Beginning, Section II
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Chapter 10 Posted on Monday, 10 January 2000
Tuesday and Wednesday, Netherfield
The next two days while Charles was recovering passed pleasantly for all the inhabitants of Netherfield except Caroli. Elizabeth and William were enjoying each other's company and intelligent conversation, and Jane and Charles were in the same situation. Caroli was always thoughtful and did not interfere in the conversation between his cousins and the two other men, and he was more absent from the house than he was present.
Jane and Charles developed an understanding between them, that missed nothing except the declaration of love on both of their parts. Jane was a young lady who cannot declare her love to a man unless he does so first. Charles was waiting till he was sure of his family's approval, but intended to ask Jane to marry him as soon as possible. He was sure of her feelings, as she was sure of his. They spoke a lot in their silence while in each other's company. Elizabeth seemed to approve of Charles as a suitor of Jane, which was very important for Jane as she greatly valued her sister's opinions.
The relationship between Elizabeth and William was much more complicated, since they were more complicated characters than Jane and Charles. William knew he loved Elizabeth, and that he could do whatever he can to be with her. However, he was very sensitive to the great difference in wealth between them. She could not possibly think of marrying so beneath her. He was not beneath her in the social ladder, since he was a gentleman and she was a gentlewoman, but the money difference was a big obstacle. And even if she approved of him and wanted him to propose, could he bear having to live out of his wife's money? He had to sort his mind soon, before he loses her forever.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, was beginning to feel more than friendship towards the young man, but she did not confess to herself that she loved him. What she heard of his character endeared him to her, and her appreciation increased with each passing minute in his company. Can he be after her money? She did not know but her heart told her the answer is no. Will she accept a marriage proposal from him? Certainly. Will he propose? She did not know, but her heart told her he loved her and enjoyed being in her company. When will he propose? She cannot tell.
Charles was completely recovered by the end of Wednesday and the doctor declared him to be fit to go back to Longbourn on the next day. William decided with his cousin that it would be more appropriate for them to leave the next day so that they do not seem to be making use of the Bennets' generosity.
Thursday Morning
William and Charles set out to go back to Longbourn that morning after breakfast. They were both disappointed to leave, and they could tell from a look at the ladies' faces that they were disappointed as well. William did not like the smile on Caroli's face, but he had to leave.
When they returned home, they were received by many questions from Mrs. Darcy like: How much time did you spend with the ladies? Do you think they will accept your marriage offers? Exactly how rich they are? ...etc.
Mr. Darcy told them when he had a chance to speak that they should expect an extra addition to their family's circle that day.
"And who is that, father?" William asked.
"It is your cousin Miss Collins, who will inherit this estate and throw you all to the streets as soon as she wishes when I die."
Mrs. Darcy started to weep, "Oh my nerves! What does she want from us? Insufferable woman. And to imagine her in my place! How can she bear to throw us all to the street? I would not have accepted to inherit such a place if it was given to me in such a way. Oh my nerves!"
Mr. Darcy explained later when he had the next chance to speak, "Your cousin hints at her interest in marrying one of our two boys. I will read you her message so that you can understand her character."
The message said:
Dear Mr. Darcy,It might come as a surprise to you to get a message from me, specially considering the disagreement between you and my dear late respectful father Mr. Collins. However, I feel it is my duty to try to heal the breach and reach an understanding with you and your family. I understand the condition of inheritance of your estate, and I am not unconscious to the misfortune that will occur to your family after your death, but I am willing to make amends.
I have recently been offered a position as the head of school for poor families here in Kent. A very noble gentleman, Sir Louis Debourgh, and his noble wife Lady Catherine offered this position to me. They are both one of the greatest persons that ever lived, and my noble patrons discussed with me the situation of my inheriting Longbourn, and agreed with me on what I plan to do.
Mr. Darcy interfered here: The next are two long paragraphs praising Sir Louis and Lady Catherine to the skies, but I will not bore you with listening to them since I am not that cruel!
My noble patrons agreed with me that a young lady like myself should seek to marry as soon as was appropriate, and I intend to follow their advice as much as I can. I will call on your house on Thursday ..Yours &c &c
Willia Collins
"What do you say of her characters, sons?"
"I cannot describe her as a sensible woman after you read this," William replied.
"But William, you cannot always be so hard on your acquaintances. Surely you cannot judge her before meeting her." Charles said.
Mr. Darcy teased, "Then you have no objection to marrying your cousin yourself, Charles?"
Charles' face turned red from embarrassment, and William did not make it easy for him when he said, "I think Charles welcomes attentions from another quarter, father."
Mr. Darcy raised his eyebrows in mock astonishment and said, "Is that really so, Charles?"
An red-faced Charles replied, "Yes indeed, father. I feel a great deal towards Miss Jane Bennet. I was about to ask her to marry me yesterday, but I wanted to tell you first and get your and mother's blessing."
Mr. Darcy was very happy, but asked Charles, "Do you think she shares your sentiments?"
"I think so."
"What do you think, William."
William was about to reply when Charles thought it a perfect chance for getting even and said, "I think William was too busy from another quarter to notice the feeling of others."
Mr. Darcy raised his eyebrows in true astonishment this time, but chose not to say anything as his wife overcame her fit of nerves quickly and started her silly remarks about Miss Bennet and her fortune, and that she was extremely happy for Charles. She continued in that manner until Miss Collins was announced.
Chapter 11 Posted on Monday, 10 January 2000
Thursday Afternoon
The whole Darcy family, except Mary, were gathered to receive Miss Collins when she arrived. Mary was invited to spend the evening with Miss Elizabeth, which pleased her father very much. He was glad to have his daughter in the company of another sensible young lady.
Miss Collins entered the house and no sooner was she seated than she started talking at once about her favorite subject, "Mr. Darcy. Please allow me to congratulate you on the elegance of your house. You have a very nice place here, I assure you. Of course it is nothing in comparison with Rosings, the house of my noble patrons Sir Louis and Lady Catherine Debourgh. It is a great place, and it is very elegantly furnished. And the furniture is very expensive. It has so many rooms that I cannot count them at all. I have once commented to Lady Catherine about the number of rooms they have and told her that I do not think the royal palace has more rooms. She was greatly pleased with such a compliment, as she called it. Though I am sure she was just being polite. I also assured Sir Louis that his taste in furniture was excellent. &c &c. "
The Darcys were surprised to hear such a long speech from Miss Collins. Mr. Darcy sensed at once that she was very stupid. Her stupidity was very close to that of Lydia, whom he regarded as the most foolish girl in the whole of England. However, he wanted to have more fun with his relation and asked her whether she lived near her patrons.
"Why yes, of course. Their great house, Rosings Park, is just a lane away from my humble little place. I am glad to tell you that I am regularly invited to dinner with them twice a week, and they even come to visit me every now and then."
Mr. Darcy continued his interrogation of the young lady, "Miss Collins, does Sir Louis and Lady Catherine have sons or daughters?"
"They have a son, called Mr. Caroli Debourgh. I think he is in the neighborhood now. Sir Louis himself told me so. He is staying at a place called Netherfield with two of his noble cousins. I assure you Mr. Darcy that I have seen no one like him. So polite. So handsome. And not at all condescending or rude. I am sure that you have witnessed his fine manners yourself."
William could barely hide his laugh at such a statement.
Miss Collins continued, "He is going to marry his cousin Miss Elizabeth Bennet soon. Why, Lady Catherine was just telling me what a darling Miss Elizabeth was. I think he was first going to marry her sister Jane, but Sir Louis assured me that it is Miss Elizabeth whom he is going to marry."
