Darcy's Passions

by Regina Jeffers

  “I believe it was your wit—the liveliness of your mind of which I first took note.”

  “You may call it impertinence, my Love, for it was very little else.The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking, and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused and interested you because I was so unlike them. There—I have saved you the trouble of accounting for it. To be sure, you knew no actual good of me; but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love.”

  Darcy loved the quickness of her mind, and he picked up on her playfulness.“I pray thee now, tell me for which of my bad parts didst thou first fall in love with me?”

  Elizabeth recognized the familiar Shakespearean lines offered up by Benedick and Beatrice.“For them all together, which maintained so politic a state of evil they will not admit any good to intermingle with them. But for which of my good parts did you first suffer love for me?”

  Darcy’s laugh resonated; the woman stirred him in unfamiliar ways. He took a countenance of false hurt. “Suffer love! A good epithet! I do suffer love indeed, for I love thee against my will.”

  “In spite of your heart, I think, alas, poor heart!” Her hand rested on his chest.

  He touched her chin with his finger; it was the same gesture he used with Georgiana.“Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably.” He pulled her to him once again.Then they both found happiness in such shared moments.Taking a more serious tone, he then said, “I told your father, Elizabeth, your affectionate behavior for Jane when she was ill at Netherfield touched my heart. I wanted a person such as you to be Georgiana’s sister.”

  She turned to him.“Why when you came to Longbourn were you so shy and did not speak to me? Even when you dined here you looked as though you did not care about me.”

  “I tried to read your countenance, and you were grave and silent; you gave me no encouragement.”

  “I was the same as when you first found me at Pemberley. I was embarrassed.”

  “And so was I.”

  “You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.”

  “A man who felt less might.”

  “You are very lucky, Mr. Darcy,” she teased, “your answer is so reasonable, and I am reasonable enough to accept it.”

  He took her hand.“Let us walk for awhile. I love being outdoors.”

  “I am anxious,” she said looking up at him, “to see Pemberley again. I wish to walk its many pathways.”

  “I have much of our home I wish to share with you, Elizabeth.”

  “Despite our contentious times at Rosings, our walks produced some fond memories.The field of wildflowers was beautiful!”

  “You were beautiful, turning around and around in it. I could barely contain my ardor! That image lulled me to sleep on many a night.”

  “You thought me not foolish?”

  “Elizabeth, you have no idea what effect you had on me.”

  “Had, Sir?”

  He scoffed,“I am not the man I was then.”

  “Thank goodness, neither of us is what we were then.”

  They walked on in silence for a few moments. Finally, she tentatively began again. “I was anxious to go to Hunsford; Charlotte’s marriage to Mr. Collins placed a wedge in our relationship; I missed my friend, but I dreaded seeing Mr. Collins again.”

  “Because of his proposal?” His knowledge of her private affairs surprised her.“I cannot say, Elizabeth, it gave me much pleasure to know I was in the same category as the colorful Mr. Collins. The only pleasure I received from its knowledge was you would not settle in a marriage. I would have to earn your love.”

  “My mother wished me to marry Mr. Collins no matter how unsuitable a match.”

  “Then how did you avoid it? Did your father, too, not insist?” Darcy asked the question although he knew Mr. Bennet allowed Elizabeth the choice.

  Elizabeth remembered fondly her father’s support against Mrs. Bennet’s will. “No, Sir, he did not. He simply said if I did not marry Mr. Collins, Mama would never speak to me again, and if I did agree to marry Mr. Collins, he would never see me again.”

  Darcy laughed softly. “Hopefully, he did not say something similar to you about me, but I must thank your father for his insight. When I heard of the proposal, Elizabeth, I . . . I cannot explain . . . the revulsion of the idea . . . Mr. Collins and you brought about murderous thoughts.” His features darkened suddenly with the words.

  Elizabeth reached up to soothe his brow with her fingertips; fortunately, the approach of Bingley and Miss Bennet interrupted his apprehension. “We were going to the house for some refreshments,” Jane began.“May we all go together?”

