by Lauren King
“Yes, we will support each other.” Elizabeth says caringly, and, again, they hug each other compassionately.
“Let me go and see if Mary is practicing on the piano forte.” Georgiana says sensitively as she gets up to leave the drawing room.
Elizabeth turns to William with immense adoration on her face; her love for him overwhelms her heart sometimes. To think that she will have such a wonderful man for a husband is beyond anything she could have ever fathomed. She could not imagine in her mind a more fitting and better man than William.
Elizabeth says sadly but most lovingly as she gazes at William with her heartbreaking, teary eyes. “William, I feel such guilt for bringing you and Georgiana into this mess, but I love you so much; I cannot back away from you now. I am sorry, darling.”
“Dearest, I do not want to hear you apologize for loving me. I will not let you back away from me. I will do everything in my power to protect you and Georgie from all this. I love you immeasurably.” William is delighted at Elizabeth’s heartfelt declaration of her love for him, but he knows that she is very troubled by all this. She will continue to be miserable until something is settled with Miss Lydia’s situation.
“Now, please tell me, Lizzy; are you truly not hurt from earlier? Did the bag hurt you very much? Did you bruise from it?” Darcy says most tenderly but worriedly.
“I am not hurt, and I am not bruised from it. After I caught my breath, I was well. Thank you for your care, sweetheart.” Elizabeth reaches out to squeeze William’s hand to show him her love.
“I will always care for you. I cannot imagine my life without you, now. I love you.” William squeezes and holds her hand in his two larger ones. “Thank you for protecting Georgie, but I do not want you to put yourself in danger like that again. He could have seriously harmed you. It would have been too devastating if something worse had happened to you. Please, promise me to be more careful.” Darcy expresses his fear most firmly.
“I will darling, but he was grabbing Georgie!” Elizabeth tries to justify her actions. She could not have just stood there and done nothing in retaliation.
“I know but after you hit him a couple of times, you should have run to me or run away from him. I do not want you to remain there and confront him further. It was fortunate that he fell to the ground; otherwise, he could have hurt you worse.” Darcy continues to caress her hand inside of his. “I do not want you or Georgie to ever go anywhere alone again. Even if you are together, you still need a third person with you both. I will arrange for that.”
“I saw you coming towards me; that is why I still stood there and hit him more. He made me so angry for being such a bad man – grabbing young ladies in public! He deserves all those beatings!” Elizabeth exclaims animatedly.
“He does deserve it and more. He deserves to be beaten for every deception that he has done in his entire rotten life. I am going to tell your Father what has occurred so he is aware that George Wickham is in the detaining quarters in Meryton.”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19th
By eleven o’clock the next morning, Richard is knocking on Longbourn’s door. Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Mr. Bennet welcome Richard to Longbourn, and then Mr. Bennet leaves the four people to explain what has happened with Wickham. Darcy tells Richard that he is going to check in with the constable of Meryton to see what will be done with Wickham. Richard eagerly joins Darcy.
Darcy wanted Richard to come to Longbourn because Darcy did not know if the authorities would detain Wickham at all. Darcy wanted Richard to follow Wickham should he try to leave Meryton. Since Richard shares guardianship of Georgiana then he has vested interest in seeing justice done on Wickham for his bad deeds.
At the constable’s office, Darcy discovers that Wickham’s punishment will be forty five days in detainment since he does not have money to pay the fine for attacking two young ladies. It would have been more time in prison had the two ladies been hurt worse and Wickham had not been so badly beaten himself. As it is, Wickham will need a lot of medical care due to his severely injured right knee, broken front teeth, cut lips, three broken fingers on his left hand, gashes on his head, and bruises on his face. Their detaining quarters are not funded enough to imprison him for much longer. Once he is medically fit, he will be transported to London to their prison so that he will finish serving his detainment time there.
Darcy had hoped for a longer imprisonment time, but he knows the reasons. If the town can transfer a prisoner out of town, then they will, by all means. Well, forty five days are better than a fine and releasing Wickham in a matter of a few days.
