Rocks in the Stream

by Lewis Whelchel

  “I care very much, Elizabeth.” Their eyes met, and their gaze held.

  “Constance informed me that she is aware of your proposal.”

  “I felt that she should know. I am sorry if that offends you. It was not my intention to —”

  “No, you were right. The marriage of her father would cause an impact on her life and bring so many changes that it is entirely appropriate and kind of you to include her in your decision. We had quite a conversation concerning you.”

  Mr. Grinly joined Elizabeth at the window. “I fear for her, for she is alone, but seeing you with Constance has taught me to know that you would be not only a loving wife to me, but a friend to her. I love you, Elizabeth, and I cannot help loving you even more for Constance’s sake.”

  Elizabeth became flushed with embarrassment. It was the first time he had professed his love.

  Mr. Grinly took her hand, which she willingly surrendered. “Elizabeth, I promise to love you for the rest of my life and beyond. I promise to treat you with kindness and respect. I am certain that you do not love me equally, but I know that you will. I know that we will be happy together. Please accept my hand in marriage.”

  Thoughts of Mr. Darcy came to Elizabeth’s mind. In the briefest instant, their relationship passed before her eyes. She remembered the expression on his face when he first saw her awake and when they talked about their parents’ deaths. The memory of his kiss was immediately followed by a recollection of the pain he inflicted when he left her and tried to take Mr. Bingley away from Jane. All of it danced in her mind. Mr. Grinly was offering her everything Mr. Darcy would not, longing for her to be with him the way he had not, wanting her in the way he did not.

  “Yes, Mr. Grinly,” she whispered, “I will marry you.”

  * * * * *

  THE NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLE TOOK advantage of the relative solitude of the drawing room to speak of their future together and of all the happiness they anticipated in each other’s society. Elizabeth questioned him about her new home, and Mr. Grinly replied in particular detail. He described the grounds and country around Sappingford as the prettiest in the kingdom and rejoiced in the pleasure she anticipated at the prospect of living there. He assured her that Sappingford would be at her disposal to decorate as she liked and hoped that she would soon feel quite at home there. Elizabeth could not imagine how such a fine home could be improved and was certain that she would be very comfortable.

  With each word they spoke, Elizabeth experienced a thrill of excitement at the prospect of her marriage. That led to questions as to when the precise moment was that he fell in love with her, a question he was very eager to answer.

  “I first noticed your gentle manner with Constance. I could not but be moved by witnessing the particular attention with which you favored her. Every day I heard new reports from her about the manner in which you taught and entertained her. Constance told me she loved everything about you. As you are aware, she is generally shy and reserved, so I was surprised to hear her voice such sentiments about anyone, though in your case,” he smiled, “they are wholly deserved.”

  “Mr. Grinly, please . . . ”

  “I watched you whenever I could, to learn for myself how you interacted with my daughter, and what I witnessed truly pleased me. At first I saw you as friends, but it occurred to me that you were treating her with the same care, gentleness, and kindness that were characteristic of your relationship with your elder sister. Your behavior and what I heard from Constance convinced me that your relationship with her was not that of just an acquaintance, but one of sincere regard and attachment. Constance blooms when she is in your company. All shades of reserve are put aside, and I see true joy in her countenance. Do you recall the occasion of Mrs. Bingley’s first visit to Longbourn after her marriage?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “I was seated near her. You were across the room with Constance, and so I was free to talk with your sister. I remarked to her on the improvements I had witnessed in Constance as a result of your kind attentions to her. Mrs. Bingley spoke of the nature of your relationship together and pronounced you to be her best friend. She said that every room was made cheerful by your laughter and happy disposition. I looked over to you, you were laughing, and I realized that I felt the same way. The same charm with which you captured Constance’s heart was working on me, and as I observed your relationship with her with its warmth and tenderness, I realized that I wanted that for myself.”

  Elizabeth listened with a smile. Every word he spoke confirmed to her how important she was to him and filled her with gratitude for his assurances of love.

