by Kate Jensen
The trip felt long to Elizabeth but after a couple of days they reached Longbourn. The family was in chaos. Mrs. Bennet refused to leave her rooms. Mary and Kitty moped around the house, each dealing with the scandal in her own way. Mary moralized to anyone who would listen. “Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable. We cannot be too guarded in our interactions with young men.” Kitty, on the other hand, felt the censure of the community acutely. “No one calls anymore,” she complained. “And I cannot bear to walk into Meryton anymore. Everyone whispers or makes sly comments about our family’s disgrace. It is unfair! Lydia is the one who eloped. I have done nothing wrong. Why should I be the one to suffer?”
That afternoon once Mr. Bingley had returned to Netherfield to settle in, Jane and Elizabeth took a cup of tea up to their mother’s room to check on her.
“Oh! My poor nerves!” moaned Mrs. Bennet as soon as they entered her room. “How could the Forsters have been so negligent in watching over Lydia? I always felt that they could not be trusted to care for her but nobody ever listens to me. Now you shall all be old maids and Mr. Collins will throw us out of Longbourn as soon as your father is dead. I do not know how we shall survive.”
Jane gently took her mother’s hand to reassure her. “Do not fret, mother. Father and Uncle Gardiner are searching for Lydia and Mr. Wickham, and Mr. Darcy has agreed to help. All with be well.”
“Oh! Your father shall be killed in a duel with Mr. Wickham. If my brother Gardiner does not help us I do not know what we shall do.”
“Please do not worry, mother. I have news that will please you. Mr. Bingley has proposed and I have accepted. He has already spoken to papa.”
“Oh, my dear, dear Jane! We are saved!” exclaimed Mrs. Bennet sitting up in her bed. “I knew you could not be so beautiful for nothing. I am so pleased! Mr. Bingley will care for us and ensure that we do not starve in the hedgerows. But where is Mr. Bingley now? He would not stay for supper? He has not rethought your engagement now that Lydia has run off with Mr. Wickham has he?” asked Mrs. Bennet returning to her state of agitation once again.
“No, mama. He has gone to reopen Netherfield and rest. We have travelled quickly in order to return to Longbourn and help you. But he has promised to call tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, Jane! I am so pleased! We must begin planning for your wedding. Do you suppose Mr. Bingley will want to marry by special license? We must speak to Mrs. Gardiner about ordering your trousseau and wedding gown from London. As soon as your father and Mr. Gardiner have sorted out this little problem with Lydia we must go to town to begin shopping.”
“There is plenty of time for that later. First we must focus on finding Lydia and making sure that she is safe.”
“I suppose,” Mrs. Bennet conceded reluctantly.
The news of Jane’s engagement improved Mrs. Bennet’s nerves to such a degree that she was able to leave her room for the first time in several days. Elizabeth could not tell if she was more amused or embarrassed by her mother’s hysterics and rapidly changing moods. Exhausted from the long journey and dealing with her family, Elizabeth decided to rest in her room for a few hours before supper.
It was nice to be home and back in her own room. Elizabeth quickly unpacked her trunk, putting away her clothing. Next she put the letters she had received from Jane during her trip with her other correspondence. As she opened the box where she kept her letters she noticed one with unfamiliar handwriting. Curious, she picked it up and opened it.
April 14th
Rosings Park, Kent
Be not alarmed, Madame…
With a rush Elizabeth’s memories came flooding back. Feeling dizzy, she sat on the edge of her bed. Poor Mr. Darcy! She had misjudged him so abominably! How could he even stand to see her again, let alone ask for a new beginning to their relationship and a chance to court her? He had every right to be offended and to wish to never see her again. She spent much of the rest of the day thinking over her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy.
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning Mr. Bingley called on Jane and her family. Jane and Elizabeth were embarrassed by the excessive attention Mrs. Bennet was paying him but Mr. Bingley handled it well, remaining polite as always.
“Thank you, Mrs. Bennet,” he said in reply to Mrs. Bennet’s excessive praise. “I am delighted that Miss Bennet has accepted me. I am truly blessed.”
