by Zoë Burton
“The color is perfect! It brings out the blush in your cheeks. You are such a lovely young woman, regardless of what you wear, but this gown displays it better.”
“Thank you. Lizzy said much the same about the blue one I wore yesterday.”
“And you know I was correct,” Elizabeth teased. “By the end of your visit with our aunt, you will be so accustomed to wearing bright colors that you will never again wear drab ones.”
Mary laughed. “Mama will be happy, I am sure.”
Jane and Elizabeth joined in her laughter. Finally, Jane looked to her aunts and noted Mrs. Gardiner’s pointed look toward the parlor. “Come. Let us sit down and catch up on all your new experiences.”
The ladies retired to the drawing-room, arranging themselves on the sofas and chairs in an intimate configuration while Mrs. Gardiner rang for tea. At first, they all conversed together, sharing news and jokes and laughter. Soon, though, the ladies formed smaller groups, with Lady Watts and Mrs. Gardiner conducting one conversation while Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary had another.
Mary, who had been bursting to tell the news, was the first to indicate to Jane that their sister had a suitor. “Do you recall my friend, Miss Darcy?” she asked.
“I do,” her eldest sister replied. With her focus on Mary, Jane missed the blush that quickly overtook Elizabeth’s features.
“She has a brother, and he has been calling on Elizabeth!”
Jane laughed at the manner in which her most restrained sister displayed her excitement, which was far more like their youngest sister Lydia than her usual self. “Really?” She turned to Elizabeth. “Is this true? It must be, if I am any judge of your expressions.”
“It is true. Mr. Darcy is the best of men. He is intelligent and respectful, and I greatly enjoy spending time with him.”
“Have you…reached an understanding?”
Elizabeth looked at her hands, clasped in her lap. “No,” she replied softly, “but I have great hopes.” She looked up to her sister just as a smile brightened Jane’s countenance. “He is far above us in consequence, as our sister has noted in her letters, and he has a fair amount of pride in his estate and family, but he is friends with a tradesmen’s son and kind to everyone he meets, from what I have witnessed.”
“Do you love him?”
Elizabeth hesitated, but answered Jane’s question. “I am uncomfortable sharing feelings with you that I may or may not have, and that I have not shared with him, but I will tell you that I greatly esteem him and respect him, and I know from his behavior that he respects and esteems me.”
“If he proposed…?”
“If Mr. Darcy proposes, and it is not a certainty that he will, but if he does, I will accept him.”
Jane nodded. “You are correct. Certainly, marriages have started with far less.”
Thinking of their own parents, who had little in common with each other, Mary interjected her thought on the subject. “You are both intelligent and well-read, and enjoy a good debate. You are highly compatible; it is an eligible match for you in all aspects.”
Elizabeth smiled. “It is, indeed. However, he may never ask me, and so this is all simple conjecture.” She wondered at the sly smile that appeared on Mary’s face at her statement, but did not have time to inquire further, as her young cousins entered the room at that point to spend time with them. By the end of the visit, it had been forgotten entirely.
~~~***~~~
On the day of the dinner, Mary could barely contain her excitement. She and Georgiana had planned this evening’s entertainment very carefully, as per Mr. Darcy’s directions, and had speculated eagerly on his intentions in holding it. None of the Darcy family relations had been invited and only one of his friends. Georgiana had ventured the opinion that he did not want his aunts and uncles to know, for various reasons. Having already learned that they tended to look down on those they deemed social inferiors, Mary was glad they were excluded. The girls had finally, after much discussion and conjecture, decided that Darcy was going to propose to Elizabeth. Nothing would give either of them more pleasure, and both were certain Elizabeth would accept him.
And now, on the day of the big event, footmen flew back and forth between Darcy House and Arthur Place bearing notes for Mary and Georgiana. If they could not be together all day to express their sentiments in person, they could very well do so in writing.
