“What if all I wanted was to make a new acquaintance, who I realize is in mourning, find joy in life again? I realize that you do not know me, but I am only trying to make your master happy and sought to ask you a couple of questions. I am sorry to have wasted your time, Mr. Adams,” Elizabeth quietly informed him.
Adams turned and faced Elizabeth. “I beg your pardon. I should not have been so rude to you, Miss, and I know that my master would be most unhappy with me should he learn of my behavior.”
Elizabeth waved him off. “Have no fear from us. No one will inform Mr. Darcy of what transpires here.”
Adams studied the young lady before him. She treated him differently than most ladies of society. Finally, he queried, “What questions did you want to ask of me, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth explained, “I had the pleasure of meeting your master yesterday and he was concerned about mixing in small social functions while he is here. I noticed that he seemed to be forcing himself to feel merry when we know he is not.”
Adams acknowledged this. “I cannot help you, Miss Bennet. My master is mourning a sister that he loved very dearly and is now the last surviving Darcy and it is weighing on him.”
“Was your master generous with his wealth towards his sister?” Elizabeth questioned.
Adams explained, “I do not understand to what your question tends.”
“I am trying to understand your master as I have an idea, but I am not sure if it would offend your master or if he might enjoy the mystery,” Elizabeth clarified,
Adams was intrigued, “What was your idea, Miss Bennet?”
“I was asking about your master to see if he was generous with his time and his money and to find out if he received gifts in return,” Elizabeth shared. “I realize that Mr. Darcy is in the last weeks of his mourning, but it will also be his first festive season without his sister, and I thought we could make each day a little brighter.”
“And how would you accomplish such a feat?” Adams inquired.
Elizabeth briefly explained to the valet the plan that had been formed and awaited his reaction.
Adams looked from Elizabeth to Caroline, “And what kind of gifts were you thinking of? You realize this is outside the bounds of propriety?”
Elizabeth smiled gently. “Yes, we are aware, and the gifts would be little things. I was thinking dried flowers, a decorated button, his favorite scone or a book.”
Adams studied the young lady before him. “Why do you need my assistance, Miss Bennet? Are you hoping that I would help you compromise him?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I appreciate you are very protective of your master. No, I am not trying to compromise Mr. Darcy. I am simply trying to cheer him. If it would make you happier, I can arrange for the gifts to be seen by you before they are given to Mr. Darcy.”
Adams informed the ladies, “I will agree to this plan on the condition that I can have a list of gifts that you are planning to give my master and that we also meet with your father so that he is aware of what you are doing. If you are to keep my master from guessing it is you doing this thing, you might want the help of others to make it harder for my master to figure out who is behind these gifts.”
Elizabeth agreed. “That is only fair. We will need to arrange a meeting between you and my father soon as December will be here soon.”
Chapter 6
THE NEXT AFTERNOON Elizabeth, Caroline, and Adams were seated in Mr. Bennet’s library discussing Elizabeth’s proposed idea. Mr. Bennet glanced around the small group in front of him. “Let me understand you correctly. You wish to present small gifts to a man in mourning leading up to the festive season? Lizzy, what would be the point? You have a good and kind heart, but you might make the man uncomfortable with such gifts.”
Elizabeth explained, “Papa, I know you do not understand, but I think the small gesture might touch him in a small way and help him with his grief. May we at least try it for a day or two and if Adams reports that his master is upset, I will stop?”
Mr. Bennet quirked his lips at his daughter, “Very well, Lizzy. Adams, would you be willing to help us deliver the gifts?”
“Yes, sir,” Adams agreed. “However, I feel that if this plan of Miss Bennet’s does work, we will need more assistance as it is likely that my master will question me about the gifts.”
Mr. Bennet considered Darcy’s valet before he questioned, “Adams, when does Mr. Darcy plan to move to the Meryton Inn? Do you know how long he is planning to stay there?”
