by Kara Louise
She smiled. “I enjoyed her company. I felt as though I could talk to her easily. As a matter of fact, Fitzwilliam, I felt perfectly comfortable around her.”
Darcy stood up, guiding Georgiana’s hand around the desk until she was by his side and pulled her close in a hug. “I could not be any happier, knowing my two favourite ladies enjoy one another’s company.”
“Did she say anything about me ?”
Darcy nodded. “As a matter of fact she did. She likes you very much.”
Georgiana sighed, and Darcy knew it was a sigh of contentment.
***
The following day, Darcy concluded that Wickham was nowhere in the vicinity and became suspicious as to the origins of the note. He fixed on departing the following morning to return to Netherfield and determined to spend the rest of the afternoon with Georgiana.
He returned just after midday and after eating a light meal, they walked together around the grounds.
“Who do you believe wrote the letter, Fitzwilliam?” inquired Georgiana as they approached the lake.
“I really do not know. I could not decipher the signature.”
“Perhaps I can. If you still have it, I might look at it when we return.”
“I have it here,” Darcy said, as he reached into a pocket and pulled it out.
Georgiana took it, and Darcy watched as her eyes narrowed.
“What is it, Georgiana?”
“Well, overall, the handwriting does not look familiar, but…”
“Yes?”
“But the way the ‘W’ is made in Wickham’s name. There is only one person I know who makes a ‘W’ like that.”
“Who is that?”
Georgiana looked up with a serious look on her face. “Mr. Wickham.”
A cold chill swept through Darcy as he began to ask himself all of kinds of questions. “Wickham! But why would he…?”
Darcy turned and grabbed Georgiana by the shoulders. “Are you sure of this?”
Georgiana nodded, frightened by the look in his eyes.
“We must get back to Hertfordshire right away!”
“What is it, Fitzwilliam? Why would Wickham want you to come here?”
“The bigger question is why did he want me to leave Netherfield? And how did he even know I was there?”
The two began walking briskly toward the house, Darcy bringing his hand up to rake his fingers through his hair. “The theft!”
“What theft?”
“Someone broke into my room the night of the ball. I just assumed it was someone who wanted some small items that he could easily grab and sell for some easy money.”
“Do you think it was Wickham?”
“I have no doubt it was him.”
They rushed into the house, and Darcy ordered his bag packed as well as a trunk packed for Georgiana as quickly as possible. He was not sure how long they would be gone.
Durnham returned with Darcy’s bag. “It is a full day’s journey, sir. We will not make it there before dark.”
“I know. We will travel as far as we can today and then make the rest of the distance in the morning.”
Darcy paced the floor waiting for Georgiana’s things to be packed. He was confident that the man who broke into his room was Wickham. He shook his head. Is he that desperate for money? There seemed to be something else that he was not seeing. What was it?
Darcy thought back to that night, how Durnham had searched the room after the theft for any missing valuables. Darcy had sensed that he was missing something. He thought back to his room. He kept most of his valuables in the armoire, and they had searched all the drawers in it. Just a few things were gone. There was the closet, but apart from his hanging clothes, nothing really of value that would be easy to lift.
His mind’s eye travelled to the bed and the small table next to it. Normally, he just kept his book…
Suddenly Darcy stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened as he considered what he had neglected to check for that night. The marriage certificate! His heart lurched as he realized with great anguish that he had not looked in that drawer. And if Durnham checked it, he would not have been aware of its presence there, let alone its absence. If Wickham discovered his and Elizabeth’s marriage certificate, what damage had he been doing with it these past few days?
What a fool I am! How did I not think of it?
Darcy restlessly waited for everything to be readied for their departure, and then he rushed through a farewell to the Pemberley staff.
When Darcy and Georgiana were settled in the carriage, the two travelled in silence for quite a distance. At length, after observing her brother’s demeanour for some time, she stated, “I suspect, dear brother, that you have determined what Wickham’s reasons were for ensuring you leave Netherfield.”
Darcy turned sharply and looked at his sister, seeing something in her for the very first time. “How do you know me so well, Georgiana?”
Georgiana smiled. “You wear your great depth of feeling on your face, Fitzwilliam. Over the years, I learned to read your face when you refused to tell me what you were feeling.”
“I never wanted to burden you.”
“I am old enough now. Tell me, what do you think Wickham is up to?”
“Before I tell you what I think Wickham is doing, Georgiana, I must tell you something first, that ultimately I believe will please you, but initially it will confound you. I fear at first you will not understand.”
“I am listening.”
Darcy began rubbing his hands nervously together, while Georgiana waited patiently.
“It is a long story.”
“We have a long ride ahead of us.”
“Yes.” She watched as he turned to look out the window and then turned back and faced her directly. “I told you that Elizabeth and I had been on the ship together that took us to America.”
Georgiana nodded.
“Yes… well…” Darcy took a deep breath. “What I did not tell you… was that she and I…” He reached over and took his sister’s hands. “Georgiana, Elizabeth and I are married. We got married on the ship.”