No wonder, thought William. This change of sentiments obviously happened after she inherited Pemberley.
"But I must compliment you of course on your fine sons. After Mr. Debourgh, I have never seen such good breeding. But of course Mr. Debourgh belongs to the highest circles of society so you should not be offended, my dear cousins, by comparing his manners to yours."
They were not offended, of course, since they could barely refrain from laughing.
Miss Collins directed her talk now to Mrs. Darcy, "I want to assure you, Ma'am, that you have done a very nice job in raising your sons. I think Lady Catherine will agree with me when she sees my cousins. She is always so kind and tells me her opinion on every subject. She does not consider any subject beneath her. She was visiting my school one day when she told me to change the color of the curtains to a brighter color and to change the orientation of the desks."
Miss Collins continued in this manner over dinner and afterwards until Mary returned to share the agony of her family. Mary was however too pleased with the evening she spend in Elizabeth's company to be too distressed with Miss Collins. Mr. Darcy was no longer having fun from the silly remarks of his stupid relation, since he has conveniently developed a most serious headache and retired to bed early. Mrs. Darcy was trying to talk about the coming engagement of her Charles with Miss Bennet but did not have a chance to talk since Miss Collins could not be stopped, even by Mrs. Darcy. Lydia and Kitty left to their rooms to talk about the recent arrival of new officers whom they were hopefully going to meet on the next day. William and Charles were bored to death from their silly cousin, but Charles was having more bright thoughts of Miss Jane and his proposal to her on the next day. William was thinking of Miss Elizabeth and how he should approach the subject of his feelings with her. He was too busy thinking of her to notice the look of interest with which Miss Collins looked at him.
Chapter 12 Friday Morning
William, Charles, Lydia, Kitty and Miss Collins set off to Meryton together, but for different purposes. Charles was on his way to call on Miss Bennet, and one look at his face was enough to tell how agitated he was. Lydia and Kitty were going to Meryton to inquire after the new officers who arrived to join the militia. William was there to guard his younger sisters from any inappropriate behavior, though he knew there was not much that he could do to stop them without his father's interference. Miss Collins was pleased to be in William's company since she has set her eyes on him as her future husband and wanted to secure his attentions.
They were all walking in the main street of Meryton when Lydia recognized Denny with another man she has not seen before. She and her sister were struck with the stranger's air, and wondered who he could be. and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say, was one of the new officers who were joining the militia. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favor; he had all the best part of beauty - a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation - a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of a carriage drew their notice, and the Miss Bennets were seen riding down the street.
Jane and Elizabeth descended from the carriage and went to greet the party. They were on their way to Longbourn at the pretense of checking on Charles' health. Charles was thrilled to see his beloved, and they were soon lost in each other's company. William was pleased to see his beloved too, and she was just smiling to his face when she noticed the stranger who was standing with his younger sisters. She was not a person to escape from any situation, and so she gravely greeted the new officer,
"Mr. Wickham," she curtseyed reluctantly.
"Miss Bennet," he bowed in mock surprise.
William noticed the cold greeting between them and tried to lighten the mood.
"Miss Bennet. I see that no introduction is necessary. We were just making the acquaintance of Mr. Wickham who is joining the militia," William said.
"I am already acquainted with Mr. Wickham. Mr. Wickham, I hope you will take care this time," Elizabeth gravely said with a warning look.
William was surprised by this strange remark of Miss Elizabeth, but said nothing. Lydia and Kitty now claimed the company of Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth was about to talk to William when she was stopped by Miss Collins, "Miss Elizabeth, allow me the liberty to address you. I am very glad to meet you finally. I want to assure you that your uncle and aunt Sir Louis and Lady Catherine were well when I saw them last in Kent three days ago."
Elizabeth was surprised, and looked at William with a question in her eyes. He saw that an introduction was due, "Miss Bennet, this is Miss Willia Collins, my cousin. She has recently been offered a job as the head of a local school by your uncle and aunt."
Elizabeth did not want much to do with Miss Collins, but her polite nature did not allow her to escape. "Miss Collins, I am glad to make your acquaintance."
"Allow me once more to congratulate you on your engagement to Mr. Debourgh. I assure you that you are the envy of all the higher circles since he singled you out. But of course he too is honored to be your fiancé. Your family is such a family that all who know you will be greatly honored."
"Miss Collins, excuse me. Who told you I am engaged to my cousin? This is simply not true," Elizabeth said, more than a little embarrassed.
"But why, I was just calling on Sir Louis and Lady Catherine last Friday when they told me of your engagement. I hope there is no misunderstanding between you and your noble relatives."
William was embarrassed for Miss Elizabeth, and he was more embarrassed for his cousin's behavior. There was little he could say to relieve the situation. However, he was relieved when Jane ventured to invite the whole party to Netherfield to spend the morning with them. Charles readily agreed, thinking how he could get some privacy with Jane to propose. Kitty and Lydia however preferred to go to their aunt Mrs. Philips and invited Mr. Wickham and Denny along with them. William was torn between his desire to go with Elizabeth and his job to protect his younger sisters, but he decided that duty came first, and apologized politely to Jane. Miss Collins was not going to leave William so soon, and so went with him. Elizabeth looked with a warning eye to Wickham before they set off in different directions. Elizabeth went with her sister and Charles to Netherfield, and Wickham went with the rest of the party to the hose of Mrs. Philips.
Later That Day, At The House Of Mrs. Philips
Lydia and Kitty were very attentive to their new acquaintance, while Miss Collins was very attentive to her cousin William. William was suffering a lot that day. He was away from Miss Elizabeth. In addition, he was in the company of a group of the silliest people in the whole world. Miss Collins was getting to his nerves with her silly remarks and boasts about her patrons, and his sisters were overly absurd in their attentions to Mr. Wickham.
He was surprised by the gentleman's familiarity with Miss Elizabeth, and wanted to know more of the subject. What could be possibly the relationship between her and Mr. Wickham? Obviously she was not pleased by his presence. And was that a warning in her words to him? There is more to that matter than what captures the eye, obviously. He was not curious by nature, but anything relating to Elizabeth aroused his curiosity. He should have some chance to talk to that gentleman alone, and soon.
A look at the other man showed him that he too was not comfortable in his situation by the stupid Lydia and Kitty. After about an hour of silly talk by the ladies of the group, Wickham applied for the ladies for a game of cards. When Lydia and Kitty showed their interest, Miss Collins stepped forward to play, assuming that William would do the same. With a pleading look at his aunt, Mrs. Philips said she wanted to play with her relations. Wickham assured the young ladies that he is going to join them soon, and William mumbled something to the same effect.
Having got rid of the silly girls, William and Wickham found themselves seated by each other. The started to talk about the neighborhood, and about the military life. At last, Wickham volunteered to talk about the subject that was most important both in his mind and in William's.
"Mr. Darcy, for how long did you know Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"A little more than a week."
"And what do you think of her?"
An inner thought told William to be reserved, "I hardly know her, but I did not see anything wrong about her."
"You were surprised, I guess, when you saw our cold meeting this morning. You would be more surprised when I tell you that I have known her for all my life."
William's look of astonishment and his silence was all Wickham needed to continue, "My father was a steward of Pemberley, and she was a young lady from the neighborhood. Mr. Bennet, her father, was the owner of the neighboring estate, Lambton manor. Her father, my father and Mr. Parrington, the late owner of Pemberley, were among the best of friends. Their children were raised almost together as the rules of society allowed. I was surprised from the beginning at the evil manners of Miss Elizabeth, which she was able to hide from nearly everyone else. She is a great actress, Mr. Darcy, and was able to hide her evil doings from all those who knew her. She was always up to some mischief or another, and I did not discover it was her myself except by mere chance."
