Elizabeth was becoming irritated. Can he not be made to see reason? “What of your sister? Might not her chances for a good match be lessened by choosing me?”
“I have considered that as well, but Georgiana’s dowry is thirty thousand pounds and she is handsome. My choice should have no bearing on her prospects. And, if need be, I can increase her dowry.”
Now Elizabeth was exasperated. “While I am deeply appreciative, sir, I simply cannot accept.”
Mr. Darcy’s expression changed to astonishment. “I would not have thought it possible. You are afraid.”
Her face coloured. “My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.” 3
“Your refusal speaks louder than your words.”
Mr. Bennet saw what Mr. Darcy was doing and joined in. “I think Mr. Darcy is right, Elizabeth. I have never known you to back down from a challenge. You must be frightened of the prospect of being under the scrutiny of the ton.”
Elizabeth stood up and paced the room. “Do you not see how foolish this whole notion is? This is ridiculous! Yesterday I would have sworn that you hated me, Mr. Darcy. Now, you want us to marry. How can I trust your judgement? Will you coerce me into this marriage only to regret your action once your family rejects me? And they will.”
“Do you mean to make certain of that? Otherwise, I have every confidence in your ability to gain the support of most anyone you choose.”
One of Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose. “Most?”
“Every family has one member who tries to manipulate the world to their liking.”
“You are impossible! A marriage between us would never work. I had rather never marry and become a governess, or... or a companion.”
“If these rumours are not squashed quickly, they will fester and grow. As a result, you may never become a governess or companion. After all, who will want a woman with a scandalous reputation teaching their children or accompanying a loved one?” William’s voice rose along with his temper. “I will tell you who—only a rake who will look upon you as easy prey!”
Elizabeth’s brows furrowed, and her face began to burn with anger.
“I beg you to reconsider. My parents hired several gentlewomen who were reduced to being servants. I would not wish on any woman what they endured before coming to Pemberley. What is more, even if you are willing to take that chance, would you condemn your sisters to such a fate?”
Ignoring his plea, she snapped, “Are you implying that Mr. Bingley will hold this against Jane?”
“Charles is not one to change his mind once it is made up. But please allow me to explain what may happen. I have spent years assimilating him into my circle, as his fondest wish is to be a landowner. He is now involved in many dealings with my friends who regard him, if not as an equal, as someone I highly regard as trustworthy. Regrettably, a marriage to your sister will not elevate him in their eyes, but neither shall it harm him if I support his choice. However, if the rumours presently circulating escalate and spread to Town, Miss Bennet’s chances of being accepted by society are practically nil and Charles’ influence and income will be severely affected.”
By the time he finished, Elizabeth was frowning in comprehension and Mr. Bennet took that opportunity to press a point.
“Lizzy, I believe that this is the best solution; however, you should know that your mother has been insisting that I force you to marry Mr. Collins. In fact, as we speak, he is on his way here from Cambridge for he returns to Kent. Your mother has led him to believe that if he offers for you, you will accept. I do not think him the kind of husband you deserve, but your own foolishness has brought this upon you.” He waited until she looked at him. Taking a deep breath, he concluded the speech he had been dreading. “It is your choice. I think you already know that Andrew Darcy is not about to marry anyone, and from what I have just learned, he could not support a wife if he were of a mind to do so. Therefore, either you will accept Mr. Darcy, or I shall insist that you marry Mr. Collins. I will not waver with your sisters’ futures at risk. You must decide now.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath, her chest rising with the effort. She stood and walked over to the window to stare into the garden of her home. Just days ago, she had wondered if she could ever be happy anywhere else. Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked to keep them from falling.
Blinded to my own foibles, I have subjected my sisters to ruin. And while I dislike Mr. Darcy immensely, he has offered me a way out, though I can only imagine his motive. In the end, it comes down to one thing. I would rather die than be shackled to that horrible vicar!
Without a word, she nodded.
William had stood when she went to the window, watching with barely concealed angst. Her nod was not enough confirmation, so he looked to her father.
“Elizabeth?” Mr. Bennet enquired.
She strangled a fierce tide of feeling that welled up within. “I... I will mar... marry Mr. Darcy.”
From somewhere in the garden outside, shrieks of joy could be heard as Mrs. Bennet raced back to the front door.
Chapter 8
On the road to Netherfield
Luckily for William, the first few minutes of the ride back to Netherfield were filled with Charles’ nonstop chatter and he was able to escape into his thoughts, for in recalling all that had been said, the realisation that Elizabeth had been vehemently opposed to marrying him was now unmistakable. The impact was jarring. During their meeting, pride had caused him to counter every objection she raised to their union. Upon reflection, he now questioned if he had been blind to Elizabeth’s contempt because of his newly acknowledged feelings for her.
Is it possible to find felicity with a woman who thinks so little of me? The voice of reason interrupted . What did you expect? She was evidently quite fond of Andrew, and for years that cad has blamed you for his state of affairs. She may think you a far worse choice than he.
