Jump to new as of September 2, 1999
Jump to new as of September 4, 1999
Jump to new as of September 8, 1999
Part I
Our story takes place the morning after the dinner at Pemberley
It was still quite early in the morning and Elizabeth and her Aunt and Uncle at the inn at Lambton were preparing an outing to tour some more of the beautiful countryside in Derbyshire. The servant appeared and stopped them just as they were exiting. She announced
"Beg your pardon ma'am, the post has just come." The servant handed two letters to Elizabeth.
"Two letters from Jane!" Elizabeth cried. Upon looking at them she could easily ascertain why she had not heard from her sister earlier. The first letter was written with a less than elegant hand. To own the truth, it was written very poorly, indeed not at all like Jane. It had been misdirected to the small village to the south called Langston. Elizabeth begged her Aunt and Uncle for a short delay in their outing so that she could read her letters. The Gardiners most cheerfully obliged her, leaving to walk to the church and call back in good time.
Elizabeth had just seated herself near a window and broken the seal on the first letter when the servant knocked and entered the room to announce a visitor. Mr. Darcy was hard on her heels. Elizabeth stood and greeted him, the letters forgotten for the moment.
"Mr. Darcy, how kind of you to call." Elizabeth curtsied and made him welcome as her heart raced at seeing him so unexpectedly. She endeavored not to pat at her hair or adjust dress, hoping she did not look too frightful. 'He is just being kind, surely he has had business here in Lambton and is merely stopping by briefly to pay his respects.' The determined expression upon his face, however, soon gave her reason to be sure that his visit had a very specific purpose. And, as he spoke, Elizabeth became even more breathless and fluttered.
"Miss Bennet, I have come to make an apology to you; one that cannot wait any longer. I was wrong to interfere in the courtship of you sister and my friend. I have related to Mr. Bingley the entirety of my interference and have asked for his forgiveness as well. He was, in fact, quite angry with me for subscribing to such measures and rightly so. I can assure you, however, that his anger can not have been any more than that anger I have directed toward myself.
Upon hearing you relate to me the extent of your sister's regard for Mr. Bingley, I was thrown into the greatest turmoil. You cannot imagine what confusion I felt to learn that I was truly mistaken in my assumption that your sister did not feel as deeply for my friend as he did for her. Please accept my deepest apology. Even now Mr. Bingley is on his way to Netherfield. His dearest wish at present is, I believe, to be able to claim you as a sister."
Elizabeth was nearly speechless.
"Mr. Darcy...of course, I accept your apology." Elizabeth breathed in happy amazement.
"I...can understand that you were...only concerned with the welfare of your good friend. Now, it appears that you have indeed remedied the situation. I cannot have imagined this affair could end in such a way. It does quite seem that the previous injuries have been counteracted and will in short order be completely forgot.
"If only that were so." Mr. Darcy replied, "I would most earnestly beg your forgiveness for my inexcusable behavior toward yourself in Hunsford." He held her eyes for a moment, until she had to look away. His expression was too intense; he seemed to be asking her if he should continue. At length, he did.
"Miss Bennet, I cannot credit my...audacity, but it is not possible for me to remain silent in this matter any longer. I was so abominably rude to you, so sure you would be wishing for my addresses. I could not see beyond my own conceit. Your set down, I must confess, angered me at first, but later, when I had duly considered your reproof, I was able to see all the truth in your words. I have attempted, these last months, to attend to those shortcomings you indicated to me." Here her face became even more flushed than his previous words had rendered it. Noticing her reaction he said. "Please, do not fawn at my words, I do not reproach you for any of your words to me then. Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget: 'had you behaved in a more gentleman like manner. Those were your words. You know not, you can scarcely conceive how they have tortured me"
After this speech, Elizabeth looked into his eyes and upon seeing his expression wished in earnest that she could take from him the painful memory of her words. She could not, however much she would like to. She did have the power, however to relate to him all of the truths she had accepted in his words with regard to her family's behavior.
She was surprised when he took a small step toward her to grasp her left hand. His expression was so animated and his regard so evident that she could not look away, although she colored profusely at such an intimate contact.
"Elizabeth," He said, and she almost sighed at hearing him speak her given name. "Would you consider...I dare ask again if you would do me the great honor of becoming my wife." He brought from his breast pocket a wide intricately carved gold ring with a large square diamond set into it.
Tears sprang to he eyes and Elizabeth could not speak. Darcy waited resolutely, a half-guarded, half-hopeful look upon his face.
Finally, she was able to whisper "Oh...! Mr. Darcy...nothing would give me...more pleasure." With that she received a smile from him that would rival the most spectacular of sunsets.
"Fitzwilliam." He corrected, "Call me Fitzwilliam."
"Fitzwilliam." She said.
"You have made me the happiest of men." He stated plainly. She did not realize until then how different was his demeanor. All the worry and rigidity that was upon his face had vanished. He had come to her with the burden of two apologies and an offer of marriage; it was no small wonder that he had been immutable.
They beamed at one another. Darcy placed the engagement ring on her finger. The ring would need to be sized down before Elizabeth could wear it and while he measured her finger with a bit of string he explained that the ring had been in the family for generations. It had originally belonged to his great-grandmother, and had last been worn by his own mother.
"And now it belongs to you, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth." He continued to hold her hand as their eyes met. As if drawn by a string, their faces came slowly together just as their lips met loud voices came from the hallway, and footsteps indicated that someone was approaching. With a slight groan Darcy straightened, releasing her hand to walk across the room and look out one of the windows. Two seconds later, her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner entered the room. They seemed a bit surprised to see Mr. Darcy had come to call so early, but received him with every courtesy, inquiring after his sister and his guests. Elizabeth used the time to repress her wildly spinning thoughts. He had kissed her! Their lips had touched for only the briefest moment, but had she imagined the wonder of it? The strong clean smell of him that had surrounded her as he leaned in close. The incredible softness of his lips as they had rested so briefly upon her own. Even now she was trembling and trying desperately to pretend that all was normal.
Darcy was saying that it was time for him to be off, but not before he issued another invitation to supper that evening. The invitation was happily accepted and Darcy bowed and with one last long look to Elizabeth, he quit the room. Elizabeth was near to bursting with the happy news of her engagement to Mr. Darcy when she realized that he would surely want to speak to her father before the news was made known, even to her own Aunt and Uncle. He had taken the ring with him to have the smith size it properly so there was no outward announcement of all that had occurred between them. Elizabeth hugged her happiness to herself, determined to keep her secret, at least for a short while longer.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner claimed Elizabeth for the tour of Lambton they had begun before her letters arrived. It was not until they were returning to dress for supper at Pemberley that Elizabeth remembered them. She dressed carefully, but quickly so that she had time to sit down by a lamp in the drawing room to read the news from home.
Part II
'Lydia - eloped with George Wickham?! Oh, foolish, silly Lydia. How could she?' But Elizabeth already knew the answer.
'She has been drawn in by Mr. Wickham. He has promised to marry her and she, the poor, stupid girl, has believed him!' Then perhaps out of desperation she thought, 'Perhaps...it could very well be possible, that Mr. Wickham indeed does truly love Lydia?
But, even if he does I am sure he will not marry Lydia, not with so many Mary Kings about to increase his fortune with. No, he must be about a very villainous business in his actions.'
Then her thoughts turned to her poor father and mother and the scandal the whole family would have to endure. As soon as she thought it she winced at the memory of what had occurred between herself and Mr. Darcy - 'Fitzwilliam.' She corrected her thought.
'But, how can I tell him of this? How can I involve him in so public a humiliation such as Lydia has caused with her rash behavior--and involving the very man he must harbor particular dislike for. I cannot bear to think of the mortification he would feel if, although I know it to Be wholly unlikely, if Wickham did marry Lydia. Then he would be forced to call that man brother? It is unimaginable.
He is so disinclined to apply himself to improper behavior, so careful to avoid exposure to social impropriety. Has he not foregone the satisfaction of seeing Wickham publicly disgraced? He has, and only to save his own sister from that embarrassment that the particulars of their own thwarted elopement would have caused.
That, I, whose main wish is to be a source of happiness and comfort, should be instead the cause of sadness and discomfiture is ironic. This will be, this is, too much to ask of him.'
Tears flowed down her cheeks as she saw her dreams for happiness slip away. Her decision made, Elizabeth dabbed at her eyes and rose to find her Aunt and Uncle, she must inform them of what had occurred. Jane had begged the assistance of their Uncle at the close of her letter and, if they hurried, they could leave within the hour.
Meanwhile at Pemberley...
Darcy had dressed for dinner and was in the drawing room awaiting the appearance of his guests. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst had joined him along with Caroline Bingley. Mr. Hurst was quickly on his way to being quite foxed and so said very little. Mrs. Hurst was playing the pianoforte. Miss Bingley sat in a chair across from Mr. Darcy and as usual was determined to engage him in constant conversation. Darcy was in good humor so the petty remarks Miss Bingley aimed at Elizabeth from time to time were hardly heard by him. She, encouraged by his cheerful mood, continued to bemoan the prospect of another evening spent in the company of Miss Bennet and her relations.
"Really, Mr. Darcy, you are kindness itself to entertain Miss Bennet and her relatives for two evenings together. However, I suppose we must have some addition to our company, what with my brother dashing off to Netherfield nearly before the sun could light his way. It really must have been quite pressing business to demand such prompt attention." Darcy smiled; knowing how urgent was Bingley's wish to profess his love to Miss Jane Bennet.
"I do believe it was," he responded, "But, nothing to trouble yourself about Miss Bingley."
