Lady Lucas sat in the parlour with Jane, Elizabeth, Darcy and Bingley. Mrs. Bennet was too nervous for visitors, and the younger girls were reading in a different room.
“Are there no signs of Miss Lydia’s improvement, then?” Lady Lucas indelicately asked. “Your father—that is the rest of the family—is well?”
Jane replied as civilly as possible, “Dr. Coyle is very hopeful she will make a full recovery soon, and the rest of us are entirely healthy.”
“Such excellent news!” After an awkward pause, she continued. “Eliza, we were so surprised to hear of your engagement to Mr. Darcy.”
“Why should you be? Mr. Darcy is the most honourable and generous gentleman. He is the one who determined Lydia needed a physician and sent for his own.” She took Darcy’s hand in hers and squeezed it tightly.
Lady Lucas watched in fascination, then turned to Jane. “And we were so pleased to hear of Mr. Bingley’s return! They do say one wedding brings on another.”
Bingley attempted to speak, but Jane interrupted. “It seems you are very well informed, Lady Lucas.”
“So you are engaged then?” Her incredulous exclamation was horribly insensitive for the nature of her call.
Bingley again tried to speak, but Jane blushed and said, “My mother’s fondest wishes are coming to fruition. Yes, she has two daughters to be married.”
Lady Lucas was silent for a moment, looking quite envious, before she turned the conversation. “Mr. Darcy, I am so happy to learn the dreadful rumours Mr. Wickham was spreading are untrue. I am even happier the scoundrel left the area when he learned he was the cause for Miss Lydia’s illness.”
The group collectively gasped and looked at each other in wonder.
“I have not the pleasure of understanding you, madam,” Elizabeth said.
“Mr. Jones has said when Miss Lydia learned the truth of Wickham’s character she collapsed and fell ill. Why of course realizing his lies was too much for a young lady of breeding such as Lydia to countenance! Such unscrupulous and terrible young men attempting to pass themselves off as gentlemen these days!”
The others said nothing, and Lady Lucas looked at her watch. “Well, do greet your parents for me, dear Jane and Eliza. It was a pleasure meeting with you, and congratulations again on your engagements to such fine men. Charlotte was so happy to hear her two dearest friends are to be so well settled,” she dropped her voice, “especially if this malady does not soon quit your family, and you must leave Longbourn.”
The four could only give tight smiles and nod their heads. Elizabeth escorted Lady Lucas to the door, while Darcy left to request a horse be readied. Jane and Bingley sat alone in the drawing room.
“Jane! You declared to Lady Lucas that we are engaged to be married!”
She blushed, all her boldness gone. “Yes.”
“Why, dearest? You had said you needed more time to trust me.”
“I have had time to trust you. You have scarcely left my side. I know my feelings, and you know yours. Neither of us have reason to doubt again.”
He gathered her hands. “You are certain you wish for this?”
“Yes, Charles. I have wished to be your wife for many weeks now. Your leaving was only a misunderstanding, but, after I knew your feelings, I still worried for your constancy out of my own fears. I finally have courage, too. I love you.”
Such a declaration could only be met with delight on Bingley’s side and, after exchanging whispered and fervent words of love, he left to ask for Mr. Bennet’s blessing.
Darcy and Elizabeth met in the hall, returning from their errands.
“Dearest, I must go to Meryton. I fear Wickham has left debts behind.”
Elizabeth eyed him uneasily. “That is all you mean to do? You know, of course, he was not the cause for Lydia’s illness.”
“What do you imagine I would do? Attempt to chase him down and duel him? No, I believe I have seen the last of George Wickham. He knows how upset I was after his designs on Georgiana. If he believes it possible for me to think he was the cause for my future sister’s condition then he knows to run and never see my face again.”
Elizabeth thought this over and searched Darcy’s face for the truth. “Yet still you must go and do the honourable thing to clear his name. Where is your implacable resentment?” She tugged on the lapels of his coat.