“Oh, Mr. Bingley! How pleased I am with your engagement. There is so much to plan for the wedding. Will you be married by special license?”
“If that is what Miss Bennet desires I shall procure one immediately.” Mr. Bingley looked to Jane for her opinion.
“I believe it may be too early to begin planning. I would prefer to wait until the situation with Lydia has been resolved.”
“Oh, Jane!” began Mrs. Bennet in dismay, fluttering her handkerchief. “We must begin planning right away. Never mind Lydia.”
“In fact, I have news about Lydia,” Mr. Bingley interrupted. “I received a note from Darcy this morning. Forgive me for not mentioning it earlier. I quite forgot about it in my excitement to visit you all.”
“Mr. Darcy has written?” asked Mrs. Bennet. “I wonder that Mr. Bennet did not see fit to write to us. He has used me quite ill. My poor nerves! He takes delight in vexing me!”
“Mama, you know my father has never been a good correspondent, even in the best of times. I am sure that he meant no offense,” said Elizabeth. “What news did Mr. Darcy send?” She asked, turning back to Mr. Bingley.
“They have discovered Miss Lydia and Mr. Wickham and are in the process of arranging the marriage. He is hopeful that the next time he writes the marriage will be settled and a wedding date set.”
“Oh I knew Mr. Bennet would settle it all,” exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. “Two daughters married! How happy I am!”
Elizabeth considered once again how justified Mr. Darcy had been in his censure of her mother and younger sisters. Her youngest sister had proven her silliness by eloping with Mr. Wickham and her mother was no better, celebrating a marriage that could only bring a lifetime of misery to Lydia whether she was sensible of it or not. It was a wonder that Mr. Bingley had offered for Jane with the prospect of such relations, and even more of a wonder that Mr. Darcy wished to court her. Elizabeth could only marvel at Mr. Darcy’s affection for her. She had never felt less worthy of him.
Mr. Bingley suggested a walk and Jane and Elizabeth retrieved their bonnets before joining him. It was a beautiful day and Elizabeth enjoyed watching how completely absorbed in each other Jane and Mr. Bingley were. Perhaps she and Jane would both find happiness in spite of the silliness of their family. Mr. Bennet may have been right in his belief that she and Jane would be respected and admired even with the silliness of their family.
Mr. Darcy wrote again to Mr. Bingley a few days later. He wished that he could write directly to Elizabeth but knew that it was impossible since they were not yet engaged. It had been a hard few days, tracking down Wickham and having to bribe him to marry Lydia. It was made even worse by the forced separation from Elizabeth. Just when he had finally began making progress in his relationship with her and had been hopeful that she might soon become his wife, Wickham had once more intruded in his life and caused havoc. Darcy wished that he could be at Longbourn comforting Elizabeth but he knew that his time was better spent in London negotiating for Lydia’s marriage. Thankfully he had been successful and a date had finally been set. All that remained was to purchase a special license and in three days’ time Lydia Bennet would become Lydia Wickham. Then Darcy could rush back to Hertfordshire to continue his courtship with Elizabeth.
He hoped that the information in his letters would comfort her and her family. She had been so concerned when they had first received word of Lydia’s elopement that his heart had nearly broken while watching her cry. He had wanted so badly to be able to take her in his arms and wipe away her tears. Three more days, four at the most, and he could see her again, he reminded himself
.
Mr. Bingley shared the news the next morning during his daily visit to the Bennet’s. “I received another letter from Darcy yesterday and it contains excellent news. Miss Lydia and Mr. Wickham are to be married in two days.”
The ladies of Longbourn were relieved to hear it. “Mr. Darcy says that the wedding is to take place first thing in the morning and he and Mr. Bennet hope to be back to Longbourn in time for supper. The newlywed couple will be leaving for Newcastle where Mr. Wickham will join his new regiment.”
“Mr. Wickham has decided to join a new regiment?” asked Elizabeth.
“Yes. Darcy has purchased him a commission in the regulars. They thought it would be best if they were stationed far from Hertfordshire to limit the talk.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding and privately agreed that it was a very good idea to have them settled far away.
