by Leenie Brown
“But my father…” she said.
“Is a wise man, in my opinion.” He led her to the settee near the window which overlooked the street.
“You do not wish for me to call off the wedding because of his scheming?”
He shook his head. Seeing her eyes fill with tears, he took her hand. “I am sorry if you were hoping for another answer.”
“You truly do not wish to part ways with me?” A smile lit her face though a tear escaped her eye and slid down her cheek.
“Never,” he said softly.
“Oh.” She sighed in relief. “I was so afraid you would.”
He pulled out his handkerchief and blotted the tears which were sliding down her cheeks. “Are you saying you wish to marry me?”
She clasped his hand and held it against her cheek where he had been drying her tears. He looked first at her hand holding his and then at her eyes. What he saw there filled his heart with joy even before she spoke.
“I do.” She bit her lip and was about to continue when Daniels came to the door.
“Pardon me, sir, but the lady’s uncle has come with a matter of great importance.”
“My uncle Gardiner?” Elizabeth asked in surprise.
“Yes, ma’am. He is in the sitting room below. I have already summoned Miss Mary.”
Elizabeth hurried from the room and down the stairs to the sitting room. She stopped in the entry as she saw her uncle embracing Mary, who was weeping. “Uncle?” she said as she entered.
He turned tear-filled eyes to her. “You must return to Longbourn as soon as can be. Your father has fallen ill.”
“He…he is alive?” She felt the room spinning and her knees becoming weak. Seeing her waver, Darcy wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side.
“I do not know. The message said his condition was grave and all haste must be made. I am sorry.”
Chapter 7
Mary’s head rested against Elizabeth’s shoulder as Darcy’s coach bounced along the road towards Longbourn. Elizabeth looked out the window once again at the darkness of the night, grateful that the moon was full enough to make the trip possible. She had not wished to spend even a moment longer than absolutely necessary in London. She peeked across the coach at Mr. Darcy. His head rested against the back of the coach and his eyes were closed, although she doubted he slept, for his legs kept shifting slightly.
Mary shifted and leaned against the wall of the coach instead of her sister. Elizabeth watched Mary to see if she was going to stay situated. Then, she slipped across the coach to sit on the bench next to Mr. Darcy, whose eyes immediately flew open, letting her know her assessment of his lack of sleep was indeed accurate.
“Might I sit here for a moment?” she asked.
“For as long as you wish,” he said. There was a hint of grogginess to his voice. He was tired, but thoughts of his own father’s passing kept him from sleep. He knew the pain of losing a parent, for he had done so twice over.
“I wanted to thank you.” Elizabeth placed her hand on top of his. “You knew exactly what needed to be done to have us travelling as soon as possible.”
He turned his hand over where it lay under hers and twined his fingers with hers. “I understand the urgency of such a trip as this,” he said softly.
She nodded, unable to speak for a moment as the tears once again threatened. She tightened her grasp on his hand, finding comfort in his strength. “Thank you,” she whispered once again, “for caring for me.”
He turned his face toward her. “I will always care for you.”
She smiled at him through her tears. “And I, you.” She looked down at where their hands lay joined. “I have been foolish. My father tried to convince me to consider you. He was very impressed with your character and told me I was wrong to think you anything less than a fine gentleman.” She drew a shuttering breath. “I thought I knew better. My foolish, injured pride refused to allow me to see you for who you are.”
He reached over and pressed her head lightly against his shoulder. “Shh…rest, my love,” he whispered.
She tipped her head to look up at him. “He was right. There is no one who is better suited to me than you.”
He stroked her cheek and brushed a thumb over her lips before bending to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I love you, ” he whispered.
She smiled at him again. “And I you.”
His thumb brushed her lips once again. “May I…” He darted a quick look at Mary, who was still sleeping, “May I kiss you?” He waited only long enough to get a partial nod before bending to place a gentle kiss on her lips.
Elizabeth sighed softly and leaned into him pressing, her lips more firmly against his, her hand finding its way to his cheek as his moved to the back of her head.