“If he will truly leave me alone now, then I can certainly forgive him of anything, but I do this to honour my father…and…”
“And?”
“And for you.”
“Me!”
“It will distress you if your neighbours are harmed by Wickham, even if it is by his absence. I was shamed more than I could say when, in your second refusal to marry me, you said you and your family were not my concern. I was taught to think meanly of the rest of the world’s sense and worth, to care only for my own family. I do believe, however, even if we were not engaged to marry I would have done everything in my power to help Lydia and, if I knew of Wickham leaving debts, I would settle them.”
“I am sure you would,” Elizabeth then smiled and kissed him gently. Darcy reluctantly pulled away to leave on his errand, and Elizabeth returned to Jane in the drawing room to wait on the arrival of the physician.
*****
Lydia began to awake as a vile liquid was poured down her throat. Choking and sputtering, she opened her eyes to see a strange man staring down at her, and her mother sobbing and exclaiming in joy.
Soon there was a pounding on the stairs and the whole household, including Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy, flooded into her small room. Her eyes searched for Mr. Darcy—she must speak with him!
As it happened, she was too weak to speak at all. She was made to sip some broth, although her throat ached. The well-wishers were soon pushed out of the room and only her father and mother remained.
Mr. Bennet hugged her side. “Lyddie, Lyddie. We are so happy you are awake!”
“Lydia, my baby. You must never be ill again! To frighten your poor Mamma in such a way!”
Mrs. Bennet’s words were not the shrill tone she expected.
“You did this to get out of your reading, did you not? And threw the whole household, even the whole neighbourhood out of sorts! You ran off Mr. Wickham when even your mother’s gossip did not work.”
It was absolutely necessary to speak now. “M-m-m-mr. Darcy?”
Mrs. Bennet squeezed her daughter’s hand. “He is on an errand in Meryton. Do you wish to speak with him when he returns?”
She could only nod her head. They stayed another few minutes, but she had been given medicine to sleep and soon her eyes closed.
When she next awoke, she saw Elizabeth sitting next to her.
“Lydia, here darling, drink some tea.” Lydia was grateful for the assistance and the liquid. Before her illness she would have been pleased with the attention, but now she only felt shame.
“Lydia, did you still wish to speak with Mr. Darcy?”
Lydia looked around the room, expecting to see him. When she did not see him then, momentarily, she felt fear; he did not wish to see her after how cruel she had been! However, Elizabeth spoke without waiting for an answer.
“I will bring him in. He usually sits in here with me, but is just speaking with Papa.”
Elizabeth squeezed her hand and left to find Darcy. Lydia relaxed, but could not be at ease.
Soon Mr. Darcy appeared in the doorway.
“Miss Lydia! It is a pleasure to see you awake and looking so well. I regret I was away earlier.”
Elizabeth asked him to sit, and they both waited for Lydia to speak, but she found it difficult to find the words.
“Lyddie, would you like more rest first?”
“No, Lizzy. I must speak now.” She took a deep breath and looked at Darcy before speaking in a hoarse voice. “Mr. Darcy, I must apologize to you and your sister. Regardless of how many times I was informed that Mr. Wickham said nothing but lies about you, I persisted in thinking he
the better man. I called you names and unjustly accused you, even to your sister’s face, even after I learned you loved Lizzy. I never questioned how such a supposedly-terrible man could love Lizzy. How could such a terrible man be capable of the passion and sacrifice I heard of you? But the only good we knew of Wickham came from his mouth. Mr. Bingley, at least, liked you. Will you forgive me for being an ignorant, silly and vain creature?”
Lydia was crying and could not quite credit what she heard next.
“Of course I forgive you, Miss Lydia. Can you forgive me for thinking myself superior to you and your family? Georgiana told me of her conversation with you. No, no keep your apology. You see, my sister has folly in her as well. My aunt came and horribly insulted Elizabeth and your family, full of arrogance, prejudice and greed, intent on matching me with my cousin. I, too, was prejudiced and full of pride, but I now very much look forward to calling you sister.”