“But Newcastle is so far away!” cried Mrs. Bennet. “I hoped that they would settle in the neighborhood where I could show off my married daughter and her new husband. Surely they will return for a visit before going to Newcastle at the very least?” she asked.
“I am afraid they cannot. Mr. Wickham is expected to join his regiment immediately,” Mr. Bingley said with a hint of sympathy in his voice.
“Oh that Mr. Darcy! So proud and selfish. He has no compassion for a poor mother’s feelings. Who knows when I shall see my dear Lydia again?” Mrs. Bennet’s nerves were so overcome by the news that she would not be able to show off her newly married daughter that she was obliged to rest in her room.
When Mrs. Bennet had left the room Mr. Bingley turned to Jane. “I apologize for upsetting your mother. I had thought that the news of the wedding and all that Darcy has done for the new couple would please her.” His face reflected his concern and regret as well as his confusion.
“Do not concern yourself,” Jane replied.
“Indeed,” agreed Elizabeth. “Mama’s nerves are easily overset. She will recover soon. I imagine the thought of planning another wedding will have her feeling better in no time at all.”
“I hope so. Darcy would be distressed to hear that his letter had upset Mrs. Bennet. I am sure he thought it would be for the best to settle the Wickham’s in Newcastle.”
“It was a very well thought out plan. You must thank him for us and also pass on our appreciation of his letters. We would have no news otherwise. Our father is a very poor correspondent.”
“I will, Miss Elizabeth, when I write to him tonight.”
Darcy was relieved to see the Wickham’s board a carriage in front of the church and drive away. Mr. Bennet patted his shoulder. “I must thank you for all of your help in this unfortunate business, Mr. Darcy. I do not know how we would have ever found them without your assistance. You took too much upon yourself. I will find a way to repay you, I swear.”
“Think nothing of it, Mr. Bennet,” he replied gravely. “I did only what I should have. I have known Mr. Wickham all my life. I knew what type of man he is and I did nothing to warn you or your neighbors. The fault was entirely mine.”
“That is going too far. Lydia and Wickham are responsible for their own choices. You cannot fault yourself for their actions.”
“Ah but that is a specialty of Darcy’s. The man is not satisfied unless he has taken on all the problems he finds,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam as he joined the group.
Mr. Bennet chuckled while Mr. Darcy gave his cousin a look of reproach. “Come now, Darcy,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Don’t try to deny it. It is part of your nature and I for one am glad of it. There is no one I would rather have by my side in a crisis.”
“Thank you, Richard,” said Mr. Darcy with a look of self-consciousness for the praise.
Mr. Gardiner stepped away from the clergyman with whom he had been speaking and joined the others. “What a relief that all is finally settled. It has been an exhausting week. I cannot thank you gentlemen enough. I do not know how Bennet and I would have managed the situation on our own. You have my deepest appreciation for your help.”
“We were happy to offer our assistance,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“Shall we be on our way then?” asked Mr. Bennet. “If we leave now we should make it to Longbourn in time for supper and I for one am anxious to be home. There has been entirely too much excitement lately what with Elizabeth’s accident and Lydia’s adventure.”
“An excellent idea,” agreed Mr. Gardiner. “I have missed my wife and children and shall be glad to see them again.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam did not join the others in their trip to Longbourn since his duties would resume the next day but the three other gentlemen boarded Mr. Darcy’s carriage and began the trip to Hertfordshire.
Chapter Fourteen
It was a merry group that greeted the gentlemen when they arrived at Longbourn.
“Oh Mr. Bennet!” cried his wife. “I am so relieved that you have returned. I was sure that you would fight Wickham in a duel and be killed. Then Mr. Collins would kick us out of Longbourn to starve in the hedgerows!”
“Please calm yourself, Mrs. Bennet. As you can see I have not died in a duel and there is no reason to fear the hedgerows yet.”
“Indeed, ma’am, you need never fear the hedgerows again. Miss Bennet and I will ensure that you always have a home,” added Mr. Bingley.
