The Only Way: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice

by Ola Wegner

  “Yes, everyone is with Cassie this morning,” the girl explained. “They should be back soon.”

  Elizabeth gasped in recognition. “I entirely forgot that it is her time.”

  Anne produced a big smile. “She had boy and a girl three days ago.”

  “Twins? Truly?”

  “Yes, Mama suspected it, because she was so big.”

  “How is she feeling?”

  “Still resting. Everything went well, but she is very tired.”

  Elizabeth glanced quickly at Darcy, but he seemed oblivious to their conversation. She lowered her voice. “Was it very hard on her?”

  Anne leaned in, whispering. “Very hard, she was in agony. First time for her, and already two babies at once. It lasted almost two whole days from when the pains started, till the second baby came out. Mama was with her the entire time.”

  “Well, I am glad that she is well now. Are the babies healthy?”

  The girl grinned. “Yes, and so beautiful.” Her face sobered then, as if she remembered something. “We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Bennet, Lizzy.”

  “Thank you,” Elizabeth smiled sadly. “I know that your father and brother attended the funeral. We do appreciate it.”

  “Papa always says what a noble man Mr. Bennet was.”

  “I would wish to visit Cassie and see the babies,” Elizabeth said, wishing to change the subject. “However, I am not sure whether I would be able to do so.”

  “Oh, I am sure that she understands. You are in mourning.” Anne quickly glanced at Darcy’s imposing figure in the background before lowering her eyes.

  “I would wish to see the leather-bound journals,” Elizabeth said, thinking it was high time to finish the small talk. They had come here with a very specific reason, after all.

  “The ones that Mr. Bennet always bought for you?” Anne wanted to make sure.

  “Yes, the same ones.”

  “We have recently received new ones in different colours, straight from London.”

  With quick efficiency, Anne placed half a dozen different leather-bound books on the counter. Instantly, Elizabeth’s eyes caught the one with a lavender coloured cover. It was beautiful, and the pages inside were of good quality.

  “It smells of lavender when you open it,” Anne offered.

  Elizabeth stuck her nose into inside the pages and inhaled. “Yes, indeed it does.”

  “Shall we take it?” Darcy asked, suddenly appearing behind her.

  Anne glanced at Elizabeth, who did not even dare to look at the man.

  “Do you think that Georgiana would like it?” she asked.

  “I believe so,” he answered. “It suits her. She likes the colour, I believe.”

  Elizabeth closed the journal and pushed it towards Anne. “Can you wrap it as a present?”

  “Of course,” Anne stuttered nervously, reaching under the counter for the decorative paper.

  “We will take two,” Darcy said, looking at Elizabeth. “One for you.”

  “I do not need one,” she protested instantly.

  Darcy looked at Anne. “Two please, but only one wrapped as a gift.”

  Elizabeth felt her face going hot. She did not want him to buy her anything, but she did not want to make a scene either.

  She tugged at his sleeve, whispering. “I truly do not need one. My old one is only half filled.”

  “I can see that you like it. Allow me to buy you one.”

  “Very well,” she relented. “Thank you.”

  Darcy paid for the books and they left the store.

  “You know the girl from the shop well,” he stated.

  She hesitated for a moment, considering how much to tell him, but then she decided it would be the best to be truthful. She was not ashamed of her friends.

  “She is my second cousin actually. She is my mother’s cousin’s daughter exactly.”

  She watched his reaction. His face told her nothing.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, her elder sister is Jane’s age, and we sometimes played together as children.”

  “The one who had twins?”

  Elizabeth glanced sharply at him. He had been listening to their conversation. “Yes, Cassandra was married last year to a farmer near Netherfield.”

  She observed him carefully, curious how he would react to the information that her cousin was married to a farmer.

  “Would you like to pay her a visit to see the babies?” he asked.

  “Yes, but... we are leaving tomorrow, so...”

  “You will have no time to do it later though,” he pointed out. “We can go today. It is still early enough for the visit.”

