Joining the latter group, Charles spent an enjoyable afternoon with his friends. He too was surprised by Darcy’s sudden ebullience, but much more pleased than his sisters appeared to be. Though Caroline and Louisa attempted to enter the conversation several times with their haughty observations, they received only minimal responses from the others.
When the clock in the hall chimed the hour, Elizabeth sighed. “I really must return home. My family will become concerned.”
“Shall we call the carriage for you, Miss Eliza?” Caroline hastily offered.
“Oh, no. It is but three miles. I have walked it many times over the years.”
“Georgiana and I shall accompany you,” Darcy stated as he stood and offered a hand to each of the ladies.
Caroline frowned, “I am inclined to think, Mr. Darcy, you would not want your sister walking such a distance. Imagine how the ladies shall appear when they arrive. The mud and wind, why they shall look almost wild.”
Darcy smiled as he thought of Elizabeth’s hair blowing in the breeze on Oakham Mount. “After such a long carriage ride, I am certain my sister will appreciate the chance to stretch her legs. We have walked such distances at Pemberley many times. A long walk can be quite beneficial to one’s health, and fine eyes are brightened by the exercise.” Elizabeth blushed as she met his warm gaze before he led his ladies from the room.
Caroline was shocked by his response, but had no opportunity to reply. She looked about and saw the Colonel chuckling to himself as he observed her. Realizing her place as hostess, she quickly offered him more tea which he declined in favor of retiring to his room to address some neglected correspondence.
Watching him leave, Caroline set back and considered the day’s events. She had not been pleased with Mr. Darcy’s daily visits to the Bennets, but hoped he would tire of them and put the incident at the assembly behind him. Now, she began to fear an attachment was forming between him and Miss Elizabeth.
Surely he will not offer for her. Elizabeth Bennet has neither wealth nor position; and her family!
As they attended the gatherings in the neighborhood, Caroline had learned all the sordid details of the Bennets. Mrs. Bennet’s father had been an attorney and her brother was in trade. How she had wed a gentleman must be suspect. The youngest sisters were described as wild. Caroline remembered them at the assembly, dancing and laughing loudly, and shuddered.
Realizing it was up to her to remind Mr. Darcy of his status, she considered his weaknesses. The only way would be to make him think of his sister and how these connections would affect her future. Yes, he will certainly see reason and then be thankful to me for rescuing him from such a grave error.
***********
As they stepped out of Netherfield, Elizabeth linked arms with Georgiana and began walking toward her home. Darcy followed behind, smiling at the charming picture they made. They were all thankful it had been a dry autumn as there were few muddy areas they had to traverse. Arriving at Longbourn, Darcy exchanged a quick glance and a hesitant smile with Elizabeth before he turned toward her father’s study.
Once their outerwear was removed, Elizabeth linked arms with Georgiana again and insisted they join her family for tea while Darcy spoke to her father. She introduced Georgiana to her mother and sisters who oohed and ahhed over her dress and peppered her with questions about the latest fashions as they were planning an extensive shopping trip to London. Elizabeth looked to Jane who simply shrugged. Knowing her sister would explain later when they were alone, Elizabeth returned her attention to Georgiana instead.
The young girl was quickly put at ease and fell into a relaxed conversation regarding music and art with Mary and Kitty. Lydia appeared to make her a bit uncomfortable, so Elizabeth acted as a buffer to deflect her youngest sister’s effusions. This also helped to keep her mind from dwelling on the conversation going on in the nearby room.
***********
Darcy hesitated in the hall outside Mr. Bennet’s study, listening to the rising tide of female voices and boosting his courage. He believed Mr. Bennet anticipated his visit, but may be surprised it came so soon. Darcy was certain he would not be refused, but did not wish to be presumptuous or rude to his future father-in-law. He was about to knock when the door opened.
“Well, my boy, are you going to stand out there all day?” Mr. Bennet asked as he returned to his desk. He sat down, hands crossed upon his stomach, and smiled impishly.
