by Zoë Burton
“There’s a good man.” Richard cheered his cousin on. “Make that woman smile for once!”
With lighter hearts than they had felt all day, the party rode to Longbourn.
~~~***~~~
Elizabeth had waited all morning to see Darcy, knowing what he was planning to do and praying it went well. She had done her best to immerse herself in reading and other household activities. While she had not been despondent, as she had while waiting for him previously, she had been nervous. When she realized that those nerves had begun to manifest themselves in a similar fashion to her mother’s, she was startled and embarrassed, and forced herself to sit quietly until she calmed.
It was mid-afternoon when Darcy rode into the paddock, and Elizabeth was out of her chair and out the front door like a shot. She barely acknowledged the gentlemen that were with him, giving them a quick curtsey before turning her whole attention back to her betrothed. Taking his arm, she asked him how everything went as she led him into the house.
“Oh, Mr. Darcy! So good of you to come today. Why Lizzy ran outside like a heathen, I do not know. You would think she would have learned a lesson about wildness, but apparently not.” When Bingley stepped into the house behind Darcy, Mrs. Bennet transferred her effusions to him, informing him that Jane would be down presently and urging all four gentlemen into the drawing-room.
Elizabeth had seen Darcy’s features darken at her mother’s thoughtless words. She pulled him aside so the others could enter ahead of them, and spoke softly to him. “I am sorry about my mother. She means well, she simply does not have the capacity to understand that her words are sometimes hurtful.”
“I am more concerned that she has injured your feelings than that she has offended mine. Her words were every bit as bad as those of the rest of the town. I will not have you spoken to in that manner.”
“I thank you for that, truly I do. You have defended me when my own father could not be stirred to do so.”
“I hear a ‘but’ in there,” Darcy replied, ruefully.
“My mother lacks understanding, of my temperament, of my nature, and of … me in general. I am so different from her that she cannot make me out at all. I do not know that she really believes me capable of all I have been accused of, but she is so easily led that she thinks she must censure me at every turn. She does not realize that I have learned a lesson. I simply have not learned the lesson she wishes I had or thinks I ought to have. If we ignore her, she will calm down. She especially wishes to make a good impression on Colonel Fitzwilliam, because he is the son of an earl and she still has three daughters to marry off.”
Darcy laughed at Elizabeth’s words, delivered in a wry tone with a twist of her lips. Glancing up and down the hall to make sure no one could see, he leaned down and kissed her now smiling lips. “I love you, minx.” He straightened. “Very well, we will have it your way. We will ignore your mother, and I will endeavor to be deaf to her words.”
Elizabeth squeezed his arm. “Thank you, my love.”
“You are welcome.”
~~~***~~~
Within an hour, Robert Goulding and his father arrived at Longbourn. Initially, they asked to see Mr. Bennet, and after a conference of a half-hour with that gentleman, who impressed upon his neighbours in the strongest of terms his unhappiness with them, entered the drawing-room. At Bennet’s request, all of his family was gathered there, as well as Darcy and Bingley. Richard and Hurst had returned to Netherfield after the Gouldings arrived; they did not feel that their presence was warranted in a family affair.
Elizabeth watched as her former suitor entered the room, behind both his father and hers. She clenched her jaw as a preventative measure, to keep herself from chastising him. Darcy held her hand, lending her his strength, and she gripped it as tightly as she could. Her skin crawled with merely being in Robert Goulding’s presence, and she had earlier confessed to Darcy that she feared doing him an injury, so strong was her anger.
As she listened to Robert’s halting acknowledgement of his guilt and his apology, Elizabeth’s rage grew. Though he was obviously contrite, her reputation was still in tatters, for something she had never done. She knew she would be required to respond to his apology, and she knew her faith required her to forgive him, but she would never again like or trust him. Finally, Robert finished speaking and looked—fearfully, Elizabeth thought with satisfaction—at her. The room grew silent as everyone within waited for her reply. When she finally gave it, her voice shook with the intensity of her feelings.
