His Best Hope

by Charlotte Patterson

  Perhaps the happiest of those present were the Gardiners, who knew what might play out over the visit, and all they had to do was observe the others and await for the announcement they were certain would come.

  The breakfast included assorted eggs and ham and sausages and different cheeses as well as many different fruit and toast and rolls and pastries made by the cook and Mrs. Bennet and her sister Madeline. But the breakfast also had the best jams and jellies and coffee and tea, all provided by Mr. Gardiner from his importing and exporting business.

  Mr. Bennet had previously bought some apple wine that he opened that made for a friendly table of friends. Darcy was seated next to Elizabeth and across from them were Georgiana who was seated between Kitty and Mary.

  All matter of things were brought up during the breakfast but the conversation was civil and all had their say. Mr. Bennet could see that Darcy was relaxed and for a moment he wondered if this was the same man from a year ago. There was no angst, and most importantly, no Lydia acting the fool or being encouraged by her mother and setting off arguments amongst the sisters about whose bonnet was best liked by the officers or which ribbon looked best. But Mr. Bennet did allow that Darcy and Elizabeth were in love and he wondered if the man would soon make his Lizzy a second offer. Mr. Darcy thanked the others for what he said was the most memorable breakfast he had ever enjoyed and soon that sentiment was expressed by all the others, as the men took more coffee and followed Mr. Bennet to his library. After the breakfast Elizabeth and Jane allowed their mother and aunt to rest as they helped clear the table whilst the servants were eating in the servants room. Soon Mary and Kitty went to help and Georgiana joined them.

  “Georgiana, you do not have to help, but this is something we do every year. Mama and aunt were up early along with our cook to prepare the breakfast.”

  “But I want to help, so what can I do?”

  “Let me see, I will wipe off the plates and sort out what might be of use to the animals. The next step is to soak the dinnerware in hot water and scrub them clean. Jane is doing that. Mary is removing the table cloth and is responsible for any food that fell.”

  “Do you remember and follow the same schedule next year and do the same jobs?”

  “Oh, no! Here is the list from last year.”

  “Yes, I see, so next year it will be your turn to wash the plates?”

  “You are correct. Now perhaps you and Kitty might dry off the plates and put them away with the others?”

  Georgiana smiled and became a part of the assembly line and soon they returned to visit with Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner. Georgiana was surprised how friendly Mrs. Bennet was to her. She knew Mrs. Gardiner was that way but Elizabeth’s mother went out of her way to be kind and supportive, and not once did the mother bring up Wickham or Lydia. Later Elizabeth showed her the greenhouse adjacent to the house, and Jane and Mr. Bingley were going for a brief walk whilst the sun was out. Kitty and Mary spirited Georgiana away and next Elizabeth and Darcy followed the others.

  When they stepped outside it was sunny and it felt warmer because they had recently eaten and were warmed from being inside. When Darcy proffered his arm, Elizabeth took it and snuggled nearer the man.

  “You look particularly happy today, Miss Bennet, and that was a wonderful breakfast.”

  “That is a kind compliment from the man considered to be one of the most available bachelors in town.”

  “You, Miss Elizabeth, have been reading too many stories. I recall the article from our recent visit to the theatre and it proclaimed that I had finally met my match.”

  “You certainly do not believe what the papers say, or do you?”

  “No, I would not have read that story if I had not been with you and the Gardiners. And yes, I have met my match. You should know that I still regret how I acted when we first met. True enough, my sister and Wickham’s attempted elopement ate at me, but at the dance in Meryton my words came out of the mouth of a fool. Why else would I say you were tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me? Right after I uttered those words, you walked over to visit Miss Lucas and probably told her about what I had said.”

  “I did, and we both looked at you and laughed, but inside I was upset for I had wished to dance with you. But ever since my visit with Charlotte and after reading your letter, I have wanted to apologize. The way you treated the Gardiners and myself at Pemberley changed me forever, but I had already lost you, and after reading of the elopement, I knew you would never have anything to do with me and my family and would hate me.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth had trailed behind the others, but Darcy saw the tears freely running down her cheeks. Instinctively he reached for his handkerchief and realized too late that he had forgotten his own and instead had put in his pocket one he had intended to give to Elizabeth that evening.

  It was a mistake he could not recover from as her hand took the handkerchief and began to dry her tears and she felt a coin inside, and it fell on the ground. Darcy quickly reached down and picked it up but now Elizabeth was examining the handkerchief. It was a woman’s handkerchief he had intended to give her later. The hankerchief was one-of-a-kind and was exquisitely embroidered with the words To my Darling Elizabeth, and my love, who soon will be Mrs. Darcy. For a brief moment she stared at the handkerchief and then at Darcy. She had seen that look before and watched as he stuttered some and looked vulnerable. Elizabeth did not know it then, but he had a brain freeze and could not remember what he had planned to say if he proposed.

