by Kara Louise
After their initial greeting, he was invited to sit down and join them. A few pleasantries were exchanged, and then Jane asked the question that was foremost in her thoughts. She wished to know what he thought about the estate.
“Braedenthorn Manor is everything I could want!” Bingley cried out and then, looking at Jane, corrected himself. “That we could want! I do not believe I have ever seen anything more suitable. The view of the peaks in the distance is magnificent, and there is abundant space and more rooms than I can even try to recall!” He looked at Jane and exclaimed, “I know we shall be most happy there.”
“Is everything settled then?” Jane asked softly.
“Both Darcy and my solicitor are looking over the papers. Once everything is negotiated in a way they deem prudent, I will sign!” He turned to Jane and grasped her hand fervently. “Braedenthorn will then be ours! I cannot wait for you to see it! I know you will be delighted!”
Jane could not contain her joy. “If you are delighted with it, I shall be, as well!”
After allowing Mr. Bingley sufficient time to convince Jane of the manor’s suitability and splendour, Elizabeth asked Mr. Bingley if he had travelled back to London with his friend.
“Oh! Yes! Darcy! I mean, no! He remained back for a few days! But I do have a letter for you, Miss Elizabeth!”
“From Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth tentatively asked, knowing it would not be construed as the most prudent thing for him to do.
“Oh, no,” Bingley laughed. “The letter is from Miss Darcy. Darcy will be travelling back with her in a few days.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew the letter, handing it to her.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, looking down at the letter, eagerness prompting her to excuse herself to read it. She was able to slip away easily, as Mr. Bingley and Jane had begun another discussion on the favourite subject of theirs—Braedenthorn.
She pulled out several pieces of fine linen paper and slowly unfolded them. Her eyes looked down onto a letter written in a decidedly feminine style. She smiled as she began reading.
Dear Miss Bennet,
It is with great pleasure that I write to express my appreciation and gratitude to you for all you did during your recent stay at Pemberley. There were times when I needed a reassuring smile or someone to talk to, and I found that person in you. You may not even be aware of the encouragement I received from you, but I truly consider it a privilege to count you as a friend.
I do regret your sudden departure and that I did not have the opportunity to properly see you off when you left Pemberley.
Needless to say, the gaiety we had at Pemberley was much diminished with your departure. I have it on good authority that there was one at Pemberley, in addition to my brother and me, who grieved your loss. Emily did not understand the reason for your leaving, and unfortunately, I am quite certain she will not fully comprehend it as the Willstones relay to her their opinion on the matter.
I would have you know that I did all I could to reassure Emily that you still love her and care for her deeply. She asked that I send you a letter from her. She dictated it to me, and it is enclosed.
Miss Bennet, I so look forward to renewing and deepening our acquaintance. This brings me to the purpose of my letter. My brother and I will be travelling to London in a few days, and I would like to invite you to join me at our town home on Sunday. If you have no other plans, I would enjoy having you for tea after services. Would one o’clock be suitable?
I will arrange a carriage for you if one is needed. My brother will be in contact with you to ensure you have directions to the home if you are conveyed in your family’s own carriage.
I do hope I will see you in town on Sunday. When my brother and I arrive, I will be spending the first few days at the de Bourgh home. My cousin, Anne, whom I believe you met in Kent, is in town for a short while and I look forward to seeing her. Please give word to my brother when you see him on Saturday whether you will be able to visit and if you require a carriage.
Sincerely,
Miss Georgiana Darcy
Elizabeth smiled as she read Miss Darcy’s words. She was surprised by the words of appreciation she expressed. While Elizabeth enjoyed their brief and infrequent conversations, she had little idea Miss Darcy took them so to heart.
She placed the letter Miss Darcy had written behind the others and noticed the same handwriting on the next letter. She saw that this was the letter Emily had dictated to her.
Dear Miss Bennet,
I want you to know how much I miss you. We will be leaving here soon, and Miss Darcy kindly wrote down what I wanted to say to you. I love you and hope you can come back and be my governess again. I hope that what happened is not terribly bad. I hope you can find your way back to our country home or that when we come back to London you will visit me. I will always remember you.
Love,
Emily
Elizabeth’s heart tightened within her as she read Emily’s words. She missed her too, but was certain that if she wrote her back, Emily would not receive her letter. Most likely, her family would not allow her letter to be read to her.
She slowly moved Emily’s letter to the back and found another letter tucked behind it. Her heart leapt as she recognized Mr. Darcy’s meticulous handwriting, and she smiled as she recollected Mr. Bingley’s words. Mr. Darcy had written to her! Her eyes feasted on his words, not able to devour them as quickly as she would have liked.
Miss Bennet,
I do hope you will forgive me a second time for presenting you with a letter, this time even more surreptitiously than the first. My intentions when I left London were to return promptly. Those plans have changed, and my sister and I will depart in a day or two. When I first arrive, unfortunately another pressing matter will occupy my time. I will, of course, attend the wedding of your sister and Wickham, if only to make sure he is there and to stand up for him. As well as to see you.