  “Yes, it seems we have some mutual plans to discuss.”

  The couples sat together in the drawing room at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet graciously went to town to spread the news of Elizabeth’s “conquest” to her sister Mrs. Phillips and to Mrs. Lucas. She took both Mary and Kitty with her so the intendeds served as each other’s chaperones, allowing them to speak openly. Jane Bennet served the tea and the afternoon cakes and fruit. When she finished, she turned to her sister’s choice for a husband. “Mr. Darcy, I cannot tell you how happy Charles and I are you and my sister have finally found each other. We often spoke of the possibilities, but we never thought it would happen. We wish you the same happiness we expect for ourselves.”

  “Yes,” Bingley added with a smirk, “Miss Elizabeth, we are relieved you are putting my friend out of his misery.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “It is my true pleasure, Mr. Bingley.” She sipped on her tea.

  “I offer you similar congratulations, Miss Bennet,” Darcy began.“Everything has come about so quickly, none of us have had time to reflect on our good luck.”

  “Darcy,” Bingley began, calling his friend’s attention back to him, “it seems our brides landed on an idea which needs our mutual approval.”

  “They are artful women.” Both ladies blushed slightly, but it was Elizabeth who recovered her voice first.

  “Jane and I are so close. Fitzwilliam, you and Mr. Bingley are such good friends. Our idea was for us to share our wedding day.”

  “Elizabeth,” Darcy began,“I can think of nothing more pleasant than to marry you as soon as possible, but as Charles is my dear friend, I would not want to intrude on his day with your sister.”

  “Nonsense, Darcy,” Bingley broke in, “I can think of nothing I would like more.We are friends; we will be brothers on the same day.”

  “If you are sure, Bingley,” Darcy leaned forward to shake Bingley’s hand.“I fully accept; it is settled then.”

  “May we set a date then?” Jane put in shyly, not used to asserting herself in company.

  “I would like to do so before the festive days,” Elizabeth added. “I know this sounds impetuous and probably a little demanding, and I do not mean it to seem so.” She lowered her eyes, realizing how boldly she spoke. Darcy reached across the seat and took her hand in his, bringing it to his lap and pulling her closer to him.

  Jane Bennet reiterated her sister’s opinion, but not so boldly. “It is the first week of October,” she began. “The earliest date we could consider with a proper reading of the banns is early to mid-November.”

  “November,” Bingley thought about it for a few seconds, “will come soon enough.”

  “Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth turned to him, “I wanted to ask you something privately, but this conversation leads me to it sooner than I intended.”

  “Go on, Elizabeth,” he encouraged her.“You need only to ask, and if it is in my power, it is yours.”

  “I am ashamed to speak so in front of your friend,” she stammered.

  “Miss Elizabeth, you are to be my sister soon,” Mr. Bingley responded. “I will not judge ill of you for what you say among us four.”

  “I really do not know how to broach the subject without seeming greedy or prideful.” Darcy’s light chuckle susta
ined her nerves, and she went on. “When Mama heard of my marrying Fitzwilliam, you can imagine her surprise.”

  Jane Bennet snorted with suppressed laughter. “You will be happy to know, Mr. Darcy, the news literally silenced our mother for some time.” Darcy smiled at the playful wit of his new sister; it was something he did not expect to find.

  Elizabeth began again. “Anyway, Mama in her ravings said something I did not consider before, but I will ask if it is possible. Mama suggested a special license.”

  “Elizabeth!” Jane gasped.

  Darcy’s eyes could not be diverted from the anxious look on Elizabeth’s face.“Is that what you want, Elizabeth?”

  “The honor of a special license means nothing to me; I do not see it as a symbol of status, and I care not for a large wedding; family and a few friends are all I need besides you, Fitzwilliam. A special license just means we would not have to wait so long.”

  “I would wish for no more either, Charles,” Jane Bennet added.

  “What say you, Charles?” Darcy turned to him.

  “A special license—can we arrange such a convenience, Darcy?”

