by Anne Morris
“You are off to London?” Elizabeth asked when the need for air became too overwhelming to ignore.
“Yes. I hope to return in two days, but may be gone three,” Darcy explained. He secured a hand around her waist, and they began to walk along a small footpath, there by the river. There was growth right at the edge, but the path was well-used, trampled, and packed with dirt.
There might be topics others would consider newly-engaged couples should discuss, but Darcy and Elizabeth had no desire to talk about wedding details. They spoke of their love and interest in one another as they used this precious time together to its fullest.
All too soon, Elizabeth said she was due to return to Longbourn, and Darcy declared he must be on the road in order to reach London by nightfall. They shared a final, long, fervent kiss and parted.
Darcy mounted his horse and rode away, intoxicated by their time together, happy he had been distracted on his travels.
***
A figure had been standing outside a small cottage watching Darcy go, stroking the three-day-old bristles on his chin. Colonel Forster was forever nagging Wickham about not shaving, but he employed no man and refused to pay to be shaved every day.
Darcy, the oldest of his rivals, had some liaison going on with one of the Bennet daughters, one of the older ones. Wickham would not suspect such a thing of that group of young women, but he would not put it past woman of any station. Consider how close he had come to getting Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, to elope with him? Almost thirty thousand pounds might have been his with only a few kisses and some pretty words. Wickham knew his handsome face and ebullient voice had been worth it; it was a shame Darcy had crept up to Ramsgate to discover them.
Perhaps there was another sister at Longbourn with such leanings? Wickham thought he needed to examine all of the sisters more carefully. Was there more money in the family than he had heard? Not that Darcy needed to marry for money, but Wickham could not account for Darcy’s interest—and those hands and lips and arms of his old friend said a lot about Darcy’s interest in Miss Elizabeth Bennet. But what sort of interest was it? The kind to be bought for a price like Kate the barmaid (who was late now for their afternoon liaison at her hovel here), or was there some genuine interest in Miss Bennet? Again, was there more money in the Bennet family than he understood?
Elizabeth said she had been to London the previous spring, no doubt to find a husband. She mentioned that was where she had met Darcy. Perhaps the family lived more frugally than Wickham supposed. Some families actually lived within their means. Elizabeth had been sent to find a husband, but since she had failed, another sister might be sent in the spring to have her turn. There might be another sister Wickham should consider more closely. He decided to call again at Longbourn as soon as his tup with Kate was over: to investigate this family of five daughters.
Wickham turned with a smile on his face which Kate, who was picking her way up the path to her one-room cottage, thought was meant for her. No, he thought, I do not smile if I pay. Kate unlocked the door, and Wickham followed her inside.
***
Life at Longbourn was almost chaotic. Elizabeth stayed out far longer than she intended considering her happiness, but she returned to a house preparing for dinner guests. Lydia and Catherine complained, “it was only the Lucases and why all this fuss?”
The two youngest sisters were thrown into higher spirits when an officer came to visit, rather late in the day, for tea—it was Mr. Wickham. He had often been talked about between them, though their instructions with Miss Blank had not allowed the pair as many trips to their aunt’s house to gossip as they wished. They were not as acquainted with him as they wanted to be, but he came alone, looking quite clean with his coat brushed, his chin shaved, and his hair looking wet. The two sat on either side of him while Wickham visited. Lydia and Catherine flirted with him with as much spirit as they could muster before he went away again.
***
In the morning, Mr. Collins surprised every single member of the Longbourn household by asking Jane Bennet to marry him after they returned from church. It was a rather lengthy process for Jane to endure as he gave long-winded speeches about his reasons for marrying and spoke at length as to why she inspired him (her beauty, naturally). To no one’s surprise but the asker, Jane said no. Their cousin went so far as to apply to his master and asked Mr. Bennet to intervene and force this ‘fairest’ of his cousins to marry him, “for I shall be master of Longbourn someday and can keep her very well.”
