Compromise and Obligation: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation

by Harriet Knowles

  “However, it may be that we should think about not waiting too long to allow her to attempt any schemes to separate us …”

  His butler came into the room and bowed.

  “Yes, Mr. Weaver?”

  “Sir, a coach and rider have just stopped outside. I believe the rider is Mr. Bingley. I do not know who is in the coach.”

  “Thank you.” Mr. Darcy dabbed at his mouth with his napkin. He turned to the footman.

  “Extra places at the table, if you please.”

  He looked at Elizabeth. She was always his first concern now. But she looked calm and serene.

  He wondered if she thought Miss Bingley was in the coach. He felt anger coiling within him. That lady had been curt to the point of rudeness when he had called with Bingley at the Hurst’s residence and informed them of their engagements. She had come round to congratulating her brother, while lamenting how sorrowful dear Georgiana must have been.

  He pulled himself back to reality. Bingley wouldn’t bring her here. And he hadn’t been in London, he had been to Netherfield.

  But he didn’t have to think further, as Weaver had returned.

  “Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet, sir.”

  “Thank you.” Mr. Darcy rose to his feet, as did Elizabeth and Georgiana. He saw Elizabeth’s delighted but disbelieving smile, and he basked in her pleasure.

  He watched as she ran to her sister and embraced her. “Oh, Jane! I am so pleased to see you and so happy you’re here.”

  “Lizzy! I feared much for you and now I can see you are safe.”

  The two sisters spoke over each other, their obvious joy in each other’s company making him feel an emotion that he pushed away. Not for anything would he want anyone to see how he felt.

  He saw Georgiana’s eyes on his and gave her his I am your guardian stare. She smiled. Disconcerted, he turned to his friend.

  “Bingley. Join us for lunch and we can hear all your news.” But Bingley was watching Elizabeth and her sister, beaming all over his face. Darcy touched his arm.

  “Come, let us give them a private moment.”

  Soon they were all sitting down, both Miss Bennets having recovered their poise.

  He watched as they talked about Longbourn and what had happened and he was pleased to see Elizabeth was as attentive to Georgiana, drawing her into the conversation and praising her friendship.

  Miss Jane Bennet’s easy manners helped Georgiana too, and he relaxed somewhat.

  “So, how did you find the company at Longbourn?” he asked Bingley under the conversation of the ladies.

  Mr. Bingley smiled. “It was amazing to see the change in Mrs. Bennet when she discovered that we were engaged. She hurried downstairs and is trying to control all the arrangements. She has spread the news all around Meryton.” The smile left his face. “I have not heard her mention Miss Elizabeth Bennet once. I am sure it hurts Miss Bennet very much, but she does not like to upset her mother.”

  Mr. Darcy scowled. “Elizabeth knows she is not a favourite daughter, but I confess it disturbs me too.” He glanced across at her. “But she seems to accept it and has a brightness of spirit that warms my heart. Has Mr. Bennet returned to Longbourn?”

  Mr. Bingley nodded. “He returned yesterday. I did not see him to speak to, but Jane tells me that he is still assuring Mrs. Bennet that the marriage to Mr. Collins is likely to go ahead.”

  Mr. Darcy lowered his voice still further. “I find it unconscionable that he would still think so, given that he knows she is here, knows I am under an obligation.”

  Bingley’s voice was equally low. “Perhaps he thinks he knows Miss Elizabeth, and that she would never marry just because of an obligation.”

  “Perhaps.” Mr. Darcy was still watching her. “We had an unannounced visit today from my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She has decided that she is able to force the marriage to Collins to go ahead. She may have assured Mr. Bennet of that when he called on her with Collins.”

  “Has she indeed? I may not have met your aunt, but I would surmise that Miss Elizabeth is well able to hold her own and refute any such argument.”

