Most Ardently

by Sheena Austin et al.

  Adams bowed, “I am sorry to disturb you, Mr. Bennet. I am running an errand for Mr. Darcy and thought I would check to see if you needed anything in Meryton while I am there.”

  Mr. Bennet silently assented. “Thank you. I have a letter on my desk that I need to have delivered. Come in and let me collect it off my desk.”

  Adams entered the library and closed the door. “I apologize for the subterfuge, sir, but I wanted to let you know that Mr. Darcy just received a letter from his cousin who appears to have arrived in London. The return address was the earl’s townhouse.”

  Mr. Bennet adjusted his spectacles. “Well, well. I will need the good colonel’s address. I do believe that I owe him a letter.”

  Adams bowed. “Very good, sir. I must hurry. Oh, and you should expect a visit from my master soon regarding the name for his new puppy.”

  Mr. Bennet rumbled a laugh. “I see. Well, I will not ask you to disclose the name, but I imagine that I can guess it. Thank you, Adams.”

  A SHORT TIME LATER, Darcy knocked on Mr. Bennet’s library door and entered when bidden. Seeing his host, he bowed and greeted him, “Good morning, Mr. Bennet. I wondered if I might have a word with you?”

  Mr. Bennet studied the younger man. “Is something the matter, Mr. Darcy? How may I assist you?”

  “Mr. Bennet, you and your family and much of Meryton have been so kind to me.” Darcy explained. “I must confess that in the past such kindness was usually a ploy to get closer to me or rather a way to compromise me in one manner or another.”

  The older man’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Really? For what reason?”

  Darcy shared, “Mainly for my family estate and fortune. Most people do not care for me personally as I am unsociable by nature.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded in understanding. “I can see why you would question such kindness. But I believe I distracted you from your true purpose; you sought me out to ask me a question?”

  Darcy shuffled his feet. “Yes. As you are aware, I have been given a small puppy I have yet to name. First, I would like to thank you and Mrs. Bennet for allowing the puppy to stay here. I know that she has made your life here even more... interesting I believe is the word I am looking for. I finally reached a decision for the puppy’s name but am afraid that I might offend your family, so I came to present the name to you to see if I would offend you or your family in any way if I gave her the name I wished.”

  Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Mr. Darcy, you have my blessing to call the puppy Lizzy. That little puppy has brought a smile to every member of this household. Her antics are quite amusing even when you are trying to chastise her.”

  Darcy gaped in shock. “How did you know that was the name I wished to call her?”

  Mr. Bennet grinned slyly. “Mary shared with me the conversation when you were first presented with the puppy and the way that Lizzy acted told me that it would be fitting if you did indeed name the puppy after her. I believe in time, your Lizzy will have a companion and if I am not mistaken, that puppy will be named for your dear sister. It is just too soon and too tender for you to do so.”

  Darcy agreed. “You are correct. I had thought to name her Georgie, but I could not. As it is, I feel guilty finding happiness without my sister. She has not been gone six months yet and in the final days of my mourning for her, you and your family and the people of Meryton have rallied around me to show me that I am not alone and that I am still part of a family.”

  Mr. Bennet quietly probed, “When does your mourning end, Mr. Darcy?”

  Darcy gulped. “The day before Christmas Eve. I come out of mourning during the festive season which is a time of families getting together.”

  Mr. Bennet placed a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Well, your friend will return any day now and I know that while it has been a trying time for you, remember you will always be welcome into the families of Meryton. Now, this package was just delivered to me for you. It seems your mystery gifts continue to come no matter where you are.”

  Darcy took the package he was handed and opened it to reveal a piece of music that had been folded into an intricate flower. He observed to his host. “Whoever is sending these gifts is quite creative. I never know what I am going to receive next. I think I know what the message is supposed to be, but I need a few more notes to be sure.”

  Mr. Bennet reluctantly questioned, “I know that this is ill timing for you and that you probably will not wish to attend, but as your mourning ends the day before Christmas Eve, will you be attending the ball that is planned for that evening?”

