Mr. Bennet made the introductions between the Gardiners, Darcy, and Bingley. Bingley was as open and amiable as ever, and Darcy seemed surprised by her London relations. The Gardiners were rather wealthy and looked to be refined people of fashion. As the Gardiners quickly proved to be the only set of relatives she had that did not give her cause to blush, Elizabeth watched Darcy engage Mr. Gardiner in a friendly dialogue about fishing. Soon Mrs. Gardiner had her share of the conversation, too. She always became animated when speaking of her years in Derbyshire. Upon mentioning that her father, Mr. Clark, had been the vicar at Kympton for several years, Darcy looked at Elizabeth with an odd expression. Does he not recall our conversation about the connection?
“Lizzy, it seems you will see Pemberley earlier than I thought. Your uncle and I were planning to invite you on our tour to the Lake District this summer, and we intended to visit Lambton and tour Pemberley while we were there.”
Elizabeth attempted to conceal her disappointment at missing the chance for the travels, but Darcy quickly intervened. “Please inform us when you intend to be in the area; we would enjoy hosting you. Mrs. Gardiner, I am sure you remember the delights Derbyshire has to offer, and I am certain Miss Elizabeth would enjoy seeing them, especially in the company of her dear aunt and uncle.”
Elizabeth beamed at his consideration and felt the compliment was all for herself. She was even more astonished when he continued, “It has been many years since I visited the Lakes, but perhaps we might make up a party for a holiday there with you. We will have no time for a wedding tour due to the winter. Would you enjoy that, Miss Elizabeth?”
“You will find, Mr. Darcy, I have a great curiosity to see the world. It would be wise for your pocketbook not to offer many tours so readily!”
This earned a laugh from the Gardiners.
Turning serious, Darcy looked intently into Elizabeth’s eyes and replied, “Anything to bring my lady pleasure.”
Elizabeth blushed, but Darcy’s face took on an expression Elizabeth had begun to recognise as teasing.
“Now, Miss Elizabeth, I know your opinion of poetry, but might I entice you, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with the potential to meet Mr. Wordsworth or Mr. Coleridge? I have a slight acquaintance with them.”
Mr. Gardiner replied, “Of course, we would be delighted, sir. But what is this about Lizzy’s opinion on poetry? Surely you know she enjoys it!”
He arched his brow to foretell the coming tease. “Does she? I recall her professing a belief that poetry is very efficient at killing love.”
Elizabeth interjected, “Only if it is a poor sonnet and a vague inclination, sir.”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed merrily. “You do not mean to tell me you have yet to understand Elizabeth’s propensity to express opinions that are not her own!”
Elizabeth laughed but replied, “Nay, Aunt. I am quite serious, and you would have me make my first object in life to joke. I believe everything nourishes a fine, stout love.”
Elizabeth looked to Darcy, who seemed quite affected by her declaration. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner shared a smile, then Mrs. Gardiner shared her opinion. “What a good philosophy, dear. For through trials in life, you will find it necessary to fall in love with your spouse more than once. Be sure to always nourish what you have. It will fall to each of you to guard each other’s good qualities and tease each other into happiness in times of melancholy.”
Darcy and Elizabeth appeared to reflect on her sage advice, but soon Mr. Gardiner interrupted, “My dear, you are leaving out what encourages affection the most.”
“And what is that, Uncle?”
“Why dancing, of course! Mr. Darcy, I assure you that if you dance with my niece, neither of you can stay cross for long.”
*****
Darcy braced himself for the conversation the men would have in Mr. Bennet’s study when they separated from the ladies. Mr. Collins was still confined to bed with his cold, and Bingley intended to explain the necessity of advancing his wedding. Bingley needed to meet with his solicitor to finish the settlement with haste. He would likely need three days in London.
Darcy believed he should not be in the room for such a private conversation. More than that, he had truly enjoyed Mr. Gardiner’s company and doubted the gentleman would treat Darcy as cordially after he learned the truth of his engagement. But Bingley requested his presence for support; from the duty of friendship, Darcy did not excuse himself.
The four men settled comfortably in the Longbourn library, the others enjoying Mr. Bennet’s port. Bingley cleared his throat.
“Mr. Bennet, I need to speak with you about changing the wedding date. I will also need to depart to London after Darcy’s wedding and will be away for a few days to complete matters.”
Mr. Bennet apparently could not resist the chance to jest. “Impatient, Mr. Bingley? Deciding to follow Mr. Darcy’s example?”
Darcy and Bingley both momentarily squeezed their eyes shut. Bingley glanced to Darcy and received a nod from his friend.
“Sir, last night...last night, I schemed to have a private moment with Miss Bennet. My actions...my abominable actions have necessitated that we move the wedding date forward. I already purchased the license but expect to finish the settlement on Saturday.”
Darcy was surprised to see Mr. Bennet grow red with rage. “Mr. Bingley! I should call you out!”
Darcy hated that his friend was receiving such harsh treatment when his own actions were far worse. Had Mr. Bennet been kinder to him out of deference to his position? Had Elizabeth said something to calm her father?
“Mr. Bennet, I am certain this comes as a shock, but I fail to understand why you are treating Bingley worse than myself.”
Mr. Gardiner turned his eyes on Darcy, first in surprise, then in a mixture of disappointment and understanding.
“Mr. Darcy, the situations are entirely different,” Mr. Bennet soothed the younger man. Darcy could not understand why. He opened his mouth to argue, but Bingley interjected.
“Darcy, he is correct. The situations are not the same, and you know it.”
Darcy looked from Bingley to Mr. Bennet and could not comprehend why they were trying to be so kind. He did not premeditate seducing Elizabeth in any way, but his actions were the same, and he felt he should be held to the same level. Before he could try again to take the blame, Mr. Bennet dismissed him.
“Darcy, you are not required for this discussion. I am sure you remained as a second to your friend, but I promise my brother is well capable of keeping me from losing my head.”
Without fully apprehending why, Darcy left the study. He was walking back to the drawing room, uncertain if he should enter without the other gentlemen, when he heard Mrs. Bennet speaking to her sister-in-law.
“Jane is worried about Lizzy’s health. She missed her courses, will hardly eat, and you should have seen the state of her nerves the last week! I tell you, Meg, that girl is with child. I knew she could not be so clever for nothing. For years, his family wanted him to marry his cousin, but my Lizzy knew how to catch him.”
“Fanny, you can not mean it! Not Elizabeth! It is impossible!”
“Well, she was at Netherfield for nearly a week. Or maybe they were meeting clandestinely all along. He did always have his eyes on her from nearly their first meeting...”
Darcy stumbled away from the drawing-room. Elizabeth is with child?
Suddenly, a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind. Worries about her health and safety, memories of his mother’s frequent miscarriages and death after childbirth, mixed with images of Elizabeth heavy with child, beautiful beyond compare and walking the paths of Pemberley. Would it be a son? His heir? He hoped the lad would be livelier than he had been; with such a mother, it had to be an improvement on his own childhood. Or a daughter? With the dark curls and sparkling eyes of Elizabeth?
He heard the Gardiner children at play above them, and Elizabeth’s laughter rang out. He knew he should regret his actions all the more, but someh
ow he felt everything progressed as it was meant to. If he had not lost his senses and seduced Elizabeth, would he have proposed? Would he have the good fortune to have her as the mother to his children? Or would he have realised his love for her too late?
He could not forget that only a fortnight ago he vowed never to marry her and believed he might need to separate Bingley from Jane. A fortnight ago, he was proud, arrogant, and selfish. If he did offer for her without this over his head, he would not have been worthy of her, and she would have had every right to refuse him. He would always regret his ungentlemanly behaviour, but if those very actions led to something so miraculous as making him a better man, let alone creating a child, he might learn to forgive himself.
He was pleased to hear Elizabeth’s laughter, too. It sounded as though she was happy with the situation. Recalling her words from the morning, where she seemed to imply no deep regard on her side, he could only hope she was happy to be having his child. Rationally, he argued she had been under the misapprehension that he disapproved of her then. Hopefully the words they shared in the last two days repaired the damage and gave her a complete sketch of his character. He was entirely unsure of her true sentiments towards him, but they would be a family. They would be happy. He would ensure it.
Taking a deep breath, he decided to take a walk in the garden as he contemplated his new duties and obligations as a father and tried to make sense of all the feelings welling in his heart.
*****
In the library, Bingley met the cold glares of Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner. He took a swallow of port and eyed the pair of displayed duelling pistols nervously. “As I said, I have already purchased the licence, and my solicitor has begun the settlement. I can journey to London after the wedding tomorrow and have him finalise matters before my return.”
“And then you will wish to marry immediately, I imagine.”
“Surely, you see the reason for it being necessary.”
“When I gave you permission last night to see to Jane, she was crying and upset! I thought you would care for her, not take advantage of her!”
Bingley crumpled. They had discussed it afterwards, and this never crossed his mind. Had he taken advantage of Jane? She certainly consented, but was she in her right mind? This morning, he had feared she had too much wine. She was distressed at dinner. For himself, he knew that he had desired a moment alone with Jane days before.
“Do you have nothing to say for yourself? Did you plan to seduce her? Did you send her fleeing the supper room so you could enact your plan?” Mr. Bennet was turning red.
“Let the man answer, Bennet.”
Bingley paled. On one count Mr. Bennet’s accusations fell quite justly. “As I attempted to explain when I asked for her hand, I have been very tempted. I did consider that I could have a private moment with her— but only a moment! I considered if she were found with me, it might lead to a faster marriage.”
Mr. Bennet banged his hand on the desk, and Bingley jumped. Mr. Gardiner cut in. “Bennet, what is this about him asking for an earlier date and explaining his temptation?”
“Yes, but how could I think that it would lead to this?”
“And you let her alone with him last night. Why did you not accompany her?” Mr. Gardiner shook his head, and Bingley tried to not agree with him. It took all his amiability to not hurl the cause of Jane’s tears last night in Mr. Bennet’s face.
“You should have seen it! Six men were requesting Lizzy’s hand, others requesting Kitty’s. Men were eyeing Mary and Lydia. There were four engagements announced last night! The men in this town have answered every mother’s prayer with how marriage-minded they are now.”
Mr. Gardiner looked confused. “What on earth can be the reason for this?”
Bingley looked up. “The Meryton rector gave an interesting sermon the other week. I suppose many of us felt a conviction to ask for the hands of the ladies we have long admired.”
Mr. Gardiner began to laugh. “Does my sister know of all this?”
Mr. Bennet began to laugh as well. “It would be the death of me if she did, Edward!”
Bingley began to smile. Perhaps he would not be shot by Mr. Bennet after all.
Mr. Gardiner sobered. “Come, Bennet. What is the difference of a few days? With so many marriages taking place, and I will assume none shall be lengthy engagements, it should not cast this marriage in a bad light. Should I ask what liberties you took with my sister?”
Mr. Bennet had been taking a sip of brandy and began choking. When he recovered, he glared at his brother-in-law. “That was badly done!”
“I am sure I meant no harm to your health,” Mr. Gardiner said with a wink to Bingley.
“Oh, no, it is not my health I worried for. The memories you brought back.” He shuddered with false effect.
Bingley laughed with the men but was grateful when the topic returned to his wedding. He desired no images of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, who conceived five children, in his mind.
“So, when will you return to us?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“I think I can return by nightfall on Saturday. We could wed on Monday.”
Mr. Bennet opened his mouth, but Mr. Gardiner spoke first. “That would be ideal for us, actually.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “Very well, we shall state that as the primary reason for the moved date. Do you think Darcy and Lizzy can return for the wedding?”
“I already spoke with Darcy, and he agreed to wait to journey to Pemberley until after the ceremony.”
“Very well, we are agreed to the wedding on Monday.”
He extended his hand, and Bingley never felt more relief in his life than when they exited the room.
*****
The Bennet sisters chose to go upstairs and visit with the Gardiner children, rather than sit with their mother and aunt. Elizabeth particularly relished the opportunity; after tomorrow, it would be the height of impropriety for her to behave so. Still, she vowed when she had her own children that she would spend a good deal of time with them every day instead of only seeing them in passing, no matter the fashions of the ton.
In another situation, she would have mentioned child-rearing before accepting a proposal. She could barely hazard a guess as to Darcy’s preferences on the subject, but she reckoned they could do no worse than her own parents, even if they disagreed entirely. Two sensible people undoubtedly had the advantage over parents lackadaisical and silly.
Her aunt arrived in the nursery and asked to speak with Elizabeth alone. She blushed. At first, she worried about her aunt questioning her on her feelings for Darcy, then feared her aunt intended to give her guidance on the wedding night. She was genuinely relieved her mother did not join them.
Enclosed in her room, aunt and niece sat on the bed. “Elizabeth, I wanted to speak with you on this hasty engagement to a gentleman, I am told, you greatly disliked only a few weeks ago.”
Elizabeth blushed in remembrance of her prejudices. “Aunt, it is true. I disliked Mr. Darcy. I was very wrong in my first impressions. And I was nonsensical and prejudiced after I overheard him make an unfortunate comment at a ball. But it is of no importance now. We are very good friends.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked at Elizabeth for a long moment. “Friendship is not love, which I know you hoped for. Why did you accept him? I do not mean to malign you, but why did he offer for you? He admires you greatly, it is quite clear, but it would have to be a very great sort of love for a man of his standing to marry you unless...”
Elizabeth gasped. “Aunt, how can you think it?”
“Your mother certainly does. She says you have missed your courses. You do know what that typically means for married ladies—or those who engage in marital acts while unwed—do you not?”
Elizabeth answered earnestly, “Yes, but I have done no such thing. This has happened before when I am overly anxious. I am certain my courses will come soon.”
“Elizabeth, I want you to tell me truthfully everything that happened between yo
u and Mr. Darcy while you stayed at Netherfield. I must know how this improvement of opinion progressed.”
Elizabeth relayed in all seriousness the events that changed her opinion of Darcy. Her aunt’s interference may appear intrusive to some, but Elizabeth held her in very high esteem and valued her opinion. When she was finished, her aunt seemed to search Elizabeth’s countenance for the truth.
“Then it is as I said. He must love you a very great deal. How do you feel about having such unequal affections?”
“Oh, Aunt! No, he does not love me. Maybe someday we will grow to love each other, but for now I am content with admiration and respect. I think we are well suited to each other.”
“It is good that you have sensible things to rely on as well as these new feelings.”
Elizabeth began to protest, but her aunt interrupted. “Lizzy! You both are trying so hard to find some manner of rational explanation for this engagement when it is anything but. Now I will tell you how very much I like him; he is perfectly amiable. I will be very much surprised if you are not soon both quite in love and the happiest creatures in the world.
“Since your mother has determined that you are with child, she has decided she does not need to speak with you on your wedding night duties. Do you have any questions?”
Elizabeth blushed furiously but answered truthfully, “I am a country girl....I understand the…mechanics. I trust Mr. Darcy; I know I will be well.”
“You understand there will be pain and likely some bleeding the first time?” Elizabeth paled a little but nodded.
Mrs. Gardiner patted her niece’s hands. “Very well, dear. I believe the men should be in the drawing room by now.”
*****
Elizabeth took quite some time to recover from the distraction of her conversation with her aunt. She was entirely oblivious to the embarrassed and strained expressions of Bingley and Jane and the cross looks her father and uncle sent the couple.
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