But Mr. Bennet, though indolent and anxious to get rid of the responsibility of them, did not appear so desperate to part with one of them to such a character as this offensive and imbecilic man. Jane was the most compliant of his daughters and might have been talked into accepting him if he thought otherwise about the match. But Jane did not love Mr. Collins; she did not even esteem him. After giving her refusal, Jane flew to her room and sought many hours of solitude.
None of the sisters knew what to do in such a situation, but Elizabeth finally sought her out. She was welcomed into Jane’s room; Jane was sitting in a chair staring out the window without a book or a needle in her hands. Jane usually was not the type to be without employment.
“How do you fare?” inquired Elizabeth softly as she stood just inside the door.
Jane did not look over at her sister. Elizabeth could tell that the proposal still disturbed her normally serene sister.
“I did not expect a proposal from Mr. Collins,” whispered Jane.
There was something in the way she expressed herself that made Elizabeth perk up her ears. “Have you expected a proposal from a different quarter?” asked Elizabeth.
Jane blushed and finally turned to look at her. “I greatly admire Mr. Bingley as I have shared, and he has given me some encouragement on that front, his own regard in return.”
“He is an excellent gentleman,” said Elizabeth, and walked farther into the room. “I am sorry that you had to suffer a proposal from Mr. Collins.”
Elizabeth did not feel that she could share her news with Jane, so went to sit on the bed and listened while Jane poured out her expectations about Mr. Bingley. Jane commented on all of the things that Bingley had said and hinted at during their last evening at Netherfield. Elizabeth’s happiness increased with the idea that such an estimable man as Mr. Bingley so loved Jane.
After she left Jane’s room, Elizabeth’s thoughts turned to Mr. Wickham; she wondered why he had come the previous afternoon. He had been to Longbourn once or twice before with some of his fellow officers, but this singular visit struck her as distinctive.
On the one hand, Wickham had flirted like mad with those two youngest and silliest Bennet daughters, but on the other, Wickham had sought out Elizabeth; even staying beyond the necessary visiting time. Mrs. Bennet had gone so far as to hint that they were expecting guests for dinner. Hints which he ignored—Wickham had asked Elizabeth questions about her recent stay at Netherfield. As before, Wickham asked more questions than he answered and posed many questions about Elizabeth’s knowledge of Mr. Darcy. Her beloved had not shared any information about the man. She did not know what to think about the lieutenant.
There was something artful about Mr. Wickham. He was amiable, good-looking, and charming. Elizabeth could not fault his manners, and yet—Wickham was eager to please in a way which put her off. It went beyond general politeness. She considered what constituted good manners. Wickham was a man more interested in his own agenda than in genuinely listening to what others had to say. He asked questions but did not answer those set to him. Any question put to him, particularly anything related to his past which Wickham did not wish to share, was glossed over or dismissed. He turned the conversation back onto the questioner. Wickham was talented that way; Elizabeth had to admit. But clever in a devious way. Elizabeth decided, after some reflection, that she did not like him because was not honest.
And really, her head was full of thoughts of Mr. Darcy traveling to London.
Elizabeth wondered where exactly Darcy was and how quickly he would return. Her lover indicated that he would be gone for two days, perhaps three. It had been a day now; did that mean he would return the following day? Darcy would come to Longbourn to claim her; to formally ask her father for Elizabeth’s hand so that she might be able to share her happy news with all of her family.
Elizabeth knew she was happy though that happiness did not show on the outside. She was thankful that it did not. Jane remained subdued the rest of the day when she finally joined the family at tea after her time in her room. Though many in the family wished that their cousin might take himself home to Kent after his unsuccessful bid at securing a bride, Mr. Collins showed no signs of leaving Longbourn. He seemed inclined to hover as if Mr. Collins was worried about his future prosperity. He was still the heir so long as the new Mrs. Bennet showed no signs of bearing Mr. Bennet any more children (and bearing a son to cut off the entail).