  Darcy considered for a moment, “I believe I will. Yes, it is still difficult, but I cannot honor my sister if I do not find happiness and I will be able to dance with your daughters.”

  Shrewdly, Mr. Bennet queried, “All my daughters, Mr. Darcy, or just one particular daughter?”

  Mr. Darcy colored. “I believe I have taken enough of your time, Mr. Bennet. Thank you for your understanding.” With that he withdrew to ponder Mr. Bennet’s implication.

  Chapter 14

  ELIZABETH TOOK THE letter from her father and added it to the stack of outgoing post. She was quieter than was her wont. Mr. Bennet observed, “Lizzy, I do believe that you miss Mr. Darcy since he returned to Netherfield with his friend.”

  Elizabeth glanced at her father. “I do miss his company, Papa. Aside from you, he is a well-read man who seems to enjoy our debates.”

  Mr. Bennet further explored his daughter’s thoughts. “Were you upset that I allowed him to name the puppy Lizzy?”

  Elizabeth shook her head, “No, Papa. I thought it was sweet that Mr. Darcy thought the puppy was impish like me. Since we gave him the puppy early, I have his gift for Christmas Eve.”

  Mr. Bennet sat forward. “Well, Lizzy, what is this gift to be?”

  Elizabeth stifled a grin. “I found a small frog figurine that I thought would be perfect.”

  Her father chuckled. “Yes, I can see where he would enjoy such a gift and since it is right before the message is complete, it will not matter if Mr. Darcy guesses that you were the person behind the gifts.”

  Elizabeth inquired, “Have you heard anything from his cousin? Is he still planning to stay here?”

  Mr. Bennet satisfied her curiosity. “I have heard from the colonel and he plans to arrive early on Christmas Eve. He will arrive at the ball once it is under way so that Mr. Darcy is not aware of his arrival.”

  Elizabeth gnawed on her lower lip. “Papa, do you think that Mr. Darcy will be upset with us or me for what we have done. I know that he is a very proper gentleman and what we are doing does go against the rules of propriety.”

  Mr. Bennet pondered the question for a moment. “I do not believe so, dearest. You have managed to do what you planned. You made a grieving man find joy in life again. Mr. Darcy will always miss his sister, but he now understands that it is well to live life again and find joy and love again. I understand that he plans to call this afternoon to speak with you.”

  Elizabeth blushed. “Then I shall stay here and help Mary finish trimming her dress for the Christmas Eve ball.”

  DARCY AND ELIZABETH strolled the gardens at Longbourn with Mary trailing behind as a chaperone. Darcy studied Elizabeth for a moment before asking, “Miss Bennet, my first social event coming out of mourning will be the Christmas Eve ball. Might I request a dance with you?”

  Elizabeth glanced at him. “I would be honored to, sir, as long as it will not make you uneasy to dance so soon.”

  “You are all kindness to think of my pain, but I have discovered that I need to live my life and not wallow in the past,” Darcy acknowledged her kindness. “The gift of the journal from your family was a great comfort to me and I was able to write down a great many things.”

  Elizabeth looked away. “I am glad that it was of help to you. We had only meant for you to jot down a few random thoughts, but it sounds like you have already filled up the pages.”

  Darcy flushed. “I did, yes. In fa
ct, I went out and bought more journals and filled their pages as well. I discovered that once I started writing I did not wish to stop.”

  Elizabeth silently walked next to him in silence for several minutes.

  “Miss Bennet, a while ago you showed an interest in what happened to my sister,” Darcy stated. “I think I am ready to tell you if you still wish to know.”

  Elizabeth raised a hand, “Sir, it was not my business and I should not have asked such an insensitive question at such a time. I beg you to forget I ask and forgive me.”

  Darcy studied her closely. “Miss Bennet, you are a kind and caring lady and you did nothing wrong. I think that had my sister lived, she would have enjoyed your company. Now, may I tell you of my sister, Georgiana?”

  Elizabeth agreed. “Of course, sir. I would be honored to learn of your sister.”

