Mr. Bennet was quiet for a moment. “I see that you are a man of forethought and determination. I believe you will need both of those traits in a marriage with my Lizzy. I hope you realize the value of a woman like her.”
“I do indeed, Mr. Bennet. I shall dedicate my life to her happiness and well-being.”
“In that case, shall we share the good news?”
Darcy nodded.
“You are fortunate that Mrs. Bennet has retired, for you are spared her joyous effusions.”
The gentlemen returned to the sitting room. Darcy hurried to Elizabeth’s side. Mr. Bennet remained in the doorway and called for everyone’s attention. When all eyes were upon him, Mr. Bennet said, “It gives me great pleasure to announce the engagement of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth’s sisters rushed to surround her, and the colonel slapped his cousin on the back, wishing him a hearty congratulations. When the excitement died down, Elizabeth walked the gentlemen to the door. After the colonel exited, Darcy stole a quick kiss and departed with a promise to visit in the morning.
When Darcy and Richard returned to Netherfield, Bingley met them in the foyer. “Were you able to take care of the emergency?”
“Yes, there was a satisfying resolution,” replied Darcy with a wide grin.
Surprised at his friend’s expression, Bingley remarked, “Why don’t you take a dinner tray in my study and tell me all about it?” After Bingley gave instructions to a passing footman, the men settled in the study. Bingley poured a brandy for each of them. They chatted of estate matters until the housekeeper and a maid arrived with trays for the gentlemen, who had missed dinner. When the servants departed, Richard told Bingley of the note from Mr. Bennet and the trouble Mr. Collins had attempted to make. He recounted the encounter with Mr. Collins in the streets of Meryton and their arrival at Longbourn. “However, I believe the best news of the evening is Darcy’s to share.”
“Better than punishing the cad with your fists?” asked Bingley.
“Better by far.”
“Tell me, man, what is this news?”
“I asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me and she accepted. We received Mr. Bennet’s permission. The announcement is already on its way to the Times by an express rider.”
On the other side of the door, Caroline Bingley covered her mouth with her hand to prevent a gasp of dismay from escaping. Having heard Mr. Darcy and the colonel return earlier, Caroline had begun to walk about the room, pausing beside the drawing room door in the hopes of overhearing their conversation. Catching only her brother’s instructions to the servant, she had excused herself from the drawing room. When the footman had disappeared from the hall to deliver the message to the housekeeper, Caroline had found a dark corner of the hall, where she had remained out of sight until the servants departed the study. With a furtive look around the hall, she had sneaked to the door of the study and placed her ear against the smooth surface. Now she might have a chance to understand why Miss Eliza’s note had caused such a strong reaction in Mr. Darcy.
Fortunately for her, the colonel’s voice was loud and easily understood through the thick wood. Her eyes had grown wide at Mr. Collins’ attempted compromise, but Caroline truly believed that Miss Elizabeth could expect nothing better.
Now it was Darcy’s voice speaking. His low tones were quieter, but that did not make his words less shocking. Caroline could not believe what Darcy had said. Perhaps she misunderstood, but that hope shattered when her brother’s shout of congratulations rang through the door.
Having heard more than she wished, Caroline stepped away from the door and rushed up the stairs to her room. She may have accepted the fact that Mr. Darcy would never marry her, but Caroline refused to allow that impertinent country chit to succeed where she had failed. How can I prevent this travesty? There must be something I can do. It was these thoughts that swirled through her mind as sleep claimed her.
Return to Kent
It had taken Mr. Collins two full days to return home, as he had missed the connecting coach in London that would return him to Kent. Then the coach had stopped so many times that it was too late to call on Rosings when he arrived. Consequently, on the fourth day after his expulsion from Longbourn, Mr. Collins presented himself at Rosings Park to advise Lady Catherine of his return. It secretly pleased him that the bruises on his face showed the most vibrant colors. With his cut lip and black eye, he could not fail to garner sympathy from his patroness. Affecting a limp, Mr. Collins entered the room, where Lady Catherine waited for him.
