Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of December 22, 1998
Jump to new as of December 26, 1998
Jump to new as of January 3, 1999
Chapter 6
With the wedding only a week away, preparations began in earnest.
The first problem were the dresses; Mrs. Bennet insisted on getting them from London, while her daughters and sister-in-law were adamant on having the dresses they had picked out from the seamstress's shop in Meryton.
"Mama, these are perfectly good. There is no need to go to London," said Jane.
"No! you have to be married in the best cloth, which can only be got in Town!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. "Oh, Jane, Lizzy, you are to married to such important and rich husbands, I do not want you disgraced!"
"Sister, calm yourself. Mrs. Haris has done a wonderful job. We do not have the time to go to London," replied Mrs. Gardiner. "Besides, I do not think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy will look at their attire when they see them - their minds will be too full on what is to come."
When Mrs. Bennet insisted on going to London, Mrs. Gardiner said, "Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy have already ordered them, and they were quite happy."
"Aunt!" gasped Elizabeth. "I told you not to let them buy it! We are perfectly able to afford these dresses."
"Oh no, they insisted upon it. Let them be, Lizzy. Husbands always adore buying gifts for their loved ones."
With this Mrs. Bennet quickly changed her mind, and said the dresses were perfect.
Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner, not wanting to become involved with the preparations, had accepted Bingley's invitation to go shooting. Darcy declined to join them. While his mind had been agreeably engaged elsewhere during the past few weeks, letters and such from Pemberley had been accumulating. So he resigned himself to sorting through these.
After answering two inquires on tenants, one on land allocation, three complaints on a farmer's wandering sheep and six letters of congratulation, he reached a short letter from Mrs. Reynolds. It was as follows:
Dear Sir,The harvest was extremely good this year, and we shall have extra to sell and produce a profit. One of your horses has had to be put down - it was ill with colic. One of the servants was dismissed for being lax in her duties, but I have hired a Miss Hannah, formerly of the Lambton Inn.
I hope you do not mind, but I have taken the liberty of altering some aspects of Pemberley. Space has been cleared in the picture gallery, and Miss Georgiana's portrait displayed, and room has been reserved for another. I have done up the master bedroom, as well as the nursery.
I speak for all of us here when we all give you - and Miss Bennet our most heartfelt congratulations. You should have seen your sister, sir, when she first received your letter; skipping from the room and crying it out to the whole household. I must say it was quite a surprise, and a welcome change from the quiet creature Miss Georgiana usually is.
I hope you will not think me too impertinent when I add, from myself, that I was extremely taken with Miss Bennet when she visited in the summer. I will be so bold as to inform you, when I was showing her and her relatives the portrait gallery, she stood for a full ten minutes in front of your picture, sir.
I eagerly await your arrival home.
Yours, etc.
Darcy found himself laughing at the picture of his shy sister shouting. He was very pleased, as he found it further proof of Georgiana's delight in having Elizabeth for a sister.
He had to smile when his housekeeper reported on the changes she had made to the parts of the house that would be the most affected by Elizabeth's arrival. The picture gallery, the bedroom . . .
At this thought, he blushed, "Mrs. Reynolds, I am going to give you a long talk . . . " Darcy muttered to himself, but then immediately gave up that idea. Mrs. Reynolds would merely smile and take his words (if he could prevent himself from blushing) with all politeness.
It might be best if the wedding night was not spent at Pemberley. And besides, it was two days ride away, so the idea was not practical.
A soft knock on the door was heard. "Come in."
Georgiana came inside. "How are you, brother?"
Darcy groaned. "I have let this all slip too far, and now I am paying for it. I would much rather spend the day in . . . "
"Elizabeth's company?" she inquired, raising a delicate eyebrow.
"Yes," he replied. He handed her the letter from Mrs. Reynolds. "Read that."
She read through it, then looked up with an wicked smile.
"I'm sure she meant well," she said, knowing her brother was shy on that particular subject connected with the bedroom. "I'm sure your bedroom has been done up beautifully, if, er, when you get around to noticing it."
Darcy began to glare at her, which was not very effective with a small smile on his face.
Georgiana did not tease her brother often, but when she did, she never lost the advantage.
"I'm sure she fixed the lock on your door as well . . . "
When Darcy jestingly got up, she flew out of the room, leaving only a silvery laugh behind.
He sat back down, trying not to think too much on the subject, which would lead to daydreams, which would mean he still had to complete his work. Before his thoughts drifted too far he realised was a lot of work to finish.
After a while, the pile had diminished significantly. Darcy decided to leave the rest, and ride to Longbourn.
"Oh Lizzy, Jane, please, please, please can I be the bridesmaid?" begged Kitty, holding a veil.
"Of course! we could have no other," said Jane. "But we would need another, who have you asked, Lizzy?"
"Maria. Mary and Georgiana do not wish to be the centre of so much attention. I tried to tell them that all the attention will be focused on us, but they still did not wish for it."
"Is Darcy going to stand up for Charles?"
"Yes, and Bingley will do the same."
Their mother came in to see them try on the dresses.
"Oh Jane, you look extremely beautiful! And my dear Lizzy, why have you changed back already? I had not seen you in your gown. Kitty, put that down, you might tear it, and then what will we do? Oh, these veils are so delicate, the London ones are able to endure much more. Jane, do not sit like that, the dress will be crumpled!"
"Mama," asked Elizabeth, "have you arranged for the flowers?"
"Yes of course. I dare say Miss Darcy will catch one of the bouquets - she is very likely to marry next, what with her large fortune."
"Mother!"
"But that is the truth - fortune is very important in a match, more so than love or respect nowadays."
"MOTHER! How can you say that?" exclaimed Elizabeth.
"But it is true. And another thing I must add, the first and most important duty a wife must perform is produce an heir for her husband. After that, you may do as you choose."
Jane and Elizabeth looked at their mother in shock.
"How can you be so mercenary, mother?"
"Mercenary? I'll have you know I am only looking out for the fortunes of your husbands's estates! It is extremely vital that it should stay in the family, and not be entailed away like Longbourn has. Oh, Mrs. Collins will turn me out of this house after your father is dead, and I must rely on you girls to assist me after that melancholy event!"