  He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “Perhaps I spoke too soon, but I believed that you would never consider me as a prospective husband until the thought was first placed in your mind, and I determined that I would place that thought there. I was disappointed, but not surprised, when you did not answer me immediately. Indeed, I feared that such an answer would be a resounding rejection. The suspense of not knowing my future, then finding that you were ill at your sister’s home and that I was the probable cause of it, made last night one of the most miserable of my life.”

  She turned away from him. “I did not mean to hurt you. It was all so new and unexpected. I had to talk to Jane. All I could think about was speaking with Jane.”

  Mr. Grinly stepped behind her and put his arms around her. Grateful for his touch, she folded her arms, resting her hands over his. “It must have been a difficult time for you, Elizabeth. The suddenness of my application must have troubled you, and I perfectly understand your need to speak with her. I just wish I had known with a certainty where you were and that you were safe and cared for.”

  “I was safe and cared for, but I was so confused. I did not know what to feel. Jane and I spoke all day and into the night. I was very upset, and she refused to allow me return to Longbourn that evening.”

  “Your mother gave me the note that Mrs. Bingley sent, announcing that you would not be returning, and I was comforted by the knowledge.”

  “Jane and I continued to discuss your proposal, our future prospects, and the expectations for happiness that I could reasonably expect as your wife. I became comfortable with the idea of being sought by you. Jane spoke very favorably of the match, and in just a little time, I began to take the greatest pleasure in the thought of being married to you. When I returned to Longbourn, Constance came upon me and we sat together in the drawing room for quite a while. She shared with me the hopes and dreams she had for me, and assured me of your love and affection. I was concerned about how much younger I am than you and how that might affect our relationship. I was also uncertain how I might accomplish my role as a friend and teacher for Constance, who is at a very delicate time of life.”

  She favored him with a smile and continued.

  “When you came in and poured out your heart to me and again proposed, I was prepared to hear you. I knew that my own happiness would be secured by marrying you, and I committed at that moment to make certain that I ensured your happiness.”

  He kissed her hand. “You cannot imagine how happy it makes me to hear that.”

  Chapter 14

  THEIR CONVERSATION PASSED TO LIGHTER subjects.

  “Where would you like to go on a bridal tour, Elizabeth?”

  “I confess that I have not thought of it.”

  “Other than the Gardiners, I do not know who we might visit. Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go?”

  Elizabeth had not given any thought to a tour of any kind, but after thinking for a moment, she recalled a wish from her childhood. “Would you be willing to take me to the sea, perhaps into Kent?”

  “I would be very happy to take you there.”

  This conversation took place in the drawing room in front of a large window overlooking the grounds of Longbourn. The couple continued to discuss the minutest details of their relationship. It was a subject of insatiable interest to them.

  “
Elizabeth, will you please call me by my Christian name, Thomas?”

  He wished to hear her pronounce his name, but the request masked another purpose. He felt that her acquiescence would be a further indication of the ease and comfort she felt with him. Despite her apparent pleasure in having accepted his suit, the difficulty she had experienced in determining to accept him was troubling.

  “Yes, Mr. Grinly,” she laughed, and then she looked up at him with a full heart. “Yes, Thomas, I will.”

  He released the hand he had been holding and caressed her cheek. She smiled and closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of his touch. She opened her eyes when he withdrew his hand and saw a look of passion that filled her with expectation. In an energized moment, their lips came together. At first, it was a light touch, for he was uncertain what her response might be. He did not want to make her uncomfortable, but when she put her hand on his shoulder and leaned into him, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. The relief he experienced as she encouraged him removed the anxiety and uncertainty he had felt in wondering if she had truly decided in his favor.

  Elizabeth released herself from his embrace and turned away from him with downcast eyes. She had longed and hoped for that same feeling of passion and desire that Mr. Darcy had created. She wanted so desperately to feel that same hunger for Mr. Grinly, knowing that if she did, she could honestly give herself to him, but he did not elicit that same desire and she was left feeling nothing.

