Darcy observed Mr. Bennet’s raised eyebrows, then explained, “Between my rearing and my experiences, I formed a negative view of the world as a whole. I now recognise that I was full of arrogance and conceit and selfishly cared not should I wound others’ feelings, as I treated them with the barest of civility.”
“This is a surprise indeed, Mr. Darcy. I had not supposed your pride capable of an apology.” Darcy winced, and Mr. Bennet conceded, “I begin to agree with my daughter. I mistook your character.”
“I thank you, sir, but my humbling is long overdue, I assure you. I must admit my vanity instantly rejected your claims, until you explained that Miss Elizabeth shared your feelings, and upon reflection, I agreed.”
Desiring to get to his main point, Darcy cleared his throat. “It is important we speak of Mr. Wickham, sir.” He paused and swiped his mouth with his hand while lost in thought. “I assume Mr. Gardiner relayed that Wickham has greatly abused my family?” Mr. Bennet nodded his head in agreement. “And he explained that Wickham attempted an elopement with my sister last summer?”
“Yes, I must say, I am shocked. He easily hides his libertine behaviour with his happy manners.”
“Georgiana is quite young and recalled favourable memories of Wickham from her childhood, of which I did not disabuse her. I was very deceived in her companion’s character, as she was, unknown to me, Wickham’s accomplice, nor did I believe Wickham so malicious then as to hurt me through my sister.”
“Gardiner wrote that you believe Wickham applied to Lizzy by design. Surely he would not think Elizabeth would be so susceptible to his charming manners; she is not so very young and naïve. In the course of one conversation with her, anyone can perceive she has an uncommon intelligence and quickness about her.”
“Indeed.”
“My daughters’ small portions are no secret. I do not see why we must worry over the man.”
Darcy looked away in discomfort and shifted uneasily. “I did not explain the whole of Wickham’s vicious past to Mr. Gardiner and your daughter.”
Darcy explained an infatuation he had while at Cambridge. She was the sister of a classmate, and while Darcy barely even spoke with her the few times they met, Wickham was jealous. He seduced the lady and then abandoned her. When she fell with child, the family asked Darcy for assistance, but he could not make Wickham marry her. She and the babe met a cruel fate.
He looked at Mr. Bennet earnestly. “It does not matter if your daughters do not have wealth of their own. They shall be connected to me. I do not doubt that he would desire to make a profit from any scheme, but he shall feel the greatest amount of pleasure if he feels he has triumphed over me in any fashion. He may plan to create a scandal under the assumption I would not marry Miss Elizabeth, which, I assure you, is impossible. More likely though, he would blackmail me to ensure silence, or he will attempt to taint the Darcy name by connection and guarantee himself a steady income. I was a fool to not believe he would stoop to attack my sister, and I do not doubt he will target your family in this case.”
Darcy saw as horror and understanding came to Mr. Bennet. “And my youngest daughters are obviously predisposed to his charms. But what can I hope to do? I must admit, I allow their silliness. I think it rather late to hope they shall improve, and I dare not explain this story fully to them.”
Darcy sat for a moment and hoped his plan would not offend the man, who only now seemed to show cordial feelings towards him. “I mean no offence when I say this, sir, but I noticed Mrs. Bennet’s tendency to encourage…more advantageous matches for her daughters. Yesterday, I took the liberty to explain to your daughters and wife that Mr. Wickham is a liar. I also explained his history of gambling. Perhaps if we explain the relatively impoverished circumstances in which they would live, married to a man in uniform, it shall keep them safe until the militia departs for its summer encampment.”
Mr. Bennet nodded in agreement. “A fine idea. You are a clever one.”
Then he spoke the words that Darcy feared he might. “But I must also, in all prudence, demand you keep your engagement with my daughter a secret. I will honour it, in case the gossip comes out and as it seems she is not entirely adverse to the idea now either. But there shall be no public courtship or engagement between you two until we can be certain my daughters are safe from this scoundrel who has attached himself to you.”
Darcy reluctantly agreed. “But what of my arrival in Hertfordshire with your daughters? And surely you must see that as a marriage shall happen between us, your daughter deserves a courtship.”
Mr. Bennet waved his hand dismissively. “We are not known for our cleverness in this neighbourhood, sir. Has Mrs. Bennet shown any suspicion of your true cause for being here? Has she not imputed it all to bringing Bingley back and found no extreme difficulty in believing you escorted Elizabeth here due to an illness?” Darcy looked a bit dubiously at the older man but agreed. “And so we shall allow that belief to continue. You explained that you needed to return to London at some point. We will reassess the situation then and decide if Elizabeth may follow you there. For now, if you and she appear in the company of the courting couple, you shall only look to be chaperones.”
“Very well, Mr. Bennet. I see this is a prudent course.” Glancing at his watch, Darcy stood. “I believe we have imposed on your family long enough for the day. I appreciate this audience and your forbearance.”
Shaking Darcy’s hand, Mr. Bennet said, “I believe I shall enjoy getting to know you better. If I may give you some advice in courting Lizzy, for I wish to see her happy, make her laugh. And learn to laugh at yourself, for you may rest assured we all are.” Seeing Darcy’s expression at the latter comment, Mr. Bennet chuckled deeply as he motioned for Darcy to leave him.
*****
Soon after Darcy left Mr. Bennet’s study, he and Bingley took their leave of Longbourn, although not before Mr. Bennet announced his agreement to the courtship between Jane and Bingley. Mrs. Bennet’s reaction could only be described as profuse and loud.
Finally making it back to Netherfield, the gentlemen made their way to Bingley’s study. Mercifully, Miss Bingley decided to leave the gentlemen to their own devices, such was her annoyance at both men for calling at Longbourn. Looking over the post, Darcy found a note from his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, which his London butler forwarded.
Monday, March 30, 1812
Rosings, Kent
William,
I learned the circumstances of your abrupt departure from Rosings, give you my heartiest congratulations, and wish all the best to Miss Bennet. I made my arrangements for my return to Town and plan to arrive on Wednesday. I must acquaint you with very important information immediately upon my arrival.
Your cousin,
Richard
Darcy stared at the paper and sighed. Until that moment, he spared not a thought about his cousin or his means of arriving in Town after his sudden departure from Kent. Removing Elizabeth from the presence of his aunt and the last few days barely allowed him a moment of free thought. He could not help but see another example of his selfishness.
Darcy immediately asked Bingley if he might issue an invitation to his cousin to stay at Netherfield. After Bingley’s easy acquiescence, Darcy penned a quick reply, to be sent via express.
Wednesday, April 1, 1812
Netherfield, Hertfordshire
Richard,
I thank you for your congratulations and shall relay your wishes to Miss Bennet when we next meet. I must apologise for my departure and lack of consideration as to your means of transportation. Do forgive me, as the circumstances could not allow anything else. By this time, you will know that I am not in Town. I need to be in Hertfordshire for the foreseeable future. I spoke with Bingley, and he welcomes you to visit Netherfield, if you can.
Your cousin,
William
Darcy spent the rest of the evening with a sense of uneasy foreboding, wondering what information his cousin would need to relay to h
im so immediately.
Chapter Ten
Thursday, April 2, 1812
Elizabeth awoke early on what was now the fourth day since Darcy called at the Hunsford Parsonage. She had slept fitfully the night before. Both Darcy and her father appeared to be in better spirits after leaving her father’s library the day before. She was hopeful things might come to some peace at last, for she could not endure repeated days of tumult and cheerlessness. It was not in her nature to dwell on vexations or unavoidable situations. She must marry Darcy, and he was proving to be a true gentleman. While she did not feel the overwhelming sensations of affection she hoped to feel for a betrothed, she was content with friendly feelings for him.
The hope for tranquillity and a respite from the turmoil of the last few days was not to be. As her father explained after Darcy and Bingley left, the engagement would not be announced. Mr. Bennet refused to explain much more on the matter, only that it concerned Darcy’s worries over Wickham. She was frustrated not to be informed more particularly by either gentlemen. She was anxious to know Darcy better, which seemed impossible while pretending nothing more existed between them than attending the acknowledged courting couple, Jane and Bingley. Furthermore, if Wickham knew Darcy as well as Darcy believed, she would need to be careful not to arouse the suspicions of anyone by her improved opinion of the man. This upset Elizabeth greatly, as she was eager to make amends for her past errors. She spent the night imagining ways to present her improved opinion of Darcy in a slow and credible manner, attributable to being more in his company. She doubted she could avoid Wickham before the regiment relocated and knew not how she would keep her countenance if the heartless miscreant approached her to spew more of his venom.
At the morning’s first rays of light, she donned a simple walking dress and left for Oakham Mount. She desperately needed the exercise after the last several days and made quick time. When she reached the mount, she was surprised to see Darcy and a rather large cocker spaniel with him. She watched silently for a few minutes as Darcy played fetch with his walking companion and even got on his knees to play with him. She smiled at the informality she observed. He did not wear his coat and was merely in a waistcoat and shirtsleeves. She had never seen an unrelated gentleman in so few garments and blushed at her fascinated perusal. Elizabeth noticed for the first time how well built Darcy was. His shoulders seemed impossibly broad, and as he threw the sticks for his beast to catch, she was able to make out the movements of toned muscle. She lowered her gaze and noted that his legs seemed firm and strong, too. She could not understand her musings but believed it must be a good thing for her to find his figure so dashing. As her gaze travelled back to his face, she recalled their recent tender moments and wondered again what his kiss would feel like. She reached and touched her lips at the thought.
A rabbit hopped past, finally drawing the attention of Darcy’s dog who had been absorbed in the game with his master, and it bounded happily to her. Darcy chuckled lightly, turning to see what creature his canine chased after, and he took in a sharp breath when he recognised her. Elizabeth did not concern herself with her appearance until his obvious reaction. She looked down at her hem and was dismayed to see it bore stains from the grass and mud. She thrust on her bonnet to cover her hair, which she knew was dishevelled, and smiled at Darcy. He began to move towards her when he remembered his lack of proper attire and stepped out of view to shrug on his coat. By the time he returned to her eyesight, the dog had reached her and, with insistent paws, begged for attention.
Darcy called out, “Alfred, you must be a gentleman to Miss Elizabeth!” He smiled, and Elizabeth delighted in the appearance of his dimples.
While petting Alfred, she beamed and replied, “Oh, no, I quite welcome his attentions, sir! You see, I may then be able to convince you the dirt and grass upon my skirt is from your rambunctious animal and not from my wild ways.” Her eyes sparkled a dazzling green in her mirth, enhanced by the rising sun.
Quickly reaching her side, Darcy retorted, “Nay. He cannot take credit for creating such a beautiful image.”
Elizabeth blushed, her heart thumping wildly in her chest, but she would not allow him to discompose her entirely. In mock reproach, she declared, “I recall a time when you did not find muddied petticoats so lovely.”
Darcy let out a full laugh, and the sound shocked Elizabeth immensely. “I see you did always misunderstand me!” he exclaimed. “I found you enchanting when you arrived at Netherfield, your face glowing and your fine eyes brightened.” Elizabeth lowered her eyes and blushed again, but he raised her chin. “It has been a particularly favourite memory of mine these last several months.”
His normally pale blue eyes seemed a shade darker, with pupils very black and enlarged. His nearness made her dizzy, and she felt as though she could not breathe deeply enough. Her eyes locked with his, then Alfred, who had resumed his frolicking after briefly inspecting Elizabeth, returned with a large stick and dropped it at their feet. Darcy lowered his hand.
Elizabeth finally found her voice. “I see you also enjoy taking your exercise in the morning.”
“Yes, I prefer to ride, but Alfred needed the exercise. Do you ride?”
Elizabeth laughed merrily. “I ride very ill, indeed! I prefer my own sturdy feet over trusting an animal.”
“Then I look forward to showing you the best walking paths at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth grew quiet for a moment, although the thought of living at Pemberley was not as disconcerting as she expected. She took his offered arm and inquired about his home, which seemed to please him greatly. They walked a little more on the path, with Alfred happily following, sometimes indulged in a moment of fetch. Elizabeth smiled at the feeling of contentment she was now able to experience in Darcy’s company.
As they turned back towards Longbourn, Darcy broached a new subject. “I shall not be able to call on you today. Colonel Fitzwilliam sent a letter, expecting me to be in Town to receive it, stating there was urgent business to discuss, and I invited him to meet with me here. I expect him to arrive today, but as I am not certain, Bingley has decided he and his sister will call on Longbourn as planned instead of waiting to greet their guest.”
He looked at Elizabeth and rightly interpreted her apprehensive expression. “He heartily congratulated us and sends you his best wishes. I presume he knows the circumstances of our departure, but I am fairly certain he deduced my admiration for you before then, and it likely comes as no surprise to him.” Darcy was silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then he declared, “I believe he will support us.”
Elizabeth felt he did not complete his thought, but she ventured a guess at it. “Do you mean to say we shall need his support when you announce the engagement to your other relatives?”
Darcy ceased walking and turned to face Elizabeth. “I do not think so. My uncle, the earl, is a rather liberal man. He and the countess always urged me away from a union with my cousin, Anne, and never advocated for any other lady. Their eldest son, Viscount Milton, married in a love match only two years ago.”
Elizabeth looked dubious. “And I suppose she had a dowry of fifty thousand pounds, for what else would do for a viscount? Surely you see Society will view me differently.”
Darcy sighed, for he could not argue against it. “Elizabeth, you bring what I value to the marriage, and I am my own man. I do not fear their reactions. But you misunderstand me again. I meant that I believe my cousin will support us in keeping our families safe from Wickham.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth felt like a fool. Once again she had wrongly assumed Darcy’s meaning. Shaking off her misgivings, she was more than happy to continue the subject at hand. She silently urged him to resume walking.
“What are your full plans? My father only explained that we must keep our betrothal a secret.”
“I cannot speak of specifics yet. Your uncle wisely suggested I find incriminating evidence against him, for he surely has committed some crime over the years. He is a
gamester but quite a poor one. He uses it more as a means of creating friendships and alliances than as a source of income, and yet he was never solely dependent on me for money. This is the first time he has entered a profession, and I doubt he could afford the commission. I often wonder if he stole or embezzled funds from someone. I hired investigators at the recommendation of your uncle. Providing they uncover something and with the appropriate documentation, I shall present Wickham with a choice: face the charges or transportation to a colony of his choice.”
“What business do you suspect concerns Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy heaved a great sigh. “Undoubtedly, it must involve my aunt, as he was at Rosings until yesterday. I was unsurprised that she hoped to silence any rumours that might erupt about us and force an engagement or that she attempted to bribe your father. I cannot imagine what other possible machinations she may concoct.” He furrowed his brows in thought. Elizabeth noticed he suddenly looked weary, when only moments ago, he had displayed more youthfulness than she ever saw in him before.
Elizabeth decided to keep her concerns to herself for the moment, desiring to speak of more cheerful things. “I do hope the colonel can spend a few days at Netherfield. I believe my family, certain sisters especially, would be very delighted to meet him,” she said, teasingly.
“It would be quite amusing to see him beset with so much attention. I believe he might be able to spare a day or two before he is due to return to his regiment.” Seeing the paddock to Longbourn ahead, Darcy declared, “I believe it prudent we part here. I received letters from my steward that I should answer while I await my cousin’s arrival.”
Elizabeth merely nodded in understanding, and Darcy gave her a knowing look. “I believe Alfred shall be in need of some exercise tomorrow morning before breakfast. He seemed to enjoy the scenery today, so I think we shall make it our preferred path.”
Compromising Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Anthology Page 13