Elizabeth could no longer stand it. She hurriedly excused herself and walked outside.
On the lane outside, she stormed away in no particular direction. She took no notice of her whereabouts, concentrating on the naive and stupid comments of her mother. She took off her bonnet and held it in her hand instead.
"How can she believe such nonsense?" she said to herself, stomping through the woods, "Does she believe we are marrying for money?"
The tree branches pulled at her hair, until it fell out of its position, causing it to fall about her shoulders.
"Does she not know that only the very deepest love can induce me to matrimony? Money means little! Insufferable presumption!"
Lost in her angry thoughts, she wandered further and further away. When she finally took heed of her surroundings, she saw she was in a part of the woods in which she was unfamiliar.
Turning around, she began to walk back the way she came. Only after some minutes walking did she come to realise that she was completely lost.
More angry than worried at first, she scowled and began to walk in another direction. This only made her more and more confused.
Finally, she reached a stream. Tired, she sat on the bank and thought. She knew she would be found sooner or later. She just hoped it would be sooner, rather than later.
A sudden, cold gust of wind caused her to shiver. She embraced herself, trying to keep warm. Her bonnet fell into the stream and floated away.
Elizabeth's black mood turned even darker.
Seeing a hollow in a nearby tree, she decided to rest there until help arrived.
Exhilarated, Darcy rode his horse across the field, happy with just being alive. They jumped over a stream; and then he noticed a familiar bonnet lying on the bank. He dismounted and picked it up. He looked upstream. The trees were too dense to ride the horse in, so he tethered it to a tree, hoping to return soon.
At Longbourn, the whole house was in confusion, for no one had seen Elizabeth for some hours, and she was nowhere to be found.
Chapter 7
Elizabeth looked outside of her spacious shelter at the setting sun. All hopes of being found before dark were disappearing. She shivered in the cold air, and hoped that it would not snow.
Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner returned from Netherfield only to be greeted by Kitty flying down the stairs on the verge of tears.
"Oh Papa!" she cried, "Lizzy has gone missing! We have not seen her for hours!"
"Calm down Kitty," replied her father, who tried to take his own advice. "Where did she go?"
"To the woods. But she cannot be lost - she's always walking in them!"
"The woods are extensive, and Lizzy does not know all of it," said her uncle. "Come brother. We must organise a search party immediately!"
After walking for two miles, Darcy had still not come across the owner of the bonnet. He judged that if he had walked so far and still not found her, then she must be very deep in the woods.
Then, as the sun disappeared and after another two miles, he saw, on the opposite bank, two dainty shoes peeping out from inside a tree.
Men armed with torches and dogs combed the area. Soon, they had to call off the search, for it had begun to snow. Heavily.
In the parlour at Netherfield, the inhabitants were getting worried. The horse Darcy had borrowed that day had returned riderless, and news had just arrived that Elizabeth was also missing.
Though Miss Bingley was trying to curb her cattiness, she had not fully succeeded.
"Perhaps they could not wait another week and have eloped to Scotland," she sneered.
"Caroline!" snapped her brother, "Will you please be silent?"
"It's starting to snow," said Colonel Fitzwilliam from the window.
Georgiana, near the fire, began to cry.
"Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are outdoors on such a night!"
"Where did Darcy plan to go?" asked the Colonel.
"Longbourn, to see Elizabeth," said Georgiana.
"Are the search parties looking for both of them?" said Bingley.
"Yes, I sent a message to the group," replied the Colonel.
"Are they looking for them separately? For all we know, they could be together."
"What on earth could have happened?"
"I think they went walking and became lost, and now are unable to find their way back in the snow."
Bingley came to a decision to go to Longbourn and give them all the help he could give. His invitation for others to come with him was taken up by Colonel Fitzwilliam. They saddled the horses and rode away.
"Elizabeth!" called Darcy from one bank.
The lady in question scrambled out and waved.
"Oh, I am so glad to see you!"
"Wait there, I'll come over."
He stared at the water before him. It was not running swiftly, but swimming was out of the question due to the cold temperature. It was too far to jump, and there were no stepping stones . . . but there was a dead tree.
He informed Elizabeth of his plan, then threw to her his coat, hat and shoes. Then he climbed onto the tree and inched his way across.
About a metre from Elizabeth's bank, the tree, unable to bear his weight, broke.
He fell into the cold water, but then swam quickly to the other side, where Elizabeth dragged him out and embraced him, trying to get him warm.
Upon arrival at Longbourn, the two gentlemen found the house in complete chaos. Jane was near to tears and Bingley hurriedly went to comfort her. Mr. Bennet was talking to Mr. Gardiner, while Mrs. Gardiner, Mary and Kitty were trying to calm down Mrs. Bennet.
"Oh what is to become of our dear Lizzy?" cried she, sitting down near the fire, "She will be killed by a wild animal, I am sure of it!"
"Now don't be silly. Lizzy is a very sensible girl, and there are no dangerous animals in these woods," said Mrs. Gardiner, who had just put the children to sleep.
"If not that, she will freeze to death! Oh, I had told her so many times not to go into the woods, but would she listen to me? No, reckless girl, she would have none of it! Oh, sister, I am in such a state! Look, I am very unwell! I have flutterings all over me, pains in my head, my nerves are going to pieces and my heart is sure to pound itself to pieces as well!"
"Mother, why don't you sleep and rest yourself?" asked Kitty.
"No! As soon as news about Lizzy arrives, I want to know about it!"
"What does Mr. Darcy know of this, Colonel?" asked Mr. Gardiner.
"I would not know - he is also missing."
"What?! Where is he?"
"A farmer said he had seen a man fitting Darcy's description follow the stream into the woods."
"Then maybe Elizabeth and he are lost together."
"One can hope for it."
In the tree shelter, Darcy began to shiver. Elizabeth pulled him closer to her and rubbed his shoulders. She looked outside.
"Oh no! Look, it is snowing."
"Just what we need, and we are already cold enough!" said Darcy. He looked at Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, what on earth are you doing out here?"
She blushed. "I, ah, Mama had said something that shocked me greatly, and I needed to leave the house. In my anger, I walked deep into the woods and found myself lost."
"What did she say that made you so angry?"