"Well," replied she, "I dare say that my sister and her husband have me in their gratitude for taking me back to London with them in the morning. I am quite certain I would much rather stay in town than join my brother at Netherfield. I loathe the country and its tedious, unpolished society. I am still astonished, Mr. Darcy that you have joined my brother in enjoying that county.
"It is not the most exciting of places, I can readily concede, Miss Bingley," Mr. Darcy responded with a slight smile, "However it does have the effect of becoming a pleasant enough place, after one grows accustomed to its charms."
Miss Bingley was about to respond when a servant walked into the room to hand him a letter. Darcy was puzzled to see that the letter was from Elizabeth. Most fortunately, Georgiana walked into the room to join them and Darcy felt able to leave his guests now that his sister had arrived and they would not be left without a host. He went quickly to his library to read the letter. When he sat at his desk and broke the seal he was surprised to find another letter sealed and enclosed in the first, which was little more than a note. It read:
Dear Mr. Darcy,I hope this letter finds you in good time. I must apologize for Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and for myself, as we will not be able to join you for dinner this evening. Mr. Gardiner has just learned that he is needed immediately on urgent business. We will be leaving here in under a quarter of and hour. I hope we have not caused any inconvenience to you, sir.
Yours,
Elizabeth Bennet
Darcy swore under his breath. He had been looking forward to seeing her and the disappointment he felt that she was not coming was great. Even more disturbing was the fact that she was apparently leaving the county. This before he had a chance to speak to her about announcing their engagement. He had planned to find some private time with her that very evening. It was his intention to return to Hertfordshire shortly after she did. He had every intention of asking her father for her hand in person, rather than in a letter. But, now she was gone, and her letter left him somewhat confused as to whether she would return directly home or stay with her Aunt and Uncle in London until they could bring her home. Darcy swore again in frustration at having this delay interfere with the progress of making their engagement official. He opened the second letter, hoping that it would contain more information.
Dear Mr. Darcy,I beg your pardon for the impersonality of sending these tidings to you in a letter rather than in person. I must, however let you know of my feelings with all possible haste, as to avoid any confusion or lingering conceptions.
I have, this past afternoon had time to duly consider our meeting this morning. Upon careful reflection, I now know that I cannot consent to marry you. We are, as you know, from very different circumstances. I do not think I can ever feel comfortable to be so fettered by social obligation and I know you cannot, nor do I desire you to, change your own circumstances and obligations as the master of Pemberley. I must inform you that I feel that I am quite unequal to becoming Mrs. Darcy. I am quite certain that I could not make you happy for very long.
It would be a disastrous alliance for us both. Please forgive me for not having the presence of mind at our earlier meeting to realize these factors. Please accept my best wishes for you health and happiness.
Yours truly,
Elizabeth Bennet
Darcy sat in shock. He felt as if the world were spinning away from his feet. What torture he had thought himself to be in when she had refused his initial proposal of marriage.
He thought that pain nothing in comparison to what he was feeling now. To have her accept him, to verify her love, than to withdraw her assent hours later. He was desolate as he read the letter over and over again. It was so proper and staid, so very unlike his Elizabeth. The reasons she listed did not make sense to him at all. But, she had written them; she had felt her objections were strong enough to prevent them from marrying.
'What now?' He thought. 'Shall I go after her and press my suit until she relents? Shall I beg her father for her hand without her consent? I can not be happy without her, yet she will not have me. I did so think that she loved me as well as I do her.'
He puzzled over their meeting, her quick acceptance of his proposal and then the letter. He reread it yet again, but was still quite confused. After above half an hour of conjecture, he pulled himself together enough to quit his library and went to his guests. He informed them that their expected guests from Lambton had had to depart on urgent business and they then went in to dinner. Miss Bingley was in exceptionally high spirits for the rest of the evening, although she did take care to speak more often to Miss Darcy or her sister or her brother-in-law than to her host. Darcy was pensive and brooding during dinner and for the rest of the evening. His poor sister, Georgiana, approached him in the drawing room after coffee was served to say, "Fitzwilliam, you look quite upset, you are not angry with me are you?" To this Darcy sighed and patted his sister's hand.
"No, dear sister. You have done nothing to upset me. I fear I am more tired than I was aware. If you will excuse me, I will retire for the evening. Will you please see to our guests?"
Georgiana watched him ascend the staircase and pondered his explanation. He was upset, not tired, but why? Could it have to do with Miss Elizabeth Bennet? He had appeared to be perfectly content until he learned that she would not be available to dine with them that evening. Miss Bingley called to her from the music room and she, recalling her duties as hostess returned to them willing, for her brother's sake, to play yet another hand of cards.
Mr. and Mrs. Hurst departed with Miss Bingley the following morning. Darcy and Georgiana saw them off shortly after breakfast. Georgiana noted that her brother seemed relieved to have them gone. She quite agreed. It was one thing to have the Hursts and Miss Bingley as guests when their brother, Mr. Bingley was there. He more often than not offset their negative comments with his good-natured ones. But, without him there to balance their snobbery, they could be positively impossible to abide. This last visit especially, Georgiana had noticed how Caroline constantly threw her brother in her company. Mr. Bingley was a very nice gentleman, but Georgiana thought of him more as a brother than a suitor. She had known him nearly her entire life and the idea of any romantic design upon him seemed quite unnatural. Caroline however, wished otherwise and was not at all shy of late about making that perfectly obvious to everyone. Though she knew it was unkind to think it; Georgiana was glad to see them go.
Georgiana was quite worried about her brother. More than a week had passed since Miss Bingley and the Hursts had departed and nothing had changed. Darcy remained in his dark mood. Georgiana was beginning to fear for his health. He looked pale and did not have any appetite to speak of. Several times during the past week he did not come down to supper at all. He did go riding and often. She supposed he could not be too ill if he was able to do that. But, the way he rode caused her even greater concern than his mood. Georgiana had feared for his life when she witnessed him just this morning taking his best chestnut across the south field. He had galloped the horse across the high grass, jumping the hedgerow where his horse almost lost footing then was out of site down the shallow valley.
As she fretted, she positively annihilated the scales she was practicing. Just as she decided to stop her practicing for the afternoon, she heard the sound of booted footsteps in the entry hall; it could be no one but her brother. She rushed to see that he was all right as much as to greet him in general. His appearance was not comforting, his clothing bespoke the hard ride he had been about, and his face, though now too flushed with his exercise to be pale, was still grim. As she approached him, a servant appeared with a letter for him.
Darcy took the letter looking at the direction quickly, then seeming disappointed, said to his sister, "Yet another letter from our Aunt Catherine. Writing to harass me for not responding yet to the letter I received from her a fortnight ago. I shall go and answer her now and be done with it. I will be in my library, not to be disturbed."
As soon as Darcy was in the library he seated himself at his desk and broke the seal on the letter. He was prepared for and received his reproof for not responding to her previous correspondence. The letter itself was long and quite typical of his aunt. Darcy was not at all surprised that Aunt Catherine went on and on about Anne and her illnesses. He had long ago begun to believe that the only illnesses that his poor cousin suffered were those that Aunt Catherine dictated that she suffer. By the time Darcy had scanned through the fifth page, he was quite tired of hearing about the tiresome goings on at Rosings Park. His perseverance was rewarded however with a short aside about her parson where his aunt wrote:
Mr. and Mrs. Collins have dined with Anne and I this evening. I believe it is my duty to be sure that the clergy is properly directed and supervised. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are extremely glad for my help, I dare say. Mr. Collins thanked me again for my direction on the best and most applicable topics for his sermons. I know so much of what goes on in this part of the country, and, I tell you my dear nephew, Mr. Collins has a mammoth task indeed when it comes to shepherding such a flock.
He did not need my help with ideas for this coming Sunday however, and when I tell you why you, will not be at all surprised that the topic he has selected is `The Sin of Fornication'.
Mrs. Collins received a letter from her mother, Lady Lucas, I believe, informing her that the Bennets have befallen a most tragic circumstance that is much talked of in their county. I don't recall all of the particulars, but apparently, the youngest Miss Bennet, who is inexplicably out, though none of her elder sisters is married; has run off from visiting her friend in Brighton. Her intended groom is none other than the despicable Mr. Wickham. It was first believed that the two had gone to Scotland to be married, but, it has been several days and no word of their marriage has been sent. Gossip in the town implies that they have not gone to Scotland at all and are certainly not married.
I was most distressed at hearing such a scandalous story, as I am sure you are Fitzwilliam. I can easily believe, however that this must be the fault of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. I did perceive a good deal of impertinence about Miss Elizabeth Bennet while she was here visiting with the Collins'. Really, If all of the Bennet children are of the same temperament, I dare say they shall have many more scandals to contend with. It is lucky that Mr. Collins' relation to the Bennet family is so trifling; otherwise I might feel uneasy with a parson related to such a family.
I have however, directed Mr. Collins that he must set off early tomorrow morning to call upon the Bennet family. He is after all a man of God, and it is his duty to condole with them. I am excessively attentive to that type of thing you know.
The letter went on with praises from Lady Catherine about Lady Catherine, but Darcy stopped reading after the information about the Bennet family was read.
'What pain my Elizabeth must be in.' He thought. He knew too well the anguish of having a loved sister in the clutches of Wickham. He felt grim. 'If only I had exposed Wickham's true character, none of this could have happened!' But he had not, and now his Elizabeth was being affected by his lack of action.
Darcy paced the floor thinking of Elizabeth, of her acceptance and then rejection of her letter and of her swift departure.
As all of the pieces fell into place he swore and strode from the library. Within half an hour he was in his fasted carriage behind his best team of horses, speeding away from Pemberley.
