To Conquer Pride

by Jennifer Altman

  Chapter 9

  THE JOURNEY TO Hertfordshire passed at the usual speed. Due to the party’s late arrival, Elizabeth spent the night at Netherfield; so it was not until the following morning that she and Jane made the three-mile trip to Longbourn. At the sound of carriage wheels on the gravel drive, the door to the house was thrown open and Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Kitty hurried to greet the returning sisters.

  “Lizzy! Thank goodness you have come!” Mrs. Bennet cried, fluttering her handkerchief. “There is so much to be done! And your father is no help at all. He has barely stirred from his bookroom these last seven days.”

  Elizabeth reached out to give her mother a tentative embrace as Kitty rushed forward to tug at Elizabeth’s sleeve.

  “Lizzy, may I borrow your yellow gown for the ceremony? You know I have nothing half as fine and Lydia has asked me to stand up with her.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “We shall see, Kitty,” she answered, moving towards the house where Lydia stood, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

  “La, Lizzy! Do you not wish to congratulate me?” she trilled. “I am certain you had no notion when you went away that you should return to find one of your sisters engaged to be married. And me, the youngest of us all!”

  “Hush, Lydia!” hissed Jane, in an uncharacteristic display of emotion. “We are all very happy for you, but we need not conduct this discussion in the courtyard.”

  Lydia pouted but Jane managed to usher the party into the house to continue their conversation in private.

  ***

  After retiring to her room to see to her belongings, Elizabeth made her way downstairs, passing the parlor where she could hear her mother’s and sisters’ voices raised in excited conversation. Arriving at the entrance to her father’s library, she tapped softly at the door, twisting the handle at Mr. Bennet’s bid to enter.

  Crossing into the chamber, Elizabeth made her way to one of the overstuffed chairs opposite Mr. Bennet’s desk. Studying her father’s face, she could immediately see the effect recent circumstances had taken. In addition to the deep grooves that marked her father’s brow, his eyes held a sadness Elizabeth could not recall seeing there before.

  “Papa, how are you?”

  The clock in the corner ticked off the minutes as Mr. Bennet stared vacantly into the back garden. When he answered, his voice was devoid of emotion. “This is my fault.”

  Although Elizabeth had expressed similar sentiments in London, seeing her father’s anguish, her only inclination now was to ease his suffering, and so she responded gently, “You must not blame yourself. You know Lydia has always been headstrong and determined to have her way, whatever the cost.”

  Mr. Bennet released a breath, finally turning to face his favorite daughter. “No, Lizzy. It is my own weakness that brought this about. I did not rein her in as I should have done, and now we are all reaping our just rewards. Were it not for Mr. Bingley…” he did not finish the sentence, but instead picked up the tumbler of brandy before him, draining it in one long swallow.

  “Yes,” Elizabeth answered quietly. “Jane told me of Mr. Bingley’s generosity. We must all be eternally grateful for his kind attention.”

  Replacing his glass, Mr. Bennet removed his spectacles before slowly massaging the bridge of his nose. “It is a debt I am afraid I can never repay.”

  “Papa, we must remember that Mr. Bingley is family now. I do not believe he expects compensation.” When her father did not answer, Elizabeth decided her best course might be to turn the conversation. “But what of Lydia’s gentleman? I imagine she is well pleased as he has the good fortune to sport a red coat, but what of his character? I must admit to having some concerns based on the story Jane related.”

  Mr. Bennet snorted, tilting his head. “From what I have observed, he is as silly as your sister. However, I must confess, although he did balk at Lydia’s lack of dowry, he does not appear to be totally mercenary, so I suppose it could be worse. And he does seem quite taken with your sister’s… charms.” At this, Mr. Bennet smirked, a bit of his usual liveliness returning. “In any case, you may judge for yourself, my dear Lizzy, as your Mamma has invited him to dine with us this evening. Now, why do you not run along and join your sisters. I believe I am in need of a nice long rest if I am to tolerate the upcoming festivities with my usual good grace.”

