by Lauren King
“Papa!” Both Jane and Elizabeth greet their Father joyously.
Mr. Bennet eagerly hugs both daughters at the same time. Then, Mary and Kitty greet their sisters warmly and gleefully. Everyone is introduced to each other and all the greetings are relayed; afterwards, everybody is ushered into the drawing room. Darcy is happy to see that Longbourn is a decent size estate with the main house being very accommodating and in good condition. He did not go with Bingley to visit Miss Bennet when they all were here a couple of months ago, so he did not see anything of Longbourn at that time.
Darcy is glad that Mr. Bennet is an intelligent, witty, learned man who seems to truly care for his daughters. Mrs. Bennet is not around for Darcy to see her interaction with her husband. Honestly, Darcy saw and heard Mrs. Bennet a few times already, and he was taken aback by her crude speech and manners. He sincerely hopes that Mrs. Bennet has changed for the better. He does not see how she could simply change like that, but he hopes that she does for the sake of all her remaining daughters. Any decent gentleman could see the same things that Darcy has seen and be repelled by it; it is unbecoming to be involved with such a family if she does not change. However, Darcy is so taken by Elizabeth that he is willing to overlook Mrs. Bennet’s personality and attitude for the most part. Since they will not live near Mrs. Bennet, he is not too worried of her influence. Elizabeth has been influenced and taught by her Father mostly, thus she has a good head on her shoulders; therefore, Darcy is not very concerned. Darcy will not allow Mrs. Bennet or Miss Lydia to influence his children in any manner, thus he will not permit them to be near his children.
Darcy is very pleased with their courtship thus far; if everything goes well with them, then he will ask for her hand in marriage in January and be married no later than a month after that. He hopes that Miss Lydia’s problem can be resolved sooner than later.
In her Father’s study Elizabeth speaks frankly with her Father. She expresses all her feelings regarding Lydia’s situation, and she repeats that she could do the accounting for her Uncle’s business to help out her Father and her Uncle. Afterwards, she tells her Father that Mr. Darcy has asked and received consent from her Uncle to court her. He is here to get her Father’s personal consent. She tells her Father her thoughts and perceptions of Mr. Darcy. Afterwards, Elizabeth asks her Father what he thinks about William’s idea of discovering the man involved with Lydia and making them marry. Elizabeth knows that her Father has read her Uncle’s letter that she delivered to him when she first arrived. She knows that her Uncle supports and encourages William’s plan.
Mr. Bennet is impressed with his daughter’s thoughts and plans for her future. He has always thought that Lizzy was smart, sensible, and responsible but for her to react in this way through all of this makes him immensely proud that she is a good and sensible person. BUT he always knew that she was a special daughter – a special person. He was blessed to have such a daughter.
Mr. Bennet tells Elizabeth, “I still do not want you to officially work for your Uncle yet. I can still afford to support both you and Jane to live with your Uncle’s family for now. Your Uncle has communicated with me that he will gladly support both of you girls to live with his family for now. Your Uncle is very grateful that you saved him over two thousand pounds from embezzlement. I am very proud of you, Lizzy. It sounds like you did a fine job for your Uncle.”
“Thank you, Papa. I was glad to help Uncle.” Elizabeth answers honestly.
“You do not have to worry about the financial side of your living arrangements. I will take care of all this with your Uncle. Now, I am also very glad that you have such an estimable gentleman admiring you, Lizzy. Are you sure about your feelings for him? It is not influenced by our misfortune is it?”
“No, Papa.”
“I could not live with myself if you have to suffer with your future. Some suffering is worse than others. I would not want you in an unloving or forced marriage that will make you suffer for your family’s mistake.”
“Papa, I truly esteem him and care for him. Unless he has lied to me and tricked me with all of his words and actions all this time, otherwise he is truly commendable. I am not forced into this courtship with him. I want to be in it with him very much. Our feelings for each other were apparent before our Lydia’s ordeal was known; he stood steadfastly by me even after our family’s troubles were revealed. This proves his genuine feelings for me. Do you not think so, Papa?”
