Bewitched, Body and Soul: Miss Elizabeth Bennet

by P. O. Dixon

  Darcy returned her smile and placed his hand over her hand. “Some mention of George Wickham is inevitable. You need not fret over the matter.”

  * * *

  Lady Catherine was stunned speechless with the announcement of her favourite nephew’s engagement. The calm manner in which she digested the news could best be described as downright eerie. Each one in the room awaited the volcanic eruption that did not come. Perhaps she was merely biding her time. Elizabeth suspected that no one in the room, including herself, knew for sure, and everyone in the room wondered. And worried.

  Some evidence of Lady Catherine’s acknowledgement of her nephew’s happy news surfaced once they had sat down to dinner.

  “I suppose, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, your mother and father are pleased with this development.”

  “We have yet to inform my parents, your ladyship.”

  “You mean to say they have no knowledge of any of this.” Lady Catherine glared at Elizabeth in disbelief. “That is rather strange.”

  Darcy placed his fork aside. “We have had no time to inform Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. We shall correct that matter when we travel to Hertfordshire in a couple of days.”

  “A couple of days? Pray you do not intend to compound your earlier slights against me by cutting this visit short. What is the hurry?”

  “We are both excited for the Bennets to share in our joy.”

  “Why travel there when a letter would suffice?”

  “I am eager to return home.”

  “I should imagine you are, but why does my nephew need to take his leave?”

  “I have no intention of parting with Miss Elizabeth upon the heels of our engagement.” Darcy and Elizabeth’s eyes met from across the table. “In fact, we never wish to be parted again.”

  “Well—I never.” Lady Catherine fell silenced. She resumed her earlier stance as regarded the announcement and directed her full attention to her other guests.

  When the time came for the ladies to separate from the gentlemen, Darcy suggested that everyone might proceed straight to the drawing room instead.

  Lady Catherine looked at him in wild-eyed dismay. “I realise you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet have proclaimed your wishes never to be parted; however, I insist we uphold tradition.”

  With her pronouncement, the ladies stood to take their leave. Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other. His eyes reflected his concern. More than anything, she wanted him to see there was no cause for worry.

  Lady Catherine hesitated a moment in the hallway, allowing her daughter Anne, Charlotte, Maria, and Georgiana to go on ahead of her.

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, might I have a moment of your time?”

  Elizabeth and Georgiana exchanged questioning glances.

  “Now, young woman! Georgiana, run along and join the others.”

  Georgiana did not look pleased but heeded her aunt’s edict. Elizabeth followed her ladyship down the long winding hallway in the opposite direction.

  Lady Catherine closed the library door and turned to face Elizabeth.

  “You can have no doubt why I have asked for a private audience with you.”

  “I am afraid I have no idea.”

  “I will not be trifled with, young lady. I assist upon knowing what you have done to induce my nephew to request your hand in marriage.”

  “What I have done? Surely, your ladyship knows that the gentleman holds all the power in such instances.”

  “You must realise I will never stand for this. I offer no excuse for my nephew, except that he has taken leave of his senses. I only have you to blame for that. Were he in his right mind, he would never have proposed such a ridiculous notion. My nephew is engaged to be married to my daughter Anne. What have you to say to that?”

  “I know of no such engagement.”

  “This engagement is of a peculiar kind. The two of them have been promised to each other since their births. I do not intend to allow someone such as you, with such inferior circumstances and such low connections to interrupt my plans. I insist you speak to my nephew and put an end to this nonsense.”

  “Why would I do such a thing? Mr. Darcy and I have professed our love for each other. He has asked me to marry him, and I have accepted. Nothing you might do or say will influence me otherwise.”

  “You foolish girl! Do you suppose for one minute that anyone in his family will sanction such an unequal alliance? You will be disdained, derided, and despised, by all who are connected with him. Surely, you do not expect any decent family will receive you. Such an alliance would be a disgrace, an embarrassment to the noble Fitzwilliam family. We shall all turn our backs to you.”