  Darcy proceeded to spend the next hour walking the gardens with Elizabeth talking of his sister. He spoke of what it was to have such a big age gap between brother and sister and in spite of it, the closeness that they shared and the love and respect between them. It felt good for him to finally talk about her and concluded the discussion by explaining that she had been involved in a carriage accident after fleeing the unwanted advances of a cad. By the end of his conversation, Darcy felt a lightness of heart that he had never felt before.

  Elizabeth spoke up after he finished speaking. “I can understand why this was so difficult for you. I hope that you will come back and visit your friend often. My father and I have enjoyed your company over the last few weeks.”

  A look of pure delight passed over Darcy’s face. “I hope to do so. Now, I must beg your pardon and depart for your father mentioned that you were attending a dinner party with the Lucas’s this evening. Before I depart, I wish to secure my dances for the ball. So, I would like to request the first if you are not otherwise engaged and then ask for the supper set as well.”

  Elizabeth gasped in surprise, “I am not engaged for those sets.”

  Darcy bowed. “I wish you and your family and pleasant evening.”

  Mary joined Elizabeth as they watched Mr. Darcy depart. “Lizzy, I do believe Mr. Darcy is in love with you.”

  Chapter 15

  DARCY PACED BINGLEY’S study as he let his friend review the letter that had arrived in that day’s post. He saw that his friend had stopped reading and was watching him with a cautious expression on his face. Darcy was perplexed, “What? Do you think it is too much?”

  Bingley saw the way his friend’s face was touched by hurt. He hurried to assure him, “No, Darcy, not at all. Forgive me if I seem confused. I am just trying to understand why you would wish to do something like this for the Bennets. I am not even sure if Mr. Bennet would accept such an offer.”

  Darcy tossed his shoulders lightly. “I had my uncle assist me with this and since it is one more minor property, the king will not really miss it. As for Mr. Bennet, it would be a piece of mind not only for him but for his wife and remaining unmarried daughters. You should not have worry about such an expense alone. Besides, I have more money and estates than I now know what to do with.”

  “Darcy, you are still young, and you will eventually marry, and you could have a large brood of children,” Bingley argued, “I can take care of the Bennets. They are my family, after all.”

  “This is true, Bingley,” Darcy acknowledged. “But, the Bennets have taken me into their family and made me feel as if I was part of their crazy family. I will be the first to acknowledge that I had no idea what I was doing when I first stayed there, but having spent time with the Miss Bennets and Miss Bingley, it was a joy that I could not pass up. The experience brought me joy at a time when I really needed it.”

  Bingley handed the letter back to his friend. “Well then, I suggest that you go over to Longbourn and share your news with Mr. Bennet. I am sure that he would appreciate hearing it from you personally.”

  Darcy agreed, “Very well, I shall. Would you care to join me?”

  Bingley shook his head. “No, I thank you. I want to hear my father-in-law’s reaction from you after you have shared it with him.”

  Darcy gave his friend a mock salute and departed the room.

  A SHORT TIME LATER, Darcy was shown into Mr. Bennet’s library where the master was enjoying a game of chess with his second daughter. After exchanging greetings, Elizabeth stood. “If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy, I believe you have business with my father. I shall leave you to it.”

  “Miss Bennet, if your father allows it, I would be happy to have you stay and listen in,” Darcy requested. “I am not speaking of anything that the rest of your family cannot know.”

  Intrigued, Mr. Bennet answered, “That decision is up to you, Lizzy. If you wish to stay and hear what Mr. Darcy has to say, I have no objection.”

  Elizabeth studied the two men and resumed her seat. “In that case, I shall stay. I promise not to interrupt your discussion.”

  Darcy shared, “Mr. Bennet, Miss Bennet, it is not so much a discussion as a sharing of a letter and answering any questions that you may have for me.” He handed the letter to Mr. Bennet.

  Elizabeth watched her father as he read the letter Mr. Darcy had handed him. She watched as confusion, surprise and shock crossed her father’s face. Finally, she worriedly questioned, “Papa, are you well?”