Across the carriage, Mary stirred, and Elizabeth jumped, breaking the delicious contact with his lips and began to move to return to her seat. Darcy, however, was not ready to have her leave his side and refused to let go of her. “Stay,” he said, “for just a while longer.”
Elizabeth glanced at Mary and then, settling back onto the seat, lay her cheek on his shoulder again. She awoke some time later when the coach began to slow as they approached Longbourn. Mary tapped Elizabeth’s foot, and with eyebrows raised, gave her a disapproving look before closing her eyes again as Darcy began to stir. Elizabeth gently removed her fingers from his loose grasp and then rising to move, placed a soft kiss on his cheek before taking her seat next to her sister.
Darcy opened his eyes at the contact of her lips on his cheek and smiled at her. If it were not for what awaited within Longbourn and the difficult days which may lay ahead, he would have been quite happy, but as it was, his happiness was tempered by the realities of the situation that brought them to Longbourn. He stretched and, when the carriage came to a stop, exited first before handing both Elizabeth and Mary out of the carriage.
The door to Longbourn flew open, and Jane hurried down the steps to greet her sisters. “I am so glad you are both here,” she said as she embraced them.
“How is Papa?” asked Elizabeth.
“He has his moments of wakefulness, but he is not strong. We must prepare ourselves, for his heart grows weak.” She looked at Mr. Darcy. “He has also been asking for you. I have told him that you would come and to rest while he waited, but he said he cannot rest until he has seen you.” She began to move them toward the house. “You remember the slight cough he had after he got wet while out shooting just before the Netherfield Ball?”
“I do,” said Darcy. The three sisters looked at him in surprise. “Bingley and I were with him on that hunting trip. He was not the only one who got wet.”
Jane continued. “Two days ago, it settled in his lungs and was accompanied by a fever. The fever broke this afternoon, just before Mr. Bingley’s physician arrived, but it has done its damage.”
“But he could recover,” said Mary.
“It is unlikely,” said Jane.
“But he could,” whispered Mary.
Jane placed an arm around her shoulders. “Come, Mary. You shall see him first. Lizzy,” she tilted her head toward the sitting room, “Mama.”
The comments brought to Darcy’s mind the image of his sister, wrapped in his arms and struggling to accept the idea of her father dying. He had attempted to be the calm voice of reason, the provider of strength for his sister while his heart screamed the same things that hers did. He knew that the peaceful facade which Jane wore at this moment cost dearly. Again it was impressed upon him just how greatly he had misjudged her.
Elizabeth drew a deep breath and released it as she turned toward the door to the sitting room. “Are you sure you wish to stay, Mr. Darcy? My mother can be trying when she is well, but she can be even more taxing when she is not.”
“Your father wishes to see me, and I wish to see him,” said Darcy taking her hand and placing it on his arm. “And I do not wish to leave you to face any of this on your own.”
&
nbsp; Elizabeth marveled once again at the strength she found just in having him at her side. “Thank you,” she said as they entered the sitting room.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Darcy rubbed his temples. Between the late hour and Mrs. Bennet’s incessant chatter for the last half hour, his head was beginning to throb. He had seen Elizabeth dab at her eyes a few times, but never while her mother or sisters were watching. While dealing with them, she had been much like Jane, ever smiling, though he had heard an exasperated sigh a time or two. Silently, he followed her up the stairs.
“Shall I wait here?” They stood outside her father’s room. “Would you like some time with him alone first?”
She shook her head and pushed the door open.
“Ah, at last, my Lizzy,” said Mr. Bennet. He lifted himself up higher on his pillows until a coughing fit gripped him. Elizabeth hurried to his side and propped the pillows so that he could recline comfortably. Taking a cup from the night stand, she held it to his lips when the coughing had subsided.
He took a sip and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I am so glad to see you. Did you have a successful trip to town? Are all the gowns in the kingdom to be deposited at Mr. Darcy’s door?”
