Darcy's Ultimatum

by Jennifer Joy

  Uncle Gardiner lowered his paper. “Do tell. I should hardly be surprised at anything from my intrepid little girl. You should have heard how she carried on with Mr. Darcy last night. That man has the patience of a saint and my respect.”

  Elizabeth’s dislike for Mr. Darcy wavered even more. She held her uncle’s opinion in high regard.

  “It is concerning Mr. Darcy that Emma spoke. Did you hear your daughter make arrangements for Mr. Darcy to take her for a drive in a coach and four in Hyde Park?” Aunt Gardiner stood with her hands on her hips and her eyebrows arched as high as they could go, tilting her head toward Uncle and daring him to answer.

  Unfortunately, Uncle Gardiner sipped his tea while she spoke and at the mention of a drive, he choked. While he coughed to catch his breath, Aunt continued while Elizabeth refilled his tea cup. Another drink would calm the cough. He gulped the amber liquid down and was soon right.

  “Really, Edward, I know that Emma is only ten years old and her age forgives her somewhat for such forward behavior. But, I do not think it wise to offend someone like Mr. Darcy. He has such high manners.”

  Elizabeth did not know whether to laugh with her uncle or to be concerned like her aunt. While she appreciated humor in any situation, she agreed with her aunt. It would not do to set Mr. Darcy against them. But, she saw no such concern in her uncle’s face.

  “I overheard that conversation. In fact, Mr. Darcy concerned himself not to make arrangements without my approval and sought me out. His expression was so open and agreeable, I immediately gave my consent. No specific date was set, but he did say that he would call with his sister.”

  Emma had accomplished in one short evening what Elizabeth had yet to attain— an invitation to ride in a gentleman’s carriage. Awestruck at her young cousin’s abilities, Elizabeth said, “Perhaps I should take lessons from Emma. She would have me engaged in a week.”

  Aunt Gardiner came around the table and sat next to Elizabeth. Clasping her hand, she asked, “How is the season treating you, Lizzy? Is there anyone who might make an offer?”

  Elizabeth stared at her plate with her half-eaten biscuit.

  Her aunt squeezed her hand. “I see. Now, I do not want to give you hope where there may be none, but I continue to wonder at Mr. Darcy. If he had no interest in you, why would he ask you to dance when it is known that he avoids dancing and why would he accompany Mr. Bingley to Astley’s to meet us? Surely, he knew you would be there. He was very agreeable. Very different to how you had described him, dear. I must say, Lizzy, you did Mr. Darcy a grave injustice. Perhaps you are not such a good judge of character as you take pride in?”

  Dare I hope? She did for a moment before pushing it away to become irritated at her aunt’s comment. Have I not determined to dislike the man? How can I be certain that marriage to a gentleman like Mr. Darcy would be an improvement to Mr. Collins? What a fool! How can I compare Mr. Darcy to Mr. Collins? Maybe Aunt is right and I am wrong.

  Realizing how her thoughts had wandered and afraid to linger on such a delicate subject, Elizabeth said, “I forget that you knew his parents. What were they like, Aunt?”

  “Lady Anne was very much how you described Mr. Darcy to be. I cannot speak freely about her for, truth be known, I was too intimidated by Lady Anne to attempt to befriend her. She was above my company. Her husband, Mr. Darcy’s father, was quite the opposite. He had, and I suppose he still does have, a reputation for generosity and kindness. His tenants are loyal to the Darcy family and that, in my opinion, speaks volumes about his character. It should not be surprising that his son reflects these same qualities. His mother died when he was a boy and he has spent most of his time with his father on the estate.”

  Uncle Gardiner, who still sat with his paper hovering unread over his teacup, eyeglass in place, spoke. “Lizzy, Mr. Darcy is a true gentleman. If he is interested in you as a wife, he will soon make his intentions known. He is not one to trifle with a lady or give cause for false expectations. It will be enlightening to see how soon he calls and if you somehow get invited to join Emma and Miss Darcy in his carriage.”

  Again, hope fluttered in Elizabeth’s stomach like a butterfly.

  But the day passed and Mr. Darcy did not call.

  Chapter 16

  One week later, the beginning of May

  The clanging of swords could not drown out the conflict in Darcy’s mind. He felt uncertain and that was not something he often felt. Being a man of purpose and action, he invited Bingley to Angelo’s Fencing Academy for some exercise.

  Bingley struggled to keep up against his strikes and Darcy knew he would defeat his fencing partner soon.

  When the tip of his rapier touched the padding wrapped around Bingley’s chest, Darcy still could not appreciate his victory. He trusted himself with a sword, but not with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

  Pulling the masks off, Bingley gasped between breaths, “You fought as if you were fighting the devil himself… or Napoleon.”

  Darcy leaned against a pillar until he could speak. Drat it all! He pounded his fist against the stone pillar.

  “If only my opponent were Napoleon. It is infinitely easier to face a visible opponent than to live with the wrestling in my head.”

  Bingley sat on a bench and wiped his face with the ends of a towel draped behind his neck. “I have not known you to suffer indecision. That is more my area of expertise. Perhaps, for once, I may advise you.”

  Darcy considered, but he knew he could not confide his true feelings to Bingley. As much as he trusted him as a friend, Bingley was incapable of keeping a secret and Darcy was not willing to have his inclination to favor Miss Elizabeth declared all over London.

  He had avoided calling at the Gardiner’s for a week, though little Miss Emma was expecting him. Out of concern for the girl, he knew he could not wait much longer.

  Miss Elizabeth made him nervous. She was not the sort of lady he had thought to take as a wife and he could not help but cringe when he thought of her parents and younger sisters. She spoke her opinions and, though her manners were polite in high society, there was something about her that he knew his mother would not have approved of. It was a real dilemma. Society treated the fair sex harshly for having opinions, much less expressing them. But, Darcy admired her quick mind— even if it was quick to judge him as proud.

  “I say, Darcy.” Bingley’s voice cut into his thoughts.

  “I apologize. What were you saying?” Darcy asked, hoping that Bingley would change the subject.

  “I want to seek your counsel about something of great importance. As you are aware, I am in love with Miss Jane Bennet. Her family is in Hertfordshire which I find a rather convenient distance from town. It can be reached in half a day’s travel which suits me nicely. We already looked at Netherfield Park and found it agreeable. I believe Jane would be happier to settle close to her family.”

  True to form, Bingley had hopped to another topic before the previous one was done. Darcy was relieved.

  “You are certain you want to marry Miss Bennet?” Darcy turned to face Bingley. Marriage was a serious affair and he would not let his friend take a false step.

  Without hesitation, Bingley said, “I have never been more sure of anything in my life.” He paused and Darcy remained silent, seeing that Bingley was working something out. “It is as if I exist to make her happy.”

  Bingley’s words shook Darcy to the core. For the first time in his life, he placed someone else’s opinion above his own. Darcy would give a fortune for Miss Elizabeth to think well of him. He cleared his throat.

  “If that is how you feel, then you must try to win her. I believe her to be deserving of your affections and I hope you will not judge her family too harshly, for they do not represent the lady.” Darcy meant the words, but felt hypocritical in saying them. Had he not judged Miss Elizabeth for that very thing?

  “I had hoped you would approve. What about the estate? Do you really think that a good idea?”

  “Certai
nly. You are of an age to marry and care for your own home. Netherfield Park is a fine estate and will serve you well. Why should you doubt your abilities?”

  “I am not very brave, but with Jane by my side, I feel capable of anything. I shall do it. I shall go to Hertfordshire and talk to her father. I would like his approval before saying anything to Jane.”

  Darcy smacked Bingley on the back and squeezed his shoulder. It satisfied him to see the seriousness with which Bingley was acting.

  Both gentlemen were satisfied with Bingley’s plans, especially Bingley. Not ready to dismiss the subject, Bingley invited Darcy to lunch with him at their club. While Bingley spoke of Miss Jane, Darcy tried once again to summon tender feelings toward Lady Henrietta. But, it was impossible. Darcy’s heart had passed the point of no return. Though he had tried over the past week, his efforts to root out Miss Elizabeth only planted her more firmly in his future.

  Feeling like he was in a cloud, Darcy returned home to see Georgiana. He needed to know her impression of Miss Elizabeth.

  Climbing up the stairs to Darcy House, Darcy pondered how best to approach the subject. His sister knew him well and would tease him just as Richard had if she sensed his interest in a lady.

  He found Georgiana in the sitting room doing some embroidery on what looked to be a handkerchief. Darcy managed to see a W stitched in gold letters before she tucked it away. He pretended not to see the gift she was making him and was glad he had thought to bring her something.

  “You have been out for a while, William.”

  “I have been busy, but I was thinking of you while I walked about my business.”

  “Did you bring me an orange or a ribbon or, better yet, a novel?” She batted her eyes at him and flashed her most charming smile.

  Darcy laughed. She knew him well.

  “I brought you one of those horrid novels you like so much. Really, Georgiana, I fail to see the benefit of such drivel.”

  “There is no benefit whatsoever. But it is delightfully fun to read.” Georgiana giggled as Darcy handed her the book. She ran her hands over the cover, relishing her new treasure and forgetting her embroidery entirely.

  “One of these days, I shall bring you something more edifying.”

  “Please ask Elizabeth before you do. Anything you choose would surely bore me, but I trust her judgment in recommending a book both edifying and entertaining.”

  Darcy saw his opportunity. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

  “Of course. I should not call her by her Christian name in your presence, but we became friends so quickly, that is how I think of her. She also is free to call me by my name.”

  Darcy supposed he should not have been surprised at their quick friendship, but he was. And it pleased him.

  “Do you consider Miss Elizabeth a good friend to have?”

  “What a strange question, William, for you knew we would meet when you accepted the Gardiner’s invitation to Astley’s. Why should you introduce us if you felt she might not be good company?” Georgiana looked suspicious.

  “Fair enough,” Darcy said with his hands up. It was a valid point as he was careful who he introduced into the company of his little sister.

  Georgiana narrowed her eyes further at Darcy.

  “I think, my dearest brother, what you mean to ask is my opinion of Miss Elizabeth as a sister. You like her.” She poked at him with her finger.

  Darcy expected to feel embarrassed to have his heart’s desire thus revealed, but instead, he felt relief. He did like Miss Elizabeth.

  “Do you think father would approve?”

  “Father would approve of a milk maid as long as she gave him grandchildren. Elizabeth is a gentleman’s daughter and she has a joie de vivre about her. I find it refreshing and Father will too.” She nodded her head in firm decision.

  “Good because we are going to pay the Gardiners a call. Miss Emma asked me a week ago to take her for a drive in Hyde Park and I must not disappoint her. I fear I have made her wait too long as it is.”

  “My serious brother has gone soft. When do we leave?” Georgiana bounced in her seat.

  “If we leave shortly, we can pay the Gardiners a call and see if it is a good time to take Miss Emma to the park. My hope is that Miss Elizabeth will accompany us.”

  “William, you do realize that you will be declaring your affections by taking Miss Elizabeth to the park during the fashionable hour. Tongues will wag.”

  Darcy hated gossip. He hated knowing that he would be the source of the gossip to come and that it might affect Miss Elizabeth. Still, he said, “Let them talk,” as nonchalantly as he could.

  Elizabeth gave up all hopes that Mr. Darcy had any inkling of interest in her. Mr. Bingley had visited Jane numerous times over the past week while Elizabeth had yet to receive a gentleman caller. It was not from a lack of effort on her part, not that a proper young lady could do much to promote herself. Elizabeth had gone on calls with her aunt and with Jane, she had gone to soirees, picnics, card parties, private balls, public balls, too many balls… Yet, here she stood in the middle of her aunt and uncle’s parlor nearly halfway through the season, twiddling her thumbs.

  She heard the clip clop of horses, but she did not look out the window. Whoever it might be was not coming to see her.

  When Elizabeth heard a pronounced knock on the door, she nearly jumped out of her slippers. Her mind made a mental checklist. It could not be Mr. Bingley. He had already called and it would not do to call more than once during a day, no matter how intense his passion. She could think of no one else who would be calling in the late afternoon, unless it was for Aunt or Uncle.

  Elizabeth, unsure whether to stay in the sitting room or escape before being seen, told herself to calm down. Her heart pulsated beneath her dress. Silly thing. It is most likely someone to see Jane or Aunt. She did not understand why she felt nervous until she saw Mr. Darcy enter the room. He was accompanied by Georgiana. The fair-haired girl’s presence relaxed Elizabeth somewhat.

  Elizabeth curtsied. “How pleased I am to see you Georgiana. Mr. Darcy.” She moved them toward the seating area.

  Georgiana dimpled. “We are glad to see you Elizabeth. We came with a purpose and I hope to include you in it.” She looked to her brother to continue.

  Mr. Darcy cleared his throat and shifted his weight in his seat. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth. As you may be aware, Miss Emma expressed her wish for a carriage ride in the park. It is our hope, Miss Elizabeth, that you might join our party. That is, of course, if now is a convenient time for Miss Emma and her parents approve.”

  Had Uncle been correct?

  “I should love to accompany you. I have been spending too much time in stuffy ballrooms and enclosed spaces. The promise of outside air sounds delightful.”

  Elizabeth chanced a look at Mr. Darcy. Was he pleased she accepted?

  As always, his expression was too stoic to read well. At least, that was until he looked at her. His eyes were dark and more intense than she had seen them before. Once again, Elizabeth hoped.

  Uncle and Aunt Gardiner were enchanted to have the Darcys pay a call. When they heard the motive for the visit, they were even more so.

  Emma walked as proudly as a peacock out to the carriage which was harnessed to four matched grays. Its recently polished surface shone in the afternoon sun. It was impressive. With the assistance of the coachman, Emma greeted each of the horses and asked about their names.

  Elizabeth turned to Darcy. “This coach is a vast improvement to the one I last saw you in.”

  The corners of Darcy’s mouth crinkled upward. “Yes, that was a ghastly day of incessant rain. Is the weather very often that poor in Hertfordshire?”

  Elizabeth knew better than to take offense, unlike that wretched day when she fell in the muddy water.

  “If we are to discuss the weather, I would surmise that it is very similar to London. Does Pemberley enjoy sunshine year round?”

  He gave no immediate answer, but she saw a smile
spread across his face.

  Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage. He sat next to Georgiana; Elizabeth and Emma sat opposite.

  “I gather you have not seen much of England, Miss Elizabeth. However, I know from experience that an inconvenience such as rain does not impede you from venturing out of the comforts of home.”

  Elizabeth nodded, taking his words as a compliment.

  Clasping her hands together by her face, Georgiana said, “William told me about that incident. I think it is romantic to walk in the rain and pick wildflowers.”

  Elizabeth smiled at her friend’s wistful look. She remembered what it was like to be fifteen years of age. She too had romanticized everything.

  “It was pleasant, even romantic, until my foot caught fast in the mud causing me to lose my balance and fall just as your brother’s coach doused me with puddle water as it passed.”

  Everyone laughed until Mr. Darcy stopped and said in a serious tone, “I behaved in an ungentlemanly fashion that day, Miss Elizabeth. When I am uncomfortable with people, my tendency is to be quiet. My apologies.”

  The last thing Elizabeth expected to hear was an apology from Mr. Darcy. She had been speaking in jest of the situation, but the mood in the carriage now was very different.

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I was not seeking an apology, but I will not refuse one so sincerely given. I daresay your endurance of other’s uncustomary behavior was punishment enough.” She bit her lips and met his eyes.

  His expression remained tense, but his words were soft. “I have learned that appearances can be deceiving. There are individuals, though few of my acquaintance, who have risen above the characters of those who surround them.”

  Elizabeth looked away. Mr. Darcy’s words comforted her, but she wished he could think kinder of her family in Longbourn. Though they caused her endless embarrassment, she loved them deeply.

  A group of officers riding in a cluster drew near to them on the gravel path. Elizabeth saw Georgiana straighten up in her seat. Even Emma perked up as they closed the distance to the scarlet coats, her vision clearly more focused on the horses. She and Mr. Darcy discussed the fine points of each mount, Emma focusing on the aesthetic features and Mr. Darcy imparting further knowledge on form.