As they waited for the next course to be served, Mr Darcy turned to Elizabeth.
“Do you continue with your early morning walks, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, I do, unless the weather is very inclement,” She replied.
“Would you be open to sharing some of the routes with me? I would be most obliged if you said yes.”
“You do not strike me as the type of man who would enjoy long walks in the countryside, sir.”
“Oh, but I do, Miss Elizabeth. Walking is beneficial for both the body and mind. Do you not agree?”
“Yes, very beneficial.”
“So, will you share some of your routes, or better still, may I accompany you in person?”
Elizabeth was on the verge of saying she preferred to walk alone when Mrs Bennet shot her a warning glare.
Ignoring her mother’s steely gaze and the scolding she had received earlier, Elizabeth still tried to politely refuse.
“The paths I walk are quite easy to find, sir. They are well worn from constant use and free from obstruction. I do not think a guide is necessary. You, as a man, would have little trouble in finding and negotiating them, Mr Darcy.?”
“Then you do object to me accompanying you, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy asked, crestfallen at being so soundly rebuffed.
A throaty cough from the direction of her mother told Elizabeth she had pushed her luck far enough.
“Not at all, sir, though I hope you will not find my conversation… or lack of it, too tiresome,” Elizabeth replied with a faint smile.
“I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, with a sister of sixteen, I am well able to converse on the latest fashions.” Darcy finished with a smile.
“You surprise me, Mr Darcy. I did not think a man of your status would concern himself with such frivolous items as lace and ribbons.”
“Yes, I am a man, Miss Elizabeth, but that does not exclude me from taking an interest in what young ladies of fashion are wearing. On several occasions, I have even purchased such trimmings for my sister as gifts.”
Mrs Bennet’s eyes went back and forth as she watched Darcy and Elizabeth’s dance of verbal sparring. Although he seemed quite capable of matching Lizzy, as the hostess, she was aghast that Elizabeth appeared to be actually arguing with him.
“I understand your sister is to join you in a few weeks, Mr Darcy. I believe she is of a similar age to Kitty and Lydia? Well, Miss Darcy is welcome to join my girls when they walk into Meryton any time she likes. Sometimes they go as often as two or three times a week,” she offered.
Mr Darcy acknowledged her offer was meant with kindness, but having witnessed Lydia and Kitty’s behaviour over the past few weeks, he could not recommend it for Georgiana.
Seeing the expectant look on his hostesses’ face, Darcy replied,
“Thank you, madam, but Georgiana is a shy natured girl, unaccustomed to socialising with others.”
“Oh, Mr Darcy, my girls will soon bring her out of her shell. There are officers aplenty for her to practise her skills on,” Mrs Bennet gushed.
Darcy had no intention of letting his sister, already emotionally scarred from her encounter with George Wickham, parade herself before the militia as Kitty and Lydia Bennet did.
Replying a little harshly, he said,
“That will not be possible, madam.” Suddenly, every face was turned towards him.
Trying to cover his outburst, Darcy hastened to say,
“I am afraid Georgiana has a delicate constitution, ma’am. When…if Georgiana decides to visit, walking in the grounds of Netherfield House with be sufficient exercise for her.”
Deflated by Darcy’s sharp tone and negative words, Mrs Bennet could only say,
“Oh, I see.”
With the lull in the conversation stretching on, Elizabeth asked,
“Mr Darcy, do you expect Mr Bingley and his sisters to join you?”
Moistening his potatoes in a puddle of gravy, Mr Darcy paused before answering.
After having advised Charles that there was little hope of him finding happiness with Miss Jane Bennet, while he, his best friend, now actively pursued Miss Elizabeth Bennet, well it seemed somewhat hypocritical. However, in all honesty, Darcy did not know what his young friend's plans were. Indeed, had he not left the Shires himself with no intention of returning? Yet here he was, breaking bread with the very family he vowed to avoid?
“I am not aware that Mr Bingley or his sisters have any immediate plans to return to Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth…, but he may do. Charles’ lease on Netherfield Park does not expire until next Michaelmas.”