“Sister? Truly?” She looked to Elizabeth.
“Yes, it has all been settled for many days. Now you must get better so we may host a dinner to celebrate our engagement and Jane’s as well.”
“Jane and Mr. Bingley? How wonderful!” she exclaimed with a hint of her usual enthusiasm. Then she sank back against her pillow. “How exhausting.”
Darcy and Elizabeth laughed, then left, allowing Lydia to recover.
*****
Tuesday, December 17, 1811
Kitty came into the drawing room, where the entire household was gathered, bearing a stack of letters. The Darcys and Bingley had yet to remove to Netherfield, although they were to leave that evening. Lydia was downstairs for a few moments to take in some fresh air.
“Goodness! Have we received a letter from every acquaintance we have ever had?” Mrs. Bennet excitedly declared.
Kitty dutifully passed-out the letters and each person opened their letter in as secluded a position as possible.
Mrs. Bennet opened her letter and leaned toward the light shining through the window. She had all but forgotten about the express she sent to her sister-in-law on the day Darcy arrived at Longbourn.
Fanny,
Truly you ought to be ashamed of the way you scared me by sending your latest letter express. I found it hard to believe Elizabeth engaged to Mr. Darcy, as in her most recent letter she decries him as hateful and arrogant and we know he is vastly superior in rank and wealth. Yet, London is ripe with rumours of their engagement. I took the liberty of writing some former acquaintances of mine who remain in the Lambton area, near Pemberley, in Derbyshire. Their replies are full of nothing but glowing reports of his character. They do assume he has some pride, but pride he must either have, or the people of a small market town which he does not visit frequently, would assume he does. His rumoured wealth is well over ten thousand pounds per annum, as well as vast holdings. I asked after Mr. Wickham as well, who is not to be trusted and, when he departed the Lambton area, he left behind many debts, settled by Mr. Darcy.
But pray, write to me immediately and let me know how this engagement has come to pass. I cannot fathom Lizzy marrying a man simply for his wealth and by all accounts Mr. Darcy is too sensible to be taken in by infatuation.
Yours,
M. Gardiner
Elizabeth sat beside Darcy on the sofa and began to blush at the opening lines of her aunt’s letter.
My Dear Niece,
Are you out of your senses to marry this man? Have you not always hated him? You have said he is a proud, disagreeable man, but that would be nothing if now you truly liked him; please assure me your motives are pure.
I believe that some of your opinions were based on the claims of Mr. Wickham. However, I have heard from my Lambton friends that Mr. Darcy is a generous landlord and master, and that Wickham is a gamester and philanderer, and left the area in debt. Instead, it appears that Mr. Darcy may be a good man, based on these reports, but this alone is not a sufficient basis for a marriage.
I cannot think you so mercenary to marry Mr. Darcy if you hated him, so I suppose you have learned he is not unscrupulous as you had previously believed him but your lively talents place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You must esteem your husband to escape discredit and misery. You must respect your partner in life. I suppose you are concerned as your mother had hopes of matching Jane with Mr. Bingley, who I understand has left the area, and perhaps you feel guilty after rejecting Mr. Collins, but you must not marry without affection!
However, I know not how you could break such a well-known engagement without serious consequences, for all of London is speaking of it, but if you should think better of it and need distance from Longbourn know that you are always welcome with us. I will be at Longbourn in two days and you must tell me all then!
Yours,
M. Gardiner
Mr. Bennet stood before the fireplace while reading his brother-in-law’s note, wavering between offense and amusement.
Bennet,
My wife had the most distressing letter from my sister and has informed me there is much gossip that Lizzy is to marry Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. We know this cannot be as Elizabeth hates him, and why should he care for her? Even still, it seems we are to be the victims of cruel gossip, and I know not what is to become of the family if we cannot persuade Mr. Darcy to marry her. I know you do not wish to hear it, but if it would help I can offer to settle some money on her to entice Mr. Darcy, although I could not match what many eager debutantes could provide. As you are such a poor correspondent, I have arranged my business so Margaret and I can leave earlier than usual for our annual visit. We will arrive in two days time.