  * * * * *

  UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE COUPLE, BUT fortunate for propriety’s sake, they heard the front door open and Mrs. Bennet and her daughters come into the house. Elizabeth and Mr. Grinly separated, just as her mother walked into the room.

  Mrs. Bennet had seen them together through the window and had witnessed their embrace, and the expressions of embarrassment that now colored their cheeks left no doubt as to their situation. She sat down in a chair opposite them and increased their embarrassment by studying them closely. “Do you two have anything you wish to tell me?”

  Mrs. Bennet could barely contain her excitement. It was a pleasure to think of having two daughters well married to rich gentlemen. She congratulated herself on having invited Mr. Grinly to Longbourn and only wished there were another cousin to introduce into the family.

  Mr. Grinly rose to his feet. “Madam, may I speak with you in private? I have something I would ask of you.” Elizabeth rose as if to leave the room.

  “Lizzy, my love, please do not run off. Mr. Grinly, is what you have to say to me anything that Lizzy may not hear?”

  It was, perhaps, inappropriate for a woman to witness her future husband request the consent of a parent, but he would say nothing that would offend. Indeed, it was an opportunity to express his feelings further for her in his address to her mother.

  Mr. Grinly took Elizabeth’s hand. “During my visit to Longbourn, I have experienced greater joy than I have ever known by being in the company of your family, and particularly with one member of it to whom I have become seriously attached. I have spoken with her and have learned that she reciprocates the affection I have for her, and she has pledged herself to me for the rest of her life. I have asked for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage, and she has accepted me, and I am seeking your consent to our union and your blessing on it.”

  Elizabeth was touched by this declaration and squeezed his hand.

  Mrs. Bennet squealed with delight. “I knew how it would be. Lizzy, I am so happy for you. Mr. Grinly, I know that Lizzy will make a proper wife for you. She will be nothing to Jane, of course, but just the same, I am so pleased that she will be settled so well.”

  “I assume that I have your consent?”

  “Yes, you certainly do. Here, let me give you a kiss.” He endured it admirably. “I am so happy! Lizzy, I am going to go into Meryton to tell my Sister Philips, Lady Lucas, and the Longs all about your engagement. I will go by Netherfield, too.”

  “Mama, will you please let me tell Jane? I want her to hear it from me.” This was important to her, for just as Jane had broken the news of her engagement first to Elizabeth, she desired the opportunity to be the first to announce hers to Jane.

  “Oh, very well. I will call for the carriage and set you as far as Meryton.”

  “Thank you, Mama.” Mrs. Bennet went off to get ready.

  Elizabeth turned to Mr. Grinly. “Thomas, I would like you to be with me when I tell Jane of our engagement. Will you?”

  “Yes, love, I will.” Elizabeth acknowledged him with a kiss on his hand. “We should tell Constance. She will be delighted. Will you go up to her with me?”

  “Yes, Thomas, I would truly like to be there when she first hears our news.” She knew that Constance would eagerly approve of their engagement and anticipated with pleasure the joy she would express on learning of it.

  * * * * *

  MR. GRINLY AND ELIZABETH LEFT the drawing room. As they approached the stairs, he noticed that they were quite alone. “Thank you for accepting me.”

  “It is my pleasure, sir.” He drew near her and soon felt his lips on hers.

  Elizabeth felt herself to be very happy, but in that moment of exultation, her joy was darkened as a memory of Mr. Darcy intruded. She felt herself grow very sad, very quickly. Mr. Grinly’s kiss reminded her of Mr. Darcy, and her eyes began to burn and she could not hold back a sob. She clung to Mr. Grinly, grateful that she was not alone with such thoughts.

  Mr. Grinly increased in her esteem by his response to her distress. He did not ask her what was wrong or try to determine its cause but merely held her, stroked her hair, and was silent.