She smiled at his teasing. “I have been forced to stand for more fittings than is my preference, but I do believe there are ample gowns left for the other ladies. Uncle Gardiner had selected four fabrics, so I shall have four new dresses soon. Shall I tell you of the lace?”
Mr. Bennet raised his hands slightly and coughed twice before replying, “Please do not tell me of lace or bonnets.” He smiled and patted her hand. “I know without hearing a word about them that you shall look lovely in every one. Will she not, Mr. Darcy?”
“Of course, sir,” said Darcy. “She will have to endure a few more fittings once my aunt begins her plotting to show her off to one and all in society.” He shared a small chuckle with Mr. Bennet as Elizabeth groaned.
“Now,” Mr. Bennet said, smoothing his blankets and watching his hands do it, “this betrothal…”
“We know, Papa,” interrupted Elizabeth.
He lifted his eyes to see Elizabeth’s face before darting a look at Darcy. “You know of my part in the arranging of events?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Miss Bingley figured it out and told Jane of it. And Jane, of course, told me.”
“And you told Mr. Darcy?” He looked between the two faces which bore no sign of displeasure.
“No, Bingley told me.”
“Well,” said Mr. Bennet in surprise, “if so many know, I am surprised your mother has not congratulated me on my scheming.”
“I am certain few in Meryton know of the events. The number in town who have been informed may be larger,” said Elizabeth. “I met two friends of Miss Bingley while at the museum with Lady Sophia, Mr. Darcy’s aunt. They hinted at knowing about how my betrothal came about.”
“I am sorry,” said Mr. Bennet. “I knew that Mr. Bingley was considering leaving the area, and I knew that with him would go not only Jane’s chance at happiness but yours as well. And then when Collins requested two dances with you and a meeting with me and knowing your mother as I do and having had no success in changing your opinion of Mr. Darcy, I saw no option other than to arrange things as I knew they should go.”
“You were right,” said Elizabeth holding out her hand to Darcy, who took it as he came to stand near her. “There is no one more well-suited to me than Mr. Darcy, but I was too blinded by my pride to see it.”
“So, you are happy?”
“I am,” said Elizabeth looking up at Darcy, “very happy.”
Mr. Bennet rubbed his chest and attempted to hide a grimace. “Then, I shall rest more easily.” He leaned back more fully into his pillows. “I assume by your presence at my side that they have told you my condition is not good?”
Darcy’s grip on Elizabeth tightened as her free hand covered her fathers. “They have,” she said softly.
“They may be right, or they may be wrong. No one, not even Bingley’s doctor, is all-knowing.” He coughed as he attempted to take a less shallow breath. “However, in the event that I fail in proving the doctor wrong, there are some things which I must ask of you.” He looked at Darcy. “Bring a chair. No need to stand for the full interview, my boy. Bring it over next to Lizzy, so you may continue to hold her hand.” There was a hint of a tease in his tone and a faint twinkle in his eye. He waited while Darcy did as instructed.
“Now,” he said as Darcy took his seat, “about your sisters, Lizzy. Your mother will not be penniless, but her funds will be diminished after Collins receives his inheritance. Do not allow her to force any of my daughters to marry that man. He is utterly without sense as his father was, and I would prefer the entail to die with him. But even a man without sense appears a good option to many ladies when he has an estate.” A bout of coughing followed his firm statements. Elizabeth once again offered him a drink, which he readily accepted. “I have told Mary already that I forbid her to marry that man. I have told your mother of my wishes as well, but when she is in a fit of nerves, she remembers very little and can only look for an escape.” He tightened his grip on Elizabeth’s hand and looked at Darcy. “Mr. Bingley has declared his intention to eventually marry Jane. Do not let Collins attempt to dissuade him or deny him. Do not let Collins have any say over my daughters’ futures. He may inherit my estate ─ what is it but stuff and money ─ but I shall not hand over to him those things which are of highest importance. Do I ask too much of you and Mr. Bingley to see to their care and futures?”