She turned a brighter red. "About how fortune is more important than love or respect, and how producing an heir for the estate is the only and most important duty of a wife."
Elizabeth was glad for the darkness, for Darcy could not see how embarrassed and angry she was.
"I disagree with all that she has said. Money is not what concerns me in a marriage. I told Jane that only the very deepest love can induce me to matrimony. It proves how well Mother knows me, for she doesn't understand it."
"And is that the reason why you have consented to marry me?"
"Yes."
Silence between them.
"Do you think they are still searching for us?" asked Elizabeth.
"I am afraid they may have called off the search with the coming of snow."
"Then we may not be found until morning."
"Yes."
"So we shall have to spend the night in this tree."
"Yes."
The fact of them spending the night there together was unspoken, but nevertheless, the both knew it and did not look at each other.
Trying to find a subject of conversation, Elizabeth began, "Georgiana is very shy, she hardly speaks except to you or the Colonel, and now me."
"Shy?" Darcy laughed. "Yes, she is most of the time, but you have not seen how merciless her teasing can be. Why only this afternoon, she teased me about . . . " His voice trailed off as he remembered the content of their conversation.
"About?" she prompted him.
"About the parts of Pemberley house Mrs. Reynolds had altered."
"And?"
"My sister teased me about the arrangements Mrs. Reynolds had made to my bedroom. She said that she was sure the housekeeper had fixed the lock on the door too."
"Oh."
"She had done up the nursery as well."
"Oh."
She shivered. Darcy enfolded her in his coat.
"Shall we spend the wedding night at Netherfield?" she asked dreamily.
"I don't know - Jane and Bingley might want some privacy."
"If they want true privacy, then maybe they should come here. We must be miles away from any home."
"We at least have each other," he whispered in her ear.
Some snow blew onto Elizabeth's leg, where it very quickly melted. She looked up at him, trying to make out his features in the dim light. She reached up and brushed away some stray locks of hair on his face.
"I've always wanted to do that," she murmured. "I - "
Her words were cut off as he bent down to kiss her.
Elizabeth started thinking; This is not right. We have to wait a while longer . . . after the wedding. The part of her that stood by propriety told her to stop, but she was enjoying it too much. Finally it has he who broke it off.
"I . . . .don't think we should . . . . I won't be able to stop myself," he said.
"I agree."
He stopped and thought.
"One more, then we shall sleep."
He stopped, blushing at the way his words must have sounded.
"I didn't mean that."
"Oh?" she said, looking at him knowingly. "I suppose no one would find out." She shot him a playful glance.
"I think my aunt was right when she said I was totally bewitched by you."
"But you love me for it."
"Yes."
She pulled him closer and kissed him again. Darcy stroked her unbound hair and held her tightly. They soon fell asleep.
Posted on Saturday, 2 January 1999
It was about midnight, and it had stopped snowing. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley had left Longbourn, promising to begin the search again as soon as the sun rose.
None of the Bennet family wanted to sleep, but the exhaustion and worries of the day soon closed their eyes.
Elizabeth woke up in the middle of the night with two feelings, one of pleasure and another of discomfort.
She looked outside, it had stopped snowing, but the entrance was nearly completely covered. The feeling of discomfort was centred on her legs, where a blanket of snow was making her feet very cold.
The feeling of pleasure was more easily found. She sighed and snuggled further into Darcy's arms, and looked at him. His face was peaceful, though very white from the cold. Trying not to disturb his sleep, she reached up and touched his face. Darcy woke up.
"I'm sorry, go back to sleep," she whispered.
"I cannot, it's too cold."
She turned around to embrace him.
"Is that better, love?"
Darcy closed his eyes and said yes and held her closer.
"Has it stopped snowing?"
"Yes. I think it is about midnight."
"So we still have to wait a long time before we are found."
"We do not have to stay here and wait to be found by others - we can easily walk ourselves. The woods cannot go on forever."
"I can imagine the reactions of each person when they see us extremely dirty, wet and half-frozen."
"One can hope they will be too concerned with getting us into a warm bed to ask too many questions."
"Yes, the knowing looks and sly glances sent our way might be too much to bear after such an ordeal."
"Mother will be fussing over us and will be telling me to rest myself, and at the same time keeping me awake with her ceaseless talk."
"Bingley will merely be concerned, but Georgiana and my cousin, after reassuring themselves of my safety will no doubt begin to drop subtle hints about what they imagine happened this night."
Elizabeth giggled. "Let them imagine what they like. Nothing happened, and nothing will happen until the night of December 12." She blushed, then quickly changed the subject. "I never knew your relatives could behave in such a way."
"Believe me, my sister and cousin's favourite pastime together is to tease and laugh at me."
"I think it is good for you, you need to learn to laugh at yourself. My dear Fitzwilliam, you can be too serious at times. In fact, my aunt Gardiner, when she wrote to me informing me of your role in Lydia's marriage, said that if we were to marry, I could teach you the one quality you lacked, which was liveliness."
"Am I really that boring?" he asked her. "I never knew that."
"No. I can now tell that your lack of interest at social gatherings was really due to shyness, and you are, as you said, ill-qualified to recommend yourself to strangers."
Darcy thought back on his behaviour before his undiplomatic proposal at Hunsford, when the lady in his lap had accused him of and opened his mind to his faults.
"I have tried to improve myself. Have I been succeeding?"
"Yes."
"Am I now a dull person?"
"You never were."
A comfortable silence reigned for a few minutes, before he spoke again.
"Do you know what I love most about you?"
"I don't know, there are many reasons, I would think."
"Your vivacity and intelligence, and the small fact that you only have to look at me once with those beautiful eyes of yours and I am yours forever."
Elizabeth smiled at this, and was pleased and scared at the same time of being able to hold such power over him. She said, "And I . . . when you look at me, I feel as if I am flying, floating in absolute happiness."
"Well, we had better refrain from looking at each other, or we would never get anything done."
They laughed at this.
"I shall be sad to leave Longbourn," murmured Elizabeth, "I grew up there, I have lived there for all of my life. And though I do not dislike the prospect of leaving it for Pemberley, nevertheless I am a bit apprehensive. I shall be leaving all I have ever known and all my loving family . . . . to become part of another family who loves me just as dearly."
