Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of December 17, 1998
Jump to new as of December 19, 1998
Jump to new as of December 22, 1998
Chapter 17
Elizabeth lay awake most of the night trying to decide what to make of Mr. Wickham's information. Most of it was clearly tainted by some deep grievance Wickham had against Mr. Darcy, and she could not believe things had really been exactly as Mr. Wickham described them. Yet, what cause could he have to lie about Mr. Darcy's engagement, especially when it might easily be proved to be a lie? But surely, Mr. Darcy could not be engaged to his cousin? Elizabeth was almost certain he had been about to make her an offer only a few days before, when Caroline had interrupted them. Or had he? He had really not had a chance to say much. Perhaps, on the contrary, he was about to tell her of his engagement? Elizabeth tried to think how she could find out the truth, when the answer came to her. Surely if Miss De Bourgh and Mr. Darcy were engaged, Mr. Collins would have heard of it. Elizabeth resolved to ask her cousin at the first opportunity.
That opportunity was not long in coming. The next morning, Mr. Collins expressed an interest in seeing the gardens, and asked his "fair cousin Elizabeth" to show them to him. Elizabeth readily assented. When they were in the garden, she had no difficulty in steering the conversation to Lady Catherine and her daughter. "Is Miss De Bourgh likely to be soon married?" She asked it as casually as she could.
"Why yes," replied Mr. Collins, "she is to be married to her cousin Mr. Darcy. Why Lady Catherine was just saying a week ago....." Elizabeth did not hear anything after that. She said something about a headache, and ran inside, and upstairs to her room, and locked the door.
At first, all she could do was cry. Soon, however, she began to berate herself for her own foolishness. How could she have thought that someone like Mr. Darcy might consider someone like herself, without fortune or connections? After the way her mother had thrown Jane at him, it was a wonder he had even managed to be civil to her. Had not her mother warned her that such hopes were unrealistic? Elizabeth wondered whether she should believe anything else of what Mr. Wickham had told her, but decided Mr. Darcy's engagement added no credibility to Wickham's accusations. On the contrary, it seemed likely that Wickham's sister, like herself, had simply been persuaded by her own feelings to see particular regard where there was only a very amiable character.
Elizabeth's thoughts were interrupted by a knock, and Jane's soft voice. She had already ignored several inquiries from her sister, politeness demanded that she now respond. She opened the door, and as calmly as she could, informed her sister she did not feel well enough to leave her room. Elizabeth wished she could confide in Jane, but she was too conscious of her own foolishness, and unwilling to admit, now that there was no hope, the full extent of her own feelings. The party from Netherfield soon arrived with invitations to the ball. Elizabeth, on hearing their arrival, was glad she had not yet ventured downstairs. After they had departed, she composed herself enough to appear downstairs. She was relieved that except for Jane, her family seemed to accept that she was suffering from nothing worse than a headache.
Over the next few days, Jane made repeated efforts to discover what was troubling Elizabeth, but she would not confide in her sister. When the night of the ball arrived, Elizabeth found she was not equal to encountering Mr. Darcy. She knew such a meeting must eventually take place, but she hoped time would make it easier to bear. She therefore informed her family that she did not feel well, and wished to remain at home. Mrs. Bennet was at first indignant that Elizabeth should allow some trifling illness to keep her from the ball, and she was even more indignant that Jane should offer to stay with her sister. When Elizabeth insisted that the others go without her, and Mr. Collins volunteered to stay with his cousin, Mrs. Bennet began to see some virtue in the plan, and agreed.
Elizabeth had hoped to spend a quite evening in the library reading, but when Mr. Collins informed her that he had something particular to ask her, she found it prudent to claim to be very ill, and go upstairs as quickly as possible. Some time later, Mrs. Hill came upstairs to tell Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy wished to see her. On hearing this, tears came to her eyes anew, and with a faltering voice she asked Mrs. Hill to tell him she was unwell.
Chapter 18
Posted on Thursday, 10-Dec-98
The next morning Darcy came downstairs to find Bingley finishing his breakfast. The latter reminded him that he was leaving for London that morning. "How long will you be there for?" Darcy inquired.
"I shall return on Friday," replied Bingley, "I have some business to take care of, but it should not take very long."
"Where will you stay?" Darcy asked.
"Hurst has offered to let me stay at his house," Bingley replied.
