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Chapter 12 - A Letter from Longbourn

Posted on 2015-05-20

The next morning Elizabeth and her aunt were enjoying a quiet breakfast, scanning the newspaper for articles of interest. Their attention was soon caught by a piece in the society page mentioning that Mr. Darcy had been accompanied by an unknown young woman to the theatre the previous night and speculating on her name and connection to Mr. Darcy. While her dress and manner were commented on, the article noted with interest the attentiveness of the gentleman to his partner and his less forbidding manner. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner enjoyed a companionable chuckle although the latter did advise her niece that such public attention would likely increase the more often she was seen with Mr. Darcy. As Elizabeth remembered the evening, she realized that while she enjoyed the play itself, it was the company of Mr. Darcy, his protectiveness, his desire to ensure her comfort and pleasure and his pleasure - for such she had noticed - in presenting her to his friends and close acquaintances that stood out in her memory.

Elizabeth had just returned from her walk - during which she paid little attention to her surroundings and much to her recent dealings with Mr. Darcy - after breaking her fast when the housekeeper approached to hand her a letter. Viewing the handwriting, she exclaimed, "Oh, it is from Jane. I have been hoping to hear from her." Seating herself in the parlour and breaking open the seal she began to read.

Longbourn
April 28, 1812

Dear Lizzy,

I have so much news to impart I scarcely know where to begin. As you can see, Maria and I arrived safely. We were met by Lydia and Kitty at _____ where we changed to Papa's carriage. Lydia and Kitty had arrived before us and arranged a meal at the inn but, unfortunately, spent all their monies on new bonnets and had nothing left to pay for the room and food. It would have been most embarrassing if I had not had sufficient monies available. The only good news of the trip was that it appears Mr. Wickham's engagement to Mary King has been broken. It seems an uncle came and took her to Liverpool. I am glad for her. I believe it would have been a most imprudent marriage. Lydia was quite delighted and particularly by the fact that you were not present to claim Mr. Wickham's attentions. I tried to tell Lydia that you were not interested in Mr. Wickham but I cannot see that she believed it. He seems to be a favourite of hers still.

Mama is most disappointed that I did not meet Mr. Bingley while staying in London. She cannot understand how we could meet Miss Bingley and not her brother. I find it difficult to convince her that Mr. Bingley is no longer interested in me. I know you disagree but I cannot believe otherwise. Mama is not unhappy that you remain in London although she does not fully understand why our aunt would need help with the children. I have said nothing to her of Mr. Darcy.

I have spoken but little to our father. He did call me into his study one morning to ask several questions about Mr. Darcy. I could tell him little other than that his behaviour was most amiable and that he appeared to regard you with affection. He asked my opinion and I simply told him that I had always thought well of Mr. Darcy.

I believe our father has taken some action in regards to Mr. Wickham although he has not spoken of it to anyone. Mr. Cobb made a passing reference to having talked to Papa recently while I stopped in his shop two days ago.

I do have some distressing news. It appears that Maria encountered Mr. Wickham in Meryton the day after we returned and revealed in conversation with him that Mr. Darcy had called on you frequently while in Kent and at Gracechurch Street as well. I would not be so worried by this if Lydia had not mentioned seeing Mr. Darcy while he called on our father. Mama was also aware of the visit although Papa has not said anything about it other than that Mr. Darcy called on some business matters.

Unfortunately, we were all invited to our aunt's house last night and the militia officers, including Mr. Wickham, were present as well. I observed Lydia and Mr. Wickham in conversation and shortly thereafter he approached me and began to ask me about my visit in London. It is difficult to believe him to be as wicked as Mr. Darcy claims; he is a most charming gentleman. Nevertheless, I was on my guard and do not believe I revealed anything of substance. In fact, since you had said little of Mr. Darcy in your letters, I had but to say as much to Mr. Wickham. Whether he believed me, I cannot say. I did not try to hide that he called on us at Gracechurch Street but tried to convince him it was of little moment. I am not so sure I succeeded in that regard since I seemed to detect a trace of concern in his manner when he left. His very last question quite discommoded me since he said he understood my father had been much in Meryton lately. I am afraid I did not expect the question and while I answered as neutrally as possible, he may have detected something amiss in my manner since I did stumble a bit in answering. He appeared to have left my aunt's house shortly thereafter.

I spoke to Lydia as we rode home and she casually mentioned that she had told Mr. Wickham of Mr. Darcy's visit to Longbourn and my father and how no one knew of what they had spoken. She appears to have given the matter little thought but perhaps the news that the regiment is to move to Brighton within a month or so was of more distressing interest. Certainly her lamentations are extreme, although I admit I cannot sympathize with her or regret their departure; that cannot come too soon for my liking. It is late and my mother is calling for my attention. I will finish this letter tomorrow.

Oh Lizzy, I hardly know what to write. We were woken early in the morning by a fire in our stables. The wind was quite strong and father was concerned that it would spread to other outbuildings but fortunately we have had a lot of rain lately and the buildings were all quite damp. The horses were safely removed from the stables although one could hear their frantic cries. They were able to extinguish the fire before too much damage to the stables and also to prevent it spreading and father says we were very fortunate indeed. If it were not for the recent rain, the fire could have easily done considerable damage.

Papa was quite puzzled as to how the fire could start since we are always quite careful as to that possibility. It appears now that it was set deliberately. One of the grooms found a lamp broken behind the building and it is not one of ours. We do not know who could have done such a foul thing. It is not just the building but the horses could have died if the fire had gotten out of control.

The concern with the fire delayed my continuing this letter and our Aunt Philips visit at luncheon delayed it further. She came to tell us a rumour that Mr. Wickham had deserted the militia. In fact, that he had escaped arrest since orders had been issued for his arrest. I did not know whether to put much credit in such a rumour but Lydia and Kitty had met Denny while in Meryton and he confirmed the story in its particulars. Apparently Colonel Forster had been made aware of Mr. Wickham's many debts of honour and his debts with tradesmen although, according to Denny, someone has been buying those debts from our shopkeepers. Also according to Denny the Colonel was not satisfied with Mr. Wickham's behaviour - stories of inappropriate behaviour with several young women were mentioned. Lydia was inclined to dispute such claims and was quite angry with Denny since he did not seem inclined to do likewise. Lydia appears to believe that Mr. Wickham has been most unfairly treated and Mama was inclined to the same feelings until Papa very firmly stated that the stories were quite true and that Mr. Wickham was not a gentleman to be trusted in any particular. I cannot say that Lydia took the admonishment well or gave any credit to it.

Shortly before I finished this letter, one of our grooms reported that Mr. Adams - who, as you remember took over the east farm from Mr. Knowles - reported seeing someone running away from our stable early this morning. He had thought little of it until informed of the fire and then mentioned that the man had worn a militia uniform. Father intends to question Mr. Adams further in the morning and to mention the matter to Colonel Forster as well. He did not say as much but I think he is concerned that Mr. Wickham set the fire. I can think of no reason for his doing so unless he believes my father to have been behind his troubles. Was this an act of vengeance? It seems too horrible to be true. Did our father act in concert with Mr. Darcy? It seems all too possible, the more I think on it.

I am sorry this letter is so full of distressing news but everything seems to have conspired to that end. I do hope my next letter is more cheerful although perhaps I should take comfort that Mr. Wickham has removed himself from our lives. That is good news, I hope. Perhaps I can also take solace that Mama has been so wrapped in gossip about Mr. Wickham that she has yet to mention Mr. Bingley's name today. I would willingly have her speak of Mr. Bingley often if it would have prevented such events as have occurred.

I would like to hear how your courtship is progressing but perhaps you should address such a letter to my father. I cannot be sure that Mama will not read my mail in the hope you are meeting suitors although she does appear quite disenchanted lately with the efforts of our aunt.

Your most affectionate and puzzled sister,
Jane

Elizabeth read the letter with increasing concern which was heightened by the possibility that Mr. Wickham may have attempted an act of vengeance against her family. Had she placed them all in danger by her actions? She found it hard to believe that the genial man she had met as Mr. Wickham could act so and yet, when she remembered his despicable attempt to elope with Georgiana which was as much about vengeance against Mr. Darcy as it was to acquire a fortune, she could no longer be sure.

With considerable trepidation she sought her aunt and, finding her working on the household accounts, begged her attention and presented her with Jane's letter. Mrs. Gardiner, seeing Elizabeth's distress, read the letter carefully, and then again, before responding, "This is quite serious, Lizzy. Your uncle must be made aware of this as quickly as possible."

"Have I brought these troubles on my family, aunt? If I had said nothing, would this have happened?"

Mrs. Gardiner could see that Elizabeth felt some responsibility for the situation facing her family and replied warmly, "Nonsense, Lizzy. You did the correct thing and your father acted appropriately as well. Would you have left the merchants of Meryton to bear Wickham's debts which they can ill afford? No, the only fault here is Mr. Wickham's and I am less reluctant than Jane to ascribe the blame for the damage to the stable to him."

Elizabeth was quiet for several moments before asking, "Should I tell Mr. Darcy what has happened? I am sure he will learn of it from my father but when, I cannot say."

"He is to call this afternoon, is he not? I believe I should ask your uncle to meet with him then."

Elizabeth could see that her aunt was more concerned than the events would suggest necessary and pressed her for an explanation but Mrs. Gardiner deflected her questions on the matter and finally Elizabeth plagued her no further.

When Darcy walked into the Gardiner parlour that afternoon, he was greeted by an obviously concerned Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle. Elizabeth wasted no time in handing him Jane's letter to read and watched the play of emotions that crossed his face. His frown of displeasure and then pursed lips suggested he was reading about Lydia and Jane's dealings with Mr. Wickham; however, both disappeared as he continued to read and his quick glance at her and the Gardiners accompanied by a worried look - Elizabeth wondered when she had begun to read his moods so well - suggested he was reading about the attack on the stables. After reading the letter once more, he addressed them all, "I do not like this at all."

Mr. Gardiner did not try to hide his concern, "Has Mr. Wickham been prone to violence in the past, Mr. Darcy?"

"No, not that I am aware of at any rate. Of course,..."

Elizabeth could not help saying, "Of course?"

Darcy grimaced as his gaze shifted to her, "He has not been so harassed before. He usually makes his escape before his deeds become known." He hesitated, "I am sorry. I may have caused more harm by trying to help. I cannot say what he will do but I do not like this situation."

Mr. Gardiner shook his head, "Do not take too much on yourself, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wickham's deeds are no one's fault except his own." With a thoughtful look at, first Elizabeth and then Darcy, he raised the question that Elizabeth was reluctant to voice, "Should we be concerned - take precautions?"

Darcy ran his fingers through his hair - a gesture Elizabeth was now coming to associate with uncertainty - before replying, "I think so...but I do not...I wish Richard was here. He might have some advice."

At Mr. Gardiner's quizzical look, he said, "Richard is my cousin - Colonel Fitzwilliam." Nodding to Elizabeth he continued, "Miss Elizabeth met him in Kent when he and I visited my aunt. He is away on military business. I will send him an express but I doubt he can help us immediately."