Mr. Collins did, at least, take himself off to tea, walking the quarter mile down the road to Lucas Lodge to call there. He declared the Lucases, a lovely family, and Collins showed them a sudden preference, perhaps because of embarrassment or because he had been spurned. Maybe it was some new interest because they had dined at Longbourn the evening before, but no one knew or cared. The Bennets had a quiet afternoon tea. Then word came via a servant that Mr. Collins had been invited to take a family dinner at Lucas Lodge. They were all grateful that they did not have to suffer his presence for another meal.
***
The next day, Elizabeth woke and thought surely he will come today. She stayed at home and forwent her walk lest she miss Mr. Darcy’s visit. But it was a long day and an empty one for her. One of longing, and yearning, and feeling her heart swelling and contracting with a half dozen emotions as she anticipated his return only to feel disappointed when he did not appear. To wonder about the reception from her father and the rest of her family when the news finally came out that she would be the first of the five sisters to marry.
Some visitors came to call: Mr. Wickham and Mr. Denny appeared in the afternoon to take tea. They were flirtatious; it seemed to be in both of the gentlemen’s nature to pay outrageous compliments to women.
There was the suggestion of a walk and Lydia, and Kitty squealed in delight when they heard. It brought a frown to both Mrs. Bennet and Miss Blank’s face (for the governess sat with them at tea), but their stepmother agreed to it. Miss Blank, with some reluctance, decided to let the two youngest go, though their stepmother sent the governess along as a chaperone.
Elizabeth’s curiosity led her to agree to join the party. She was surprised that Jane would consent, but perhaps it was because Cousin Collins had not given up the idea that Jane’s ‘no’ did not mean ‘no,’ but was only a delayed ‘yes.’ He was still paying court to Jane, and Jane did not wish to be left in the house with his constant attentions. But Mr. Collins did not want to join them because of the proposed length of the walk. Mary also chose to stay behind, but the four sisters walked out with the two gentlemen. Each officer fit two sisters on either arm. Miss Blank followed behind, unattached.
Elizabeth found herself sharing Mr. Wickham’s arm with Lydia. For a while, Lydia wholly engrossed Mr. Wickham’s attentions, but he would not allow that situation to remain.
“I hear that Darcy has left,” said Wickham, turning to look particularly at Elizabeth.
“Yes, I believe he has gone to London,” was her reply.
“Do you think he will return?” Mr. Wickham queried then.
“I believe that is his intention,” Elizabeth answered in a vague sort of voice. They were walking towards the Hollybush Woods.
“I wondered if he fled because of me,” stated Wickham boldly. Wickham had not been able to ascertain any hints or rumors about the Bennet sisters other than the fact that the youngest was not yet out but avid to have the attentions of young men. They seemed entirely respectable (hence boring), in his estimation. And yet, he could not think that Darcy would wish to marry without consideration of money or connection. Wickham found himself perplexed. One did hear of gentlemen’s daughters who had certain proclivities; he supposed it was all a matter of how you approached it.
Wickham didn’t think it would be difficult to throw a few pretty words towards Miss Lydia, an embrace, some fondling, and well-placed kisses, and she would follow him to bed. He wasn’t sure about Miss Elizabeth with her pretty face and dark, seductive eyes. Wickham decided to try for sympathy.
“Darcy and I have not been on the best of terms, you see. We knew each other as boys. I practically grew up at Pemberley.”
“What?” murmured Lydia.
But Elizabeth made a movement, “his estate, I remember.”
Wickham thought the remark a little odd, but continued. “I knew his father very well. In fact, his father treated me almost like a second son. He’s never mentioned me? Not the father, but Darcy?”
“No,” answered Elizabeth.
Wickham had thought not. “We had a falling out, Darcy and I. As I said, we’re not really on speaking terms.”
“Oh!” cried a sympathetic Lydia.
Elizabeth’s response was the same. “Oh!” But the tone was far different. She did not appear as curious or sympathetic to his hints as he would have liked—and as his charm usually elicited. Wickham stopped his questions. It would not do to reveal too much of a hand if she was bound to Darcy.