Lord and Lady Watts and Elizabeth observed Mary’s excitement with amusement. For Elizabeth, it was almost as though someone had once again kidnapped her normally staid sister and replaced her with their youngest sibling, Lydia. She would never say that to Mary, though, for she enjoyed this new aspect to her next younger sister’s personality. Would that she had met Miss Darcy years ago, she thought.
Finally came evening, and the residents of Arthur Place gathered in the vestibule, ready to go out. Once the Gardiner carriage arrived, they boarded their own equipage for the short trip around the corner to the Darcy residence. Once there, Lord Watts handed out his wife and her goddaughter before stepping back, for Darcy himself had arrived at the carriage to hand out Elizabeth. With the vehicles emptied and greetings made, the group made their way inside.
Upon entering the drawing room, where Georgiana waited with her companion and Mr. Bingley, more introductions were made. Bingley, once he laid eyes on Jane Bennet, was struck speechless. Jane was similarly affected, and her sisters could plainly see that she liked him very much. The group fell into easy conversations while they waited for dinner to be served.
Once the bell was rung, Darcy let everyone know that formal protocol was not to be followed, thus allowing him the privilege of escorting Elizabeth in to dinner. Seating her at his right hand, and with Georgiana, as hostess, at the other end of the table, he waited for everyone to find a place before he and the gentlemen sat.
Conversation flowed easily and smoothly as the courses were served. At one point, Bingley indicated he was looking for an estate to lease, and Jane remembered that the estate next to Longbourn was currently empty.
“Why, there is a house next to Longbourn that is available for lease. The family that had been living there returned to the north several months ago. Perhaps you might look into it? It is called Netherfield. My Uncle Phillips is the solicitor in charge of it.”
Bingley immediately expressed interest, vowing to put his own solicitor on the case as soon as possible the next day.
After the meal, the sexes separated for a while, as was customary. The division did not last long, as Darcy was eager to be in Elizabeth’s presence and get her alone, and the gentlemen all knew, or thought they knew, what his purpose was in inviting them here.
It was no surprise to the ladies, of course, when the gentlemen entered the drawing room. Mary and Georgiana began a duet to entertain the guests. While the rest of the guests were thus engaged, Darcy drew Elizabeth to the back of the room, where he encouraged her to sit on a sofa beside him.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he began, happy that her elder sister had joined them so he could address her thusly, “I know that we have not known each other for a very long time…it has only been a few weeks…but…” He looked up from their hands, which he had joined upon beginning his address. Seeing the encouragement in her eyes, he continued. “From the first moment of our acquaintance, I was struck by you, by your liveliness and intelligence. Every meeting since has cemented in my mind how very…right you are, for me, and how well we go on together. My feelings for you have grown from fascination to something much stronger. Miss Elizabeth…I love you. Will you marry me?”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy!” One of Elizabeth’s hands had risen to cover her mouth as tears filled her eyes. “I feel the same; yes, I will happily marry you! Thank you!”
Darcy let out the breath he had not realized he was holding as his smile grew at her words. He lifted the hand he still held to his lips and graced it with a kiss. “Thank you. I will endeavor to make you very happy.”
They remained at the back of th
e room for the rest of their sisters’ performance, staring into each other’s eyes and holding hands. Every once in a while, Darcy kissed her fingers. It was only when the music stopped and the room suddenly became silent that the pair realized they had become the object of attention.
“Darcy, what are the two of you doing there in the back of the room!” Lord Watts’ voice was jovial. It was rare that anyone had opportunity to tease Fitzwilliam Darcy and he was determined to make the most of it.
Bingley, who knew Darcy better than anyone in the room, save Georgiana, added his voice. “Yes, Darcy…what are you being so clandestine about back there?”
Darcy and Elizabeth had startled apart at the voices calling out to them, blushing to the roots of their hair. Quickly they stood and faced their friends and family. Darcy took a deep breath, grasped Elizabeth’s hand, tucked it under his elbow, and then addressed the room.
“I am beyond happy to announce that Miss Elizabeth has done me the great honor of accepting my hand in marriage.”