Part III
Darcy stepped from the carriage into the busy street. He was familiar with this part of town as his own barrister had a practice located not far away. He looked up at the smallish townhouse before him and tried to think what he would say to its occupants that would make his presence seem less like the intrusion that it was. Unable to conjure a single syllable, he climbed the steps to the Gardiner residence. When the servant showed him into the parlor to await the master of the house Darcy refused to sit. Instead, he paced up and down the tastefully decorated, if small parlor, peering out of the window onto the street below. He didn't really see anything he looked at. His straight white trousers were impeccably tailored, his dark gray waistcoat was perfectly accented by a striped vest in a lighter shade of gray. His cravat was tied a bit less fashionably than was his norm, as he had been traveling and obliged to tie it himself without a valet to attend him. Darcy was restless and the five minutes he waited in the parlor seemed more like thirty. Finally, when Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner appeared Darcy fairly pounced upon them, going directly to Mr. Gardiner to shake hands and bow to his wife.
"Mr. Darcy!" Cried Mr. Gardiner after he and his wife greeted their unexpected guest. "What a surprise, I did not expect to see you in town." Mr. Gardiner looked quickly at the mantle clock. It read half past noon. His poor brother-in-law had left to return to Longbourn early that morning. He had promised to retrace the steps they had been taking all week, searching for his niece in the seamier portions of London. He had just been about to depart when the servant advised him that Mr. Darcy was waiting upon him. "I am most happy to welcome you to my home, however, just now, I must beg your pardon, I have imperative business to attend to... You understand I am sure? Perhaps we could meet at my club Tuesday a week?"
"Mr. Gardiner," Darcy replied, "I do understand, however, if you would allow me but five minutes of your time, I beg you, I believe I have some information you may be most satisfied with." Mr. Gardiner looked doubtful; he glanced at the mantle clock again and then at his wife's curious expression before seating himself next to her. Darcy strode across the room in four huge steps and closed the double doors that led to the hallway so that they might have a bit of privacy.
"Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner," he began with a deep breath. "I hope you will not be offended by my plain address and that which I must relate to you." Upon seeing that the Gardiners intended to hear him out Darcy proceeded. "I have, through my aunt, and she through Mr. and Mrs. Collins, learned of the very great distress your family is experiencing at this moment." Here Darcy held up a hand to stay Mr. Gardiner when he would have protested speaking about the subject. "I am also aware that the immoderate unhappiness endured by yourself and the rest of the Bennet family is due to the nefarious actions of Mr. George Wickham. You must allow me to tell you that I myself can understand the agonies your family is experiencing." With that Darcy went on to relate the whole of the Ramsgate affair to the Gardiners, leaving no part out. When he finished he bowed his head saying in a low voice how very, very sorry he was that he had not made the whole affair known to the general acquaintance in Hertfordshire when Wickham first appeared in town. "My only defense is that I did not want that blemish upon my dear sister Georgiana's reputation. It was selfish to not make that mans true character known." Mrs. Gardiner looked at him with open concern while Mr. Gardiner who was both taken aback and shocked by this confession from Darcy fumbled for something to say.
"Mr. Darcy, surely you do not, you cannot, feel responsible for the despicable actions of Wickham? That man is his own master, and any wrongdoing must be laid squarely at his door. I dare say, with Lydia's headstrong temperament, she would have found Wickham that much more exciting if she had know of this Ramsgate incident. I assure you neither I, nor the Bennet family hold you responsible, nor do we bear you any ill will for wishing to protect your sisters honor."
"Thank you Mr. Gardiner, for your assurances and your kindness, but I cannot rest until this matter is resolved. I have, and I hope you will forgive my temerity, I have discovered where Wickham and Miss Lydia Bennet are lodged. I have just come from seeing them both. Indeed I have, this morning, had the opportunity to speak with them each privately.
Mrs. Gardiner perked up considerably at this news, saying, "Oh, Mr. Darcy, is Lydia, is she all right? Where are they? We must seek her out at once and bring her back with us to Gracechurch Street!"
"I assure you Mrs. Gardiner that I used every allurement, every stratagem I could conjure to entreat Miss Bennet to come away from Mr. Wickham and to allow me to bring her to you here. I must confess that the only way I could bring her to you would certainly have been to drag her bound from the inn. Alas, she would not hear me and insisted that she and Mr. Wickham were in love and to be married sooner or later. She expressed no apprehension at the timing of such a nuptial event. I am sorry to inform you she did not seem to perceive at all the suffering that she was causing her family." Mr. Gardiner shook his head. He could well believe Lydia perfectly capable of such selfish disregard towards her family and of all conventional propriety. He voiced his thoughts to Mr. Darcy who after an affirming nod continued his relation of that morning's conference with the other part of that infamous couple, Mr. Wickham.
"Mr. Wickham seemed incredulous that I had discovered him. I could find no evidence of his having any intention to marry your niece and he himself admitted that he held no notion of making Miss Bennet his wife. This, of course, was all discussed below stairs in the dinning room of the inn. Mr. Wickham would make no such admission to your niece.
"After surmising the situation and observing their very close relationship, and observing first hand the very intimate nature of their lodging arrangement, I fear," said Mr. Darcy feeling his face heat, "that you can not expect to recover your niece and...er, and find her...as she ever was before." Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged looks that assured him that his meaning was understood. He wished heartily that anyone but himself could have imparted that particular piece of information to the Gardiners. A bit flushed, he went on. "It is quite clear that they must marry with all possible haste. Again, I hope you will forgive my presumption, for I could not help but to take it upon myself to outline the terms and bear the expense of a proposal with Mr. Wickham. This proposal would allow him the advantageous marriage he is ever after-to Miss Lydia Bennet."
Mr. Gardiner looked at Darcy in utter surprise. Mr. Gardiner was not a foolish man. His wife had been certain that there was a very strong attraction between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. He held his niece Elizabeth in high esteem. Indeed she was his favorite of the Bennet daughters because of her easy kindness, humor and intellect, yet he could not believe that this mans' actions toward his wayward niece Lydia were not effected by feelings for Elizabeth. He was rich to be sure, but neither he nor his wife had been able to discern what Elizabeth truly felt for the man. What would happen if Darcy did resolve this matter? Would he then relate the whole tale to Elizabeth and expect her gratitude. If she loved him as well as he seemed to love her there could be no harm done. His actions would be only another attribute for a lover that would have been accepted regardless. But, if Elizabeth did not care for his attentions, would he make her feel obligated or worse guilty if she chose to reject him? Mr. Gardiner knew the story of Mr. Collins and how Elizabeth had rejected what would have been a very good match because she did not love the intended. Yes, it was very important to his niece that she should be in love before she married.
"Mr. Darcy," Mr. Gardiner stated. "I cannot allow you to take this upon yourself. This is not any of your concern and certainly not your fault. I am immensely grateful for your help in locating my niece and Mr. Wickham, if you will but tell me where-" He was cut off by a sharp elbow delivered surreptitiously by Mrs. Gardiner at the same time that Mr. Darcy said. "I assure you sir, I will not give way in this. The responsibility is mine, I must have it" Mr. Darcy delivered these words in such a resolute and determined manner that Mr. Gardiner knew he would not rest until he had attended to the situation himself. Looking at Darcy, Mr. Gardiners' respect for the man. Darcy has a firm and resolved a character. Darcy would not press his niece with obligation for any actions he performed for her sister; he could feel that in his bones as well as he felt the ache in his side where his wife had elbowed him. 'I do hope that Elizabeth is inclined to like him. I should not object to know him better.' With a sigh of subjugation he nodded his head briefly and shook hands with Mr. Darcy. "There is one other request I must make of you, Mr. Gardiner." Darcy stated flatly. "I must ask, must insist, that the Bennets not be made aware of my involvement." Again, Mr. Gardiner balked at the idea of taking the considerable credit for arranging a marriage that was believed by all to be impossible. The staunch determination displayed once again by Mr. Darcy however soon won out and shortly thereafter, Darcy took his leave of the Gardiners with the promise that he would keep them apprised of all the details as they were decided upon.
Three days later Darcy stood in his drawing room, leaning on the oak mantle of the fireplace. Mr. Bingley was seated in a chair opposite him, his leg propped up on a footstool.
"So," Bingley stated. "It is done? They are married?"
Darcy had been surprised to meet with Bingley the day after his meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. He had gone to his favorite club for a bracing brandy and some conversation with his acquaintances after the tortures of sitting with Wickham for three hours, finalizing the agreement of Wickham's marriage to Lydia Bennet.
'Darcy!' Bingley had fairly yelled across the room. Darcy had been as surprised by Bingley's presence as the other man was by his. Darcy had walked across the room, through the thick layer of pipe smoke to greet him. At once he had noticed the slight discomfort Bingley experienced in standing to greet him. 'What a surprise, man. Louisa and Caroline were sure you planned to stay in Derbyshire for another month at least.' Darcy had then informed him that such would have been the case if urgent business had not brought him to town. Then, almost hesitantly he'd ventured, 'The last I saw of you Bingley was the dust of your carriage, I would have thought you long ago at Netherfield.'
'Ah, yes, well that was my intention, unfortunately just outside of London our carriage hit a large rut and our wheel was dislodged from its axle housing. When my footman and I tried to maneuver it back in place, I slipped and incurred a rather nasty ankle sprain. I hired a carriage to get back to London so that my physician could attend me. The blasted fellow insists that I must not travel for ten days! If I had known that he would say such a ridiculous thing, I should have gone on to Longbourn in my hired carriage without being attended by anybody. That, however is not what I did do, so, here I sit. I dare say it may be better that I must wait to see my Miss Bennet until I am a bit more steady upon my feet. There is nothing less romantic than a hobbled suitor, eh, Darcy?' Darcy had been pleased to see his friend's spirits had not been too diminished by his injury.