  Darcy turned to Elizabeth.“If Elizabeth wishes a special license, I will apply for one immediately.”

  “I would want to be your wife, Fitzwilliam, as soon as possible.”

  “Then we will apply for a special license,” Bingley added in reassurance.“What date will we choose?”

  “Monday—a fortnight,” Elizabeth offered.

  “Our poor mother,” Jane began. “Her nerves will be such a flutter.”

  Realizing her mother preferred her other sisters, Elizabeth offered,“But she will only go through it once.”

  “I must make arrangements for Georgiana to join us. I may bring her to Netherfield; may I not, Charles?”

  “Of course, Darcy, you need not ask.”

  Darcy turned back to the man whose friendship he never valued properly until of late. “It seems our days are numbered, Charles.” Darcy laughed lightly, but he squeezed Elizabeth’s hand to reassure his speech was in jest.“This evening at Netherfield, you and I will take care of the legal matters, the marriage articles, the application for the special license, and the church. I will send for Georgiana to come to your home.Are your sisters on their way?”

  “They come at the end of the month. I will wait to tell them of the change in plans. Their arrival will be soon enough.” Charles Bingley’s face showed the angst he felt concerning his sisters’ arrivals. Jane Bennet, sensing his discomfort, interlocked her arm through his.

  “Miss Bennet,” Darcy offered her a slight nod of the head,“you have earned the love of one of the finest men I know.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she smiled as Charles Bingley caught her hand in both of his.

  Elizabeth then showed her sister the lace Darcy gave her. “Is that not the same lace you wanted in London?”

  “It is one and the same. Is it not a pleasant surprise?” Elizabeth gifted Darcy with a seductive pout of her lips.

  “I tried to talk Lizzy into buying the lace, but she refused. Mr. Darcy, how do you know my sister so well?” Jane Bennet showed her dismay.

  “Elizabeth is my other half.”The explanation spoke for itself; he took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it tenderly.

  At dinner that evening, Darcy received the pleasure of sitting next to Elizabeth; Mrs. Bennet added several special dishes to the meal in hopes of pleasing the gentleman.Although they were too rich for his taste, he complimented his future “mother” several times. Under the table when no one looked, Elizabeth rewarded him with a squeeze of his leg just above his knee.Although all too brief, the warmth of her hand on his leg burnt his flesh, and Darcy needed several slow, deep breaths to not betray his passion to the rest of the table. Elizabeth giggled softly knowing the effect she had on this man.

  Jane Bennet finally opened the discussion of the wedding with her mother. “Mama, while you were in town today, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, Charles, and I made some decisions about our wedding.”

  “Of course, dear, go on, Jane. Your father and I are most anxious to see our daughters portrayed in the best light on their special days.”

  “Day,” Jane corrected. “Elizabeth and I chose a double wedding. We shall share our wedding day with friends who will then become brothers.”

  “That is such a romantic idea,” Kitty sighed.

  “Quiet girl,” Mrs. Bennet shushed her daughter with a wave of her hand while Kitty blushed from the needless censure. “Oh, my dears, how exciting this is! Think of it, Mr. Bennet; we will have both daughters married on the same day.They were always so close.”

  Mr. Bennet looked at his two eldest daughters with a look of a heavy heart. “I will miss you, Jane. I will miss you, Lizzy. The house will seem empty without you.” Elizabeth reached out and squeezed her father’s hand and then looked at Darcy for support. He stroked the back of her free hand with his fingertips and smiled at her; she returned him a weak smile, which said I hate to hurt my father.

  Jane turned to Charles to take the lead on the next part of their shared news, realizing her mother would act out less if Mr. Bingley approached her. “Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Darcy and I decided to apply to the archbishop for a special license. None of us wish to have a large wedding; a few select family and friends will suffice for our tastes.”

  “Oh, Mr. Bennet, did you hear—a special license? What an honor! Our daughters to be married under a special license! Mr. Darcy! Mr. Bingley! Jane! Lizzy! I am so happy—oh, Mr. Bennet!”