Darcy suddenly had an idea. "Shall I join you? We could both stay at my house in town, and it would give me a chance to see how Georgiana is doing." Georgiana's last letter had been more upbeat, but Darcy was still concerned about her, and, to own the truth, he thought two days away from Hertfordshire would do his mind some good. Bingley readily agreed to the plan, and Darcy went upstairs to pack a few things. About an hour later, they set off.
As soon as they were on the London road, Bingley casually said "I am surprised neither you nor my sisters have asked what my business in London is." There was the hint of a smile on his face. Darcy tried to remember what Bingley's business in London was, but realized that neither this time, nor the last, had he bothered to ask. The last time, he had been too torn about leaving Hertfordshire forever, to think much of such a thing. This time, he had only been able to think about Elizabeth and Wickham.
"Well?" Darcy asked. Bingley hesitated a moment.
"Darcy," he asked, "would you be willing to accompany me to the jewelers? I would like your advice in selecting a ring....." Darcy covered his face with his hands. Bingley now questioned whether he should have confided in his friend. "Darcy, I thought..... that is.... I know my sisters do not approve, but I thought you....." Bingley's voice trailed off.
"It is not that," Darcy stammered, not sure how to finish. He could not very well tell his friend that he suddenly understood a couple of things Bingley had said when he had arrived in London with Bingley's sisters, that he suddenly understood the full extent of his own guilt. Finally, he managed to say "I am happy for you."
"Then," Bingley asked, "you think she will....you think she feels...." Bingley seemed unable to finish the sentence, but Darcy understood his meaning.
Once before, Darcy had been convinced that Jane Bennet's heart was untouched. Elizabeth Bennet had told him he was wrong. He had seen no more evidence of Jane's regard this time, but last night she had been so preoccupied with concern for her sister, that he could hardly expect to see anything else. Finally Darcy said, "I do not know. You will have to judge that for yourself. You have had more opportunities to observe her feelings, and I am no expert."
Bingley seemed a little surprised by this statement, but nodded his acceptance. "But, you do not share my sisters' disapproval?" Bingley asked.
Darcy thought of his conversation with Jane Bennet the previous evening. "No," he said, "I do not."
When they arrived at Darcy's townhouse, they were surprised to see Col. Fitzwilliam there. "Fitzwilliam!," Darcy said. "I did not expect to see you here, but this is a welcome surprise."
Col. Fitzwilliam explained that he had gotten three weeks leave, and he had decided to come and see Georgiana. "I thought you would not be back in London until Christmas," Fitzwilliam said, "and I thought it would be a good idea..." Fitzwilliam realized he probably should not say more in front of Bingley. Darcy understood. Georgiana was doing better, but she still needed encouragement. The Colonel added that Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley were out, but should be back within the hour.
"Bingley," Darcy suggested, "I will be glad to assist you with your errand tomorrow morning, but I should like to visit with my sister this afternoon. Will that be all right?"
"Of course," Bingley replied.
Georgiana soon returned, and Darcy was very much relieved to see that her spirits were greatly improved, and she talked more animatedly than he had observed at any time since Brighton.
Chapter 19
The next morning Bingley and Darcy went to the jewelers. When they returned to Darcy's townhouse, they found Bingley's sisters there. Darcy groaned inwardly. He knew what was coming. The sisters said they had grown tired of the country, and had found it unbearable after the gentlemen left. They wanted to stay in London, and hoped to convince the gentlemen to do likewise. Darcy very calmly told them that the business which had required Bingley to come to town would also require him to return to Hertfordshire. Caroline had hoped to find an ally in Darcy, but she was not to be deterred.
"If it is just a matter of some silly business papers or something, could it not be handled by mail?" she asked.
"No," replied Bingley firmly.
Caroline tried another tactic, "Surely you do not wish to leave dear Miss Darcy here by herself?" she asked.
Bingley immediately invited Georgiana and Col. Fitzwilliam to accompany them back to Hertfordshire, which they immediately accepted. Darcy started to protest--the last thing he wanted was for Georgiana to see Wickham again. He realized, however, that he could not explain his reasons in front of everyone, and anything he might say would give Caroline more ammunition. It would be better to talk to Georgiana later alone.