When we first arrive, Georgiana will not, as you would likely surmise, be in residence at our home while Wickham remains. She will stay with our cousin, Anne, who only just recently arrived in town. My sister much prefers Anne’s company without her mother’s overbearing presence, and it is not often that Anne finds herself without our aunt. It is all very convenient.
I have every hope that you will be able to visit my sister on Sunday. She looks forward very much to your company and seeing you again. As do I.
There is much I would like to say to you, but I shall wait until I can speak those things face-to-face. I hope that an opportunity to do so will be forthcoming.
Until then, I remain yours,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Elizabeth reread his words, running her fingers over them. Her eyes continually returned to his words, As well as to see you, As do I, and Until then, I remain yours. She pressed his letter over her heart, and even through the fine stationery, she could easily feel the fluttering deep from within. While she would have to wait longer to see him, his words to her would ease the waiting.
***
On the day of Wickham and Lydia’s wedding, Elizabeth had rather expected the skies to be grey and cloudy, with a heavy drizzle leaving everything cold and wet. But the day dawned bright and beautiful; a warm, sunny day with a deep blue sky dotted with puffs of white clouds.
Elizabeth could not be more anxious for it to be over. As the day had grown closer, her mother displayed more agitation, Lydia became more demanding, and Mr. Wickham grew more silent. Elizabeth wondered with increased concern whether he would truly go through with it.
In addition to the apprehension she felt about the upcoming nuptials, Elizabeth fought a swelling tide of impatience to see Mr. Darcy again. It was apparent that she would not see him until the day of the ceremony. She understood that he was going to accompany Mr. Wickham to the church.
It was to be a small ceremony with only their family in attendance. Despite her protestations against the strict treatment by the Gardiners, Lydia requested that Mr. Gardiner
give her away. They arrived at the church, and Elizabeth sat beside Jane in one of the front pews in the church. Mr. Bingley sat on the other side of Jane.
As the ceremony began, the reverend stepped out to the front. Elizabeth watched as Wickham followed him. Her heart leapt as she finally caught sight of Mr. Darcy. He strode in rigid and erect, not looking in the least bit as though he was enjoying himself. He rather looked like he would wish to be anywhere but here. As his eyes swept the church, they settled on Elizabeth’s face. His countenance relaxed somewhat as she gave him a smile. A slight smile was returned.
As Lydia strolled toward Wickham, she seemed to thoroughly enjoy being the centre of attention. All eyes were on her, except Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s. It appeared he forbade himself from looking at either the bride or the groom. As long as he kept his eyes on Elizabeth, he managed well.
After the ceremony, as Elizabeth’s family walked toward the carriages to proceed to the Phillips’s home for the wedding breakfast, Mr. Darcy approached Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, do you not think it is very fine walking weather? Would you care to walk with me?”
A genuine smile lit Elizabeth’s face. If Darcy had been at all in doubt of her feelings for him, this was all the assurance he needed.
“I would like that very much.”
Elizabeth told Jane she would meet them at the house and joined Mr. Darcy. He extended his arm as they began walking, and he said, “I shall make only a brief appearance at the wedding breakfast.”
She certainly understood his wish to distance himself from Wickham; she wished she could do the same. She was still disappointed, however. “There is no need to explain,” she reassured him.
Darcy shook his head. “It is not just Wickham. My cousin is in town and requires my assistance.”
“Mr. Hamilton?” Elizabeth asked.
“No,” Darcy let out a soft laugh. “Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“Ahh,” Elizabeth smiled. “How is the Colonel?”
“Doing well.” He reached over with his free hand and placed it over Elizabeth’s fingers, which were closed around his arm. “He hopes to see you again. Will you visit my sister on the morrow?”
“Yes, indeed I will. Please inform Miss Darcy that my uncle is providing me with his carriage, and I shall be there promptly at one o’clock.”
“He and I will likely stop by after you and Georgiana have had some time together.” Darcy let out a deep sigh of contentment. He gave Elizabeth’s fingers a gentle squeeze.
She looked up at him appreciatively. “You have done so much. How can I ever thank you?”
Darcy shook his head. “You have no need to thank me. I did nothing out of the ordinary.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Nothing out of the ordinary?” Elizabeth shook her head. “You managed to convince Mr. Wickham to marry my sister when he truly had no inclination to do so. I saw him over the course of this past week, and I can most assuredly tell you there is no love on his part. She has no fortune… nothing to offer him.” She cast a sideways glance at him. “I was actually convinced you truly did have him under lock and key.” She let out a soft laugh. “How is it that he agreed?”
“He was,” Darcy spoke with forcefulness, “and still is convinced that this marriage will grant him permission to return to Pemberley. But it will not!”
“I see,” she said softly, realizing the import of his words.
Darcy saw at once the regret that shaded her features. “It is only Wickham I will prohibit. I shall amend my decision only if he alters his dissolute ways.”
Elizabeth extended to him a nod of her approval and smiled. “Here is the Phillips’s home. Let us talk no more of Mr. Wickham and my sister.”