Adams shared, “Mr. Darcy indicated he would move to the inn the day of the wedding so that the Bingleys would be alone in the house. I believe he plans to stay there until they return from their wedding trip.”
Mr. Bennet acknowledged. “I see. Well, I have an idea but before it goes any further, I want to wait and see how the first gifts are received. Lizzy, Miss Bingley, have you some suggestions for the ‘gifts’ for Mr. Darcy?”
Caroline held up her hand. “Mr. Bennet, please call me Caroline. I have not really helped Lizzy with this as I was not sure if you would approve of such a scheme. Lizzy, why do you not tell your father some of the ideas that you had as gifts for Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth lifted her hands to gesture. “They are to be easily obtained inexpensive gifts really, Papa. More like little keepsakes to mark the days. I was thinking one day could be a decorated rock or button; another day could be a favorite scone. I was also thinking that we could put a small tag with a number on one side containing a message but do not give the message in order so that Mr. Darcy will need to save all the pieces in order to read the message.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “Yes, Lizzy, I can see something like that intriguing the gentleman. Come let us compose a list of gifts and Adams can offer us suggestions as well. However, the next time I see the gentleman, I believe I will have a conversation with him. I myself have an idea that might intrigue him.”
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE wedding, the Bennets hosted another small dinner party to celebrate their daughter’s coming nuptials. The atmosphere was happy and lively. Mr. Bennet escaped his wife to stand next to Darcy. He addressed the younger man, “I am sorry to hear that you will not join us tomorrow evening for the big dinner, but I understand your reasoning and to be honest, I would not want attend if it were not my dearest daughter.” Mr. Bennet paused upon hearing the soft rumble of laughter from quiet gentleman next to him. He inquired of his guest, “I understand from your friend, Mr. Darcy, that you plan to move to the Meryton Inn while he is away on his wedding trip. Is this true?”
Darcy confirmed. “Yes, sir, that is correct. I felt that it would be best for everyone and even though Miss Bingley will be staying with your family, staying at an empty house reminds me too much of my current situation.”
“Forgive me, Mr. Darcy, I did not think,” Mr. Bennet apologized. “But I think that staying at the inn will be just as lonely as Netherfield just a great deal less private. I have a suggestion that I would like to offer. Why do you not come and stay with us here? Miss Bingley is going to stay in Jane’s old room, and we have a guest room in a separate wing, so you do not have to worry about my daughters.”
Darcy stared at the older gentleman, “Why would you do this for me, Mr. Bennet? Forgive me, I appreciate the gesture, but you and your family barely know me, and such an offer seems to be a burden on your family.”
“You are not creating any extra work for my staff,” Mr. Bennet assured him. “I have six ladies in the house and adding another person, although a gentleman, will be no inconvenience. This would give you a chance to be around a family. However, I should warn you that my daughters are rather spirited, as you may have noticed.”
Darcy struggled for composure before answering, “May I think about this and let you know soon? I also have my valet with me. Would there be a room available for him?”
Mr. Bennet assented. “Of course. Have no worries, I will not ask your valet to help with anyone but you. Take all the time you need. It would be ni
ce to have another gentleman in the house again.”
“Have you no other male relatives, sir?” Darcy wondered. “I thought I had heard somewhere that your estate was entailed.”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “The only male relative I have now is my brother by marriage. Lizzy and Jane told me that they shared with you the news of my son and heir. The only other heir I had was a distant cousin who never married or had children and passed away thirty years ago. So, I had to notify the king and wait for him to decide what will become of my estate when I am gone. We do not plan to have any social engagements after Jane’s wedding. There may be an occasional dinner with one neighbor or another, but that is something that you would be able to attend. If there are any assemblies during this time, we can relax in my library and either play chess or read.”
Darcy grinned at the older man. “Thank you, sir. I will think about your offer. I will see you at the wedding breakfast. Are you certain that I will not cause a stir at the wedding by being the best man while still in mourning?”