Tears welled up at the thought of leaving. Her mother, though rather empty-headed, was still her mother, and her father, she would miss his witty observations and dry humour. Her conversations with Kitty, when no longer under the influence of Lydia, were refreshing and she enjoyed helping her younger sister in a new, proper direction. Even Mary's quotes from great philosophers she would miss. And Jane, her most beloved sister, she would miss their intimate conversations, their walks and just the sense of Jane being there to comfort her and she being there for Jane in times of need.
Darcy spoke softly, "I have a sense of what you must feel. When my mother, and then my father, died, I couldn't bear it. I kept thinking I would see them, in the weeks after their demise. But they were no longer there. Mother would never again comfort me when I needed comfort, I could no longer go to my father and ask him about something I didn't understand. And I had no one to comfort me; I helped Georgiana through it, all the while holding back my own tears while she wept on my shoulder."
"I at least, will be able to visit my family and write to them. And I have you to comfort me," said Elizabeth. She looked at his face. He was staring at something she couldn't see, not noticing her. Darcy shook himself out of his reverie and took Elizabeth's hands in his own.
"Whatever you feel, remember I will always be there for you."
Elizabeth looked at him, and drew him closer, then kissed him.
"Thank you," she murmured quietly.
Neither of them wanted to be the first to break it off, and so the kiss lasted for a long time.
Rather tired, they both fell asleep again, a state which they would remain in until morning.
Colonel Fitzwilliam walked along the stream looking for any trace of the two missing people. He hoped they were lost together, for it had been a rather cold night, and two together would be much warmer than one . . .
He stopped in mid-step, and grinned. It wasn't very likely, since the two people in question were honourable people, but yet . . .
Well, it was only six days until the wedding. Maybe, as Miss Bingley had said, they were rather impatient. Then he shook his head as logic set in. The chances of them finding each other were not that great in so extensive a wood, and so it was more than likely they had spent the night apart, totally unaware of each other. And rather cold.
He walked down the banks of the stream, finding the snow was only up to his ankle which was pleasing, for if it wasn't so deep, then maybe the night had not been so cold.
Suddenly he heard voices in front, which he immediately identified as his cousin and Miss Elizabeth. Well, talk about luck! he thought. Now, did they meet each other just then, or last night?
"Cousin!" called Darcy when the Colonel came into view . . . on the other side of the stream. "We're over here! Oh, you are on that side. I advise you not to attempt to cross, I tried, and unfortunately I fell in."
"I can see that," said the Colonel looking meaningfully at the pair. Elizabeth looked rather dirty and cold, while his cousin was in an even worse shape, still damp and also dirty. The looks on their faces did not match the seriousness of the situation. Both looked extremely happy and Elizabeth had her arm in Darcy's and looked strangely content . . . sort of.
"Well, I suppose, we can both walk upstream until we reach the bridge that I crossed earlier. Then we can get the two of you some food, you must be famished! and into a warm bed." The Colonel listened to his words, and thought about how improper they sounded. He began to speak hastily, trying to fix his mistake. "Let me say that again - get you home, Miss Elizabeth, and my wayward cousin back to Netherfield."
Part 9
The trio, consisting of Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy emerged from the trees and into the company of Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Gardiner, not far from Longbourn.
"Lizzy dear, thank God you're safe!" cried her father. "Whatever possessed you to go into the woods by yourself?"
"Darcy!" said his friend, holding the tethers of two horses, while another was tied to a tree, "Are you all right? Georgiana has been worried sick about you!"
"We both quite well, apart from being extremely cold and very hungry," said Elizabeth. She was very tired and wanted nothing more to go to bed.
Noticing her fatigue, Mr. Gardiner hurriedly took Elizabeth and led her to Longbourn.
"Why on earth did you go into the woods?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam to his cousin, when Elizabeth and her relatives had gone.
Bingley saw that his friend was exhausted, and leaning on his cousin's arm for support. They got on their horses and left quickly for Netherfield.
Elizabeth was tucked up in bed, rather drowsy after having a large breakfast in bed. She tried to go to sleep, which she had had little of last night due to something . . . or more precisely, someone. But she could not rest, for Mrs. Bennet came flying into the room, her hair still in their curling papers and immediately began scolding her.
"Oh, Lizzy, child, why oh why did you go into the woods? I have told you so many times that those woods are dangerous, and that respectable young ladies do not go walking by themselves! Oh, I was certain you would freeze to death! or that you would be killed by some wild animal, and then what would we do? Mr. Darcy would be heartbroken, and then we could not have the rights to visit Derbyshire! And then we heard Mr. Darcy was missing, no doubt in search of you! See how much trouble you have been causing, miss! You have no compassion on my poor nerves, for last night they were fluttering away, and I was sure that I should faint, and I could get no rest at all!"
Mrs. Bennet continued in this vein for quite some time. Elizabeth pretended to sleep, and ten minutes later, her mother noticed this and left the room.
Her charade soon became reality, and she fell at once into pleasant dreams, mostly concentrating on last nights activities in the tree.
When she awoke, Jane was sitting on the chair.
"Oh, Lizzy, I am so glad you are safe! Are you feeling better? for no doubt you were extremely cold and hungry last night. You might have fallen sick."
"Jane, I am quite well, do not worry."
"But I am curious as to how you managed to keep warm last night. My room, even with the fire lit was quite cold. I shudder to think how cold you must have been."
Elizabeth began to blush.
Jane noticed this, but pretended not to. "Mr. Darcy was also missing in the woods last night. Did you happen upon each other?"
Elizabeth turned even redder, but said yes.
"When?"
"Last night."
There was some silence after this, then the reason for her sister's red face suddenly dawned on her.
"Surely you did not - "
Elizabeth quickly reassured Jane.
"No, no, it is not what you imagine. But still," she added, looking at her sister and trying not to laugh, "How do you think I was kept so warm last night?"
Darcy was sitting in bed, looking at his sister and cousin, dreading the barrage of questions to come.
"What were you doing in the woods last night?" asked Georgiana with wide eyes.
He groaned inwardly; there was no use hiding anything from her - he had brought her up too well.
"I was searching."
"For - ?" pressed Colonel Fitzwilliam, leaning closer.