Across the carriage, Charles was still carrying on a one-sided conversation, barely stopping to take a breath of air. “... and Caroline cannot object to my marrying Jane if you are married to Miss Elizabeth! No, that will end that argument entirely!”
William absently fiddled with his signet ring. It was a habit that anyone familiar with him would recognise as a sign that he was lost in thought and not listening.
“I cannot thank you enough!” Bingley blurted. Then noting that his friend was staring blindly out the window, he added, “Darcy? Darcy? Are you listening?”
He leaned over to touch William’s arm and the action brought his friend back to the present.
“Wha... what is it?”
“I said that I cannot thank you enough for offering to marry Miss Elizabeth! The gossip about Andrew will surely end now that there is an even bigger happening to discuss.”
“At least you are pleased by the prospect.”
Bingley’s brows furrowed. “I have to say, you do not sound the joyful fiancé! Are you having regrets about your decision already?”
“No.” William heaved a ragged sigh. “Well, not exactly.”
“I do not like the sound of that.”
“Do not fear. I am a man of my word, and I shall marry Miss Elizabeth, but, in hindsight, I fear I may have been blinded by my feelings for her and too eager to force her acceptance. While I have tender feelings for her, I now believe that she loathes me.”
Bingley interjected, “Surely not.”
“The more I dwell on it, the more certain I am. She not only took an extraordinary amount of time to reject Collins, she showed no particular regard for me.”
“Obviously, Andrew has told her his usual pack of lies—how you cheated him of his inheritance and reduced him to poverty. Once she learns the truth on that subject, she shall change her mind. Besides, you are something Andrew will never be—a good man. Just allow her to see that side of your character.”
“I have no idea what you mean, Charles. I am what I am; there are no sides.”
Bingley shook his head. “I disag
ree. Most people see only the Master of Pemberley—a decisive man, taciturn at times, and one who brooks no foolishness. I have seen the other—a man who quietly sets to right his cousin’s crimes. For heaven’s sake, you were the only one concerned for his castoffs! You have treated him far better than he deserves. I would have washed my hands of him years ago.”
“Father always said, ‘To whom much is given, much is required,’” William replied. “Since my own cousin was the reason for the situation, I was duty bound to help them. That is all.”
“Precisely my point! The world is full of men who do not do their duty. If Miss Elizabeth learns the full story, not the vitriol Andrew spews, then she cannot help but respect you, and respect will lead to love. Just tell her the truth!”
William sighed. “With regard to Andrew, I fear she will not accept the truth from me.”
“I shall be glad to speak to her.”
“Hearing it from you would be equivalent to hearing it from me. In her present state, she will assume I cajoled you into taking my side.”
“You may be right, though I advise you to tell her anyway. Women are strange creatures. They may pretend not to believe you, but if you create a doubt, they will not stop until they learn the truth.”
“Pray tell, how do you know so much about women?”
“My mother and I were very close, and, in the interest of my finding true felicity when I marry, she gave me some valuable insights. I must say, it has helped in dealing with Caroline.”
The mention of that name made William groan. “That brings up another subject. Since I am off to London to obtain a special license, I would like to stay in your townhouse so my family will not know I have returned. If Caroline should decide to return to Town as well, it would necessitate changing my plan.”
“I understand completely. Of course, you may use my townhouse, and I shall make certain Caroline stays here.” Bingley’s expression grew more sombre. “So, you are not going to tell your relations of your wedding? Not even Georgiana?”
“If word of the wedding reaches my uncle, he will try to stop me, and I have no doubt that Georgiana would do all in her power, as well.”
“I had not fully considered the cost, Darcy. You shall be up against your entire family.”
“Not Richard or my mother’s youngest brother and his wife, who are presently residing at Pemberley.”
“It is good to know that at least a few have your interests at heart.” Then Bingley scratched his head. “News of your impending wedding shall travel to London faster than a fire in a hay field. How in the world will you sneak into Town, procure a special license and return by the end of the week without being found out? A special license alone takes several weeks, I am told.”
“The worst part will be keeping my presence a secret. As for the license, my godfather is the Bishop of London.”
“Something else I never knew about you. That could come in handy if Jane and I were to—”
“Mrs. Bennet was extremely upset to learn that Miss Elizabeth and I shall be married within the week. It took Mr. Bennet’s ire to convince her that we had to marry immediately to quell the rumours. I feel certain that she would have liked to drag the engagement out for months, so I doubt seriously that she will allow Jane to marry in the same manner.”
Charles tilted his head and raised his shoulders in a gesture of resignation. “You are right.” Then he smiled brightly. “I shall simply be content then that we can marry without any scandal hanging over our heads and without having to listen to Caroline’s objections.”
“At least you shall have the satisfaction of knowing that Miss Bennet will look forward to your wedding. A long engagement is nothing, if the parties are blessed with mutual affection.”
Bingley grasped William’s shoulder. “You shall be blessed with affection, too, my friend. I am sure of it.”