Yours,
E. Gardiner
Darcy sat next to Elizabeth and noticed while she opened her letter in happiness and seemed to sink into confusion, he viewed his message with scepticism. He had heard Lady Catherine’s opinion of his marriage, now he was to learn the opinion of his uncle, a powerful earl.
Darcy,
You have not replied to my message from last week so I visited your house and learned you were in Hertfordshire, and only urgent notices were being forwarded. Why on earth have you not returned to London? Your cousins and my wife are gladly, nay eagerly, relating the details of your engagement, of which I believe there is a fair amount of fabrication. Your Aunt Catherine has been to visit you, I understand. She immediately returned to Rosings but I persuaded her to allow Anne to remain. She is blooming as I have never seen before.
I congratulate on your forthcoming marriage. I assume it is not a great match by material standards, but then I wager you have more of the Fitzwilliam in you and always believed you would marry for affection.
My wife was invited by Miss Bingley, who we understand is sister to your host in Hertfordshire, to visit and meet the Bennet family. My wife had wanted to throw you a betrothal ball but Richard was especially keen to accept Miss Bingley’s invitation. I fear you may be in for some teasing by your cousin but I am certain this is more to your tastes. The whole family will arrive in two days time.
R. Fitzwilliam
Georgiana sat between her new friends and read her letter with wide, disbelieving eyes. How had she been taken in by such false friendship?
My dearest Georgiana,
I was so surprised to hear of you and Mr. Darcy going away with my brother last week, but as I know an announcement which we have all longed to hear will soon follow, it fills my heart with joy to see your continued intimacy with my brother. You have no equal in beauty, elegance and accomplishments and you know Charles admires you greatly. Beware, though, for Charles is so capable of engaging any woman’s heart that I am much mistaken if there is not a young lady in your new neighbourhood who has designs on him. But never fear, dear, Louisa and I will arrive in two days time to spend Christmas at Netherfield and there we will protect our common interests.
I have heard of your brother’s engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn and I was fortunate enough to meet with your aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam, the other day
and invited the entire family to spend the holidays with us at Netherfield.
Yours,
C. Bingley
Bingley happily accepted his letter from his sister and began it with eagerness. He still hoped to have her come to Netherfield. His desires wavered after reading her words.
Charles,
What is the meaning of returning to Netherfield? Why did you not inform Louisa and me? Who is to escort me to the holiday functions? And to know you took Mr. Darcy with you, only for him to propose to that horrid Eliza Bennet, and now he is lost from me forever!
But, I will be kinder to you than you were to me. I am happy that Georgiana went with you, for surely you see Jane Bennet is nothing compared to her. It is of no matter though. Louisa and I will make a very early start and arrive just after breakfast in two days to winter with you at Netherfield. We have the compliment of the Earl and Countess Fitzwilliam arriving on the same day to spend the holidays at Netherfield and meet the Bennet family, and my early arrival will allow me to prepare for our honoured guests; please ensure you are available. I only wish it could all take place in London so Eliza may be properly ostracized, but then on second thought I would not want Mr. Darcy to lose his position in Society, so it is better for Lady Fitzwilliam to mould Eliza how she must before they arrive in London.
Yours,
C. Bingley
When finished all five looked at each other in amazement and spoke in unison. “Two days time!”
*****
“William, please!” Elizabeth cried.
Darcy was pacing around the library at Longbourn. “No, ‘tis too much! Miss Bingley attempting to marry off my sister while she is still a child! Your uncle wanting to pay me to marry you! How can it be that strangers, who do not even know me, are inclined to doubt my honour so implicitly!”
Seven Days With Mr Darcy Page 18