  “Miss Bennet, it seems I have botched things again, I...”

  “Please do not say such a thing. I am overjoyed. William, I do love you and have for some time now, ever since I saw you leave me after I read Jane’s letter. Did you pick up your coin?”

  “No, but you can look at it.”

  Darcy removed the item from his pocket and at the same time dropped to one knee and held her little hand as she giggled with great happiness. “Darling Elizabeth, I humbly request that you will accept me as your husband. In doing so, I pledge to be faithful and to love and cherish you and provide for and protect you and your wonderful family for as long as I live. Please make me the happiest of men and consent to be my wife?”

  “Oh yes! A thousand times, yes, for I freely give you my heart and accept your proposal!”

  He used her new handkerchief to dry her tears before embracing her and kissing her with feeling and would have continued but not for the sound of a rabbit who ran by them.

  “Darling, I must speak with your father but ask you not to say anything. He should be the one to make the announcement. Now for the coin, I do wish you to see it.”

  Darcy presented a beautiful diamond and emerald ring and slipped it on her finger but she could not take her eyes off of him as he smiled as she again giggled.

  “I cannot believe this has happened, but I wish this day would never end. The ring is beautiful but I choose to stare at it once I am alone in my room. How happy you have made me and I want to marry you as soon as we can.”

  “Yes, but you must keep the ring in a safe place and cannot wear it until the announcement is made.”

  “Then let us return inside before we are missed and your father comes out to search for us. Is this a good time to speak with him?”

  “I shall nod my head when I see a good time for you to knock on his door. It is better to engage him when he is happy, so be watching me.”

  When they entered the parlor they could hear Mrs. Bennet and Madeline in the drawing room. All was quiet and Elizabeth had seen her father reading in his library as they entered. She next nodded at the man and giggled as he rubbed his fingers and suddenly looked nervous. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and whispered that she loved him as he walked to the door and knocked.

  “You may enter, if you please. Oh, Mr. Darcy, please take a seat. What can I do for you that you cannot do?”

  “You are too easy on me sir. One day I will be a father and will face a young man who wants to marry my daugh
ter. I am hoping that she will be your granddaughter.”

  “Well, that is an interesting way to ask for me to approve of an engagement. You do realize that Lizzy did not always like you, but now she cares for you. Of all the daughters I have, Lizzy and I are the closest. It will be difficult to give her up.”

  “But you do not have to. We will live in town several months of the year and at Pemberley the other time.”

  “Then you have asked her and she accepts you? Is this not too soon, for you and your friend ran from Netherfield over a year ago and Jane was heartbroken?”

  “And you are correct sir, but Mr. Bingley still pined after Jane and I did the same after your Lizzy.”

  “You must have had a tough time digging yourself out of that proverbial deep hole you dug for yourself. I wonder that you could escape her fury after you called her tolerable in looks.”

  “Yes, and I have regretted those words every day since I uttered them. Mr. Bennet, I am not wise in the ways of romance, but there is not another woman in the world with her mind and great wit and I am bewitched by her charms. To be frank, I am in high dudgeon when I am away from her. I live to be near her and she fills my heart and I want to be in her life.”

  “But there is more to marriage than that. Lizzy needs to have a man she respects. Are you certain she is not out for your fortune?”

  Darcy gave out a soft chuckle. “No, I proposed to her when she visited her friend Charlotte last Easter and she refused me. She gave me a good dressing down and humbled me. Ever since I have tried to earn her respect.”

  Darcy told the man details of his first proposal and how he made the mistake of pulling out the wrong handkerchief and Mr. Bennet laughed.

  “She does respect you, Mr. Darcy. You must love her to be willing to join a family that includes George Wickham. It is marvelous that he and Lydia made it to Gretna Green so quickly, is it not?”

  “Perhaps the paperwork documenting the marriage erroneously showed a different date for the marriage?”

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy, the word perhaps is very appropriate, but the way things turned out it seems to the world that they wasted no time in getting married. So it turns out that my brother and my looking for and not finding them was a good thing. If we had discovered them, then they might never have married and we would be disgraced, for I have no doubt that Wickham would not have married her without monetary incentives beyond my means to provide.”

  “He is that kind of man.”

  “Yes, but he will certainly have his hands full with Lydia. Did Lizzy not tell you how Lydia laughed when her aunt told of how long and hard my brother and I searched for her?”

  “I believe she mentioned that.”

  “Normally I would ask the selected daughter to join us, but that is not necessary, and I do not want to do anything until after we gather back here after Church. When that time comes, I shall proudly announce your engagement.”

  The man walked over to the sidebar and pored both men a glass of brandy. Seconds later Darcy was smiling broadly and the older man and him lifted their drinks in their own private toast.

  “Mr. Darcy, I expect that you and Lizzy will give us grandsons. With five daughters and no sons, it is time for a change. Do you understand what I am saying?”