“What on earth happened to you, Mr. Collins? You know that I do not approve of physical violence.”
“I am sorry to report, your ladyship, that your nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, caused these injuries.”
“Do not be ridiculous, Mr. Collins. What do you know of my nephew?”
“I had the opportunity, or perhaps I should say misfortune, to meet your nephew in Hertfordshire. He was visiting an estate that borders my inheritance.”
“How dare you accuse my nephew of such ungentlemanly behavior? Darcy would never act as you say,” declared Lady Catherine in disgust.
“Perhaps under normal circumstances, my lady, but I fear he is bewitched. I arrived at my cousin’s home to discover the eldest of the young ladies is already being courted. The second of my cousins appeared to be drab and ill-mannered. The third daughter was presentable, fond of the scriptures, and plays the pianoforte quite well, so I directed my attention to her for almost a week. However, on my first Friday there, the second daughter, who is, in reality, very beautiful, came downstairs to join the family, looking like her true self. Before an opportunity came to approach her, a visiting militia officer swooped in and monopolized her attention. Then two more visitors arrived in the persons of your nephews, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. After they routed the officer who had approached Miss Elizabeth, the second sister, Mr. Bennet announced the courtship of Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. I tried to impress upon them the fact that the courtship could not stand, as Mr. Darcy had a previous engagement to your daughter. Mr. Darcy and the colonel both denied the existence of any engagement, saying it was only your wish and that it was not official and never would be.” Mr. Collins used all of the limited acting skills he possessed to guarantee a spirited reaction from Lady Catherine.
“Darcy would never do such a thing, Mr. Collins. You must be mistaken.”
“I wish that I were, your ladyship, but both gentlemen threatened to call me out if I said such a thing to anyone else.”
“Is that when you received these injuries?”
“No, that occurred later.”
“What else took place?” asked Lady Catherine, doubt creeping into her voice.
“I tried to convince Miss Elizabeth to break the engagement, but she would not agree, though I offered her marriage in Mr. Darcy’s place. She told her father that I tried to compromise her and he most likely relayed the story to Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bennet threw me out of the house and forced me to walk, dragging my trunk, into the village to take the coach back to Hunsford. Before I arrived at the inn, I encountered Mr. Darcy and the colonel. Your nephew used his fists to make me aware of his displeasure. I tried to explain to him what had occurred, but he refused to believe me and threatened to call me out again. Finally, Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled him away and they left me beaten in the street.”
By this time, Lady Catherine was seething with anger. “Darcy would not dare go against me in this way. He knows it was the greatest wish of his mother and myself that he and Anne marry. It looks as if I must take matters into my own hands. I will put a stop to this courtship by sending an announcement to the paper of the engagement. After that, I will expect you to return to Hertfordshire and marry that little hussy. I shall delight in having her under my control and I will be sure she understands her place in the world.”
Mr. Collins bowed his head to hide his smile of pleasure at Lady Catherine’s words.
“Please leave, Mr. Collins. I do not wish to see you again until your face returns to normal. Your injuries cause me anger and discomfort.”
“Of course, your ladyship,” said Mr. Collins as he backed from the room.
Unfortunately for Lady Catherine, she was in for a great shock. After writing the announcement to the Times of Darcy and Anne’s engagement, she sat down to read the morning post. As she perused the announcements column while dreaming of viewing the one she had just sent off to the paper, a notice caught her eye.
Engaged: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Darcy House and Pemberley to Miss Elizabeth Diana Bennet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire. The couple plans to marry early in the new year.
After reading the announcement, Lady Catherine screamed in rage and frustration. Her shouts brought her daughter, the butler, and the housekeeper running.
“What is wrong, Mama?” cried Anne, slightly out of breath.
“Madame, how can I assist you?” asked the butler.