“Wow, Darcy – you beat him good! And I missed it! I would have paid good money to see that beating.” Richard laughs when he and Darcy head back to Longbourn on their horses.
“Elizabeth did some of that damage. She beat him with his own cane and a bag of apples because he grabbed Georgie, and he threw a bag of apples at Elizabeth – knocking the breath out of her. She said she got angry and was protecting herself.” Both Darcy and Richard laugh heartily. Richard imagines the scene with Elizabeth beating Wickham, and he laughs even louder.
“Believe me, I saw it, and she was quite angry.” Darcy and Richard guffaw loudly again.
“My Lord, Darcy – you have yourself a feisty little lady there.” He chuckles and shakes his head in amusement. “How is it going between you two by the way?”
“I am happy to tell you that we are engaged.” Darcy grins joyfully.
“Blimey! You are fast!” Richard chortles loudly. “Congratulations, cousin!”
“Thanks, Richard.” Darcy is very pleased to be engaged with Elizabeth. He just needs to resolve this situation with Miss Lydia, and then their lives will certainly be all that he wants in a marriage. Darcy will not tell Richard about the Bennet’s troubles until Elizabeth consents to letting him know.
Richard is invited to stay until the next day when Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Jane will also leave for London. Richard gladly accepts the Bennet’s hospitality. The young people enjoy their time together with a picnic at the nearby pond. There will be an assembly this evening which all of the Bennets and their neighbors will attend. Mr. Bennet plans to announce Elizabeth’s engagement at this assembly.
At the assembly, Mr. Bennet introduces the newly engaged couple to all their neighbors. Everyone is delighted that Elizabeth has such a handsome betrothed who is also very wealthy and is in the first circles of the Ton with an uncle who is an earl. He does not seem too arrogant to them anymore. He seems very happy with his beautiful, charming betrothed.
Darcy only dances with Elizabeth – the first set and the last set. Georgiana is allowed to come to this assembly because her companion is not present and there is no one at Longbourn except for the servants. However, she is not allowed to dance, and she is to be by Darcy’s, Elizabeth’s, or Richard’s side at all times.
Richard makes quite an impression with all the young ladies at this assembly; they are enamored of him being the second son to the Earl of Matlock. Some of the militia that are encamped in Meryton are present this evening. Richard meets Colonel Forster who is the leading officer of this regiment; they speak of the current conditions in Europe. They seem to get along well and enjoy telling the interested listeners about some of their experiences. Richard has been to Europe several times, thus his stories are filled with foreign intrigue which stirs even more interest.
Colonel Forster’s younger sister-in-law is visiting his wife for the holidays; Miss Constance Rutledge is pretty but is rather haughty. Her elder sister – Mrs. Dorothea Forster is much more friendly and fun to talk with. Richard is introduced to the two ladies, but he is unimpressed with Miss Rutledge’s conceited personality. Richard does not think she is as pretty or as charming as Elizabeth or Miss Bennet, yet she acts rather condescendingly like she is a titled lady from some distinguished family of the first circles.
Richard notices that Miss Rutledge glances at him and Darcy several times. She smiles demurely when R
ichard catches her glancing at him, thus he smiles affably in return. Richard sees her giving Darcy a most coy and flirtatious smile, too. Richard sees this all the time when he is with Darcy.
Young ladies and their mothers are in awe of Darcy when they determine his wealth and status in society. Richard knows that Darcy has not paid Miss Rutledge any attention all night; therefore, Darcy does not know how Miss Rutledge has been trying to catch his eye. Miss Rutledge does not seem to care that Darcy is practically a married man. Unfortunately for Miss Rutledge, Darcy is steadfast and loyal to the ones he loves; he, definitely, loves Elizabeth. No one will be able to shake his love for Elizabeth.
Earlier today, Darcy told Richard all about why Elizabeth had turned down Darcy’s first courtship request. After Richard heard the entire story, he knew just how much Darcy and Elizabeth love each other. Their love is unwavering, thus this Miss Rutledge is wasting her time trying to catch Darcy’s attention; she will not be successful.