They all sat in silence for a few minutes before Darcy broke the silence, "I think, at the very least, a few extra precautions are warranted." Looking at Elizabeth, he said, "I think we should assume that Wickham has winkled out my interest in you. He will not know of the courtship, but that we met in Kent and that I called here, will not escape his notice. He is not particularly intelligent or even smart but he does possess a certain cunning along with his charming façade." His face grew more thoughtful as he said, "If there is anything that gives me hope or confidence, it is that Wickham has the fortunate, for us anyway, conceit in his intelligence and abilities which, outside of a talent to charm young ladies, are sadly lacking. He is, as well, indolent and inclined to take the easiest path to any goal. He always assumes that he is smarter than anyone with a sense of responsibility. I believe his success in charming, and hiding his faults from, my father inculcated this belief." His gaze lost that introspective aspect as he stared at Elizabeth, "I also think you should not venture out without at least two grooms or footmen in attendance." Ignoring Elizabeth's instinctive moue of dissent, he looked at Mr. Gardiner seeking his support which that gentleman was quick to provide.

"Mr. Darcy is quite correct, Lizzy. We should not take chances despite the inconvenience." He took in his niece's rebellious face, "We will not circumscribe your behaviour, my dear, but neither should we assume that nothing can or will happen. You are a likely target - as are your sisters. I intend to write your father and suggest that he take appropriate measures."

Darcy opened his mouth to speak and then closed it which Mrs. Gardiner noticed and, upon being prompted to speak by her, he - with considerable caution - said, "Will Mr. Bennet take the matter seriously enough, do you think, to act upon a such a warning?"

Elizabeth's instinctive flare of anger caused her to start to reply sharply before reconsidering. Darcy had clearly not wanted to offend but his knowledge of her father was limited and based on the latter's behaviour, she could not fault him for expressing concern, "I was about to answer that 'of course he would' but if you are uncertain about the problem, I am sure my father is as well. I think a note from my uncle, advising him of the precautions he is taking and recommending that my father do likewise, might answer."

Mr. Gardiner assented and promised to send a note by express immediately and left for his study to carry out that task. Elizabeth, however, was concentrating on Mr. Darcy and could see that he had turned thoughtful and abstracted. Not wishing to disturb his thoughts, she waited patiently, having come to realize that he was not prone to impulsive action - like that of which he had once accused Mr. Bingley - and considered a matter carefully before acting. She waited patiently until his attention seemed to return to his surroundings and prompted, "Mr. Darcy, would you care to share your thoughts with us?"

He blinked rapidly for a few moments before smiling, "I must apologize for my rudeness. I was simply considering whether I should take more action in this matter."

Seeing Elizabeth's raised eyebrow, he continued his explanation, "I was thinking of hiring a few Bow Street Runners to try and find him. Unfortunately, I do not know where he is. I would not expect him to remain in Hertfordshire. It should be difficult to hide there, I would expect?" His questioning glance at Elizabeth received an answering nod to which he replied, "then I think it best to try and see if he has come to London. He is now a deserter and the militia will also be searching for him although perhaps not as diligently as required."

A few minutes later, Elizabeth could see Darcy watching her carefully and he, finding himself suddenly under scrutiny, suggested that they both might benefit from a brisk walk, a suggestion with which Elizabeth found herself in complete sympathy. Within minutes they were out of the house and walking quickly and, although no destination had been agreed upon, their feet seemed to be taking them unbidden towards the local park. As they walked Elizabeth found herself scanning her surroundings constantly and realized that she was searching for a glimpse of George Wickham. That her concern had been noted was clear when Darcy said, "Do not worry, Miss Bennet. Wickham will not bother you while I am around."

Elizabeth glanced up at him briefly before returning her gaze to the path ahead, "It is the uncertainty, Mr. Darcy. I find it incredible that he would have attempted to burn our stables; but, if he can or will do that, what else might he attempt?"

Darcy nodded, "I think it is even more urgent to enlist additional help to find him. You must assure me that, under no circumstances, will you venture out without the protection I mentioned."

Elizabeth could see his earnestness and worry and quickly gave the assurances he requested and then said, "Enough of Mr. Wickham! Let us talk of more cheerful topics. Tell me about Pemberley."

"What would you wish to hear?"

"Anything you wish to tell me. I remember it has a wonderful library - at least according to Miss Bingley."

"I seriously doubt if Miss Bingley ever entered the library after her first tour of the house." Darcy's grin was a bit wry, "She has been there but a few times and I do not remember her venturing far from her rooms and the drawing or music rooms."

"She did not explore the grounds?"

"If she did, it was a most cursory exploration I assure you." He smiled down at her, "On the other hand I believe you would love the park. There is any number of wonderful trails. My favourite is..." Darcy then spent, under skillful questioning from Elizabeth, the remainder of their walk describing several of his favourite walks. They rejoined the Gardiners in a much better frame of mind than when they had separated from them.

Chapter 13 - A Courtin' We Will Go

The next few days followed a predictable pattern. In the mornings Elizabeth would assist her aunt with her children, amusing them with books, games, walks in the park and sundry other activities which she could be cajoled into by said children. Any activities outside the house always took place under the close and watchful presence of grooms or footmen and Elizabeth found that, after several days, that presence was rather reassuring and hardly intrusive at all. Darcy continued to devote his mornings to his business affairs leaving him free to devote the remainder of the day to courting Elizabeth.

That process was going more smoothly than either expected although minor disturbances could not be avoided. One such took place the day or two after their attendance at the theatre. Elizabeth had mentioned how she had observed his responses to those acquaintances that approached them at the theatre. "In particular," said she, "I could feel when someone who approached was either well known to you or disliked, by your arm." At his expression of surprise, she nodded, "Yes, your arm. I was not always able to see your face but your arm would tense under my hand when someone you disliked or did not know well approached us. You were quite relaxed in the presence of your friends on the other hand. It was quite interesting."

Darcy was obviously not bothered by the comment, "It has ever been thus. I do not, as I mentioned once before, have the knack of recommending myself to strangers."

Elizabeth forced herself to consider her next words carefully, since he could easily be offended by them. After a few moments, she felt she had to proceed - the issue would not disappear after all - and said in as neutral a tone as possible as she probed, "Are you aware of how you were viewed in Hertfordshire?"

"I think I am now, although I truly gave it very little consideration at the time."

"Are you aware that your manner led them and myself to believe that you felt us as unworthy of your attention or consideration? That we were beneath your notice perhaps?"

Under her hand she could feel his arm tensing and saw a severe cast come over his countenance as he mastered his emotions. He also strove to match her dispassionate tones as he replied, "I am very much aware of this. Your words to me in Kent - 'From the very beginning, from the first moment I may almost say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others' - plagued me for a week when I returned to London. I was forced, if you will, to reconsider the whole of our acquaintance including that assembly in Meryton. As I did so it became clear to me that I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, if not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles but left to follow them in pride and conceit."

He shook his head as he spoke, a touch of sadness colouring his face and voice, "Unfortunately an only son - and for many years an only child - I was spoiled by my parents who though good themselves - and my father particularly was all that was benevolent and amiable - allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing, to care for none beyond my own family circle, to think meanly of the rest of the world, to wish, at least, to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was and such I might still be if you had not spoken as you did."

"I had no idea my words would affect you so."

"I can easily understand that. For much of our acquaintance you thought me devoid of any proper feeling - I am sure you did."

"Please, do not repeat what I said then. These recollections will not do at all. I am most heartedly ashamed of the mistakes that I made."

Darcy stopped and took both her hands in his, "Miss Bennet....Miss Elizabeth, what did you say that was not the truth? I find no fault with your opinions. That you were misled by Wickham, I cannot hold to your account. You had not the means or the experience to understand his deceptions. The fault was mine, and mine alone, for not exposing him to the world."

Darcy moved to continue their perambulations, releasing one of her hands and fastening the other in his elbow with his hand anchoring it firmly. Elizabeth walked in silence beside him, casting a glance now and then at his face which seemed wrapped in pensive thought. She made no effort to speak, allowing him time to form the words he so obviously needed. Finally he spoke, his words slow and cautious as if he was tasting them as they were uttered, reluctant to have even one of them ill-suited to his intent, "Miss Bennet, I was...taught to observe the proprieties strictly...to restrict my confidences to those of my closest acquaintance...to...observe the prerogatives of rank and station...to accord such prerogatives respect regardless of the merits of the individual and to...disdain those not of rank or position despite their merits as individuals. I would...tolerate my aunt's meanness, incivility and...officiousness to a degree, although I found it abhorrent and would not have done so, if she were of lesser rank. She is...her behaviour is no less objectionable than that of your mother and yet you bore it with more civility than I ever showed your mother who has, I believe, more cause - or excuse - for her behaviour arising, as it does, out of a very real concern for the future of her daughters and herself."

Elizabeth could think of no words to interrupt him and realized his need to express these thoughts and her need to hear them. She could not, however, dwell on them because he, after a pause of some moments, was continuing, "As I contemplated my actions, my behaviour, I came to realize the hypocrisy that they represented. I could scorn your connections with trade without considering that I had accepted as my closest friend, a man whose roots were steeped in trade. I could disdain the improprieties of your younger sisters and your mother without weighing in the balance those of my own relations. My aunt's behaviour was no less improper and I can assure you that she has displayed it in a broader society than you experienced and my own sister was guilty of an impropriety that could have blighted her life and reputation."

At this Elizabeth felt compelled to intercede, "You are, I think, too harsh with your sister. She did not elope and she did tell you. She was but fifteen!"

"If I had not, by a stroke of providence, visited her, she would have eloped. And as to her age, she is as old as your youngest sister is she not?"

"True, true - but she did not elope and Lydia is everything but proper in her behaviour. Jane and I try to restrain her but our mother..." Elizabeth could only shake her head in dismay and not a little disgust.

"Your sister is young and not beyond help I believe."

"Unfortunately, my mother sees nothing improper in her behaviour and our father is more concerned with his books and his peace and quiet which would be sacrificed if he restrained her." Elizabeth was immediately dismayed that she had revealed so much but when she considered how open Darcy had been, she could not fault herself for her frankness.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, each considering that which the other had revealed, before Darcy said, "Let us put aside a comparison of the improprieties of our relatives for the moment. We, neither of us, should be judged by them. I do wish to try and explain - not excuse but explain - some of my behaviour when I was introduced to Hertfordshire society." He took several deep breaths before continuing, "If you had not been with me last night, I would have been subject to the attentions of several young women and their mothers seeking to attach themselves to me. I cannot attend a ball without ensuring that I am not caught in a compromising position, or hear, as I did at your assembly, whispers of my income and possession of a large estate following me, before I had been there for more than a quarter hour. I rarely visit my club without being approached by someone looking to take advantage of me. I have learned, from harsh experience, to trust few beyond my limited circle."

Elizabeth realized the matter was more complex than she had thought initially, "So in response, you disapprove of everyone and everything?"

Darcy looked at her in surprise and a reluctant smile - albeit a very small one - curved his lips, "I would have thought you to have said 'hate' instead of disapprove!"

Elizabeth was forced to smile as she remembered her words from her debate with Darcy wile at Netherfield, "Am I wilfully misunderstanding you now, sir?"

Darcy shook his head and they walked in silence for several minutes before Elizabeth ventured to resume the discussion, "I am attempting to sketch your character, sir, and I fear my questions are testing your patience severely."

Darcy's countenance remained thoughtful as he formed his thoughts, "I admit that my behaviour when we first met was...deplorable and I was little concerned as to how I was viewed since I did not see anyone whose opinion was of concern to me." He glanced at her as he said, "in that I was very much mistaken and it is a salutary lesson. Was my manner so dreadful? In retrospect I believe it was but it is hard to see oneself through the eyes of another."