Mrs Bennet turned her eyes towards Jane and gave an exaggerated sigh.
“Such a shame.” She said in a wistful tone, “I was sure he was going to propose to our Jane.”
Darcy felt a flush rising over his collar. Even though Mrs Bennet could not possibly know how instrumental Darcy had been in separating the young lovers, he felt his guilt acutely at that moment
Not liking the direction this conversation was going in, Mr Bennet stepped in before his wife could further embarrass their guest or humiliate her daughters.
“Well, well, my dear, this is an excellent spread and no mistake, and with the choice of three sauces. Cook certainly has excelled herself tonight.”
It was now Mrs Bennet’s turn to be mortified. She had intended for Mr Darcy to assume this was their usual standard of fare. Suitably embarrassed, Mrs Bennet shot her husband an angry look, but his single raised brow and tight lips signalled her that a reply would not be welcome.
The rest of the meal was eaten with relatively little conversation. Lydia was still sulking, Kitty and Mary were uninterested in their elders and talked only to each other, while Jane and Elizabeth were deep in thought at Mr Darcy’s last comment. Only the occasional request for one of the three sauces broke the silence.
Pleased to be leaving the gentlemen to their brandy and cigars, Mrs Bennet ushered her daughter out of the dining room.
Mr Bennet waited until the door was firmly closed behind his retreating womenfolk, before turning to Mr Darcy and saying,
“So, Mr Darcy, what brings you back to the country so quickly? Are you eager to indulge in more shooting and fishing, is that it?”
Darcy accepted a snifter of brandy and took a small sip. Never one to shy away from confrontation, and known for speaking his mind in the directest of manners, Darcy replied,
“My return was prompted by something of a more personal nature, sir, an affair of the heart, you might say.”
“A lover, Mr Darcy? I did not think you the type to indulge in meaningless trysts.”
“And nor am I, sir.” Darcy retorted, annoyed by Mr Bennet’s insinuation. “What I seek is a wife, not a whore.”
“Ah, well that is quite a different matter then,” replied Mr Bennet soberly while swirling the amber liquid around his glass, mystified as to where this conversation could now go.
Trying to lighten the now heavy atmosphere that hung between them, Mr Bennet asked,
“And tell me, do you intend to examine the entire female population of Meryton to find this woman, or perhaps you have someone special in mind already?”
It was an off the cuff remark, meant to inject a touch of levity into their conversation. However, Mr Bennet was dumbfounded by his drinking companion’s next revelation.
“It’s your daughter, sir, Miss Elizabeth, who has caught my eye.”
Mr Bennet, who was mid swallow when Darcy revealed the name of his intended bride, coughed and spluttered as the fiery liquid went down the wrong way.
Wiping his chin with the back of his hand, he asked,
“Elizabeth? My Elizabeth?”
“Yes sir, your daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“There is not much in this world that surprises me, Mr Darcy, but I must confess that you have managed it tonight.” Mr Bennet drained his glass, and then refilled it with a more generous portion.
So, Mr Darcy, the man who never looked a
t a woman but to see a blemish, wanted to marry his Lizzy. He wondered, was Elizabeth aware of Darcy’s regard, or would she be as shocked as he had just been. If she was aware of his intention, or indeed returned his regard, then she had managed to conceal her attachment admirably.
Darcy knew he had shocked Elizabeth’s father with his confession. The truth was, he had not intended to blurt it out like that, but he had been affronted by the older man’s insinuation that he was merely interested in a dalliance.
At his age, Darcy could not deny there had been a number of women in his life. But his time for flirtations and visits to bordellos had passed. He was weary of having no-one to share his life with, his accomplishments and achievements, his hopes and dreams, and yes, even his fears. He was ready to settle down, more than ready. The sowing of his proverbial wild oats was all done and behind him.
With the silence between them stretching on into the minutes rather than seconds, Darcy realised he must state his case less abruptly, defining the advantages of their match. After all, without Mr Bennet’s permission, he had no doubt Elizabeth would reject him.