“I do think that is genuineness. I am very happy for you, then, my child.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
Mr. Bennet states that he agrees that finding out about the man involved is a solid way to help their situation. If they have to resort to hiding Lydia’s situation forever, then they will readily do that. Luckily, Lydia plans to give the baby away immediately. Mr. Bennet does not want to be cruel about giving up the baby, but he has to think of his remaining daughters too. Mr. Bennet will help support the baby and bring the baby back to Longbourn to rear as an adopted child once all his daughters are married, if he is still capable at that time. After all, the baby is half Bennet; he could not abandon the baby deliberately if he can do something for the baby. Elizabeth is touched by her Father’s plan in regards to the baby.
After Darcy and Georgiana have changed and rested from the trip, Darcy asks to speak to Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet gladly obliges him. After some general pleasantries, Darcy asks for Mr. Bennet’s consent for him to court Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet consents and is happy that his favorite daughter has found someone who seems to be all that is worthy of her.
Mr. Bennet recognizes that Mr. Darcy is intelligent, not easily intimidated, upstanding, respectable, honest, and honorable. Certainly, Mr. Bennet has heard of the rumors of Mr. Darcy’s wealth when he was last here with Mr. Bingley’s family in October. Mr. Bennet heard his wife describe Mr. Darcy as arrogant, conceited, and unfriendly; however, Mr. Bennet can understand how Mr. Darcy’s quiet personality can be misinterpreted as arrogance, and he can look intimidating with his sophisticated manners and quietness. Mr. Bennet is glad he has a chance to converse and associate with Mr. Darcy to judge him for himself, although he does trust Lizzy’s word. Lizzy is an intelligent and sensible girl that is not easily intimidated either, thus if Lizzy is agreeable with Mr. Darcy, then he must be a worthy gentleman deserving of her affections. They will be good for each other.
Mr. Bennet, forthrightly, tells Mr. Darcy that he finds Mr. Darcy’s plan to be agreeable. Unfortunately, this is what he has to resort to and he is most disappointed in himself, his wife, and Lydia. Mr. Bennet was able to force Lydia to reveal the name of the man involved. Lydia thought that Mr. Bennet was going to arrange her marriage with this Sergeant John Denny. That was the only way she gave up his name.
Mr. Bennet still contemplates about what he wants to do with all of this. He is, mainly, fearful that this sergeant will not do his duty and, on top of that, try to extort money from him or threaten to expose the Bennet Family’s shame which will surely negatively affect all the daughters’ futures. Therefore, Mr. Darcy’s idea is a solid plan. They will have to see what they uncover about this sergeant and then go from there.
Darcy assures Mr. Bennet that he will help in any way he can.
During dinner, there are amusing conversations to be had. Elizabeth is very happy that William is able to see the calm and pleasant atmosphere of Longbourn without her Mother’s effusions and Lydia’s constant flirtations and talk of Red Coats. Mary finds common interest with Georgiana through their fondness with the piano forte. Kitty joins in the conversations when they speak about the fashions in London.
When Darcy comes back into the drawing room after joining Mr. Bennet for an after-supper-drink, he sits next to Elizabeth, and they talk about what they plan to do the next couple of days before they go back to London.
“I usually go on my morning walks every morning when the weather permits it. There is a vista that has a pretty view of the surrounding lands around here. I go there whe
n I want to have some peace and quiet to think or just to get away from any chaos. It is called Oakham Mount, and it is my favorite spot to sit, talk, and relax. You can have a nice picnic there, too. I would like to show it to you if you are interested in walking there.” Elizabeth says softly.
“I would gladly go there with you. I would gladly go anywhere with you.” Darcy says quietly. He wants to hold her hand, but he cannot because there are too many people present. He does not want any misunderstanding of his actions. “What time do you usually go for your walks?”