  Mr. Darcy smiled. “Anyone who has met my aunt would stake a claim on the opposite, Bingley. But Elizabeth was magnificent.” He stopped and thought for a few moments. “And yet, I find myself thinking that I should hasten our plans somewhat. I think I was mistaken in thinking I might procure Mr. Bennet’s agreement. I might attempt to persuade Elizabeth that Scotland might be the most suitable way forward.” He sighed.

  “It is a pity about the family. I would suggest a double wedding in Scotland with little fuss and preparation, but I think Miss Jane Bennet would not wish to upset her mother.”

  “I agree there, Darcy. Jane is a most amiable lady. She would not agree to hurt her mother in that way.”

  “Enough.” Darcy muttered under his breath, as he noticed the ladies had fallen silent. They would need to continue their plans later.

  Chapter 34

  Elizabeth was delighted to see her sister looking so confident in the love of Mr. Bingley.

  Jane had come to London the previous day with her mother, to stay at Gracechurch Street. Mrs. Bennet was beside herself with pride at knowing the gowns were to be made by a French seamstress and had raised no objection to coming to London for a few days.

  Jane and Mr. Bingley had come today to visit, leaving her mother believing they were calling on Miss Bingley, and Jane was unhappy that such a subterfuge was necessary.

  “Don’t you think you could call on us at Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth? It might be a way back to talk to Mama and Aunt Gardiner.”

  Elizabeth chewed her lip. “I do not know, Jane. I must speak to Mr. Darcy.” She looked up. “Does Aunt Gardiner speak of me at all? Do you think she knows where I am?”

  “I have seen her look most disapproving once when your name was mentioned by one of the children.” Jane looked distressed. “I cannot imagine what she thinks, you were always her favourite.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Her favourite apart from you, dear Jane. She will trust no one else with her children, which must show how much she approves of you.”

  “They are such dear children,” Jane agreed. “But it would be well to see what Mr. Darcy thinks.” She glanced across the room, to where the men stood, leaning against the mantel.

  Georgiana was playing quietly at the piano, and Elizabeth got up and went to her.

  “Are you well playing here by yourself, Georgiana? I would not like to think Jane calling has made you feel alone.”

  “Think nothing of it, Elizabeth.” Georgiana was very accomplished and was able to converse without dropping the beat. “I know you are pleased to see her, and it is a pity they cannot stay here.” She glanced up at her.

  “In any event, I think the gentlemen are hatching plans which they will shortly wish to discuss with you.”

  Elizabeth cast a startled glance over at them. “I think you must know your brother very well, Georgiana.”

  “I think you are in a fair way to becoming accomplished at that too, Elizabeth. I am so pleased to see him happy at last.”

  “Thank you.” Elizabeth returned to Jane and poured another cup of tea.

  “How will you dissemble to Mama about your visit here today?”

  Jane sighed. “We are dining at Grosvenor Street this evening, before the coach takes me back to my aunt. Mr. Bingley is staying there of course. Mama will think we have been there the whole time.”

  After dinner that evening, Mr. Darcy sat beside Elizabeth over coffee while Georgiana played.

  “Might I discuss with you what I think is the best course of action for us to take?”

  She glanced at him. “You look tired, Fitzwilliam, and concerned. Please do not be discomposed. I will agree to whatever you feel is best.”

  His eyebrows rose. “But you do not know what I am about to say.”

  She smiled. “I am certain you are not about to recommend the only thing I cannot agree with, which
is that I should marry Mr. Collins, so I will be at ease with your suggestion.” She laughed. “Besides, I think I know what your proposed course of action might be.”

  “You do?”

  “Indeed. I believe the word you mentioned to your aunt — Scotland — figures in your plans.”

  “And you are at ease with it?”

  “Mr. Darcy — I mean Fitzwilliam — I am sensible of the very great difficulty my being here causes you. It is indeed most improper, as Lady Catherine said, despite you saying I am a guest of Georgiana. I would do whatever you feel is best to resolve the situation.” She looked down, suddenly feeling downcast. “If my father will indeed not give his consent, then Scotland appears to be the only option, apart from me returning home and waiting until I am one and twenty.” She glanced up at him. “And that, I will not do.”