Oh, no, why both of them? thought Darcy.
"I was searching for Elizabeth." Seeing his sister and cousin's reactions, he quickly added, "I had found her bonnet downstream, so I went upstream in search of her."
"Did you find her?" asked Georgiana.
"He did - I found them talking together," said her cousin.
"Oh?" she replied, raising one eyebrow. "And when did you find her?"
Darcy was spared a reply by the entrance of Miss Bingley.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy, I am so glad you were found in good health. I was quite distraught last night. I kept imagining all sorts of horrible things that could happen. You could have been attacked by a wild animal, you certainly must have been extremely cold!"
Miss Bingley continued in her cries of relief, but not once did she inquire about his fiancee. Finally, before the group in Darcy's bedroom began to think about pushing her out, Mr. Bingley came in, sized up the situation and gently moved his sister out, leaving them alone.
Georgiana soon also left to partake her breakfast.
Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to his cousin with narrowed eyes.
"I, too am curious as to your means of warmth last night. How . . . "
His voice trailed off, for his cousin was blissfully asleep.
Exhaustion was the only thing that had to be cured, and so the very next day, the Netherfield party, excepting Miss Bingley, her sister and brother-in-law, went to Longbourn.
The greetings went as they usually did. Bingley kissed Jane's hand, as did Darcy to Elizabeth. Georgiana went to talk to Mary about music and other things, and Kitty soon joined them, having become good friends with Miss Darcy. The Colonel talked to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner about the latest news on the French, and the Gardiner children attached themselves to various people throughout the day, watched carefully by their mother.
The disappearance of Darcy and Elizabeth two nights before was the topic of the day, and to escape questions, the pair in question went out to the garden.
Feeling rather mischievous, Elizabeth bent down and made a snowball. This missile was immediately launched towards the gentleman in front of her, and it knocked off his hat.
Turning around in surprise, which melted into mock-anger, Darcy retaliated - and missed. Throwing another one at him, Elizabeth ran away to hide.
Noticing this commotion, the Gardiner children slipped outside and split up. Emily and Robert joined Mr. Darcy, while Alice, seeing Elizabeth, ran after her with William following.
"Well, it is wonderful to have some allies!" said Darcy to the little boy and girl. Emily looked at him solemnly and picked up some snow, then went in search of the other team.
Robert was quickly ambushed by Alice, who hurled a snowball at his back. It hit, but soon she fled for her life back to the house as her brother ran after her with a rather large snowball.
Emily walked around looking for her elder brother William. She saw him at the same time he saw her. Snowballs were immediately lobbed towards each other, and more followed. Though very little of them hit, the two children were having so much fun they no longer cared.
This noise caused Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to come outside. Mrs. Gardiner immediately began to scold them for being outside in the cold without a coat. Bingley, Jane, the Colonel and Georgiana also came out, and tried not to laugh, for the two ruffians were smiling away, obviously hearing not a word of the lecture they were given. Then their attention was turned to the back of the house, where laughter was heard.
Elizabeth, holding a snowball, saw Darcy's hat just above the hedge, obviously lying in wait for her to come closer. She crept to the hedge, intending to attack from behind.
Behind her, Mr. Darcy, without his hat, ran up and caught her. She began to laugh, which turned into a gasp of shock as he put a snowball down her dress.
"That is in return for the one you gave me!" he whispered into her ear. Elizabeth glowered at him; the effect was ruined by her smile. The cold water down her back made her shiver.
"Are you cold?" said Darcy, his voice full of concern.
"Yes, in fact I am quite cold."
This fact was quickly remedied by the gentleman coming closer, embracing her and then giving her a long kiss.
"Is that better?"
Before she could answer, the Gardiner children came into the area, followed by their parents, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The children began to giggle at the sight, and then Colonel Fitzwilliam, struggling to keep a straight face, said,
"Perhaps we should leave?"
Elizabeth didn't feel like moving away from Darcy, but blushed and looked at Col. Fitzwilliam.
He went on.
"Or maybe we should let you become lost in the woods again?"
Darcy made a snowball and looked at his cousin threateningly.
"Oh, Fitzwilliam, surely you are not think of hitting me with that? Do you not remember our snow fights at Pemberley? And the fact that I always won?"
Mrs. Bennet's voice was heard calling them all for lunch.
Before Elizabeth could go upstairs to change, Hill came up to her and gave her a letter from Lydia.
Posted on Saturday, 2 January 1999
Elizabeth opened Lydia's letter, fully expecting words of congratulation, and she was not fully disappointed.
My dear Lizzy,I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as much as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich; and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham will like a place at court very much; and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do of about three or four hundred a year; but, however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.
Yours, etc.
Elizabeth read through the missive twice, then thought about it very hard. She was not surprised that the Wickhams had run out of money already, even with the amount Darcy had given them. She had also been expecting that Lydia would come to her for financial help, and Jane would also receive a similar letter soon, if not today.
She debated about how to answer her sister's request. No doubt Wickham had put Lydia up to writing it; but then again, Lydia was imprudent enough to ask without thinking about the propriety of it.
Elizabeth went through the letter carefully line by line. Wickham would like a place of court, oh no, that would be impossible. Not enough money to live upon without some help, no surprise there. Do not speak about it to Mr. Darcy if you would rather not. No, I would not want to do such a thing, she thought. He hated Mr. Wickham, and she could only wonder at how he could force himself to assist him, to give him, with no expectation of repayment, over ten thousand pounds. Actually, the reason for that was clear, but to give Wickham even more help? Probably more financial help for the rest of his life? Would Darcy wish to do that?
No, he would not, and the best course of action for her to partake, would be to answer her sister's letter, and put an end to every expectation of the kind. But, she thought, Lydia is still my sister, and I am at least honour-bound to help her. I am sure to have some private expenses of my own - I can give her (not lend, for to expect any return of it would be like wanting wings to fly) some out of it.
Resolved on this, she began to write a reply to Lydia Wickham.
My Dear Lydia,I write to thank you for your letter, which I have received today. Unfortunately, I cannot comply with your requests. I am sorry to say, that a place at court is well-nigh impossible - I do not have the power to ask for one. Nor do I wish to ask Fitzwilliam about it, for I am sure he will disagree, Surely you know of his relationship with Mr. Wickham, and to expect so much will be too much. I, myself will be able to give you enough out of my own expenses, but I am afraid that will be all.