Georgiana and Mary squealed with delight, first hugging each other, then rushing to Elizabeth. Jane was torn between laughing at one sister and congratulating the other. She settled for hugging her Aunt Gardiner.
The next day
Darcy rode to Hertfordshire early the next morning, arriving at Longbourn at mid-day, to an almost empty house. Bingley rode along to keep him company, hoping to get a glimpse of Netherfield. Their first stop upon arriving in Meryton was the office of Mr. Phillips, the Bennet ladies’ uncle and the town’s solicitor, to speak to him about Netherfield. Having been granted an appointment with the attorney to view the property later in the day, the pair rode on to the Bennet family estate.
The gentlemen were admitted to the house by a servant of middle years who Darcy assumed to be the housekeeper, and were immediately ushered into the room occupied by the master of the house.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Charles Bingley.”
A grey-haired gentleman rose from behind the desk at one end of the book-filled room. He bowed to Darcy and Bingley, who returned his greeting, before extending his hand to them. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Thomas Bennet. Welcome to Longbourn.” Shaking his hand, the friends thanked him for seeing them.
“Please, have a seat.” Mr. Bennet waved toward the chairs in front of the fire, coming around the desk to take one for himself. “My second daughter has mentioned you in her letters to me, Mr. Darcy. She seems quite taken with you, from what I gather.”
Darcy smiled a bit. “Before I reply, let me introduce you to my friend, Charles Bingley. Your daughters just met him, at dinner in my home, last evening. He is hoping to view Netherfield today, as he is looking to lease an estate for a while.”
“Well, that is excellent news! The house has sat empty for far too long; Lord Hampton was the last person to lease it, and that was a year or more ago. My wife will be especially happy to hear of your taking it.”
“Thank you, sir. I am hoping it is what I am looking for and that I may join you all here for a few months.”
“Good, good!” Turning back to Darcy, Mr. Bennet continued. “Surely Netherfield is not the only reason you have decided to come visit?”
“No, sir, it is not. I am here to tell you that I have asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me and she has consented. All that remains is for me to obtain your permission.” Darcy felt more nervous with each word, causing him to end in a rush. “My position in life is secure; I am the master of my estate, which is on firm financial footing, and I have a handsome fortune. I will be generous with her settlement; she will want for nothing, not in my lifetime or should I predecease her.”
“Thank you for your transparency.” He glanced at Bingley. “Would you like to discuss money matters now, or would you prefer a private interview for that purpose?”
“Now is fine, I think. Bingley is privy to many of my affairs, and can be trusted to keep what is said to himself.”
“Very well, then. I do not know if you are aware, but Elizabeth and her sisters are to share in my wife’s portion. Each will receive one thousand pounds upon her death. I have not added to it, and now that I am faced with a suitor for one of my girls, I must say I am a bit embarrassed about it. Will that sway you from your desire to marry my Lizzy?”
“No, sir. I can well afford a wife who comes to me with little. Miss Elizabeth had made some oblique mention of having only her charms to recommend her, and after some thought, I had supposed that a small dowry was what she referred to. But, in comparison to what she does possess…intelligence, good humor, a sharp wit, beauty…money matters little.”
“I am happy to hear it. I would have hated to have my daughter’s heart broken because of it. Before I give you my final decision, let me ask you one more thing. Do you love her?”
“I do,” Darcy assured Mr. Bennet in his deep voice. “She takes my breath away.”
“Excellent! Then, I give my consent. Welcome to the family.”
The gentlemen shook hands, Darcy thanking his soon-to-be father-in-law, and settled into hammering out the basics of the settlement. Darcy promised to return as soon as possible with drafts of the agreement, and the three gentlemen had tea and a light repast before Darcy and Bingley headed out to look at Netherfield.
Darcy did not meet the rest of the Bennet family, as they were visiting the neighbors. Elizabeth had warned him that her mother was likely to be overwhelmingly vocal when she met him, and he was not certain if he was disappointed or relieved to have missed her.