  He shook his head. “I would not permit that.” He smiled. “So, we will travel to Scotland. It is a beautiful country. Have you ever been there?”

  “No, sir.” Elizabeth’s heart was beating fast. “When would you propose to leave?”

  “I see no advantage to waiting, Elizabeth. Perhaps tomorrow.” He looked at her gently. “I hope you are not disappointed at the thought. I know many young ladies like to think of a wedding with their family and friends around them.”

  She smiled sadly. “I understand what you mean, Fitzwilliam, and of course I used to dream of that. But the wedding day and all the trappings of such a day are much less important than marrying the right person.” She smiled. “I could have had the wedding day of a young maiden’s dreams if I’d agreed to marry Mr. Collins.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “To get one day of a girlish dream I would have to endure a lifetime of days as Mrs. Collins. No, sir, I have the best of the choice.”

  He chuckled comfortably. “So, it will be Scotland. I would like to leave tomorrow, although I know you might wish to stay here while your sister is in London.” He took her hand and kissed it.

  “Mr. Bingley agrees with me that it will be difficult to meet with your sister again without raising suspicions in your mother’s mind. I feel it best to marry as soon as we can. Then we can begin to think of the best way forward to regain good relations with your family.” He smiled gently. “I know it must grieve you very much to be estranged from them.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured. She glanced over at the piano.

  “And what of Georgiana?”

  His gaze followed hers. “I am sure she will wish to do whatever is comfortable for you, Elizabeth. She has her governess for company. We might go alone and leave her here where she has educational opportunities, and my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to oversee her safety. Or we might travel together as far as Pemberley, where she may then stay with her governess while you and I journey on to Scotland. Another option is that she comes with us to Scotland and assists you as we marry.”

  Elizabeth looked up at him. “And which option would be your preference, Fitzwilliam?”

  “My preference?” he looked at her. “You don’t need to know my preference. It is our marriage but your choice, Elizabeth. Circumstances have forced you to accept less than you wanted for a wedding day, so in this, you have the choice.”

  “I thank you, Fitzwilliam.” She looked into his eyes. “I would like … to do what your preference is, because I believe you would do what would make Georgiana happiest.”

  She almost laughed as he looked a little dissatisfied, and broke in again.

  “Let us ask Georgiana. I really want to see her happy on the day you marry.”

  “Very well.” He sounded a little grudging, and she cast around for some turn of phrase to lighten the mood.

  Chapter 35

  Elizabeth sat at the breakfast table of yet another inn, watching the servants carrying through the trunks from their rooms. They were four days into their journey and she was beginning to become impatient to reach Scotland.

  She smiled at Georgiana. “It is well the seamstress had finished some gowns for me before we left London, I think. Or you might be tired of seeing me still wearing yours.”

  Georgiana poured her brother some tea. “Definitely not, Elizabeth. But it must be nice for you to be able to feel things are your own.” She passed the cup over to Mr. Darcy, who was frowning over the newspaper.

  “Where do you hope we will stay tonight, Fitzwilliam?”

  “I think we will pass into Northumberland in time for lunch.” He folded the paper and smiled at Elizabeth. “I am indebted for you for agreeing to take the journey more slowly than usual. It is a long ride and I do prefer the comfort of my own horse under the saddle.”

  She looked at him. “I am glad to stop as often as needed to rest the horses, sir … I mean, Fitzwilliam. But I am sorry you feel the need to ride instead of travelling in the coach with us.”

  He shrugged. “It is better that any news that does get back to the family shows you are seen to be preserving the niceties. Georgiana’s presence as chaperone might not travel with the same speed. I am hopeful it will make it easier for you when we try a reconciliation with your family.”

  “You are most thoughtful.” Elizabeth dipped her head in acknowledgement.

  She turned to Georgiana. “I am hoping we might take a walk after lunch while the horses are resting. I’m sure we can find somewhere with a good prospect.”