“You are too good to us,” said Mrs. Bennet, patting Mr. Bingley on the arm. “I am so pleased with your engagement to dear Jane. I knew she could not be so beautiful for nothing.”
“Yes, yes,” interrupted Mr. Bennet. “But perhaps we may continue this discussion inside. It has been a trying few weeks with altogether too much traveling and worries for my taste. I am in much need of a good meal and a few hours of quiet in my study.”
“Oh yes, do come inside,” said Mrs. Bennet fluttering her hands. “I have ordered a good supper to celebrate Jane and Mr. Bingley’s engagement as well as Lydia’s marriage. Though it is hard indeed that she has been sent to Newcastle. That was not very well done of you, Mr. Bennet. You have no compassion on my poor nerves. A mother has the right to see her daughter before she is shipped off to Newcastle for who knows how long. Oh when shall I see my dear Lydia again?”
Mr. Bennet merely sighed and said, “I am sorry for your disappointment my dear, but we felt it best for the Wickham’s to join their new regiment as soon as possible.”
Mrs. Bennet continued to grumble about being ill-used but Mr. Bennet ignored her complaints and led the group inside.
Elizabeth hung back to join Mr. Darcy at the back of the group. Mr. Darcy offered his arm and Elizabeth accepted. “Would you like to stretch your legs in the garden?” asked Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy agreed and the pair entered the garden instead of following the others inside. “Thank you for your help with Lydia and Mr. Wickham. Though my mother doesn’t express it well I wish you to know that we are all very grateful.”
“If you will thank me let it be for yourself alone. Though I respect your family you must know that I did it for you. I could not stand the thought of you suffering.”
Elizabeth blushed at the sincerity and affection she could read in Mr. Darcy’s eyes and looked down at her feet for a moment to collect herself before she felt strong enough to look back up again. “Then I thank you for myself. And also for the letters you sent to Mr. Bingley to keep us informed about what was happening in London. My father is not a faithful correspondent under even the best of circumstances. It was a relief to have some news rather than to wonder what progress was being made.”
Mr. Darcy put his free hand over Elizabeth’s hand that was resting on his arm. “I am glad that my letters were able to bring you comfort, though I must confess that I wished to be able to address my letters to you rather than to Bingley.”
Elizabeth found herself once again blushing and looking down at the ground to give herself a moment to gather her courage. Just as Mr. Darcy began to fear that he had said too much Elizabeth looked back up and with an arch smile said, “
I would have preferred that as well.”
Hope swelled in Mr. Darcy’s chest. He raised Elizabeth’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “If you need more time to be sure of your feelings please tell me so at once but if not then know that you would make me the very happiest of men if you would consent to be my wife.”
Tears of happiness sparkled in Elizabeth’s eyes. “My feelings are quite sure. I love you, Mr. Darcy. Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife.”
“I love you, Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy. “You can scarcely imagine how happy you have made me.” Mr. Darcy’s right hand came up to cup Elizabeth’s cheek and tilt her face up to his as he leaned down to kiss her.
Elizabeth sighed and placed her hands on Mr. Darcy’s shoulders to steady herself. She felt as if she were floating.
“Lizzy!” called Kitty as she wandered down the path towards them. “Supper is ready and Mama is wondering where you are.”
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy quickly stepped away from each other. “We’re coming, Kitty,” said Elizabeth.
“Where did you wander off to, Lizzy?” asked Mrs. Bennet as soon as they had joined the others in the dining room. “You should not have kept Mr. Darcy outside like that. The poor man must be famished after his journey from London. It was very thoughtless of you.”
“Please do not blame Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy. “I wished to stretch my legs after being in the carriage for so long.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. I hope you enjoyed the gardens.”
“They are very beautiful, Mrs. Bennet. I enjoyed them very much.” Mrs. Bennet smiled at the compliment.
Supper went well. Talk soon turned to Jane and Mr. Bingley’s engagement. Everyone was happy to speak of something other than Lydia and the scandal she had caused.
“Have you and Jane decided on a date for the wedding yet?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.