Elizabeth's surprise at his words could not be doubted, "Mr. Darcy, you were the personification of disdain for everyone around you except for your own party and how, sir, would you know if worthwhile opinions existed, if you engaged them not at all?"

"When I left Kent I was - as I have said - both discouraged and determined. I realized that you thought poorly of me, that I had not recommended myself to you." He gave a rather nervous laugh, "You will perhaps be amazed at my vanity but I had rather thought you to be expecting my addresses, and that you returned my approbation. It was, I admit, a shock to learn otherwise. I perforce was required, after my initial anger, - I will not scruple to admit that, at first, I placed the blame on your want of sense - to consider how and why you could have taken me in such dislike. As I reviewed your words I kept returning to one phrase - 'From the very beginning - from the first moment - I may almost say of my acquaintance with you' - convinced me that you had overheard a comment that should never have been uttered and was, within a matter of weeks, quite untrue."

Elizabeth shook her head, embarrassed at how her prejudices had biased her opinions, "It was certainly not the most politic thing to have said and it certainly gave impetus to my interpreting all of your subsequent behaviour in the most uncharitable light. However, if my manners led you to believe me to return your interest, I must apologize. It was most unconsciously done. I do not think I would have given much credit to Mr. Wickham's story, or, as I did, encourage his reciting of it to myself, if it had not confirmed my ill-opinion of you. For this I am most heartedly ashamed."

"Your retrospections should be totally void of reproach: the contentment arising from them is not of philosophy, but, what is much better, of innocence. But with me, it is not so. Painful recollections will intrude which cannot, which ought not, to be repelled. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first to accept, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly instructed! I would have come to you without a doubt of my reception - would have made you an offer of marriage - likely insulted you gravely in doing so since I perceived that you were to receive all the advantages of such a union. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased. I dread to think of your reaction if I had made you an offer while all these issues lay between us. That those very qualities which I had despaired of finding in a woman, and which I so prized, were disregarded - were not given their proper value - when compared to my sacrifices I believed I would suffer should I make an offer."

He shook his head slowly, "My arrogance was unbelievable. And yet, I knew my affections for you were such that I could not simply walk away. I had done so in Hertfordshire but with no success. I knew I had to change. I knew that my behaviour must be at fault, if you, whom I had grown to respect so greatly, found fault with it. Hence my contemplation." He smiled ruefully, "I believe Georgiana thought me quite melancholy in my retrospections and I admit, to my shame, that I ignored her very much that week. I spoke little to anyone - not even Georgiana. I knew I must change. I was... determined to show you that I had changed, become a man that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would wish to have as a husband. I could not bear, you see, to know that you were in the world and thinking ill of me."

Elizabeth found herself moved as never before by his expressions and words and could not but let him know that her opinions and feelings for him had changed; even if she was unsure that her feelings matched his, she believed herself well on the path to falling in love with him. That they would continue their courtship at Longbourn was no longer a matter for conjecture but only of when. She was, she admitted to herself, loath to be courted under her mother's gaze despite the necessity of doing so. Stopping and turning to face him with a small smile, she said, "I believe, Mr. Darcy, that you may take comfort in knowing that I no longer think ill of you at all. Quite the opposite, in fact, and to such a point as I am considering returning to Longbourn and hoping you will, if not accompany me, at least call on me there?"

Before Darcy could respond, which he was quickly prepared to do, Elizabeth stopped him from speaking by the simple act of laying her fingers on his lips, "Please let me continue. I will not, cannot pretend that my affections are equal to yours. You have had some months for them to develop and grow. A bare fortnight ago, I rather thought you to be the last man I would ever want to marry. Now I feel so very different but my feelings and affections are still new to me and very confused. I need time, Mr. Darcy. Time to know you and time to know my own feelings with some assurance."

Darcy clasped both her hands and kissed the fingers of each before replying, "I would expect nothing less. I am more delighted than you can know that your opinion has changed. That your affections are as positive as they are gives me great hope for the future and you have my assurances that you will have all the time you require and that no offer will be made before you are ready to hear it."

"And Longbourn?"

"I would have no concerns about returning, although I admit I was hoping that Bingley would return before we did so. I cannot, of course, speak to his intentions but admit to hoping he would return also and I could stay with him."

"When is he expected to return?"

"In a week or less, I believe. I have not heard from him since his initial response."

"Elizabeth was relieved that she could delay her return for some time longer and communicated as much to Darcy. The remainder of their walk was devoid of the privacy that both could have wished for as her young cousins sought their attention. Elizabeth had the pleasure of watching the tall, serious looking man beside her entertain her cousins with stories of his childhood spent at Pemberley. So enthralled were they that his attention was not relinquished even when they had returned home and were enjoying tea with Mrs. Gardiner. That he would make a caring and protective father she had suspected, given his efforts to raise his sister but any doubts were erased as she watched and encouraged his interactions with her cousins.

The next morning Elizabeth chose, after breakfast to walk to the local shops which were some mile or so distant. Accompanied by John, the Gardiner's footman, it took little more than a quarter hour to reach her first destination. It was a fairly busy morning and the noise and bustle of traffic and customers made for a lively scene. As Elizabeth left the cobbler's shop, where a pair of her boots were to be repaired, and headed for the local bookstore her attention was captured by the sight of a man standing across the street, some thirty or forty yards away, but facing away from her. He appeared to be looking into the window of a shop and he seemed familiar. As she paid him more attention, he turned and met her eyes and was instantly recognizable as George Wickham. He made no effort at first to approach her and she could not readily discern the expression on his face, although she was certain that it contained none of the amiability that she associated with him. Then he took a step towards her but having come to a complete stop herself, John was quickly by her side and Wickham immediately came to a stop.

"Miss Elizabeth?"

"John, do you see that man across the street facing us?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"That is George Wickham. Try to fix his face in your mind so as to recognize him in the future should the need arise."

Wickham remained staring at Elizabeth for some ten seconds and had raised his hat and bestowed what she thought to be a derisive bow before being obscured by passing carriages and wagons. He had disappeared from sight when Elizabeth could once again observe where he had stood. She found herself quite unsettled by the experience. What had he meant by simply standing there? Was this meeting accidental? Or had he deliberately made himself known? What could he mean by it? That he had been prevented from accosting her by John's presence she was convinced and for the extra protection he had afforded she could only be thankful. She was not of a mind to believe or trust in Wickham's gentlemen-like manners or behaviour. He was, she remembered, not wearing his regimentals but was garbed in a gentleman's clothing, although even from this distance they appeared rather dishevelled and dusty which spoke poorly of his situation. His manner she thought insolent and he obviously believed she knew his history else he would have approached her despite the presence of a man servant.

If his purpose was to unsettle her, it had been accomplished and her first thought was to return to the Gardiner's home but the company of John did provide, on further thought, an assurance of protection. He was a burly man in his mid-thirties who had been in service with the Gardiners for some twenty years. Not unintelligent, his loyalty to the Gardiners was unquestioned and he had a great fondness for the two oldest Bennet sisters from having known them from their childhood. Elizabeth could not be sure that Wickham had not crossed the street but felt that entering a shop would not be a problem if John was attending her closely. Despite her efforts to appear calm and to concentrate on finding an enjoyable book to read, she found herself quite discomposed and, after a half hour of browsing, left the shop with as many books in her hand as when she entered - which is to say, none.

When she entered the Gardiner's house she wasted little time in apprising her aunt of all that had transpired and found a sympathetic ear for all her concerns. Since Darcy was expected to visit in a matter of a few hours they chose to wait for his visit to impart the news while Mrs. Gardiner sent a note to her husband that his presence would be needed at that time. Until then, the children were made to stay indoors despite it being a fine spring day, which they could normally expect to enjoy by a visit to the local park.

When Darcy arrived to see Elizabeth he was ushered directly into Mr. Gardiner's study where he was surprised to see Elizabeth and the Gardiners. Elizabeth could see his concern and puzzlement and attempted to smile reassuringly although, since it appeared to increase his concern, she rather thought her efforts to have failed.

"Ah, Mr. Darcy. We are glad to see you," stated her uncle with, for him, an unexpectedly grave air.

"What is the matter? Has something happened?" Darcy exclaimed.

Casting a quick glance at his niece Mr. Gardiner said, "I believe it must, although Lizzy has not revealed it to me. We chose to wait for your arrival so that Lizzy would not have to repeat her story."

Now the focus of all eyes, Elizabeth sought to allay their fears, "Truly, I may be making too much of what happened but....but it made me uncomfortable and ... worried."

"What happened, Lizzy?" prompted her uncle.

Elizabeth then proceeded to tell of her trip to the shops and the encounter with Wickham. The faces of both her uncle and Darcy grew even graver as her story unfolded and neither interrupted her until she had finished. Darcy, who had taken the chair next to her, touched her hand lightly in support and she could tell he wished to do more. His face, by the time she finished, was flushed and she could see him mastering his anger. Finally, it became too much for him and he rose quickly and went to gaze out the window. She could see his hands clenching and unclenching by his side and finally after several minutes, with her aunt and uncle talking quietly together, she could not help but rise and walk over to stand beside him and place her hand on his arm.

"He did not harm me, Mr. Darcy. John was there to protect me."

It was almost a growl as he replied, "He threatened you, Elizabeth. That, I will not abide."

That he had called her by her Christian name did not escape her but was of no significance under the circumstances. She noted it as an indication of his feelings for her; was warmed by it; and was not inclined to upbraid him even gently for the breach of propriety. There were more important concerns and she took his arm and gently pulled him back to sit with her aunt and uncle who had noticed their interaction and their niece's familiarity with her suitor, choosing to ignore any impropriety that may have occurred. Mrs. Gardiner voiced her most pressing concern, "I have kept the children indoors today. Are they in any danger?"

Darcy and Mr. Gardiner looked at each other and Darcy appeared to answer for both of them when he responded, "We cannot know but I think extra precautions are necessary and sensible. I will send an extra footman to you and I believe that they should be attended by two men at all times. As well, when Miss Bennet or you venture out, I would ask that you be attended by both men as well." He paused slightly before saying, "I cannot say that Wickham is dangerous but this behaviour is unusual and I do not know what to expect." He lapsed into thought before adding, "He appears to have been able to find you here in London, Miss Bennet. I assume that one of your sisters may have told him where you were staying."

"Yes, or even my mother - she would not have seen any reason to withhold such information. Certainly Lydia or Kitty could have told him or even Maria Lucas now that I think on it. There was no secrecy involved and Jane did mention in her letter that you had called here at Gracechurch Street."

Darcy remained silent for some few minutes while Elizabeth and her relations talked quietly of how they would deal with this problem until finally Elizabeth noticed that he was attending their conversation and appeared to have relaxed somewhat. She knew him well enough by now to know that, whatever he had been contemplating, would be revealed when he deemed it appropriate but, in this instance, she felt he needed to share with her his thoughts and plans if such were being considered. That he would be less reluctant to disclose them in private she intuited and therefore suggested, "Perhaps, Mr. Darcy, we could take advantage of the fair weather and venture out for a stroll?"

