His Best Hope

by Charlotte Patterson

  “It would probably be best for you to talk with her.”

  “Then I will tell her only what you said, that the couple went straight to Gretna Green and married.”

  “That will do well. Shall we invite the others back?”

  “Yes, but first, will you allow me a few minutes to walk through your beautiful library? It is so magnificent, and there look to be thousands of books.”

  “Miss Bennet, this is my study. The library is adjacent to it.”

  Elizabeth again chuckled. “I made the same mistake at Pemberley. This is such a comfortable room and is very appealing with so much walnut wood, and with the extensive wall panels, doors and tables and chairs, let alone the book shelving. It is all so beautiful.”

  “But others complain that it is too masculine.”

  “No, it is beautifully done and these leather chairs near the fire are most comforting. If I should sit here for very long, I likely would fall asleep.”

  “Yes, then I would have to wake you.”

  “Are you happy Mr. Darcy?”

  “Yes, Miss Bennet, today I am most happy, and are you also happy?”

  Her voice seemed nervous and for some reason she stumbled and he caught her and held her close. At this moment I am very happy indeed.”

  Because she had promised her aunt that she would return by a certain time, she did not stay long and left and rode with Darcy and Georgiana who walked her to the door and next returned to Darcy House.

  “Lizzy, you are back. Was that Mr. Darcy and his sister? A servant sent you this earlier. It is an invitation to join them at Darcy House.”

  “Aunt, I visited them earlier and Colonel Fitzwilliam and I went there together. Mr. Darcy told me about the invitation.”

  “You look very happy, Lizzy.”

  “Yes, very happy, indeed. He cares for me and I told him of my feelings.”

  “But he did not propose?”

  “No, but perhaps soon. For now, I am just happy to have him back in my life. I will take each day as it comes.”

  “Was the colonel helpful?”

  “Yes, and he insisted on taking me to see Mr. Darcy and his sister. I was so scared but Georgiana greeted me with a hug and Mr. Darcy treated me with kindness, much like at Pemberley and his cousin did the same.”

  “I thought that might be the case. You see, Lizzy, he does care for you.”

  “Neither man tried to hide anything. The story will forever be that Mr. Wickham and Lydia went directly to Gretna Green after leaving Brighton.”

  “I understand, Lizzy. Your uncle will be most pleased to hear these things. Yes, Lizzy, that is the story and we will not question it.”

  After dinner, Elizabeth shared her news with the Gardiners. Without explicitly saying that Darcy eventually found the couple and arranged for the marriage, that was the understanding. It was convincing that the man did find the couple and arranged for everything, but the Gardiners and Elizabeth would not speak of that.

  That night as the Gardiners went to bed they heard their niece singing in her room. The first night she spent they heard her crying. Edward Gardiner and his wife smiled to know that her niece had found the man she loved and they hoped to hear the sound of wedding bells soon.

  The next day found Elizabeth as happy as she had been since she saw Darcy in Derbyshire at Pemberley. That was only for a few days but her heart told her that Darcy was special and yesterday’s visit did not change her feelings. Perhaps Darcy might wish to associate with such a family, even if Wickham was a part of it.

  She played with the children until she had to prepare to meet her friends. When they arrived, Mrs. Gardiner exchanged pleasantries as she welcomed them, saying that Mr. Gardiner would be disappointed that he had not seen them, but he was at work.

  This was the first time that Darcy had visited the Gardiners in town and right away Darcy saw how the woman greeted them warmly. Darcy and Georgiana noticed the woman’s gestures of kindness were natural and both were made comfortable just like weeks earlier at Pemberley. Madeline Gardiner inquired of Georgiana and Darcy’s health and asked if Georgiana had continued to practice her playing. The conversation was both interesting and pleasant and Darcy saw how comfortable his sister was with the older woman. When Elizabeth returned downstairs, one of the children came down after her and was soon introduced to Darcy and Georgiana. Next the visitors followed Elizabeth upstairs to visit with the other children.

  Elizabeth could see that Darcy and his sister genuinely enjoyed their time with her younger cousins and could see a twinkle in Darcy’s eyes as he watched his sister play with the children, who seemed to enjoy having a younger person to play with. Though they visited for only a short time, the children hugged both Darcy and Georgiana before they left for Darcy House.

  Darcy and Georgiana had rarely been around children, so today’s visit changed both of them and they both were quite happy with the experience. Darcy had often thought and wished for Elizabeth to be his wife but now he saw the pleasure of having a family, and so did Georgiana.