Please be satisfied with this, and I believe it would be for the best if you attempted to limit your wants, and to spend wisely, for then you would not need to rely on others; such reliance is not stable and might, at any time, be denied.
Yours, etc.
There was no reason to tell Darcy about it - it would only make him worry.
Realising that she had been upstairs for some time, Elizabeth hurriedly sealed and addressed the letter, then went downstairs for lunch.
The Netherfield party stayed for dinner as well, and only at dusk did they finally leave.
The Bennet family were in the drawing room, at the end of the day. The sisters watched their parents as Mr. Bennet teased his wife, and Mrs. Bennet took everything at face value.
"Well, my dear, I must say that out of all my son-in-laws, I value Mr. Wickham the most highly. Shall I believe that you do as well?"
"Wickham? of course not! Mr. Bennet, how can you be so absurd! Wickham's manners are nothing to Mr. Bingley's, and he is a mere soldier, while Mr. Darcy is the master of a fine estate in Derbyshire. No, Wickham was never a great favourite of mine - I had always distrusted his appearance; too smooth for my liking. I always knew there was some ulterior motive."
"Well, I value all my son-in-laws," replied Mr. Bennet. "Jane, your Mr. Bingley is a charming fellow; amiable and good-natured. Very easy-going. And I dare say you will do very well together, just be sure as to help cure his sisters of that illness they always seem to have whenever they are invited to Longbourn."
"Thank you, papa," said Jane, smiling.
"Just make sure that the servants do not cheat you - though with five thousand a year, you can afford to lose some of it."
"Mr. Bennet, how can you say such a thing!" cried his wife.
"Very easily. And you, Lizzy," he continued, turning to his second and favourite child, "I wish you and Mr. Darcy the best for your future together. You have done very well. Well, with the lack of any conversation that is not on marriage, officers or eligible gentlemen, I shall be quite desolate, and I shall end up living in the library, except for the periods of time when I will go to Derbyshire and visit you and your husband. And then I shall hide in the splendid library I have heard so much about and never come out again." Mr. Bennet folded his newspaper and got up. "I am very happy for you, Elizabeth. And I say again, that Mr. Darcy deserves you." He left the room, and his two eldest daughters soon followed his example and retired for the night.
Elizabeth, immediately after readying herself for sleep, slipped into Jane's room, where her sister was brushing her long golden hair.
"Jane, you do not usually take so much care in your appearance. Are you to impress Bingley?" teased Elizabeth playfully.
Jane turned towards her and replied, "Oh? And who is the one who now takes two hours to make ready for the day in the morning?"
"Yes, but Jane, you are five times more pretty than any of us. And I can tell Bingley is hopelessly in love with you, he would not care if you turned up in a potato sack. But with your beauty, you would still look like an angel."
"Oh?" inquired Jane with one raised eyebrow. "Darcy is so much in love with you, I would think that if you died, he would pine away with grief, or even go so far as to kill himself as soon as he heard the news!"
Elizabeth laughed at this. "Oh, Jane, I shall miss these talks with you when we leave for our respective homes. Promise that you will write to me everyday?"
"Of course I will."
Elizabeth sighed. "And we have to help Mama and Aunt Gardiner with the wedding preparations. Oh, it is in four days, I do not know whether to be impatient or to hold onto time and stop it from progressing."
"Why the latter?"
"I should not be so foolish - but I am a little afraid of leaving everything familiar to me, and going far, far away, to a place I have visited once."
"You will not lack in acquaintances - did not Aunt introduce you to many of her friends in Lambton? And besides, you make friends so easily."
"True," said Elizabeth. Her solemn mood changed and she smiled at Jane. "Come now Jane, you have not told me what Bingley said to you when he proposed."
"It was simple, yet wonderful - he was nervous and asked me very quickly."
Elizabeth looked at her sister with a patient look.
"Oh, very well. He said, 'Miss Bennet, Jane, I can go no longer without telling you of what I feel. Had I known you were in London when you visited, I would have told you sooner, but, well, I am afraid I was under the impression that you no longer cared for me, nor did I know you were in London at the time.' I told him, after a short silence that this was not true. This seemed to give him courage - before he did not look at me, but then again, I was not much better for I kept looking at his boots. Then he said, 'Jane, I love you with all my heart, and I have done so ever since our first meeting, and I would be the happiest man in the world and honoured if you would consent to be my wife. Will you marry me?' The last was said very hurriedly, but it made no difference - I was ecstatic and I said, 'Yes.'"
"Is that all you said?"
"I am sure I said more - but my mind was too happy and I cannot remember what I said. Why don't you tell me what Darcy said to you?"
Elizabeth smiled and told her.
Upon reaching Netherfield, Darcy found a letter for him. He went to his room and opened it. He started when he found it was from the last man in the world that he wanted to hear from - Mr. Wickham.
Dear Sir,Relations between us have not always been the best, but we did have some pleasurable times; during our childhood we were the best of friends.
I am writing to give my congratulations on your engagement. I can see your attraction; Mrs. Wickham is very similar to Miss Elizabeth, which is hardly surprising as they are sisters.
Speaking of the Bennet sisters, I must inform you that Mrs. Wickham is finding our situation at the moment rather unpromising and difficult. We are in need of support, an officer's wage is not quite sufficient. Miss Elizabeth Bennet's sister, I am sure, will greatly appreciate any help.
Yours, etc.
Darcy restrained himself from hitting something. Of all the imprudent - ! The sheer audacity of the man! to expect such from him, after all Darcy had done for him and what Wickham had nearly done to Georgiana! It was absolutely despicable!
When he had calmed down, he re-read the letter. Suddenly he realised the continuos references between Lydia and Elizabeth was deliberate. Wickham wanted him to know that if Darcy did not want to help Wickham, he should do it for Lydia, who was Elizabeth's sister. And if he did not, Elizabeth would not be pleased.
Damn the man! Wickham was not stupid - he had probably noticed Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth, and was using it against him. And I am to be brother-in-law to him! he thought angrily. But Elizabeth more than made up for it. Why should he care about Wickham. He had no reason to see him ever again, and if a little financial support was what was required to keep the man quiet and prevent him from forcing Elizabeth over it using her sister, it would not be so bad.