The small smile that crossed his lips was mirrored in his words, "Is the answer to any problem, to take a walk, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth delighted in the gentle tease and responded accordingly, "Of course!" and leaning towards him whispered, "And should the walk fail in its purpose, I believe the company will quite distract me from any problem." She could not hide the light blush that accompanied her words - she was not normally so forward and she was not insensible of the mixture of amusement and disapproval being expressed by her relatives and the pleasure on Darcy's mien. They could not have heard what was whispered but the intimacy of their behaviour was not entirely appropriate under the circumstances.

Shortly thereafter they departed in the Darcy carriage accompanied by a maid to walk in Hyde Park. If Elizabeth had hoped to gain some insight into his plans with respect to Wickham, she was forced to remain less than fully satisfied. Darcy admitted to considering some actions but that he had not firmed then in his own mind and, he conceded, their execution would depend on her decision with respect to their courtship.

"Wickham has moved into London and appears to be directing his attentions to you. I have made arrangements to hire several Bow Street Runners to seek him out if possible and will now fix their efforts since we know he is in London. More I cannot do although I will send an express to Colonel Forster advising him that Wickham has been seen here. I can hope they will make an effort to find him as well."

They walked quietly with casual comments about their surroundings, both content to enjoy a companionable walk devoid of those issues which might still separate them or, in the case of Wickham, plague them. That they were, on occasion approached by acquaintances of Darcy, was to be expected and Elizabeth could see that here, away from a press of people, Darcy was less reserved in general. However, one such meeting did arise which called forth the hauteur she had seen displayed in Hertfordshire. Approached by one gentleman, whose manner Elizabeth thought to be too reminiscent of Lady Catherine and whose attitude towards her was redolent in superiority and condescension, Darcy was quick to both rebuke and end the conversation. His sincerity was obvious as he murmured, "I must apologize. I could not avoid the acquaintance. I hope you are not too offended."

"I am not, Mr. Darcy. I cannot be offended by one whose opinion is of such little value to me. Do not apologize for behaviour of those over whom you have no control." She was thoughtful for a moment of two, "Do not feel obliged to rebuke all who display their...condescension so obviously. I have learned to laugh at those whose opinions are of no importance to me. I refuse to be offended by such as those."

"Thank you. I believe you to be more charitable than me in such situations. I am not disposed to accept any disrespect to those that I...care for." He was pensive for several moments before venturing further comment, "I must, I suppose, take some consolation in the fact that, having offended you so greatly, my opinion must have been greatly valued."

Elizabeth remained thoughtful - she had not missed the slight pause before he said 'care for' - but focused her response on the latter part of his declaration, "I had not considered it in that light but I believe you have the right of it. Your opinion was and is of...great value to me."

"Can I hope that your opinion of me is improving?"

"I think, sir, that you know it is."

"Has it improved sufficiently, do you think, for me to court you in Hertfordshire?"

Elizabeth could detect both hope and uncertainty in his voice and she walked in silence for several minutes while she considered how best to phrase her answer. She was so wrapped in thought, she did not notice his increasing discomfort until glancing up she could see the worry on his face and feel the tension in his arm beneath her hand.

"Oh, I do apologize. I did not intend to discomfit you. The answer is yes and ... no!" The confusion her reply engendered was obvious and prompted a small smile as she attempted to explain further.

"I can see my answer has perplexed you and I am sorry. Let me explain. Yes, I am prepared to have you court me at Longbourn but no, I would prefer to stay here for the nonce."

"I have no objection certainly but would wish to understand your thinking."

"It is quite simple really. I have enjoyed our encounters here. I feel we have made much progress without my mother's attentiveness and would like to continue for a short while longer. That we must go back, I know."

"Perhaps we could wait till Bingley returns. I expect him soon, although he has not given me a fixed date for his arrival. I had thought to stay with him if he returns to Netherfield. Otherwise I would find rooms at the Inn."

Elizabeth nodded, "That seems appropriate." She grinned, "If Mr. Bingley returns, my mother will be so appreciative of his presence that she is likely to miss yours altogether. Of course, when she is advised of the courtship, you will not be able to escape her attentions."

"A man who can tolerate the attentions of Lady Catherine has nothing to fear from your mother, Miss Bennet."

"Spoken like a gentleman, sir; however, be assured that I will endeavour to spare you her effusions to the best of my ability."

Their footsteps having, by this time, returned them to the entrance to the park, they continued on companionably until they reached Darcy's house where they joined Georgiana for tea after which they all removed to the Gardiners for dinner and enjoyable conversation.

Fortunately, there had been no further sightings of Wickham although a few days after the initial occasion, the Gardiners had been visited by Lieutenant Denny who was accompanied by several soldiers and looking to arrest Wickham for desertion. Elizabeth led him to the spot where she had noticed Wickham and Denny and his soldiers could thereafter be seen patrolling the area. Elizabeth rather thought their presence would more likely deter Wickham's return than lead to his arrest but took some comfort that Wickham was unlikely to present any danger as long as they remained in the area.

Elizabeth found that the following days blurred together in her memory. The mornings remained the province of her cousins and herself while her afternoons and evenings belonged to herself and Darcy alone. That is not to say that they were in each other's company only. Rather the converse, in fact, since Georgiana and her aunt and uncle were frequent companions and they attended an art exhibition, visited the British Museum - in company with her cousins and Georgiana - and dined in company with a couple with whom Darcy was very close. She had become accustomed to fending off intrusive and impertinent questions and Darcy had developed a facility to deflect many questions before they arose.

In the case of the dinner, however, she found herself in very agreeable company. It was a small group, Darcy having invited several of his closest friends and their wives to dine with Elizabeth and the Gardiners. Georgiana acted, with some reluctance, as hostess for the evening and both Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth found themselves easing her through the process to her evident appreciation, once the evening was done. The gentlemen were all school friends of Darcy and had also attended with him at Cambridge; their wives were only a year or two older than Elizabeth herself and surprisingly, like herself, were more a product of the country than town. Their eagerness to make her acquaintance was all that was amiable and civil and it was not difficult to ascertain that between each of the couples there existed a strong affection. The gentlemen, if not as amiable and easy in company as Mr. Bingley, were sociable, although Elizabeth was amused to note that one of them, reportedly a distant cousin of Darcy himself, seemed to possess a reserved nature not too dissimilar from that of his cousin.

It was not the dinner or the exhibit that remained foremost in her mind; instead, she could remember several of their discussions that had taken place. One such occurred a day or two after she had seen Wickham. The day had been windy and rainy and they were ensconced in the Gardiner sitting room with a maid occupying a chair far enough removed as to ensure them privacy in their conversation. They had been discussing their removal to Longbourn since Darcy had finally received a post from Bingley to the effect that he would arrive in London in a day or two. Elizabeth's thoughts were diverted to Darcy's re-introduction to Meryton society and their reception of him and her pensiveness was easily communicated to Darcy who sought an explanation. Elizabeth took several moments to frame her response, saying finally, "I am just thinking on how to repair the damage that I and Wickham have done to your reputation." She gave him a rueful smile, "I am afraid I was quite unkind in my humour."

"What can you have said of me that I did not deserve?.... Was it so very dreadful?"

"Not so very bad - but I confess I did allow myself to exercise a great deal of freedom."

Darcy importuned her to reveal some of her more playful efforts and she finally relented and laughing said, "It was not so very dreadful I suppose. I did warn Mr. Goulding to ensure that his cows be hidden from your presence since your glower would curdle their milk before it could be delivered."

She laughed with a degree of embarrassment saying, "I also believed I warned Mrs. Hayes, who was to enter her confinement in a few months, to avoid your company since that same glower might shorten her confinement period." She glanced up at Darcy to see him biting his lips to control his mirth. He passed a hand across his lips before saying, "And that Miss Bennet, is the worst you said of me?"

"Oh, I am sure I said more. I can remember little now, although I do recollect saying that there was just enough pleasantness between you and Mr. Bingley for one good sort of man and that Mr. Bingley had received it all." A quick glance at Darcy's face eliminated any concerns she harboured as to his being offended. Indeed, he seemed rather thoughtful himself which prompted her to ask for the reason.

"I have no desire to hide this from you Miss Bennet. Indeed, since it is possible that we may be in Miss Bingley's company at some time, I believe you should hear it first from me." He took a deep breath and, releasing it, blurted, "It was shortly after I first made your acquaintance. I believe Miss Bingley was amusing herself by disparaging the local ladies and commented on reports of the beauty of yourself and your older sister and was, for my benefit I suspect, being most pointed about you. To my shame I said about you, 'She a beauty, I would sooner call her mother a wit' - however, this was early in our acquaintance and I was, I believe, attempting to deflect Miss Bingley's notice of my interest."

Elizabeth chuckled, "That is not so very bad but it does bring to mind a question. Miss Bingley seemed very early in our acquaintance to take me in extreme dislike which I cannot explain since she was more than friendly with Jane or at least acted so in her presence. With me she was rather uncivil than not."

Darcy blushed slightly, "I am to blame, I am afraid. I think it was at Sir William's that she caught me somewhat distracted and asked for an explanation. I spoke without thinking and my words made her jealous since she had long desired an attachment to me."

"That her wishes were so directed was very quickly and easily seen but whatever could you have said?"

"I believe I said that I was meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow. Miss Bingley asked to whom I was referring and I, unwisely perhaps since she took great delight in abusing you whenever the opportunity presented, gave her your name. There you have it! Does that absolve me of having abused your beauty? I can think of several occasions when I told myself, although no one else, my true belief in your attractiveness - I believe I thought you one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance. Am I forgiven?"

"Most certainly, Sir, you are absolved but only on condition that you forgive me for my insults. Truly, I believe you have much, much more to forgive than I on this score."

"Let us put this behind us, shall we? We both feel so very much different now that such words are, to me at least, meaningless."

Chapter 14 - Return To Longbourn

Posted on 2015-05-24

Elizabeth gazed out the window as her carriage rolled into Meryton on its route to Longbourn. It had taken more than a day to convince Darcy to allow her to return alone and a day in advance of his own arrival at Netherfield in order to discuss the courtship with her father - he had not written and she could not be sure that his concerns had been allayed by her own letter - and to inform her mother of the courtship - an event for which as much privacy as possible would be desirable.

Darcy would be arriving tomorrow along with Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam who had returned from Newcastle and intended to speak with Colonel Forster about Wickham. Darcy's concern about Wickham had induced him to send two armed outriders to accompany her uncle's carriage along with a maid as a companion for the trip. Both carriage and maid were to return to London immediately but she had been given to believe the outriders were to stop at Netherfield.

The passage of the carriage through Meryton attracted little more than cursory interest and within a scant quarter hour it was drawing up in front of the entrance to Longbourn. Her reception at home was most kind and more than once during dinner was Mrs. Bennet heard to say voluntarily, "I am glad you are come back Lizzy."

A week prior to her return the news had quickly circulated - the regiment was to remove to Brighton and it was now the last fortnight of the regiment's stay in Meryton, and all the young ladies in the neighbourhood were drooping apace. The dejection was almost universal. The eldest Miss Bennet alone had still been able to eat, drink, and sleep, and pursue the usual course of her employment. Very frequently had she been reproached for this insensibility by Kitty and Lydia, whose own misery was extreme, and who could not comprehend such hard-heartedness in any of the family. "Good Heaven! What is to become of us! What are we to do!" would they often exclaim in the bitterness of woe. The arrival of Elizabeth and her insensibility to this news grieved them both greatly, "How can you be smiling so, Lizzy?"

