“Georgiana will be company for you, Miss Bennet, and I will hope to return tomorrow and tell you what is happening.” He looked thoughtful. “We may not be permitted to see your sister, although I would hope, if Mr. Collins is no longer there, that your mother may return her sights to Mr. Bingley for her.”
Elizabeth smiled wryly. He certainly had the measure of her mother. But he was still speaking.
“Perhaps you might wish to pen a short note to your sister, saying that you are safe, but not where you are? We could take it over, saying that it arrived at Netherfield for her.”
Elizabeth curtsied. “I would very much like to do that, sir, if it will not delay your journey.”
He bowed. “Indeed not. I will order the coach and return when it is ready.” He looked at his sister.
“Can you ask for notepaper that is not headed to be obtained, please?”
They both curtsied as he bowed and strode from the room.
Georgiana smiled at her. “I am sure there is some plain notepaper in the desk.” She turned to it to check in the drawer. “And I am so happy you are staying here with me.”
My dearest Jane,
I have only a few moments to write to you, as a friend has promised to have this letter conveyed to Netherfield, from whence I pray that it comes soon into your hands.
I hope that it will relieve your mind that I am safe, although I cannot yet tell you where I am. And I am so very sorry to have caused you concern by the manner of my departing, and I will continue to hope that you may soon be happy and settled. Then I hope I will be able to correspond properly with you.
But I must make haste and finish,
Your loving sister,
Elizabeth
She folded the note, and handed it to Mr. Darcy, who was waiting quietly in the doorway.
“I thought that it was as well not to seal it with the seal of this house, sir. I have been careful not to intimate in any way where I am or who I am with.” She hesitated. “I am content if you wish to read it, sir.”
He bowed gravely. “I thank you for your trust in me, Miss Bennet. But I trust you. Look, here is a plain seal.” He quickly sealed her letter and tucked it safely into his pocket. He turned to include his sister in their conversation.
“I will be back tomorrow evening at the latest. The servants have been instructed not to admit any visitors without discussion with you first.” He smiled. “I hope to be able to bring you news of your sister that will relieve your anxiety, Miss Bennet.”
Then he was gone, and Elizabeth was surprised how downcast she felt. But she pulled herself together and turned to Georgiana with a smile.
“You play beautifully. I think you must practice a great deal.”
“Oh, yes. I am very fond of music. Do you play, Elizabeth?”
“I do, but rather ill. But I have always found playing duets occasionally passes the time very pleasantly.”
The girl beamed. “It sounds fun, Elizabeth. But I hope you do not play too fast. Miss Bingley plays too well for me to be able to keep up with her.”
“Oh, no,” Elizabeth said. “We must start off very slowly together, until we understand each other’s manner of playing.” She hesitated. “But shall we wait until later, and have some more tea? I would like to hear how you pass the time here, and what there is to do.”
Chapter 24
Mr. Darcy sat in the corner of the coach, taking the chance to rest as it rattled towards Netherfield.
He was much relieved that Elizabeth was now safe, but he had not slept well, knowing she was there, in his house.
He was troubled that he could not know if she needed assistance, or was taken ill. Others would have had to help her, and he spent the night tossing and turning, hoping she was all right.
He’d been delighted to see her downstairs that morning. If she had stayed in her bedchamber to rest, he would not have been able to see her, to confirm with his own eyes that she was well.
He smiled. It was good that she and Georgiana were certainly on the way to becoming friends. It made it a little easier to leave her that morning, although it was something he was loath to do.
But he owed it to Bingley to return to Netherfield today and assist him, as Bingley had assisted him the previous day.
He scowled, he knew that he would not as easily have been able to leave Elizabeth as Bingley had left Jane in that dreadful house.
He also pondered on why, why on earth he had been so dismissive in his mind of the total unsuitability of this family, so uncaring of their total lack of propriety. But he knew it was Elizabeth.
Like Bingley, he cared nothing for those who claimed love at first sight, determined that they deceived themselves and that only lust led their unguarded and unbridled passions.
But he knew for himself that this was different. Since he had first seen Elizabeth, his eyes had been drawn to her. Her cheerful disposition, her ready smile bestowed on those around her. Then, once he had the opportunity of hearing her, he’d been taken by her ready wit, her interest in all around her.
Miss Bingley had been scornful, but she unknowingly had it right when she said he was bewitched by her. He was. He could no longer imagine his life without her in it, and he was prepared to endure the wrath of his family, the bewilderment of his friends, just so long as he could have her beside him forever.
The journey to Netherfield was not much longer than two hours. Long enough for him to determine that he must marry her, must make her his, and as soon as possible. He had suggested to her that if she didn’t wish to marry, he would make her an offer of employment. But he knew that would not do, he could not do that. It would raise a further barrier between them.
He spent an hour thinking how he could persuade her to accept him, certain that to mention her compromised state as an obligation to him would merely turn her against anything he then proposed. The second hour, as he relaxed more into the motion of the coach, was a delightful time as he imagined her accepting him, thought of their life together, every day spent in her company, his happiness as her presence filled his home with laughter. Her letter was warm against his heart, where he had tucked it for safekeeping, alongside the first letter of hers that Jane had given him. He knew every word of that first letter by heart.