Darcy resolved not to tell Elizabeth about it. There was no reason to worry her about such a matter. Right now, all he wanted was to sleep, and dream about a certain lady.
Final
Elizabeth woke up on the morning of the wedding, not quite believing the day had finally arrived. As she sat up, Jane came inside. For her sister to come to talk to her in the morning was quite rare, and only occurred when there was something of great importance.
"Lizzy, are you awake?" she asked, "Aunt Gardiner says we are to eat a good breakfast, for she believes we will not be able to eat a single bite at lunch."
"I don't think I can eat now," replied Elizabeth, getting out of bed. She looked around her room, aware this would be the last time she would see it. Most of her belongings had already been removed.
Jane interrupted her reverie with a soft voice, "I know how you feel. Last night was also my last sleep in my own bed."
"Before you move to Netherfield. At least you are but three miles from Longbourn." said Elizabeth, still gazing around her room. "Fitzwilliam and I are spending tonight at Netherfield - it is too far a journey to Pemberley."
The two sisters fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
Mrs. Bennet came rushing into Elizabeth's room.
"Oh girls, come now, get dressed! Not in your wedding gowns - wait till just before the service, or they shall get dirty, and then what will we do! Oh, Lizzy, when will we meet again? You are going so far away, all the way to Derbyshire. At least dear Jane is but three miles away - and I promise that I shall visit everyday! Come, come girls and eat your breakfast quickly. Maria is coming soon to dress, but your father is no help at all, and my brother's children, oh why can't they sit still? They are running everywhere like mad things!"
With a sigh, Elizabeth and Jane looked at their rooms for the last time.
At Netherfield, Darcy woke up to perhaps the happiest day of his life.
He lay there for some time, thinking about how his life had changed ever since, ever since . . . . Elizabeth.
All his life, he had known that something was missing, but did not know what. To an outsider, it would seem he lacked nothing - and true, he lacked no material possessions. But emotionally, he was rather empty.
Elizabeth had changed all that. She had shown him that material wealth was nothing compared to love, and all the money in the world could not buy love. Now the empty space in his heart was filled, and today he would vow to love, honour, cherish and protect the woman who had changed his life.
He got up, dressed, and went down for breakfast.
Bingley sat down for breakfast waiting for his friend. His sisters were already there, one with a slightly sad expression on her face, the other resigned to the inevitable event. Georgiana could not keep a smile off her face, and she, astoundingly, chattered away quite gaily. Colonel Fitzwilliam ate his breakfast, but kept talking about how Darcy and Georgiana's life would be different with a mistress of Pemberley. Mr. Hurst looked disinterested as always.
Bingley was too nervous to eat. Though his stomach was at war with his spine, he found no interest in the plate in front of him.
"Do eat, Charles," said Miss Bingley. "We would not want you fainting from hunger at the altar."
He smiled at her and tried to take her advice. But how could he, when his mind was more agreeably engaged on the event that was to occur at twelve?
Darcy entered, but did not sit down. Rather, he walked to the window and stared outside, lost in his own thoughts. Only when his sister repeated what Miss Bingley had said did he sit down to eat.
Georgiana looked at her brother proudly. She was so happy for him, and for the fact that the charming Miss Elizabeth Bennet would soon be officially her sister. A much better choice than the lady who was sitting down to the left of Mr. Bingley, hardly touching her food despite her own advice to Bingley.
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at his cousin and Darcy's friend and said, "Come now, surely you two are not nervous? All you have to do is stand at the altar, say some lines that the priest will tell you and kiss the bride - which I am sure will be the best part."
"You are not the one standing there with everyone staring at you," retorted his cousin. But he did look a little less nervous.
Mr. Bennet sat in his library with his brother-in-law. A glass of wine sat by his hand, and though the other held a book, he could not concentrate on more than a line at a time.
Today, he was going to give away his two eldest and most deserving daughters. How I will miss them! thought he. He remembered when they were just babes in arms, and every time he had looked at them then he regretted they were not sons. But now he regretted nothing - Jane and Elizabeth were the best daughters a man could have, and their fiancees, today husbands, both deserved them, and were worthy of his precious daughters.
"Brother, are you listening to me?" asked Mr. Gardiner, "I know how much you will miss Jane and Lizzy, but do not think ill of this day because you are losing them. Think of how happy they are, marrying men who love and respect them, so much so that they were willing to ignore other considerations."
"Yes, I am listening. I am just remembering my daughters."
"They have not even left for the church yet!" laughed his brother, then continuing in a more serious tone, "What is wrong?"
"My favourite daughters have left me. They have grown up from little, silly children to beautiful young ladies and are getting married. Not only am I regretting their loss, but one other fact. Time moves on, brother, and I am getting old."
"We all do some time. Be happy you have lived to see Jane and Elizabeth happily married to two of the best men in England."
Maria arrived at eleven to ready herself for bridesmaid. Kitty greeted her at the door, then literally shoved her into a room with the dress to change. Kitty was already dressed, but could not find her bouquet and ran all over the house for it.
Jane and Elizabeth sat still in their gowns, waiting for the maids to finish with their hair. Mrs. Gardiner sat close to them giving them helpful advice on married life.
Mrs. Bennet fussed all over the place, trying to offer helpful advice, but mostly just got in the way.
Mr. Bennet sat out of the way in the library with Mr. Gardiner, reminiscing on past times with Jane and Elizabeth.
Mary, dressed and ready, tried to control four active Gardiner children, who evaded her and played hide-and-seek.
Finally, everything was ready, and the Longbourn party climbed into waiting carriages and headed off for the church.
Dressed and ready, Darcy paced the drawing room in nervousness, anticipation, and plain impatience. Bingley had not come down yet, and his sisters were certainly not going to come down for another fifteen minutes.
Colonel Fitzwilliam came into the room with Georgiana on his arm.
"Well, cousin, enjoy your last few minutes of bachelorhood," said he smiling. "You and Bingley both." He sighed theatrically. "'Shall I never see a bachelor of three score again?'" he continued, quoting from 'Much Ado About Nothing'.