“I realise a declaration towards one of your daughters was not what you were expecting when you invited me into your home tonight, but I have for some time now, harboured feelings towards your daughter Elizabeth of a most ardent nature. Elizabeth…Miss Elizabeth that is, has all the qualities I would look for in a wife. She is kind and generous, and beautiful and witty. Honest and brave and constant and disciplined. She is also intelligent with a keen and inquiring mind, perfect company for those long winter evening in the country. Elizabeth is all of these things and more… so much more.”
Mr Bennet sat wide-eyed. This was the most number of words he had heard Mr Darcy string together since he had made his acquaintance. Love, it appeared had turned him into a veritable chatterbox. But, they were only words. As Elizabeth’s father, he wanted to know if Elizabeth was aware of Mr Darcy’s regard for her. Did she return his sentiment? And if so, then how long had she loved him? He could not imagine she had already consented to be his wife without first discussing it with her papa.
These were only a few of the questions he intended to ask Mr Darcy, but he started with,
“Well, well, Miss Elizabeth, is it? And does Elizabeth return your sentiment, sir, have you already made her an offer?”
“I…that is…err, no sir. I have not broached the subject of my affection with Miss Elizabeth yet.”
“You know she has no fortune, no dowry?”
“I do, sir, but it is of no consequence to me. I have more than enough money for both of us.”
“And when I die, which might be quite soon if I receive many such shocks like this, will you take on the responsibility and burden of care for my widow and any unmarried children of mine?”
This was one of the main reasons Darcy had tried to fight his attraction to Elizabeth. It would not be an understatement to say that apart from Elizabeth and her sister Jane, the entire Bennet family fell far short of what he would consider acceptable acquaintances, let alone describing them as a family. And there was no doubt, most of his family would consider them beneath their notice.
However, Elizabeth was worth the degradation of her relations.
“I do,” Darcy stated confidently. “Let me reassure you, sir, in such circumstances, I would honour my obligations regarding the comfort and welfare of all my extended family.”
Darcy wanted to move forward with the discussion, to gain Mr Bennet’s approval for the match. With so much to offer, Darcy could not imagine anyone, least of all a country squire, refusing him anything. Besides, if possible, he would like to broach the subject with Elizabeth, tonight.
“I take it you do not object to me as a son-in-law, sir?”
“Me? No, I have no objections to you, sir.”
“You would look on my suit with favour then? Give us your blessing?”
Mr Bennet had to admire the nerve of this young man. He had not even declared himself to Lizzie, yet he wanted his consent and blessing to marry her.
Chuckling aloud, he said,
“I do not think it is my consent you should be concerned with Mr Darcy, but Elizabeth’s. Lizzy possesses a strong and independent nature, as I am sure you remember. If I understand you correctly, sir, at present, Elizabeth has no idea that you are in love with her?”
“That is so, sir, but I am sure I can convince her of the advantages an alliance with me would bring to both her and her family, should she accept my proposal.”
Mr Bennet paused for a moment, taking the opportunity to swallow a little more of his drink while he mulled over his options. He could, of course, forbid the match outright, and Elizabeth would never know about his conversation with Mr Darcy, but did he have the right to deprive his favourite child such an opportunity? Undoubtedly, the possible future Mr Darcy offered was far removed from the one mapped out for her at present? Legally he could forestall any wedding until Elizabeth was of age at one and twenty, but morally? The realisation was quick. Not even as her father, did he have the right to deny her this opportunity?
Knowing he must make some reply to the proud young man who stood expectantly before him, Mr Bennet cleared his throat, and said,
“Mr Darcy, I cannot, nor would I force Elizabeth into accepting any man that made an offer for her. Only last week I rejected an offer for Lizzy’s hand from my own cousin, much to the consternation of Mrs Bennet. So, my advice to you is this. Tomorrow, you must speak to Elizabeth as you have me. Propose to her if you must, but keep this condition in mind. I will allow you to embark on a month-long courtship, but if by Christmastide Elizabeth still has not declared her love for you, you must give her up. However, if she grows to love you and admits as much, then I will give your union my blessing.”