  “Aye, sir, and they will want you to teach them in their library like you did for their mother.”

  “That would be my great pleasure, indeed. Now be out with you and we will next see you at church. The service starts at seven.”

  Two hours later Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Netherfield. Because Darcy had brought his trunks from town, he travelled light and made good time but said it had turned colder.

  After exchanging greetings the cook provided a light lunch for the man, but soon he and Darcy were talking privately.

  “Well, did you propose?”

  “I was about to do that and could not remember the exact words I was going to say, but you will learn more before you return to town, and if she rejects me, I may have to ride back with you.”

  They talked for a long time and Darcy told of the breakfast and described the details.

  “You know, Darcy, you are better served in the polite company of the Bennets and the Gardiners than the families we associate with in town. Do you not think that you are stepping up in class marrying into this family?”

  “Yes, that is very true. After seeing Lady Catherine’s rant just days ago, I would say that my status would be improved by such a marriage. You know that I dislike the social scene in town, even though I sometimes attend the theatre.”

  “Do not worry, cousin. Soon enough you will meet the Bennets at church and you said we are invited back to Longbourn for cakes and drinks and will welcome Christmas at midnight.”

  “Yes, I suppose we only have a few hours.”

  “I too look forward to that Darcy. For now, I will take a hot bath and rest before we leave for church.”

  Time did pass quickly and the sun, which had increasingly become obscured as the day went on, could not be seen as dusk turned quickly to darkness. Bingley and Jane accompanied Darcy and Georgiana and their cousin as the coach left for the church near Longbourn.

  Soon they arrived and awaited the Bennet carriage that carried the four adults. The others walked the short distance to the church but they were young and were warmed by the exercise. Elizabeth was the last to arrive and she joined Mr. Darcy and his cousin and the Bingleys in the Bennet’s box.

  This was a fine party of friends and the service was traditional. All manner of Christmas hymns were sung with gusto and the story of Christ’s birth was repeated once more as candles were lit and held up to light the church because Jesus is the light of the world.

  Darcy chose to walk back to Longbourn with Elizabeth. Georgiana, Mary and Kitty rode with the Bingleys but Colonel Fitzwilliam rode in the Bennet carriage.

  Soon Mr. Bennet learned that Darcy’s uncle was the Earl of Matlock and that Colonel Fitzwilliam was the man’s son. Before the carriage arrived at Longbourn, all in the coach were asking of his army adventures and asking of his thoughts on the wars currently going on.

  The party gathered inside and the younger ones had cakes and cookies and a punch drink whilst the others had a glass of wine. It was then that Mr. Bennet made an announcement.

  “I have the utmost pleasure this Christmas Eve to announce the engagement of our Lizzy to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Lizzy, I believe you have something to show to everyone.”

  Loud exclamations followed and all admired the beautiful ring that had once been worn by Darcy’s mother and before that, his grandmother, the last two mistresses of Pemberley and Darcy House.

  Georgiana was the first to embrace her brother and next all the adults embraced Darcy and his sister and their cousin and welcomed them to their family. Small gifts picked up in town were opened and the men talked until well past midnight.

  That Christmas night, Elizabeth again told Darcy of her love for him, and he asked her what his cousin had told her that day they showed up together at Darcy House.

  “If you want the exact words, he became excited and kept talking to himself and saying the words, His Best Hope.”

  “Yes, my love, you are indeed my best hope for happiness.”

  It was Christmas and all was well in the magical world of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet as the snow that had just started to fall would later blanket the land and provide the quiet that allowed Elizabeth and Darcy to hear the happy thumping of their hearts, but their adventure was only beginning.

  The End

  EPILOGUE

  After a short engagement, Darcy and Elizabeth were married in the church at Longbourn on the first Saturday of February. His cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam stood up with him and Jane did the same for her sister. Following the wedding and a private wedding breakfast at Netherfield, the couple returned to town. The wedding was a grand affair and the weather cooperated, though it looked like it might snow.

  Each family was well
represented, with relatives and friends of the couple, including a reporter from The Times who often wrote of the man.

  Lady Catherine did attend, along with Anne and Darcy’s other aunt and uncle. Lord and lady Matlock had earlier blessed the marriage and they and the Gardiners sat together, something that impressed those present.

  Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte did not attend. Sadly, her husband had become ill and died a week before the wedding of the influenza.

  The following year the Darcys spent their first Christmas as man and wife at Longbourn, but two days after Christmas they stayed a few days with Jane and Bingley. Short weeks earlier, Elizabeth had a boy in town and the Bennets had stayed with the couple at Darcy House. They named their son Thomas, after Mr. Bennet.

  This suited Mr. Bennet well because Jane had a girl before that. Jane and Bingley would eventually have two more girls before finally having a boy, whilst Elizabeth and Darcy would have three more boys and their last two children were girls, which suited everyone fine.