The housekeeper held out a vinaigrette to her mistress but did not speak.
“I need my carriage made ready right away. Have my maid begin packing. I must be on my way to London as soon as possible, preferably within the hour. We will stop to see my brother the earl before continuing to Hertfordshire.
“What is in Hertfordshire, Mama?”
“Your cousin, Darcy. I plan to convince him to return with me so that we might announce your engagement.”
“Mama, Darcy and I both told you we do not wish to wed. Why are you so set on this?”
“Because you deserve to be the next mistress of Pemberley. I named you after my sister, and you should follow in her footsteps.”
“You always tell me I am too weak to manage Rosings or help make decisions for the estate. William was forced to shoulder a great many burdens at a young age. Why would you wish to add to those burdens by saddling him with a wife he must take care of rather than one who can ease his concerns and care for his estate? Please, Mama, for my sake, let go of this matter.”
Lady Catherine was shocked at her daughter’s words. “I did not think you serious when you said you did not wish to marry Darcy. I thought you were just trying to appease your cousin with your words.”
“No, Mama. I love William. He is a wonderful cousin, but we are not suited to one another. We are both quiet and reserved. Each of us must marry someone who will bring laughter and joy to our lives. We could not do that for each other. I want William to find the happiness he deserves, and that would not be with me. If he found someone to make him happy, please allow him that experience.”
“You are sure you do not wish to marry Darcy?”
“No, Mama, I do not. I have always preferred Richard to William. He makes me happy, and he makes me laugh. That is what I want for my future. I do not know if he feels the same way, but I plan to leave Rosings Park to Richard when I pass away. I want him to be able to resign from the army. I want him home and safe.”
“Do you wish me to mention the possibility of your marrying Richard to your uncle? I want you to be happy, my child.”
“If Richard is interested, I would be pleased to marry him, but promise me you will not force him into a marriage he does not want. It is probably not fair for me to marry anyone. I doubt I will be able to provide my husband with an heir.”
“If you wish, we will seek a new doctor. I know that I never wanted to do so before, but perhaps your uncle can suggest one. Perhaps there can be more to your future than you believe. I will do whatever I can for your happiness, my dear daughter.”
“Then do not go to Hertfordshire. Send Darcy a letter wishing him well and welcoming his betrothed to the family. That would make me happy.”
Lady Catherine stared at her daughter for a long time. It was hard to let go of her dreams, but all she ever desired was what was best for Anne. If this was what she wanted, Lady Catherine would agree. “It will be as you desire, Anne.” She turned to the butler, who stood poised in the doorway to carry out his mistress’s wishes. “If you delivered my earlier orders, please cancel them. I shall not be traveling at this time after all. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some letters to write.” Her posture stiff and straight, but her steps somewhat slower, Lady Catherine retired to her study.
At the parsonage, Mr. Collins’ mail had also arrived. As he looked through the letters, he was surprised to find one written in an unknown feminine hand.
“I tried to tell her he would not follow through with a proposal,” sneered Mr. Collins. Perhaps I should leave her to wither on the shelf. After the way she treated me, it is all she deserves.” Then he recalled Lady Catherine’s words and did not wish to incur her wrath. Before he broke the seal on the letter, a knock came at the door. A footman in the Rosings livery handed him a note before turning to leave. Mr. Collins unfolded the paper and quickly scanned the contents. The longer he read, the more his face fell until his expression ultimately resembled a scowl.
How could this have happened? Why would Lady Catherine give up on her desires for her daughter to marry Darcy? How was he to gain control of Elizabeth if Darcy were permitted to marry her? What could he do to achieve his desires and not cause his patroness to be angry with him?
It was then that he recalled the other letter. After rapidly breaking the seal, Mr. Collins began to read. This time, his expression changed to one of evil. His eyes were cold and his grin broad. His laughter would raise the hair on the back of one’s neck. He sat at the desk in his study and hurried to pen his reply.