'You should need only a good knee when you are reunited with Miss Bennet, I'll wager.' Smiled Darcy, then his smile had faded a bit and he'd asked, 'Are you still angry with me Bingley? My conscience has been biting this past week.'
'I forgive you my friend, I cannot say I understand you altogether, but be assured, I harbor no ill will toward you, our friendship is too important to me for that. Pray, what business brings you away from your beloved Pemberley?' Darcy, knowing of the depth of feelings between his friend and the eldest Miss Bennet knew that Bingley must be told of the events that had befallen the Bennets'. He was sure that nothing could change the feelings his friend had for Jane Bennet, but was not ready to inform Bingley until everything was finalized. He found himself hard pressed not to inform Bingley of the elopement but said instead. 'My friend, I am not at liberty to discuss my business at the moment, but, if you will join me for dinner on Saturday, I may by then be able to assuage your curiosity.' Bingley had, as was his nature, been most gentlemanly and changed the subject immediately.
"Yes, Bingley" Darcy shifted his attention back to the present and responded to his friends question. "They are wed. I was in attendance at the chapel today. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner witnessed the vows and I stood with Wickham as groomsman." True to his word, Darcy had arranged all of the details of the wedding, even contracting a vicar to perform the ceremony and arranging for suitable accommodations for the newlyweds at an inn that was in a much more savory location then their present residence.
Now as they sipped brandy at Darcy's residence, Bingley was still digesting the story Darcy had just told him of Lydia's elopement and marriage to Wickham. "Thank God for that! Oh the pain my dear Jane must be in. She is the gentlest most caring creature in the world, I wish that I could have been there for her!"
"You could not well have courted Miss Bennet during the midst of such revelations, Bingley!" Darcy reasoned, hoping his friend did not feel too guilty for his delayed trip to Longbourn. "I am sure they were not, any of them, receiving visitors."
"You are right." Bingley reasoned, "How did you come to be involved in this situation Darcy?"
Bingley already knew the general details the affair at Ramsgate and so Darcy quickly informed him of how he'd learned of the elopement and his feelings of guilt for not exposing Wickham publicly before the man had the chance to prey on other young ladies. He, as always, kept the secret of his love for Elizabeth Bennet to himself. Bingley looked at him a bit strangely, but did not question him further on his motives. He only said, "I am at the end of my convalescence, Darcy." A slow smile spread across his face as he said, "I shall be off to Netherfield a week from Monday, if you would care to join me on the trip. It will merely be a shooting party therefore I will not be bringing Caroline. We can be gentlemen of leisure if we wish, gaming and shooting, visiting only who we choose to visit, without the rigorous social schedule my sisters adhere to."
Darcy smiled warmly at his friend, his eyes dancing with delight at the prospect of returning to Netherfield, and of seeing Elizabeth. "Why thank you, Bingley, that sounds like a most agreeable employment."
Meanwhile at Longbourn
Lizzy rolled her eyes heavenward as if she could beg some help from that quarter. Her mother was lolling upon her chaise in her bedchamber, but her piercing voice could not be missed throughout the entire house. "Hill I am so ill. Hill where are my daughters, they must attend me or I shall never recover. Hill fetch my smelling salts, quickly!" It was always something. Ever since Elizabeth had arrived back at Longbourn her mother had been in a state of perpetual frenzy.
First her mother had wanted her to stay by her side for hours then, she had suddenly become agitated and ordered everyone out of her bedchamber. Elizabeth was wholeheartedly sick and tired or her mothers tirades. She frowned as she attempted again to concentrate on her embroidery. As she outlined the small pink flowers her mind was drawn, for the hundredth time to thoughts of Fitzwilliam Darcy. 'My Fitzwilliam.' she thought. 'What was his reaction upon reading my letter?' Her heart ached as she imagined him feeling as desolate and heartbroken as she did. 'He believes that I truly do not want to be his wife. Oh, if only that were really so. I would not have to endure this hurt. My dear Fitzwilliam. What is he doing now? Is he listening to Georgiana play her pianoforte? Has he returned to London to take his place in society? He will surely be attending balls and parties. No doubt, sooner or later he will make another choice for a wife, someone better suited for him. Someone who would not cause him and his family scandal and disdain.' Hot tears blurred her vision at the thought of Fitzwilliam with anyone but herself. Before she could reach for her handkerchief to wipe them away Mary and Kitty entered the room.
"Lizzy, tell Mary that I care not to have her following me about quoting Fordyce's Sermons to me! Truly I can stand no more of her morbid righteousness!" Kitty was staring at Mary furiously.
"Elizabeth," responded Mary, "I do feel that it is my duty to instill a sense of sisterly consolation to my unfortunately morally deficient sister. I feel that, if mother would only have taken my advice many months ago and required each of my dear sisters to spend two hours of every day in my company listening to me interpret these sermons, we would not be in our present predicament. I have, however, not mentioned this mistake in prudence to our poor mother. I feel it would be better if I wait until she is feeling better to bring this particular err in judgment to her attention."
"Well!" yelled Kitty, "I cannot abide the way that everyone acts as if Lydia has committed a murder! She has done not but elope with Mr. Wickham. Surly he is not rich like Mr. Bingley, but his is very handsome and I dare say that Lydia will be quite, five times happier with him than with anyone else she could have chosen in Hertfordshire!"
Lizzy could listen to no more. Her whole life was ruined by Lydia's behavior. One sister wanted to preach to the world about their misfortunes and the other would probably elope as well if she ever got the chance of it. She stood up and rushed from the room. Her unshed tears blurred her vision, but she kept running until she shut the door to her room and rested against it.
'Oh, Fitzwilliam! How I long for you to comfort me!' But he could not comfort her. He did not even know of her family's misfortune. Elizabeth berated herself for thinking of Darcy and feeling sorry for herself. What she had done was for the best. 'He would have told me that it did not matter and married me after he found out. He is too much of a gentleman to break an engagement once he had asked me. No, I saved him the trouble of marrying me when he no longer would have wished to do so.' She thought. 'He would never have asked me to marry him if he knew about Lydia's scandal. How unfair, how unjust it would be to make him marry me.' Elizabeth walked over to the window. A soft rain had just begun and she leaned her forehead against the cold glass windowpane. 'If only none of this foolishness with Lydia had happened! How wonderful,' she supposed, 'how perfect my life would have been as Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy."
Part IV
This section has a lot of italicized original P&P text. I hope Miss Austen would not be too upset with me for my impertinence!
On a sunny day that was everything it ought to be without the Longbourn residence and not at all what it should be within, an express arrived for Mr. Bennet. Hill received the letter and brought it to Mr. Bennet in the garden. Hill was anxious to hear what news had come from Mr. Gardiner in London. She became quite vexed when Mr. Bennet stayed where he was without a word to any of the household.
As she kept an ear out for her poor mistress, who was still too overwrought to leave her bedchamber, Hill hung sheets out to dry in the warm sunshine. As she finished the laundry, the two eldest Bennet daughters came out of doors to gather herbs and pick flowers.
Unable to repress her desire to know what had occurred in London to warrant an express she abandoned her laundry to approach the ladies. "I beg your pardon, ma'am, for interrupting you, but I was in hopes you might have got some good news from town, so I took the liberty of coming to ask." The ladies indicated that they had not had any news from town. Hill, already knowing that Mr. Bennet had not informed anyone of the express attempted to look surprised that they were unaware of the letter, informing them that an express had arrived not a half an hour ago.
As she had suspected the girls were completely surprised by this revelation and ran toward the house straight away, without another syllable.
Hill smiled. 'Now then,' she thought. 'Not a crime to give things a lit'l shove when they needs it.' Hill shook her head and sighed. She dearly hoped that the news, whatever it was, was good for the Bennet family and poor, dear Lydia. Going back to hanging the laundry Hill was optimistic that she would soon learn about the contents of the express. To aid her hopes that the news would be good, she took the liberty of saying a small prayer.
The girls were unsuccessful in finding their father in the house or the garden, but were soon informed by one of the servants that he was walking near the grove. The girls soon located their father in the shade of a large tree. Seeing their approach and the haste with which they gained his position Mr. Bennet was not at all surprised to hear Elizabeth say as soon as she was in range of hearing, "Oh, Papa, what news? What news? Have your heard from my uncle?" Mr. Bennet sighed his resignation and gave over the express he'd received from his brother-in-law. As Elizabeth read the letter aloud to Jane, he thought about his youngest and most foolish daughter. He was filled with the relief and the turmoil the letter had created in him. Lydia was saved! She would be married, and sooner or later, with any luck, the talk of the improper length of time that had passed before the marriage took place would die down.
Mr. Gardiner had performed a miracle of prodigious proportions. A miracle that could not have taken place financed only by the paltry sum mentioned in the letter. Elizabeth finished reading the letter; her cheeks were still flushed from running from the house in search of him.
"Is it possible!" cried Elizabeth, when she had finished. "Can it be possible that he will marry her?"
"Wickham is not so undeserving, then, as we have thought him," said her sister. "My dear father, I congratulate you."
"And have you answered the letter?" said Elizabeth.
"No; but it must be done soon."
Elizabeth urged her father to do so immediately. And after a moment they all walked back slowly toward the house.
"And, may I ask?" said Elizabeth, "but the terms, I suppose, must be complied with."
"Complied with! I am only ashamed of his asking so little."
"And they must marry! Yet he is such a man!"
"Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done. But there are two things that I want very much to know;--one is, how much money your uncle has laid down, to bring it about; and the other, how I am ever to pay him."
"Money! My uncle!" cried Jane, "what do you mean, Sir?"
