentioned by me ever again!
Yours, etc
Elizabeth's eyebrows were raising with every line she read. She now understood the reason for Darcy's dark mood. She looked over to him and then walked to his side.
"Don't be angry. I had expected this sort of reaction. After all, she had planned for years for her daughter's marriage, and having her plans upset so quickly must be very vexing."
"She insulted you. I am never speaking to my aunt again," muttered Darcy.
"I think it would be best if you did not write to her for a while, but after she has become accustomed to our marriage I think you should forgive her. She is, after all, your aunt."
He sighed, but then his mood turned more cheerful and he drew out a second letter. It was much shorter than the first, but ten times more delightful and a hundred times more surprising.
"These two letters are extremely interesting when compared to each other. One could not believe that Anne was her mother's daughter." He handed the second letter to Elizabeth, who leaned on his arm while reading it.
My dear cousin,Though I am sure my mother does not share my opinion, (in fact I know - I think I can hear her abusing poor Mr. and Mrs. Collins downstairs) I am extremely happy for you and Miss Elizabeth. I am delighted with your engagement, for (if you do not take offence) I did not want to marry you. My heart belongs to another . . . and I will not tell you who.
I cannot write much, in fear Mother will find me at it, and so I must conclude. Again, my best wishes for your future together.
Yours, Anne de Bourgh
Elizabeth stared out the window.
"Shall we invite Miss de Bourgh to Pemberley? She might be glad to escape her mother's wrath."
"I would be glad to - she is wonderful when she isn't in the presence of her mother, and she and Georgiana are good friends. But I think her mother will not permit her."
"True."
A commotion at the gate soon drew their attention. Darcy gave Elizabeth his arm and they went out to see what was going on. The lady's eyes widened when she saw that Mr. and Mrs. Collins had come to visit.
"Charlotte, whatever are you doing here?" asked Elizabeth. She disengaged her arm from Darcy's and ran towards her friend.
Charlotte Collins laughed. "Lizzy dear, we came because Lady Catherine was rendered exceedingly angry by a certain letter, and we decided it was in the best interests to leave the neighbourhood for a while."
"Well, if the letter we have received is any indication, Lady Catherine has not overcome her anger yet."
Charlotte smiled at Darcy who was walking towards them and said, "I congratulate you, Lizzy. You didn't believe me when I suggested that Mr. Darcy was in love with you. Do you believe me now?"
Her companion blushed when she remembered her stay in Hunsford.
"Yes, I do believe you."
By this time, Darcy had arrived and then Mr. Collins appeared beside Charlotte. He gave her a look that spoke volumes of his disapprovement, but when he saw Darcy, he began,
"My dear sir, I must say that the news of your engagement has been met with the most wonderful delight in most quarters. But I must tell you of the disapprovement of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who says . . . " His voice trailed off as he saw the look on the young man's face. " . . . but I will say nothing of that. Her ladyship is unhappy with your choice. Her lovely daughter, I am instructed to inform you, is deeply hurt and has taken to her bed and . . . " The look of impatience from Darcy, though mostly concealed, was enough to bring his monologue to an end.
"Well, my dear sir, I will say but one more thing, that Cousin Elizabeth, I am sure will adorn her rank in a most wonderful way as to give pleasure to all, and I will give you, my heartiest congratulations."
Elizabeth replied, "Thank you, sir, not only for your congratulations, but for your words to me in April, when you wished me equal felicity in marriage as the one you are experiencing."
Mr. Collins nodded and seemed to be composing a new speech, so Charlotte said, "My father is holding a party in three days time, shall I expect you all to come?"
"Of course. And this time, if your father offers me as a dancing partner to Fitzwilliam, I shall not refuse," replied Elizabeth.
The Collinses could not stay long and so after their departure, Elizabeth and Darcy went to talk to Jane and Bingley.
"Envisioning watching such scenes at Netherfield, Bingley?" asked Darcy, referring to the Gardiner children.
Bingley blushed, but replied in the affirmative.
Feeling a bit mischievous, Jane countered, "And what about you? Do you hear tiny feet racing down the halls of Pemberley?"
This time it was Darcy's turn to blush. Elizabeth laughed and said she couldn't wait.
Chapter 5 B
"Are you sure you will be all right, Lizzy?" asked Jane for the fifth time, "for I would stay and care for you instead of going to the Lucases."
"No, don't trouble yourself on my account, Jane. It is only a minor cold, it will soon pass. I do not want Bingley to be angry with me for preventing him from seeing you," replied her sister.