Their affectionate mother shared all their grief; she remembered what she had herself endured on a similar occasion, five and twenty years ago. "I am sure," said she, "I cried for two days together when
Colonel Millar's regiment went away. I thought I should have broken my heart."

"I am sure I shall break mine," said Lydia.

"If one could but go to Brighton!" observed Mrs. Bennet.

"Oh, yes! - If one could but go to Brighton! But papa is so disagreeable."

"A little sea-bathing would set me up forever."

"And my aunt Philips is sure it would do me a great deal of good," added Kitty.

Such were the kind of lamentations resounding perpetually through Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them; but all sense of pleasure was lost in shame. She felt anew the justice of Mr. Darcy's objections; and never had she before been so much disposed to pardon his interference in the views of his friend. But the gloom of Lydia's prospect was shortly cleared away; for she received that very day an invitation from Mrs. Forster, the wife of the Colonel of the regiment, to accompany her to Brighton. This invaluable friend was a very young woman, and very lately married. A resemblance in good humour and good spirits had recommended her and Lydia to each other, and out of their three months' acquaintance they had been intimate two.

The rapture of Lydia on this occasion, her adoration of Mrs. Forster, the delight of Mrs. Bennet, and the mortification of Kitty, are scarcely to be described. Wholly inattentive to her sister's feelings, Lydia flew about the house in restless ecstasy, calling for everyone's congratulations, and laughing and talking with more violence than ever; whilst the luckless Kitty continued in the parlour repining at her fate in terms as unreasonable as her accent was peevish. "I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia," said she, "though I am not her particular friend. I have just as much right to be asked as she has, and more too, for I am two years older."

In vain did Elizabeth attempt to reason with her, and Jane to make her resigned. As for Elizabeth herself, this invitation was so far from exciting in her the same feelings as in her mother and Lydia, that she considered it as the death-warrant of all possibility of common sense for the latter; and detestable as such a step must make her were it known, she could not help but plan to secretly advise her father not to let her go.

Her father had said very little to her since her return and Elizabeth had seen that he looked upon her with a worried countenance and thus she was not surprised to receive a summons from him later that evening. She suspected that his concerns were for the courtship and felt confident of allaying his fears in that regard; she was less sanguine that he could allay her concerns about Lydia travelling to Brighton. After sitting down she observed her father walking about the room, looking grave and anxious. "Lizzy," said he, "what are you doing? Are you out of your senses, to be accepting a courtship from this man? I have read your letter but admit to finding it difficult to credit what you wrote. Have not you always hated him?"

How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have spared her from explanations and professions which were exceedingly awkward to give; but they were now necessary, and she assured him, with some confusion, of the change in her opinion of Mr. Darcy.

"Or, in other words, you are determined to have him. He is rich, to be sure, and you may have fine clothes and fine carriages. But will they make you happy?"

"Have you any other objection," said Elizabeth, "than your belief of my indifference?"

"None at all. I once believed him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man - although my opinion was much improved following his visit - but this would be nothing if you really liked him. I do not need to tell you that courtships almost invariably lead to a proposal of marriage. Your mother's distress at your refusal of Mr. Collins will be nothing compared to that which will arise if you refuse Mr. Darcy."

"I do, I do like him," she replied, with tears in her eyes, "I have come to esteem him very much. Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. You do not know what he really is; pray do not pain me by speaking of him in such terms. He has not asked to marry me, but I cannot believe I would refuse him when he does so."

"Lizzy," said her father, "I have given him my consent to the courtship and will do likewise if he makes you an offer. He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything, which he condescended to ask. I now give it to you, if you are resolved on having him. But let me advise you to think well on it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You could scarcely escape discredit and misery. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. I would have you know what you are about."

Elizabeth, still more affected, was earnest and solemn in her reply; and at length, by repeated assurances that Mr. Darcy was really the object of her choice, by explaining the gradual change which her estimation of him had undergone, relating her absolute certainty that his affection was not the work of a day, but had stood the test of several weeks and much contemplation of their past encounters which greatly revised her opinion of them, and enumerating with energy all his good qualities, she did conquer her father's incredulity, and reconcile him to the potential match.

"Well, my dear," said he, when she ceased speaking, "I have no more to say. If this be the case, he deserves you. I could not part with you, my Lizzy, to any one less worthy. When he does ask for your hand, be assured that my consent and blessing will be given."

Elizabeth's mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight; and, had now but to address the matter of Lydia's trip to Brighton. She put aside her fatigue; the travel, the arguments about Brighton with Lydia and her mother and the discussion with her father about her courtship, had sapped her reserves and she wanted nothing more than to remove herself to her room to rest. Nevertheless, this was not an issue that could be deferred and so she began. She represented to her father all the improprieties of Lydia's general behaviour, the little advantage she could derive from the friendship of such a woman as Mrs. Forster, and the probability of her being yet more imprudent with such a companion at Brighton, where the temptations must be greater than at home. He heard her attentively, and then said, "Lydia will never be easy till she has exposed herself in some public place or other, and we can never expect her to do it with so little expense or inconvenience to her family as under the present circumstances."

"If you were aware," said Elizabeth, "of the very great disadvantage to us all, which must arise from the public notice of Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner; nay, which has already arisen from it, I am sure you would judge differently in the affair."

"Already arisen!" repeated Mr. Bennet. "What, she obviously has not frightened away your lover. Has she frightened away Jane's? Poor little Jane! But do not let her be cast down. Such squeamish youths as cannot bear to be connected with a little absurdity are not worth regret. Come; let me see the list of the pitiful fellows who have been kept aloof by Lydia's folly."

"Not of mine father but, having heard from Mr. Darcy, can you be unaware of the impact on Mr. Bingley's sisters and its effectiveness in dissuading him in his attentions? And it will not be Mr. Bingley alone; should Mary or Kitty or even Lydia wish to make an advantageous marriage in the future their suitors may well be disinclined to pursue an attachment because of the possible disgrace that could arise. I have personally no such injuries to resent, it is of general evils which I am now complaining. Our importance, our respectability in the world, must be affected by the wild volatility, the assurance and disdain of all restraint which mark Lydia's character. Excuse me - for I must speak plainly. If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble of checking her exuberant spirits, and of teaching her that her present pursuits are not to be the business of her life, she will soon be beyond the reach of amendment. Her character will be fixed, and she will, at sixteen, be the most determined flirt that ever made herself and her family ridiculous. A flirt, too, in the worst and meanest degree of flirtation; without any attraction beyond youth and a tolerable person; and from the ignorance and emptiness of her mind, wholly unable to ward off any portion of that universal contempt which her rage for admiration will excite. In this danger Kitty is also comprehended. She will follow wherever Lydia leads. Vain, ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled! Oh! My dear father, can you suppose it possible that they will not be censured and despised wherever they are known, and that their sisters will not be often involved in the disgrace?"

Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject; and affectionately taking her hand, said in reply, "Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known, you must be respected and valued; and you will not appear to less advantage for having a couple of - or I may say, three - very silly sisters. We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton. Let her go then. Colonel Forster is a sensible man, and will keep her out of any real mischief; and she is luckily too poor to be an object of prey to anybody. At Brighton she will be of less importance, even as a common flirt, than she has been here. The officers will find women better worth their notice.
Let us hope, therefore, that her being there may teach her own insignificance. At any rate, she cannot grow many degrees worse without authorizing us to lock her up for the rest of her life."

With this answer Elizabeth could not be content; and while she was reluctant to do so, since it may well worry her father unnecessarily, she could not hide from him that Wickham had almost approached her in London. She therefore revealed to her father - of which he had not been previously apprised - Wickham's presence in London and the efforts of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Forster to apprehend, unsuccessfully so far, George Wickham.

"My concerns, father, are that Lydia will be not so well protected and indeed, given her nature, less inclined to accept protection if under the care of the Forsters. In this I believe I may be supported by Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wickham will be more easily able to approach her there and I know not what his intentions might be but I believe we should fear the worst."

Her father's immediate reaction was of anger that news of this situation had been withheld from him and he was not readily appeased by her intentions - or those of his Brother Gardiner - of their intent to only spare him such distress as might be expected to arise. Since he, from his daughter's information, expected Mr. Darcy to arrive before Lydia was to depart, he chose - in the desire to spare himself such noise and disturbance as would likely arise should he rescind his approval - to defer such a decision until he could consult with that gentleman.

Had Lydia and her mother known the substance of her conference with her father, their indignation would hardly have found expression in their united volubility. In Lydia's imagination, a visit to Brighton comprised every possibility of earthly happiness. She saw, with the creative eye of fancy, the streets of that gay bathing place covered with officers. She saw herself the object of attention to tens and to scores of them at present unknown. She saw all the glories of the camp; its tents stretched forth in beauteous uniformity of lines, crowded with the young and the gay, and dazzling with scarlet; and to complete the view, she saw herself seated beneath a tent, tenderly flirting with at least six officers at once. Had she known that her sister sought to tear her from such prospects and such realities as these, what would have been her sensations? They could have been understood only by her mother, who might have felt nearly the same. Lydia's going to Brighton was all that consoled her for the melancholy conviction of her husband's never intending to go there himself. But they were entirely ignorant of what had passed; and their raptures were to continue, with little intermission, until Mr. Darcy's arrival in Hertfordshire.

After taking leave of her father and enjoying an hour's quiet reflection in her own room, she was able to join the others with tolerable composure. Everything was too recent for gaiety, but the evening passed tranquilly away; there was no longer anything material to be dreaded and the comfort of ease and familiarity would come in time.

When her mother went up to her dressing-room at night, she followed her, and made the important communication. Its effect was most extraordinary; for on first hearing it, Mrs. Bennet sat quite still, and unable to utter a syllable. Nor was it under many, many minutes that she could comprehend what she heard; though not in general backward to credit what was for the advantage of her family, or that came in the shape of a lover to any of them. She began at length to recover, to fidget about in her chair, get up, sit down again, wonder, and bless herself.

"Good gracious! Lord bless me! Only think! Dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true? Oh! My sweetest Lizzy! How rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! I am so pleased - so happy. Such a charming man! - So handsome! So tall! - Oh, my dear Lizzy! Pray apologize for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Everything that is charming! A daughter married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will become of me? I shall go distracted."

This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted: and Elizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion was heard only by herself, soon went away. But before she had been three minutes in her own room, her mother followed her.

"My dearest child," she cried, "I can think of nothing else! Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special licence. You must and shall be married by a special licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it tomorrow."

It was that Mrs. Bennet had, within a matter of minutes, convinced herself that a courtship was but a short step to an engagement and was inclined to consider the latter as a matter of course before Elizabeth could recall her to the fact that an offer of marriage had yet to be made. This was a sad omen of what her mother's behaviour to the gentleman himself might be; and Elizabeth found that, though in the certain possession of his warmest affection, and secure of her relations' consent, there was still something to be wished for. She feared her mother's machinations and resolved to enlist Jane's assistance to ensure that her mother's desire to create an opportunity for a proposal to be made did not involve too great an impropriety. But as it happened the morrow was to pass off much better than she expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily stood in such awe of Mr. Darcy that she ventured not to speak to him, unless it was in her power to offer him any attention, or mark her deference for his opinion.