"I mean, that no man in his senses, would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a-year during my like, and fifty after I am gone."
"That is very true," said Elizabeth, "Thought it had not occurred to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh! It must be my uncle's doings! Generous, good man, I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all this."
Elizabeth bit her lower lip as she thought of what this marriage must have cost her dear uncle. He, who still had several young children of his own to raise and now had to add to his burden additional expenses for his thoughtless niece.
"Wickham is a fool, if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him, in the very beginning of our relationship."
"Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid?"
Mr. Bennet made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought, continued silent till they reached the house. Their father went into the library to write. The girls took the letter up to their mother.
As could be expected and their mother disinclined to disappoint, was all elation and happiness at the news of her daughters' upcoming marriage. She exclaimed in great detail to her daughters how wonderful and joyous was the news that Lydia would soon be married. She quite forgot her illness of the past weeks, and immediately rung for Hill. She began dressing with plans to call upon Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Long and certainly Lady Lucas.
Mrs. Bennet did suffer however, and was much vexed at the news that Lydia would be married from Cheapside, which she knew, would unhappily prevent Lydia's sisters from being her bridesmaids. Her nerves did also threaten to reappear when Mr. Bennet flatly refused to give Lydia money for wedding clothes. Mrs. Bennet, however, was determined to be pleased at the prospect of a married daughter and soon combated the debilitating effects of her nervous condition. She was quite able to dress and quit the house with record haste. Mrs. Bennet was neigh half way to Meryton less than half an hour after hearing the good news.
The following day, another letter was delivered to Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet was again extremely disappointed and vexed to hear that Mr. and Mrs. Wickham would be moving to the north as Mr. Wickham was to quit the militia and attach himself to the regulars, his new regiment being in that part of the country.
Finally four days after the original letter from Mr. Gardiner came the news that the wedding was done. Lydia Bennet had become Mrs. Wickham. Her mother could do little more then sniffle her joy into her handkerchief. She was still quite put out with Mr. Bennet, and her last go round with him had cause her to succumb once again to her nerves. He refused to allow the Wickhams to come to Longbourn before they traveled to the north.
Elizabeth was quite happy that her father was holding fast in his assertion that the Wickhams should not be invited as guests to Longbourn. He volunteered quite willingly to pay for Mrs. Bennet to travel post to London to visit her newly married daughter. Mrs. Bennet, however, could not comply with his suggestion, owing of course to her poor nerves. She cried and begged Mr. Bennet to allow the Wickhams to visit, but Mr. Bennet held firm.
Two days after receiving the letter acknowledging the wedding, Elizabeth was fed up with having to hear once more her mother lament her situation and curse the insensitivity of Mr. Bennet. She was almost on the verge of asking her father to relent and allow Lydia to come home with her new husband before they went up North.
The bell rang surprising them all. When Hill opened the door, Mrs. Phillips blew in with an urgent comportment that could only bespeak the fact that she was about the business of distributing newly acquired information. As Elizabeth had, over the years, become a sort of connoisseur of the mannerisms of both her mother and her aunt Phillips she was able to discern immediately that her aunt had some particularly interesting news. Mrs. Phillips was, indeed near to bursting with excitement, but strict gossip protocol, Elizabeth knew, dictated that the news must be delivered first to the mistress of the house. That lady would thence distribute the news to her household, as she deemed appropriate.
Upon seeing Hill open the door, Mrs. Phillips immediately cried, "Oh, Hill! Where is my sister? Does she still keep to her room? Let me to her, for I have such news!" Up the stairs went Mrs. Phillips. Soon much agitation and flutter was heard from upstairs. Mrs. Bennet herself soon appeared on the stairs in her dressing gown calling for Jane.
"Jane, Jane!" She cried. "Where is that girl!" When Elizabeth came into the hall to tell her mother that Jane had walked to the grove she was unable to get out a syllable before she was cut off.
"Elizabeth!" Her mother nearly screamed. "Where is Jane! We have so much to do! My dear sister has just told me that Mr. Bingley is returning to Netherfield and-Oh, Lizzy, run and fetch you sister, we must go through her wardrobe and have her best dresses ready!"
Elizabeth's heart began to pound with the news that Mr. Bingley was to return. 'At last!' Elizabeth thought. She had been expecting Mr. Bingley to make and appearance shortly after she had returned from Lambton. She had actually been thankful when he did not appear whilst the house was in such chaos. She had quite firmly attributed his absence to his perhaps being detained by urgent business. If he had appeared during the turmoil that Lydia's elopement had caused, Elizabeth was sure, Jane would not have seen him, so great was her dear sisters distraction and worry over her mother and father and the well being of her family. 'But now...', Lizzy thought. Then another thought entered her head.
'Mr. Darcy is his best friend. Would Darcy accompany him as he had done before?' Elizabeth had been in a sort of dream existence since her return to Longbourn. She had done everything she could to forget Mr. Darcy. She had made herself available to her demanding mother almost constantly, doing anything and everything possible to stay busy. She seldom found herself idle. Early on she had discovered that as soon as she had free time, her thoughts returned to Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Elizabeth turned and walked out of the front door in search of her sister. 'What if he does come with Mr. Bingley?' She thought. 'Will he ask me to marry him again? Will I be able to reject him once more if he does? Should I reject him?' Elizabeth thought of the averted ruin of her family. Lydia's actions had not ruined the family, but they had caused a scandal, even in their small country town. Elizabeth considered how small and close knit the Meryton community was. They had been shunned and snubbed by some of their acquaintances, thought not by their closest friends.
Elizabeth considered how large an acquaintance Mr. Darcy possessed. His friends and family both would certainly be distressed at hearing the tale of her family. They would most certainly cut all ties with Mr. Darcy and his family if she became his wife. Elizabeth could well stand being snubbed by people she was only moderately acquainted with and had no real care for, but to transfer by marriage to Mr. Darcy any tarnished or blighted reputation would not be justifiable. No, Mr. Darcy was quite unfailing in his character and reputation. She could not foist such a scandal upon his family name.
Elizabeth walked slowly weaving in the general direction of the grove. She was almost upon Jane without realizing it. After composing herself somewhat, she forced a smile, that had she not been in so much pain, would have been genuine for the news she had for her dear sister.
"Jane!" She said. "I have been looking for you! Aunt Phillips has come to tell us that Mr. Bingley shall shortly be returning to Netherfield!" Elizabeth saw the quick look of hope and delight that flashed across her sisters' face. It was eclipsed by a small shadow of worry as Jane said, "It is very nice that Mr. Bingley should return to Netherfield. He has ever been a very pleasant neighbor." Jane turned to examine the leaves of a small shrub and Elizabeth knew that her sister was fighting to regain her composure.
"Dear Jane," she said, "Mr. Bingley had been a bit more than a pleasant neighbor!"
"Oh, Lizzy!" Jane turned to her sister, clutching her hand tightly. She abandoned all pretense of composure. "But, I am afraid! After all these months surely he can have no intentions toward me. Mama and aunt Phillips will be expecting-"
"Jane, you are not to worry about Mama or Aunt Phillips! And, I believe you may well find that Mr. Bingley is not so very indifferent to you as you may think."
"I hope that you are right Lizzy, but, I shall need all my strength to keep my composure when we meet with him again."
"You will do fine!" Elizabeth assured, kissing Jane on her cheek.
The following week it happened that the very day Mr. Bingley arrived into town he called upon Longbourn. Mr. Bennet was visiting Sir Lucas and only Mrs. Bennet and her four daughters were home to receive them. Mrs. Bennet was still angry with Mr. Bennet for his refusal to visit Mr. Bingley. She had talked of nothing else the entire morning and Elizabeth was not surprised Mr. Bennet had decided to visit Lucas Lodge that afternoon. A few hours in the company of Sir and Lady Lucas was infinitely more pleasurable than spending half a day with an angry wife.
The bell rang and shortly thereafter, Hill entered the drawing room and announced, "Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, ma'am"
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged astonished looks before rising to greet their guests. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were made welcome by Mrs. Bennet, although, to Elizabeth's mortification the former was received much more warmly then the latter. Mrs. Bennet was so happy to see Mr. Bingley that she soon almost forgot that the hated Mr. Darcy was even in the room.
Jane looked at Elizabeth pleadingly as their mother rattled on and on about the neighborhood and how happy she was to see that Netherfield had not been abandoned by Mr. Bingley entirely. Elizabeth almost stopped breathing when her mother gushed proudly about the marriage of her youngest daughter. The moment passed quickly, however without mention of whom her daughter had married and soon Mr. Bingley suggested a walk toward Meryton. Both Mrs. Bennet and Mary declined to join the party. The former wanted as few companions with Mr. Bingley and Jane as possible and the latter preferred to read.
So Jane, Elizabeth and Kitty set off with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Soon Jane and Mr. Bingley were far ahead of the others. Elizabeth fretted, she did not want to interrupt the private conversation between Jane and Mr. Bingley, but she certainly did not want to end up in solitary conversation with Mr. Darcy herself. She was saved, however by the presence of Kitty who chatted to Elizabeth. Kitty talked of her current embroidery of a set of cushions, a topic that was unlikely to either interest Mr. Darcy or give him a chance to enter into the conversation and so he was essentially silent.
Elizabeth stole glances at him as he walked beside her. She had been too nervous in the parlor to even glance at him, although she was sure she had felt his eyes upon her several times. He was so very tall and to her dismay even more handsome than she recollected. She was quite lost in thought when Kitty said, "Elizabeth, do you mind if I run down the lane here, to call upon Maria Lucas?" She could only say yes and so Kitty trotted off and away to call upon her friend, leaving Elizabeth alone with Mr. Darcy.
