Love Unsought

by Kay Bea

  Miss de Bourgh pressed the letter into Elizabeth’s hand. Elizabeth dashed a wayward tear from her eye and began the story of her lost letter. Miss de Bourgh continued the tale, from reading Colonel Forster’s missive to the moment she put the letter in Elizabeth’s hands. “So, you see, Cousin, we thought we had come to save you and Miss Bennet from an even greater misunderstanding.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam said, “But it appears you were not in need of rescue after all.”

  Elizabeth stood and moved to Miss de Bourgh’s side. She reached for the other woman’s hands. “Thank you, my dear friend. Though your help was not needed, your coming is deeply appreciated.” The two embraced quickly, and the colonel, who had also risen, accepted a chaste kiss on the cheek from his future cousin.

  Darcy said, “We are both grateful for your care and concern, however poorly the plan was executed.” He turned to Elizabeth and asked, “Will you show me the letter then?”

  She handed him the ill-fated missive, and he tucked it inside his coat. “Its purpose was to bring you to me, and as you are here, the letter has diminished in importance.”

  “You may be correct, but I should like to read it all the same,” Darcy said as he patted his coat apocket.

  Elizabeth smiled. “Tonight, let us celebrate with our families.”

  As the evening progressed, an invitation was extended and accepted for Miss de Bourgh and Richard to remain at Netherfield. It was agreed that Darcy would remain in Hertfordshire until the following Monday. He would accompany Elizabeth as she called on her neighbours and would be at her side when the first of the banns were read. He would then return to London to see his solicitor about the marriage settlement.

  Mr Bennet returned home, and the Bennet sisters gathered for a more intimate visit. This time their late-night chatter included Miss de Bourgh and Miss Darcy. Jane joined for a time but excused herself early. She found that even the comfort of her sisters could not compete with the pleasure of an evening with her husband. Miss de Bourgh and Mary surprised the others when they spoke of their mutual desire to never marry and a wish to see more of the world. Kitty was the first to retire along with Mary, and soon Miss de Bourgh followed. When Elizabeth finally gave in to sleep, it was nearly dawn.

  Darcy and Elizabeth discussed her ill-fated letter that afternoon. As Elizabeth prepared their tea, Darcy said, “I read the letter you sent from Brighton. You said it was no longer important, but I wanted to know for myself.”

  “I feared it would cause you pain.”

  Darcy sipped his tea and carefully set the cup aside. He then reached for her cup and did the same so he could take both her hands in his before speaking. “In our mutual desire to protect one another these past months, we lost much more than we gained. Have we learnt nothing from that experience? We are best when we are honest, even with that which might prove difficult or painful.”

  “You are right, of course,” she said. “I did not mean for it to become a secret between us, but we are together now, and that is all that matters in the end.”

  “I have apologised already, but after reading your letter, I feel I must do so again.”

  She gave him a small smile. “If it is my forgiveness you seek, then you shall have it. I, too, wish that I had behaved differently. I wish I had heeded my own words and remembered how past misunderstandings had served to keep us apart. Had I done that, I would have teased and tormented you into conversation that first night at Netherfield. We must not apportion blame. Instead, let us rejoice that we have at last found one another and promise never to be apart again.”

  “That is a promise I can safely make.” He leaned forward and captured her lips with his own, stopping only when he recalled a houseful of chaperones who might come in at any time.

  The following day, a maid accompanied Darcy and Elizabeth as they called on her neighbours. Sir William and Lady Lucas were effusive in their congratulations. “I am surprised I have not already heard of this from your mother,” Lady Lucas said when the news was first announced.

  Elizabeth smiled. “I understand my mother has been busy at Longbourn. I am afraid she is not able to make as many calls as she was wont to do.”

  “I had heard she has not been seen in the neighbourhood. I thought it most strange, as I was certain she would be boasting first of Lydia’s match and then your own. But perhaps it is all for the best. Does Charlotte know? Well of course she does not. How could she as she is far away in Kent.”