William was surprised to hear of that. Could he be talking about the same person? Was she really acting in her kindness and captivating manners?
"She was always doing something wrong and throwing the blame on someone else's door. Many times was I blamed for her evil doings, but so was her sister Jane and I think she did not suspect it a bit. I am still wondering at her possible motives for doing so, but I now can figure out it was a way of making herself the best amongst us for some future benefits.
"Mr. Parrington, the late owner of Pemberley, was my godfather. He provided for me at school, and later at college. And since he has no heir, told me he was going to make me his heir, and leave the whole of Pemberley for me. He liked me a great deal, and I was much grieved by his death, which closely followed the death of my own father and Mr. Bennet.
"As you probably know now, when his will was read, he gave everything he had to Miss Elizabeth. It seemed that while I was away at college, she told him some falsehoods about myself, and managed to change his kind heart in her favor. I cannot think of what she had done to accomplish that, but I can only imagine very bad scenarios. A young lady like herself is not always the subject of kindness of such a man except for some reason."
William was very angry at the last hint, and only the presence of his relations prevented him from hitting Wickham on the face. How dare he accuse Elizabeth of such a great mischief? She was a symbol of nice manners and virtue in his eyes. But did he really know her? He did not know her for long, and he did not have the chance to be with her as Mr. Wickham had. Should he believe this strange story or his own eyes and heart?
"I am sorry that such a story pained you a great deal, Mr. Darcy. I assure you that I could not have told you this story, had I not recognized that look on your face this morning. I saw you look at her with, let's say, admiration. I have seen this look on the faces of many men acquainted with her before. She seems to have a great sport in making men fall in love with her and then leaving them pining for their loss as she moves to another place. She is enjoying this sport very much since she has got what she wanted from Mr. Parrington."
William was at loss for words. Conversation did not continue after this narration by Mr. Wickham as the ladies came back to claim their male companions. William was too much distracted to notice anything Miss Collins said, or to notice the satisfied look which Mr. Wickham directed at him. Their visit did not continue long after that, and the Darcy party returned back to Longbourn.
The Rest Of Friday
William excused himself from the company of his family as soon as he returned home. His excuse was a severe headache, and he went directly to his room, not even waiting to hear the news from Charles. It was a strange story that was narrated by Mr. Wickham. Could it be true? Could his heart be deceiving him? Could Elizabeth be THAT bad? His heart was screaming at him not to believe such weird accusations. His mind, however, was thinking that the story made much more sense. What could really have made Mr. Parrington write all his property in his will to Elizabeth? And what motive does Wickham have to tell such a story? But there was something in this story that did not make much sense. What was it? He has to figure out soon, before getting crazy and certainly before having to meet Miss Elizabeth again. He remained in his room till night when he retired to a restless sleep, oblivious to all the uproar that was going on in the house.
Chapter 13
Saturday Morning
William woke up feeling much better after he thought about the story of Mr. Wickham all night. He reached a decision that made him feel at peace. He had to confront Elizabeth with what he heard and see her reaction. He remembered now how her cousin Caroli had fooled him on the first time he saw her. Caroli managed to convince him she was arrogant and conceited, and made him become very rude to her even before she had a chance to defend herself. This cannot happen again. He must not fall into the same trap twice. Wickham must be grudging her the fact that she inherited Pemberley instead of himself, and wanted to get his revenge.
He still could not believe such actions as those narrated by Wickham to come from her. She was, for him, the perfect woman. She did no wrong in all her actions that he witnessed. Can she be acting? Can someone act to be that good-natured? And was she acting to make him fall in love with her? William was always proud of himself, but what he had seen from her made him less confident in his abilities. She was as honest and as good as he wished to be, in addition to her being rich. Usually he thought women were trying to make him fall in love with them, but what reason does she have to do the same? Can she be that cruel to make a sport of poor men and making them fall in love with her?
William decided that it is better to call on the Bennets that morning, but he remembered that Charles went on the previous day to ask for Miss Jane's hand. He wanted to know first about the success of his cousin, and then set for his own purpose. He went to Charles' room to ask him. Charles was already awake and preparing to get out of the house.
"Charles, how was your day yesterday?" he asked.
Charles' face shined with happiness as he replied, "perfect!"
"Oh Come on. Details please."
"Details of what?" Charles teased.
"Charles... Sometimes you enjoy vexing me!"
"Not sometimes, my dear William. You can say, nearly always!"
"Charles!"
"Ok, I will tell you at once! I went yesterday with Miss Bennet and her sister back to Netherfield. Their cousin Caroli was not there obviously. He was on some business they did not know about. Only servants were in the house. We went to the drawing room, and I was just thinking of a way to speak to Miss Jane alone, when Miss Elizabeth suggested to go and prepare some refreshments for us. I remember her smile to her sister now as she left the room.
"Miss Bennet asked me about my health, and we spent some time in cheerful conversation, before I could not take it any longer. I told her I loved her and wanted her to be my wife. Her smile lit my heart as she told me she had to ask for her sister's consent first. She valued her sister's opinions highly on all matters, and she told me that since she had no living father, I had to ask for the consent of her nearest relation, Miss Elizabeth.
"As soon as I was thinking how to approach the subject with her, Miss Elizabeth herself entered the room carrying another pie which Miss Jane seemed to prefer. Oh. I had to drop that formal address now. I think I can call her Jane after all!
"It is as if Miss Elizabeth knew what was going on, for she asked me directly with a smile if I wanted anything from her sister. I told her what I wanted and she went on to hug Jane before heartily shaking hands with me. She congratulated me and told me to take care of her sister. Your Miss Elizabeth is an angel, William. Oh William, I am so happy! I agreed with the two sisters on a wedding date a month from yesterday."
"Congratulations, Charles. I think you and Miss Jane are very well suited to each other," William said, ignoring the remark about his Miss Elizabeth. "You are the perfect couple in my eyes! And I must congratulate you on your new relations as well."
"Exactly who of my relations do you mean?" Charles said with a grin.
William's face showed some uneasiness as he thought of telling his cousin of Wickham's story. He thought for a moment before deciding against it. He did not want Charles to worry, and it could come to nothing if it was a falsehood after all. So, he changed the subject, "Are you going now to call at Netherfield?"
"Yes! Do you like to join me?"
"No, not now. But I might come later in the morning to call on your new fiancée."
" Only on my fiancée?" Charles grinned.
"Stop it Charles. Why do you enjoy my uneasiness so much?" He said, smiling, while he left the room to prepare for his errand to Netherfield.
Later on Saturday Morning
William managed to escape from his mother's silly remarks about Miss Jane and her fortune and from Miss Collins and her endless talk about the Debourghs. He told them he was going out for a walk, and left before Miss Collins had a chance to suggest joining him.
He was on his way, still thinking of Wickham's strange story. He was passing some bushes when he heard the voice of that gentleman talking with someone else. They were both hiding behind the bushes, but their conversation could be heard from where he stood. He stopped in his place in shock as he heard Wickham's last sentence:
"Of course I fooled him all right! I wish you had a chance to look at his face as I told him my tale!"
"Ok, Mr. Wickham. You deserve your money. But remember, if one word about me reached anyone, you are going to lose your commission."