“It is not very light at this time of year until about half past seven, so I do not set out until about eight or half past eight o’clock. Is that too early for you? We can go later if you want.”
“No, that time is fine. When I am at Pemberley, I ride out with my steward earlier than that. How far is the walk, Lizzy?”
“It is almost a mile from here. We can walk or take the horses until we get to the base, and then we will have to leave the horses tied up for a while. There is a small trail that leads up to the vistas where the horses will not fit. Do you think Georgiana will want to come too?”
“We can ask Georgie if she would like to come with us. We should take the horses in case you or anyone gets tired walking back another mile. You are quite a walker. That is a long distance to walk every day.”
“I do not go to Oakham Mount every morning. I ramble around the fields of Longbourn mostly; sometimes I walk to Meryton with my sisters.”
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17th
The next morning, Elizabeth, William, Jane, and Georgiana are on the vista point where they breathe in the fresh air; everyone relaxes and enjoys the view of the wide open space of Hertfordshire. Jane and Georgiana stand to one side of the vista; she points out certain landmarks to Georgiana. On the other side of the vista, Elizabeth cheerfully points out things to William.
Darcy contentedly stands right next to Elizabeth as she talks to him about certain points of interest from their position. He stands close enough to her side that her dress is pushed up against his front with her body almost touching his. He feels such delight to be in this position. He wants to extend his arms and wrap them around Elizabeth to hold her tightly, but he knows he cannot do that until they are, minimally, betrothed. He hopes she will allow him to embrace her when they are engaged, but he will wait until they are married if she is not comfortable expressing herself intimately with him. He is thoroughly content that their courtship is proceeding well. If only Miss Lydia’s situation is not looming over them, then it would be perfect for him and Elizabeth.
After their time at Oakham Mount, Elizabeth gives William a tour of the outside of Longbourn. She shows him the flower garden that she and Jane pick flowers from to preserve into dry scented sachets. Darcy is overjoyed to have all this time with Elizabeth. They are able to converse about many subjects and be natural with one another.
Darcy learns that Elizabeth is very astute with numbers and accounting. She helps her Father with their estate and their tenants. Darcy finally discovers the reason that Elizabeth is staying in London with her Uncle Edward’s family. He is, unquestionably, impressed with her sharpness, kindness, fairness, thoughtfulness, helpfulness, good manners, open-mindedness, and intelligence. On top of which, she is responsible, beautiful, caring, and loving. What else can he ask for? Nothing but Elizabeth.
Elizabeth and her family are not in the first circles, but that does not matter to him. Her father is a learned gentleman who has taught and impressed upon her that being a lady does not mean she has to be ignorant of subjects that are usually considered male knowledge. She can carry on an intelligent conversation pertaining to business, but she can also relate with the ladies about fashion, the household, and dances. She may not have had the advantage of learning from the Masters but she is more intelligent than most of the young ladies from some of the prominent London families in the Ton. Everything that he knows about Elizabeth is to his satisfaction. She encompasses everything that he wants in a…wife. Yes, he knows now that he wants very much for her to be his wife. She will be a good Mother for their children and a good Mistress for Pemberley. He can tell that she is a loving and expressive person, so their married life will definitely be affectionate and amorous – just what he is wishing for.
“Lizzy, I would like to attend midnight mass with you if you are inclined. Do you normally attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve?” Darcy states happily. He wants to include her in everything pertaining to him from now on; he wants to accustom her to his environment.
“My family and I do, but this is the first Christmas that I will not be at Longbourn; therefore, I do not know about it yet. Do you not go with your family? Will they not expect that you go with them?” Elizabeth asks thoughtfully.
“Sometimes, Georgiana and I attend with my Uncle Henry’s family when we are in London, but this year I want to attend with you and Georgiana. If you want to have Miss Bennet attend with us that would be nice too. Would you like that?”
