“You can now have nothing farther to say,” she resentfully answered. “You have insulted me in every possible method. I must beg to return to the house.”
And she rose as she spoke. Lady Catherine rose also, and they turned back. Her ladyship was highly incensed.
“You have no regard, then, for the honor and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?”
“Lady Catherine, I have nothing farther to say. You know my sentiments.”
“You are then resolved to have him?”
“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”
“It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honor, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.”
“Neither duty, nor honor, nor gratitude, have any possible claim on me, in the present instance,” said Elizabeth. “No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his marrying me, it would not give me one moment's concern -- and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.”
“And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well, I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but, depend upon it, I will carry my point.”
In this manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the door of the carriage, when, turning hastily round, she added, “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.”
Elizabeth made no answer; and without attempting to persuade her ladyship to return into the house, walked quietly into it herself. She heard the carriage drive away as she proceeded up stairs. Her mother impatiently met her at the door of the dressing-room, to ask why Lady Catherine would not come in again and rest herself.
“She did not choose it,” said her daughter, “she would go.”
“She is a very fine-looking woman and her calling here was prodigiously civil for she only came, I suppose, to tell us the Collins are well. She is on her road somewhere, I dare say, and so, passing through Meryton, thought she might as well call on you. I suppose she had nothing particular to say to you, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here; for to acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible.
****
The next day the couple walked for it was a little warmer. “Miss Bennet, I never had the opportunity to ask you more about Pemberley. Would you be so kind as to tell me of your experience there?”
“I shall, sir, for I cherish that visit. We passed through the village of Lambton, my aunt’s girlhood home where we stayed at the Lambton Inn. It is but a little over five miles from the estate but it seemed longer. I was surprised by the expanse of dense woods which covered both sides of the road until we reached the gate marking the entrance to the estate. From there the woods were less dense but the trees were older and more majestic and covered the road with a canopy of green. It appeared the trees were planted many years ago and from the spacing, both sides of the road were cleared so as to best view the majestic old trees. The road curved and rose and fell providing a new view at every twist and turn. In the distance I could see the great house, set on a hill, the brown stone facing the sun and its large windows reflecting the sun’s rays. It is very large and stately house and nearly took my breath away and as the carriage came nearer I began to see the beautiful gardens and vistas.”
“You have an amazing recall of facts, Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you sir, but there is more. We were still far from the home but I was certain that never has man and nature created such harmony. There were beautiful views from all quarters and a lake fronting the great house.”
Darcy saw in her eyes how excited she was and he thought of what it would feel like to walk Pemberley with her. “Did you have a chance to come inside?”
“We did come inside and your housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds gave us a tour. I must say it was an excellent tour and the woman made it clear to us how good a man you are. As for the house, well, it is spectacular. From the large number of exceedingly tall windows to keep the house bright and sunny to the marble floors and rich walnut accents, the house is warm and comfortable and not ostentatious like Rosings. It is a splendid home and it is the most impressive home I have ever seen.”
“Then you approve of it.”
“Yes, sir, I fear there are few who would not approve.”
“But your approval is much more worth the earning.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but now that I have answered your question on Pemberley, will you agree to answer a question about Mr. Wickham?”
“I shall try, Miss Bennet.”
“Very well, what do you really think about my knowing Mr. Wickham? That is, do you believe I was ever in harm’s way around the man?”
“Miss Bennet, first of all you must not blame yourself, for Wickham is a practiced deceiver. He is only after money and with his free and open manner and his charming ways, many women have been disposed to approve of him. In your case, since you have little fortune to tempt him, he would likely have attempted to ruin your reputation. He has done that before. I doubt that he would have surprised you and forced himself on you but I do know he has raped young women before. From watching you grab a rock when you saw me recently on the road to Oakham Mount, I can see that you would defend yourself.”
“Indeed I would sir, and I would know where to kick the man.”
“Then you should speak to my sister about these things, Miss Bennet. You are just the kind of woman that Georgiana needs in her life. You are an intelligent and confident young woman of good humor and lively spirit but sensitive and kind.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but since we are questioning one another and you say that Georgiana needs me in her life, do you need me as well?”
“Miss Bennet, you are my other heart and I feel we are as one. I do need you but I also want you for all time.”
Just then they arrived back at Longbourn and Elizabeth quickly excused herself and said she had just remembered she had promised to help her mother with something. After a quick goodbye, Darcy then returned to Netherfield. She went to her room and tried to compose herself and wished she had not been so close to the house or perhaps he would have proposed, but there would be other times.
That night she thought of what he had said. His words were certainly a declaration of his feelings for her and she knew he loved her.
Darcy returned the next day to meet with Elizabeth even as the cold continued, but now he accompanied her into the greenhouse as that was far more comfortable than being outside.
It was a magic time for both of them. Their friendship had never been better and they were in love. They spoke of their desires and Darcy asked her if their courtship was to her liking.
“We have known each other for over a year but I feel as if I have always wanted your good opinion, Mr. Darcy. You certainly have my good opinion.”
“You may have noticed I have been cautious about our courtship. I do not believe I could recover if I offered for your hand and you rejected me.”
It was then that Elizabeth told him about Lady Catherine’s visit. She saw Darcy turn ashen as she explained what the great lady said to her.
“Then I am grieved for you and I sincerely apologize that she made a spectacle of herself. If only I had been present, I could have saved you all this angst.”
Darcy found words difficult to articulate and became nervous and Elizabeth grabbed his hand and kissed it, raising it to her m
outh as she stared at him.
“Miss Bennet, it seems that you never told my aunt that you would not marry me.”
“You are correct, sir, and I could never tell her such a thing. Mr. Darcy, please tell me the real reason you returned to Longbourn, other than just to learn if I had been aboard the ship.”
“Miss Bennet, my real purpose was to determine, if I could, whether I could ever make you love me.”
Elizabeth stared at him and blushed in disbelief. She had never felt this way before and his words made her heart quicken and made her breath feel labored as she began to softly giggle. She studied his handsome face as thoughts of being in his arms riding on his horse came to mind. Darcy watched as tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes and he saw her tremble. Her voice was uneven and she appeared on the verge of losing her breath in nervousness. She was vulnerable and this was the first time he had seen this side of her.
“You must know that you have been successful. I am in love with you, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
Now it was his turn to show his nervousness as he kneeled on one knee and held her little hands. “Miss Bennet, my sweetest loveliest Elizabeth, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. I have worked hard to show you that I am different from the man you first met over a year ago and I admire your family and friends and everything about you. These past few weeks have been the happiest of my life. Please make me the happiest man in the world and consent to be my wife. I shall love you with all my heart for all my days.”
“Then we are of the same mind, sir. I do accept your offer, my handsome William. You are the only man I have loved and would wish to marry and I will work hard to be a good wife and a good mother to our children.”
Before she could say much more, Darcy had her in an embrace that soon led to her first kiss and then several more. It was after several minutes that Darcy used up both handkerchiefs to dry all her tears and a few of his own before they collected themselves.
“You will need to secure my father’s blessing, William, but I know he likes you as well as my mother and all my family do.”
“Then I shall meet with him shortly, Elizabeth, but when did you first believe that you cared for me?”
“I shall answer you but that will require you answering me of when you first cared for me.”
“Very well, Elizabeth, I was fascinated with you at the Meryton Assembly, but it was when we met outside Netherfield and I saw you with mud on your petticoats and your rosy cheeks and your unruly hair and your bright determined eyes that I realized I was in danger. You were coming to check on your sick sister and I saw that you were a very kind, loving sister. Later I learned how intelligent and witty you are. I suppose I could tell you about many other memories but it would take many hours.”
“My feelings for you were always hidden as I did not want to be hurt. I have never been in love before and I was attracted to your person but saw no hope for us because of the differences in our families. I often tried to look at you and often my heart did battle with my mind over you. It was at Pemberley that Mrs. Reynolds told me of your goodness. The next day I learnt that Wickham and Lydia had eloped, and a flood of feeling washed over me but it could not soothe the ache I felt over how abominably I had treated you. I knew that I would never see you again and I knew that I was likely in love with you.”
“Well, Elizabeth, it is my job to make you happy for the rest of your life but first I must speak with your father.”
“Come in Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet replied to her knock.
He was surprised to see her step in with Mr. Darcy beside her. “Papa, Mr. Darcy wishes to speak with you.”
“Come in sir, and tell me how my greenhouse is coming along.”
“It is much more comfortable temperature wise than being outside. In fact, it is quite warm today.”
“I can see. What is on you mind today, Mr. Darcy?”
“Miss Elizabeth is on my mind, much as she has been since I first met her. Mr. Bennet, I proposed to your Lizzy earlier and she has accepted so I have come to ask for your blessing?”
“It is not an easy decision to see my two eldest daughters leave us so soon, but neither you nor Mr. Bingley are strangers to Longbourn. I do approve of your marriage, sir, and believe me when I say that I believe you have earned her love. Now Mrs. Bennet will wish to celebrate and tell all of her friends but I suppose you expect that, do you not?”
“I do, and thank you sir.”
“You will give me a grandson, will you not?”
Darcy smiled at the man who now went over to pour himself a glass of Darcy’s brandy and reflect on the moment. As he did he felt a few happy tears welling up in his eyes as he thought of his past and both his daughters’ future. The house soon filled with happiness as all learned the news and Mrs. Bennet hosted a grand party for the newly engaged couple the next evening. The wedding was held a month later in the small church near Longbourn in a double ceremony and all was right with the world as two couples made for four happy hearts and much hope for the future.
THE END
EPILOGUE
It had been but two years earlier that the eldest Bennet women married and a lot had happened. To the surprise of very few, both women had given birth, Jane to a girl and Elizabeth to a boy. Both couples were as ecstatic as they could be as well as their families, except perhaps Lady Catherine, who still harbored regrets that Darcy and her Anne did not marry. Elizabeth tried to bridge the divide between her husband and his aunt but it was a slow process, though the aunt did send a brief missive to her and Darcy congratulating them on the birth of their child.
The Bennet family enjoyed a peace like they had never known. Gone was the threat of being thrown out into the hedgerows to starve after Mr. Bennet passed. Mrs. Bennet had seen her new home that she would inherit after Mr. Bennet passed, but now the entail was no longer a concern. Sadly, Mr. Collins had died suddenly after being swarmed by his bees whilst gardening. Because he and Mrs. Collins were childless and would remain so, the entail now reverted to the first born mail which was young Thomas William Darcy.
With two daughters married well, Mrs. Bennet no longer took to arranging marriages. Kitty and Mary had improved greatly by their friendship with Miss Darcy and Mr. Bennet had noticed how improved Mary was with the pianoforte and how close Mary and Kitty had become. Mary had always been polite, but no longer did she advise others on moral concerns and recite Fordyce’s Sermons. Under Miss Darcy’s tutelage, Mary had improved her appearance and was quite a beauty in her own right. Kitty became more serious and mature which made her personality more inviting and pleasant. She too had developed a skill with the pianoforte and now she and Mary often attended dances in town. At one dance Miss Darcy met a young man and they suddenly had a mutual attraction. He was the first son of an earl and was an attorney and was interested in politics; however, he was also interested in the young woman and they were now engaged.
As it was, Mary had been noticed by a young clergyman who had just taken a church in town. The man’s best friend, having recently graduated from Cambridge after studying the law, was soon introduced to Kitty. Now both daughters were engaged to be married in a double ceremony just like their sisters.
The Bennets saw Jane often but not so much with Elizabeth. The distance to town was not such a burden but the trek to Pemberley was much longer. They had visited the Darcys in town a few times and twice visited Pemberley, including when young Thomas was born at Christmas a year earlier. Mr. Bennet was as proud and happy as any man could be, except Darcy, to have a grandson given his first name. They also returned to Pemberley in late summer following that Christmas.
The Gardiners were favorites of the Darcys and Darcy even invested some in the man’s importing and exporting business. The recent Bennet visit saw the Gardiners join them and they learned that Elizabeth was indeed pregnant again. When the Bingleys joined them and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived later that very day, it was like old times in Hertfordshire. Jane then announced t
hat she too was pregnant and Colonel Fitzwilliam announced the next day that he and Anne de Bourgh were engaged. When Georgiana and her sisters arrived a day later, all the family were together again.
There was no hiding the joy that they shared at Pemberley. The men spoke of all manner of news of England and the world and the ladies spoke of marriage and babies and fashion and romance, but Elizabeth often joined the men in their discussions.
Darcy and Bingley visited a couple of estates that were up for sale and he saw one that he wished to buy. The friends had looked at a few others since their marriages but none before had suited Bingley. Now he found a beautiful estate not fifteen miles from Pemberley and he bought it.
One day, whilst it was raining too hard to do anything but remain indoors, Darcy was full of love as he saw his Elizabeth reading in the library with her father a few paces away and Mr. Gardiner as well. Kitty and Anne and Georgiana also entered and soon began to read as well. Darcy smiled to know that his extended family enjoyed improving their minds by extensive reading.
Darcy knew the name of the Captain of the ship that took Wickham to Australia and learned from him that Wickham arrived in Australia safely but was murdered within a few days after arriving after being caught cheating at cards.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To Jane Austen for her genius in authoring one of the greatest love stories ever written, Pride and Prejudice. Without her story, I could never have written this. To my husband, who never complains and puts up with my obsessions about all things Austin, and to coversareus.com for providing my cover and helping me with my formatting for Kindle.
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