by Louise, Kara
Kitty and Lydia greatly desired to continue to plead their case to Mrs. Bennet about going to Brighton, but she would not have it, as much as she would like to do the same. Her mind now was focused on the wedding and she could think of nothing else. This left the two younger sisters very downcast and seeing very little hope for a pleasant summer.
The minutes ticked away, as they all waited anxiously. Mrs. Bennet began fanning herself, feeling flushed all over. "Oh, what could be taking them so long? How long does it take to give one’s consent?" she asked mercilessly. "He will have me most vexed if he does anything to…" She was interrupted by the sound of the library door opening and laughter, as Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bingley walked toward the dining room. "Girls, sit up; smile, Jane, smile."
Jane found it very hard to smile with her mother pestering her so. Her heart beat so erratically she felt as if she would faint. But a gentle smile did ease its way on to her face when she saw Charles’ beaming grin.
Jane timidly approached him as he held out his arm to her and the smile on his face reached all the way to his bright blue eyes. She blushed as every eye was upon her when she took his arm and he nodded to her, as if to say, it is all accomplished, we are officially engaged!
Mr. Bennet broke the reverie of the group and announced, "Well, it appears we shall be having a wedding, come July… if that is agreeable with everyone!"
The air suddenly exploded with cries of delight and praises along with offers of congratulations. Jane continued to smile through her tears of joy, her hold on Charles tightening, as if she needed him to keep her upright. Elizabeth came over to the couple and, with genuine love and delight, expressed her favour. Jane released her hold from Bingley’s arm as Elizabeth reached to hug her and she wrapped both arms around her sister in return.
Mrs. Bennet joyfully embraced her soon to be son-in-law and began exclaiming how thrilled she was. She submitted to him that she was certain he would be most happy in his decision to marry their daughter and would never regret it. She was sure they would be the happiest of couples.
Elizabeth and Jane discreetly rolled their eyes as their mother carried on. Bingley simply smiled.
"Mama," broke in Elizabeth, "Shall we allow Jane and Mr. Bingley some time together?"
Bingley spoke up quickly, "I should enjoy it, if it is acceptable to Miss Bennet, if we could go outside for a walk. I should like that very much." He looked at Jane, raising his eyebrows to question if this suited her.
"Yes, that would be most agreeable to me."
Elizabeth watched as the two walked out; Jane’s hand securely within Charles’ arm. Her heart was content knowing how very happy; how very much in love they were. She sighed, letting the breath out slowly. She had always believed that it would indeed be Jane who would marry well, as she was five times prettier than any of the other Bennet sisters. Now she was engaged to a man who not only was very well off, but one she loved as well. Elizabeth could not be happier for her.
Later, when Jane returned from their walk, Bingley had taken leave. As soon as she entered the house, Mrs. Bennet began planning and plotting details of the wedding. She wanted to begin immediately and it was set that they would travel to Meryton tomorrow to pick out the fabric for the wedding dress and make arrangements immediately to have it made.
The following day, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Bennet went into town to the millinery shop to seek out the finest fabrics for the wedding dress. Mrs. Bennet could not refrain from telling everyone she met that day the good news about her daughter marrying Mr. Bingley of Netherfield, although most had already heard.
When Jane’s fabrics had been chosen, Elizabeth walked outside whilst her sister and mother made some final decisions and measurements were taken for her dress. As she stood outside the shop, she was startled to see Wickham coming toward her with two other officers. It was too late for her to return to the shop. He was the last person she wanted to see and she hoped he would not stop to talk.
When he noticed her, an overall uneasiness spread across his face. He stopped and bowed to her, telling the two other men to continue on and he would soon join them. He looked down at her, then away. "Miss Bennet, I understand you had the fortunate opportunity to spend a few days in the home of my youth."
"Why, yes. My sister Jane and I did go to Pemberley."
"Oh yes. I understand your sister is to be married. I wish her the best."
"Thank you." Elizabeth wished he would just move on. She found his close presence very disturbing.
"Pray, did you find Pemberley to your satisfaction?"
"Yes, it was quite grand."
"I heard of Mr. Darcy’s accident and that he fortunately pulled through. Were you there when he recovered?"
"Yes, we were."
"And Miss Darcy – was she there?"
"Yes, and I found her to be a charming young girl. I believe I was told by someone once that she was proud, like her brother, but instead I found her to be sweet and somewhat shy."
Wickham nervously smiled, knowing she was recalling his description of her. "Well I suppose she has grown up since I last saw her."
"Yes, I suppose she has."
"I am glad to hear that." He shuffled his feet and wondered what, if anything, she knew about his past with Georgiana. He abruptly turned to Elizabeth and said, "Well, Miss Bennet, you must have heard that our regiment is soon to leave for Brighton. I will take leave of you now, as I have much to do to get ready. It was a pleasure getting to know you and your family."
With that, he bowed and Elizabeth forced a smile. Yes, leave, Mr. Wickham, be gone to Brighton and leave us all alone! She thought to herself.