  Georgiana laughed. “You are most active, Elizabeth. I can’t wait to show you around Pemberley. There is much to do there and many miles of beautiful paths to walk.”

  Mr. Darcy was watching her. “Perhaps you would like me to select a riding horse for you when we get to Pemberley, Elizabeth. We can ride out together and go much further than we could otherwise.”

  “I confess I have not enjoyed riding much, Fitzwilliam. But it might be something that I need to overcome. I see that you enjoy it very much.”

  He smiled. “It does not matter too much unless you actually wish to, Elizabeth. We can take a carriage to good walking places and that will suffice.”

  She cast around to change the subject. “Is the inn we stop at for lunch the one where you have asked for post to be directed?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I would anticipate that we hear from Mr. Bingley, and you might hear from your sister.” He glanced out of the window.

  “It looks as if the coach is ready. Have you eaten enough, Elizabeth? You have not taken much.”

  “I have had sufficient, Fitzwilliam. Sitting in a coach, I do not have the opportunity to be properly hungry.”

  He laughed. “Then let us begin.”

  As the coach set off, Elizabeth gazed out of the window. It was really going to happen. In a very few days now, she would be Mrs. Darcy, and he might be sitting in the coach with them.

  Her heart beat faster. Of course, with Georgiana in the coach too, conversation would remain quite formal, but the night stops — her thoughts made her gasp, and she pulled her mind to the present.

  “Are you becoming nervous, Elizabeth?” Georgiana was an astute young woman, and Elizabeth reminded herself to be careful what she thought of.

  “I confess I am, a little.” She smiled at the younger girl. “I am delighted that you and I are going to become sisters, but I still do not know your brother very well, and it is a big thing to do.”

  Georgiana nodded. “I can imagine, I think, how it must feel. But Fitzwilliam is the kindest and most generous of men. I mean, last year, he helped me so much when …” her voice petered out. “Perhaps I should not say.” She bit her lip. “But even in these last weeks, you have seen what trouble he will go to for you.”

  “I am certain he will make me the best of husbands,” Elizabeth answered. “But I am anxious that I might not know how to make him a good wife. I have heard Pemberley is such a large estate, I might find it difficult to know how to run it well.”

  Georgiana put her hand out and touched her arm. “Please do not be concerned. Pemberley has the most wonderful staff, it seems to run itself.” She drew a deep breath. “I
will help you as much as I can, you know that, I hope.”

  “Indeed I do, Georgiana, and I hope very much you will tell me if I am doing anything wrong, or anything your brother doesn’t like but is too polite to tell me.”

  They laughed together and sat back against the cushions. Elizabeth reflected how fortunate she was that Georgiana was such pleasant company.

  Her mind went to the letter she hoped to get from Jane when they arrived at the inn. Perhaps her sister had decided on the date of her marriage and Elizabeth wondered if she could find a small gift to send down, since she would not be there.

  It had never entered her head as she grew up that she would not be standing in the church when Jane married, or any of her sisters, never occurred to her that she might have to make her life far from her family. She smiled wryly, because sometimes she had dreamed how nice it might be to be living away from home. But that was when Lydia and Kitty were arguing and fighting, or when Mama was wailing about her nerves and showing her partiality to Lydia and Jane.

  Now it had happened. She might never see most of her family again. She pulled her mind away from sadness. Fitzwilliam had said he was hopeful of a reconciliation, and she would trust his word.

  Surely, once she was married, her mother would realise that Mr. Darcy would never allow them to be thrown out of Longbourn with nowhere to go? Surely then, her mother could forgive her?

  She woke from her doze when the movement of the coach altered as it turned into the inn. She glanced out of the window and saw Mr. Darcy dismounting and handing the reins of his horse to one of his own grooms.

  She climbed out when the coachman had lowered the step and turned to him.

  “Was the ride not too long, Fitzwilliam? I confess I dozed a little.”

  He smiled down at her. “You are looking very much better since we left London, Elizabeth. But I am still aware that you had a difficult time.”