"And when will be your turn, Fitzwilliam?" asked Darcy. "I doubt such a man as you will remain single for long."
"Not for some time. And maybe never. As a soldier, I might die on the battlefield, fighting France."
"Oh? And how is that when you are in charge of training our country's soldiers?"
"Maybe my duties will change."
"Cousin," said Georgiana, "you have changed the subject."
"And what was the subject?"
Amazingly, earlier than expected, Miss Caroline Bingley entered the room.
"I hope I am not interrupting anything?"
"Not at all," said the Colonel. "And why are you down here so early? I had heard that you take much longer to ready yourself for any occasion."
"It took a shorter while this time." She looked past him at Darcy, who was looking at nothing with a small smile on his face.
"Mr. Darcy."
The man in question broke out of his daydream and looked at the woman addressing him.
"I . . . . only wish to say . . . . that I am sorry. For all of my past actions towards you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And that I am happy for you both, and I wish you the best for the future."
He looked at her with sincere gratitude.
"Thank you."
It was then that Bingley hurried into the room, followed closely by Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.
"Well, shall we go?"
A servant entered the room.
"Excuse me sir," he said to Darcy, "This has come for you by express."
Darcy opened the letter with impatience and read it. Then he read it again, out loud for every one to hear.
Dear Sir,Today, I understand is the day you are to disgrace your family name forever with your marriage to Miss Eliza Bennet of Longbourn. I do not write to give you any congratulations, from myself or Anne, only to tell you of our disappointment and displeasure. Your name will no longer be spoken in our house without scorn, and you shall never be welcome at Rosings again!
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Rosings
Darcy looked up with a wry smile.
"What are you going to do about it, Fitzwilliam?" asked Georgiana, the only one to speak.
"Nothing. This is what I think of her opinion."
He walked over to the fire, tore the letter into pieces and watched them burn.
Georgiana applauded, an action which was imitated by everyone else.
"Now, I believe we should leave."
They entered the church, and the two friends soon separated themselves from the others and stood near the altar with the priest. In the pews, the two men noticed many of their acquaintances and friends. Mr. Collins sat beside Charlotte, with the whole Lucas family behind her. Mr. Gardiner was next to his wife and sister, Mrs. Phillips. Georgiana sat down, next to Miss Bingley. Colonel Fitzwilliam was the only red-coat visible. Mr. Hurst, for once looking alert, was behind them with Mrs. Hurst. Mary Bennet stood off to one side. And Mrs. Bennet (looking quite serious) was in the front row.
Darcy looked at his friend, standing beside him. "Are you ready? You look quite uneasy."
"You are no better," whispered Bingley. "Well, you are here to support me, and I shall support you."
The doors at the entrance opened, and Darcy and Bingley forgot all everything as they looked at the group in the doorway. Robert and William Gardiner acted as pageboys, with flowergirls Alice and Emily following. Maria Lucas and Kitty Bennet stood behind a group of three; Mr. Bennet and two women who looked like angels descended from heaven
The congregation stood as Mr. Bennet led his daughters proudly down to the altar, then sat down beside his wife.
Rev. William Collins was not asked to perform the ceremony, so he sat, his eyes half closed as he tried to make sense of the goings-on. He could not imagine how his Cousin Elizabeth had persuaded the nephew of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh of the illustrious Rosings Park to marry her. No doubt, he thought, it is as Lady Catherine condescendingly said, 'She has enchanted him and lured him away!'.
Mrs. Charlotte Collins watched the scene at the altar with a bitter-sweet feeling. Her friend Elizabeth deserved every happiness in the world, but as she looked on the picture, she could not help but feel sorry for herself when she compared Elizabeth's marriage to her own.
Miss Bingley watched as the priest led her brother and Jane through their vows. She still felt a pang of anger at having to bow to Jane as mistress of Netherfield, though Jane herself was such an angelic creature.
When the priest moved to Darcy and Elizabeth, she swallowed tears. No matter how well she hid it, she was still extremely disappointed when Darcy chose Elizabeth over her. She hurriedly collected herself. A lady of fashion does not shed tears in public! she reminded herself.
Georgiana watched as her brother's face glowed with happiness. He had been so melancholy, withdrawn for his whole life, more so since her silly escapade in Ramsgate. It was good to see him happy at last.
Beside Miss Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at Elizabeth. Had she been more wealthy, had he been the first born son, instead of a younger son, he would have proposed to her. No doubt they would have been happy together, but looking at her and Darcy, he knew that only his cousin would be the perfect husband for such a woman.
Mrs. Bennet proudly watched the proceedings as the Gardiner boys presented the rings to each couple. Three daughters married! was all she could think. All three of my son-in-laws are perfect. Wickham is so agreeable, so gentlemanly! Bingley is so handsome beside my dear Jane and has five thousand a year. And Elizabeth, dear Lizzy, married to Mr. Darcy, with ten thousand a year and a great estate in Derbyshire!
Mr. Bennet looked at Jane. So beautiful, so amiable, I do not wish to lose you, he thought. But when you are as happy as you are now, I give you up willingly. He turned his attention to Elizabeth. She looked positively radiant, and extremely content. Mr. Bennet smiled. And the young man who looks on you so adoringly is, now that I look back, the only husband you could ever have.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth beside him. After all those misunderstandings, trials, arguments and dislike, she was finally his wife. And from now on, all would be well.
The priest told him to kiss the bride. Bingley looked at his dear Jane, worked up enough courage to do so in front of an audience, and shyly, quickly but tenderly kissed her. He looked towards his friend, who, it seemed, had had no scruples and was passionately kissing his wife without worrying about the on-lookers.
After a while, the congregation began to applaud. Bingley held onto Jane's hand and chuckled as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy separated.
The congregation walked to the front of Longbourn house and threw flowers as Mr. and Mrs. Bingley walked up to the waiting carriage and got in. Jane looked back as her sister and brother-in-law followed them and climbed into the carriage in front of them, then turned her attention back to her husband.
The carriages began to move off towards Netherfield, and Bingley held onto his wife. He smiled at her for a long while, before turning to face the front.
"Jane, look."
He pointed to the carriage in front of them, where Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were continuing where they had left off in the church.
Finis