Georgiana’s jaw dropped and her eyes opened wide. Darcy held on to her hands tightly as she began to pull them away.
She looked down to hide her tears and said softly, “You are right, Fitzwilliam. I do not understand. How you could be married without telling me?”
Darcy calmly and deliberately explained to Georgiana how everything came about.
At length, she did recover; her tears ceased, and she was able to view this announcement with joy. She was able to understand a little more as they discussed it, and she asked questions of how all had come about.
Darcy then redirected the conversation back to the theft. “Whoever broke in stole some items of minimal value. Nothing that cannot be replaced. But there was something in the room that I had not thought to look for. I am not sure if he found it, but if he did, I cannot even grasp what he is doing with it.”
“What is it?” asked Georgiana.
“Elizabeth’s and my wedding certificate.”
***
At Longbourn the following day, two events of great import took place.
The first occurred when Bingley came for a visit for the third day in a row. Elizabeth readily noticed the nervousness with which Jane greeted him this day and wondered if she was anticipating that this would be day he might make her an offer.
As they sat and visited in the sitting room, nervous expectation seemed to quell everyone’s ability to converse in a rational manner except for Mrs. Bennet, who seemed to be propelled into mindless chatter by the quiet that overtook the others.
Elizabeth finally suggested that they venture out for a walk, and then tarried to give Jane and Bingley some privacy.
They were soon out of her sight, and Elizabeth paused just a little longer. She thought Mr. Bingley better be making good use of this time alone or she might do something impulsive to propel him along.
She began w
alking again, and at length, she caught up with the couple. Jane greeted Elizabeth with such an abundance of joy that Elizabeth could only assume he had asked for her hand and she had accepted. She hugged her sister warmly.
“Oh, I am so happy, Lizzy! Charles and I are to be married!”
Elizabeth pulled away from Jane and looked at Bingley. “I am so happy for you both!”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I believe we are quite happy as well.”
As they walked back toward the house, they talked of their wedding. Jane had such a look of contentment on her face that Elizabeth was quite confident they would be happy all their lives. She was also grateful that this announcement would finally draw her mother’s negative attention from herself and transfer it to Jane in a most positive way.
As was to be expected, Mrs. Bennet wailed with glee. The sisters were all in support of this, and Mr. Bennet, although not visibly exhibiting much emotion, met the occasion with great pleasure, knowing that his family should now be well taken care of.
While one marital announcement was taking place, another offer was being made. Mr. Collins made an offer to Charlotte, who readily accepted. When it was announced to the Bennets, Mrs. Bennet reminded Elizabeth that this announcement might have been hers and that now the Lucases must be already viewing Longbourn as belonging to them. However, her distress was diffused greatly in light of the joy and elation she experienced in Jane’s engagement.
The Bennet daughters were all completely in shock at Charlotte’s acceptance, particularly Elizabeth, who felt that her friend was making a very foolish mistake. And with a sarcastic chuckle, Mr. Bennet was convinced that Mr. Lucas would, without a doubt, proudly boast of his fine new son-in-law.
***
After the excitement of the previous day, Elizabeth found herself alone late in the morning. Everyone had errands to run or visits to pay. Mr. Collins was making final arrangements with the Lucases before he left for Hunsford. Jane was paying a visit to Bingley and his sisters at Netherfield to talk of their wedding plans. Her parents, along with Mary and Kitty, had set out to Meryton on errands and to visit the Phillipses, and Lydia had been invited to spend the day with Colonel Forster’s wife. She was grateful for the solitude, as a letter from her aunt arrived after everyone had left.
She eagerly retreated to her room, closing the door behind her, and carefully opened the sealed missive. Flinging herself onto her bed, she began reading.
My Dear Niece,
I know you have been expecting this letter, and I hope it finds you well. I must say that I began writing three other times and resorted to tearing up each letter, as I was not satisfied with any. So I shall devote this whole morning to formulating a letter that, hopefully, expresses your uncle’s and my sentiments. You know that Edmund and I hold you in the highest esteem and I treasure our familial relationship as well as our close friendship.
You might suspect, dearest Elizabeth, that Mr. Darcy’s appearance at our doorstep when he was in London was quite unexpected and astounding. But what he went on to tell us, dear one, could not have taken us more by surprise. That you and he are married! Oh, how confused we were to hear that!
As he went on to explain how this came to be, I thought back to our visit to Derbyshire and Pemberley, and suddenly, I understood your extreme nervousness in viewing Pemberley and wishing to visit only with the certainty that Mr. Darcy, who we thought had merely been a fellow passenger on the ship, was not at home. I thought back to the little sampler he had on his mantel, remembering the verse that you so often quote. Did you, indeed, do the stitchery yourself? And then there was, of course, your melancholy countenance upon arriving in America.
Oh, Elizabeth, suddenly everything made sense and how I wished that you had felt secure enough in our love to tell us! But do not be mistaken, I do understand. Mr. Darcy acquainted us with all the circumstances surrounding your decision to marry, how it was to be annulled, and how, upon your meeting back in Hertfordshire, you both very strongly desired to keep your marriage intact.