“I choose to forgive you, because I have to, so I do not become bitter. But let me tell you, Robert Goulding, that I cannot stand the sight of you.” Elizabeth stood as her anger took over. “You are the most selfish being I have ever had the misfortune of knowing. Your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others have long made you the last man in the world I would have ever been able to marry, and those same qualities are what now condemns you as a person undeserving of my acquaintance. Your heart is as black as night, and if you ever expect to find someone who will accept you, you need to wash it clean.” Though she did not want to appear weak before him, Elizabeth was unable to choke back a sob. “You ruined my life. Ruined it! I cannot poke my nose outside of Longbourn’s gates because of you. I can no longer participate in an activity that I greatly enjoy, and that helps me escape the chaos of this house and retain my composure. You, sir, are a monster, and while I do choose to forgive you, I want nothing more than to never see you again!” With those words, Elizabeth let go of Darcy’s hand and fled.
Silence enveloped the room, and all eyes were on the pale Robert Goulding. Darcy stood and, murmuring an excuse, bowed and followed his beloved.
After a half-hour of allowing Elizabeth to cry into his coat and encouraging her to discuss her feelings, Darcy escorted her back into the drawing-room. The Gouldings had departed a few minutes before, a fact for which everyone involved was grateful.
Upon Elizabeth’s entrance to the room, Jane rushed to her side to embrace her. “You were very brave to address him so,” Jane whispered. “I would not have been able to do it.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “I expect not. I do not think I would call my behaviour ‘brave.’ It was more like ‘irate,’ but I thank you nonetheless.
Mrs. Bennet, who could not hear the quiet conversation between her eldest daughters, called out from across the room, “Do say you will stay to dine with us, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley will not unless you do, and we would make such a merry party to have him.”
Fighting his desire to roll his eyes, Darcy solemnly agreed to stay. “I daresay if we do not, he will be a miserable fellow the rest of the night.”
Bingley laughingly agreed, adding, “Leave it to you, my friend, to suddenly take a turn toward levity.”
Darcy merely bowed in response.
Later that evening, after a boisterous but enjoyable meal and a satisfyingly long kiss in the garden with his beloved, Darcy was back in the saddle, guiding Romeo to Meryton. Bingley rode along. Mostly to keep his friend company, but also as a “second” of sorts to Darcy. Though no one believed anything untoward would happen, Bennet and Elizabeth had been concerned that reactions to Elizabeth’s innocence would anger her betrothed, and to give her peace, Bingley agreed to drag Darcy out of the inn if he showed signs of calling anyone out. In the end, it all came to naught, and after observing Robert Goulding fulfill his promise to recant his tales to those in the tavern, Darcy rode back to Netherfield with his friend.
~~~***~~~
The following day, Darcy was delayed in his visit to Longbourn by his cousin, who was returning to his duties. Again, Elizabeth was waiting for him outside the front door, and since they were alone for the moment, the couple shared a quick kiss and a hug. “I missed you,” she said.
“And I, you. Richard asked me to give you his best wishes, and to tell you that he welcomes you to the family.”
Elizabeth smiled. “He is a very nice gentleman.
It seems as though the two of you are good friends.”
“We are. We have been close since we were boys. We are the same age, and were playmates as children. We went to University together and then when my father passed on, we were left as joint guardians of my sister. He knows me better than anyone, even Bingley.”
Turning toward the door, Elizabeth remarked, “I am happy you have such a good friend. As I have learned, such things are important.”
Darcy stopped her just inside the house. “I am sorry yours proved to be so poor in spirit.” He stroked his free hand down her cheek. “I will be your friend, as well as your husband. And, I’m certain my sister will be your friend, as well. She desperately needs you.”
“I look forward to it.” Elizabeth rose up on her toes and pressed a lingering kiss to Darcy’s lips.