Elizabeth had caught a cold from when she had gone walking without her coat. Now she was sitting in bed on the night of the Lucas Lodge party.
"I am nearly well - I might even be able to walk to Lucas Lodge and join the party later on tonight."
"Walk! all by yourself, at night to Lucas Lodge?" exclaimed Jane, "Dear Lizzy, you cannot be serious!"
"Oh believe me I am. It is only half a mile over the field to reach there, and it is a full moon tonight, so I shan't injure myself." At her sister's astounded look, Elizabeth added, "But I think that will be unlikely. Give my love to Fitzwilliam and Georgiana when you arrive."
Their mother's voice from downstairs urged Jane to hurry her good-bye. Jane gave her sister a kiss and left her.
After the door had shut, Elizabeth went to sleep.
The Netherfield guests were some of the first to arrive. The gentlemen looked in vain for Jane and Elizabeth, but could not see them. Georgiana was soon trapped by Mr. Collins, whose long winded speeches soon tired her. Seeing Georgiana's predicament, Miss Bingley went to her side and neatly deflected Mr. Collins's attempts at furthering the conversation. Maria talked to Colonel Fitzwilliam about the various soldiers he knew, while Bingley talked to Charlotte.
Eager to give his congratulations, Sir William Lucas walked up to Darcy, who resigned himself to the meeting, but was prepared to listen.
"My dear sir, this is wonderful news! I had suspected your forthcoming happiness for some time; I even wrote to my son-in-law about it. When I observed yourself and Miss Elizabeth dancing at Netherfield, and then visiting your aunt, and hearing she had traveled to your fine estate in Derbyshire, who could doubt the conclusion?"
"Thank you sir."
"Oh, you are extremely fortunate in your choice of wife. You have, I must say, carried off the brightest jewel of the country!"
Darcy smiled at this, but said nothing.
"And I hope that we shall see you both at the court of St. James, very soon?"
Darcy was spared from answering by the arrival of the Bennet family and the Gardiners. He politely excused himself and walked over to them.
Jane greeted him, then said, "I am afraid Lizzy cannot join us tonight. She has a slight cold, and is resting at Longbourn."
At this news, any prospect for the rest of the evening was soured. As it was only eight o'clock, he did not look forward to it.
As more guests arrived, he tried to avoid any confrontations, mostly unsuccessfully. After listening to Mrs. Phillips, he was quite ready to leave, but refrained from doing so. He bore it with admirable calmness.
Seeing his face, Miss Bingley went up to him after Mrs. Phillips had left to talk to Mrs. Gardiner.
"I can guess the subject of your reverie," she said.
Unsure if she was being kind or was preparing for a malicious remark, he replied that he was missing the company of Elizabeth.
"But of course you are, why don't you ride to Longbourn and see her?" she said kindly, "Your presence will not be greatly missed; we will understand why you have left, and nobody will fault you for it."
"It would be terribly rude to Sir William."
"Do you really care what that self-important man thinks?" she retorted, proving her spiteful tongue was not entirely cured. "Everyone knows that you are hopelessly in love with her, and will only think you are being the romantic young lover who cannot bear to live without her."
Darcy looked at her. "I confess I am surprised at your advice. Why are you doing this?"
His companion smiled. "My brother has told me that I have been acting in a most unladylike way towards Miss Eliza and her family. I have been behaving in a way not suited for a lady of fashion. I wish to make it up to you."
Darcy was surprised, but decided to trust her. "I thank you. Will you look after Georgiana while I am gone?"
Miss Bingley agreed, and Darcy quietly slipped out and fetched his horse.
He rode across the field, giving the horse the freedom to run. Longbourn soon came into view, and Darcy tethered his horse before knocking on the door. The housekeeper answered it. He silenced her before she could inform Elizabeth of his coming. She smiled and gave him the directions to Elizabeth's room.
The door was slightly ajar, and he softly opened it. The room was illuminated by a candle, and Elizabeth slept on the bed. Her hair was down and tangled around her white nightdress, and a small smile lit her face. Darcy leaned on the door frame, content to look.
The sound of his breathing woke her up. Her eyes widened when she say him there.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked.
"Much better, now that I've slept. I must say it was delightful and surprising to wake up to your face. But I suppose I shall get used to it."
Her companion blushed, then covered it by sitting on the bed.
"I hope I was not disturbing you," he said.
"Not at all. How did you manage to escape the notice of the guests and leave to see me?"