Darcy felt the import of the words and the concern which lay behind them. In part, it surprised him for he had not thought Mr. Bennet so concerned with the fate of his daughters since it had appeared there was little instruction given them. “I cannot speak for Mr. Bingley, though I suspect he will be in agreement with me in saying that it would be an honour to serve you in this way.”
Mr. Bennet sighed as if a heavy weight had been lifted from him. “I shall have Mr. Philips show you the papers tomorrow, and you will see that with proper management there are ample funds to maintain a modest establishment for my wife whether here or in town near her brother. She does not have to intrude upon your homes, though she might insist it is absolutely necessary.” His chuckle was followed again by coughing.
“You should rest, Papa,” said Elizabeth as she returned the cup to the night stand. “We shall see to the care of my sisters and my mother. Jane shall be happy with Mr. Bingley, and I shall be happy with Mr. Darcy. And you shall grow strong and disappoint Mr. Collins with your obstinate refusal to allow him his inheritance.” She leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. “I love you.”
“And I, you, Lizzy.” His eyes shimmered, and he wrapped her in his embrace for a moment before kissing her cheek and letting her rise to leave. “Tell your sisters of my love and my pride in having been their father. Tell them often, for I have not told them enough.” He dropped her hand and settled down into his pillows.
“Until the morning,” she said, giving him one more kiss.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth wrapped her robe tightly around herself and took the candle from the stand next to her bed. She had tried to sleep, but she had not succeeded. The sound of coughing that she heard as she slipped into the hallway reassured her that her father was still alive, but it also meant he was not sleeping — at least not as he should. She crept down the stairs as quietly as she could, taking care to avoid the squeaky seventh step but forgetting that the third one creaked slightly as well. She stood still and listened to see if she had caused anyone to rise to investigate the sound. Satisfied that she had not disturbed anyone, she continued on her way to her father’s study. She paused as she notice a faint glow of light under the door. She pushed the door open. Mary sat in her father’s chair, wrapping a wisp of hair around her finger and studying the books and curiosities that lined the shelves.
“I wanted to sit with him, but I
dared not disturb him if he was asleep,” she explained as Elizabeth drew near. “I cannot sleep knowing…”
“Neither could I.” Elizabeth placed her candle on the desk and motioned for Mary to slide over so that they might both sit in the large chair. She wrapped an arm around her sister as she snuggled in next to her. “He is coughing, which I will take as a good sign.”
“Do you remember when he planted that ivy and placed it up on the very top shelf?” asked Mary.
“I do,” said Elizabeth. “Mama was not pleased to have it there. She claimed it would not survive, and then she complained loudly that it was too high to be properly tended, which is why there is now a ladder in here.”
“This room is so filled with memories,” Mary whispered. “I have always loved this room; though, I never spent as much time in here as you did.”
Elizabeth squeezed her tight. “He would have allowed you to spend time in here, too, if you had asked.”
“I know,” said Mary. “I wish I had.”
They sat for a moment, each lost in her own thoughts.
“What do you suppose will come of all these memories when Mr. Collins takes possession?” Mary asked.
Elizabeth sighed. “If we are fortunate, they will be boxed up and given to us, but if we are not fortunate, well, I do not like to think of that.” She stroked Mary’s hair. “I shall ask Mr. Darcy to speak to Mr. Collins. I think our cousin will listen to Lady Catherine’s nephew.”
Mary giggled softly. “He is overly fond of his patroness, is he not?”
“Mmm hmm,” Elizabeth agreed. “Some people are enamoured by wealth and position.”
“What will become of us?” The question was barely a whisper.
“I shall marry Mr. Darcy, and Jane shall marry Mr. Bingley. And you shall come to stay with me, and I will put you in the way of many fine gentlemen, and you shall find your own happiness.”
“And what of Mama and Kitty and Lydia?”
“Oh, we shall find them a small house with servants enough to tend them, and then once you are settled, we shall both assist Kitty, but Lydia may need to rely on Mr. Bingley, for I believe he has more tolerance for loud and demanding sisters than Mr. Darcy does.”