When they returned to Longbourn, they encountered a household full of exasperation. Lydia had received an invitation from Mrs. Forster to accompany her and her husband to Brighton. Kitty was all out of sorts because she was not included in the invitation and did not understand why she should not be able to go as well. They were both terribly vexed because Mr. Bennet was not inclined to allow either girl to go.
When Jane, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet stepped inside, Lydia assaulted her mother with the burning request to be allowed to go. "Please, I must go! What else shall I do if I can’t go? I have been invited by Mrs. Forster as her particular friend! Please!"
Mrs. Bennet could see no reason not to give in when Mr. Bennet adamantly gave his refusal. "I will not have one of my daughters running off with a group of officers, when my eldest daughter is about to be married. Lydia you will stay here and tell the Forsters that you must decline!"
With that he stormed off. Mrs. Bennet looked at Lydia and whispered, "I do not see anything wrong with you telling the Forsters that you are unable to join them presently, but some time in August, if the invitation is still extended, you may then accept their gracious invitation. The wedding will be over by then and all should be fine."
Lydia was only temporarily relieved, but she was grateful to have at least a little hope of going. Kitty was still very much in distress about being slighted by the Forsters and Mary was appalled that either was even considering going, let alone her mother giving permission. Elizabeth and Jane excused themselves from this spirited conversation and sought solace with each other outside.
They walked to a bench underneath some trees and sat down upon it. Jane was grateful for the solitude, feeling somewhat anxious from all that just went on inside the house and the heightened nerves of her mother, who was trying to pinpoint every detail of the wedding down in just one day.
"Oh, Lizzy, I did not know a wedding would become so burdensome. I do not know how I shall get along with Mama if she continues like this for the next two months. She makes every decision so difficult and wants every detail planned her way!"
"I am so sorry, Jane. Maybe after a few days, she will settle down." Elizabeth sighed, knowing how quiet and unassuming Jane was. She was sure if Jane ever expressed an opinion, her mother would either not hear it or heed it. "Allow me to talk to Mother if you feel she is doing
something you do not want. Let me know and I will see what I can do."
"Thank you."
A twinkle in her eye and a smirk on her face suddenly appeared. "But do not forget that we owe this all to her. If it had not been for her and her scheme, you," pointing to Jane’s nose repeatedly, "would not be engaged."
Jane smiled.
"But swear to me, Jane; promise me, you will never, ever give her credit to her face. We would never hear the end of it."
"As much as I hate to admit it, we do owe this all to her. But we will not encourage her thoughtless actions by thanking her. We must thank Providence for this."
Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, let us be sure to give credit where it is due, to the Lord Himself, and maybe a little credit goes to Mr. Bingley. Do you know when he is going to call on you again?"
"I believe he is to come tomorrow. He will then return to London to meet with his sisters and Mr. Hurst. He has not seen them since we became engaged. I hope they approve."
"Jane, you do not need to get their consent to marry." Fortunately! She added to herself. Miss Bingley would never give it!
Changing the subject, Elizabeth asked her sister about the walk she and Charles had after they left the house the day prior. Elizabeth was curious as to what they talked about.
"Oh, Lizzy. We had such a wonderful walk. We talked of many things, our dreams, our hopes, and even how many children we would like to have!"
Elizabeth laughed, "I hope you both came up with the same number!"
"He does like children, Lizzy." Jane blushed. "We talked of the wedding." She turned to Elizabeth and took her hands in hers. "I, of course, want you to stand up with me at the wedding."
"Jane, you know I would be honoured."
"Charles is going to ask Mr. Darcy."
Elizabeth felt a catch in her throat as she heard his name mentioned, but was able to smile. "I assumed so, Jane. Now do not worry, I promise that I shall be on my best behaviour with him on the day of your wedding!"
"I was not worried about the wedding day, Lizzy." Jane looked down. "He is such a good friend of Charles, I do hope that you and he can get on well even beyond that, as I expect him to be a frequent guest once we are married."
Elizabeth looked down. She had not really thought about that. All she had allowed herself to think of since she left Pemberley was that she would see him again at the wedding and that somehow she would get through. To be reminded that she would likely be thrown into his presence often after the wedding was a bit more disconcerting.
"Charles has much praise for Mr. Darcy. I cannot help but to think well of him myself."
"He obviously has some very good traits. I have been witness to them myself. But I have also seen a part of him that disturbs me immensely. I cannot forget how he basically shunned our friends and acquaintances here in Hertfordshire. He clearly admitted to me in no uncertain terms that he struggles with those he considers inferior to him.
"But tell me, do you think, that having been to Pemberley and seen its grandeur; you would refuse him still if he asked today for your hand?"
Elizabeth gazed at her, a surprised look upon her face, as she reflected on her sister’s question. "I must admit that while I was at Pemberley I felt quite flattered that such a man, the master of such a grand estate, would have asked for my hand. I think any woman would have been flattered. I had no idea the splendour of his home. But Jane, if I were to agree to marry a man solely on what he owned and not on whom he was, I would be a fool. Do you not agree?"
"Yes, if that was solely the reason."
"I admit I have pondered what may have happened if I had agreed to marry him. Would he have whisked me away to Pemberley, dressed me all up in fancy clothes, and made me forget my friends and family, never to see them again?"