"Miss Bingley managed to cover my departure. It was very kind of her - she suggested that I come to see you."
"Well as I am quite well, I shall get dressed and go thank her."
"There's no hurry."
"Oh?"
"I think you look very lovely the way you are."
Only now did Elizabeth notice her attire. She tried to look for her shawl to cover herself but as it was on the chair in front of the vanity mirror, it was impossible to reach. She looked down, embarrassed.
Sensing this, Darcy got up. "Are you well enough to go?"
Elizabeth got out of her bed. "Yes, thank you. Don't go yet," she said as he turned to leave her to change, "help me choose what to wear."
She moved to the closet and pulled out some dresses. Feeling very uncomfortable with such things, Darcy coughed and said, "I, ah, anything you choose; it matters not to me. You will always look beautiful."
Elizabeth's dark eyes gave him a look from which he did not break away, and in the end she was the one who broke the contact.
"I, ah, will wait downstairs."
A few minutes later, she came down the stairs, wearing the dress she had worn to the Netherfield ball. Darcy smiled at the sight and he took her hand.
"Are we walking?" asked Elizabeth, shivering slightly in the chill wind.
Darcy drew her closer and said, "No, we shall ride."
When Elizabeth expressed her concern, he added, "Don't worry; I will not let you fall."
Despite her fears, Elizabeth found herself enjoying it. With Darcy sitting behind her and holding her, she knew she was perfectly safe.
The full moon was high in the sky, and Darcy drew in his horse and stopped. The reins dropped from his hands and he drew his arms around Elizabeth, who was still quite cold.
His closeness to her was making her warm . . . . . too warm in fact. She stared at the moon, then turned around to face him.
"I would be content to stay this way forever . . . ." she murmured into his coat. She shivered, and it wasn't from the cold.
Mistaking this, he bent down to kiss her.
It was quite some time later when they remembered that there was a party going on, and that they were late.
Although his departure had gone relatively unnoticed, their arrival caused a silence to descend upon the house. Everybody looked at them with knowing looks. Maria whispered to Kitty in a way that the whole room could hear, "I wonder what took them so long?"
"Can you not?" replied Kitty loudly.
The couple turned red, but were saved by Jane who asked Georgiana to play for the company. After her delightful performance, Mary insisted on following.
Though slightly better than last time, it was by no means as good as the first performer of the evening. She was prevented from continuing with another song by Georgiana.
"Your technique is so much better than mine. I hope we shall meet often; you can help me with my fingering, and I can help you with your singing."
Pleased with the notice of Miss Georgiana, whom she had heard as the most accomplished girl in the country, Mary readily agreed, to the relief of all.
While Elizabeth was talking with Jane, Darcy was improving the relations between him and their father. He knew that Mr. Bennet would feel his second daughter's loss exceedingly, and so tried to console him.
"Mr. Bennet, let me thank you again for granting me your consent," said he.
"And what would you have done had I not consented, Mr. Darcy?" replied Mr. Bennet.
"In truth, I would have asked Elizabeth to come to Scotland."
"I have no doubt of that - watching the two of you together is quite interesting. If it were not for the people around you, I would think you would give my daughter a kiss." He sighed, and grinned at the young man's obvious discomfort. "I should hate you, sir, for stealing away my daughter, but I cannot. Elizabeth is so happy, and from what she has told me, I think she deserves you."
"You will always be welcome at Pemberley."
"I thank you - I shall be coming quite often, in my desperation to hold a rational conversation." Mr. Bennet remembered something and gave his future son-in-law a slight smile, and lowered his voice. "I understand that the credit of my youngest daughter's preserved reputation belongs to you. I am an honourable man, and I must repay you. . . . "
His words were cut off by Darcy's embarrassed face.
"No sir, I beg you will do no such thing. I did it for one very good reason, and I am perfectly content."
"And what is that reason?" asked Mr. Bennet, knowing very well what the reason was.
"Because I love Elizabeth."
Darcy turned away, as if unsure about this openness of his emotions. Understanding, Mr. Bennet let him walk away.
Mr. Bennet gave a bitter-sweet smile. He was losing his favourite daughter, but he was happy for her. She was to marry a man who certainly deserved her, was worthy of her, and importantly, hopelessly in love with her.
He watched as Darcy took Elizabeth's hand and whispered something to her. She laughed, and kissed his cheek when she thought no one would notice.
Yes, he thought, Elizabeth will be happy with her partner in life.