  “Those are heavy misfortunes. Nevertheless, as Mrs. Darcy, my future happiness is unaffected by such that you have described. I am sure I shall have no cause to repine.”

  “You mean to say you would allow the man you claim to love to be laughed at, ridiculed, and turned away by everyone he holds dear? Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everyone of merit? My nephew—brother to the son of his late father’s steward? Such a notion is surely unendurable.”

  Elizabeth flinched. She had not even considered what this must mean to either Mr. Darcy or Miss Darcy. Especially Miss Darcy.

  Lady Catherine supposed she had struck a nerve. She determined to carry her point by further haranguing Elizabeth on her scant understanding of what had been the means of recovering Lydia from ruin. Her ladyship’s throbbing veins etched across her temple.

  “Heaven and earth! What are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”

  Mr. Darcy opened the library door and stormed into the room. As loud as she was, he no doubt had heard his aunt from all the way down the hall. The sight of the older woman towering over his intended incensed him.

  “That is quite enough, Lady Catherine. You have assaulted Miss Elizabeth in the most egregious manner. I insist you apologise this instant, and in no way are you ever to speak to her in this insulting way again if you wish to go on seeing me and enjoying the hospitality of my homes.”

  “Apologise? I will do no such thing. What I have said to this young lady is nothing compared to what she might expect should the two of you persist in this foolish notion.”

  “Is this your final resolve? Am I to expect no satisfaction from you as regards atonement for your abuse of my future wife this evening?”

  “Never!”

  “Then I shall know what to do.” Darcy took Elizabeth by the hand. “Come with me, my love. We shall leave this place.”

  Chapter 16

  Jubilation reigned throughout the halls of Longbourn in a perfect uproar! Some version of Elizabeth’s happy news had arrived at Longbourn ahead of her, thanks to Mr. Collins. He had sent out an express post-haste the morning after the explosion at Rosings Park, and he conveyed the news in such terms as to cause disparagement on account of the devastation wrought in his noble patroness. Jane sat beside her father at the breakfast table when he read the express, pondering aloud if their poor cousin had suffered a bout of insanity.

  Had word of the express rider’s arrival not excited the entire household, Mr. Bennet might well have kept the news to himself, preferring to wait until he received an account directly from Elizabeth. Alas, he was bound to share the news with Mrs. Bennet and Jane’s other sisters, unleashing a flurry of chatter throughout the halls.

  Her mother was beside herself when the stately Darcy carriage arrived. Despite the sudden approbation afforded him by his future mother-in-law, Darcy wasted no time before speaking with Mr. Bennet privately to make it official, leaving Elizabeth and Georgiana to brave the fervent accolades and commendations of the ladies of Longbourn.

  Soon thereafter, Jane invited her dearest sister to walk with her. Though the thought of her sister being in love pleased her, suspicion and scepticism could only be abated with an earnest, heartfelt discussion.

  “Lizzy, you must tell me everything. I never had any inclination th
at you were in love with Mr. Darcy. Do you truly love him? How did it happen? When did it happen? Did it happen when you were in town? How could it, for you were not in company with Mr. Darcy whilst in town, or were you? Mr. Bingley mentioned that the three of you were together in Tilbury. Is that when you first—”

  “Calm down, dearest Jane, I shall answer all your questions, but I can only answer one at a time.”

  “Of course, you are correct. Oh! I am so excited for you, Lizzy.”

  “Your enthusiasm is nothing at all in comparison to my own, I assure you.”

  “So, how did this all come to be?”

  “Jane, as for our being together in town, Mr. Darcy and I crossed paths several times whilst I was in London, so my opinion of him is founded upon a number of things. However, let us discuss first things first. Mr. Darcy and I were guests at the estate of one of his closest friends, Lord Trevor Helmsley, the Earl of Latham. However, we parted under the worst of circumstances.

  “I am embarrassed to tell you that Mr. Darcy had proposed marriage to me before, and I had rejected his hand. I confess that the manner of his proposal was such that I was justified in rejecting him despite the fact that his intentions and sentiments were genuine.”