Meeting Georgiana
Within a week of the announcement of his engagement appearing in the paper, Darcy received a stack of letters. Georgiana’s contained excitement and concern about her brother’s betrothal. She was happy he had found someone to love but worried that Miss Elizabeth would not like her or would judge her for her poor choices with Wickham. The letter also contained her travel plans for the trip to Netherfield. Richard sent his hearty congratulations. The Earl and Countess of Matlock sent their congratulations, which were tempered by concern about Elizabeth’s background. Darcy received a letter from Anne full of good wishes for his future happiness. The most surprising correspondence of all came from his Aunt Catherine.
Rosings Park
Kent
November 22, 1811
Dear Darcy,
I am pleased to learn of your engagement and hope you and your young lady will be very happy.
Upon hearing Mr. Collins’ tale and then reading the announcement, I was furious. However, a conversation with Anne helped me to understand that marriage to each other is not what would be best for either of you.
I am concerned that the young lady comes from such a low sphere that she could be related to my parson. I hope the young woman you selected will not be an embarrassment to the Fitzwilliam family and name.
After you have settled in, you must bring the young woman to visit. I will instruct her in anything that she needs to know to be the mistress of Pemberley.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
To say that his aunt’s words shocked Darcy would be a tremendous understatement. Could it possibly be true that she has given up on her designs for Anne and me? Or is Aunt Catherine attempting to lure me into a false sense of security or a trap? He reread Anne’s letter and found that she also mentioned her mother’s capitulation and believed her sincere.
Two days before the Bingleys’ ball, Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Netherfield Park. Bingley invited Jane and Elizabeth to come for afternoon tea, thereby giving Georgiana time to rest after her travels as well as to meet Elizabeth for the first time without the chaos that ruled at Longbourn. As teatime approached, a nervous Georgiana sat in the largest drawing room with all the residents of the manor house, waiting for the visitors.
Georgiana noted with pleasant surprise that Miss Bingley was not as solicitous of her as usual. She was a bit more supercilious, however.
“My dear Miss Darcy, I would suggest you not raise your expectations too high. The Bennet sisters, though pleasant enough, are nothing compared to your friends and relations in the first circles.” Though abiding by her brother’s strictures regarding their neighbors, the tone of Caroline’s voice gave the lie to her words.
Georgiana was surprised at her words and uncertain how to respond. She finally managed to say, “Ah, why, thank you, Miss Bingley.” She glanced at William to see if he found her response appropriate only to catch him rolling his eyes at Richard. Georgiana was forced to look down to hide the smile her brother’s actions elicited.
Miss Darcy had barely managed to compose herself before Dawson appeared in the doorway and announced, “Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Charles hurried to greet the ladies as they entered the room. Darcy stood as well, his bright smile only for Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, we are glad you could join us this afternoon.”
“Indeed, we are,” said Darcy. “Elizabeth, I believe you remember the colonel. Please allow me to introduce you to my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgie, this is my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and her elder sister, Miss Bennet.” The ladies curtsied to each other upon introduction and murmured the usual words. Darcy and Elizabeth joined Georgiana on the settee so that the girls could speak and become better acquainted. Jane and Charles settled nearby.
Having been removed as hostess by her brother when she had complained about arranging the ball, Caroline waited with the others to receive her tea. She was not close enough to participate in any of the conversations in the room but studied the others carefully. Accepting that Darcy honestly would not ever marry her, she was resigned to moving on when next in London for the season. Understanding, however, did not mean that she was willing to allow the young lady he selected to be someone she considered far below herself in social status. If he was willing to accept a nobody like Eliza Bennet, how could a tradesman’s daughter be that different? Caroline still did not understand that it was her personality more than her status that made her an unwanted candidate. As such, she would arrange things so that Miss Elizabeth would not be an acceptable candidate, either.
A Turn in Their Dance Page 15