Chapter 15 - Bingley's Return

An article of news - of no surprise to Elizabeth who had made her father only acquainted with it -began to be in circulation. The housekeeper at Netherfield had received orders to prepare for the arrival of her master, who was coming down in a day or two, to shoot there for several weeks. Mrs. Bennet was quite in the fidgets. She looked at Jane, and smiled and shook her head by turns.

"Well, well, and so Mr. Bingley is coming down, sister" (for Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news). "Well, so much the better. Not that I care about it, though. He is nothing to us, you know, and I am sure I never want to see him again. But, however, he is very welcome to come to Netherfield, if he likes it. And who knows what may happen? But that is nothing to us. You know, sister, we agreed long ago never to mention a word about it. And so, is it quite certain he is coming?"

"You may depend on it," replied the other, "for Mrs. Nicholls was in Meryton last night; I saw her passing by, and went out myself on purpose to know the truth of it; and she told me that it was certainly true. He comes down on Thursday at the latest, very likely on Wednesday. She was going to the butcher's, she told me, on purpose to order in some meat on Wednesday, and she has got three brace of ducks just fit to be killed."

Miss Bennet had not been able to hear of his coming without changing colour. It was many months since she had mentioned his name to Elizabeth; but now, as soon as they were alone together, she said, "I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the present report; and I know I appeared distressed. But don't imagine it was from any silly cause. I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I should be looked at. I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we shall see the less of him. Not that I am afraid of myself, but I dread other people's remarks."

Elizabeth had not spoken to Bingley before her departure for Longbourn though his arrival had been vouchsafed to her and she thought him still partial to Jane. She knew him to be coming - Darcy had revealed as much to her prior to her departure - on his own determination, to discover the depth of her sister's feelings for him.

"Yet it is hard," she sometimes thought, "that this poor man cannot come to a house which he has legally hired, without raising all this speculation! I will leave him to himself."

In spite of what her sister declared, and really believed to be her feelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it. They were more disturbed, more unequal, than she had often seen them. The subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again.

"As soon as ever Mr. Bingley comes, my dear," said Mrs. Bennet, "you will wait on him of course."

"No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year and promised, if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool's errand again."

His wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an attention would be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his returning to Netherfield.

"'Tis an etiquette I despise," said he. "If he wants our society, let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not spend my hours in running after my neighbours every time they go away and come back again."

"Well, all I know is that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him. But, however, that shan't prevent my asking him to dine here, I am determined." She then cast a look at Elizabeth, "He will most probably bring Mr. Darcy as well, will he not Lizzy?" and without giving her daughter time to respond continued, "We must have Mrs. Long and the Gouldings soon. That will make fourteen with ourselves, so there will be just room at table for them both."

Consoled by this resolution, she was the better able to bear her husband's incivility; though it was very mortifying to know that her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it, before they did. As the day of his arrival drew near, "I begin to be sorry that he comes at all," said Jane to her sister. "It would be nothing; I could see him with perfect indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of. My mother means well; but she does not know, no one can know, how much I suffer from what she says. Happy shall I be, when his stay at Netherfield is over!"

"I wish I could say anything to comfort you," replied Elizabeth; "but it is wholly out of my power. You must feel it; and the usual satisfaction of preaching patience to a sufferer is denied me, because you have always so much."

Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Bennet, through the assistance of servants, contrived to have the earliest tidings of it that the period of anxiety and fretfulness on her side might be as long as it could. She counted the days that must intervene before their invitation could be sent; hopeless of seeing him before. But on the morning after his arrival in Hertfordshire, she saw him, from her dressing-room window, enter the paddock and ride towards the house.

Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window - she looked - she saw Mr. Darcy with him and another gentleman dressed in regimentals, and sat down again by her sister.

"There are two gentlemen with him, mamma," said Kitty; "who can they be?"

"Some acquaintances or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure Mr. Darcy must be one of them."

"La!" replied Kitty, "one of them looks just like that man that used to be with him before. Mr. what's-his-name. That tall, proud man."

"Good gracious! Mr. Darcy! - And so it does, but of course, he has come to call on Lizzy, I vow. I wonder who the other gentleman is? Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley's will always be welcome here, to be sure."

"I wonder if the other gentleman is Colonel Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth.

Both sisters were uncomfortable enough. Each felt for the other, and, of course, for themselves; and their mother was unable to talk on; her dislike of Mr. Darcy had lasted no longer than the news he was courting Elizabeth, but she had not yet fully grasped the news that her daughter was being courted by a man of ten thousand a year which was quite putting into disorder altogether any thoughts her mind might harbour.

The colour which had encompassed Elizabeth's face was enhanced within a half a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes, as she thought of how much their separation of but a few days had made her miss his company. This was, she knew, his final hurdle. His treatment of and manner towards her parents and sisters would prove whether the changes he had made were such as to persist even with those with whom he would prefer not to associate.

"Let me first see how he behaves," said she; "it will then be early enough for expectation."

She sat intently at work, striving to be composed, and without daring to lift up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried them to the face of her sister as the servant was approaching the door. Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than Elizabeth had expected. On the gentlemen appearing, her colour increased; yet she received them with tolerable ease, and with a propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of resentment or any unnecessary complaisance.

With no little pleasure Elizabeth saw that Bingley and Darcy were accompanied by Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was introduced to them all by Darcy. Elizabeth said as much to them all as civility would allow, and sat down again to her work, with an eagerness which it did not often command. She had ventured only one glance at Darcy. He looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more as he had been used to look in Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him in London. But, perhaps he could not in her mother's presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was a painful, but not an improbable, conjecture. Bingley, she had likewise seen for an instant, and in that short period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed. He was received by Mrs. Bennet with a degree of civility which made her two daughters ashamed. Her reception of both Darcy and the Colonel was quite civil, more so than the former gentleman had ever received before. Darcy greeted her mother, quietly expressing his pleasure in meeting her once more. She, in return, hardly knew how to respond - the news of the courtship had left her oddly bereft of conversation in his presence.

Both Darcy and the Colonel greeted Elizabeth with evident pleasure and she and Darcy were not long in recapturing their easy manner with each other. The Colonel's attention was quickly claimed by Lydia and Kitty who, in their usual bold manner, attempted to fix his interest on them to the exclusion of anyone else. Fortunately, the Colonel was not inexperienced in such situations and was easily able to converse in a genial manner.

Elizabeth, remembering that her father wished to talk to Darcy, acquainted him of that fact and, as well, indicated that Lydia's safety was a concern. Darcy took the hint and collecting Colonel Fitzwilliam went directly to Mr. Bennet's study. They did not return for about a half hour and, in their absence, Elizabeth was in no humour for conversation with anyone but Darcy himself.

"It is a long time, Mr. Bingley, since you went away," said Mrs. Bennet.

He readily agreed to it.

"I began to be afraid you would never come back again. People did say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have happened in the neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss Lucas is married and settled. It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well married," continued her mother, "but at the same time, Mr. Bingley, it is very hard for the Lucases to have her taken such a way from them. They are gone down to Hunsford a place quite southward, it seems, and there they are to stay I do not know how long. I am sure Mr. Collins is hoping it to be a short duration. At least Lady Lucas has a daughter who will do her duty to her family." At this Mrs. Bennet remembered that Elizabeth was being courted by Mr. Darcy who was of much greater consequence than Mr. Collins and abruptly ended her complaint.

Elizabeth was in such misery of embarrassment that she could hardly keep her seat. It drew from her, however, the exertion of speaking, which nothing else had so effectually done before; and she asked Bingley whether he meant to make any stay in the country at present. A few weeks, he believed.

"When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley," said her mother, "I beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet's manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you, and will save all the best of the coveys for you."

Elizabeth's misery increased, at such unnecessary, such officious attention! Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago, everything, she was persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion. At that instant, she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful confusion.

However she received soon afterwards material relief, from observing how much the beauty of her sister re-kindled the admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she had been last year; as good natured, and as unaffected, though not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she talked as much as ever. But her mind was so busily engaged, that she did not always know when she was silent.

When Darcy and the Colonel returned, they remained to converse for only a few minutes before rising to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine at Longbourn the next evening. "You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley," she added, "for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgotten, you see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your engagement."

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said something of his concern at having been prevented by business. They then went away. Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year.

Elizabeth, as the gentlemen were making their departure, rose and taking Jane by the hand accompanied them outside, hoping to speak, if only briefly, with Darcy. In this she was successful as the other two gentlemen moved away to speak with Jane, allowing the courting couple a few moments of privacy. Darcy's smile was warm as he raised Elizabeth's hand to his lips. "We cannot talk now but I will call after luncheon tomorrow and perhaps we can go for a walk and I will let you know all that has transpired."

"Can you say why the Colonel is here?"

"He has come to speak to Colonel Forster and assist in the search for Wickham."

Elizabeth nodded and watched him mount and ride away, not moving to return indoors until he was lost from sight. As she did so, she realized Jane had come to stand beside her, having done much the same in respect of Bingley.

"Now," said Jane, "that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance."

"Yes, very indifferent indeed," said Elizabeth, laughingly. "Oh, Jane, take care."

"My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in danger now?"

"I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever."

Upon their return to the parlour they were greeted with lamentations from both Lydia and her mother who had just been advised by Mr. Bennet that he had rescinded his permission for Lydia to visit to Brighton. Pressed for reasons he informed them of concerns about Wickham and his intentions and that Lydia's safety could not be secured in Brighton.

Chapter 16 - Dinners at Longbourn

Posted on 2015-05-28

They were to see the gentlemen again the next evening; and Mrs. Bennet, in the meanwhile, was giving way to all the happy schemes, which the good humour and common politeness of Bingley, in half an hour's visit, had revived. It was to be a family dinner with only Mr. Bingley and his two guests as company.

Two of the gentleman arrived after luncheon - they were advised that the Colonel was meeting with Colonel Forster - and were, after a short stay in the parlour, induced by Elizabeth and Jane to walk to Oakham Mount. None of the younger Bennet sisters could be persuaded to join them and Elizabeth conceded to Mr. Darcy that their absence was not regretted by her, "After all Mr. Darcy, I have not been much in your company for several days and I find little pleasure in your absence nor any desire to share your company with anyone else."

"I cannot but be pleased to hear you say so Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth knew she must raise the issue of Mr. Bingley's return. She had no opportunity to do so before she left London, since he was to return there that very day. "Mr. Darcy, I see by Mr. Bingley's presence that you have spoken to him. I hope that - it appears that your friendship is intact."

Darcy walked in silence for a minute or so, "Yes, although he was exceedingly angry with me for a short while. He was most upset that I and his sisters concealed from him your sister's presence in London - that his sisters would behave so as to terminate their relationship with Miss Bennet after professing such a fond regard for her he found very distasteful and distressing. His anger at my interference did not last too long when I advised him to return to Netherfield."

"Did you speak of my sister's affections?"

Darcy hesitated before replying, "No...I spoke only that I might have been in error about her indifference. That I had assumed such from her manner, rather than allowing that her reserve would mask such feelings. I could not...I would not state that she returned his affections since I could not detect such from my past observations. I did suggest - strongly - that he satisfy himself on that matter with no recourse to the opinion of anyone else, since he would be best positioned to know them."

"Has he done so, do you think?"

"I believe he has. From my better observation, it is clear - now - that your sister holds him in great affection. That opinion I vouchsafed last night but I believe it but reinforced his own belief and that is what he should act on."