  “Why ever would you refuse his first offer of marriage?”

  Elizabeth hesitated for an instant. No benefit would come from telling her dearest sister what Mr. Darcy had done in separating her from Mr. Bingley. On that point, she kept her counsel. In fact, she had said nothing to Jane of her true purpose in going to town. However, the truth of Wickham’s character, now known to all, was safe for discussion.

  “You see, Jane, I misjudged him harshly, as you well know. My prejudice towards him was the consequence of his initial slight at the assembly, as much as Mr. Wickham’s false accusations against him. Suffice it to say, I threw Mr. Wickham’s allegations in his face as sufficient justification for thinking him the most despicable man in the world.

  “I imagined myself such a fool upon learning the truth about Mr. Wickham, and not from Mr. Darcy, but rather from Miss Darcy. I, who always had prided myself on my ability to discern other people’s true character, had been totally deceived. My shame was great indeed.”

  “Miss Darcy? What did she have to say?”

  “Oh, Jane. Mr. Wickham had taken advantage of her naivety, much the same as he later did with Lydia. Fortunately, Mr. Darcy saved her in time.” Elizabeth went on to tell her sister all that Georgiana had told her.

  “I wish Lydia had been as fortunate as Miss Darcy.”

  “But that is what I am about to tell you. Mr. Darcy also saved Lydia.” At length, Elizabeth told the story of how Mr. Darcy had gone about recovering Lydia from the pits of despair, and striking a bargain with Mr. Wickham to marry her.

  “I always knew there was a great deal of good in Mr. Darcy. I am happy that you recognise his value, as well, and that you are to be married.”

  The two sisters embraced. Straightening out, Jane wiped a tear from her face. “I am so happy for you, Lizzy. May I see the ring once more?”

  Elizabeth held out her hand for inspection, obliging her sister with a smile as dazzling as the brilliant diamonds in her ring.

  “I have never beheld a ring as magnificent.”

  “Yes, it is so lovely. It belonged to Mr. Darcy’s mother, Lady Anne. I shall cherish it, always.”

  “Just think, one day your own son might bestow this precious heirloom to his betrothed.”

  Elizabeth’s thoughts pirouetted with the prospect of a house full of Darcys. How rich and overflowing with love her life would be with her future husband!

  “I always knew you would find such happiness.”

  “Truly, Jane, I am exceedingly happy. Now I only need to learn how things are progressing with you and Mr. Bingley. Tell me that you two are well on your way to establishing an understanding so that my happiness shall be complete.”

  Her eyes failing to contain her tears, Jane smiled. “Dear Lizzy, I will only say that our father should expect a visit from two handsome gentlemen today.”

  * * *

  She entered the library, upon hearing from her betrothed of her father’s wish to speak with her, in time to see him pacing the floor, his countenance somewhat befuddled. “Lizzy, are you quite certain Mr. Darcy is the man for you? When last he was here, one would have sworn you hated the man.”

  “No, Papa. I do not hate him. I love him. I love Mr. Darcy.”

  “How did this happen?”

  “Papa, my tender regard for Mr. Darcy has been coming on for some time. I hardly know when it began, but I am sure that once I had made a start, it was all I could do not to think of him. He means everything to me. He is the best man I know. He is selfless and generous, and there is nothing on earth he would not do for those whom he loves.”

  “Generous, you say? Has this anything to do with his fortune? Yes, Mr. Darcy is as generous as any man of his means has the luxury of being, should he wish it. You shall be rich beyond anyone’s dreams, but will that make you happy?”

  “I am exceedingly happy. Wait until I tell you what he has done—” Elizabeth gave her father a full account of everything that Mr. Darcy had taken upon himself on behalf of their family.

  In the middle of her recount, Mr. Bennet sat down, stood up, and sat back down again whilst registering it all. He was amazed that someone so wholly unconnected to his family would go to such measures. He spoke enthusiastically of his relief as he realised his brother-in-law had not shouldered the burden. This way, Mr. Bennet might dismiss the notion that, theretofore, weighed heavily upon his mind—that he would have to repay Mr. Gardiner. Surely, a man as wealthy as his future son-in-law would be in no need of restitution.