  She relaxed against him and squeezed her eyes shut. Nearly as fast as it came, the feeling passed, and she was able to compose herself again. “I am sorry.”

  “Shh . . . ”

  She determined that she would never again think about Mr. Darcy or let him ruin her happiness with Mr. Grinly.

  “Thank you.” Elizabeth wiped her eyes. “I will be fine.”

  * * * * *

  CONVINCED THAT MARY WOULD REMAIN at her instrument for a good deal longer, Constance felt secure in leaving her there and retiring to her own bedchamber. She knew that her father would seek her out after his interview with Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth and Mr. Grinly stepped together into the room, their faces brightened by smiles.

  “Yes, Father?”

  “Constance, Elizabeth has consented to be my wife.”

  Constance jumped off the bed and ran to her father. “I am so happy for you! Elizabeth, thank you so much! Thank you! I know we will all be happy together!” She turned to Elizabeth and gave her a kiss.

  “We will, Constance,” agreed Elizabeth. Constance’s satisfaction with the engagement served to increase the joy Elizabeth felt. It confirmed to her that her decision to marry Mr. Grinly was correct.

  “When shall you be married?”

  “We have not really discussed it, but if there are no objections,” she turned to Mr. Grinly, “within the month. I can see no reason to wait. We shall be the happiest family in the world!”

  Mr. Grinly was very much in agreement, and the few minutes that they waited for the carriage were spent answering all of Constance’s inquiries about her father’s proposal and Elizabeth’s acceptance of it.

  * * * * *

  ELIZABETH AND MR. AND MISS Grinly walked briskly from Meryton to Netherfield. It was a relief to be out of the carriage and away from Mrs. Bennet’s constant chatter about fine weddings, lace, and satin. They walked up to the entrance to Netherfield with Elizabeth on one side of Mr. Grinly and Constance on the other. Mrs. Thomas opened the door.

  “We are come to call on Mr. and Mrs. Bingley.”

  “Of course, Miss Bennet. Please, come in.”

  The party followed Mrs. Thomas into the drawing room where Jane was at her work. She rose at their entrance. “You are all very welcome to Netherfield.”

  “You know Mr. and Miss Grinly, of course,” said Elizabeth. “Jane, I h
ave good news. Mr. Grinly and I are to be married.”

  Jane embraced her sister. “Lizzy, how wonderful! I know you will be so happy.”

  At that moment, Mr. Bingley came into the room. “Welcome, Elizabeth. Good morning, sir,” he said, addressing Mr. Grinly.

  “Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth shyly, “let me introduce you to my betrothed, Mr. Thomas Grinly.”

  “Betrothed? Congratulations! What a pleasure, sir, and welcome to the family.” A hearty handshake for Mr. Grinly confirmed his goodwill. Constance received her congratulations with delight, and was every moment more and more pleased with the prospects of belonging to such a family.

  Jane invited them to sit down and then sent for tea. “While we are waiting, may I speak with you, Lizzy?” She spoke in a serious, urgent voice, not consistent with the mood of the occasion.

  “Of course, what —”

  “Please come with me,” whispered Jane.

  “Very well. Please excuse me, Thomas.” Elizabeth rose from the couch that she was sharing with Mr. Grinly and followed Jane from the room.

  Mr. Grinly watched them leave, disconcerted by their sudden exit. He hoped that Mrs. Bingley would accept and approve of him. He knew that Elizabeth relied heavily on her opinion.

  * * * * *

  ELIZABETH AND JANE REMOVED TO a small sitting room and sat down together.

  “Lizzy, I am sorry to take you away from your Mr. Grinly, but I must talk with you. I am very happy for you and so pleased that you came to a decision. I want you to know that I think it was the correct one. I like Mr. Grinly, and I know you will be very happy with him. He loves you. I can tell by the way he looks at you.”

  “Thank you. I am sure we will be happy.” Jane’s confidence in her happiness was a great comfort to Elizabeth.