Darcy cleared his throat. “She would not be incorrect.”
Mr. Bennet finally put his book down and leaned over the desk. He raised his eyebrow, similar to Elizabeth, and if Darcy was not mistaken there was a twinkle of amusement in the older gentleman’s eyes.
“I believe Jane is taken with another and Lizzy we know you disapprove of. You are stupider than I thought if you wish for any of the younger girls,” Mr. Bennet drawled.
Well, at least he was not being tossed out of the house entirely. Suppressing his hurt pride, he humbly stated, “I do not disapprove of her; I greatly admire her. I request Miss Elizabeth’s hand in marriage.”
He was met with a bark of laughter. After several moments, he was asked by a grinning father, “Have you spoken with her?”
“Yes, I was fortunate enough to gain her acceptance and we wish to marry.”
They had not discussed their options should Mr. Bennet refuse. He did not even know when she came of age. Actually, there were many things he did not know. Their entire courtship was haphazard, and many things left undone and unsaid.
Mr. Bennet turned serious. “When...when have you even seen Elizabeth again?”
“I have been in Kent, visiting my aunt. She is your cousin’s patroness.”
“Lizzy was there for six weeks. She made no mention of you.”
Darcy glanced to the pile of unopened letters on Mr. Bennet’s desk. He had no idea if Elizabeth would have mentioned him in a letter, but she might have noted his arrival. Then again, that likely would not help his situation.
Seeing his glance, Mr. Bennet sorted through the letters and must have found one from Elizabeth. He tore it open.
“You only arrived three weeks ago!” He roared. “Young man! I do not care for your ten thousand a year, and wonder at whatever sort of trickery you have used on my daughter to make her accept a marriage proposal on less than a month’s courtship.”
Darcy winced. In truth, it was even less time than Mr. Bennet imagined. Darcy avoided Elizabeth entirely the first week he was in the country. He took a deep breath.
“I am not a new acquaintance. I admired your daughter greatly while in Hertfordshire.”
“No, you determined her not handsome enough to tempt you and felt the whole community beneath your notice.”
Darcy froze. “Someone heard?”
“Elizabeth heard.”
My God. A number of things made more sense now. Undone business indeed!
“I see by your countenance you did not know. Elizabeth is...she is special. She is not like most other girls. She laughed at your haughty stupidity, at first.”
“I assure you, I understand just what a treasure she is. I have long since been captivated by her beauty, her wit and many other superior qualities. She is unlike any lady I have ever known. While I did not know the source of her first dislike of me, we have discussed the matter. She was rightly angry with me. She was not swayed by either my charm, my connections or my wealth.” Lord help him, he would never understand how she came to love him but was grateful for it nonetheless.
Mr. Bennet paused and scrutinised his companion. “She rejected you!”
“Quite soundly.” His lips twitched as he tried to contain his smile. “As I said, we have discussed the matter, cleared some misinformation, resolved our difficulties and now she has accepted my hand.”
“She so quickly changed her opinion?”
It was a matter Darcy did not like to think on. “You are welcome to speak with her, sir.” He certainly needed some reassurances after her father’s questions. In another instant, he regretted his suggestion for fear her father would attempt to alter her mind.
“Oh, I will. I fear whatever caused this change in sentiments in my daughter is very new. I can hardly think any man worthy of her but we know nothing good of you and yet in a matter of weeks she is smitten and accepting your proposals … and after rejecting them the first time.”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “When I was first in the country we were here only six weeks. It was made known to me then that a proposal from my friend to your eldest daughter would not have been looked upon unfavourably. Indeed, your cousin proposed to Miss Elizabeth off an acquaintance of mere days.”
“She told you of that, did she?” She had not, but that was not the point. “Does she fear her mother will find another terrible man for her? Because I supported her against Collins, and I will support her against you!”
“My examples, sir, are merely to show that I do not believe length of the sentiments were a contributing factor in those cases.”
“Lizzy is not like Jane. She may feel things very fervently one moment and just as soon as forget them the next.” Darcy could not like that illustration of Elizabeth’s character at all. “And while Collins tries my patience, I have heard terrible things of you.”
So had Wickham told the entire town his lies? It should have discouraged him, but he was pleased it was not a secret for Elizabeth’s ears alone. “You speak of Mr. Wickham, I presume. Allow me to settle the matter.”
Darcy explained his history with Wickham, sparing no detail. “Obviously, I would ask you keep aspects of this as private as possible.”
“It would not do for him to remain in the area with his character unknown.”
“I generally think he is no more unscrupulous than some, except for his desire for revenge on me. Wickham is clever enough to realise the militia is a good opportunity—barring the arrival of any wealthy heiress.”
“Perhaps, but if you marry Elizabeth then we might become targets.”
Blood drained from Darcy’s face. He had not recently considered that. More things left undone. All because he was too eager to have Elizabeth.
“You really do care for her?”
“I love her!” Darcy had not meant to declare his sentiments like some kind of love-struck pup, but perhaps it would help his cause. “I now know I have loved her a very long time, even though I first concealed the attraction. I was aware of the arguments my circle would raise against the union. But, with time to consider them properly, my feelings have only strengthened. You must acknowledge she is deserving of my feelings. I am not a green boy infatuated with a silly girl with nothing but a comely face and good nature to recommend her.”