Elizabeth, may I say that Mr. Darcy loves you a great deal? I know that this secret marriage will be difficult for your father to understand. His love for you is most protective, and we have advised Mr. Darcy to take some time getting to know him before he tells him of your marriage.
I know this means that the two of you will have to continue in secrecy, but we think it will be best. We do hope that when you do inform your family and friends (and we are quite sure your mother will be thrilled and can only hope that she learns to appreciate the man and not just his wealth) that everyone will understand.
Edmund and I will make every effort to come to Longbourn should you feel the need for some additional support! I would take this opportunity to say how much we like and approve of him. His behaviour was, in every respect, very pleasing and honourable. Edmund and I can certainly put in some very good words for Mr. Darcy to your father, if need be.
Have peace, Elizabeth, in all this.
Yours, very sincerely,
Madlyn Gardiner
Elizabeth, may I discreetly tell you how greatly I look forward to visiting Pemberley again when you are settled in as its Mistress?
Elizabeth read and reread the letter several times and was stirred from her reverie as she heard the sound of a carriage come up the drive to the front of the house. She pulled herself up out of her bed and walked over to the window and gasped at the sight of the opulent carriage that stopped. She watched as an older woman was helped out of the carriage and brought to the door. She had never seen the woman before in her life.
Assuming it was someone paying a visit to her mother, Elizabeth stayed in her room. She was quite surprised, then, when there was a knock on her door and Hill walked in nervously.
“There is a Lady Catherine de Bourgh here to see you, miss.”
Chapter 28
“Lady Catherine de Bourgh? To see me?”
“Yes, miss.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise. She imagined the only grounds for her visit would be due to her somehow hearing of Mr. Collins’s proposal… or Elizabeth’s refusal of it. Her chest tightened as she considered that any misapprehension would surely make it more difficult to receive Lady Catherine’s approbation when Darcy later informed her of their marriage.
Elizabeth looked in the mirror and straightened her dress, tucking a few wayward strands of hair back in place before walking downstairs. She desired to be presentable in appearance as well as in manners to her husband’s esteemed aunt.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she observed a very well-dressed lady, standing erect and bearing a most decidedly stern look across her face. Her clothes, which were quite opulent in design and fabric, reinforced her decidedly haughty expression. Elizabeth walked up and waited for the woman to address her.
Instead, the woman eyed her up and down, with a most dissatisfied look upon her face.
Elizabeth took it upon herself to introduce herself. “Good morning, Lady Catherine. I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet…”
“I am well aware who you are.” The sarcastic tone in Lady Catherine’s voice was unmistakable. “I noticed a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I request your presence in joining me there.”
“Yes, come this way, please,” offered Elizabeth, already discomfited by this lady’s insolent manners.
Before they had even entered the copse to which Elizabeth brought her, Lady Catherine turned and began to release a diatribe against her.
“You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I have come.”
Elizabeth looked at her with complete astonishment at her brash greeting, but steeled herself to remain calm and polite. “Indeed, madam. I am not at all able to account for the honour of your visit. I have heard much about you from…”
“Miss Bennet,” she replied in an angry tone, “a report of a most alarming and grie
vous nature reached me two days ago.” Lady Catherine’s face became quite red with anger as she narrowed her eyes upon Elizabeth.
“Lady Catherine, I believe there is no need for you to be upset. You see, although I did turn down…”
“I will not be interrupted!” She pounded her cane into the ground. “Have you no respect for your elders?”
Elizabeth’s ire began to rise as she struggled to maintain a measure of composure, believing this woman had no right to treat her thusly for refusing her clergyman’s proposal. She took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. “I do, madam, when I am, in turn, treated with respect.”
“You expect me to treat you with respect?”
“I would certainly ask for and expect nothing less.”
“How dare you, when I have been told that you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, have covertly formed an alliance with my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy; that you have, much to my shock and dismay, secretly married him!”
She stopped and watched the expression on Elizabeth’s face betray the truth. Elizabeth paled and felt as though the world was spinning around her.
She continued, “I had every hope that it was a scandalous falsehood when I was informed of this grave situation. I instantly resolved on ascertaining for myself its fabrication.”
“If you believe it to be a falsehood,” said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and rising disdain, “I am sorry you took the time to come so far to verify it. I will say nothing to your allegation.”
“Impertinent girl! As much as I wished it to be untrue, what I was given proves otherwise!” Lady Catherine pulled out a piece of paper and waved it in front of her. When Elizabeth was able to look at it more closely, she could see that it was a marriage certificate. Their marriage certificate!
“How did you come by that?” she asked, her voice cracking and her whole body beginning to tense up.
“It is not important who placed it in my hands. I need only say that a concerned, longtime friend of the family came upon it and knew that it would be in my family’s best interest to be aware of the infamous scheme in which you have placed my nephew.”