Elizabeth found no fault with his words and her smile indicated her approval quite clearly. Since she and Darcy tended to walk more briskly than the other couple, the separation between the couples grew to some fifty yards and she had recourse to glancing back at them to ensure that matters there were going well; and while, at first, it appeared that conversation between them was difficult, time and their natural inclinations appeared to have moderated the constraints between them and their discourse more easy as a result.

Satisfied that her sister was comfortable with Mr. Bingley's company, she turned her attentions to Mr. Darcy and soon they were in easy discussion of a book that they both had recently read - she, at his suggestion - and this discourse engaged them for much of the remainder of their walk. If they did not agree on all issues, their differences of opinion were such as to promote lively debate and, to Elizabeth's gratification, no small amount of teasing by both of them in the process.

By the time they had returned to Longbourn, it was but an hour or so to dinner and the gentlemen proposed to return to Netherfield to refresh themselves and collect Colonel Fitzwilliam in order to dine at Longbourn that evening. Elizabeth could tell, from Jane's manner, that her sister was well satisfied with the attentions from Mr. Bingley and found herself hoping he would offer for Jane. For herself, Elizabeth was now sure of her desire for Mr. Darcy to offer for her and was pondering how to apprise him of her feelings. She could not, she knew, be too forthright. That was not in her nature nor did she feel it appropriate to so blatantly apprised him of those feelings. No, she thought, I will simply continue to show my regard and allow him to decide when a proposal would be accepted. He must know by now how materially my affections have changed.

That evening the gentlemen returned to dine at Longbourn and when it came time to seat themselves, Elizabeth was surprised to see Mr. Darcy extend one elbow to Mrs. Bennet and the other to her to escort them to the table. Having seated Mrs. Bennet at one end, he claimed the seat on her right for himself and assisted Elizabeth to sit next to him. Bingley claimed the seat on Mrs. Bennet's left with Jane by his side. Mr. Bennet, long used to the presence of his eldest daughters sitting beside him, was forced to make do with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary with Lydia claiming the seat next to the Colonel and Kitty forced, with obvious discontent, to sit next to her sister Mary.

The meal that followed was one that Elizabeth would scarcely forget. It was not that either her mother or Lydia was less silly than was their wont but rather the presence of so much sense had rarely been encountered at the Bennet table. Placed as she was, Elizabeth wished to moderate - and perhaps shield Mr. Darcy from - her mother's effusions but found herself frequently distracted by the discussion that seemed to centre on the Colonel; however, her first thoughts were directed towards Mr. Bingley.

His behaviour to her sister was such, during dinner time, as showed an admiration of her, which, though more guarded than formerly, persuaded Elizabeth, that if left wholly to himself, Jane's happiness, and his own, would be speedily secured. Though she dared not depend upon the consequence, she yet received pleasure from observing his behaviour. It gave her all the animation that her spirits could boast; for she was in a cheerful humour. Satisfied now with her sister's situation, Elizabeth was disposed to concentrate on the discussion that was taking place between her mother and Mr. Darcy.

That he was not altogether comfortable with her mother was not to be wondered at but he did appear to be trying to converse amiably with her and in this he was amply aided by that lady's awe of his status and a desire to not offend him. Several topics of conversation were attempted between with little success until Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "What a wonderful thing it would be for my other daughters if Lizzy were to marry you or Jane to marry Mr. Bingley! It would put them in the way of other wealthy men"

"How so, Mrs. Bennet?" said he.

"They would visit their sisters and meet such men then. Surely that would be a good thing for them, would it not?"

Elizabeth's embarrassment and her exclamation, "Mamma!" did not register with her mother, who simply waved it off and did not, to all appearances, disgust Mr. Darcy if his smile was any indication.

His response surprised both ladies, "Have you or your daughters experienced a London season, Mrs. Bennet?"

"No indeed. Mr. Bennet would not allow us to visit there. He dislikes London exceedingly and all of my girls have suffered for it. I am sure Jane would be married by now if she had a season in London!"

"It is an expensive task, to be sure. Many families can afford but one season for a daughter. As well, the expectations for a young lady in terms of manners and deportment are much greater than in the country."

"I am sure none could be so beautiful as my Jane and Lydia would surely attract a handsome gentleman."

"I have no doubt, madam that both your eldest daughters would do well in London. Their beauty and manners and comportment are exceptional. However...."

Mrs. Bennet, pleased at the commendation to Jane and Elizabeth, was not slow to detect that the gentleman had not included her other daughters in his commendation and his hesitation could not be ignored.

"However?" said she. "Why, I am quite convinced that my Lydia would be pursued by many wealthy gentlemen. She is pretty and lively, you see!"

Elizabeth watched as Darcy's countenance took on a more severe aspect and several moments passed while he deliberated. She knew him now well enough to understand that he was considering his next words carefully and wondered how he could address her mother further without giving offence. She had not long to wait as he finally directed his attention to her mother saying, "May I be honest, Mrs. Bennet?"

If Mrs. Bennet had a faint suspicion she would not really wish to hear what Mr. Darcy planned to impart to her, it was not reflected in either her manner or words, and seeing no reason to escape the revelation, "Of course, Mr. Darcy."

"Very well. First, I will admit that I spend little time in London and avoid many of those events to which you aspire. I much prefer the country; however, I am not ignorant of what transpires during the season, nor of that which is necessary for ladies to succeed there. I have several cousins you see who have come out in the past few years and their trials...their problems have not escaped my attention, since I must bring out my sister in a year or two."

"How old is Miss Darcy?" asked Mrs. Bennet.

"She is only sixteen, Mrs. Bennet."

"And she is not out? Why ever not? Lydia is but fifteen and she is out. She is very much sought after, you know."

"My sister will not be out for a year or perhaps two. It is...most young ladies do not enter London society until they are seventeen or even eighteen."

"I do not understand why that should be so, Mr. Darcy. Why Lydia..."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Bennet. I must apologize for interrupting but you must realize that London society and country society are quite, quite different."

Seeing the incomprehension on her face, he smiled slightly before saying, "Perhaps I can explain...or try to anyway. It is a reality that those ladies who are successful in a London season have attended a school to give them some part of an education and to teach them how to deport themselves in proper society and I can assure you, Mrs. Bennet, that such is quite necessary. I have numerous cousins, one of them the daughter of an earl and several others whose father bears a title, and all have two or three years of schooling. You wish your daughters to succeed in London society but such is unlikely unless they are schooled."

Knowing her mother's reverence for all things of the peerage, Elizabeth thought to assist Mr. Darcy's efforts, "Are those cousins being brought out by Countess ____, Mr. Darcy?"

His quick, small smile as he turned in her direction revealed he had recognized her ploy, "Yes my aunt, the Countess, has been quite successful." Turning back to Mrs. Bennet, he added, "I would also note that families, bringing out their daughters, introduce the youngest into society only after the eldest are married. As an example, I suspect that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth would be out if they were in London but your other daughters would be expected to wait. In the country it is acceptable for all to be out though perhaps not too young. Surely you would find it easier to find husbands for your daughters if you did not have to be concerned with all five at once?"

Elizabeth had sat in a rather dazed silence as this conversation had been carried on. That Mr. Darcy would be so forthcoming was one surprise; that her mother would be so restrained as to actually listen, another; and that Mr. Darcy could be so manipulative - because she realized that he had intended something of this nature when he entered the house. There was a practiced flow to his argument which suggested some premeditation on his part. From her mother's silence she took heart and was rewarded after a moment or two when she responded, "So you would recommend schooling for Mary, Lydia and Kitty?"

"I do not think Mary needs schooling but some time under the direction of an experienced companion like Mrs. Annesley, who is preparing my sister for her coming out, would be most advantageous. As for your two youngest, I believe a couple of years of schooling for Lydia and perhaps one for Miss Catherine would serve them very well indeed." He hesitated for a second or two before saying, "of course, this is not my prerogative - I am, perhaps most improperly, interfering in what is purely a family matter - and I am sure you and Mr. Bennet may have other intentions."

Mrs. Bennet remained silent for several minutes until Mr. Bingley made a comment in praise of the meal after which she was pleased to talk for some minutes on the preparation and selection of the dishes. Elizabeth captured Darcy's attention and his amusement at her questioning look disconcerted her once more, "What disturbs you, Miss Elizabeth?"

"What are you about with my mother?"

"About? We were simply discussing the advantages of a London season and the accomplishments that young ladies may require to be successful."

"It would appear to me that you and she are prejudging an answer to a question that has yet to be asked, sir!" Elizabeth whispered.

"True, although I prefer to think of it as addressing a problem before it arises." his murmur became even softer, "You may be assured of the question...the timing is in your hands...as is the answer but, if I can persuade your mother towards my suit, I should be happy to do so."

Elizabeth could not control her blush nor her desire to direct the conversation to a less personal topic but in her embarrassment could think of nothing to say and was saved only by Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley beginning to discuss a problem with one of the Netherfield tenants. Her attention, and perhaps that of the rest of the table, was however soon captured by an outburst from Lydia.

"I shall be very pleased to be going to Brighton. I shall find many beaus there amongst all the officers and perhaps a husband. Would it not be a great joke to be the first of my sisters to be married?"

Elizabeth was saved from rebuking her sister by a barking laugh from Colonel Fitzwilliam, "I would wish you well, Miss Lydia. You must know a great many majors or Colonels if you are thinking of marriage!"

"I know only Colonel Forster and Major Dixon, both of whom are married. There are other officers, are there not?"

The Colonel shook his head in bemusement, "You are obviously not aware of a saying in the army, Miss Lydia. It states that 'Lieutenants must not marry, Captains may marry, Majors should marry and Colonels must marry'."

Lydia was obviously puzzled, "Why should a Lieutenant not marry?"

Elizabeth could see the colonel schooling his features so as to hide his concern - his quick glance at Mr. Bennet suggested that her father should be addressing the issue rather than sitting with an amused look at his daughter's ignorance - before replying, "It's mostly a matter of income, Miss Lydia. Quite simply a Lieutenant is much too poor - unless he has an income quite apart from his army salary - to support a wife, let alone the family likely to ensue from a marriage. Even a Colonel - like myself - could not afford to keep you in the comfort that you now have. A Captain, for instance, earns but two hundred pounds per year. His wife will be fortunate to be able to hire a servant to help her. It is not an easy life, I can assure you. I have spoken to many such women and their life - between keeping a house, raising children, moving from one location to another every few months - is not one I would wish for my sister."

"But the balls! The parties!" cried Lydia.

The Colonel was remorseless, "There are parties and balls no doubt, but their income does not allow for new dresses or gowns and most are required to wear the same gown for several years. What does a new ball gown cost Miss Lydia? I confess I do not know."

Lydia thought, "I believe a decent gown might be had for about ten pounds but the best will cost much more."

"Well then, if you don't eat for a fortnight you might be able to buy such a gown. Of course, fainting from hunger at the dance will lessen its pleasures considerably I would think."

Lydia was finally silent. That the life of an officer's wife was so dismal overset all her expectations and it was not to be considered such a revision could be effected without some struggle and, even then, reluctantly. She was still to go to Brighton, she thought, but the joys of doing so had been reduced and since she had yet to enjoy any attention from a senior officer, the thoughts of a marriage had lost much of their attractiveness.