  Georgiana’s invitation was for Elizabeth to stay for dinner and then they would return her to the Gardiners later that night. On the way to Darcy House, she and Georgiana briefly visited a couple of boutiques and Darcy also pointed out some of the better places to shop. He next showed them the theatre district and suggested that Elizabeth and the Gardiners join them for a play whilst Elizabeth was in town. That he would make such an offer convinced Elizabeth of his goodness and resolved any fears that he might not want to associate with her family.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam and his parents joined them for dinner that evening and were both charmed by the young woman who Darcy and Georgiana called their friend, but they could see that the relationship was much stronger than a friendship.

  Elizabeth had never met an earl but Darcy’s Uncle, the Earl of Matlock, was very down to earth and enjoyed the good company. During the dinner, when Georgiana brought up the Gardiners, he smiled and spoke that he was friends with Edward Gardiner and said the man often spoke of his Lizzy.

  Elizabeth blushed at this news. Neither of the Gardiners had told her about Darcy’s relatives. When the subject came up about Elizabeth’s sisters being married, Darcy’s uncle looked at Darcy as if to approve of the young woman sitting next to him.

  “Georgiana said you are a great reader, Miss Bennet, and so is your father.”

  “Your Lordship, I would not say that I am a great reader, but I do like a good book now and then. My father is a great reader.”

  “Miss Bennet, our son also tells me that you are fond of military history and you have studied the American War of Independence. That seems strange for a young woman, but I must confess that I too am interested in the same thing, especially since my son is in the army.”

  “You and my mother should compare notes, Miss Bennet. I also find it strange that you both share a common interest in the subject.”

  “Yes, Richard, you are spot on. Miss Bennet, what are your thoughts on the current war with America?”

  “Yes, your Ladyship, of course it started in June but we are just learning of it. One of the causes was the practice of taking free American sailors off of merchant ships and pressing them to serve on our ships, but both countries are to blame because they could not settle their differences. I pray that both sides will find common ground and that the fighting will soon cease.”

  The talk between the two women was more than amicable and Darcy’s aunt wished that her son had met such a woman. He had told her after last Easter that Darcy had met a special young woman in Kent, and her hope was that her second son would soon find such a woman.

  Darcy and Elizabeth had that look and she and her husband and Richard could see that they might be in love. All of them hoped they might soon marry. When Georgiana told of meeting the Gardiner children and enjoying playing with them, his relatives thought of the day that Darcy and Elizabeth would have children.

  The visit could not have gone any better and al
l had their turn at talking that evening. Although it was a small party, after the dinner the men returned to the study whilst the women visited in the parlor.

  “Well, Darcy, we both like Miss Bennet. She is a perfect candidate to be Mrs. Darcy, is she not?”

  “Yes, I would be pleased to marry such a woman, but she is an independent soul. I do know that I am happy when I am around her and miserable without her.”

  “Yes, cousin, I know that to be true. You have been in high dudgeon for some time now. Best to get her before another man.”

  The talk between the women also was of marriage. “Miss Bennet, my husband and I are pleased that my nephew and niece have met you. It is about time that he met a young woman. He has been miserable for many weeks, but he seems quite happy with you.”

  Elizabeth was surprised that she would mention such things but those words warmed her heart.

  “I do care for him as a dear friend, but I did it not always understand him.”

  “My brother has little experience with women. He has always been so serious and invested most of his time on managing his estate. Elizabeth, I do wish that you and William can see more of each other.”

  “And that is my wish as well, Georgiana, but I am looking to return home in a week, or perhaps later, but the date is not fixed.”

  “I have certainly enjoyed the company this evening,” replied the older woman.

  “And I as well, but your ladyship, please call me Elizabeth?”

  “Very well, Elizabeth. That is also my mother’s name. She was a lively and spirited woman and your remind me of her.”

  Later, after returning Elizabeth to the Gardiners, Darcy and his cousin spoke of the evening.

  “Well cousin, have you practiced your proposal?”

  “No, I am afraid of being denied.”

  “But Darcy, she loves you!”

  “Pour yourself another drink, Richard. I proposed to her last Easter and she turned me down.”

  The cousin nearly choked on his brandy. “So that is why you have been in high dudgeon?

  “Cousin, she is one of the most intelligent people I have known. I have no experience with women and do not normally get on well with strangers, but I feel comfortable in her presence and I just need to be near her. You know, I could listen to her sweet voice forever and I love her expressions and her bewitching eyes and she has a playful and easy manner about her that is very wholesome. She is a happy creature and I have spied her skipping along the path and singing a tune but she was not embarrassed when she saw me. With her great mind, she appears to be very confident in everything she does.”

  “You must have loved her when you were staying with your friend at Netherfield. Speaking of that, where is Bingley, and why were we not invited to his and Miss Bennet’s wedding?”

  “Stand by, this will take some time.” That night Darcy went over much of his history with Elizabeth.

  “It is like a great love story and you and her are living all of it. Just treat her with kindness and she will be more in love with you than ever. Darcy, there is no woman better suited to be your wife than your Elizabeth. Do not let her leave town without proposing, and this time keep it short and tell her you like her family. Find something good to say about each member and do not be negative.”