  ***

  Elizabeth did not heed her father’s advice to join the remainder of her family; she too felt incapable of an afternoon spent in Lydia’s presence. Instead, she made her escape through the side door, eager to enjoy a long ramble in the countryside after so many weeks in Town. She did not return for several hours, leaving just enough time to dress before joining her mother and sisters who were already gathered in the drawing room. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth entered the parlor, steeling herself against the commotion that was sure to follow. She was not to be disappointed.

  “Lizzy, there you are! It is about time,” Mrs. Bennet called the moment Elizabeth had crossed into the room. “Jane and Mr. Bingley will be here at any moment, as well as Lydia’s dear Mr. Hughes,” she added, waving her handkerchief in the direction of her youngest daughter.

  Elizabeth made her way to a seat near the window, smothering a sigh. “Oh, yes. Heaven forbid we keep the lieutenant waiting.”

  Across the room, Lydia scowled. “You needn’t look so sour about it, Lizzy. It is hardly my fault that men prefer my company to yours, even if I am five years younger.”

  Before Elizabeth could reply, Kitty spoke. “You forget, Lydia, that Lizzy might have been the first to marry had she accepted Mr. Collins.”

  “Do not remind me!” cried Mrs. Bennet. “I have not forgiven you, Lizzy. To think, because of your headstrong ways, Charlotte Lucas will one day be mistress of this house. Thank goodness our dear Jane managed to secure Mr. Bingley, otherwise, heaven knows what would have become of us.”

  “Mamma…” Elizabeth began, but she was once again interrupted, this time by Mary.

  “Not everyone believes securing a husband is the key to happiness, Mamma. I think Lizzy did the right thing. She would never have been content with Mr. Collins.”

  Surprised, Elizabeth turned to face her middle sister. “Thank you, Mary.”

  Mrs. Bennet opened her mouth, but as luck would have it, she was soon distracted by the sight of a carriage pulling into the drive, so Elizabeth was spared her mother’s further opinions on the matter.

  ***

  Elizabeth lifted her wine glass, draining its contents. Across the table Lydia prattled on about wedding fripperies, while beside her Mr. Hughes sat quietly eating the meal Mrs. Bennet had spent two days planning. Elizabeth studied her soon-to-be brother. To her surprise, her impression of him had been favorable so far. Knowing Lydia, Elizabeth had expected someone brash and bawdy, but instead she found the gentleman quiet and somewhat shy, especially around her gregarious family. And she had once or twice caught him staring at her youngest sister with an expression that could only be described as awe. Elizabeth released a breath. For all her concerns, he was a good deal better than she had reason to expect and far superior to anything Lydia deserved.

  Setting down her cutlery, Elizabeth turned her attention to the conversation just in time to hear Mr. Bingley directing a question to the lieutenant, as Lydia had finally stopped speaking long enough to take a bite of food.

  “Mr. Hughes, have you and Miss Lydia settled on where you will reside after the wedding?” Bingley asked, and Elizabeth noticed the worried expression that flickered across Jane’s face.

  The lieutenant opened his mouth, but it was Lydia who answered. “My Uncle Phillips has found us lodgings in Meryton. The house is frightfully small, but I dare say it will do well enough until my darling Hughes can sort out something better. Surely there must be a small estate in the vicinity we might lease.”

  Bingley coughed, taking a sip of his wine as Jane turned to address her sister. “Lydia, you know very well there are no such properties available. Besides, Mr.
Hughes must be near his regiment, and certainly will not have the time to manage his own estate.”

  Nor does the man have two shillings to rub together, Elizabeth thought, exceedingly glad Mr. Bingley had taken pains to safeguard Lydia’s dowry so the money could not be touched until her sister reached her majority. Honestly! Did Lydia never have a concern for anything besides her own selfish desires?

  As if to prove Elizabeth’s point, Lydia waved her hand in a dismissive manner. “Oh, Jane! We shall have a steward for all that tedious business. But I suppose you are correct. It would be silly to tie ourselves down when we shall be removing to Brighton in a few short months. And then who knows? My dear Hughes was even thinking of purchasing a commission in the regulars, weren’t you, Henry?”

  Now it was the lieutenant who coughed into his napkin before turning to his betrothed. “I hope to… one day,” he murmured.

  Elizabeth frowned and shot her sister a look, before turning to her mother to inquire about the next course.

