by Jann Rowland
“Why have you decided you wish to go, Caroline? I am well able to handle this matter with your brother’s assistance.”
“It is precisely because of your ability to handle this matter that I believe I should come.” Caroline motioned to Jane who stood nearby, also dressed in her traveling clothes. “Jane agrees with me.”
Thomas gazed at his wife, apparently attempting to determine if she was telling him the truth. As eager as he had been to set out for London, Caroline knew he was not taking this delay with any measure of appreciation. Charles appeared as impatient to be off as her husband if his shuffling from foot to foot was any indication.
The final member of the immediate family, Mary, stood by, watching with amusement. While it had initially been their plan for Caroline to insert herself into the proposed journey to London, Jane had caught wind of their designs and insisted she be included. Mary, though it was clear she wished to be in London herself, recognized the need for someone to stay behind and manage the house. Furthermore, Jane, being the patient member of the family, was better suited to assist in restraining the gentlemen, though privately Caroline was not certain she possessed the ruthless determination she thought would be required. Either way, Mary was to stay and Caroline and Jane, to go—if they could convince her pigheaded husband.
“Perhaps they wish to be of assistance to Elizabeth,” said Charles when Thomas did not immediately respond. “If Darcy has hurt her in any way, she will require the understanding of a woman.”
Caroline scowled at her obtuse brother. “It is difficult to comprehend your reaction to this, Charles. A matter of four days ago, Mr. Darcy was the best man of your acquaintance, a man who could do no wrong. And now you suspect him of willingly attempting to hurt Elizabeth.”
While Charles had the good grace to appear abashed, Thomas was not affected in the slightest. While he did not speak, he regarded them, and if she did not know him better, Caroline might have wondered if he was attempting to determine if they would seek to prevent him from seeking retribution.
“I believe it would be advisable to include them,” rumbled Mr. Bennet’s voice.
As one, the company turned to regard the patriarch. It was clear Mr. Bennet felt nothing but amusement over the confrontation playing out before him. The sardonic smile with which he regarded his eldest did not in any way please Thomas, who scowled back at him.
“I might wonder why you do not show more concern for your daughter, sir.”
If Mr. Bennet was perturbed at all by his son’s statement, it did not show in the widening of his grin. “I merely accept your good wife’s interpretation of matters,” said Mr. Bennet with a wink at Caroline. “There has been nothing in Darcy’s manners which suggest the kind of depravity of which you now seem to have convicted him. Whatever you will find in London will not be what you fear, for Mr. Gardiner would never allow it.
“Take your wife, Thomas, and take Jane too. They will provide a check on your thirst for vengeance. A man who brings his wife to a confrontation is not looking for a fight.”
Thomas considered the matter for a few moments before he nodded slowly. “Though I have not the confidence you possess, I have no objection to taking Caroline.” A smile lit up his face and Thomas turned to her. “Since you three ladies appear to have planned this between you, I assume you have prepared your trunks accordingly?”
“Of course,” replied Caroline, Jane nodding in agreement.
“Very well.” Then Thomas glared at them all. “But know this: should I find that Darcy has harmed my sister, no amount of feminine restraint will prevent me from extracting vengeance from his hide. Am I clear?”
What any of them might have said in response would forever remain a mystery, for at that moment the person none of them wished to see entered the room. For a moment, no one could speak, as they all turned to see Mr. Collins, watching them, his stern countenance indicating he had heard something of their discussion. Curiously, however, Mr. Bennet did not appear distressed, though the rest of the company watched the gentleman with horror.
“What is this of Elizabeth?” asked Mr. Collins. “You suspect someone of hurting her?”
“Indeed, they do,” said Mr. Bennet, sitting back in his chair, amusement written upon his brow. “Or at least the gentlemen do.”
“Mr. Darcy?” demanded Mr. Collins.