  “Yes, cousin, these are all good points. I believe that I have learned my lesson.”

  “I am serious, cousin. Now that she knows that you did everything to find her sister and Wickham and saved her family good name, she is likely in love with you.”

  “That was certainly my intention when I came back to town. I wanted to help her family, but especially Miss Bennet. Of course I hope her opinion of me has changed, but I want to be certain of her feelings before I offer for her a second time.”

  “Well, it is clear that all is forgiven. I just must say that I am jealous that you have found such a woman. What is it about three sisters being married within short weeks of each other?”

  “It is not certain yet. I do not think I could survive if she refused me again.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed. “Darcy, I bet she will propose to you?”

  CHAPTER 3

  The next afternoon Mrs. Gardiner was surprised to see a single man arrive at the door and he was looking for Elizabeth.

  “Mr. Bingley, this is a surprise. Please come inside. Where is Jane?”

  The man stumbled through his words but was in a hurry as he told that Jane was at their home in town and was very sick and wanted to see her sister. “My doctor is out of town and Jane says that Lizzy has experience in treating the influenza.”

  “Yes, that is true. She is visiting with Miss Darcy at Darcy House. I believe you know where to find the house.”

  “Oh my! I did not invite him to the wedding and now I will impose on him. He will hate me.”

  “But he will understand. Mr. Darcy would not want Jane untreated. Now you better get moving and please ask Lizzy to contact me after she sees her sister. I too am worried for Jane.”

  Bingley thanked the woman and soon set off for Darcy House. Next, he was invited inside where he was brought to the study where Darcy and Georgiana and Elizabeth were talking.

  The butler knocked on the door and announced the presence of Charles Bingley as Darcy rose to bow and the others curtseyed.

  “How are you my old friend?” Darcy said.

  Bingley was taken back by Darcy’s calmness and Elizabeth’s heart was moved by Darcy’s friendliness. He had every reason to give Bingley a hard time but did not. After a few awkward seconds of silence, Bingley spoke.

  “Miss Bennet, Jane is quite ill and asked to see you. My doctor is out of town and Jane said you have experience in such matters.”

  Elizabeth next quizzed the man until she had all the details and then told Darcy that she needed certain things from the local apothecary. Immediately she believed Jane had the influenza but she said she needed to see her sister first. Georgiana and Elizabeth next assembled all Elizabeth thought was needed and Bingley and Elizabeth climbed into the carriage. Darcy would not allow Georgiana to come as she might become sick and before they left, Elizabeth told both men her recommended actions for avoiding becoming sick. Elizabeth elected to go straight to see her sister and later she could send a servant to the apothecary for other things she needed.

  As soon as their carriage pulled away, Bingley stopped it. Looking behind him he saw Mr. Darcy.

  “Darcy, are you certain that you wish to help? I would not want you to feel uncomfortable?”

  “Thank you, I pray that I can provide some help.”

  Bingley’s home was a little over a mile from Darcy House and Darcy followed the man’s carriage. Elizabeth could see that Bingley was nervous and tried to calm him.

  “Lizzy, Jane and I visited other family and friends in Liverpool and some were sick so we returned to town early.”

  “Yes, but you most likely will also get sick. I should like to tell the staff what to do to prevent more from becoming sick.”

  “That is an excellent plan, Lizzy.”

  Bingley escorted Darcy and Elizabeth to Jane’s room and Elizabeth greeted her sister, though she was pale and was very hot.

  “You will be well, Jane, but it will be a few days and I shall stay with you.” After that, Elizabeth used some of the things she took from Darcy House and gave Jane something to allow her to sleep.

  “Charles, were you or Jane in direct contact with another person who was sick?”

  “I do not know how to answer that question. We were near some who were sick and they were coughing and sneezing, but we thought we were safe.”

  “So Jane began feeling unwell whilst there?”

  “Yes, we only stayed a few days and as soon as I realized she was unwell, we began the return trip immediately. It was a hellish ride back.”

  Elizabeth asked to speak privately with her sister and the others left the room. After a few moments Elizabeth was certain her sister had influenza and she knew ho
w to help her.

  “Lizzy, was that Mr. Darcy that came in with you?”

  “Yes, Jane, I was visiting with Georgiana when Charles arrived.”

  “But Charles invited Mr. Darcy, did he not?”

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy offered to help in any way and I wanted him to come.”

  “But might that not cause some problems?”

  “If you mean him and Charles getting along, I do not see that being a problem. Mr. Darcy has not spoken harshly against his friend, but I do believe Charles feels regret over not inviting him to your wedding.”

  “You must still have feelings for Mr. Darcy, do you not?”