They walked in silence some minutes before he spoke. "I have missed you Elizabeth." He said plainly, without artifice or intonation.
"I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, for the manner in which I had to break our engagement." Replied Elizabeth "If it had been in my power, I would certainly have come to see you in person."
"I would like to say I understand, Elizabeth." Said Darcy. He stopped walking and grasped her hands, looking intently into her eyes. "However, I cannot. I do not understand your objections. The reasons you give for not wanting to become my wife are irrelevant, and certainly nothing to stop us from being wed. I love you, and I want to marry you."
Elizabeth was unable to speak. She began to shake and tried to withdraw her hands from his. He would not let them go, and she felt as if she was drowning in the depths of his eyes. "I love you Elizabeth, truly and completely. Can you look at me and tell me you do not return my feelings?"
Elizabeth opened her mouth, then clamped it shut again. No, she could not tell him she did not love him. A flicker of triumph sprang to life in his eyes when he saw she could not deny her love for him. He brought one hand up to her chin to lift her eyes to his. His head descended and he kissed her softly and gently, his lips were firm, yet soft against hers. Elizabeth swayed and his hands came to her arms to steady her. Her head was spinning and she felt as if she were on a cloud. "This is bliss." She thought. When he lifted his head and looked down at her, his eyes were full of wonder. "I thought...I thought I had imagined it before. When I kissed you in Lambton." She knew exactly what he meant and colored shyly, looking down at her feet.
"I will see your father tomorrow afternoon and-" He was cut off by her barely audible response.
"No." Elizabeth whispered.
"What do you mean?" Asked Darcy "Would you prefer I speak with him today?"
"No." Replied Elizabeth. "I will not marry you Fitzwilliam."
Darcy's face, which had been alight with love, now drained of color. All expression left his face and he retorted, "If you will not marry me Elizabeth, you will have to tell me why!"
Elizabeth was on the verge of tears; they welled up in her eyes and clouded her vision. She must do this; she could not marry him. The dishonor and ostracism he and his family would receive would cause him to grow to hate her and she could not stand that.
"I have told you why!" She replied, irrationally becoming angry because he was putting her through the torture of denying that which would make her the happiest woman in the world yet again. "I have told you and you must accept it! I will not marry you."
Now Darcy became angry. "I have already told you that your reasons are of no consequence Elizabeth. I have come here to marry you and marry you I shall!" With that he turned back down the lane and walked back the way they had come, leaving her to stare after him as she finally let the tears fall.
Part V
Elizabeth wandered along the small winding paths about Longbourn after her argument with Mr. Darcy. She thought over how he had looked at her, how happy he had been when she could not deny that she loved him. She shivered when she remembered how cool and deliberate he had been when he delivered his parting words-" I have already told you that your reasons are of no consequence, Elizabeth. I have come here to marry you and marry you I shall!" Then he had turned on his heel and walked back to Longbourn without so much as a backward glance.
'He is angry with me.' thought Elizabeth 'I cannot blame him. He knows that the objections I brought up to him are of no consequence. They were only an excuse I used to keep him from finding out the truth about Lydia and Wickham.' The reasons she had given certainly did not matter to him any more than they would have prevented her. A small voice in the back of her head begged Elizabeth to tell Darcy about the scandal Lydia had created; to let him judge for himself if he still wanted to wed her after he knew the full truth. 'But then he will most certainly feel obligated to marry me whether he wants to or not!' She thought. 'No, when he does find out about Lydia and her new husband, he will certainly congratulate himself on his escape. He will be glad that I refused him and he shall not have to bear the scandals of the Bennets.'
At least in this she felt redeemed in her misery. She felt alone and isolated. Elizabeth walked in the woods for what felt like hours. At length, she turned back to the house. Elizabeth prayed that her mother was up and about. For the past two days, Mrs. Bennet had fretted terribly, every word she uttered bemoaned her ill health, Mr. Bennets refusal to let the Wickhams visit Longbourn and the absence of her dearest Lydia forever. Elizabeth was surprised to see Mr. Darcy exit the front door of the house and mount his horse as she rounded the bend in the road. He did not see her as he tipped his hat to Mr. Bennet and road off toward Netherfield alone.
Elizabeth wondered when her father had returned from his visit at Lucas Lodge. She sighed and walked into the house. In the parlor she was surprised that Mr. Bingley was still there. He sat next to Jane, of course. Their conversation was quite and Elizabeth saw that for once her dear mother was making herself busy and allowing the two a modicum of privacy for their conversation. Mrs. Bennet reprimanded Elizabeth as soon as she entered the room. "Elizabeth! Where have you been! It is most impolite of you to wander off and leave Mr. Darcy to find his own way back." Elizabeth was not about to defend herself, but, after she saw the slight smile that her mother could not repress, she knew that Mrs. Bennet was not at all upset with Elizabeth for her supposed mistreatment of Darcy. "Why the man was so offended that he refused to stay for dinner, and left quite abruptly!" Now Mrs. Bennets eyes danced a bit mischievously and Elizabeth supposed her mother was thinking that her daughter had finally paid Mr. Darcy back for his slight at the assembly so many months past, an incident long forgotten by everyone else.
Elizabeth made a faltering apology saying that they had become separated inadvertently. As an after thought she asked Mr. Bingley to convey her apology to Mr. Darcy. Bingley promised to do so and soon they all went in to dinner.
Dinner was not as lively as it usually was. Ever since the youngest Ms. Bennet had married there had been a distinctly subdued aura attached to dinner. Elizabeth and Jane usually attempted to keep a constant conversation of some sort and usually succeeded in keeping their evening meal somewhat cheerful. Tonight, however, the conversation was left for the most part to Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Mr. Bingley. Kitty was quite bored and had to stifle a yawn with her napkin. Mary was not at all interested in any conversation that did not allow her to preach or philosophize on religion or morale character and so she concentrated on her meal.
Elizabeth could not keep thoughts of her walk with Darcy out of her head. She tried to participate, but lost the thread of the conversation so many times that she finally gave up and was silent. Mr. Bennet, whose habit it was to interject small comments meant to entertain the group with his satirical witticisms said not two words together the entire meal. Elizabeth was too lost in thought to notice that he often looked at her oddly during the course of the meal.
After dinner was over, Mr. Bingley stayed for a short while, retiring to the library with Mr. Bennet for cigars and port. Then he took his leave, bidding them all farewell in his usual cheerful manner.
Elizabeth was about to retire for the evening when her father sought her out. "Lizzy, may I have a word with you?"
"Certainly father." Elizabeth replied. She followed him to his study, curious about the distracted look upon his face. As quickly as she settled into the chair opposite his desk she became even more disturbed at the tired drawn expression upon her father's face.
"Papa!" She exclaimed. "What ever is the matter?" She sat forward and placed her hand over his.
He immediately covered her small hand with his own.
"My dear girl." He said. "Upon my return from Lucas Lodge this evening I encountered Mr. Darcy. Apparently he had been awaiting my return for some time." Elizabeth went ridged. "He requested a moment of my time. We sat in this very room." Mr. Bennets eyes did not leave Elizabeth, he was watching her very closely, as if she would fly away at any moment if he took his eyes off of her. "Mr. Darcy, it seems finds himself helplessly in love with you, and has asked me for your hand in marriage."
Elizabeth had dropped her eyes to examine the paperweight on her father's desk when she first heard mention of Mr. Darcy. Now, at her father's words her head snapped up, her eyes were incredulous. Her father pressed her hand firmly as he continued to speak.
"I have given him my consent. You will marry Mr. Darcy." Now Elizabeth withdrew her hand from her father's grasp.
"You have given you consent?" She cried. "What of me! What of my consent? Did Mr. Darcy neglect to tell you that I have already twice refused him?!"
"Once accepted, and three times refused is the tally I believe, If you count your conversation with him today as a refusal." Mr. Bennet smiled briefly. "He is a powerful man Lizzy. He loves you deeply, Of that I am certain." He looked at her piercingly as he added "And, I know you Lizzy. You would never have accepted him in the first place if you did not care for him as well."
Elizabeth was so angry and embarrassed that she found herself to be quite speechless. To imagine that Mr. Darcy had had the presumption to approach her father for her hand after she had refused him!
Above this outrage was the still insupportable acceptance of the marriage by her father. He had said that he actually knew she had refused him! Elizabeth rolled her eyes in mortification. How much had Mr. Darcy told her father? Elizabeth was prepared to staunchly defend her right to have some input in the decision of who she was to marry, but her fathers last words, filled with such keen insight removed all of her reasonable objections. She did love Darcy. And, it appeared that he was determined to love her as well. He was obviously not going to be gainsaid. Elizabeth felt as if she was the solitary opposing piece remaining on the chess set and Mr. Darcy had just pronounced Check!
'So I lose.' Thought Elizabeth with a sigh 'But, I also win! I do love him. He will not rest until I consent to be his wife. If only the scandal was not between us.'
Mr. Bennet watched the play of emotions that crossed his daughters' lovely face. Upon seeing her so silent after the tirade he'd expected he began to feel more certain that he had made the right decision. He had given his consent to Darcy, but he had also stated to the man that he would not force Elizabeth to marry him. Darcy had appeared anxious but finally he had accepted Mr. Bennets terms. Mr. Bennet smiled as he remembered how Darcy had paced the small study, his features fixed and determined. They had spoken for some time and Mr. Darcy had enlightened Mr. Bennet in several areas.
"Your daughter Elizabeth is very lovely indeed Mr. Bennet" Darcy had explained, "However, I believe it is her quick intelligence and happy manner that have enthralled me more than any other of her attributes. She is one of the most astute women of my acquaintance. I believe that Ms. Bennet is a most favorable companion and conversationalist. She does not play at false coyness or attempt to appear to know more than she does. Or less for that matter, as many women are known to do. She is simply herself, without artifice. And combined with her natural humor, wit and spirit, I find myself quite taken with Eli...Ms. Bennet. We . . . compliment one another."