“I am…” Elizabeth seemed hesitant to speak. “I am sorry that there was some incident that caused a rift between you. Darcy is one of the very best men.”
There he had it — the answer. His old rival had, somehow, he thought, secured this young lady’s attentions. The warmth with which she stated that line indicated a great deal of affection for his old friend.
Lydia had enough of George Wickham not paying attention to her. She asked him a bold question so his eyes would swing her way. Wickham was not sorry that the conversation became banal and trivial. The party returned to Longbourn.
He and Denny parted ways, and Wickham went to the Three Blackbirds where he secured a cheap meal and drink. Wickham wondered if there was a way to make money off of this information. He thought that given the lady’s station and what he knew of Darcy (and given what he had seen) that they must be in love. Wickham wondered if there was money to be gotten out of it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Darcy was methodical about his time in London. He arrived after the sun set which meant having to take the last miles slowly. But he did not regret the stop to say farewell to Elizabeth.
Darcy easily obtained the special license the next morning. Then he considered his family: Georgiana was still at Pemberley. He thought how hurt she would be if she was not included as part of his wedding. Darcy admitted that he did not wish to take the time to ride to Pemberley to fetch her, so he thought to employ a substitute: her other guardian, their cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Finding Colonel Fitzwilliam proved a more difficult endeavor than Darcy initially assumed. Darcy called at the small house that his cousin occupied only to discover that he was not at home. A message was left for his cousin, but Darcy did not hear from Fitzwilliam that day (not the afternoon, the evening or even in the night). They were family and had no qualms about calling outside of proper hours. Darcy thought that given the nature of his note, his cousin would promptly return the call, but Fitzwilliam made no appearance despite Darcy’s impatience to return to Hertfordshire.
When Darcy returned to the colonel’s house the next morning, he was informed that his cousin had come home late, yes Colonel Fitzwilliam had been given the note, but the colonel had left first thing as he had been summoned to the Admiralty House. A summons to his general trumped even Darcy’s betrothal. So Darcy filled his morning with meaningless activities while he waited for his cousin, and while he considered that he might already be on the road to Hertfordshire.
Darcy could have been on his way to fetch Georgiana had he known his cousin wa
s proving so inconvenient to locate. Their meeting had a certain tension when Colonel Fitzwilliam finally came to call, just around midday, at Darcy House. Darcy wondered if his cousin was so busy with his general that the colonel was angry with his interruptions and request. Darcy thought his cousin should be grateful that he had found love.
There had been time that morning for Darcy to consider that for Fitzwilliam; love came with a price. Most of the money in the family went to Fitzwilliam’s brother, who would inherit the title, the estate, and the vast majority of the income that the estate, Langley, generated. Though his uncle, the Earl, gave Fitzwilliam an allowance, Darcy thought (not for the first time, but with a great deal of sympathy) that his cousin, Maurice, could not marry his heart’s desire if the woman he loved were penniless.
So when Fitzwilliam showed up, Darcy greeted him with some hesitancy even though Darcy was anxious to be on the road. He asked. “I need a favor. I want to marry, and I need you to fetch Georgiana for me.”
Fitzwilliam was surprised and perplexed. Darcy saw the raised eyebrows, the start of his head, even something undefinable in his cousin’s eyes. “You can’t fetch her yourself? Is there a rush?” asked the colonel.
“Yes,” Darcy replied. “I already have a special license.”
“This is quick. Do I know the lady?” Fitzwilliam pressed.
“Actually you do. You introduced me to her,” grinned Darcy; he could not help it.
“I did?” Fitzwilliam said. “Who is she?”
“Elizabeth Bennet.” The tension in the room increased then.
“You are truly blessed if you believe you can secure that lady’s affections,” Fitzwilliam observed, his voice very even.
“Thank you,” Darcy replied. “But I believe we might be able to marry in short order, and I wish for Georgiana to attend. I would appreciate it if you could fetch Georgiana from Pemberley. I wish to return to Elizabeth this afternoon, if possible.”