  “We?” she asked cautiously.

  “We will return to Longbourn, and take a carriage from there. Miss Bennet could go with us if that is her wish.”

  “You would accompany us?” she wanted to make sure that she understood his intention right.

  “If you do not wish me to...” he started hesitantly.

  “No, no, of course not. I would wish you to go with us, it is only unexpected. You realize that they are farmers, quite well off, but still...”

  He looked offended. “I have been on a farm before, Elizabeth. I visit my tenants from time to time. I have even worked in the fields and with animals as a young lad. My father thought that some manual labour would do me good.”

  She gaped at him in astonishment. She certainly did not expect something like that from him.

  “I would be more than happy to visit Cassandra and see the babies.”

  “Excellent, it is settled then. However, first we need to think about some gifts for the babies.”

  She stared at him as if she had seen him for the first time.

  “It would be rude to go empty handed, I believe,” he continued. “I have little experience with such matters, though.” He looked around. “Is there a shop here where we could find something appropriate?”

  She still looked at him as if he had grown another head, but managed to close her mouth and say. “Yes, there is.”

  “Let us go then,” he offered her his arm. “We have little time. We must yet return to Longbourn.”

  Elizabeth and Jane were overjoyed to spend the late afternoon with their cousin and the infants. They were cooing over the two perfect little beings as they carried them around the nursery. The young mother was delighted with the unexpected company and touched with the beautiful gifts that the Bennet girls brought with them.

  However, the most astonished person in the room was Elizabeth, as she observed her betrothed conversing animatedly with the babies’ father. They talked about cows, and Darcy seemed surprisingly knowledgeable on the subject. He seemed more at ease talking with the farmer than with anyone in Meryton before.

  As Elizabeth’s head touched the pillow that evening, she could not fall asleep for a long time. To say that she was confused with Darcy after today was a gross understatement. She doubted whether she would ever understand him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Alone at last,” Darcy breathed as the door to the carriage closed, and Longbourn began disappearing from sight.

  “It must be a very different experience for you, living in a house full of people,” Elizabeth noted.

  For the last few days, it had been obvious that Darcy had had enough of the company of her mother and younger sisters. He was either locked in the library, visiting with Mr. Bingley, or riding the fields on Devil. At mealtimes, he strove to be polite; however, he just barely managed that. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet faulted Elizabeth for Darcy’s low spirits, constantly attempting to give her advice on how to improve his mood.

  “Yes, indeed,” he responded. “As far as I remember, it was only my parents and me. My mother passed away soon after Georgiana was born, and I was sent away to school.”

  “Can I ask what caused your mother’s death?”

  “Pneumonia. She had a cold, but I think that no one, including herself, treated it seriously. It was June, th
e weather held well, and she did not even stay in bed. Then her state suddenly worsened. I returned from school for the summer on the day of her funeral.”

  “How old was Georgiana?”

  “Not even two.”

  She moved to sit next to him. She was not sure what to say, so she snuggled closer, placing her hand on his chest. He covered her hand with his.

  “You mentioned that your father was not himself.”

  “Yes, he closed himself in their rooms for a month, and did not even attend the funeral. When he came out, he was not the same. He lost interest in life, I mean Georgiana and me. He seemed to be more at ease with strangers, than his own children. He never looked me in the eye. Later I realized that it was because I have my mother’s eyes. As Georgiana grew older, she resembled our mother more and more, so he avoided her. I returned to school and she was left alone. If not for Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper, I do not know what would have happened with Georgiana. She raised her as her own.”

  She reached her hand to touch his cheek, feeling wetness under his eyes. He kissed the inside of her palm, and she slowly climbed on his lap, hugging him to her with all her might.

  After a long moment, he pushed her gently away, speaking gruffly. “All right, all right, enough of this. With God as my witness, I never thought a woman would have me crying like a baby. You are a very bad influence on me, madam.”