At first no one wished to answer his question, but at length, and after much shuffling of feet and glances at each other, Caroline essayed to speak up for the company. She told him, in as brief and soothing a manner as possible, what they had learned of Mr. Darcy’s actions from four years ago. Mr. Collins listened with a calmness none of them would have attributed to him. When Caroline finished speaking, the man was silent for several moments, apparently processing what he had been told. And the most curious of all was Mr. Bennet, who watched Mr. Collins as if expecting the man to provide him no end of mirth.
“It was improper of Mr. Darcy to have acted in such a manner,” said Mr. Collins at length. “But I am surprised you have not seen the truth, Thomas. At least, given what you said, I assume you suspect the gentleman of ulterior motives?”
“I do not see how one could not,” said Thomas, though in a tone much less confident than it had been previously. “What, in your estimation, is the truth?”
Mr. Collins shrugged. “I should have thought it obvious to a man who is similarly afflicted, Cousin. Mr. Darcy clearly loves our Elizabeth very much. The actions of a man of four years ago reveal an impulsivity I should not have expected from him, but if he truly meant harm, he could have done it then or any other time in between. The admiration with which he now looks on her cannot be mistaken.”
It was clear neither of the younger gentlemen were capable of responding to Mr. Collins’s assertions, while Mr. Bennet grinned and uttered a soft “Well done, Mr. Collins” at his cousin. The three women were all astonished that Mr. Collins was accepting this matter with such rationality, given the feelings he had always espoused for Elizabeth.
“You make very good points, Cousin,” said Jane, stepping toward him. “It is now left to me to be ashamed that I ever suspected Mr. Darcy, for I am sure we will find Lizzy very well and perhaps even a little annoyed with us when we go to London.
“I am curious, however. How do you know this? And what of your feelings for Lizzy?”
“There has never been any indication that my cousin returns my feelings, Jane,” said Mr. Collins. “I have long accepted this, though I will own that it has been difficult at times.”
Mr. Collins’s eyes flicked to where Mr. Bennet sat, and the elder gentleman gave him an encouraging nod. Standing straighter, Mr. Collins’s eyes once again found Jane’s. “As for the other, it is clear in everything Mr. Darcy does. Why, I myself spoke to him about it after church Sunday last. Mr. Darcy confirmed his interest in Elizabeth without disguise. There is no other interpretation to be had than that he admires her and in a manner which is most proper. In my opinion, Mr. Darcy has repented of his actions and now displays his respect and love for her in the most unabashed fashion. To her loving family, Elizabeth’s happiness must be of paramount importance—whatever you do or say, do not forget this fact.”
It was a statement so passionate and simple that the rest of the company was caught by Mr. Collins’s instinctive understanding. Even Caroline, who had supported the notion of Mr. Darcy’s proper interest in Elizabeth, had never put it in so succinct a manner.
“Again, I am embarrassed to have thought otherwise,” said Jane. “If I had been a more rational creature, none of this would be happening.”
“You show your care for a most beloved sister,” replied Mr. Collins. “There is nothing wanting in such clear affection.”
“It seems to me,” said Mr. Bennet, speaking to them all, “that Mr. Collins’s advice is most reasonable. I am happy you revealed the matter to us, Jane, for it is something we should know. I wish we had known it all along. But do not rush
to judgment and do not hurry to convict. Mr. Darcy may yet prove himself the besotted suitor, rather than the depraved despoiler of young ladies.”
Thomas scowled at his father for speaking so, but Mr. Bennet was not apologetic in any way. Finally, Thomas glanced away, nodding in agreement.
“Then we should depart,” came Charles’s diffident voice. “We are already a quarter hour past our time.”
The statement provoked them to action, and soon the travelers were seen to the carriage by those who were to stay behind. The trunks, little though there were of them, had already been loaded, and the party soon departed. Caroline had been concerned she and Jane would be forced to quell the anger of the gentlemen all the way to the Gardiner townhouse. But Mr. Collins’s assertions appeared to have been taken to heart. At least Charles appeared introspective as he peered out the window, occasionally speaking in low tones with Jane. As for Thomas . . .
“All will be well, Husband,” said she, grasping Thomas’s hand in hers. He would be the difficult one, being naturally more aggressive than Charles. Elizabeth was also his sister, and as such, the protective instinct he felt toward her was immense—though Charles was attached to Elizabeth in much the same way, his was not so close as that of a sibling by blood.
“I hope so, Caroline,” said Thomas, squeezing her hand in response. “I very much hope so.”
Seeing Mr. Darcy the next day was a revelation, in more ways than one. If Elizabeth were to be honest with herself, she had felt a certain nervousness, one which she had not truly felt in Mr. Darcy’s presence before. Even during those days when she had most suspected he might have ulterior motives for seeking her out, Elizabeth had been wary, but never had she been so nervous as she found herself as she waited for him to appear that morning. A few moments of thought did not reveal the reason, but she suspected it was because he had never specifically called on her, though he had called at Longbourn aplenty. But this time, it was the avowed purpose of Elizabeth’s company which drew him, and while that may have been true in the past, it had never been explicitly stated.
Elizabeth was not a vain woman. Many mornings she had scandalized her maid with a simple knot to tie her hair back, or an old day dress, when more appropriate, flattering options were available. This morning, however, she had surprised her maid—and herself—by taking more than half an hour with her toilette. And while Elizabeth had never considered herself a beauty, the way Mr. Darcy had looked at her the previous day informed her that the gentleman appreciated her looks a great deal.
Whether her efforts were a success, Elizabeth could not quite determine, for Mr. Darcy seemed no more or less appreciative when he arrived. “Miss Bennet,” said he, bowing over her hand, “you are a vision. How happy I am to see you today.”
“Are you certain you will not regret agreeing to accompany us?” asked she archly. “My cousins, though well-behaved, are rambunctious at times. Will you feel quite safe with us?”
“Quite safe, I believe. My sister is, as you must remember, twelve years my junior. As such, I have experience in dealing with children.”
“We shall see how you bear up,” replied Elizabeth.
The children were brought in and introduced to the gentleman. The eldest, Jessica, who was ten, gave Mr. Darcy a creditable curtsey, and the boys, Steven and Jeremy, varying degrees of proper bows. The youngest child, a girl of three by the name of Sarah, only ran to Elizabeth, insisting on being carried. When she was ensconced in Elizabeth’s arms, Sarah stuck her thumb in her mouth and began sucking it, refusing to do anything other than study Mr. Darcy.
Soon the children were outfitted for their walk, and they exited the house, making their way down the street toward the nearby park, Miss Collingford moving ahead with the elder children while Elizabeth walked behind with Mr. Darcy, still holding Sarah in her arms. It was a pleasant day, even to one who was accustomed to walking much further than the short distance to the park. All might have been carefree, had Elizabeth not noted that Mr. Darcy kept glancing at her, his expression unreadable. It did not appear to be in censure, but Elizabeth, still uncertain as to the gentleman at times, could not imagine what he meant by it. Finally, she determined to ask.
“What is it, Mr. Darcy?” asked she, turning her head to meet his eyes. Sarah protested the action, as it brought her closer to the unknown gentleman, but Elizabeth was not about to give up her question. “Is there something the matter with my appearance?’
Mr. Darcy groaned. “It appears you have caught me, Miss Bennet.” He paused and looked away. “Perhaps it might be best to drop the subject?”
By now Elizabeth was grinning, thinking she had caught him in some improper thoughts. It was so rare that a lady possessed an advantage over a gentleman that she was not about to give it up without a fight.
“Nay, Mr. Darcy, I insist on knowing the meaning of your looks.”
Caught by surprise, Mr. Darcy’s head whipped around, his surprised eyes meeting hers. “Are you certain you wish to know? It may cause you some discomfort.”
Elizabeth giggled and arched her brow. “By my estimation, you have been causing me discomfort of some kind since our meeting. You have been caught, and you must now confess. I insist upon it.”
“Very well,” replied Mr. Darcy. Turning to her, Elizabeth noticed an amusement had appeared in his grin, and she wondered at the wisdom of forcing him to confess. “You see, Miss Elizabeth, there are few images as powerful to a man interested in a woman as the sight of that woman with a child on her hip.”
Mr. Darcy looked down at Sarah and gave her a cross-eyed look, which prompted a giggle from the young girl.
“Seeing you with Miss Sarah,” continued he, looking back up at Elizabeth, “has given me an image to keep in mind, one which informs me what you might look like with our child on your hip. It is most tantalizing.”
Rendered speechless, Elizabeth gawked at the gentleman who appeared pleased at having discomfited her. It was the sight of his enjoyment which saved her from excessive embarrassment.
“It seems to me, Mr. Darcy,” said she in a frosty tone, “that you are always having improper thoughts for me. I wonder if you have ever had any which are proper.”
“At times, I wonder myself,” replied Mr. Darcy. “But at least you must have no doubt as to my interest. I will make you my wife. If there exists any way of convincing you, I will do it.”
It was fortunate for Elizabeth’s equilibrium that they soon arrived at the park. These little demonstrations of Mr. Darcy’s regard were thrilling, but they were also a little disconcerting. How should she respond to his overtures? Throwing herself into his arms was impossible though a portion of Elizabeth’s brain urged her to do just that. In the end, she decided to ignore it, though there was no ignoring the man himself.
The children, eager to run and burn off energy, set to it with a will when they reached the grassy surface. Even Jessica, who tried to appear grown and mature, chased after her brothers and was chased in her turn. Sarah, seeing her siblings at their play, wriggled free, and for some moments, the four children ran with abandon.
Then the children remembered the toys they brought and clamored for Elizabeth to release them. From a bag Miss Collingford carried, two kites were produced and quickly assembled. As the day held a hint of wind, without being too blustery, it was deemed the perfect day for the flying of kites. The string was soon unraveled and the kites, prepared.
Mr. Darcy then took the lead, showing he had indulged in the same activity many times as a child, showing the boys how the kite should be positioned and hoisted up into the air. It took a few tries, but soon the kites were flying, the two boys standing with a careful grip on the end of their strings, while Jessica waited beside them for her turn. Sarah, never having seen them before, stayed in Miss Collingford’s arms, but Elizabeth realized she never took her eyes from the flying objects over her head.
“Pull against the string, Steven,” instructed Mr. Darcy, keeping a c
lose eye on the boy.
“Mine does not want to fly,” said Jeremy, drawing the gentleman’s attention back to him.
“A little more wind would actually be best,” said Mr. Darcy to the boy. “But today will do. Follow me, and we will urge it higher into the air.”
That said, Mr. Darcy took off jogging, urging the boys to follow him, which they did with alacrity, Jessica trailing along behind them. True to the gentleman’s promise, the kites soared higher in the air, firmly caught in the grip of the current which did not blow nearer the earth.
The children took turns, their disagreements expertly negotiated by Mr. Darcy to ensure fairness, and all had fun. And as she watched them, Elizabeth was struck by how natural Mr. Darcy’s manners were when he played with them, how he watched and instructed and nurtured their understanding. The feeling of respect and regard for this man rose within her breast, and Elizabeth thought she understood something of the feelings he related of seeing her with Sarah. Should she accept him, would they someday engage in similar activities with their own children? The thought made Elizabeth feel warm all over.
When their time at the park had elapsed, Elizabeth was surprised that the children did not complain about their return to the house, as they often had before. Apparently, the benefits of using their seemingly boundless wells of energy had its uses. The kites were once again stowed in the bag Miss Collingford carried, and soon they were on their way from the park. As they passed the entrance, however, they came upon a bench, upon which sat an elderly woman, who smiled at them as they passed.
“Such a wonderful, handsome family you are,” said she. A look into her eyes showed they were slightly rheumy, suggesting that she could not quite make out their faces. “I cannot ever remember seeing one more handsome. Thank you for giving an old woman such entertainment, for I have watched you as you played.”