Laughing nervously, Darcy entered the study and closed the door behind him. “You have me at a disadvantage, sir.”
“Is that not the way it should be?” Mr. Bennet asked. “Come. Sit. Tell me what you and my daughter have been doing today.” Darcy’s countenance reddened and Mr. Bennet straightened, raising his brow. “Must I assign you more diligent chaperones, sir?”
Becoming more serious, Darcy chose to ignore this last question and sat across from the older gentleman, gazing at him sincerely. “I have become more aware of the injury upon your daughter, sir. She has confessed to me that your family has been excluded from neighbourhood gatherings and none have come to visit save Mr. Bingley and myself. I realize I must right this wrong.”
Mr. Bennet leaned forward, all signs of amusement gone. “And what is it that you offer my daughter, sir? Do you simply ‘right a wrong’?”
Darcy’s gaze faltered and he glanced at his hands. “I have weighed the results of a union between our families and, though I realize many will fault my thinking, I believe my life would be richer with your daughter at my side.” He looked back at the older man, “She is my equal in every way. You have told me of your family’s heritage. Why Bennets have been land owners nearly as long as my own family.”
He paused, realizing he was beginning to ramble. “I recognize Elizabeth has little in the way of dowry, but she is intelligent, witty, and beautiful. She is everything I have dreamed of in a wife.”
He stood and paced the length of the room. “In the few short hours she has known my sister, I have seen Georgiana blossom. She is regaining a bit of her old spirit. I do not know a member of the ton who could have done this. Elizabeth says I have not thought this through, but in truth I have thought of little else.” Darcy returned to the desk and looked beseechingly at Mr. Bennet. “She has accepted my marriage proposal. May we have your permission and blessing?”
Mr. Bennet continued looking sternly at Darcy, though the corners of his eyes appeared to crinkle ever so slightly. “And your family and friends? How will they react to you taking a wife with our connections? Will she be ostracized?”
Darcy swallowed hard. “As I reassured Elizabeth this morning, I am certain most of them will be pleased. My aunt will not, but that does not concern me. I believe Lizzy and I could be happy no matter our circumstances.”
Mr. Bennet frowned at the younger man’s use of his daughter’s nickname. His vision blurred as he suddenly realized this decision would take his daughter, his favourite daughter, far from his home.
Sniffing, he rose from his chair and began the same circuit about the room that Mr. Darcy had so recently abandoned. “I have been watching the two of you. My daughter was not formed for ill-humour and will find amusement in all things. I feared for a time you may be too stiff for her liking, that she would not be able to respect you, and she may come to despise her position as others have in the past.” He hesitated as he studied a miniature of his wife taken shortly after their marriage before turning decidedly back toward his desk.
“The changes you have shown have pleasantly surprised me. I believe you are correct, sir, when you say you and my daughter are equals. Lizzy will be good for you and I know you are able to care for her in all ways.” He nodded as he approached Darcy and a smile crept across his face. “Welcome to the family, Son.”
Darcy exhaled and returned the smile as he shook hands with the older gentleman, suddenly realizing Mr. Bennet would have refused him had he believed Elizabeth’s happiness was at risk. The fact that he had given his blessing meant
even more than Darcy had anticipated.
Mr. Bennet released Darcy’s hand and crossed to the table by the window. “Shall we have a glass of port to celebrate and to gird ourselves for the paroxysm we are about to witness when I inform my wife of your engagement?”
Darcy’s frown caused Mr. Bennet to laugh as he poured a second measure and handed the full glass to the young man. Lifting their glasses in toast, they drank them quickly before heading for the door.
***********
The gentlemen entered the parlour and Darcy smiled to see his sister laughing with the younger girls as Elizabeth watched over her. Mr. Bennet announced the good news and everyone congratulated the couple.
“Mr. Darcy, you are a sly one!” Mrs. Bennet squealed. “I had wondered where you had gotten off to, but I never imagined you would be speaking to Mr. Bennet. But, of course, how could you not be taken with our dear Lizzy.”