It was not an unreasonable offer, but one month’s courtship was uncommonly short. Also, the emphasis Mr Bennet had put on tomorrow, clearly meant he did not have his permission to speak to Elizabeth tonight.
Though he did not show it, Darcy was apprehensive. Could he successfully woo and win Elizabeth’s heart in one month? Only time would tell.
Extending his hand towards Elizabeth’s father, Darcy said,
“Agreed.”
Chapter Four
Slipping his arms into the great coat that Fletcher was holding up for him, Darcy felt as if his stomach was tied up in knots. Never before had he been this anxious about anything in his life. Meeting Miss Elizabeth for a morning walk was turning out to be very stressful.
On his departure last evening, Mrs Bennet had visibly pushed Elizabeth forward, saying,
“Elizabeth has something to say to you, Mr Darcy. Don’t you Lizzy?”
Elizabeth inhaled a deep and calming breath before saying,
“Would you care to join me on my walk tomorrow morning, Mr Darcy?”
“That is most kind of you, Miss Elizabeth. Shall we say nine-thirty?” he offered.
Having been forced into asking Mr Darcy to join her, Elizabeth was not about to be dictated to when she should go.
Wearing her best, false smile, she said,
“Goodness, no. Half of the day has gone by then. I think eight o’clock is quite late enough. Can you be ready and here at such an early hour, Mr Darcy?”
It was clear to Darcy that Elizabeth had been forced to invite him. In return, she was trying to dictate what she thought was an unreasonably early hour to set off, but, as he usually rose around six thirty, an eight o’clock meeting time was no hardship to him.
“I think I can manage that, Miss Elizabeth. Until tomorrow,” he said.
Then turning to Mrs Bennet, Darcy thanked her for an excellent meal, bowed and said goodnight.
Elizabeth was waiting in the hallway of Longbourn when Mr Darcy pulled on the doorbell. If she must act as a guide, she wanted it over as quickly as possible. Besides, she felt guilty about having to drag Daisy away from her duties to act as their chaperone.
With the civilities out of the way
, Elizabeth set off at a brisk pace.
The speed at which Miss Elizabeth was walking was a reasonable pace for Darcy, but he knew it must be excessive for Elizabeth.
After almost a mile of striding out, Darcy felt it was up to him to break the silence.
“The weather is mild for this time of year, is it not, Miss Elizabeth?”
Without stopping or even slowing her pace, Elizabeth replied,
“Yes, it is mild, but do not be deceived, Mr Darcy, winter will surprise us yet.”
Seizing on her reply, Darcy continued along the same vein.
“So, you predict we will have snow Miss Elizabeth? Can you also predict when?” he joked.
“Unfortunately, not, Mr Darcy, my education did not run to meteorology.”
All too soon, the peak of Oakham Mount rose before them, and Darcy realised that Elizabeth intended for their time together to be of a short duration.
If he was to broach the topic of courtship, Darcy knew he must turn the conversation to the one that interested him.
“I have heard it mentioned that you recently received a marriage proposal, Miss Elizabeth. Have I been remiss in wishing you joy?”
Not for the first time, Elizabeth mentally cursed the gossip mongers, who seemed to know everyone’s business the moment it occurred.
“It is true that I received a proposal of marriage. However, I turned the gentleman down.”
“May I ask why?”
“We would not have suited each other,” she replied honestly.
“That is a broad spectrum for me to speculate on, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth could not explain why, but it grieved her that a man such as Mr Darcy, should know that she had received a proposal from a man such as her cousin Collins. Suppose he thought Mr Collins was the best kind of man she could attract? What if Mr Darcy agreed with Mr Collins, concurred with his observation that she might never receive another proposal? After all, Elizabeth reasoned, Meryton was not a big town, and there were many single young ladies of marriageable age residing there. The local marriage market certainly favoured the local bachelor’s and widowers.
Mr Darcy's Proposal Page 3