  Mr. Bennet studied the young man before him, “Why would you do this? I have read your letter and I fully understand what is written within the letter, but I cannot understand why you would do this.”

  “Perhaps, sir, you might explain to your daughter what has transpired. She looks very concerned for you at the moment,” Darcy indicated.

  “Given the surprise that you just handed me, I believe it is warranted.” Mr. Bennet retorted.

  Elizabeth eyes quickly moved back and forth between the two men. “What is wrong? What was in that letter, Papa? Why are you so upset with Mr. Darcy?”

  Mr. Bennet exhaled. “Lizzy, be easy. I am not upset with the man. He has just managed to surprise me in a way that I never thought possible. That is all.” He stopped and stared at the gentleman, “Mr. Darcy, you tell my Lizzy what you have done. When you have finished explaining it, then we will ask you our questions.”

  Surprised, Darcy exclaimed, “What? Could she not just read the letter?”

  “No,” Mr. Bennet denied him, “I would like for you tell her what you did.”

  With a sigh, Darcy complied with the elder gentleman’s wishes, “Miss Bennet, I recently wrote to my uncle to see if he could do a favor for me. My uncle is an influential man and I believe I have already told you that he is an earl.” Seeing her nod, he shared, “Well, my uncle used his influence to ask the king to add another estate into my holdings. The king did not hesitate to do such a thing as the Darcy name is long attributed to turning a profit at anything the family set their minds to and the king did not need another estate.”

  Elizabeth interrupted with tears in her eyes. “You had your uncle secure Longbourn for my family?”

  Darcy confirmed. “Yes, I did. I did it for many reasons, one of which was you and your family took me in and showed me that it was normal to grieve, and you all helped me find joy in life again. I also did it so that your mother never has to worry about her future should your father die unexpectedly.”

  Elizabeth wiped her eyes. “That was very kind of you, sir. I must ask, how does all this work? Does my father continue on as the master of Longbourn or does the property now become yours?”

  “The property remains in your family until your father passes,” Darcy assured her. “At that time, the estate will become mine. However, I have already altered my will so that the property remains in the Bennet family even if I should unexpectedly die.”

  Mr. Bennet crossed his arms and glared at the younger man. “You have left out a few details, sir. Continue.”

  Elizabeth regarded her father in shock. “Papa, why are you mad at Mr. Darcy?”

  “That would be b
ecause that is not all that I have done,” Darcy answered. “Since I no longer have to provide a dowry for my sister, I took hers and divided it up amongst you and your younger sisters. Mrs. Bingley is safely married, or I would have done the same for her.”

  “Thank you for your kindness, sir,” Elizabeth shyly whispered, “If you will excuse me, I will go and explain this to my mother and sisters.”

  The gentlemen watched her leave. Finally, Mr. Bennet demanded, “When did you discover that you were in love with my daughter? Do not try and say that you are not for no other reason would motivate you to do something of this scale otherwise.”

  Darcy thought for a moment, and a small smile slowly crossed his face as he answered, “I believe it was when she put a frog in my chair at the breakfast table.”

  Both men chuckled.

  Chapter 16

  DARCY PICKED UP HIS most recent gift. He could now guess the message that everyone in Meryton had been a part of – Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year. Your friends and neighbors from the village of Meryton. Think of the past as remembrance gives you pleasure. Darcy was now certain that Elizabeth was behind the gifts, for today’s gift and the last phrase were both things that she had been a part of. When he had first met her, Elizabeth had used that phrase and today’s gift was a small cute green frog. It could only be her. Darcy could not wait for the ball. He had never been excited about a ball before, but he was anxious for this evening’s ball to begin. Darcy was officially out of mourning and he was ready to live life again to the fullest.

  ELIZABETH GAZED AT her father with a furrowed brow. “Papa, are you sure that the colonel will show up at the ball at the correct time? We need to make sure that Mr. Darcy does not leave before midnight. The colonel has to arrive before then but stay hidden.”