Caroline and Louisa agreed that Hertfordshire would not be so bad with Miss Darcy there to keep them company. The sisters decided to do some shopping, and set out. Bingley also left to call on a friend. As soon as the others had left, Darcy asked Col. Fitzwilliam if he could have a word with him in the library. When they were seated, Darcy came strait to the point.
"Georgiana can not come to Hertfordshire. Wickham is there. He has joined the ------shire militia, which is based in Meryton."
The raw emotion in his voice was not lost on the Colonel. Fitzwilliam volunteered to stay behind with Georgiana and to take on the task of talking her out of the trip.
Darcy thanked him, and added "If you do not have to, I would prefer you not mention Wickham."
"I will try not to," Fitzwilliam said. "I take it you and he have met?" he added.
Darcy winced at this. "We only met very briefly. I chanced to meet him on the street once, when he first arrived in town, but I left as soon as I could. He was at a ball Bingley gave on Tuesday, but I managed to avoid him. As you can imagine, he has been telling his usual lies about me to everyone, doing his best to make me look like a blackguard" Darcy was unable to keep his voice steady through this last sentence.
Fitzwilliam laughed, "Since when have you cared what people in some country town think of you? What difference can it make?" The look on his cousin's face was pure anguish. Seeing the pain on Darcy's face, Fitzwilliam stopped laughing, thought for a minute, and then simply said, "Oh."
"Oh?" asked Darcy, "What do you mean by that?"
The Colonel smiled. "Please, tell me about her. I expect you to at least tell me her name."
Chapter 20
Darcy at first protested that he did not know what his cousin was talking about, but his red face only confirmed Fitzwilliam's suspicions. Fitzwilliam laughed. "Shall I ask Bingley then? Or perhaps I should start guessing names?" When Darcy made no reply, Fitzwilliam began calling off feminine names, starting with the A's. By the time he got to the end of the C's, Darcy stopped protesting, and related the entire story. (Well, not the entire story, but everything that had happened since the second time he attended the assembly ball.)
"What do you suppose Wickham told her?" Fitzwilliam asked, when Darcy had finally finished.
"Oh, the usual I suppose," Darcy answered. "How I deprived him of the living that should have been his, that sort of thing."
Fitzwilliam shook his head. "That does not make sense."
"What do you mean?" Darcy asked.
"I do not know," Fitzwilliam answered, "it just seems to me that we are missing something." Fitzwilliam changed the subject. "I wish I could have seen the look on your face when Miss Bingley interrupted you."
Darcy glared at his cousin. Fitzwilliam laughed again. "What do you find so amusing?" Darcy asked.
"You," Fitzwilliam replied, "I just never imagined I would ever see you violently in love." Fitzwilliam was silent for a moment before adding, "Why don't I talk to Georgiana?" Darcy nodded, and his cousin returned to the drawing room.
About an hour later, the Colonel returned to the library, and suggested his cousin sit down. Darcy complied. "I have spoken with Georgiana, and I did my best to persuade her, but she still wants to accept Bingley's invitation."
"We shall have to tell her Wickham is there," Darcy said regretfully.
"I had hoped we might spare her."
"I told her," said Fitzwilliam.
"How did she take it?" Darcy asked, with real concern.
"She was a bit upset at first, but after she had time to recover, she surprised me by saying she still wanted to accept the invitation."
"What!?!" asked Darcy in shock.
His cousin remained calm. "She said she felt strong enough to face him, in the unlikely event they should meet; that she was tired of London and longed for the country; and did not wish to offend Mr. Bingley by refusing an invitation she had already accepted." Fitzwilliam hesitated for a moment before adding, "I agree with her."
"What?!?" Darcy asked. "You can not be serious."
"Darcy," Fitzwilliam responded, "You can not expect your sister to spend the rest of her life avoiding whole counties because Wickham happens to enter them. If we are careful, she will not encounter him, but if she does, we will be there to make sure no real harm comes of it. Darcy, she is growing up, and you will not be able to protect her forever. I do not think looking at the four walls of this house is doing her much good, and you know she does not like London any more than you do."
Darcy continued to argue with his cousin, but in the end gave in. He summoned his sister, and asked her, "Are you sure you want to do this?" She nodded, and Darcy grudgingly agreed to the plan, completely oblivious to the conspiratorial look that passed between his cousin and his sister.
Chapter 21
Col. Fitzwilliam had told his cousin the truth about his conversation with Georgiana, but he had neglected to tell him the whole truth. The Colonel's original objective had in fact been to convince Georgiana to remain in London, but when he failed in this, he began to see the advantages for Darcy in her joining them. Who better than Georgiana, who had suffered so much at his hands, to reveal George Wickham's true character to Miss Bennet? Surely if she heard what Wickham had done to Georgiana, she would not credit whatever falsehoods Wickham had told her about Darcy. Col. Fitzwilliam had therefore related to Georgiana her brother's interest in Miss Bennet, and Wickham's probable role in the business. Georgiana had pledged her secrecy, and had promised to help, should she have the opportunity.
The next afternoon the entire party returned to Hertfordshire. The following morning Bingley expressed his intention of calling on the Bennets, and asked if any of the others wished to join him. It was a fine day, and Miss Darcy had expressed an interest in seeing the Netherfield grounds, so the others decided to join her in a tour. Bingley set off for Longbourn alone, which, to own the truth, served his purposes perfectly. One look at the gentleman's agitated countenance was enough to convince Mrs. Bennet that she required the assistance of all but one of her daughters upstairs. Mr. Bennet of course consented readily, and the whole family wished the couple joy.
It was not until evening that Bingley returned to Netherfield. When he made his announcement, Darcy, Georgiana and Col. Fitzwilliam immediately and enthusiastically wished him joy. Mr. Hurst said something indistinct before returning to his brandy. His wife joined in the good wishes, though without enthusiasm. Caroline was visibly surprised and distressed, but said little. Bingley announced that the whole party was invited to dine at Longbourn the next day, and that Miss Bennet was particularly eager to meet Col. Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy. Caroline started to say something sarcastic, whereupon her brother informed her she need not go, if she would prefer not to. Recognizing that a gathering at which both Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet would be present might require some interference on her part, Caroline took a sudden interest in having an opportunity to welcome her new sister.
Upon his entry to Longbourn, Col. Fitzwilliam was immediately the target of Mrs. Bennet's calculations. His less than subtle hints about the meagerness of his income blunted her interest slightly, but only very slightly. As he appeared in civilian cloths and studiously ignored them, Lydia and Kitty's interest was very short-lived. Darcy spent the entire visit in frustration. He was seated as far as possible from Elizabeth, while his sister and cousin were seated quite near to her. He was glad to see his sister and Elizabeth getting aquatinted, but his cousin was paying her rather more attention than he would like, and Elizabeth seemed to be enjoying that attention. Darcy was seated near Jane and Bingley, and one look at the happiness on the faces of both told him how wrong he had been in his original assumptions. As the party was about the depart that evening, Darcy was very much surprised to hear his sister say to Elizabeth, "Miss Bennet, since you enjoy walking so much, might you find the time to show me some of the countryside hereabouts?" Elizabeth consented, and they agreed to meet on Monday morning.
Chapter 22
As soon as the guests had departed, Mrs. Bennet took her second daughter aside. "Well, Lizzy, Col. Fitzwilliam seemed to be paying plenty of attention to you! A very handsome gentleman he is, and the son of an earl! A younger son, to be sure, but you could not ask for better connections..." Elizabeth winced at this. It was precisely who his relations were that would make it impossible for her to consider marrying him. She could not stand the thought of constantly seeing Mr. and Mrs. Darcy at family gatherings. It had been hard enough to be in the same room with him that evening. Her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts: "Lizzy, if you turn down every eligible gentleman who comes along, I do not know what will become of you when your father is dead, for I dare say Mr. Collins and Charlotte will think nothing of letting you starve in the hedgerows!" Elizabeth was relieved when Jane reminded their mother that she would always be welcome at Netherfield.
Later that evening Col. Fitzwilliam found his cousin in the library, staring into an untouched glass of port, and asked, "Are you going to drink that, or merely contemplate it?"
Darcy looked up, and with an accusing tone said, "You spent a good deal of time with Miss Elizabeth Bennet this evening."
The Colonel laughed. "I do believe you are jealous," he said.
"And what if I am?" his cousin retorted.
"Darcy, my only motive in talking with her was to try to think how I might be of assistance to you. Though, I must confess, I liked her a great deal."
Darcy sighed. "She barely spoke to me," he said, "and when she did, she seemed pained."
The Colonel did not dispute this, but he added, "Her eyes were often turned in your direction." The Colonel sat in thought for a while. There was something he and his cousin were missing, but what?
"I believe Georgiana also talked with her a good deal," Darcy said hesitantly.
"I have seldom seen Georgiana so animated," Fitzwilliam answered, "though I must confess was unable to add much to their discussion of the relative merits of various German composers."
Georgiana met Elizabeth at Longbourn on Monday morning. Elizabeth had liked Miss Darcy instantly, and had therefore been unable to refuse her request that they walk together. She only hoped they could avoid talking about her brother. The last thing Elizabeth wanted was to burst into tears again. Music had been a safe topic at dinner, so Elizabeth began by telling Miss Darcy that she had heard much of her musical talents from Miss Bingley. Georgiana seemed embarrassed, and was silent for a few moments. She thanked Miss Bennet for the compliment, and added "I have heard that you also play, that you play very well indeed. I should like..., that is, if there is an opportunity while I am staying in Hertfordshire, I should very much like to hear you play."
Elizabeth was very surprised by this, and without thinking, asked "I do play, but not very well. Whatever gave you the idea that I was so accomplished?"
"Why," Miss Darcy replied, "My brother told me he has seldom heard anything so pleasing as your playing." Elizabeth found herself biting her tongue to keep the tears at bay. She said something about Mr. Darcy greatly exaggerating her talents, and quickly changed the subject, asking Georgiana about her favorite books. They were engaged in a discussion of several authors when they noticed a red-coated officer approaching them on the path.
Chapter 23
Elizabeth and Georgiana had just reached a small stream when Mr. Denny came even with them. He greeted Elizabeth, and told her he was on his way to call at Longbourn, and was glad to see she was recovered from her illness. Elizabeth was confused for a moment, before she recalled that she had used illness as an excuse to avoid the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth introduced Miss Darcy to Denny, noting that she was staying at Netherfield.
"That reminds me," said Denny, "My congratulations to your sister on her engagement, though I dare say it did not come as a surprise."
Elizabeth laughed, "No, my mother has been announcing their impending engagement for weeks."
As Denny continued up the path, he turned and said, "Oh, I almost forgot, Mr. Wickham asked me to tell you how sorry he was not to see you at the ball."
Elizabeth turned to her companion, and was about to resume their literary discussion, when she noticed Georgiana had grown very pale. "Are you all right Miss Darcy?" she asked. Hearing no immediate answer, she found a smooth rock, and encouraged Georgiana to sit down. Georgiana had promised her cousin that if she had the opportunity to tell Miss Bennet about Wickham, she would do so. Now that the opportunity presented itself, however, Georgiana found herself unable to speak. Finally she stammered out "Mr. Wickham...." She fought to keep the tears back, but they were welling up in her eyes.
Elizabeth put her hand on Miss Darcy's shoulder, and as gently as possible said, "I met Mr. Wickham briefly a couple of weeks ago, when he first joined the ---shire militia. He alluded to a falling out between himself and your brother. I am sorry if hearing of him pains you. I have not seen him since then, it is unlikely that you and he will meet." Georgiana bit her lip, and slowly related the events of the previous summer, stopping now and then to wipe her tears.
Elizabeth did her best to comfort Georgiana, assuring her once again that there was little risk of her encountering Mr. Wickham during her stay. She added, "I am sorry if the shock of hearing his name led you to tell me something you might have wished to keep private. You may rest assured, I will never repeat a syllable to anyone."
Georgiana managed a hint of a smile. "No, Miss Bennet, pray do not apologize. I know I can trust you, and I am glad I told you. I know you are not the kind of person... the kind of person who will think ill of me...., of my family because of it, and I...., well, I think it helps to speak of it to a friend. I hope I....., that is I hope you do not mind that I consider you a friend, I know we have not known each other long..." Elizabeth quickly assured Georgiana that she was happy to have her as a friend, and that she was welcome to discuss anything she wished with her.
"Thank you," Georgiana said. "Perhaps if I had a sister, I could speak of such things to her...." Georgiana watched Elizabeth's face as she said this.
Elizabeth looked pained for a moment, and then asked, "You do not feel you can speak of such things with your cousin, Miss De Bourgh?"
Georgiana looked surprised. "Cousin Anne? Good heavens no, I am sure she and my aunt would never forgive me if they knew. In any case, I have not seen them since last Easter." Elizabeth said nothing in response to this, but was saddened by Georgiana's information. If she could not marry Mr. Darcy herself, she would at least wish him to have a wife who was kind and understanding, but Miss Darcy's information suggested that was not to be.
Chapter 24
The next evening, the entire Bennet family was invited to dine at Netherfield. After dinner, Caroline asked Georgiana to play for them. Georgiana readily agreed, but only on the condition that Elizabeth precede her. Elizabeth reluctantly agreed, and the two ladies walked together to the pianoforte. As Elizabeth was looking over some music books, Georgiana found a piece she particularly liked, and suggested Elizabeth play it. Georgiana's choice was Voi che sapete from The Marriage of Figaro. Elizabeth bit her lip. It was not the sort of piece she would have chosen under the present circumstances, but she did not wish to hurt Georgiana's feelings. She knew the piece well enough, and as no one had asked her to sing, perhaps she could simply forget the words. She would at least try. She seated herself at the instrument, and concentrated on the music, trying to ignore the words printed in the music book. She got through the first part of the song without incident, but towards the end she made the mistake of looking up, and her eyes met Darcy's. He had an incredibly sad look on his face. Elizabeth quickly looked down at the music, but she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. The words of the song leapt into her mind. What is this sorrow naught can dispel?
Somehow Elizabeth managed to finish the piece. When she was done, she asked to be excused, and went into the next room. As soon as she was alone, the tears flooded down her face. Georgiana started to get up to follow Elizabeth, but seeing her brother do so, she sat down again. Mrs. Bennet also looked as if she might follow her daughter, but Jane quickly asked her mother in a whisper how the room might be improved, and Mrs. Bennet loudly suggested the drapes be replaced with a brighter color. Caroline looked disgusted, but Mrs. Bennet quite forgot about her second daughter.
Col. Fitzwilliam suggested to Georgiana that she wait until her brother and Miss Bennet returned to take her turn at the piano, so that they might also enjoy her playing. Georgiana agreed, and took a seat by her cousin. Seeing the instrument vacant, Mary Bennet lost no time in taking her place at it. While Mary played and sang, Col. Fitzwilliam tried to make sense of what had just happened. Miss Bennet seemed fine until she looked at Darcy, then she seemed almost heartbroken, and she obviously left the room to avoid crying in front of everyone, but why?
"Georgiana," the Colonel asked in a whisper which was masked from the others by Mary's singing, "When you and Miss Bennet were walking, did she say anything at all which might indicate how she felt about your brother?"
Georgiana shook her head. "Whenever I spoke of him, she seemed to change the subject. After I told her about.... about last summer, I said something about wishing I had a sister to confide in, but she did not understand my meaning."
The Colonel was frustrated by this lack of information. He kept suspecting there was something he was missing. Finally he asked Georgiana, "Why do you say she did not understand your meaning?"
"Oh she asked me if I could confide in cousin Anne. It was hard not to laugh... Miss Bennet does not know Anne of course, she was only thinking of my nearest female relatives."
The Colonel laughed at the idea of anyone confiding such things to their cousin, but suddenly stopped laughing and wondered, could Miss Bennet think.......
When Darcy entered the next room, he found Elizabeth seated by the window quietly sobbing. "Miss Bennet," he said softly, "is there anything I can do for you, anything I can get for your relief?" She shook her head. Hesitantly Darcy said, "My sister told me that she had related to you the unfortunate events of last summer. I am sorry...." His voice choked as he finished, "I am sorry if her information pained you."
Elizabeth was puzzled by this. Did he think she was upset by that? At least he does not seem to suspect the real reason for my distress. "I am sorry that I was in any way the cause of your sister hearing his name mentioned. It was obviously very painful for her. You may of course depend on my discretion, and please, do not blame your sister for telling me of it."
Darcy hesitated a minute, and then said, "I wish I could say that was the only unpleasant dealing I have had with Mr. Wickham, but it is not. I imagine he has told you that my father wanted him to have a living, but you should know that his version of the story..."
Elizabeth interrupted him here, "Mr. Darcy, do not distress yourself. Mr. Wickham did tell some tales about the living, and about.... other things.... but I never gave any credit to his version, nor, I imagine, would anyone else who knows you."
Darcy could not hide his incredulity. "Then you never believed him at all, you never felt any regard for him?"