"Do not worry, sir. It was my pleasure to say such a story about her! She deserves it after what she always does to my plans."
William retreated quickly before being noticed by these two persons. The first was Mr. Wickham, but who was the second? He heard that voice before. Could it be? ... Mr. Debourgh?
Chapter 14
Saturday Morning, Cont.
William was both greatly shocked and greatly relieved at the same time when he overheard the conversation between George Wickham and Caroli Debourgh. It was now clear to him that Wickham was not a man to be trusted, and that he conspired with Caroli against Elizabeth and himself. He was shocked that Caroli could do something that low. He was also shocked that he was about to be fooled by him for the second time. However, the greatest sensation he felt was relief. He did not believe these stories about Elizabeth in the first place, but now that he knew them to be utterly wrong, he was exceedingly glad that her good name and good morals were not stained by even one bit.
He was now thinking of what he should do about what he knew now. Should he tell Elizabeth? What if she did not believe him? She would think him as bad as Caroli and Wickham and imagine he is after her money. And what if she believed him? What benefit will anyone get from that? Probably nothing. But nonetheless, he has to call on Miss Jane to congratulate her, and he has to meet Miss Elizabeth on that occasion. He had better do it now than later.
He confessed to himself that he missed her, though he did not know what to do concerning his feelings towards her. He loved her. About that he was certain. But what should he do next? Should he propose to her? He could not bear to live one day, nay one moment, away from her. But what about her? Did she feel towards him a fraction of what he felt towards her? He had to know soon before he gets crazy.
When he arrived at Netherfield, he found the household in uproar. As soon as he entered, he met Charles who was alone in the drawing room and asked him about what caused such anxiety around.
"William, it is terrible. The scene here just before you came was terrible."
"Charles, tell me immediately. I have no time for your little games now."
Charles was really upset when he said, "I was just going to tell you. A terrible scene now happened between Miss Elizabeth and Caroli, and their voice could be heard from the other end of the house. Caroli just left after that, and told her he is going to relate what she did to his father and mother, and that they would never know her again."
"Charles, please tell me everything from the beginning."
"I cannot understand all the details, but it seems that Miss Elizabeth was following Caroli this morning when he went for his errand, and saw him speaking with the gentleman we saw yesterday. Wickham is his name, I guess. According to Miss Elizabeth, they were conspiring against her. I did not know the details of this conspiracy but obviously she was upset and made no secret of it. She told her cousin to pack his bags and go away at once. He applied to Jane as the owner of the house, but she took the side of her sister and told him she would never disobey Miss Elizabeth. What he said or did then I could not imagine, since they shut the door to the dining room in which that confrontation took place, but I heard him as he was leaving. He threatened Miss Elizabeth to cut all ties between her and his family."
"And where is your fiancée and her sister now?"
"My Jane is in her bedroom. She told me she would join me after about half an hour. She was very agitated when she spoke to me. Obviously she wanted to recover from the shock caused by her cousin."
"And Miss Elizabeth?"
"Jane told me she left Netherfield in the direction of Meryton to talk with the other gentleman, Mr. Wickham."
William was greatly worried about Elizabeth.
"How could you leave her do that? And all alone? The man is dangerous. Didn't she know that?"
Charles was surprised by this reaction from William.
"I have to go after her. Excuse me, Charles, and convey my regards to your fiancée."
"William. Wait. What do you think you are doing?" Charles said to William's back as he left the house.
Actually William did not think much about what he was doing. The thought of Elizabeth in danger was too much for him to think of anything else. His idea of women was that they are always weak and vulnerable, and so he was afraid that any harm might occur to her. He could never forgive himself if anything happened to her, though till this moment they were totally unrelated.
Saturday noon, Meryton
Elizabeth was on her way to the place where the militia was camped. She was fairly acquainted with Colonel Forester, the head of the regiment, and thought that she should talk to him first.
She went directly to the Colonel's house, and the Colonel readily received her along with his wife, Harriet.
"Colonel Forester, please forgive me for my unexpected visit."
"You are always welcome, Miss Bennet. And please allow me and my wife to congratulate you. Everyone here in Meryton is pleased at the news of the engagement of your sister and Mr. Bingley."
"Thank you, Colonel, ma'am." She was quiet for a moment before going directly to her point, "Colonel, I am here to warn you against one of your new officers. His name is Mr. Wickham, and I have first-hand knowledge of his ways."
The Colonel and his wife were all attentive to her as she continued, "Mr. Wickham is one of those dangerous men who make a sport of seducing young ladies. As soon as he enters a neighborhood, he sets two or three targets for his attentions. Each of the poor girls thinks he is in love with her, and does not know anything about other girls. Not before long, he leaves the neighborhood and the families of his victims are left to suffer the consequences. I was able to stop him more than once before his evil was incorrigible, but I am afraid he might do the same here in this neighborhood."
The Colonel was surprised to hear such a report about one of his officers, who was quickly becoming one of his favorites. But he could not doubt Miss Elizabeth. She was one of the best ladies he had ever known, and all the neighborhood was singing her praises and was quite taken by her excellent personality. He thought about it for a moment before saying, "But for sure you cannot expect him to do that here. He is now an officer and you cannot expect him to do the same in his current position as he used to do before."
"I am sorry, Colonel, but I know him too well to believe him capable of refraining."
"So what should I do, Miss Bennet?"
"I think that Mr. Wickham can be trapped this time. The military rules are tougher and if he is trapped while disobeying them, he could be severely punished. If he chooses to do as he always does, I think we have a chance to catch him in his guilt and get rid of him forever."
"Do you have a plan, Miss Bennet?"
"Indeed I have, Colonel," she said and told him her plan.
Elizabeth was on her way back to Netherfield when she saw William moving in the opposite direction. His face showed extreme anxiety. He did not even notice as her figure approached him until she called him, "Mr. Darcy!"
A startled William replied after a short silence, "Miss Bennet!"
Chapter 15
Saturday Noon, Continued
On her way back to Netherfield, Elizabeth was thinking of William. She was disgusted by the plan of her cousin and Wickham, but the goal of that plan did not escape her mind. They wished to make her look bad in William's eyes. Did he believe Wickham? She did not know up to that moment that he too have overheard a part of the villains' conversation and knew the truth. She was worried that he might have believed Wickham's lies. "But why I am worried about that?" She thought. "Why do I want to look good in his eyes? Do I have some feelings for him that I am still unaware of? He is honest and kind to be sure, and he is also sensible and with a great knowledge of the world. Knowledge I would like certainly to benefit from. Not to mention very handsome. But what exactly do I feel towards that gentleman?" Another thought came over her mind. "And Why did Caroli want to blacken my image in William's eyes? Why William and not anyone else? Did he suspect some feelings on that gentleman's part?" She did not know why she was happy when she thought of William having some feeling more than just friendship towards her. She continued in that line of thought until she met him.
William was overjoyed when he met Miss Elizabeth on his way to Meryton. He was so worried about her, afraid that Wickham might do something to harm her. But now as he saw her safe and sound in front of his eyes, he was extremely happy.
He knew he had to talk before the silence became too awkward. Thinking of that, he said, "I must congratulate you, Miss Bennet, on the engagement of your sister. I am extremely happy to have Miss Jane in my family, and ..." he was about to tell her that he would be more happy to have her too in the family but was too embarrassed to say it aloud.
"I am happy for Jane too, Mr. Darcy. Your cousin has one of the best tempers I have ever witnessed, which exactly matches Jane's. I think, and I hope, that they will be extremely happy." She was still thinking about whether or not he believed Wickham's lies. His face while he talked to her did not betray his feelings on that subject.