  Mr Darcy said, “We have not shared the news beyond Hertfordshire as yet. I would not want Lady Catherine to hear our news from any other than myself. Elizabeth has kindly agreed to defer telling Mrs Collins until after I have written my aunt.”

  “Naturally your family should receive the news directly from you. How considerate you are, Mr Darcy.”

  Sir William joined them then for a time and also expressed his joy. “Ah, we knew how it would be last year, did we not Lady Lucas? After the Netherfield ball I told Lady Lucas we would soon be celebrating more than one engagement in the neighbourhood. Of course, we could not have imagined that our own Charlotte would be the first to marry, but never mind that. You have made a capital match, Miss Lizzy!” Elizabeth accepted Sir William’s effusions with grace and thanked the couple for their kindness. She and Darcy remained only a little past the customary fifteen minutes before returning to Netherfield.

  On their return, Elizabeth persuaded Darcy to walk with her. They used the time to discuss who should be invited to the upcoming wedding. Elizabeth began the conversation. “I posted a letter to my aunt and uncle Gardiner this morning. She has been indisposed, so I do not expect them to attend.”

  “Do you plan to travel to town to shop before the wedding?”

  “I had not considered it, but I suppose it is possible. My father will certainly not mind.”

  “Then perhaps we might call on them together while you are there. If not, then we can certainly call on them once we are wed.”

  “You are very good. And now that we have talked about my aunt, what is to be done about yours?”

  “I am certain Lady Matlock will be thrilled. Richard has intimated as much.”

  “You know perfectly well I was referring to Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth said, laughing. “I cannot imagine she will be happy about our news, especially after all the time your cousin has spent in town lately. I am certain she has already ordered Miss de Bourgh’s wedding clothes.”

  Darcy sighed. “You are correct, of course. I will write to her this afternoon. Perhaps you should post a letter to your friend at the same time. Mrs Collins may find this is a fortuitous time to visit her family.”

  “Will it be as bad as all that, do you think?”

  “Perhaps. Though Anne and I have both made it clear we are not inclined to marry one another, Lady Catherine has never been one to hear that which she does not wish to know.”

  “She and my mother are remarkably alike in that respect.”

  “They are both possessed of a singular talent. Lady Catherine is not likely to attend the wedding. I expect only Anne and Richard will be there from my family. I suppose Richard’s mother may come, but my uncle will not. His duty to Parliament will not allow him the time away.”

  “I know how you despise a spectacle, but unless there is a blizzard that keeps everyone at home, I expect most of the neighbourhood will attend. Of my family there will only be my sisters in Hertfordshire and my father, of course.”

  “You do not think Mr and Mrs Philips will attend?”

  “I should hope not. I do not want them there. They have taken my mother and Lydia’s part in all this. If they do, it will not take away from my happiness.”

  “Will your sister host the breakfast? I assume your mother will not.”

  “Goodness, no! Our wedding breakfast at Longbourn? Heaven forfend! No, Jane has already offered to host the affair.” Elizabeth allowed herself a bitter smile. “My mother would be so pleased if it were any other of her daughters marrying y
ou and having the breakfast at Netherfield. Instead, she will bemoan her fate to any who will listen. As though none of this were her fault. As if her decision to spoil and indulge my sister at every turn was not the cause—” Elizabeth’s voice broke, and the tears she had been holding back fell unchecked.

  Darcy spared a moment to ensure their privacy then pulled Elizabeth to his side, gave her his handkerchief, and held her until her tears subsided. When she was finally silent, he kissed her forehead and told her he loved her. Then they returned to the house.

  After several days of calls, Elizabeth was looking forward to the respite offered by Sunday. For the first time since her return from Brighton, she looked forward to attending services. Sunday had become a trial for her as it was the only day of the week she was required to see her mother. Elizabeth was not thinking of her mother on this occasion. Instead, as her maid fashioned her hair and Miss Darcy chattered happily away, Elizabeth was thinking of seeing Darcy and hearing their names together as the banns were read. Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy. How well that sounds. In only three weeks’ time I shall be his wife.