“You are fortunate, then, that the militia departs in two weeks. We will announce the engagement then, sir.”
Darcy blinked, not even caring that Mr. Bennet smirked. He truly was to marry Elizabeth.
“Now, if you would send Elizabeth to see me. I promise to not keep her long.”
Darcy grinned and rose to shake Mr. Bennet’s hand. “Anything you wish, sir. Thank you!”
He exited the room and on his way to the drawing room was informed by the housekeeper the ladies were all above stairs. Passing along her father’s request, Darcy chose to pace outside while he waited.
*****
Elizabeth hurried to her father’s library, wondering if she was still betrothed. There were so many things she needed to discuss with Darcy.
“Papa, you wished to speak with me?”
“Mr. Darcy has asked for your hand and has told me you have even accepted him!”
“It is true.”
“Have you not always disliked him?”
“No, I do like him! I love him!”
“Sit down a minute, child. We must discuss this sensibly. Explain your change in sentiments.”
Elizabeth blushed and dearly wished she had been more moderate in her earlier expressions. “I have been nonsensical.”
Her father only raised an eyebrow.
“I know better than to hold to first impressions and my first impression of him, of course, was that he was too haughty to dance with anyone and specifically did not care if he wounded anyone’s feelings—mine in particular. From that moment, I was determined to dislike him at each turn. I even believed Mr. Wickham’s words on such a short acquaintance, despite the inappropriateness of his raising the matter,
and with no proof.”
“Mr. Darcy has explained to me his history with Mr. Wickham.”
“Then you know how foolish I have been; how vain I have been. But I would hope you agree with me, such resentment and spite is not usually in my nature.”
“No, indeed. I just expressed to Mr. Darcy my concerns for your feelings lasting.”
“Papa!” She took a deep breath. Hopefully, her father had not undone everything with Darcy. “I admired him all along. There were inconsistencies in his character, but I chose not to examine them. How could he debate with me as an equal if he also disdained all of us? He frequently stared at me, asked me to dance several times—what man does that for someone he does not find pretty? Mr. Darcy and I have discussed my misconceptions and his poor manners. We have come to an understanding. If it satisfies him that he has engaged my affections, then you can have no further objections. He will forever treat me with respect and I will be very well settled.”
“I have already given my permission, child. I only hoped to be certain of your own feelings.”
“I love him because I am assured of his character. He does not shift about and change who he is for the approval of others. He is the same as he always was, only now I understand him better. He has no improper pride. He never despised me for my impertinent behaviour, could there greater proof of his truly amiable nature?” Without waiting for his answer, she pressed on. “He loved me while he was in Hertfordshire. He chose to leave because he thought he had a duty to his family to marry better, and showing me too much attention, despite his efforts, may draw Wickham’s notice. His love is not the work of a moment. I refused him, vehemently, but he was so kind. Even when it seemed hopeless, he assured me of his steadfast love.”
“If this be the case, he deserves you. I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy. You may go to him now.”
After a quick kiss to her father’s cheek, she left the room directly. The housekeeper informed her Darcy had gone outside.
“Fitzwilliam?” She found him pacing to the side of the house near her flower garden with the water fountain her mother insisted upon. He spun around at the sound of her voice, an apprehensive smile on his face.
“What did your father say?”
“He gave his blessing, of course.”
It seemed those were the words he was waiting to hear for he immediately pulled her into an embrace. They still had much to speak on, but for the moment she could feel his thoughts, his panic.
She pulled back to look him in the eye. “You feared I would reject you again? Do you think I am so inconstant?”
He met her gaze and said, with complete seriousness, as he took her hands in his then led her to a nearby bench. “No. You are the most loyal woman I have ever met. I know what a treasure it is to have your affections. I cannot understand what I have done to change your mind.”
“You were simply you.”
“Simply me?”
“You are as you ever were. I was always fascinated with you, but blinded by hurt and twisted your every action and word. But I understand your disposition now.”
“Still, there is much we do not know of each other. And it seems we must wait another fortnight before enjoying our engagement.”
“Father did not mention this to me! Why?”
“We do not wish Wickham to know before I can come up with a permanent solution for him.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Actually, Lydia tells me he has gone ahead to Brighton, where the regiment will be decamping to.”
“Thank God,” he said as he pulled her closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “I finally have you, Lizzy. I was loathe to give you up even for a few weeks.”
“I agree, Fitzwilliam.”
“Now, I believe we have some unfinished business about our courtship.”
“Engagement, I believe.”
“But I do intend to court you.” He smiled as he pulled her even closer and presented a rose while he looked down to her mouth.
“About this unfinished business?” she whispered, making him lower his head.
“Yes?” he asked and then licked his lips.
“I think it ought to wait for a few minutes.” Their lips nearly met.
“No, no it cannot. Not another minute, not another second.”