"I just came from Netherfield. I wanted to congratulate your sister in person, but I found the house in uproar, and could not meet her or you."
"Would you like to go back with me, Mr. Darcy, to congratulate Jane?" She shyly asked.
"It would be my pleasure, Miss Bennet," he smiled
Unable to keep on walking with William without knowing his feelings towards what Wickham said, Elizabeth opened the subject with him, with a little uneasiness. "Mr. Darcy, it came to my knowledge that a certain gentleman here told you some stories about me ..."
She was unable to finish as he interrupted, "Do not make yourself uneasy, Miss Bennet. I did not give much credit to his stories, nor would anyone do who knew you, even a little. I do not think Mr. Wickham is going to gain anything by voicing his opinions aloud in the neighborhood. You have managed in less than two weeks to make nearly everyone here your friend."
Elizabeth was relieved to hear what he said, and was about to hint at her feelings (for she, as a lady, could not do more than a hint), when a very unwelcome voice was heard from the direction of Meryton.
"Ah, here you are, Cousin William!" Miss Collins was heard to shout. "We were greatly worried for your whereabouts, and I took the liberty of going out with your sisters to Meryton to find you. But I could not find you there, and your sisters left me to call on the officers. Then I thought of looking for you here. We were all worried and ..." Miss Collins continued for five more minutes in an absurd speech about what her noble patrons would say in such a situation and what their opinion would be on seeing the wonderful grounds of Meryton, when she noticed Elizabeth's presence.
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet. I am extremely sorry to have caused you any trouble. I am extremely sensitive towards any of the noble relations of my noble patrons..." And two more minutes of that nonsense. When she stopped to take her breath, William was about to tell her he was going to Netherfield with Miss Bennet.
"Miss Collins, I ... "
"My dear cousin, do not distress yourself too much. But I must say that your mother is very worried about you and I promised her I would get you back before long. Excuse us, Miss Bennet."
William could not do anything but oblige his stupid relation, though his eyes told Elizabeth how sorry he was to leave her. Elizabeth was sorry as well, but she was at least pleased that William did not believe Wickham's lies. They would have another chance to talk later, for he was sure to call on her sister.
On their way back to Longbourn, Miss Collins was more than hinting at her interest in William.
"My dear cousin, of course you know that your estate will be mine once your father dies." She was not someone who could be described as tactful. "I always felt sorry for the situation in which my dear cousins will find themselves once that sad event occurs. I was more than sensitive towards your misfortunes, and I was thinking always of making amends.
"It has been my design to marry since I was offered that position in Kent, and this design was enhanced when my noble patrons suggested to me that it is more proper for a school head to be married. They strongly suggested that I should marry one of my cousins so as to be the means of alleviating their misery."
"Excuse me, Miss Collins?" William was stunned. Was that lady trying to tell him that she wanted him to marry her? A lady proposing to a man to his face?
"Mr. Darcy, you know that your family is not rich and that I will inherit your estate sooner or later. What do you have to say to that?"
"Can you be a bit more clear, Miss Collins?"
"I would be extremely happy if I was joined in holy matrimony to my cousin," she said, pretending to be a bit shy and modest. But shyness and modesty did not suit her at all. William could not help but compare her face with the face of his Elizabeth.
"Miss Collins, let me make this matter clear for you. I appreciate your kind heart in trying to relieve our suffering," he was about to laugh as he talked about her kind heart. "But it is impossible for me to comply with your wishes."
Miss Collins tried to convince him of her argument until they reached Longbourn, but he did not shift from his solid position. He was disgusted to think of himself marrying this fool of a woman, especially after he saw her and Elizabeth at the same time. Nothing can persuade him to settle for Miss Collins and give up all hope on the woman that he loved. But did he really have any hope?
Meanwhile, in Meryton
Wickham was feeling extremely happy with himself. Not only had he got his revenge on Elizabeth and received a significant sum of money from her cousin, but also he was very successful with the local ladies. Till now he secured the attentions of Miss Lydia Darcy and Miss Mary King. He was sure they would not object to any of his advances after that. He was now talking to Miss Lydia who was visiting the militia camp with her sister Kitty. He was barely listening to her absurd speech while he was planning how to get what he wanted from her. He did not know that he was closely watched by two of his fellow officers by the orders of Colonel Forester.
Chapter 16
Saturday Evening
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young gentleman in love with a woman must want her for a wife. However little known of the feelings of that gentleman concerning other matters, it is well known that matrimony comes always topmost in his mind. William was no exception to that rule. He has now fully acknowledged the depth of his feelings concerning Elizabeth. He could not imagine himself linked by marriage to any other woman. She has succeeded in ruining him for other women, and since he had seen her, he could not possibly settle for anything less. However, there were two small problems that were worrying him too much. First, did she feel the same for him? And second, if she did, can he bear to live with his wife on her money?
The answer of the first question can be obtained easier, in comparison to the second. He could ask her, and from what he had already witnessed of her frankness, he was sure to get an answer. Or if he could not face her, he could ask Charles to get an answer from his fiancée. His heart told him that she has some feelings for him. The extent of those feelings he did not know, but he hoped she was thinking of him as often as he was of her.
For the second question, he was not so sure. If he proposes and she accepts, can he live on her money? He was a very proud man who did not imagine himself the dependent party in a marriage. She might depend on him to manage her estate, and some gentlemen do not feel awkward by that, but he was not one of those. He aspired for a career of his own, and he took part in some trade transactions in London in an attempt to raise his own fortune. He could not be as rich as she was soon, to be sure, but he would try at least not to be dependent monetarily on his wife.
His mind was reeling with those thoughts when he heard the noise of his mother crying from downstairs. Her voice was now louder than it ever was, which made him worry more. He went to the living room to see his mother hugging his sister Lydia and both crying uncontrollably.
His father was nowhere to be seen, and his sisters Kitty and Mary were standing silently in the corner of the room, and so his only chance of getting any sensible information depended on his cousin Charles, who was now standing with his mother and sister, trying to comfort them.
As soon as their tears subsided, Mrs. Darcy and Lydia retired to their respective rooms. The first to relax her poor nerves, and the second to hide her mortification. William accompanied Charles to his room and asked him about what happened.
"Oh William, it is terrible. But at least they rescued her."
William was silent and anxious, waiting for more.
"It seems that Colonel Forester had some suspicions about the behavior of Mr. Wickham, and so he told two of his officers to keep an eye on him. He was caught two hours ago, Mr. Wickham I mean, with Lydia, in a shameful position. He confessed he was trying to seduce her. He was about to do incorrigible damage to her when he was caught. He tried to fight the two officers, but they defeated him and took him to the militia jail."
"And what exactly was he trying to do with Lydia?"
"You can imagine that of course, William."
"And what did father do or say about that?" William asked, more than a little angry from his father who could not protect his daughter. More than once he advised his father to restrict Lydia's behavior, but all his pleadings fell on deaf ears.
"I think he is in the library. I think he is very angry with himself. Probably he is going to restrict Lydia's behavior from now on."
William remembered another matter. "And what is to become of Wickham?"
"He is charged with two crimes: Seducing a child, and fighting against his fellow officers. I just talked with the Colonel and he told me they will probably send him to France to be in the front row in the next battle."
"I hope he gets what he deserves, either here or at the French's hands," William said, with anger in his voice.
Charles remembered another matter that he wanted to tell William.