Mr. Bennet clapped the younger man on the shoulder. “Son, I can promise you my neighbors would only be happy that you were able to attend. We have heard much of you from Bingley and all of it good. I know that he was sad that you could not come earlier but you are here now, and I am glad of the company. Now, I must return to my other guests.”
Chapter 7
BINGLEY STOOD IN HIS wedding finery, which were in half mourning colors. He listened as his friend expressed his displeasure in discovering what he and Jane had done. Finally, he raised his hand, “Enough, Darcy. I understand why you are upset but you have no reason to be. Jane and I thought you might be more comfortable if you did not stand alone in mourning colors.”
Darcy spun around and faced his friend. “Bingley, this is a joyous occasion and you should not have changed your clothing to accommodate me. You should have requested one of your other friends to stand up with you to avoid all of this.”
Bingley shook his head. “No, Darcy, I could not do that. You and I have been friends for far too long. Besides, I must be honest with you. It was not my idea. Elizabeth was the one who thought of it and Jane and I agreed with her. Even the rest of the Bennet family will wear colors more suited to half mourning but not as dark.”
Darcy groaned in defeat. “Thank you, my friend. You are correct I would have been uncomfortable but not at the expense of your wedding. I dislike the thought that your new neighbors will criticize you for doing this.”
Bingley lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “Darcy, most of Meryton is aware that you did not join me earlier this fall because you were in mourning. I think if you give the people a chance, you might enjoy the stay. I know aside from the Bennets once Jane and I depart tomorrow, you will know no one in the area. Are you sure that you will be well all alone?”
Darcy tugged on his dark purple waistcoat and turned, “I meant to tell you but the last day has been a busy one for you. I had an offer from Mr. Bennet that I am considering.”
Bingley raised an eyebrow and straightened his friend’s white cravat, “Oh? What is this offer Mr. Bennet tendered to you?”
Darcy smiled thoughtfully. “It was during the dinner the other evening. Mr. Bennet inquired as to where I would be staying during your absence and I told him that I would be staying at the Meryton Inn since staying at Netherfield would be like returning home.” Darcy held up his hand to his friend, “Mr. Bennet pointed out that staying at the inn would be still have me alone just in a less private setting, so your father-in-law offered me a guest room while you are away.”
Bingley studied his friend closely. “And what did you say to this offer?”
“I asked him if I may think about it.” Darcy shared. “I did tell Mr. Bennet that I would start staying there for the next few days at least.”
Bingley surprised, “Really? Why is that, Darcy? The whole point was for you to spend time with my family and me.”
Darcy started laughing. “Bingley, I doubt you will even think on anyone but your new bride this evening, and I thought to give you and Mrs. Bingley privacy with no one to bother you. Before you mention how big this house is, you and your bride would feel it necessary to play host and I thought to spare you that. Your sister will be with the Bennets this evening as well so enjoy the quiet.”
Bingley grinned. “Perhaps you are right, my friend. Come, let us get me to the church. I am anxious to be a married man.”
Darcy was happy for his friend and told him so with a small smile. “I am very happy for you, Charles. May you and Miss Bennet be very happy together.”
DARCY WATCHED FROM his friend’s side as the Bennets and their extended family joined the crowd in the church. The only members he did not see were Mr. Bennet, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. He assumed that they were at the back of the church waiting for the service to start. While he was waiting, Darcy carefully studied the crowd who had come to see his friend marry one of their neighbor’s daughters. As he was studying the crowd, Darcy noticed something odd and nudged Bingley, “Did you know about this?”
Bingley focused on his friend. “Did I know about what, Darcy?”
“Bingley, look around you,” Darcy quietly advised. “Everyone is wearing colors associated with half mourning. Many of the men are dressed as we are. Did you plan this too?”
Bingley’s gaze flicked over the people gathered in the church. “Interesting. I had no notion of this. Mr. Bennet was aware of my plan and he was the one who agreed to have his family match us to show support. It is possible that he decided to mention it to others, but I did not ask him to do so.”