“I pray you are correct. My mother once said that a woman would endure a great many faults as long as she felt cherished. And while I may have had misgivings about marrying Miss Elizabeth in the beginning, it was not for lack of affection.”
“There you are! Even your mother agreed with me. Love her, and she will love you in return.”
William turned to the window, staring forlornly. “For years I have longed for a wife and children. I do not know if I could bear being married to someone who has no affection for me.”
This time Charles could not answer for the lump in his throat. He dared not reveal more of his mother’s advice—never marry a woman who was not even-tempered. Jane’s lovely face came to mind as he recalled her description of Elizabeth. Though said in a teasing manner, she allowed that her sister was quick to judge and not inclined to admit fault, even when it was evident that she was wrong.
Glancing to William, his heart went out to the one who had risked alienating the ton in order to be his friend, and a prayer formed in his heart.
Please let Miss Elizabeth learn Darcy’s true character before things are said that cannot be taken back. He deserves this chance for happiness.
AS CAROLINE DESCENDED the grand staircase that evening, she called to her brother, who was heading in the direction of the dining room. “Charles, wait for me.”
Quickly catching up to him, she smiled condescendingly. “I wish for you to escort me into the room. Mr. Darcy can examine me longer if you are by my side, and I wish him to see this new gown I had designed with him in mind.”
Bingley smiled but said nothing as he led her into the room. Immediately noting that Darcy was not there, she let go of his arm and turned in a circle.
“But I knocked on his bedroom door and there was no reply, so he must be downstairs!” She glanced back at the door. “Perhaps he is in the library or your study.”
“He is no longer here, Caroline. He was called upon to help a distant relation.”
“But he only arrived yesterday!”
“And he left today. Now, no more about Darcy. Let us enjoy the feast set before us.”
“But, but—”
“Enough, Caroline. I will brook no more discussion about Darcy.”
Caroline took a deep breath, puffing out her cheeks before expelling the same with great effort. Glancing at Charles, she realised that she had no choice but to obey... for now. She motioned to the servant who began to fill her plate.
Just you wait and see, Charles Bingley. When I am Mrs. Darcy, I shall see that your invitations are always lost in the post.
LONDON
Darcy’s Townhouse
The next day
When Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam entered the dining room, he found it abounding with all manner of delicious food. Breathing in the enticing aromas, he marvelled that Darcy’s cook would go to such trouble for only one person, for, in his estimation, there was enough fare spread across the table to feed his entire regiment.
Darcy must owe a fortune to the butcher and another to the grocer.
He took the chair at the end of the table normally occupied by his cousin. Taking a bite of the food and a sip of hot coffee, he began to study his surroundings.
I fear your generosity in hosting me so often, Cousin, has been my ruin. I allow that I am spoiled, though that may soon be of no import. For you seem determined to marry, and what woman would suffer seeing my face across the dining table as often as you? No, I shall not be residing here or at Pemberley as often if you carry through with your plans.
Still, I am not against you marrying, for I know how lonely you have been since your parents died. Georgiana has offered you little companionship, preferring first the company of Andrew and then my parents. But you—you were formed for marriage, with lots of little ones at your feet and a doting wife at your side. Unfortunately, that means you must first take a wife.
It is your current choice that worries me. Lady Susan, and those of her ilk, will have you leg-shackled faster than a raw recruit can flee a volley. And you, Cousin, will not survive a marriage of convenience. You are too tender-hearted, whether
you know it or not. It would send you to an early grave. So, I shall just have to help you see reason. I shall begin by investigating Susan’s behaviour since her marriage and departure from Derbyshire. Perhaps I shall uncover something that will dissuade you from her.
Having formed a plan, Richard relaxed and began to eat in earnest. After all, he chuckled, who knows when I shall eat at this table again, and I would not want to waste a farthing of Darcy’s money.
LONGBOURN
The unexpected arrival of the Gardiners’ coach brought both angst and joy to the Bennet household. Angst for Elizabeth, for she dreaded for her aunt to learn how close she had come to ruining the family, and joy for Mrs. Bennet, for she had gained no satisfaction from her daughter’s newly engaged status, as she had no one to tell. Her husband had forbidden members of his household to go into Meryton, sure that if they kept silent, the new version of what had happened, as spread by Mrs. Phillips, would overshadow the old.
Fanny’s sister had appeared early the day after Darcy’s offer and had listened raptly to the news that her niece had not been compromised, but instead had received an offer of marriage from the tall, dark gentleman seen with her in the gazebo. The fact that Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, a man of ten thousand a year and owning half of Derbyshire, was betrothed to her niece was a far more interesting subject than any illicit kiss, and Mrs. Phillips was eager to spread the fact. After all, the news that a local girl was to be so well situated made their neighbours willing to overlook their former disapproval.
And thus it was that the Gardiners’ coach was met with great exhilaration, with all but Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth coming out of the house to greet them.
“Sister, it is so good to see you!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, greeting Madeline Gardiner with a hug as she stepped from the coach. Glancing inside the vehicle, she added, “But where are the children?”
“The children are staying with my sister in Lambton for a month.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 13