"You did not ask me how Colonel Forester got his suspicions about Wickham in the first place?"
"Well, you could as well tell me."
"It seems that he got a call this morning by a gentlewoman. He did not tell me her name, but of course you can figure out who she was! She told him about Wickham's behavior, and suggested that he should be watched closely until caught in his guilt. I think we owe that lady too much," Charles said, winking at his cousin.
William was not at loss to figure out who the lady was. Who else went to Meryton that day, and went to the militia camp? So now he owed his Elizabeth the rescue of his own sister. His feelings were now too strong for her to be repressed, and every passing moment seemed to increase his love and regard for her. Every time he felt his love reached its peak, he was proved wrong by some action or another from her. How could he have ever said she was not intelligent or beautiful? He could not hide his feelings from his cousin any longer.
"Charles, I love her more than life," he said, with something like tears in his eyes.
"What?" A surprised Charles said. He was not used to such revelations from his reserved cousin.
"I said that I love her. I love her more than anyone or anything in this world. And I cannot imagine my life without her. I never thought such a love existed. I never thought of a woman as an equal. But now I do not think of her as an equal, but as a superior. If it was not that, I would have asked her to marry me this very moment."
"William," Charles kindly said. "You are an excellent man yourself, and your many good qualities recommend you to a lot of women. You may find out that she might feel something for you as well. Do not belittle yourself, cousin. Remember that last week you thought yourself too good for any woman whoever she was!"
The last statement did little to raise William's spirit. How much has changed in this last week. Before that he thought Elizabeth was a spoiled rich girl without anything to recommend her except her money. But now, money was the least item on her recommendation list. She was gentle, kind, intelligent, virtuous, clever, and more. He could not think of a good quality that was not associated with her. And what was he in comparison?
It would do him no good to dwell on the last point, but nevertheless he had to be worthy of her. He would do his best to be a better man, and he prayed that he would meet her approval.
Meanwhile, at Netherfield
Elizabeth lay in her bed thinking of William. She was thinking of him more often that not. She was dwelling on each of his good qualities, and now she admitted to herself that she loved him. Seeing him with Miss Collins created a strange sensation in her heart, and she soon discovered that sensation to be jealousy. Jealous of Miss Collins? Was that true? She had not ever imagined herself to be jealous of such a woman, but it seems that it was the only sensation that can describe her feelings. The only explanation for it was that she was in love with William. But what could she do? He may be too proud to ask her for her hand, though she felt in her heart that he loved her. She sensed that he was not comfortable with her money, and wished that she were less rich so as not to make him uneasy. But what else can she do? What if he indeed did not propose? She cannot propose to him of course, since it was most improper for a lady to propose to a gentleman. But was there another way?
Chapter 17
Sunday
William left for Netherfield by noon, at the pretense of congratulating Jane on her engagement to Charles. If he had another motive, he kept it to himself. Charles was there before him, and when William entered the drawing room at Netherfield, he saw Charles, Jane and the owner of his heart. He looked at her in admiration before remembering the supposed reason his errand.
"Miss Bennet, allow me to congratulate you on the occasion of your engagement. I am very glad indeed to call you a relation."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Darcy," Jane said while blushing a little.
Charles had a suggestion.
"William, would you like to entertain us with a game of chess, you and Miss Elizabeth? Jane and I were discussing who would win the next game between both of you, and we did not agree. We would like you both to satisfy our curiosity."
"I would like to, if Miss Elizabeth has no objection," William declared. He was glad to spend any amount of time in the company of his beloved.
"And whom did you think will win this game, Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth sweetly asked.
"Well, Jane thought you will win, and I thought my cousin will win. I have not seen William lose many times before. And he never lost to the same person twice."
Jane added, "I can declare the same for my sister here, though she will try with false modesty to convince you she is not a good player!"
"Oh Jane, what a sister you are!" Elizabeth said while laughing.
"Do not escape, Lizzy. Go and play with Mr. Darcy at once," Jane ordered.
"At your service, ma'am!" Lizzy replied in what she wanted to be a smile. She was trying to hide her distress at having to spend much time with the man she loved without declaring her feelings.
Elizabeth and William went to the other end of the room where the chess set was located, and placed their pieces in order. Jane and Charles were left to talk intimately. The silence between Elizabeth and William was awkward for both of them, since both were trying to hide their feelings.
The game continued for long ten minutes in silence before Elizabeth decided she has to break it.
"I think we must have some kind of conversation while we play."
"Do you talk by rule then, while you are playing?" He teased.
"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for such a long time together," she said while blushing.
He gathered his courage, and before he changed his mind, he said, "Please Miss Bennet, let me express my deepest thanks for what you have done for my sister Lydia. Had it not been for you, she would have been ruined forever. Please let me express my deepest gratitude, on my behalf and on the behalf of all my family."
She was uneasy as she discovered that he knew her role in that matter.
"Do not distress yourself, Mr. Darcy. I only had to do it to stop Mr. Wickham from doing any wrong as he always does. I would have never forgiven myself if he succeeded in that. I did not mean your sister in particular, sir, so you and your family owe me nothing," she shyly said.
Her shyness and modesty was most becoming on her face that he could not concentrate in his next move. It was too late as he discovered that the bewitching girl in front of him has captured his queen.
"But that is unfair," he said. You are at a great advantage, Miss Elizabeth. I cannot think properly when you look at me like that, he thought.
"What is so unfair, Mr. Darcy? Do you so much object to losing?" Elizabeth teased.
"I have not lost yet, Miss Bennet!"
You'd better lose soon, before I can think no more, she thought. His presence was also distracting for her. It took her less than five minutes after that to win the game. Jane was overjoyed as she told her fiancé, "I told you, she does not lose more than once from anyone!"
Now I know why, William thought. Aloud he said, "I must ask for another game, Miss Bennet. I cannot leave here before getting even."
"You are welcome to stay here for the rest of your life, Mr. Darcy!" A laughing Jane said.
Darcy raised his brows and replied, "I hope I am not that hopeless, Miss Bennet! For sure I can get even before this night is over!"
And they continued this lively conversation while Elizabeth obliged William by preparing another game. When they started, William soon discovered that the effect of Elizabeth's nearness on him was not so easy to overcome.
"Checkmate, Mr. Darcy."
"Ok, I give up! It seems that today is not my day!"
"No Indeed!" Jane said.
Jane said she wanted to show Charles something in the garden, and so Charles and Jane excused themselves from the company of their two relations. They said they would not be out for more than ten minutes. An awkward silence followed their departure. It was such moments that Elizabeth dreaded the most. William decided to make her at ease by talking about a safe subject.
"Miss Bennet, you did not tell me what is your story with Mr. Wickham. He seemed to hate you a great deal. What exactly started that hatred?"
Elizabeth was uncomfortable with that subject. Her face told William it was a poor choice he made for a subject of conversation. "I prefer not to talk about people in their absence, Mr. Darcy. Even if those people were the likes of Mr. Wickham."
A woman who can hold her tongue without abusing even one of her enemies? She was more amazing for him by every passing moment.
William however was not to be stopped. "But you must tell me or I will ask your sister! I do not think you will like that better!"
"Ok, but I will try to be very brief. Mr. Wickham was the son of the steward of Pemberley. His father, my father, and Mr. Parrington, the late owner of Pemberley, were the best of friends. Their children were almost raised together, Jane and I, Mr. Wickham, and Mr. Thomas Parrington, the son of the late Mr. Parrington. Our relationship remained intimate until we were older and it was no longer appropriate for us to be so intimate.