  The ride to the chapel was a short one. The Bennets and Bingleys occupied two pews. Darcy discreetly took Elizabeth’s trembling hand in his as the vicar began reading the banns.

  In a solemn voice, he intoned, “I publish the banns of marriage between Fitzwilliam Darcy of Kympton parish, Derbyshire and Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn parish, Hertfordshire. This is the first time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it.”

  Two spaces down from Elizabeth, Mrs Bennet made a noise as if to speak. At the same moment, Mr Bennet dropped his prayer book on his wife’s foot. Silence followed, though Elizabeth could see her mother was displeased. Elizabeth released her breath and took advantage of the distraction to lightly squeeze Darcy’s hand before returning her own hand to her lap. The remainder of the service passed without incident, and afterwards Elizabeth noticed her father remained by his wife’s side as together they accepted the congratulations of the neighbourhood. While Mr and Mrs Bennet visited with their neighbours, the young people returned to Netherfield. That afternoon as they enjoyed the relative peace of Netherfield, the ladies discussed plans for the coming week.

  “Have you received an answer from Aunt Gardiner, Lizzy?” Mary queried.

  “I have. Her reply came yesterday. She says that I am welcome at any time and may bring one of my sisters.”

  “Will you bring Jane, then?”

  Jane answered before Elizabeth. “Actually, Mary, Charles and I will stay at our house in town. We thought you and Kitty could both come. One of you may stay with us, and the other may go with Lizzy to see Aunt Gardiner.”

  Miss de Bourgh joined the conversation. “I do not mean to impose myself, but I have leave to invite anyone I choose to join me at Matlock House. If Mr and Mrs Bingley would enjoy some privacy, perhaps Miss Mary might join me at Matlock House while Miss Catherine remains with Elizabeth.”

  Mary’s eyes lit with the possibility and she looked immediately to Jane and Elizabeth for approval. Elizabeth spoke first. “It is not to us you should look, Mary. You will have to apply to Papa for his consent. But if it is of any comfort, I do not believe he would deny you this.”

  “Nor do I,” Kitty added. “And I am happy to spend time with Lizzy and my aunt.” She paused and looked at Elizabeth. “That is, if you will have me.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Of course I will, Kitty. I am honoured that you wish to join me.” She turned then to Georgiana. “And we must invite Georgiana to visit. I am certain I shall require the assistance of all my sisters when I shop for my wedding clothes, for we all know how much I enjoy the activity.” Laughter followed her words. When the gentlemen joined the ladies, plans were made to travel to London the next day. They would spend a week complete, returning to Netherfield the following Monday. The wedding would take place the Tuesday after the third reading of the banns. Darcy would stay in London until the Thursday before the wedding, returning with a settlement for Mr Bennet to sign. Then he would remain in Meryton until he could take his bride home with him.

  Organising the carriages and trunks required for nine people to travel to four locations was no small task. But the Netherfield servants were nothing if not efficient, and in as short a time as possible the travellers were London bound.

  In the second carriage, Darcy found himself absurdly envious of the rug encasing Elizabeth. He longed for the time when he would have the right to wrap his beloved in his own arms for warmth. From his seat across the carriage he caught Elizabeth’s eyes. She must have read something of his thoughts for she mouthed the word, “Soon.” He smiled and settled back into his seat, content to be with his Elizabeth and their sisters. Miss Catherine was nearly bouncing in her seat with excitement. This would be her first visit to London as a young lady. She had gone as a child to visit her aunt and uncle, but was left behind while her sisters went to shops and parties. This time she would be allowed to join their outings. Georgiana was the first to speak. “Miss Catherine, will you have tea with me one day while you are in town?”

  “Oh, yes!” the other girl enthused. Then she corrected herself, and, glancing at Elizabeth, said, “That is, I would be happy to join you if my aunt and sister allow it.”

  Elizabeth stifled a laugh with some effort before replying, “I am certain there can be no objection to your plans, Kitty.”

  “Wonderful!” Georgiana exclaimed. “I shall send round a note as soon as I arrive home then.” She suddenly looked abashed. “Oh, Miss Bennet, I did not mean to exclude you or Miss Mary. Of course, I shall invite all of you.”