"Surely he would not do that."
"How do we know? He certainly never made any effort to acquaint himself with us. As far as I know, he would not wish to associate with them again, or let me, either. Why should I not think that he would want nothing to do with all those I have grown up with and come to love?"
"Certainly you are being too harsh on him. But Lizzy, you have not answered my question. Would you still refuse him today?"
Elizabeth turned to her sister with a sly smile. "I think if he were to come alone and ask for my hand today, I would turn him down."
"If he came alone?"
"Yes. But if he brought his sister along and she entreated me to marry him so I would be her sister, I might find it difficult to remain steadfast in my refusal."
Jane laughed. "You and Miss Darcy certainly seemed to get along well."
"Yes, and I miss her. Please do not get the wrong impression of what I just said. I do not want to try to replace you as my favourite sister. I just sensed that she did not have anyone like I have in you; someone to be her confidant, to share her thoughts and feelings with, and help her through the difficult things in life."
"She would most certainly have that in you, Lizzy."
"And I so enjoyed her! We never met Miss Annesley and I often wonder what she is like. Is she, as her companion, someone in whom Miss Darcy can truly confide? I am confident that she is very capable in what she does, but I fear there might be something that is missing in their relationship, something that is missing in Georgiana’s life – something like an older sister or kindred friend. As much as she reveres her brother, even he cannot replace that need for a woman in her life with whom to share things."
"She does admire him a great deal."
Elizabeth recalled the things his sister said about him; her great praise for him. "Yes, I am certain that she believes him to be the best brother in the world. And the high opinion of him goes beyond his just being a good brother. Praise for him came from others in the household. I would surmise that their good opinion of him most likely comes from seeing him only in certain situations.
"What do you mean, Lizzy?"
"They only see him in the environs of their own social status. They have their town home in London and their great estate at Pemberley. I would think that all of their acquaintances are reasonably equal to them in respect to wealth and class, both in the city and in the country. I do not imagine Georgiana has seen him as he deals – or struggles – with those he considers beneath him. How would she know how he acts? No, Jane, I believe she only knows her brother as she sees him in the comforts of their own wealthy, superior world."
*~*~*
That night, Elizabeth crawled into bed. Her day with Jane had been so favourable. She was especially happy for her, but her mind went back to her question, "Would you agree to marry him if he asked you again, today?" She had told Jane no, if he came alone. But she wondered if that was really true.
She had told Jane that she had been flattered by his proposal after seeing Pemberley. But it was more than feeling flattered. It had prompted a warm appreciation for him that reached to the depths of her. It was a most gratifying feeling knowing that the master of that great estate had singled her out. She knew it was not a prudent basis for regard, but she could not help it.
Rolling on to her stomach, Elizabeth propped her chin upon her crossed arms. She began to dwell on this man; his stately, handsome appearance; how she often caught him glancing at her; and how his wayward curls fell down across his forehead. Her mind suddenly recalled him, as he lay in bed, unresponsive. She remembered being drawn to those curls, lifting them away from his face, opening his nightshirt to his well-sculptured chest and wiping it down with the wet cloths, suddenly aware that she had felt strangely attracted to him then.
She shook her head and rolled back over; wondering what ever prompted her to think such thoughts! She had allowed herself to think of him based strictly on what was on the outside, not on what was on the inside. This kind of irrational thinking would not do!
She had to be honest and admit to herself, however, that if he asked her again, as unlikely as that was, she was not sure she would have the resolve to refuse. She felt she
would accept. However, she knew that she could not share that with Jane. Jane would be inclined to tell Mr. Bingley, who would then tell Mr. Darcy. This would cause even more awkwardness at the wedding and she did not want that. No, she would have to keep those feelings to herself.
Chapter 10
Darcy and Georgiana attended church the following Sunday. As they walked to the small white building, they were greeted warmly by the reverend and other parishioners. Many expressed praise to God and great delight in hearing about the recovery of this man of infinite patronage in the church and seeing him much improved. Many commented that it had been far too long since they had seen him.
The reverend, a young man in his early twenties, gave Darcy a firm shake of his hand. "Mr. Darcy, we are delighted that you are able to join us on this Lord's Day. We have all have been praying for your recovery."
"Thank you, Reverend Kenton."
The reverend greeted Georgiana, and then she and her brother walked down the centre aisle of the church, with her arm in his. It gave her great pleasure to be here with him. The church she attended in London with Miss Annesley was very large, and she often felt lost in it. But here she felt connected -- to the people, to the reverend, to the very words of his messages. They walked over to their pew, which now bore a plaque in memory of their mother and father.
Darcy sat down, looking straight ahead. He knew that the eyes of the congregation were upon him. He felt prominently conspicuous, for he knew that everyone was aware of his accident and subsequent unconsciousness. He also knew that it had been quite some time since he had graced a church with his presence.
The service began and Reverend Kenton had the congregation rise and open their hymnbooks to a hymn. Georgiana joined in the singing as if she had sung the song often. Darcy felt uncomfortable, not being familiar with it, so he did not even make an attempt. He was certain that everyone noticed he was not singing.