"His manners were not... let me say, they were not what they should be, and he had a bad influence on poor Mr. Thomas. They were doing to the local girls what he was trying to do to your poor sister. It was discovered soon by Mr. Parrington, and thus he forced his son to go to the war, hoping he will return a better man.
"Unfortunately he did not, and he died in the war. Mr. Parrington was so upset that he fell ill and lasted a little more than two years after his son. In that period he left Pemberley in his will for me after I... well, I do not want to talk about myself...
"Mr. Wickham in the meanwhile continued his deeds and I more than once warned the families before incorrigible damages happened to their girls. I think that is why he felt that hatred towards myself. He continued his practice in two more places he went to, and I did my best to warn the wiser inhabitants of any place he went to of his nature, as I did with Colonel Forester. I hope though that he will repent and not end like poor Mr. Thomas...
"I cannot talk more about the subject, but I hope I have satisfied your curiosity," She said the last sentence while blushing furiously.
William thought to himself, If it was anyone else talking about the likes of Wickham, he or she could not possibly be more gracious. That woman exceeds by far what I ever thought possible in anyone. Aloud he said,
"I cannot hope so, not after what he did to my sister."
"Mr. Darcy, you have to be more forgiving. I wish him good luck, though he had tried to do the same to my young sister Georgiana too," she said before she discovered her mistake. She was very sad that she let out the secret of her young sister, but she tried to display an outward composure as she said, "Excuse me, Mr. Darcy. I feel a little tired."
William felt her distress when she told him about her sister, and stopped her before she left the room.
"Miss Bennet, I am extremely sorry for your distress. I feel I pressured you with my questions for long. But you can depend on my secrecy, that I will not repeat anything of what you just told me to anyone."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," she whispered. He was about to die then, but the entrance of his cousin and Jane stopped his flow of emotions. He and his cousin stayed for a very short while after that, before leaving for Longbourn.
Sunday Evening
Charles and William returned home to hear that Miss Collins has left the area. Charlie Lucas was at Longbourn and told them what happened. Obviously Miss Collins tried to talk him into matrimony after she failed with William, but she failed with him as well.
"But I thought you would think of it as a very good match, Charlie," William teased.
"I am sorry, William, but who can live with such a fool! I am not so hopeless to settle for Miss Collins!" Charlie replied in jest. William was about to add another joke at the expense of Miss Collins, when he remembered the behavior of Elizabeth and that she restrained from abusing Wickham. Miss Collins was stupid, to be sure, but she was by no means worse than Wickham.
"Oh Charlie. Do not be so cruel towards the woman," he said. Charlie was astonished that William refrained for once from making ridicule of such a stupid creature. He turned to Charles, and they talked of different matters until he departed.
Chapter 18
The Darcys were barely done with their breakfast when a carriage was heard. A little while later, Lady Catherine Debourgh was announced. She stayed a little while with William, Mary and Mrs. Darcy.
Mrs. Darcy, all amazement, though flattered by having a guest of such high importance, received her with the utmost politeness. After sitting for a moment in silence, she said very stiffly to William,
"You are Mr. William Darcy, I suppose."
"Yes I am, ma'am," he politely replied.
"That lady, I suppose, is your mother."
William replied very concisely that she was.
"And that I suppose is one of your sisters."
"Yes, madam," said Mrs. Darcy, delighted to speak to a Lady Catherine.
"You have a very small park here," returned Lady Catherine after a short silence.
"It is nothing in comparison of Rosings, my lady, I dare say; but I assure you it is much larger than Sir William Lucas's."
"Mr. William, there seemed to be a pretty kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favor me with your company."
"Go, my dear," cried his mother, "and show her ladyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage."
William obeyed. As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:
"You can be at no loss, Mr. Darcy, to understand the reason of my journey here. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come."
William looked with unaffected astonishment.
"Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I have not been at all able to account for the honor of seeing you here."
"A report of a most alarming nature reached me yesterday. I have just known, from my own son Caroli, that you are spreading a malicious rumor which I must have negated at once."
William waited to hear the rest.
"I know that your cousin Charles is now engaged to my niece Jane. Of course I do not approve of any connection with such a family as yours, with no money or connections. In short, nothing at all to recommend them."
William was stunned to hear such insults from a perfect stranger. He was about to reply when she continued,
"My son told me that, not only your cousin Charles is to be married to my niece Jane, but that you are spreading a rumor that you will soon be engaged to my other niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I came here to have this rumor universally contradicted."
"I do not know of any rumor of that kind," was all what William managed to say. He was being polite only because she was Elizabeth's aunt.
"Do not try to evade me, Mr. Darcy. You may choose not to be frank with me, but I cannot but be myself. You should answer me this very moment. Are you engaged to my niece?"
"No, but ..."
"And would you promise me not to enter such an engagement?"
"I do not see why I should answer that, madam. I can tell you now that I love your niece very much, and had I been sure of a positive reply, I would have asked for her hand long ago."
"But that cannot be. She is engaged to my own son, and she cannot be engaged to you. It was the wish of her late mother as well as myself since they were babies that they marry. I cannot bear to have my wishes so abandoned. Tell me, Mr. Darcy. How much money do you want to stay away from her?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Ten thousand? Twenty thousand? Name your number, and I will give it to you at once."
"Do you think I want to marry your niece for her money?" William shouted. "You are absolutely mistaken, madam. Your niece is worth more than money. If you will excuse me, I want to go to my mother."
"I am not to be trifled with, Mr. Darcy. If I cannot have my way with you, I will go to my niece and let her see you as you are. I take no leave of you, and I send no regards to your mother. You deserve no such attention from me. I am most seriously displeased," she said to the back of a retreating William, who left her before he was forced to do or say something he regrets to that woman.
Later On Monday Morning, At Netherfield
Elizabeth was surprised to receive her aunt, and much more to know the goal of her errand. Lady Catherine told her while she insulting William in all possible ways, "Oh, the insolence of that man. You know of course those types of gold-diggers, my dear niece. You cannot be fooled by him, though he might declare he wants you because he loves you."
"Did he tell you that himself?"
"He was trying to fool me, and told me that he loves you very much, and that he would have proposed if he was sure of a positive reply. Of course he should not be so sure, since my niece is not to be connected to such a family."
Elizabeth was ecstatic to hear what William said, but knew she had to get rid of the rude Lady Catherine first before thinking of her next step.
"My dear aunt, I do not know what has come over you and your son. Your son first tried to spread lies about me, and then you speak in such language of another noble family. It is not their fault that they are not rich, and I dare say, it is not our virtue that we are. Being rich or poor is not our own doing. It is by the will of God that we are what we are, and God did not make us rich to look down on those whom he made poor," Elizabeth said in a tone that was a little louder than her normal tone.
"Are you preaching me, my niece? This is not to be borne!"
"I am sorry to offend you, my dear aunt. But your son did me a great wrong, and what you are saying is not going to help his cause at all."
"So you refuse to oblige me? You refuse to listen to the voice of wisdom? You will regret it, young lady, when you discover the true nature of that Mr. Darcy." And with that she left.
"What was all that about," Jane asked her a couple of minutes later. She was waiting for the arrival of her fiancé.
Elizabeth told her the important part of the conversation with her aunt, and then before thinking much, she said, "Oh Jane, he loves me! He loves me! He said so to our aunt."
"And what do you feel towards him?"
Elizabeth blushed a little before she said, "Oh Jane, I... I love him too! But he is too proud to ask me. And I cannot possibly ask him to marry me. It would be most improper. What can I do?"