  “That is kind of you, Miss Darcy, but I think we are all friends enough to understand if you wish to spend some time alone with Kitty. You two are of an age after all. I am not offended, nor do I think Mary will be.”

  “I think we shall have to pry Mary away from your cousin if we wish for her company. They are as thick as thieves.” Kitty laughed.

  Darcy joined the conversation. “That they are. It is good to see Anne find such a friend as she has in your sister.”

  “I believe that goes for Mary as well,” Elizabeth replied. “She has been too much alone in our family until recently.”

  Miss Catherine said, “I had hoped to go to the theatre whilst we are in town, but then I recalled Papa has declared I am no longer out.”

  “You do not sound disappointed,” Elizabeth said.

  “I am not. Miss Darcy is not yet out, and I am hoping we might come out together.”

  Georgiana looked to Darcy. “Can we? I would not be nearly so afraid if I had a friend by my side!”

  Darcy looked helplessly to Elizabeth. She merely shrugged, but her eyes glittered with amusement as she awaited his reply. “I shall have to speak with Mr Bennet, of course, but I see no reason to deny your scheme.”

  Elizabeth’s lips twitched in a smile, and she teased, “Poor Mr Darcy. All that dancing in your future. I do not know how you shall survive.”

  He could not return the tease. Instead, he took advantage of their engagement and her nearness in the closed carriage to squeeze her hand lightly. His voice was filled with emotion when he replied, “I shall survive because you will be at my side through it all, Miss Bennet.”

  The week in London passed more quickly than any of them could have foreseen. Mr and Mrs Bingley found themselves exceptionally pleased at having their house to themselves and kept the knocker down for two days. Elizabeth discovered she did not dislike shopping quite so much when her budget was not quite so limited. Having already seen some benefits from his new measures of economy, Mr Bennet had been liberal with funds for Elizabeth’s wedding clothes. Additionally, she learned that the future Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy received a degree of deference never experienced by plain Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire. Miss Darcy discovered the joys and some of the trials of having a sister close to her in age as Kitt
y spent nearly all her free time at Darcy House, while Miss de Bourgh and Mary continued to lay the foundation for what would become a lifelong friendship.

  Even scattered as they were amongst four households, the sisters and their families managed to see each other every day. There were visits aplenty between Darcy House, Gracechurch Street, and Grosvenor Square. There was also tea with Lady Matlock. As Elizabeth prepared herself that morning, she found she could not quell her nerves. Darcy reassured her that the lady was predisposed to look on her with favour, and even Mary said Lady Matlock was all kindness and generosity. Still, Elizabeth was apprehensive about meeting another of Darcy’s aunts. She tried to tell herself that a family which produced Colonel Fitzwilliam could not be bad, and that Mary’s judgment was to be trusted in any case. But she could well recall that Mary was still young, and Miss de Bourgh had somehow come from the home of Lady Catherine. That lady had sent letters to both Darcy and Elizabeth making no secret of her displeasure regarding their impending nuptials. Finally, she reminded herself it did no good to worry over things she could not control. She pinched her cheeks, adjusted her hair, and made her way downstairs to the waiting carriage.

  For years, Lady Matlock had worried her favourite nephew would either not marry at all, or worse, that he would marry someone like the former Arabella Barlow or that horrid Bingsby woman. In the spring, when her son had begun to speak of his cousin’s attraction to an unknown girl from Hertfordshire, Lady Matlock had not known whether she was more distressed or relieved. As the months went on, she heard more of this lady from Richard and saw for herself the change in Georgiana. From there, she began to think all was not lost. Then there had been all the strange activity over the summer, and once again she was concerned. When Anne wrote from Hertfordshire asking if she might invite a new friend to stay at Matlock House, it took no great effort to imagine a connexion between the friend and Darcy’s lady love. Lady Matlock agreed immediately. From the sister, she would learn what sort of family these Bennets were and whether they were worthy of the nephew who was like a son to her.