Elizabeth answers softly, “Yes, I would like to attend with you if you think it will not upset your family’s tradition.” She will be delighted to be included in William’s family holiday traditions. This shows that he is serious about their courtship.
“You attending with me and Georgiana will not upset anything or anyone. You have nothing to worry about. Will you ask Miss Bennet to come with us, then?” Darcy is most pleased; Elizabeth is always considerate of him and his family.
“Yes, I will.” Elizabeth smiles warmly directly at William.
Being able to gaze at William all day is perfectly fine with Elizabeth. It is not as if she has never seen a handsome man before, just not someone as handsome as William. She cannot believe how much and how deeply she has fallen in love with him; love is absolutely exhilarating! She hopes that he cannot detect her thoughts about him when he looks at her because she would hate for him to think that she is immodest. She simply has true feelings for him, and she cannot help it.
They sit comfortably on the bench under the large tree in the garden to talk about their plans for this week and the Christmas week. On several occasions Darcy squeezes Elizabeth’s hand while they talk and laugh. He does not want to rush her and worry her with his tender affections for her, but he is glad that she does allow him some contact. She bashfully looks away from him when he holds her hand. He knows that she is still shy with expressing these affectionate feelings.
“Lizzy, are you very bothered when I touch your hand?” Darcy asks gently and carefully.
“I…I…to be honest; I am not because...because I know you are a gentleman and you have honorable intentions…but what you must think of me for allowing you to do that while we are only courting.” Elizabeth looks down at her hands.
“Lizzy, I do not think anything ill of you, at all. Please, do not ever think that. I am delighted that you are not bothered by my attentions and affections towards you. I have such tender feelings for you that I want you to know that I care for you very much. I think there is nothing wrong with you allowing me to hold your hand because we both are very serious with our courtship. You know I genuinely care for you since the beginning of our acquaintance. Now, I know how much you care for me because of what you were willing to sacrifice in order to save my reputation. That is not some common thing. I have the utmost respect and admiration for you. I only think that you must truly care for me and that you are serious about me if you allow me to hold your hand. I would think nothing else.” Darcy explains honestly.
“I just do not want you to think that I am this open with any other gentleman. I have never been courted before, but I do have an idea that society frowns upon a young lady being so unguarded with her suitor until they are married. I do not want you to think that I am similar to…Lydia in my manners and comportment.” Elizabeth reveals her anxiety as she keeps her eyes downward.
“No, Lizzy! I would not think that about you on either account. I have seen how you are before I knew anything of Miss Lyd
ia’s circumstances. I knew immediately that you were a virtuous, upright young lady – one that I would gladly want to know and have in my life. Please, do not be uneasy with my attentions.” Darcy articulates clearly.
“I am not uneasy now, especially, now that I know some of your thoughts.” Elizabeth smiles warmly at him.
“I am very glad because I am not like this with any other young lady, either.” Darcy holds Elizabeth’s left hand and squeezes it quickly before releasing it. He smiles at her fondly when she looks up at him shyly, and then she gives him a loving smile of her own.
Darcy invites Elizabeth, the Gardiners, and Miss Bennet to his home for Christmas Day luncheon. Elizabeth gladly accepts for herself and says that she will relay the invitation to Jane. Darcy will send an invitation to the Gardiners once he is back in London.
Darcy learns that Elizabeth will be attending the Allston’s Christmas Ball on December 23rd. He remembers that Richard had mentioned that the eldest son of the Allston’s was interested in Elizabeth; he has called upon Elizabeth before. He wonders if this is the same family. He does not know how to tactfully find out until he hears Elizabeth tell him that Bingley will also be attending. She tells Darcy that the Allston’s Ball in October was where Elizabeth was first acquainted with Bingley. Now, Darcy is certain this is the same Allston Family with the son who is interested in Elizabeth. Darcy must see if he has an invitation to this ball so he can also attend with Elizabeth.