  “I hear, Madam. I am sure the whole village has heard or will hear shortly.”

  Darcy’s more formal manner of speaking brought everyone back to the conversation at hand. “Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth and Miss Bennet chose a date: Monday—a fortnight.We hope this is acceptable; your daughters express a desire to celebrate the Festive Season in their new homes.”

  “Of course, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet began,“but that leaves very little time for settlements and marriage articles.”

  “This is true, Mr. Bennet, but Mr. Bingley and I are capable of handling all the legal matters in a short period if you will give us some time with you after dinner. Charles and I can meet with you separately or the three of us may address common concerns together.”

  “Naturally, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said reluctantly, knowing finalizing such plans would mean his two eldest daughters would soon be gone.

  “But, Mr. Bennet,” his wife interrupted,“our daughters will be married by a special license! I did not know I could be so happy.”

  Elizabeth added, “Mama, Jane and I only need a few new things for our wedding clothes.We should be able to manage with careful planning.”

  “My only concern,” Bingley added, “is Jane will not have an opportunity to make all the changes she wishes to Netherfield before the wedding.”

  “Charles, that is of little concern. The changes may be made after the wedding. We have time—all the time we need.” She sparkled with love.

  “What of Pemberley, Elizabeth?” Kitty asked.

  “I would not wish to change it at all.”

  “What is it like?” Kitty continued. “Is it as beautiful as reported?”

  Darcy turned to Elizabeth, interested in her description of his home. She stammered a bit at first, but her description reflected her vision of her future with Darcy. “Pemberley is perfection. It is a handsome, stone building backed by high woody hills. It sits on rising ground, and every detail of it reflects the natural beauty of the estate. I truly never saw such a place! The house reflects Fitzwilliam’s heritage but also his taste; the interior is simple sophistication.” Darcy’s smile could not be contained; Elizabeth saw Pemberley as he did; she did not speak of its wealth; she spoke of its natural beauty.

  “Pemberley is magnificent,” Bingley added. “I hope some day Netherfield is a shadow of its splendor. Mr. Darcy’s family left him a great legacy; Miss Elizabeth will be living in what is considered to be one of England’
s finest homes.”

  Darcy acknowledged his friend’s accolades.“Netherfield has the potential for greatness, Charles. No place happens overnight.”Then he turned to Elizabeth,“Do you not wish to change something in your new home?”

  “Fitzwilliam, I would not be so presumptuous! Georgiana and I may choose little things once we all are settled and have time to know what we want. Pemberley is perfect the way it is.” Darcy gave her that look with which she was now so familiar and which created a tumultuous state in both of them.

  When the gentlemen left that evening, Jane and Elizabeth walked out with them. Bingley and Darcy completed the settlements with Mr. Bennet, and plans for the ladies’ clothing needs were well underway. Jane and Bingley were to the side with their heads together when Elizabeth came forward and boldly wrapped her arms around Darcy’s waist. He enveloped her in his arms, both uncharacteristically brazen for a newly engaged couple.

  “Elizabeth Bennet, you take my breath away,” he whispered down to her.“It is difficult for me to conceive we are finally going to be together.”

  “Fitzwilliam, I can think of nothing but being your wife, but please, Love, do not fret so about the past.Any arbitrary turning we might take along the way would bring us to some place else and to someone else. The journey we made brought us to this time and this place.This is where we were always meant to be.”

  “Do you know to what I look forward?” Darcy had a mischievous smile.

  “Pray tell.” Elizabeth was just as vexing.

  “Being able to kiss you whenever I choose to do so.”With that said, he leaned down and claimed her mouth with his.

  The next day, Darcy and Bingley made their way from Netherfield to Longbourn to spend their time with their betrotheds. Being rainy, taking a long, leisurely walk was out of the question. Both couples found residence in their respective parts of the drawing room. Darcy and Elizabeth chose a secluded alcove, affording them some privacy although the other Bennet family members and the household servants were in and out of the room. A holding of hands was the most passionate act allowed with so many about.