"What of this supposed engagement Mr. Darcy?" Mr. Bennet had interrupted. "When did this all take place?"
"In Lambton, Sir." Darcy had replied "After I apologized for a...disagreement that we had while she visited the Collins' in Hunsford. Ms. Bennet was most delighted with my request for her to be my wife. She accepted immediately, even accepting an engagement ring. Later that evening she sent me a letter." While Darcy had spoken of Elizabeth's acceptance his face was alight, his words coming in a rush. Now his face became subdued as he recounted Elizabeth's brief letter, her concerns about their marriage and her breaking the engagement. "She departed that very night with her aunt and Uncle Gardiner, Sir. Had she but stayed longer, and spoken with me then of her feelings, I believe we would still be engaged."
Mr. Bennets shook himself out of his revere. He focused on his daughter. "Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy will return in the morning. I shall meet with him then and we will discuss the details of the...agreement. I will also publish the bans.
Elizabeth was in such a state of confusion that all she could do was nod woodenly. Mr. Bennet sighted heavily and rose from his chair. He came around the large desk and kissed Elizabeth on the forehead. "Off to bed with you, my dear." He whispered. Elizabeth rose and mounded the stairs. She closed the door to her chamber and mechanically dressed for bed. As she sat brushing her hair, a small smile came to her lips
"Mrs. Darcy." She said quietly as she looked herself in the eye in her mirror. Elizabeth got into bed but was unable to sleep. She could only think that on the morrow she would see and speak to Fitzwilliam, her fiancé.
Part VI
Elizabeth woke to the unmistakable sound of good English weather. She sat up in bed and in so doing winced as a streak of pain flashed though her head. Ignoring the beginnings what was surely going to be a terrible headache, she rose, quickly donning her dressing gown and slippers. She reclined in the small window seat, oblivious to the cold that seeped in though the cracks. The rain rampaged down the glass in fast moving rivulets that looked like tears to Elizabeth. She leaned her aching head against the cool windowpane as she stared out vacantly toward Meryton. Elizabeth could scarcely believe the events of the past twenty-four hours. 'Would that this was all a wicked dream!' Thought she. 'But it is not a dream. Papa truly has betrothed me to Mr. Darcy, without my consent, without permission, verily, without even my knowledge!' Elizabeth stood to pace the floor as her anger was again rekindled. 'Oh, Papa! What have you done?' She sank down onto the small stool before her dressing table to gaze at herself in the small mirror. Her features were pale and a bit drawn. "My headache certainly shows." She whispered to herself. Just then, there came a quite knock at the door.
"Come in." Elizabeth called.
Sarah entered the room in her usual manner. The young woman was very dedicated to performing her duties in a manner that would impress the head housekeeper. Sarah had only been with the staff for the past year and was looked upon, Elizabeth knew as a novice by the other staff members, most of whom had been with the Bennet family since Elizabeth was very young. Elizabeth liked Sarah very much, they frequently chatted about insignificant happenings in Meryton while Sarah helped her dress. Sarah was very unobtrusive, but determined to be industrious, and even when Elizabeth quite forgot about the time, as they chatted, Sarah never slowed or became inattentive of her duties. Elizabeth found that, with the occasional exception of Lydia, who always seemed to fuss a bit overmuch with the arrangement of her hair or clothing, Sarah never spent above a quarter of an hour in helping any of the Miss Bennets at their morning toilet.
"Begging you pardon Ma'am" Sarah said as she poured the pitcher of warm water in the bowl, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have arrived and your father has asked for you below stairs." Elizabeth rolled her eyes in agitation and dismay.
"Where is Jane, Sarah, surely she needs your help first." Elizabeth managed to hide a smile as she saw that Sarah understood her meaning perfectly. Who could not know with her dear mother's ravings, that the two were thought of as a potential pair for marriage.
"Miss Jane is already in the parlor with the gentlemen, Ma'am. She was just come in from an early walk 'bout in the garden and was able to greet them at the door before they had a chance to ring the bell."
Elizabeth sighed her resignation and began to wash quickly. Sarah made use of the time by arranging Elizabeth's needed clothing on the bed. When Elizabeth turned around she noted that Sarah had brought out her favorite morning dress. It was ivory muslin with a deep green ribbon woven through ivory lace at the hem, square neckline, high waist and the ends of the short sleeves. It was simple, but elegant, and Elizabeth usually chose only to wear it to church or on special occasions.
Seeing the dress there Elizabeth's eyes flew immediately to Sarah, a question in her look. Sarah blushed and avoided meeting Lizzy's questioning eyes. Finally she said, "Would you like to pick another dress Ma'am?"
Lizzy bit her bottom lip in indecision, then realizing that she was reverting to a childhood habit she had thought to have overcome, she made a conscious effort to stop. Instead she looked as Sarah and said, "Sarah, you have always had excellent taste in helping me with my wardrobe. Do you truly think I should wear this one, Mamma did not tell you to lay it out?"
"Oh, no Ma'am! Mrs. Bennet is still in her room and Mr. Bennet gave me instruction not to tell her that the gentlemen are here. She doesn't usually come below stairs for another half and hour or so. I chose this one because, . . .well because you look so well in it Ma'am, and he's not seen you in it yet." Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat at the mention of "him".
She smiled a bit despite herself and said, "And why should I care to look well for Mr. Darcy, pray?" Asked Elizabeth.
Sarah, in a rare show of emotion threw up her hands and shook her head. "It's certainly no affair of mine Ma'am." She began to help Elizabeth out of her nightgown obviously a bit put out but seemingly determined to say no more. Just when Elizabeth was sure they would continue the dressing ritual in this same awkward silence Sarah, unable to contain herself continued, "But I dare speak my peace, since you asked. If I were to have such a handsome young man as Mr. Darcy look at me and attend me in the fashion that he does for you, I should go to a good deal of trouble to be certain I looked well and more!"
After this speech Sarah exhaled sharply with satisfaction, as if she was glad to finally vent her opinion on the matter of Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth was quite shocked that the timid Sarah had had so much on her mind, and even more so that she had said what she thought aloud. Then Elizabeth smiled a bit timidly herself at Sarah who stood back now to admire her in the very dress that had been the catalyst for this morning's conference. "He is a very handsome young man, is he not?" Lizzy said demurely as color swept over her countenance.
"Oh, yes Ma'am!" Sarah exclaimed. Elizabeth realized that there had been tension as the woman awaited her reply, but now they booth seemed relieved. "Well, you look beautiful Ma'am. I dare say Mr. Darcy will think so too."
They quickly arranged Lizzy's hair and she fled down the stairs, conscious of poor Jane having to sit with them both alone.
Lizzy took a deep breath and entered the parlor. It seemed that Jane did not have to entertain the visitors alone at all. There in sat Jane and Mary with Mr. Bingley. That gentleman rose as she entered the room. She greeted him most warmly, requesting after his family and the trials of opening up a house that had been closed. He informed her that his family was most well. His sister Caroline was in London staying with the Hurst. And yes it was a trial to move back into an estate that had been closed for so long, but the brunt of those trials had fallen upon the very capable housekeeper he had hired recently.
Mr. Bennet then entered the parlor with Mr. Darcy hard upon his heels. Mr. Darcy bowed his greeting in silence. When their eyes met, Elizabeth read the sadness there and perhaps . . . uncertainty? Elizabeth greeted Mr. Darcy as she had Mr. Bingley, with a curtsey and polite inquiry after the health of his sister and aunt. Mr. Darcy continued to stare at her. She could scarcely meet his eyes however, and with mortification she felt a healthy flush sweep up her cheeks. Being within his presence, even with such a room full of people seemed at that moment most intimate.
Mr. Darcy was most warm in his address, assuring her that his family was in excellent health. They were then about to sit again when Mr. Bennet said. "Sitting indoors after a spring rain will not do for you young people! No, no, you all must go out for a ride, for the rain has surely ended and look now, the sun is coming out. Bingley and Darcy, did you not come by carriage?" When Mr. Bingley answered in the affirmative, he was cut off from any further reply by Mr. Bennt who slapped his thigh and rose to escort them from the house.
"I am very sorry father," Mary stated solemnly, "but this book is quite diverting, and with no disrespect to our guests," here she inclined her head regally towards the gentlemen, "I infinitely prefer it to a soggy carriage ride."
Lizzy gasped silently at Mary, Jane blushed furiously and Mr. Bennet replied, "Very well girl, as you wish." He looked pointedly at the ceiling and said, "The house will soon be quite alive, so you may do well to locate a quiet nook while you can. Lizzy, when you return, I would like a word with you, nothing that can not wait until you get back."
And so the four set off. They were all in the yard when Elizabeth realized that there was not one large carriage, but two smaller ones. Mr. Bingley explained that he had had business with his steward that morning and had sent Mr. Darcy on ahead, then followed him when his business was concluded. Each carriage could fit two comfortably, three somewhat crammed, and as there were four riders, the decision was made to ride two to a carriage. Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his elbow and they proceeded to the rear carriage. Looking at each other without the gentlemen observing, Jane and Lizzy exchanging such looks of dismay as to know that the one could not help the other and they would each be forced into solitary conversation. Elizabeth summoned her courage as Mr. Darcy handed her into the carriage. She moved as surreptitiously as possible to the far side of the carriage. Mr. Darcy settled in next to her and when Jane and Mr. Bingley set off in the carriage ahead of them, Mr. Darcy took up the reins and urged the beautifully matched pair of Bays forward. They set off at a gentle trot and were soon enough rewarded by the sun as it came fully from behind the clouds. As the beautiful Hertfordshire woods twirled past them, Elizabeth found that she could not keep silent any longer.