Richard notices that there are several young men here who also eye Elizabeth. When they talk to her, she is only polite in return; consequently, there is clear disappointment on their part. Furthermore, they know they are outdone when they see Darcy by Elizabeth’s side. Richard is certain that most everyone at this assembly knows some estimate of Darcy’s income, by now. This makes Richard laugh to himself; Darcy tells him all the time that he dislikes that particular aspect of attending a ball or a party as an eligible bachelor. Darcy knows the ways of society, but he is still disappointed with what it values.
Richard enjoys the assembly by dancing most of the sets. Some of the available young ladies are made known to Richard, but he does not seem to be interested in anyone particular for more than an evening of enjoyable dancing. Miss Bennet is very pretty, but she does not stir his interest in a romantic manner, either. Moreover, she and Bingley have some history with each other. After Richard heard of the Bennet’s ordeal then he figures that Bingley is having some trouble with it. If Bingley does not decide quickly, he may lose Miss Bennet to another decent man in London. If Miss Lydia’s situation is kept quiet and the baby is given up, then Miss Bennet’s reputation may be left intact and any decent gentleman may still be very interested in the pretty Miss Bennet.
Richard can clearly see how well suited Darcy and Elizabeth are together. They both look very joyous with their new engaged status. He is attentive to her, and she is most adoring of him. One can see the affection and love radiating off of them. Richard is very happy for them.
Richard wonders how his parents and Lady Catherine will receive Elizabeth. Most definitely, Miss Lydia’s situation can not be disclosed to them. Elizabeth should not have to bear the younger sister’s shame. She is an honest, good person who has an unfortunate younger sister and a silly mother; her future should not be reduced because of such uncontrollable factors. Richard knows that this is a liberal view, but he believes in it, especially when a young lady such as Elizabeth is involved. Richard will support Darcy and Elizabeth in what ever way he can. He wants to see them happily married; Darcy deserves this happiness.
Earlier, Darcy told Richard that he will not stand idly by to let this sergeant ruin Miss Lydia’s reputation which will affect Elizabeth’s reputation, too. Darcy stated nonchalantly that he will throw some money or some threats at this sergeant to entice him into marriage. Richard, jokingly, told Darcy that it was not a gentlemanly way to treat the sergeant. Darcy replied that he was not dealing with a gentleman; he was dealing with rotten scum. Richard knows that Darcy is very protective of those he loves; therefore, this sergeant will regret it if his actions hurt Elizabeth, in any manner.
CHAPTER 9
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20th
The next morning, heartfelt farewells are conveyed by everybody before the five young people leave for London. After delivering Elizabeth and Miss Bennet to their Uncle’s home, Darcy, Georgiana, and Richard are invited for supper at six o’clock. They gladly accept to return for supper.
In the Gardiner’s drawing room, Darcy talks with Elizabeth. “Dearest, did you get a chance to rest?” Darcy asks Elizabeth tenderly as he holds her hand.
“I did darling; did you?” Elizabeth states most affectionately.
“Yes, I relaxed a little.” Darcy is very pleased with Elizabeth’s concern for him.
“Good, because you looked a little cramped in the coach earlier. I felt sorry for your long legs.” Elizabeth smiles fondly at her handsome betrothed as she pats his hand.
“You noticed?” Darcy is genuinely surprised that Elizabeth noticed his discomfort. He is most delighted that she should pay such rapt attention to his needs and comforts; her show of love for him thoroughly pleases him.
“Yes, I am better at recognizing your discomfort now. I wanted to move to give you some more space, but there was nowhere for me to move, so I felt sorry for you.” Elizabeth expresses comfortably.
“Thank you, for your thoughtfulness, dearest.” Darcy casually kisses the back of Elizabeth’s hand. “Fortunately, that was not a very long trip; otherwise, we would have had to make more stops to stretch our legs.” Darcy smiles his attractive smile at her as he kisses her hand again.
Elizabeth is contented that William is pleased because she sincerely cares for him. She loves him, and when they marry, he will be her first priority. She would like to care for him and satisfy him in any manner that she can.