Jane did not have a useful suggestion. She did not know what to say to relieve her sister.
"Jane, you must help me. If you ask Charles to tell William, well, that I am interested in him, and would welcome it if he proposed!"
"You cannot possibly be serious?"
"Oh I am. I have never been more serious in my life. I am not going to waste so long of my life while knowing that the man I love loves me as well. I am not going to stay here doing nothing while he is pondering whether or not to ask me."
"Lizzy, try to think about it before you rush and do anything you might regret."
"Jane, I perfectly know what I am doing. I know that he is too proud to ask. If he were the rich party, he would have asked me. My heart tells me as much. But I do not think he would be comfortable with asking a wealthier lady," she said. She was thinking of some of William's own words, which he told her while Charles was ill at Netherfield.
Jane could not refuse anything her sister asked her. She was the perfect younger sister and she was most helpful for her in many situations. So , she promised her that she would talk to Charles when he arrives. Content with that declaration from Jane, Elizabeth told her sister she was leaving to call on some neighbors.
Monday Evening
William could not contain his happiness when Charles told him about Elizabeth. "It seems that my wonderful sister-to-be is falling for you so hard, for I could not imagine the shy Miss Elizabeth would ever suggest such a thing! It is as if she is proposing to you!"
William was surprised to the same extent, but he was too happy to dwell for long on that subject. "I think her aunt told her how I feel, else she could not have made that suggestion to her sister."
"And what exactly do you feel, dear William? And what does Lady Catherine has to do with that?"
William explained to Charles what happened between him and her ladyship. They spent a considerable portion of the night in conversation, and William left for bed later, thinking of his beloved and what he was going to tell her the next day.
Conclusion
It was a bright and sunny day, which was strange for that time of November. The wonderful weather and the wonderful grounds matched perfectly the feelings of William as he set with Charles for Netherfield. Jane and her sister met them at the front door. Before long, Charles suggested that they all should take advantage of the wonderful weather outside and have a walk. All of them agreed, and they set off after a short while. William found himself a couple of minutes later alone with his Elizabeth, as Jane and Charles walked much faster. William knew after the message Elizabeth sent him the previous day that he had to speak. Elizabeth watched him with great anxiety as he started,
"Miss Bennet, I have to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. From the first moment I knew you, your excellent manners and your beauty have captivated me to an unexplainable extent. It was not before long that I discovered, that life without you will be pure agony. I would be extremely happy if you will do me the great honor of agreeing to be me wife," he concluded, anxiously awaiting her reply.
Her face showed her great happiness as she replied, "Mr. Darcy, I would be most happy to become your wife. It has been some time now since I discovered the extent of my lo... my feelings for you. I value your character a great deal, and I would be honored to be your wife."
He stood on one knee as he placed a ring on her finger, and their happiness was so obvious on their faces that there was no need for words.
They spent some time in nice conversation, telling each other what they felt in their hearts. William then decided he had to tell Elizabeth about his worries. They were addressing each other on first name basis now.
"Elizabeth dearest, I fear I have some subject to discuss with you which you may not feel comfortable with."
"Go on William. I hope I will never disappoint you," she replied, glad to hear her given name from his mouth.
"You know that I am an extremely proud man. No please, do not stop me. I am proud and I know it. I cannot bear to think I will be living on my wife's fortune. That was the reason I did not propose earlier."
Though Elizabeth had guessed as much, she was relieved to hear it from him.
He continued, "I have a small house in London and I work in trade there, with my Uncle Gardiner. Since I cannot live all the time in your house, I must entreat you to spend most of your time with me in my house in London. It is a humble house of course, and I know I am asking too much, but I hope I will someday will be more wealthy to buy you a grander house. It will be a great blow to my pride if I could not provide for my wife."
Elizabeth's face was shining with pride herself at her fiancé and his integrity. She knew in her heart that he was not after her money, but what he said now raised her esteem for him a great deal. She replied, "Any place with you will be like heaven, William. I will be your wife and I must follow you wherever you go. But you will allow me to follow my estate affairs while I am in your house?"
After such a reply, William found tears coming to his eyes, as there were no words to express his joy at the modesty of his wife-to-be. He knew that his marriage is going to be perfect, and wished the wedding to come very soon.
Later that morning, Jane and Charles met them and were informed of their news. The happiness of Jane and Charles was obvious as they congratulated their relations, and they spent the rest of the day in happy conversation.
Mrs. Darcy was extremely happy to hear the news from her son, and though she liked Elizabeth already, her enthusiasm now found no bounds.
Mr. Darcy was glad as well that his son found such an excellent woman as a wife, and he gave his blessings readily.
Mary's joy could not be described since she would have Elizabeth, not only as a friend, but as her sister as well. She liked Elizabeth very much, and knew that Elizabeth liked her as well.
The wedding of Elizabeth and William was decided to be on the same day as that of Jane and Charles, and all their relations came from various places to attend.
Georgiana, the youngest sister of Jane and Elizabeth, arrived from her private school to attend the wedding of her sister. She was fifteen, nearly the same age as Lydia, and William was delighted to see that Georgiana had a pleasant effect on his younger sisters.
William's Aunt and Uncle Gardiner arrived and were extremely pleased to find that their relations have chosen such wonderful ladies as their spouses. Elizabeth and Jane liked the company of the Gardiner couple very much.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, a cousin of Elizabeth and Jane, attended the wedding too, and he conveyed the congratulations of his parents, Lord and Lady Matlock. He and William were soon becoming fast friends.
It was with great pride that Mr. and Mrs. Darcy witnessed their sons getting married to Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. The wedding was simple but elegant, and the happy couples left for Netherfield and London to spend their wedding nights.
Lady Catherine and Sir Louis Debourgh were very angry with their relations that they did not attend the wedding and sent a most impolite letter to their two nieces. All communications between the Bennets (now Mrs. Bingley and Mrs. Darcy) and the Debourghs were now at an end. Caroli was vexed to hear of William's success, but there was nothing left for him to do.
Miss Collins was surprised to hear the news of William's marriage, but she was not greatly affected. She did not love William in the first place. In time she was able to find herself a local man to marry her, and she continued to run the local school at Kent, to the great dismay of many of the poor local children.
Wickham was sent to France, and not long after that he was killed in the battle of Waterloo. Elizabeth was very sad as she heard the news of his death, and William tried his best to convince her it was not her fault. She was content, however, with the hope that Wickham has repented from his sins before he died, and that he died as a good man.
Charles and Jane divided their time between Netherfield and Lambton Manor, but they soon settled in Lambton Manor when Jane got pregnant with their first child. They had two boys and three girls in their successful marriage. Their tempers were too suited for each other that they did not have except a handful of quarrels during their long marriage.
William and Elizabeth spent some time at Pemberley, but most of their time was spent in the small house William owned in London. There were no servants in that house, and Elizabeth enjoyed the privacy with her husband. She spent a part of her time following the Pemberley affairs, and another part in cooking delicious meals for her beloved husband. Her favorite time was the time she spent with him, and he too enjoyed her company very much. She was the light of his heart, and he was pleased with everything she did. He even tried to express his gratitude by cooking some meals for her, and after the first few failures he mastered the art.
His trade flourished, and he was able to purchase a larger house before their second son was born. The young couple was blessed with two sons who resembled their father, and two beautiful daughters that looked a great deal like their mother. The love between William and Elizabeth grew with each passing day, and they were declared by their many relations and acquaintances as the happiest couple in the whole of England
The End!