Darcy turned his attention back to the rear of the church. Miss Elizabeth, dressed in a lovely lavender dress which complimented his dark purple waistcoat, walked up the aisle toward him. He smiled a greeting to her and then watched Mr. Bennet escort his eldest daughter to Bingley’s side. Miss Bennet was dressed in a sapphire dress that coordinated perfectly with Bingley’s dark blue waistcoat. Darcy watched as Mr. Bennet handed Miss Bennet to Bingley and kissed her gently on the cheek. Miss Bennet sweetly returned the gesture and it suddenly dawned on Darcy that he would never have the pleasure of handing Georgiana off to a gentleman who would love her. Suddenly a feminine throat was cleared, and Darcy’s eyes caught Miss Elizabeth’s who was gazing at him in understanding and her own amount of distress was visible on her face. Darcy swallowed hard and dipped his head to her and they both took a deep breath, squared their shoulders, and watched as the wedding proceeded.
After the couple exchanged their vows and received the blessing of the church, Darcy escorted Miss Elizabeth down the aisle. He turned and questioned in a low whisper, “Are you well, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth gazed up at him. “I will be, sir. I will miss Jane, but I have gained a wonderful brother and sister. I have yet to meet their elder sister, but I understand that she is a lovely lady also.”
Darcy snickered, “A few months ago, I would not have been able to agree with your assessment of Miss Bingley, but I understand that she recently went through a character transformation so I can only agree in that I noticed that she is a lovely lady now.”
Surprised, Elizabeth inquired, “Caroline recently spoke to me of her past behavior towards you. Was she really as bad as she described?”
Darcy glanced around them to see if anyone would hear his reply and answered, “Perhaps this discussion could wait for another time. Come let us go and celebrate with the new Mr. and Mrs. Bingley.”
Elizabeth flushed in embarrassment and gave a small smile. “Of course, sir. Forgive me.”
Darcy dismissed her. “There is nothing to forgive. Oh, I did have one question before we rejoin the others. Bingley indicated that your family came up with the idea to dress in half mourning. Why would your family do such a thing for a stranger they barely know?”
Elizabeth explained, “Sir, you may not have been able to join your friend sooner, but I can assure you that your name was often brought up in conversatio
n to the point that we felt like we did indeed know you. Have no fear that your friend spoke out of turn, but rather of someone who admired you and cared for you.”
Darcy understood. “I know Bingley well enough to know how he would have spoken of me, but this does not explain why your family would do such a thing.”
Elizabeth pondered for a moment before replying, “Sir, Mr. Bingley once indicated he felt like you were his older brother and that he much admired you and all you have done for him since you first met. Mr. Bingley also indicated even though his family has ties to trade, you still became friends in spite of the fact that you are from a higher level of society than the rest of us. It is because he sees you as a brother, we decided to make you more comfortable at the wedding. Please understand, the decision to dress as we did was made long before we met you, but as soon as we heard you would be joining us. I am glad that we did make that decision as I know you would have been very uncomfortable standing alone in mourning colors while the rest of us were in brighter colors.”
Darcy struggled with a reply. “I understand your family and appreciate the gesture, but why would the rest of Meryton do the same? I am no one to them. I seem to be no one to anyone anymore. Forgive me, Miss Bennet, perhaps I should leave. My mood has taken a dark turn.”
Elizabeth placed a hand on his forearm. “Sir, we are small country neighbors and what happens to one family is felt by all. While Mr. Bingley is only leasing Netherfield, he is still considered a part of our small community and we take care of each other. I do not believe you have met him yet, but Sir William Lucas, who is our neighbor, is the local magistrate and the person who came up with the idea for the town to share in my family’s decision to dress as we did.”
Darcy inhaled deeply. “I knew before coming to the church you and your family would be dressed as you are. I cannot tell you how surprised and touched I was to see the people of Meryton dressed the same. I cannot find the words... Forgive me.”
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