  ***

  Darcy stepped onto the pavement of Gracechurch Street, glancing up at the modest townhouse. Though not nearly as grand as the homes he was accustomed to frequenting, the façade was freshly painted and the brick walkway leading to the front steps was flanked with neatly trimmed shrubbery. His knock was answered promptly by an immaculately dressed manservant, and after presenting his card, Darcy was shown into a tastefully furnished salon.

  Mrs. Gardiner stood when he entered, and although her face showed surprise, her eyes were warm, and Darcy immediately felt at ease.

  “Mr. Darcy, this is indeed a pleasure.”

  Darcy bowed, a quick scan of the room showing him that Mrs. Gardiner was the only occupant. Attempting to hide his disappointment, he took the seat his hostess indicated. “Mrs. Gardiner, I hope you will excuse the intrusion. I happened to be in the area and thought I would stop in to pay my respects.”

  “It is no imposition, sir. As a matter of fact, you find me quite at my leisure, and I always welcome company.”

  “I thank you. My sister and I had anticipated calling earlier in the week, but unfortunately, she has been indisposed. I… I trust you and Miss Bennet have been in good health?”

  “We have, sir. But what of Miss Darcy? I hope she is not still unwell?”

  “No, she is much improved. Though I have encouraged her to rest, else she certainly would have accompanied me.” Darcy turned to face the door, twisting his walking stick between his fingers.

  Mrs. Gardiner fixed her gaze on his and a smile touched her lips. “Pray, do give Miss Darcy my regards. And I am certain Lizzy would wish to convey hers as well.” She paused for a moment before adding, “Unfortunately, my niece is no longer residing with us. She returned to Longbourn yesterday afternoon.”

  Struggling to hide his disappointment, Darcy schooled his expression. “Oh? I did not realize… That is, I had understood Miss Bennet was to have stayed in Town for some duration.”

  “Yes, that was her original intent,” Mrs. Gardiner answered slowly. “It was a last-minute decision. My husband and I were sorry to see her go.”

  Darcy’s gaze shifted to the window. “I see. And do you expect that Miss Bennet will return before the end of the season?”

  “I do not believe her plans are set, sir.”

  Conversation faltered until Mrs. Gardiner introduced the topic of Derbyshire and the two spoke for some moments about mutual acquaintances. But when the clock struck the hour, Darcy reached for his stick, slowly rising to his feet.

  “Forgive me, Mrs. Gardiner, but I must return to my sister. She is not yet fully recovered and I do not like leaving her alone for an extended period.”

  “Of course,” Mrs. Gardiner answered, rising and accompanying him to the door.

  “I pray you would convey my best wishes to your family,” Darcy added.

  “And mine to yours, sir. I hope our paths will cross again one day.”

  And although Darcy nodded, he thought such a circumstance very unlikely.

  ***

  Lydia’s wedding day soon arrived, and in an intimate ceremony in the Meryton church, Lieutenant Henry Hughes and Miss Lydia Bennet became husband and wife. Afterwards, the four and twenty neighborhood families along with a smattering of out-of-town relations joined the newlyweds at Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Although Mr. Bingley had gallantly offered Netherfield for the celebration, Mr. Bennet had steadfastly refused, feeling his son-in-law had done quite enough for the couple already.

  Weaving her way through the clusters of friends and relations who had assembled in Longbourn’s parlor, Elizabeth approached her aunt and uncle who were presently conversing with Jane and Mr. Bingley.

  “I will go up and change,” said Elizabeth. “We can be off as soon as Lydia and the lieutenant take their leave.”

  The Gardiners were quick to agree, but Jane reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “I do wish you would stay, Lizzy. You know you are always welcome at Netherfield if Mamma’s nerves are too much for you.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “You are too kind, Jane. But you and Charles are still newlyweds yourself. I could not impose on you for any length of time. No, I would much rather go back to London with our aunt and uncle.”

  At this, Bingley stepped forward. “I know your mind is already made up, but I would like to second Jane’s offer. You know you will always be welcome wherever your sister and I reside.”