"Mr. Darcy, I must inform you that my father has bestowed upon me the knowledge that he has given his consent to our engagement." She could have sworn she saw Darcy flinch at her words, but she had been looking forward as she spoke. Now she turned her head to look as his stony profile. To her consternation, Mr. Darcy stopped the carriage, allowing Bingley's carriage, that was already quite a bit ahead of their own to round a bend in the road and disappear from sight.
Still, struggling to retain the appearance of composure she continued. "We have spoken, not seldom on this topic, Mr. Darcy, and yet you persist in your endeavors, even after I have refused your proposals."
Darcy, who had until then made no other motion than to continue looking forward while looping the reins on the post for that use suddenly turned his full attention upon her. Elizabeth was overwhelmed with the full-unguarded look of sadness she beheld in his gaze. Mr. Darcy reached forward to take her small hands in his larger ones. Elizabeth noted, as if from a distance that his hands shook slightly with the force of his emotion.
"My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, I know not what you must think of me!" He shook his head and smiled sarcastically at himself. "I have been most desperate, indeed almost out of my mind with longing for you. You have come into my life and my heart. You have made me see my own conceit and the errors of my manners towards others. In short you have transformed my life and made it better than it ever was or ever could have been had I not met you. You can not know what joy I felt when you seemed to feel the same way I did." Here he smiled warmly his eyes dancing at the memory. "My elation knew no bounds when you accepted my offer of marriage in Derbyshire. I was truly the happiest man upon the face of the earth."
Now Darcy looked down at her hands, as he held them in his own. "But later, when you broke our engagement, when you left, I knew no greater agony or desolation. Since that day, those many weeks past, my every waking thought is filled with your eyes, your laugh, your smile. I dream of you dearest. Yet, when I awake, it is to the realization that I am to live my life separate from you, without your generous caring or your good heart to comfort me." He raised his eyes to hers and again Elizabeth was caught in the unguarded vulnerability she beheld. "I am sorry Elizabeth, I understand now that you truly must hate me for my former opinions and ideals. I was prepared to allow your father to force you to marry me, however, I find that causing you pain, even if it would accomplish what I want most in the world, is not acceptable to me. We can return to Longbournborne now. I know this must be uncomfortable for you to remain alone in my company after what I have done. I have already spoken with your father. He knows that I will not have your forced to marry me."
As he grasped the reins to set off back toward the house Elizabeth placed her hand over his to stop him. He looked at her hand where it rested upon his, the warm sensation of her fingers upon the back of his hand overcame his thoughts and he looked questioningly at Elizabeth. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Darcy turned to her in concern. It was as if a knife was piercing his chest to see her so overcome by sorrow. Without thinking, he reached up with one hand to wipe her tears away even as they continued to flow down her cheeks. Remembering himself after a moment, he reached for his handkerchief and pressed it into her hand. It took her a full minuet to compose herself enough to speak.
"Oh! Mr. Da-Fitzwilliam. I am so very sorry for all the pain I have caused you. I do not hate you! I could never hate you." With these words she broke into another round of sobbing. Darcy was torn between being a gentleman and pulling her into his arms to comfort her. After several seconds, his heart won and he moved toward her on the small bench and wrapped his arms around her. She continued to cry onto the lapel of his coat for several minutes. Darcy lost all conception of space and time. Although he was embracing her, he felt that the reverse was true. She smelled of lavender and the scent enveloped him. A wayward curl rested against his chin and Darcy heartily believed that it was the most beautiful curl he had ever beheld. At length, Elizabeth recovered herself enough to pull away just enough to look into his eyes. His arms loosened, but did not fall away.
"I was afraid, I still am." She breathed. "Once you know, you may well not wish to marry me at all. I would not blame you at all if you did. You have a family reputation to maintain and dear Georgiana to think of." Darcy shook his head in confusion at her words.
"Dearest, what are you speaking of? Nothing could make me not want you as my wife."
"Oh, yes" Elizabeth interrupted, "Yes something or someone could. My youngest sister Lydia. There has been a . . . scandal of late. She. . .eloped with Mr. Wickham! She ran off from Brighton where she was the guest of Col. and Mrs. Forster. She left a note and-what is so funny?"
Lizzy broke off as she heard Darcy laugh out loud. After some seconds he was able to contain himself and then Fitwilliam was staring down at her with a wide grin.
"I fail to see the humor in-" She was interrupted once again as Darcy pulled her close to kiss her soundly on the forehead. Once hand on either side of her face, Darcy said, "My dear noble Elizabeth. You refused me to save me from scandal?" At her confirming nod Darcy beamed down at her.
"I adore your chivalry, but there is no need for it. I already know of what has transpired between Wickham and your sister." Lizzy looked at him in astonishment. "But how? How could you have know about them?" Darcy simply smiled and informed her that Meryton and its surrounding neighborhoods had an extensive and expedient communication network when it came to gossip.
Of course much later, upon further consideration, Elizabeth realized that Lady Lucas must have wrote the news to Charlotte, she in turn told Mr. Collins and everything that man heard would have to be shared with his noble patroness. Lady Catherine undoubtedly would not hesitate to trumpet the misfortunes of others and espouse every ill-advised step that lead up to those misfortunes. However at that moment Elizabeth was too busy concentrating on what Darcy was saying.
"As soon as I heard what had occurred, I hated myself for not informing the entire world of Wickham's infamy. What pain these events must have caused you! Since scarcely twelve months ago my own dear sister had almost fallen prey to that odious man, I can well imagine.
"The very thought of your torment was torment to me as well and even more so because it was due to my own selfishness in concealing the evils of which Mr. Wickham is capable. If I had not laid so much value upon my own pride, I would have done so long before. You, my Elizabeth are responsible for allowing me to see as much and even to be ashamed of my behavior. Even then, after you had refused me I knew that in this one thing I might still be able to come to your aid. When I heard that they where concealed in London and very likely still not wed, I went to look up Mrs. Younge, who I was certain would at the very least know the whereabouts of Mr. Wickham and your sister. I was correct in my assumption and once I found then I sent word to your uncle.
Elizabeth shook her head. What she was hearing was incredible. "But, Papa looked for them with Mr. Gardiner, only after my father returned home did my uncle send word that they had been located." Shock was slowly forming and her eyes widened in disbelief. "You informed my uncle of there whereabouts? How could this be? My uncle said not a word of your aid and it would be very wrong of him not to inform our family of your help."
Darcy looked a bit sheepish. "I confess that I did inform your uncle of where to find his niece, however, it was my wish that none of your family be told that I was involved-"
"And the debts and the sum of money that Mr. Wickham suddenly seemed to acquire! That was all your doing?" Elizabeth exclaimed in disbelief.
"I attempted, dear Elizabeth, in vain to convince your sister to come away from Wickham. I entreated her to allow me to convey her to the home of her aunt and uncle but, she was adamant and flatly refused. She was unconcerned with her unmarried state and was certain that Wickham would marry her in good time. The cad had her convinced that pressing matters of business must be attended to before they could wed. That man has no business to attend to but gambling and drinking. Your poor sister is too young to see that. However, I fear that in a few years time she will heartily regret insisting that she stay with Mr. Wickham.
"Since she could not be prevailed upon to leave him, there was naught to do but negotiate terms of marriage with Wickham. I remained until I was certain the deed was done, attending the wedding then, nothing could stop me from returning here to see you. I did not want for you to know about the part I played in your sister's marriage.
"I want you to love me for myself, Elizabeth. He smiled as he looked into her eyes. "And since your first refusal to marry me convinced me that you care naught for my fortune. I wanted to be sure that you would not marry me out of gratitude for my actions."
"Elizabeth, there are no words to express the depth of my feelings for you. My affections and wishes remain unchanged. But, one word from you will silence me on this subject forever."
He said this so earnestly as he looked into her eyes that for Elizabeth the rest of the world fell away and there was only the two of them.
"Oh! Mr. Darcy...Fitzwilliam. If you will still have me I would be honored to become your wife!" His eyes glistened with relief and possibly a tear? Elizabeth would never know for at that moment his lips descended upon hers. He kissed her very tenderly, but very firmly, as if to claim her lips as his own at last.
Suddenly, his lips vanished and Elizabeth blinked in confusion as she came back to her senses. After a moment she saw what reason there was for the interruption of their kiss. Just before them was the carriage that contained Jane and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy released Elizabeth and the two attempted in vain to look as if they had not just been caught in an impassioned embrace. The closeness of the Bingley's carriage however, indicated that the occupants had to have witnessed their intimate embrace. As the two carriages came abreast of each other Mr. Bingley stopped the carriage.
"Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy" Mr. Bingley began, is face a glow with contentment and joy. "I am a happy man. And so being I may be forgiven for breaking with formality and tradition for I cannot wait to return to the house to share our news! My dearest Jane has consented to be my wife! Even now we are returning to Longbourn to speak with Mr. Bennet"
Elizabeth and Darcy smiled at each other in satisfaction. Elizabeth reached out of the carriage to hold her sister's hand and give her the warmest of congratulations. Jane replied with her thanks and smiled with happiness at her dear sister. Mr. Bingley so much in hast to speak to Mr. Bennt bid them farewell and was off again, toward the house giving Elizabeth and Darcy no time to convey the news of their own engagement.
As they looked back at the swiftly retreating carriage, Darcy pulled Elizabeth to him once again, saying that he needed some subsistence for what they would face back at the house when their own announcement was made. With that he lowered his head and kissed her again.