  After some discussion on the timing of the joyous occasion, Mr. Bennet sent his favourite daughter on her way with his blessings, a happy man indeed. By the glimmer in his eyes, his happiness increased twofold when Elizabeth opened the door of the library to find Mr. Bingley standing there, his hand poised mid-air in readiness to knock.

  “Mr. Bingley, come inside. I have been expecting this visit for some time.”

  * * *

  Darcy had left Mr. Bennet’s library a happier man, even if a bit confounded, than when he had entered. He avoided the company of his future mother and sisters-in-law by waiting outside of the door for Elizabeth to emerge from her father’s library. As pleased as he had been to see that his friend had also decided to seek a private audience with Mr. Bennet, he could not help but bestow his good wishes absent-mindedly. He had matters of far greater importance on his mind, namely, how long it would be before he and Elizabeth became man and wife. Did Mr. Bennet honestly expect him to wait three months? Darcy could not wait to speak with Elizabeth in private.

  “Is there somewhere we might talk? After my interview with your father, I am dying to have you all to myself.”

  “Shall we walk to the pond? If we leave through the back, no one should notice we have disappeared.”

  “Yes, please, lead the way.”

  Elizabeth looked around mischievously and then took him by the hand and led him outside. Once they were settled in a comfortable spot along the water’s edge, he raised her hand and brushed his lips over her fingertips. He then studied the ring he had slipped on her finger the day before and marvelled at his good fortune in having won the heart of the woman of his dreams.

  “You have not uttered a word since we left the house. Is there something amiss, Mr. Darcy?

  “Forgive me, my love.”

  “Did Papa say anything to upset you?”

  “Why? What did he say to you?”

  “He gave me his blessing, of course.”

  “Elizabeth, I realise your father is known for his dry humour. I pray that is the case now. He suggested we might wait three months before marrying.”

  “A three-month courtship sounds delightful. Mama will be overjoyed.”

  Darcy was not impressed. He said nothing, but his countenance betr
ayed his disappointment. His desire for her wreaked havoc on his mind and his body, but he was determined their relationship would remain chaste—no more than light kisses until their wedding night.

  Three months?

  Even Elizabeth thought a courtship of three months was absurd. She had told her father as much. She thought, however, she might have a bit of fun with Mr. Darcy. Alas, his look of dismay told her that he had not yet learned to laugh at himself, and she thought perhaps now was not the time to teach him. They had a lifetime for that.

  She then raised his hand to her mouth and brushed his knuckles against her lips. “Why such a forlorn look, dearest?”

  “Again, I must beg your forgiveness. I am a selfish man, and I have been used to having my way. I am endeavouring to change in that regard, and whilst I do not wish to wait that long, I will if needs be.”

  “You must not be too hard upon yourself. Besides, I am equally as selfish in that regard. I long for nothing more than to be your wife. Papa is quite aware of my sentiments, so you need not fret.” Smiling, she fought to restrain the giggle that threatened to bubble forth.

  “You are laughing at me.”

  “I am guilty as charged.” Unable to repress her laughter a second longer, the sound of it brought a smile to his face. “Do you forgive me?”

  “Of course—you need not ask, for I would forgive you anything.”

  “And you have proven as much, sir.” Her countenance quickly turned sober. “I am embarrassed even now when I think of how badly I abused you in the past with my unguarded tongue.”

  “What did you ever say to me that I did not deserve? You accused me of being haughty and disdainful towards those I considered beneath me. With few exceptions, my actions proved your words as truth. I offered you my hand in marriage with every expectation that you would accept me, and that you would be grateful. Watching you walk away from me at Latham Hall was a painful revelation. I knew that were I to win your heart, I needed to think of others ahead of my own interests. I learned that all my wealth and fortune meant nothing if I could not prove myself to be a man worthy of your respect.”