She crossed to her least favourite daughter and suddenly her eyes opened wide. “Why, Lizzy, how rich and how great you will be! What pin money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Ever so much more than Jane will have as Mrs. Bingley.”
Elizabeth blushed to the roots of her hair as she quickly embraced her mother. “Please do not speak so,” she whispered. “Mr. Bingley and Jane are not even courting.”
“Not courting? Well neither were you and Mr. Darcy now were you?” her mother continued.
“Mrs. Bennet, should we not order something stronger than tea to celebrate?” Mr. Bennet asked as he winked at Elizabeth.
“Of course. Hill!” she called out. “Oh, and you must stay for dinner, Mr. Darcy.” Turning, she slipped an arm about Georgiana’s shoulders, “You too, my dear. Oh, you poor child without a mother. Well I shall count you as one of my own. And you will have five sisters. Will it not be grand?”
She turned as the door opened, “Oh, there you are, Hill. We must have the best wine to toast Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. They are to be wed! Mr. Darcy and his sister are staying for dinner. Mr. Darcy, what dish are you particularly fond of? We shall have it when you and Mr. Bingley dine with us in two days’ time. And the rest of your party must join us that evening. Oh, Hill! Make certain a note is sent to Netherfield explaining their absence.”
Mr. Darcy fought the urge to laugh at the spectacle before him. He did not believe Elizabeth’s countenance could become more crimson, but he noted she too was beginning to see the amusement in her mother’s gushing statements. Poor Georgiana looked a bit overwhelmed, but smiled timidly at Mrs. Bennet and her new family.
Per her instructions, a note was delivered to Netherfield and the Darcy siblings enjoyed the loudest, most joyful family dinner they could remember. Though Darcy cringed at the idea of introducing Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls to his family, he found himself moved by their acceptance of both himself and his sister. He realized he had not experienced such warmth and loving kindness since before his mother died. When Darcy finally insisted they must return to Netherfield, Mr. Bennet called for his carriage. Darcy and Elizabeth stole a few minutes alone by the front stoop while Mrs. Bennet fussed over Georgiana in a motherly manner.
“I do hope you do not regret your decision, sir,” Elizabeth smiled teasingly at him.
“How could I? Georgiana is not only gaining a sister, she now has a mother like none she has ever known.” He chuckled and stepped closer to her. “I am pleased your mother accepted us so readily.”
Elizabeth squinted as she looked up at him skeptically. “Just how much wine did you have this evening, sir?”
Darcy’s lusty laugh drew everyone’s attention making it impossible for him to steal a kiss as he had intended. His smile left Elizabeth breathless as he whispered, “Until tomorrow, my dear.” He drew her hand to his lips, not releasing her gaze until he turned to assist Georgiana into the carriage.
The equipage pulled away and Elizabeth was left outside alone as her mother reentered the home proclaiming, “Ten thousand a year!”
***********
Darcy and Georgiana entered Netherfield discussing Mrs. Bennet’s rambunctious reaction to the engagement. The drawing room door opened and Miss Bingley stepped into the hall. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, I am so glad you have returned.”
Grasping his arm, she pulled him toward the drawing room as Georgiana followed. “While you were gone we received a number of visits from neighbours. I am certain you will not wish to have your sister pursue a connection with the Bennets. The things we have heard!”
Darcy’s brow creased, his eyes becoming dark and stormy. Georgiana watched him warily but Miss Bingley continued, oblivious to the effect she was having.
“You simply must find a way to distance yourself from them. Although this latest instance with Miss Elizabeth is the first anyone has spoken ill of her, the entire neighbourhood has been waiting for the youngest sisters to do something infamous. Mrs. Bennet is quite mercenary, with designs on every eligible bachelor who enters the county. I am certain she is somehow behind this incident with Miss Elizabeth.”
“Are you quite finished, Miss Bingley?” Darcy eyed her angrily, his voice low.
For the first time, Caroline realized he was not as pleased as she assumed. Not certain how to respond, she simply nodded.