Elizabeth turned to Darcy, who had also been following the conversation, and whispered, "I must thank your cousin later for his cautions to my sister. This is the first time anyone has spoken so clearly to her on the matter. I cannot say if she will retain his warnings. She has ever been very silly."

"Perhaps she might be more reconciled to not going to Brighton after all. I believe your father plans to tell her later tonight."

"I hope you have returned to Netherfield when he does. I could wish to go with you. Lydia is not likely to be moderate in expressing her displeasure and will undoubtedly make all of our lives a misery for some days."

Elizabeth watched Darcy opened his lips to say something but evidently think better of it and, at the quirk of her eyebrow, said, "Are you planning to walk tomorrow morning, Miss Elizabeth?"

"I was."

"My correspondence now arrives at Netherfield around noon and I would wish to devote my afternoons to dealing with it so as to leave my mornings and evenings free to spend in your company. When do you walk?"

"I prefer to walk for an hour or two before breakfast." She thought briefly before offering, "You could join me then, if you wish, and take breakfast with us. I rather suspect my mother will wish me and Jane to stay near the house after breakfast in the event we have callers." she grinned at him, "She is rather overwhelmed at the news of our courtship but not so much as to neglect her duty to inform all of our neighbours of her good fortune as often as possible. And she would certainly not wish to be deprived of the opportunity to display such a handsome suitor - perhaps two - whenever possible."

Darcy's laugh stopped conversation around the table since no one, outside of Colonel Fitzwilliam, had ever heard him do so before and even the Colonel was surprised at the moderation of his cousin's reserve.

The gentlemen remained for an hour or so afterwards before departing and, upon their doing so, Mr. Bennet gathered his family in the parlour and proceeded to advise them of the sighting of Mr. Wickham in London and, more recently, Hertfordshire and the need for continued precautions. When he stated that concerns over protecting his family had decided him against allowing Lydia to travel to Brighton, the lamentations and expressions of displeasure of his youngest daughter exceeded any that the family had previously experienced. It is a truth universally acknowledged that the removal of a pleasure is felt the more keenly the greater the anticipation that had attended it. In this case Lydia spared no one in expressing her unhappiness to such an extent that even her mother grew quite irritated with her youngest daughter and removed to her room. Since Mr. Bennet had long since sought refuge in his study, it befell her other sisters to suffer her displeasure for a further quarter hour until she had quite exhausted herself and removed to her room in tears.

On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn; and the two, who were most anxiously expected, to the credit of their punctuality as sportsmen, were in very good time. When they repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth eagerly watched to see whether Bingley would take the place, which, in all their former parties, had belonged to him, by her sister. Her prudent mother, occupied by the same ideas, forbore to invite him to sit by herself. On entering the room, he seemed to hesitate; but Jane happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her.

Darcy upon entering was immediately greeted by Mrs. Bennet and, since Elizabeth had been seated but one seat removed from her mother, chose with no hesitation to sit between them with apparent complacency. Elizabeth leaned towards him and murmured, "I commend your forbearance, Mr. Darcy."

"Nonsense, Miss Elizabeth. Your mother and I had a most interesting discussion the last time. Haply we will do so again."

To Elizabeth's surprise, Colonel Fitzwilliam chose to sit opposite Darcy on Mrs. Bennet's left hand and responded to Elizabeth's quizzical look with a bland smile which caused her to turn back to Darcy whispering, "What are you and your cousin about, Mr. Darcy?"

"About, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Am I to believe that you both chose to sit beside my mother purely by chance, sir? I think not!"

"No...not by chance, I grant you. I felt that should your mother wish to discuss a London season, my cousin - the son of an earl - might express opinions that would carry much weight."

"Ah, I begin to understand. This is a nefarious plan to keep Lydia and Kitty away from London," teased Elizabeth.

"You misunderstand me once again. This is a nefarious plan to get them educated to where they can be presented with some hope of success, Miss Elizabeth. Should we marry; they will become my sisters will they not? And, if they are my sisters, would I not wish, if possible, to be able to present them to my friends and acquaintances?"

Elizabeth was inclined at first to question his presumption of marriage, although clearly he had said 'if' and not 'when' but instinctively realized that this was not the relevant issue and instead replied quietly, "I must then thank you for your efforts. Georgiana has always said you were the best of brothers and I realize how true that is."

She watched his face colour slightly and could not resist a small tease, "You must get used to compliments because you will assuredly get many from me."

"I suppose it will take some time - perhaps years - for you to render those compliments?"

Now Elizabeth felt her own cheeks flush and could only murmur, "Perhaps."

Looking up she realized that she and Darcy had become the focus of several pairs of eyes amongst which the most amused belonged to her father and Colonel Fitzwilliam. A quirk of her eyebrow at her father only led him to smile and shake his head before turning back to speak to Jane who sat on his right hand. Turning her attention to her mother she listened with some amusement as Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke warmly about the demands of the London social scene. Her mother's attentiveness increased when he began to mention the expectations that gentlemen there had in terms of the ladies they chose to court. It was, she thought, a rather indelicate subject for discussion, but her mother was not, she knew, particularly subtle and one needed to be rather forthright if one wished to penetrate the recesses of her understanding. Lady Lucas, who sat beside the Colonel, was listening to the discussion with a mixture of amusement and interest. No doubt, Elizabeth thought, this whole discussion will be the subject of considerable gossip in the days to follow.

Before she realized it, the dinner was completed and the ladies removed to the parlour where, as she expected, Elizabeth was the object of much advice and questioning in regards of her courtship. She could only hope that her answers were both sufficiently vague and informative as to satisfy both her desire for privacy and the interest of her questioners. She could also only hope that the gentlemen would not delay overly long at the port and cigars and that she and Darcy would enjoy a few quiet minutes together, although the presence of so many people seemed to make that unlikely.

The gentlemen came; and she thought he looked as if he would have answered her hopes; but, alas! The ladies had crowded round the table, where Miss Bennet was making tea and Elizabeth pouring out the coffee, in so close a confederacy that there was not a single vacancy near her which would admit of a chair. And on the gentlemen's approaching, one of the girls moved closer to her than ever, and said, in a whisper, "The men shan't come and part us, I am determined. We want none of them; do we?"

"I cannot answer for you, but I most certainly want Mr. Darcy's company."

Despite hearing her words, Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself for being so silly before calling Mary to take her place and crossing the room to offer him a cup of coffee and stand by him.

"What has caused you to look rather pensive, Mr. Darcy?"

He cast his eyes around the room and pursed his lips, "I should apologize. I did not wish to discuss the matter in such a public setting."

Elizabeth could see that something was truly bothering him and tentatively offered, "Perhaps we could take a bit of air in the garden for a few minutes?" and upon his agreement, went to retrieve her shawl and gloves and met him by the front door where they slipped out into the garden arm-in-arm with, she hoped rather than believed, only one or two pairs of eyes noticing their removal. While the daylight had gone, there remained enough light for her to see his troubled countenance.

"Mr. Darcy, you must tell me what worries you so lest I become quite vexed with you." Her playful tone seemed to alleviate his mood and it was with a half smile, almost a grimace she thought, that he responded, "You are...you have become quite adept in reading my moods, Miss Elizabeth."

"And you, sir, are not answering my question."

"Ah, well...your neighbour.....young Mr. Goulding?"

"Robert?"

"Yes, Robert...he was out riding this morning checking the fencing that borders his property and the Lucas property. He spied a rider some distance off. He could not be certain - he was too far away - but he thought it was Wickham; but when he attempted to close the distance, the other rider moved off and disappeared. From Gouldings' description I also believe it to be Wickham."

"Oh dear!" Elizabeth thought for a few moments, "This is not good is it?"

"No indeed. I have warned your father and we will continue our precautions. We have to assume it is Wickham. Your sisters must also be warned. They cannot venture out unaccompanied by a groom or footman."

"How long must this go on? We cannot live with this threat forever, surely?"

Darcy turned and took both her hands in his, "Do not be alarmed. We will run him down and now that we know he is here, it should prove easier to do so. My cousin plans to request that Colonel Forster assign some men to him to begin a more active search."

Elizabeth could see his concern for her written clearly on his face and echoed in his voice and could not but respond gently, "I have every confidence in you and your cousin, Mr. Darcy."

Removing her gaze from his she began to walk slowly on the garden path, thinking of what to say to change their mood, "I do not wish to think more on Mr. Wickham now. Let us think of a happier subject. There is to be an Assembly next week; I trust you will be attending?"

"Do you doubt me, madam? If so, let me allay such doubts now. How many dances are there to be?"

"Eight, I believe!"

"Then I shall insist upon your dancing the first, the ...fourth and the last with you."

"Three dances, Mr. Darcy? And you so very much dislike the activity!"

"Only with partners with whom I am not acquainted. And since we are, I shall insist on those dances. Besides, you are in my debt for two dances."

"In your debt, Mr. Darcy?"

"Of course! Have you forgotten that you refused to dance with me twice? I have not and shall reclaim them at this assembly."

"I did? I do not recollect doing so."

"Indeed you refused me at the Lucases and then when you were staying at Netherfield to nurse your sister."

Elizabeth was silent for several seconds trying to remember the incidents he had mentioned and could only, with some difficulty, recall them at all, "I did not think you really wished to dance in either instance, Mr. Darcy!"

"In that you were quite mistaken; but I think we should probably return inside. The air is quite cool and I would not wish you to get chilled."

When they returned indoors they found the tea-things were being removed, and the card tables placed, the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother's rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party. She now lost every expectation of the pleasure of his conversation and they were confined for the evening at different tables, and she had nothing to hope, but that his eyes were so often turned towards her side of the room, as to make him play as unsuccessfully as herself.

Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the three Netherfield gentlemen to supper; but their carriage was unluckily ordered before any of the others, and she had no opportunity of detaining them.

"Well girls," said she, as soon as they were left to themselves, "What say you to the day? I think everything has passed off uncommonly well, I assure you. The dinner was as well dressed as any I ever saw. The venison was roasted to a turn--and everybody said they never saw so fat a haunch. The soup was fifty times better than what we had at the Lucases' last week; and even Mr. Darcy acknowledged, that the partridges were remarkably well done; and I suppose he has two or three French cooks at least. And, my dear Jane, I never saw you look in greater beauty. Mrs. Long said so too, for I asked her whether you did not. And what do you think she said besides? "Ah! Mrs. Bennet, we shall have her at Netherfield at last.'' She did indeed. I do think Mrs. Long is as good a creature as ever lived--and her nieces are very pretty behaved girls, and not at all handsome: I like them prodigiously. And Lizzy, I grow to like Mr. Darcy the more I see him. He shall do famously well for you I am sure."

Mrs. Bennet, in short, was in very great spirits; Mr. Darcy's attentions to Elizabeth she had quite come to accept as to make an engagement a certainty and she had seen enough of Bingley's behaviour to Jane, to be convinced that she would get him at last; and her expectations of advantage to her family from two such matches, when in a happy humour, were so far beyond reason, that she was quite disappointed at seeing only Darcy there again the next day.

"It has been a very agreeable day," said Miss Bennet to Elizabeth. "The party seemed so well elected, so suitable one with the other. I hope we may often meet again."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Lizzy, you must not do so. You must not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learnt to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners now are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man."

"You are very cruel," said her sister, "you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it every moment."

"How hard it is in some cases to be believed!"

"And how impossible in others!"

"But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I acknowledge?"

"That is a question which I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante."