by Jann Rowland
“Thank you,” said Mr. Darcy smoothly, though the look he cast at Elizabeth spoke volumes. “Do you require assistance returning to your home?”
“Oh, no,” replied the woman. “I am quite well, for I live just down the street. See to your family, sir. I shall hope to see you here again.”
Elizabeth could feel her face burning in mortification, though underneath she felt more than a hint of exhilaration. For Mr. Darcy’s part, though he continued to glance at her, he did not speak again, which was a merciful reprieve for Elizabeth’s sensibilities. Miss Collingford, walking ahead of them, seemed amused, if the shaking of her shoulders was any indication. But the woman did not say anything, so Elizabeth decided it would be best to remain silent herself.
Their return to the house was greeted with a surprise, for a familiar carriage was drawn up before the Gardiners’ front door. “Papa?” asked Elizabeth, shocked at seeing it standing there.
“This is your father’s carriage?”
“It is,” replied Elizabeth. “But I cannot imagine what might have brought him here without any word.”
They gained the house with haste, putting the children in the care of the nurse while Elizabeth hurried to the sitting-room, all manner of bad news alive in her mind. When she opened the door, she was doubly surprised to see Jane and Caroline sitting together on a sofa, while Mr. Bingley stood by the mantle and Thomas paced the floor in front of them.
The two parties looked on each other with astonishment at the sight of the other, and for a moment nothing was said. Then Thomas broke the silence, stepping forward and directing a scowl at Mr. Darcy.
“Remove yourself from my sister’s person and explain yourself, sir.”
Chapter XIX
“I beg your pardon?”
It was a reflexive response, one given without thought in the shock of the moment. In the back of his mind, however, a voice told Darcy his past actions with respect to Miss Elizabeth Bennet were about to come home to roost. Though he had harbored some hope the matter would never be known to anyone else, it seemed that hope had been in vain.
“Are you hard of hearing, Mr. Darcy?” hissed Bennet, his countenance most unpleasant. “Step away from my sister.”
Without waiting for a response, Bennet turned his attention to his sister and grasped her hand gently, but firmly, and pulled her away. Darcy felt instantly bereft of her presence.
“Lizzy, come and sit with your sisters,” said Bennet, his tone such that it could not be disobeyed. At least, if one was not a young woman of the stubbornness of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
“But, Thomas—”
“Not now, Lizzy.” While Mr. Bennet’s tone was not harsh, it was firm. “There is a matter of which we must speak. I must insist upon it.”
The look Miss Elizabeth gave her brother was not pleased in the slightest, but she allowed herself to be led to the sofa. Miss Bennet and Mrs. Bennet rose to greet her, embracing her and ensuring themselves of her wellbeing before settling her between them. The arrangement was a blatant attempt to ensure she was protected, and while Darcy did not note anything of censure in either woman’s countenance, it was clear their sister’s peace of mind was their primary concern.
“Thomas,” said Bingley, approaching his brother and laying a hand on his arm. “Remember of what we spoke in the carriage. This is not a time to lose your temper and do or say something you may regret.”
“Trust me, Bingley,” was Bennet’s only response.
Then he turned to Mr. Darcy, his mouth set in a firm line. A pause ensued, suggesting he was either considering his words or forcing himself to refrain from voicing whatever angry thoughts rolled around in his mind. In the end, knowing to what this interview would relate, Darcy decided it was best to take the initiative.
“Given your arrival and your obvious anger, might I infer that you have heard of what happened between myself and Miss Elizabeth the night of our first meeting?”
“You may,” snapped Bennet. “Though I do not know what possessed Jane to keep it from us—nor why Elizabeth would insist upon silence—the matter is now known to us. I trust you understand what you might have done to Elizabeth’s reputation had your actions become known.”
“Thomas—” protested Miss Elizabeth again, but this time it was Darcy who interrupted her.
“There is every reason for me to answer your brother’s question, Miss Elizabeth. I behaved abominably—his response is not unreasonable.” Then turning to Bennet, Darcy said: “I am well aware of the potential consequences of my actions, sir.”
“Are you?” Bennet glared at him with the heat of a bonfire. “Lizzy may have been seen to be compromised, our family might have suffered. She was a girl of naught but sixteen! You call yourself a gentleman, and yet you importuned her so abominably?”
“I can offer no defense for my actions,” said Darcy. “While I do not attempt to defend myself, if the matter had become known at any time, I would have fulfilled my obligations as a gentleman.”
“Which is why I did not want it to become known,” said Miss Elizabeth. She turned to look at Jane. “You knew my wishes, Jane. Why did you bring the matter up now, of all times?”
“Did I not inform you I would speak to Papa if I was concerned for your safety?” Miss Elizabeth was taken aback, but Miss Bennet did not allow her to speak again. “I was worried, Lizzy! It seemed to me you were easier with Mr. Darcy, but you did not speak to me. Then I saw you and Mr. Darcy emerging from the same balcony at the last assembly, and you came to London and Mr. Darcy followed after. What was I to think?”
Miss Elizabeth’s mouth worked, but no sound came out. Then she gave a little cry and embraced her sister. “Oh, Jane, I am so sorry! It never crossed my mind to think of your feelings. I was not certain of my own, so I stayed silent!”
“You owe me no apology, Sister dearest. But I am curious what has happened, and why Mr. Darcy followed you to London.”
“The reason I followed your sister to London, Miss Bennet,” said Darcy, “is due to my regard for her. Though I have made a hash of everything, I have come to the realization that your sister is the best of women.” Darcy smiled at Elizabeth, who returned it from the circle of her sister’s arms. “It is my intention to court her and win her for my wife.”
It seemed Darcy had managed to provoke Bennet’s respect, for the man looked at him, a sense of appraisal about him. Bingley, who had remained silent, did not respond verbally, but he nodded at Darcy, clearly pleased with what he was hearing.
“See, Thomas,” said Mrs. Bennet, gazing at her husband with fond exasperation, “I told you how it would be. Did I not say from the start that Mr. Darcy admired our Lizzy?”
“Perhaps you did,” replied Bennet. “But we could not remain idle when Jane informed us of these matters.”
“Of course, you could not. But now that we have Mr. Darcy’s assurances of his intentions, coupled with the clear evidence that Elizabeth has not been harmed in any way, shall we not take a less confrontational approach?”
It was clear that the man in Bennet wished to further display his displeasure and ensure his intention to protect his sister was well understood. But he subsided with a curt nod and found a nearby chair. Darcy had not mistaken the man’s actions, and as such, could not say he had not understood. But as Darcy had vowed to himself that he would spend the rest of his life atoning for his lack of judgment, he decided it did not signify.
“You thought because of Mr. Darcy’s following me to town that he had come to . . . what exactly, Jane?”
The crimson of Miss Bennet’s countenance told Darcy exactly what she had suspected. That such a lady as she, who had always been spoken of in the most glowing terms by both Bingley and Miss Elizabeth, should harbor such thoughts must have been difficult to bear.
“There is little I can say in my defense,” said she. “It is clear that I read the situation all wrong, and for that, I apologize.”
“No
apology is necessary, Jane,” said Miss Elizabeth, “for it is my fault for not speaking of my new understanding of Mr. Darcy’s character.”
The way Miss Elizabeth’s eyes rested on Darcy brought him the greatest of pleasure. The gesture was not missed by Mrs. Bennet, who laughed and exclaimed: “For you to have come to such an understanding, the gentleman must have been most persuasive.”
“That is hardly an appropriate comment, given the situation,” said Bennet. The wide smile his wife returned suggested she was not at all chastened by his words. “What I would like to know,” said Bennet, directing his attention back to Darcy and his sister, “is how this all came about.”
Thus, it fell to the two in question to relate what had happened between them these past few days. Darcy, being the naturally more reticent, allowed Miss Elizabeth to carry the bulk of the response, though he added his own thoughts when he felt it necessary. Their conversation on the balcony, along with an explanation of their growing attachment since, was offered, and Darcy was gratified to see that it was being accepted. Perhaps he had not completely redeemed himself, but it seemed it was now possible.
“It appears as if Father was correct,” said Bennet with a shaken head. “Not to mention Collins.”
Miss Elizabeth gasped. “William knows of what happened between us?”
“Yes, he does,” replied Bennet, this time looking at his sister with open amusement. “He came upon us as we were discussing the matter this morning. I feel no compunction in pointing out that I was shocked at his response.”
“As were we all,” said his wife sotto voce.
Clearly mystified, Miss Elizabeth demanded to know of what they spoke. It was Bingley who responded.
“Your cousin was Darcy’s staunchest supporter, Miss Elizabeth. When the matter was made known to him, he acknowledged Darcy’s improper behavior, but he nevertheless refused to be moved in his opinion of his trustworthiness. None of us could account for it.”
As he listened to his friend’s account, a grin spread over Darcy’s face, sufficient to draw the attention of more than one of the company. “It is, perhaps, not so surprising to me as it was to all of you.”
Darcy laughed when more than one countenance became flinty, demanding he explain himself. “On Sunday last, Mr. Collins detained me after church, insisting he had seen my interest in his cousin and demanding I confirm my intentions were honorable. When I gave him that assurance, he was most gracious in his thanks and allowed me to depart without further words.”
“That is what Father was on about!” exclaimed Bennet. “He knew of the conversation between you and insisted Collins would not be a problem.”
“From all I am hearing,” said Darcy slowly, “might I assume Mr. Collins possesses a partiality for Miss Elizabeth? Mr. Bennet alluded to it, but he was not explicit as to the details.”
The mirth his comment provoked must be the result of inside knowledge of the situation. Miss Elizabeth glared at her relations and undertook the task of explaining the family’s history with the gentleman, particularly concerning his feelings for Elizabeth herself. As he had stated to them all, Darcy did not find the knowledge that Mr. Collins was partial to Miss Elizabeth a surprise—Darcy himself had fallen under her spell immediately, and she, a girl of only sixteen!
“It seems to me,” drawled Bingley as Miss Elizabeth’s explanation concluded, “my friend is relieved he shall not be required to vie with Mr. Collins for Miss Elizabeth’s favor. And well he might, for I have no notion who would emerge the victor in such a competition.”
The jest struck the rest of the company as highly amusing, and they released their mirth as might be expected in such a situation. Darcy attempted a glare at Bingley, but it was ineffectual, to say the least.
“According to my father,” said Bennet, “it seems unlikely Collins will be a problem.” He turned to look at Miss Elizabeth. “That should come as a relief to you, Sister. I know how the matter has concerned you.”
“There is nothing the matter with William,” said Miss Elizabeth, a fond note in her voice. “He is perfectly amiable. But I have long known we would not suit. While he may never have confessed it, I am certain he understands this as well.”
“That is all very well,” said Bennet, turning back to Darcy. “It seems you have begun to make amends, sir, and for that I am grateful. I had no desire to call you out, though I would have done it if I had not been satisfied.”
“Then let us all be grateful,” replied Darcy. “Many outcomes are possible when one is engaged in a duel, whether the combatants intend excessive harm or not.”
Bennet grunted and spoke again. “What I am most concerned about is your family. We all understand you are of a far more elevated level of society, and I am concerned Lizzy will face censure when your relations learn of your attentions to her. Can you give me some assurance that she will be protected?”
Darcy was warmed by her brother’s concern, even while he was exasperated at being asked this question yet again.
“This is the third time I have been asked that question, Bennet,” said Darcy, glancing at Miss Elizabeth. “The first time was by your sister and the second, your uncle. It seems you have the impression my family is naught but a collection of elitists, disdaining all those who do not inhabit the same sphere.”
“It is a valid concern,” protested Bennet.
“Perhaps it is,” replied Darcy. “But let me answer once again, so there may be no misunderstanding. My uncle is an earl, yes, but he is quite unpretentious, and his family is largely the same. This includes my mother. I am convinced my sister will love Miss Elizabeth, grateful to have a sister of her own.
“The only one who will protest my choice is my father, who does espouse some hopes for my future. While my father will not like my choice, he will not disparage your sister, and in the end, he will accept it.”
“I have met Darcy’s family,” added Bingley helpfully. “It is as Darcy stated. His cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam is among the best of men, and his uncle was welcoming to me when I met him.”
“A friend is much different from a potential wife,” observed Bennet.
“Please allow me my understanding of this matter,” said Darcy. “There is much less likelihood of my uncle protesting than my father. In the end, it matters little, for if she will have me, my choice is made.”
Bennet regarded him with appraisal for several moments before he nodded slowly. “Very well, then. I will respect my sister’s choice, and I expect you to do so as well. If she decides against you, you must desist.”
“Of course,” said Darcy, though the thought caused his stomach to tie into knots.
“Furthermore,” said Bennet, his tone even sterner, “the improprieties of the past will not be repeated. Every interaction must be conducted with the utmost decorum.”
The man’s stern gaze found Miss Elizabeth. “That goes for you too, Lizzy. I know your character, and I would not presume to suppose you would act improperly. But I well know the temptations of growing desire and regard. Please do not give your poor elder brother grey hair before his time.”
While they laughed, no one was inclined to tease him. As it was, Darcy agreed with him wholeheartedly. He did not miss the fact that her brother was not convinced—neither of his intentions nor of his general worth as a gentleman. Eager as he was to have good relations with this man in the future, Darcy knew he would be required to prove himself.
Mr. Gardiner returned to his house that evening to find there were more occupants than there were when he left it that morning. His expressed surprise was short-lived, for he was happy to see his family.
“Mrs. Gardiner is on the mend,” replied he when asked. “It will not be much longer, I suspect, before she will join us after dinner for the evening, though her full recovery will take a little longer.” Mr. Gardiner paused and peered at them all, a slight frown showing his thoughts. “It is curious you are here now when I had no word whatsoever
of your coming.”
Though his meaning was clearly understood, Elizabeth had pleaded with them all to keep the matter from Mr. Gardiner’s attention. Already feeling more than a little shame due to her lack of trust in her family, she did not wish Mr. Gardiner to be distrustful of Mr. Darcy when the men were clearly becoming friends.
“It was a whim, Gardiner, and nothing more,” said Thomas smoothly. “Caroline and I do not mean to impose upon your hospitality for long, as we mean to return to Hertfordshire tomorrow. If you are amenable to hosting Jane for a few days, she has decided she wishes to stay with Lizzy.”
“Of course,” said Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth suspected her uncle realized he was not being told everything, but he did not seem inclined to push the matter. “Jane is always welcome to stay, and I dare say Elizabeth might like the assistance, though, as I said, I suspect my wife will be back on her feet soon. But what of you, Bingley?”
“It is my intention to stay as well,” replied Mr. Bingley. “But I shall not trespass on your kindness—I can simply retire to the family townhouse while I am here.”
“There is no need to open your townhouse, Bingley,” said Mr. Darcy. “You are more than welcome to stay with me at my house.”
“That is kind of you, Darcy,” said Mr. Bingley. “I shall take you up on the offer.”
Soon after, the company was called to the dining room. Mr. Gardiner invited them in, a wryness in his voice which spoke to his bemusement at having all the extra guests for dinner. They were a merry party, their host not having seen his nephew and new niece since their recent wedding. As such, he was eager to hear of their adventures in Ramsgate, such as they were, and the newlyweds were not at all averse to sharing the accounts of their doings.
As was common in such situations, particularly when she had heard these tales before, Elizabeth allowed her attention to wander. It would have been no surprise to any of them to learn that her thoughts turned to the gentleman sitting next to her as was his right as the highest ranked of the gentleman visitors present.