Darcy looked about the room. Charles sat quietly, not meeting his eyes, while Richard smirked behind his newspaper. Mrs. Hurst was on the edge of her seat, clearly backing her sister, while Mr. Hurst was laid back on the sofa, waiting for what was to come. Georgiana stood beside Darcy, looking slightly pale so he took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly.
“I am glad everyone is here so I may announce this once. Miss Elizabeth Bennet has done me the great honour of accepting my hand. The banns shall be read this Sunday. I will not tolerate anyone spreading rumours regarding the Bennets, Miss Elizabeth in particular. I am certain my family and I shall be able to find accommodations elsewhere if this is an inconvenience. ”
Charles stood quickly, a grin covering his face, and crossed to shake Darcy’s hand. “Congratulations, my friend. I know you shall be very happy.” Turning to meet his sister’s eyes, he continued, “There is no need to find other accommodations. You are all welcome here, as are the Bennets. Is that not correct, Caroline?”
Caroline looked back and forth between Mr. Darcy, her brother, and her sister. “Yes, yes, of course,” she muttered softly.
Darcy bowed to the room, turned, and left with his sister in tow. He continued down the hall until they reached the library where he entered and closed the door behind them. Pulling her into his embrace and resting his chin on the top of her head, he sighed. “Forgive me.”
Georgiana could feel him trembling and slipped her arms about his waist, laying her head on his chest as she had done when but a small child. “Elizabeth would have been proud of you.”
He shook his head, “I lost my temper.”
Georgiana leaned back and looked into his eyes. “You were protecting the woman you love from that … that hateful shrew.” She blushed.
Darcy stared at her in shock for a moment until a smile began to spread across his face. Slowly a soft chuckle rumbled in his chest. Georgiana looked at him cautiously until his mirth infected her and she too began to grin. Soon the siblings were laughing uncontrollably, shushing each other in case anyone passing by might hear them.
Chapter Four
The Netherfield and Longbourn parties sat in the front pews of the church, Darcy at Elizabeth’s side, when the banns were read. As the service ended, families approached the Bennets and the couple to offer their congratulations. Though it was clear many still believed the rumours which had been circulating, the couple greeted everyone graciously.
Sir William Lucas approached Mr. Bennet and spoke quietly with him. After a moment, the latter nodded and the gentlemen shook hands as they separated. Returning to his family, Mr. Bennet announced they had been invited to dine at Lucas Lodge the following evening. Mrs. Bennet crowed loudly as Lydia and Kitty began arguing over who wo
uld wear the newest bonnet.
Darcy frowned as he led Elizabeth out to his carriage. When they moved away from the crowd, he whispered in her ear, “Sir William gave Mr. Bingley the invitation on Wednesday.”
Elizabeth sighed and nodded. He squeezed her fingers as he handed her into the carriage before climbing in after her. Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam who followed them quickly realized the couple was not as enthusiastic as they had been earlier.
“Lizzy, is anything amiss?” Georgiana asked.
Elizabeth put on a smile and shook her head, but did not trust herself to speak.
Darcy did not release her hand as he turned to his sister. “The Bennets have just been invited to Lucas Lodge tomorrow evening. “ He met his cousin’s gaze who simply shook his head.
Georgiana looked around the carriage, not quite sure what was being communicated.
Elizabeth saw her confusion and took pity on her. “I understand your party was invited earlier this week. Sir William did not invite my family until after our engagement was announced.”
Georgiana’s jaw dropped open in surprise. “Oh, Lizzy, I am so sorry.”
Elizabeth waved away her concern. “All will be well,” she said, swallowing her disappointment in her neighbours. She turned bright eyes toward Darcy and smiled sadly. “We shall be wed in just over a month and then we will leave Hertfordshire.”
Their gaze held as he lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers before nodding his agreement. Her strength continued to amaze him.
***********
The Bennets arrived at Lucas Lodge after most of the other guests as Mrs. Bennet wished all attention to be drawn to them. Darcy approached Elizabeth as she entered and offered his arm. They circulated, accepting congratulations.
The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm Page 6