~~~***~~~
Elizabeth was happily wandering Longbourn’s gardens with her betrothed a week after the incident in Meryton. She was regaling him with stories of neighbors who had visited, some of whom apologized for believing the worst of her and some who were inclined to think the rumours were true and who only came to visit because they wished for more gossip to share.
“It is the same in London among the ton, my love. You will discover this far too soon after our arrival, I fear.”
“Then I shall look upon this episode in my life as training for what I will face amongst the new level of society I am entering.”
“That is an excellent way to look at it.”
“I have always said that one should only look at the past as its remembrance gives one pleasure. Therefore, I am determined to find some redeeming factor, other than your return to me, of course, in this whole sordid mess I found myself in.”
“I am happy to be the bright spot in your crisis,” Darcy said with a bow. Changing the subject, he continued, “By the way, you will never guess who arrived at Netherfield this morning.”
Eyebrows raised, Elizabeth asked, “Who?”
“Richard’s parents.”
“The earl and countess? Why are they here?” Elizabeth’s surprise turned to trepidation.
“They wish to meet you. Richard shared with them everything that had happened and how the truth had been exposed. I had written of them the day you accepted me, of course, and so they were aware of my impending marriage; that was no surprise.” Darcy looked at Elizabeth and recognized her unease. “They are already inclined to like you, my love. They were outraged that someone who calls himself a gentleman would do such a scurrilous thing to a gentlewoman.”
Elizabeth gazed at Darcy for a long minute, then looked away. Squaring her shoulders, she squeezed his arm and said, “Very well. I shall trust you in this. When shall I meet them?”
Darcy cocked his head as he thought. “I will have to check with Bingley, but why not this afternoon? Perhaps you and your family can come for dinner.”
“Yes, I would prefer to get it out of the way sooner, rather than later.” Catching Darcy’s concerned look, she added, “You may erase the crease between your brows, Fitzwilliam. I said I trust you to know that they will like me. My problem is that I have dealt with so much derision in recent weeks that I suddenly find myself dreading people, especially meeting new ones. However, my courage rises with every attempt to intimidate me, as you already know, and so I will meet your aunt and uncle with my head held high and my wit, rapier sharp.”
Darcy threw his head back and laughed. “Good. I cannot wait for you to meet. I can see the glee in Lady Matlock’s expression when she speaks to you.”
Grinning up at him, Elizabeth winked.
A short time later, the pair were back in the house, sitting in the drawing room with Bingley, Mrs. Bennet, and all of Elizabeth’s sisters. Unexpectedly, Mr. Bennet entered the room.
“Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, welcome.”
The younger gentlemen returned the elder’s greeting.
Bennet looked directly at Darcy. “I have news that will interest you, Darcy.” He waited until he had his future son-in-law’s attention. “My brother Phillips was here a little bit ago, and he brought an interesting story to me. It seems that young Robert Goulding has not only announced his guilt and my daughter’s innocence in the town square, but he has also done so every day for the last week.”
Elizabeth gasped and turned to Darcy. Gripping her hand tightly, Darcy returned his gaze to Bennet. “That is unexpected.”
“Oh, there is more. He has spent all day, every day, making visits to the neighbors to do the same, and has spent every evening at the inn, refusing all offers of drink and calling himself the biggest liar that ever lived.”
“He took our words to heart, then,” Darcy murmured.
“So it seems, though I have a feeling that says it was more Lizzy’s words than anything you or I said to him.”
“I am not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, Robert Goulding has debased himself quite thoroughly, far above the penance I prescribed. On the other hand, is he sincere, or is it for show?”
“Phillips seems to think him the former, and my brother is a good judge of such things.”
Darcy nodded, but remained quiet, clearly thinking about what he had heard. Finally, he turned to Elizabeth. “What do you think?”
“It is unexpected, to be sure. I was not lying when I told Robert he was arrogant and conceited; I have rarely met another who had mastered those qualities to the degree of Robert Goulding.”
“He did not have to do more than the minimum,” Bennet reminded her.