At last his lips met hers again. Elizabeth gave one happy sigh of contentment before entirely different feelings enveloped her. When at last her betrothed pulled back, Elizabeth felt entirely undone.
Chapter Six
October 5, 1812
In the weeks that followed, Darcy and Elizabeth enjoyed a pleasant courtship and grew in their love and confidence in each other. Jane was the dutiful chaperone, and although she could not begrudge Elizabeth happiness, she could not help but feel the sadness at her own situation. Fortunately for Darcy’s peace of mind Wickham managed an elopement with a wealthy heiress he met in Brighton. More fortunately for the lady, her godfather, as Wickham discovered to his horror was a powerful man with connections in criminal enterprises who kept her interests at heart. If Wickham neglected his bride, sought to blackmail or harm Darcy or anyone else, he would meet a foul end.
Just as Darcy and Elizabeth’s happiness seemed complete, Jane’s ended. Just before the wedding Bingley was called to oversee some interests of his in the Indies. He would not return for a year. If ever Jane held hope of meeting him again and gaining his affections, they died with the news. She thought her heart itself had died when news came that he had a serious accident aboard just before they reached land. Mail was slow to come, and frequently lost due to the war and the season. Miss Bingley—newly betrothed—and Mrs. Hurst gave him up for dead entirely. And in time, so did Jane.
Darcy and Elizabeth set up house at Pemberley; his sister joining them. Miss Bingley married at the end of the summer and became Mrs. Thacker, wife to a baronet’s heir. Lydia and Kitty travelled to the Lakes with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. In their absence, Mary seemed to gain the notice of Mr. Griffin, Mr. Phillips’ clerk, and Jane remained at Longbourn, where nothing seemed to change. As Michaelmas came and went, Bingley’s lease on Netherfield lapsed and a new family took up residence.
Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge were a young and amiable couple with two daughters, six and four. Mrs. Rutledge was pleasant but did not add any sort of new quality to the Meryton society, which suited the other matrons admirably. She was friendly with Jane, which she appreciated, but they were not overly close. However, when she announced her widowed brother was coming for a visit in mid-November Jane clamped down on the urge to scream as her mother began antics reminiscent of Mr. Bingley’s arrival the year before.
During one outburst by her mother, while Jane was trying to read a letter from Elizabeth, she could bear it no longer, even if no-one else seemed affected. Mr. Bennet had merely shrugged his shoulders and went to his library, not bothering to restrain his wife, while, Kitty and Lydia argued over ribbons and Mary sermonised on vanity and luxuries while awaiting Mr. Griffin’s call.
“Put down that letter. Without Lizzy here I rely on you to arrange these flowers. Mr. Griffin may come any moment, and I will not tolerate one of my daughters losing a suitor again,” Mrs. Bennet said to Jane.
She squeezed her eyes shut. She and Elizabeth always arranged the flowers together, but the truth was it was not an activity she enjoyed. She was held to the routine the family followed, and the task now fell to her. Regardless of her enjoyment she could scarcely look at a flower without missing her dearest sister and feeling untenable loneliness. There was no one left in the house who understood her at all.
“I am going for a walk,” she declared, although no one seemed to notice. Retrieving her outerwear she set out with letter in hand.
It had been wet and windy lately but for once she did not care. She had always tried to take things in the best light but was hard pressed to find something positive in her current position. Mrs. Thacker and Mrs. Hurst had resumed their acquaintance with her�
�clearly they no longer saw her as a threat now that their brother was possibly dead and in any event uninterested in her as he had never attempted to see her the whole time his best friend was engaged to her sister. Her mother had not said it, even if her aunt had, but now that Charlotte Lucas was married, Jane was pitied and looked at as the next spinster in a making—all the worse because she was so beautiful that she should have caught a husband years ago.
She did not wish to catch a husband. She wanted a husband to catch her. Was it too much to ask for a gentleman to be so interested in her as to woo her? They all smiled at her, most of them able to carry on a pleasant conversation about the weather and cards but only one had truly tried to court her. It was her first year out, only a girl of fifteen, and eight years later she was exhausted and disappointed.
She would even say she was angry. She was not jealous, never jealous, but what were her options? How was she to feel when life moved on without her? Elizabeth begged for her to come and visit Pemberley, to even spend the Season with her in London. Jane knew if her mother found out she would be whisked away immediately, but Jane’s pride revolted at the charity.
Is it wrong for me to wish you find happiness of your own, dearest sister? You now have a very wealthy brother. There are no prospects for you in Hertfordshire, and it has been nearly a year since you last saw Mr. Bingley. Even if he lives, he does not deserve your faithfulness. Please, say you will come. I will be so lost this Season without my dear Jane…
A gust of wind blew the letter from her hands. Clutching her hat to her head, she raced to catch up with the wayward paper. Staring at the ground she did not watch where she was going and unexpectedly met with a solid wall, causing her to fall to the ground.
“Blast!”
Jane gasped at the curse. Looking up she saw a gentleman looming over her. He was average build, and his clothes showed him to be of some wealth, although she supposed him to care nothing for them. His great coat was spotted in mud, as were his well-made boots.
One Autumn with Darcy Page 27