  “Am I?” she asked playfully, at the same time attempting to move away from his lap, but he prevented it.

  “You can stay here.”

  She raised a doubtful eyebrow at him. “The whole ride to London? Your legs will go numb.”

  His hands closed on both sides of her waist. “Do not offend me. You weigh is next to nothing.” His expression changed from teasing to serious. “I noticed that you have lost weight,” he spoke with concern, one of his hands moving to her hipbone, the other resting on her rib cage. “I can feel all your bones, even through your clothes.”

  She pushed his hands away from her body, climbing off his lap, blushing. “I eat as much as I need.”

  “That is clearly not enough to sustain you, especially when we take into consideration your daily walks,” he lectured. “You must eat, Elizabeth. You have lost at least five to ten pounds in the last few weeks. I do not wish for you to become sick.”

  She crossed her arms across her chest in defiance. “I am not a child. I eat as much as I need,” she repeated her earlier words.

  “That is not childish behaviour, in your opinion?” Darcy gestured to her folded arms and pouting.

  Slowly, self consciously, she uncrossed her arms. “I have no appetite.”

  “Sweetheart, promise me that you will try to eat more.”

  “I cannot.” She bent forward, hands on her middle. “My stomach is in knots, twisted. I feel that if I eat more, I will lose it later. Food makes me sick.”

  He placed his hand on her back, rubbing it. “Elizabeth, it is all because you fret too much about matters. You should allow yourself to calm down, and not take everything to your heart. All will be well.”

  “That is easy for you to say,” she interrupted him bitterly. “You do not know how I feel.”

  Darcy searched her face, concerned. “Lizzy...” he tried to bring her closer to him, into his arms, but she shook her head, whispering a small no.

  As she sat far away from him, facing the other window, the silent tears began running down her cheeks.

  All he could do was gaze at her helplessly.

  ***

  “Lizzy, we did not expect to see you before your wedding,” Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed as Elizabeth entered the Gardiners’ London home with Darcy in tow.

  “Can I stay with you for a few days?” Elizabeth asked, kissing her aunt’s cheek.

  “Of course you can, dear girl.” She eyed Darcy who stood silently behind them. “Has something happened?” she asked uncertainly, taking in Elizabeth's pale cheeks and red eyes.

  “Mrs. Gardiner.” Darcy bowed deeply. “It is a pleasure to see you again. I had to come to London on business, and I asked Elizabeth to come with me. I want her to meet my sister before our wedding. We assumed that you would not refuse your hospitability.”

  Mrs. Gardiner glanced warmly at her niece. “Elizabeth knows that she is always welcome here.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you, Aunt.”

  “May I enquire after the baby’s health?” Darcy asked politely.

  Mrs. Gardiner’s face lit up instantly. “He has been healthy for almost a week now. Your doctor is a very wise man, Mr. Darcy. He advised changes in Fred's diet, and now he is like a different baby, so happy, active, cut two new teeth and his poo is...” she flushed, realizing what she has just said in front of the guest. “I mean that his digestion is much improved,” she finished awkwardly. “We are so grateful to you for recommending him to us. I was at my wits end with my baby boy being ill so often.”

  Darcy listened politely to the woman’s speech, nodding his head with understanding from time to time.

  “Let us not stand in the foyer.” Mrs. Gardiner made an inviting gesture. “Mr. Darcy, you must join us for a dinner. My husband should be back from his office any minute.”

  Darcy shook his head. “Forgive me, madam, but I long to see my sister.”

  Mrs. Gardiner did not argue with him on that, only made him promise that he would dine with them soon. Discreetly, she gathered her children, who were peeking curiously from behind the corner at the newcomers, and left, giving the couple some privacy.

  “Have a good night, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth said, stepping to him.

  Darcy cupped her cheek, and walked her a few steps so her back touched the wall.

  “I will send the carriage tomorrow around one in the afternoon. Would that be agreeable?”