They stepped into the Phillips’s home to a celebration that was truly not a celebration at all. Darcy stayed only briefly, taking his leave within the first half an hour.
Before leaving, Mr. Darcy gave Mr. Gardiner directions to his town home, and to Elizabeth he gave all the assurances that he would see her at his home when she came to visit his sister. For that, Elizabeth was grateful.
Chapter 26
After sending the newly married couple off to their new life together—which Elizabeth hoped would not end in a terribly disastrous way for her sister—Elizabeth and Jane returned home with the Gardiners. Now she could look with joyous anticipation toward a new day tomorrow.
After returning from church services the following day, Elizabeth visited briefly with her family until it was time for her to take her leave. She had not felt such nervous anticipation since that day she first arrived at Pemberley. Her heart beat vigorously, and her smile never left her face.
The carriage ride to Mr. Darcy’s home took her from the unfashionable Cheapside neighbourhood into a more fashionable district. The duration of the journey took approximately twenty minutes, providing her with ample time to calm her heart and collect her nerves. When the carriage came to a stop in front of a fairly large, stately home, any success she previously had vanished, for her heart quickly returned to its fervent pulsing.
While the house itself was not as large as some of the others in the neighbourhood, its grounds covered a greater expanse. Several large trees were interspersed about the lawn with small flower gardens surrounding their bases and bordering the house. When the carriage door opened, Elizabeth stepped out, smoothing out her dress with one hand and nervously fingering her necklace with the other.
She walked to the house slowly, her eyes taking in everything about her. When she knocked on the massive wooden door, it was opened directly. She introduced herself to the gentleman who stood before her and informed him that she had come to see Miss Darcy.
“Come in, Miss Bennet. We are expecting you. I am Mr. Harrington. Unfortunately, Miss Darcy has been delayed, but she should return directly.” He looked down the main hall, a trace of agitation on his face, as a woman hurried toward him. “This is Miss Bennet,” he told her as she approached. Turning back to Elizabeth, he said, “This is my wife, Mrs. Harrington, who is the housekeeper.”
Elizabeth readily noticed the same harried look on her face, but dismissed it when she saw the striking resemblance to Anna, the young servant girl who had ridden with her to London. Of course! She said her mother was the housekeeper and her father the butler!
“I am so pleased to make both your acquaintances. I met Anna, who I understand is your daughter, on my journey from Pemberley. I truly enjoyed her company.”
They both expressed their appreciation for her kind words, and then Mrs. Harrington gently took Elizabeth’s arm, guiding her down the hall.
“I know Anna will be delighted to see you. Unfortunately, we have had an unexpected guest arrive who has thrown everyone into fits. I shall inform Anna you are here. Come, you can wait for Miss Darcy in the parlour.”
Elizabeth put out her hand to bring her to a halt. “Mrs. Harrington, if this is an inconvenient time, I can certainly make arrangements to visit another day.”
The housekeeper shook her head. “I would not think of sending you away without hearing first from Miss Darcy. It is only a minor difficulty.”
The look on her face told Elizabeth otherwise, but she dutifully followed her through the house to the back parlour. She heard a commotion coming down one of the halls and saw two maids rushing toward her, their faces pinched with exasperation. This was not like anything she witnessed at Pemberley, and she wondered who caused such turmoil.
As Mrs. Harrington walked out, Elizabeth leaned back in the chair and cast her eyes about the parlour. In addition to the few pieces of furniture that dotted the room, several large paintings were hung on the wall, and a cabinet with wood and glass doors housed a myriad of crystal, china, marble, and wooden accessories. Curiosity prompted Elizabeth to walk over and take a closer look at them.
As she eyed figurines and vases, hand-painted plates, and framed miniature portraits, she again heard the sound of hushed but troubled voices and hurried footsteps. When she looked toward the door, she
saw Anna carrying a tray with her tea.
“Oh, Anna! It is good to see you again!”
“Miss Bennet, I am pleased you were able to come.” She walked toward Elizabeth and set the tray down on a table. She poured the tea and handed the teacup to her. A worried glance cast unwittingly toward the door alerted Elizabeth to her distress.
“Anna, tell me, has something happened? I feel as though this is the most inopportune time for me to be here.”
Anna took in a sharp breath but shook her head fervently. “I know Miss Darcy would not want you to leave before seeing her. Unfortunately, she is not here, and neither is Mr. Darcy. That is why everyone is in an uproar.” Her eyes turned to the door. “She will just not see reason.”
Elizabeth looked confused. “Miss Darcy?”
“Oh, no! Not Miss Darcy!” Her nervous laugh was accompanied by a creased brow.
The sound of strident footsteps approaching grew louder, and Anna’s eyes widened. A singular pounding of one foot signalled that someone had stopped. Elizabeth turned to see who had prompted such a look of fear on Anna’s face.
Elizabeth’s jaw dropped as she beheld the woman before her. A look of anger mixed with great suspicion swept across her features as she noticed Elizabeth. In a loud voice directed at no one in particular, she exclaimed, “What, may I ask, is she doing here?”