After supper, Darcy tells Elizabeth that he will go to Reading tomorrow morning to investigate about Sergeant Denny’s family. Elizabeth is displeased to hear this, but she knows that there is not much else to be done. She would have liked it if William was not involved. However, she understands that he is doing this for her sake; that is why she feels bad and guilty at the same time. William has to contend with this trouble because of her, yet he still loves her.
“Darling, will you be back the same day?” Elizabeth asks while her thumb rubs William’s knuckles back and forth.
“I hope so, but if I must stay overnight, then I will return the next afternoon. I will see.” Darcy answers casually so Elizabeth will not be worried for him. He knows that she does not want him to devote much of his time to this problem, and she cares for his comfort.
“I am sorry that you have to go through all this trouble, darling. I am grateful for it, though.” Elizabeth says appreciatively.
“Dearest, what did I say before? You do not have to be grateful and obligated to me.” Darcy holds both of Elizabeth’s hands on his lap at this point, and they are seated no more than two feet apart on the sofa.
“I know, darling. I am not obligated and grateful to you like I am forced to – no, not like that. I am simply grateful that God led a great person like you to me and you are willing to stay in my life forever.” Elizabeth smiles warmly and sincerely.
“I love you, and I will be with you for the rest of my life.” Darcy is not hesitant about expressing his love for her; he kisses both of her hands adoringly.
Elizabeth shyly and quietly says, “I love you too.” She blushes and feels better now that she can freely communicate her sentiments to him without him thinking that she is too brash. He told her that he likes for her to express herself naturally.
Elizabeth’s declaration delights Darcy to no end. He can hear that particular sentiment all day long and not tire of it. He raises her hands to his lips for another quick kiss, but this time he makes sure that she feels his tongue touch her skin. She smiles back fondly and blushes even more. He smiles gratifyingly and is satisfied that she felt it. Elizabeth shyly turns away from him. She looks over towards Jane, and then looks back at Darcy.
“Darling, how are you going to find his family? Are you just going to ask around town? Is Reading a very large town?” Elizabeth is filled with curiosity.
“I am not sure how large Reading is. I will ride around town to assess, and then I will have my valet, Hansen, ask around.”
“I have an idea.” Elizabeth states optimistically.
“What is your idea?” Darcy is happy to hear how clever and ingenious Elizabeth could be.
“Since you will be there on Sunday, then you can discreetly ask around the churches. I am certain someone attending church will know of them if they attend regularly in their area.”
“You have a smart idea, there. I think I will do that. That is probably the best way.”
“Or you can have Hansen ask around the shops. The family must purchase various things now and then.” Elizabeth explains logically.
“You are right, again.” Darcy smiles at her willingness to help.
“Do you think it will be easier if a lady asks around about the family? The people will not be as guarded to answer an unknown lady’s questions than a man’s questions.” Elizabeth says smoothly; she wants to go with William and help.
“Yes, people are usually more willing to answer a lady’s questions. What do you have in mind?” Darcy asks knowingly, and then he playfully narrows his eyes at her.
Elizabeth is a resourceful young lady who is willing to help whenever she can. Darcy gets the feeling that she wants to be involved with this investigation. He will be glad to have her on this trip with him, but it will not look right for his betrothed to ask around a strange town about a man’s family.
Elizabeth smiles her charming smile to get her way with William. “Darling, Jane and I could go with you to help you find this family. I think people will be more willing to answer our innocent questions. Since we will not stay overnight, then it will be proper for Jane and me to go with you. Or I could ask Aunt Madeline to come with us instead of Jane. I want to help you as much as I can. This involves my family, anyways.” Elizabeth explains warmheartedly and logically.
“Dearest, I do not want you to go around a strange town and talk to people; it is unbecoming. I understand you want to help, but you will soon become Mrs. Darcy, and I do not want you exposed to these things. You are a young gentlewoman not a common shop girl.” Darcy explains kindheartedly. He does not want Elizabeth to talk to any strangers if he can help it.