Elizabeth was shocked. "Heavens no! I could never like someone who... I could never believe such accusations against someone I......" The tears again overcame Elizabeth. She had very nearly said "against someone I love." She knew if she talked to him any more, it would slip out. "Please excuse me" she said through her tears, and fled out the door.
Chapter 25
Darcy followed Elizabeth out of the house into the chill of the December night. As soon as she became aware that Darcy was behind her, Elizabeth broke into a run. Somehow she had to get away from him before she made a complete fool of herself. Darcy knew the gentlemanlike thing to do would be to turn around and go back into the house, but somehow he could not bring himself to do it. By the time he closed the distance between them, they were well out of hearing distance of the house. "Miss Bennet, please," he said, his voice full of anguish. "It is killing me to see you like this. I have to know what is wrong."
She made no reply, but she was too spent to continue running. She collapsed in the grass and buried her head in her hands, crying uncontrollably.
Darcy sat down at a respectable distance, and said, "Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, I love you with all my heart, but if you don't love me, if you don't want to marry me, I will manage to live with that somehow, but I have to know what is wrong. If Mr. Wickham, or someone else has accused me of something, tell me what it is, so that I may attempt to defend myself. If I have offended you in some way, please, tell me how so that I may apologize, and if possible, set it right."
Slowly, Elizabeth looked up. Had she heard him correctly? Was it possible? After some minutes, she finally managed to stammer, "But I thought....."
"What?" Darcy asked, as gently as he could. "What did you think?"
It was some minutes more before Elizabeth was able to continue, "I thought you were to marry your cousin Anne de Bourgh."
In surprise, Darcy asked, "Anne? I don't understand. Whatever gave you the idea that I was going to marry Anne?"
Elizabeth hesitated before answering, "It was Mr. Wickham who first suggested it, but I asked my cousin about it, and he assured me it was true."
Suddenly the pieces began to come together in Darcy's mind. He remembered Jane's words: Lizzy seemed a bit agitated that evening.... She was outside with our cousin for maybe five minutes, after which she came inside, seeming very agitated.... I could hear her crying.....
Was it possible? Darcy wondered, Could it be that all this time, while he had been sure she despised him, she had actually........? Finally Darcy found his voice. "Elizabeth," he said softly, "it is true my Aunt Catherine has wanted me to marry her daughter since we were children, and no doubt she often gives voice to that desire, but even before I met you, I never intended to marry my cousin, and I never gave either my aunt or my cousin any reason to believe that I would."
On hearing this, Elizabeth found fresh tears streaming down her face. "I have been such a fool," she said, her voice barely audible.
Darcy reached into his pocket, and finding a handkerchief, reached over and gently dried her cheeks. "Elizabeth," he said, when she was a little bit more composed, "A few weeks ago, I was on the point of asking you an important question, when Miss Bingley interrupted us. Perhaps I should try again, before she notices our absence?"
Elizabeth could not help laughing at this. She nodded.
"Elizabeth, I love you with all my heart. These last few weeks, when I thought you despised me, have been pure agony. Will you relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife?"
There were fresh tears in Elizabeth's eyes, but this time they were tears of joy. "Nothing could make me happier," she replied, "for I love you with all my heart. These last few weeks have been agony for me too, for I could not bear the thought of you being married to another."
Some time later they recollected that they had been outdoors for quite a while, and decided to return to the house before they caught cold, or Caroline again began searching for them. When they entered the music room, Col. Fitzwilliam started to approach his cousin to tell him of his suspicions, but the smile on Darcy's face told him that whether he had guessed right or not, his interference would no longer be required. Jane immediately noticed the amendment in Elizabeth's spirits, and as soon as they were alone, Elizabeth was happy to relate the whole story.
Darcy called at Longbourn the following day to ask for Mr. Bennet's consent, which was readily given. Mrs. Bennet's enthusiasm knew no bounds, though of course she assured everyone she had suspected it would happen all along. As soon as they had the opportunity, Georgiana and Col. Fitzwilliam told Elizabeth how happy they were to welcome her to the family. Bingley, of course, was thrilled to learn that he and his friend would be brothers. Caroline cursed herself that she had been unable to prevent it, but nonetheless managed to offer insincere congratulations. Wickham was both surprised and angry, but his thoughts soon took a different turn when the youngest Miss Bennet arrived to call on the officers. Perhaps there is another way I can get my revenge, he thought...
The End