It was a most rude awakening from such a pleasant dream when the coach turned into the great driveway at Netherfield. As it drew to a halt, he saw Bingley hurrying down the steps towards him.
“Darcy! It is good to see you, man!”
He seemed in high good spirits, and Darcy found himself smiling in response. He jumped from the coach.
“You have seen Miss Bennet, then?”
Mr. Bingley stopped short. “How do you know that? Have you called at Longbourn?”
“Of course not. It was your demeanour, sir.” Darcy clapped him on the shoulder, and they climbed the steps.
“So, Bingley, tell me what has transpired since you sent me that express.” He followed his host into the library, where the footman poured them a whisky each, and they sat in the deep leather seats each side of the fire.
“I am very much more content than I was when I wrote to you, Darcy.” Bingley stretched his legs out. “Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins are still from home, and Mrs. Bennet has now taken to her room. So Miss Bennet is rather more in control of things than she might otherwise be permitted.” He was smiling more widely than Darcy had seen for a long time.
“I called there first thing this morning, and Miss Bennet made all the girls come into the garden. So I was able to talk to her privately. She was much relieved when I told her that her sister was safe, although I believe she assumed that Elizabeth had already reached her aunt and uncle’s residence.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “It may be as well that she continue to think that for the time being, although I know you will hate to dissemble when you discover that she is not there.”
“What!” Mr. Bingley sat bolt upright. “She is safe, though?”
“She is now.
” Mr. Darcy did not want to relive the terrible instant in Gracechurch Street when he believed he had lost her, but he knew he must. His jaw ached with clenching it so tightly and he forced himself to relax.
“She insisted on walking down Gracechurch Street alone. Then, I think she saw her father and Collins standing in wait for her, anyway, she hurried off in an unexpected direction.” He smiled tightly. “I was, of course, following her at a distance, and by the time I had seen Bennet and Collins and ensured they had not spotted her, she had been dragged into an alleyway.” He shuddered. “I barely got there in time.” He ignored Bingley’s exclamation.
“Anyway. She is now at my residence, and safe. Georgiana has befriended her and she has promised not to leave there until I can ensure she is safe.”
“Darcy, I am sorry you had to deal with that alone.” Bingley sank back into the chair with relief. “I am so happy that she is finally safe, though. Miss Bennet would have been most anxious.”
“I agree. She does not need to know any of it, unless her sister tells her in the future. The real problem, though, is that half of Gracechurch Street must have seen her being bundled into my coach last night.” He shook his head.
“I fear that being compromised will make her all the more determined to be independent and she would refuse an offer.”
Mr. Bingley cocked an eye at him. “I know you said you were willing when you rode with her to the apothecary’s house. Are you still willing?”
“Of course I am!” Mr. Darcy stared at him. “I would fulfil my obligation even if I did not care for her as I do.”
He got up and strode to the window. “It is only by marrying her that I can keep her safe.” She swung round. “And you and Miss Bennet?”
Mr. Bingley smiled. “Yes. She is not telling her mother yet, but we are engaged.”
Mr. Darcy strode across the room. “Congratulations, man!” he shook his friend’s hand.
Mr. Bingley shook his head disbelievingly. “I still can scarce believe it.” He looked up at his friend. “She accepted me! I am the most fortunate of men.”
Mr. Darcy smiled. “We should get on with it then, should we not?” He walked back to the fire.
“I have a letter from Miss Elizabeth Bennet to her sister, and we can say that it has been delivered here to be passed on. If we take it this afternoon, then we might ask her if you could return to London with me and obtain a Special Licence from Lambeth Palace. Then you may marry as soon as is expedient.”
“That is an excellent idea!” Mr. Bingley jumped to his feet and turned to the footman.
“Get us some horses. At once!”
“Here you are.” Mr. Darcy took the letter from his pocket. “You can tell Miss Bennet that it was delivered here, and that you have brought it straight over to her. That gives us a reason to go there.”
Chapter 25
In the coach back to London, he relaxed again. He was going back to Elizabeth a day sooner than he’d hoped. And he had good news of her sister for her.
Finally, things were going better for her, and he began to dare hope that she might soon accept his offer.
Bingley was sitting opposite him, a dazed look on his face. Mr. Darcy smiled at his appearance.
“So, you are very close to being wed, then. You look as if you disbelieve it still.”
“I must say that I do.” Bingley shook his head. “At least she now has the note from Miss Elizabeth, and seems much happier.”
“I think it is not just the note from her sister that has made her happy, Bingley.” Mr. Darcy was amused.
“Oh, leave the conversation, I beg you!” Mr. Bingley looked thoroughly discomposed. It did not, however, prevent him turning to the attack, amusement in his eyes.
“In fact, I see a similar expression on your face, now that you are returning to your home where her sister is currently staying.”
“Well, perhaps I will cease to vex you on the matter.” Darcy smiled reluctantly. “It must seem to anyone observing us that we are like a pair of callow youths.”
Bingley laughed comfortably, and they sat in companionable silence for a while.