  Touched, Elizabeth murmured her thanks before taking a breath and turning to her sister. “Jane, I wonder if I could trouble you to accompany me upstairs. There is something I would speak to you about before I go.

  ***

  “Jane, say something.”

  It was a quarter of an hour later and Elizabeth was perched on the corner of her bed, her sister staring back at her from the facing window seat.

  “Lizzy! I can hardly believe it. You might have been killed!”

  Crossing to the window, Elizabeth sank down beside her sister, wrapping her arms around Jane’s slim shoulders. “But I was not. As you can see, I am perfectly well.”

  Jane blinked back at her. “But the carriage was wrecked! And the coachman was killed. I remember Charles saying so. Were you truly not hurt at all?”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “Just some scrapes and bruises. Mr. Darcy and I were both thrown from the coach. I was extremely lucky.”

  “But Lizzy, that was months ago, and you have said nothing in all this time!”

  Elizabeth’s gaze fell to her lap. “I know; forgive me. It was not something I could put into a letter, and Mr. Darcy and I both agreed it would be best if nobody knew. Besides, I did not want to tax you with keeping my secret.”

  “So instead you have shouldered the burden all alone. Oh, Lizzy, I do wish you had trusted me.”

  “Well, I am trusting you now. Though apart from Charles, I must beg you to repeat this to no one. I would never require you to keep such a secret from your husband, but my reputation would be in tatters should this be generally known.”

  Jane instantly bobbed her head, her eyes widening in alarm. “Of course! I would never wish for you to be the subject of gossip.” After a moment she continued. “But I do believe Mr. Darcy to be an honorable man. I am certain he would offer for you should such a thing become necessary.”

  Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but her sister hurried to add, “Not that I would ever wish for you to be forced into such a marriage. It is my greatest hope that you will marry for love, and I know how you feel about Mr. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth slowly nodded. Though in truth she was not at all certain how she felt about Mr. Darcy, nor could she comprehend the gentleman’s feelings for her. However, her sister was correct about one thing—Darcy was a man of honor. To Elizabeth’s surprise, a feeling of happy anticipation settled over her, and she was surprised to note that she almost wished word would get out. So shocked was she by this sudden realization that she barely noticed when Jane quit the room to allow Elizabeth to change.

/>   Goodness, what was happening to her? Did she actually wish to marry Mr. Darcy?

  Wandering over to her bedside table, she picked up the book he had gifted her. Carefully lifting the leather cover, she stared at her name, written on the first page in Mr. Darcy’s bold hand, and her thoughts drifted back to their time in the cottage. When had she begun to see him in a different light? She knew she had softened towards him when she read his letter. Then, visiting Pemberley, seeing the place that was his home, she had felt she’d come to know him a little better. And it was true that she had wished to see him again, to apologize for her behavior the day of his proposal. But she would not have said she liked the man. She had still found him proud and arrogant.

  Until the cottage.

  Elizabeth tucked the book into her satchel. Perhaps it was seeing him so vulnerable… though she had never been the sentimental sort. Certainly she was not the type to fall in love with a man simply because he had relied upon her for a brief time. No, it was not that. Thinking back, she remembered their recent conversations, and her lips curved into a slow smile. Somehow, when it had been only the two of them, things had seemed different. He had seemed different. Even in the carriage, before the accident. And then in Town, when she and her aunt were invited into his home. He had been so genuine and… kind. And he had gone to the trouble of tracking down her book, not to mention taking every precaution to ensure that no word leaked out about their time alone.

  Suddenly, Elizabeth frowned. But was that truly to protect her reputation? Or was it simply to ensure he was not trapped into a marriage he no longer desired?

  Chapter 10

  ELIZABETH HELD THE gown against her body, gazing into the mirrored glass. Diaphanous layers of sheer muslin floated around her, as weightless as a cloud. Tiny seed pearls shimmered at the empire waist and delicate silver threads embellished the graceful skirt. It was easily the most exquisite article of clothing Elizabeth had ever owned and she still felt wholly undeserving of it. Although the Gardiners claimed it was merely an early birthday gift, Elizabeth knew better. Her aunt had purchased the garment in an attempt to lift her niece’s spirits. Releasing a breath, Elizabeth carefully lay the evening gown across the bed.