“No,” Elizabeth admitted, “he did not.” She shifted in her seat. “I appreciate that he understands the depth of the pain he caused. I have already said I choose to forgive him, and that has not changed. I guess I am unsure what you want me to say.”
“Lizzy,” Jane interjected, “I think Papa does not want you to hate Robert.”
“I do not,” Elizabeth sighed, “but forgiveness and restoration are two different things. I do not want him near me. Not at present. With time, that may change, but it will not be today.”
“That is understandable, Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley said. “I feel the same about my sister. As you know, she and the Hursts returned to town a few days ago. Like you, I have chosen to forgive, and at some point, I will allow her back into my life, but for now, I have to separate from her. Though, if Louisa’s letter is correct, she will never need to live with me again. It seems she garnered a suitor at the first ball she attended after she returned.” Bingley ended his tale with a laugh.
Elizabeth grinned. “Good for you, sir!”
“I know that if you give it time, you will be able to let Goulding back into your acquaintance, if you choose to. Be patient with yourself.”
“Thank you, Charles. I will.”
Longbourn, the next day
Darcy paced the drawing-room, waiting for Elizabeth to come downstairs. He had exciting news for her, and could hardly wait to see her reaction. When the door opened and she entered, he moved toward her, picking her up and spinning her around. She squeaked and laughed, throwing her arms around his neck.
“What has made you so happy? You are positively giddy!” Elizabeth kissed him.
Setting her down, Darcy squeezed her and then let her go, reaching into his pocket for a folded piece of paper. “My godfather delivered this to me today.”
Taking the paper, Elizabeth unfolded it and read the contents, her mouth falling open. “Our license! You say your godfather delivered it? The bishop?”
“The very one. I stopped at the church in Meryton on the way over here. The rector can marry us tomorrow, if you are willing.”
Without hesitation, Elizabeth said, “Yes, I would love to.”
Grinning, Darcy kissed her. “Will your mother be upset?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I have been preparing her for just such an eventuality. If I tell her right now, she can tell Cook, and I promise you that we will have a wonderful wedding breakfast, and that is all the celebration we need. Mama
is disappointed, but since Jane is not marrying for three months, she will have that to expend her energy on.” She hesitated. “I do not wish for anyone to attend other than Bingley, your relations, and mine. When I needed support, no one from Meryton or the surrounding area did so. I do not wish for them to attend the ceremony, or the breakfast.”
Darcy kissed her once more. “I know, love. That is why I called on Meryton’s rector and not Longbourn’s. Everyone will see us going in, and they will know that you are marrying, but they will also realize that they were not invited to the breakfast. They will understand the depth of your feelings, I promise you.”
“Good, then. I am glad.”
Darcy smiled at her and, hearing footsteps in the hall, let her go and took a step back. Holding her hand, he pulled her over to the settee and urged her to sit. “My aunt and uncle enjoyed meeting you, by the way. My aunt, in particular, thought you delightful. She called you my perfect match. Of course, I promptly agreed with her.”
“Wonderful! I had hoped I made a good impression. Will they stay for the ceremony?”
“They will. As a matter of fact, it was my aunt’s idea to use the church in Meryton.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I am going to enjoy spending time with my new relatives, I believe. We think so much alike.”
With a chuckle, Darcy agreed.
“Will your godfather perform the ceremony?”
“I asked him, and he considered it, but in light of the fact that my family is so small compared to yours, he thought it would be better for him to sit with them.”
“That is probably wise. Will your sister come?”
“Yes,” Darcy replied. “Richard’s brother and his wife will bring her. They should arrive this afternoon. Aunt Audra agreed to keep Georgiana occupied today, so you will not meet her until tomorrow. I hope you do not mind?”
“Not at all.” Elizabeth paused. “I am eager to get the ceremony over with and be yours, Fitzwilliam. I never wish to be parted from you, and when you leave at the end of each day, I feel as though my heart is being torn from my chest.”