“I will come with you tomorrow, if you please, Bingley.” Darcy spoke quietly. “I would like to find out about applying for a Licence for ourselves and how long the process takes.”
“Of course.” Bingley shrugged. “I will be glad of your assistance.” He looked over. “I confess I have not researched the subject. Do you think it will make a difference that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is not yet one and twenty?”
“That is what I wish to discover,” Mr. Darcy said gravely. “I will need to know what options I have before I approach Miss Bennet.”
As the carriage drew up outside his London house, he was displeased to see a strange coach waiting outside. He frowned.
“Who do you think has called?”
Bingley craned round. “I cannot imagine.” He seemed complacent. “But we will find out soon enough.”
“Yes.” Mr. Darcy jumped down and went to the other coach. It was empty. The single horse in harness stood quietly, and the coach was small and rather dirty.
“Who has called at this house?” Mr. Darcy spoke to the driver, who touched his cap.
“I cannot say, sir.”
Darcy frowned again. A hansom cab, then. He could not imagine the sort of person who might call using a hansom. And Elizabeth was inside.
He hurried up the steps, followed by Bingley, who was suddenly serious.
“Who has called, and where are they now?” he barked at the footman who opened the door.
“He says he is a constable, sir.” The footman sounded unsure and nervous. “He knew you were not expected home until tomorrow, and he demanded to see whoever of the family was at home.”
Mr. Darcy took off towards the drawing room, but stopped at the doorway. The man was standing in the middle of the room, facing away from him. He saw Georgiana was standing by the window looking awed, and the housekeeper and butler were standing protectively a short distance away.
But his gaze was drawn to Elizabeth. She faced the stranger, standing alone and proud.
“I thank you, sir, for your enquiry. But as you can see, I am here as the guest of Miss Darcy. I am well and under no form of duress.” Her chin went up, and Mr. Darcy felt an inordinate pride in her.
“I have been honest with you, sir, and I ask that you be honest with me. Who was your informant and is he trying to get me taken away from here against my will?”
Bravo, Elizabeth! Mr. Darcy cheered her on in his mind and he watched the man shift uncomfortably.
“Miss Bennet, I have your best interests at heart. You were … were seen being bundled into Mr. Darcy’s coach late yesterday evening, after an altercation.” He stepped closer to her. “Your father is concerned for your well-being.”
Mr. Darcy could watch no longer. “So concerned for her well-being that he was prepared to compel her into a marriage so repugnant as to force her to risk her life by running away from her home?”
The man spun around, clearly shocked. “Mr. Darcy! I understood you were from home, sir!”
“So I have been told.” Mr. Darcy kept his anger tightly controlled. “I must see your credentials, sir — if you have any.” He turned away from him.
“Mrs. Weaver, please take refreshments to the upstairs music room.” He turned from the housekeeper to his sister.
“Georgiana, please will you and Miss Bennet take tea upstairs?” he bowed to her and Elizabeth as the constable spluttered beside him.
He continued to ignore the man and looked at the butler. “Weaver, you need to station extra footmen by the stairs please, and ensure no one from outside the family or their guests goes up.”
He waited impassively while everyone left the room, leaving just Bingley and himself, with the constable looking uncertainly from one to the other.
After a long deliberate moment ignoring him, he turned to the man. “You are leaving now.”
The ma
n hesitated and Darcy shook his head. “You can have nothing to say. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy, as you know. If there are any matters relevant to your office, your senior will know to make an appointment with me.” He stepped forward, and his commanding presence and height had the desired effect.
With a muttered apology, the man scurried from the room, watched by both men.
Mr. Bingley looked expressively at his friend. “I wonder how they knew, Darcy?”
Mr. Darcy scowled. Even here, in his home, she had been confronted. She was at risk. He strode up and down the room, wondering what was best. He must talk to her. She knew her own mind.
He smiled. “Was she not magnificent in facing him? Her strength of character amazes me every time I see her face up to a new challenge.”
Mr. Bingley laughed. “Perhaps it is too premature for me to tell you that you will experience an interesting life.”
Darcy was forced to acknowledge the fact. “I would anticipate it with very much pleasure if I could convince myself that she will accept my offer.”
“Oh, your concern is misplaced, Darcy. What woman would not accept you and your many advantages?”
Mr. Darcy raised his eyebrows. “But we have just agreed how different she is to most other women.” He sighed. “But I must try, or I shall never know.” He brightened. “But perhaps you would like to tell her your news. I think she will be delighted to know her sister will be secure.”
Mr. Bingley turned to the door. “I would be very happy to tell her — we can do it at once.”
The animation died out of his face. “Do you think … is the news likely to upset Miss Darcy? I would not like to think of her having such a surprise sprung upon her, and I know she observed Caroline’s efforts to match me with her.”
“Your scruples do you credit, Bingley. But be not concerned. Georgiana is very young and I think she was more amused than hopeful by Miss Bingley’s efforts.”
Darcy led the way upstairs. He must speak to Elizabeth soon. He hated that she must feel her position at his house was so irregular and uncertain — and he didn’t find the situation comfortable, either.
Compromise and Obligation: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation Page 10