  “Yes, I truly look forward to meeting your sister,” she answered sincerely.

  “Feeling better?” he stared at her with concern.

  “Much better, thank you,” she answered brightly, smiling. “Forgive me for my earlier... behaviour, my weeping.”

  He sighed heavily, his breath fanning her forehead. “There is nothing to forgive. I only wish to know how to help. I am worried about you.”

  “I am well,” she assured him, smiling again. She closed her eyes. “I only need some time to come to terms with...”she shuddered, “with everything.”

  He did not respond to that, only lowered his head and captured her lips. He could feel her response almost instantly, and his heart soared in joy. She wanted him.

  Just as he was about to deepen the kiss, a current ran down his spine, telling him that they were observed. Breaking the contact with Elizabeth’s sweet lips, but still keeping his hands on her waist, he looked to the side, expecting to see a servant spying on them. However, the narrow foyer was empty.

  “What are you doing to cousin Lizzy?” a small voice called from the floor.

  He glanced down to see a small girl staring at them with wide eyes.

  “Who are you?” The child asked the next question, not waiting for the answer to the first one. “Are you Lizzy’s husband? Papa is Mama’s husband, and he does the same to her.”

  He looked at Elizabeth, who was biting her lip, trying not to burst out in laughter.

  Darcy graced the child with his attention. “I will be Lizzy’s husband soon. My name is Mr. Darcy,” he explained calmly.

  The little girl gaped at him, awed. “You are like a tree in a park.”

  Darcy frowned, not being quite sure why the child used such a comparison.

  “Emily, you were supposed to play with you sister,” Mrs. Gardiner appeared, glaring at the child, at the same time sending apologetic glances at Darcy and Elizabeth.

  The child pouted. “I was curious, Mama. I wanted to see him better.” She pointed one pudgy finger into Darcy’s leg

  “She was no bother,” Elizabeth assured.

  “Come on, Missy,” Mrs. Gardiner gestured to her daughter, holding out her hand. “I
t is time high to wash your hands before dinner.”

  “My hands are very clean,” Emily showed the insides of her palms for everyone to see.

  “No discussion, Emily,” Mrs. Gardiner warned her, narrowing her eyes. “Come. You are interrupting Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”

  The girl lowered her head with an audible sigh. Elizabeth reached to stroke her head with compassion. “Go with Mama, Emily. I will tell you a story later.”

  The girl’s face lit up. “Really?”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Really.”

  The child skipped happily to Mrs. Gardiner, taking her hand.

  “Will you come back soon, Mr. Darcy?” Emily asked before disappearing from their sight.

  Darcy was again surprised to have the honour of being addressed by the little lady. “I will.” He cleared his throat. “Of course I will, Miss Emily. Thank you for the invitation.”

  The girl giggled, and letting go of her mother’s hand, bounded in the direction of Darcy and Elizabeth.

  “I like you,” she confessed, hugging Darcy’s leg fiercely. “Will you marry me?” she asked, stretching to look up at him.

  Darcy glanced in panic at Mrs. Gardiner. What was he supposed to say to that?

  “What about me?” Elizabeth questioned, kneeling in front of her little cousin. “Mr. Darcy said that he would marry me.”

  The child shrugged. “I do not mind. He can marry both of us. I can share with you.”

  “Emily Gardiner, you will come here this second!” Mrs. Gardiner ordered harshly, but Darcy could see that she was fighting a smile.

  Emily ducked her head, and quickly ran to her mother without further discussion.

  “Why am I like a tree?” Darcy wanted to know as they were left alone.

  Elizabeth giggled. “I think that she meant to say that you are very tall.”

  “Interesting young lady, a bit frightening to be truthful,” Darcy noted. “How old is she?”

  “She just turned five.”

  Darcy feigned the horror on his face. “Only five. I wonder how she will strike up conversation when she is twenty.”

  Elizabeth chuckled. “Actually, my uncle always says that she behaves just like I did when I was her age.”