The ride to Netherfield was short, as it was a mere three miles from Longbourn. Darcy and his friend met Mr. Phillips there and looked at the house and surrounding property.
“What do you think, Darcy? It seems to be in good condition.”
“It does. I see no structural problems, and the house is old enough that it should have settled as much as it is going to. The property drains well and is well maintained.”
“I think I shall take it, then.”
“I think you should. I will come stay with you if you are opening the house soon. Elizabeth will probably wish to marry from Longbourn, and I do not want to be separated from her any longer than I must be.”
“In that case, I will speak to the housekeeper as soon as I am done signing the lease and she may begin to hire staff. How long will Miss Elizabeth remain in London?”
“I hope to persuade her to not return until you move in here. I know that Miss Bennet will stay a bit longer, as will Miss Mary, but Elizabeth will want to begin planning the wedding, I am certain.”
In short order, Bingley had the lease signed, and the gentlemen were on their way back to town.
Chapter 4
“Mr. Darcy to see you, ma’am.” The maid curtseyed, then moved out of the way for Darcy to enter. It was the first time Elizabeth had seen him since he proposed two days previously. Her breath caught as she rose from her seat, Mary beside her, to see his handsome form enter the room. When he smiled, her heart began to race and a matching grin formed on her lips.
He bowed before her, taking her hand and bestowing a warm, lingering kiss on her fingers. Rising, his eyes were arrested by the emotion he saw in hers. They stood staring at each other for a long moment, until Lady Watts bustled into the room, calling out a greeting.
Mary laughed when the couple jumped apart. “I was beginning to wonder if you would ever again take notice of anyone in the room.”
“I am sorry, dearest Mary, if we ignored you. We did not intend to.”
“All is well, Miss Elizabeth,” declared Lady Watts, “for is not incivility the very essence of love? Sadly, we cannot leave you alone together, but Mary and I will take ourselves here to the fireside and you and your betrothed may speak together privately.” Winking at Elizabeth, she took Mary’s arm and escorted her across the room.
Darcy was quick to take advantage of the relative freedom they were granted, and helped Elizabeth seat herself on a settee, sitting as close beside her as he d
ared.
“You spoke to my father yesterday?” Elizabeth had been anxious about the visit. Her mother and youngest sisters were unpredictable in that, while they were uniformly loud and unchecked, one never knew precisely what would come out of their mouths. She could not bear for Darcy to think less of her due to their behavior. She was not nearly as concerned about her father’s permission being given. She knew that she had given enough hints away in her letters that he would not think twice to grant it.
“I did.” Darcy resisted the urge to hold her hand. “He has granted us permission to marry and given us his blessing. We discussed the details of your settlement, as well. I shall take a copy of the rough draft to him once it is completed; I took my notes to my solicitor upon my return yesterday evening.”
“That is good news! And…my mother?”
“Was not at home. Neither were your sisters. Mr. Bennet said they were out for the morning, visiting. Bingley and I took tea with him and then met your Uncle Phillips at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth’s brows rose. “Oh? What did Mr. Bingley think of the place? I confess I was not certain he was serious about leasing it.”
“There are several reasons behind his decision, I think. He is very much taken with your sister, I believe. He has planned and searched for months for an estate to lease, as he plans to purchase one at some point. And, he does not wish to see me have to take rooms at an inn when he can provide better accommodations.”
“That is very kind of him. He seems to be a good friend to you.”
“Bingley is the best of friends. He is, perhaps, too easily swayed by those around him, but he is generous, kind, and loyal, and I could not ask for more.”
“I am happy to hear that he likes Jane, for I can tell by her behavior that she likes him, as well. Tell me about his habits, though.” She blushed. “Forgive my impertinence. I know such a question is not proper to ask, but I am—we all are—protective of each other. We have no brother to look out for us, and so we have taken it upon ourselves to do it for each other. I do not wish to offend, but Jane has a tender heart, and I would not have it broken, if it were possible.”
