Seven letters such as this could not begin to relate the particulars of all that has happened. I will have so much to tell you, when next we meet, and so much to describe, especially my witnessing of the reawakening of Mr Bingley’s love for you. It pleases me to know your future will be so very happy.
With every affection,
Elizabeth
Jane smiled down upon the pages. She arose from her window seat and crept downstairs, suspecting she would find her father in his library. She tapped and was admitted.
“You should read Lizzy’s letter, Father.”
She handed the missive to him. As he read, he smiled and chuckled several times. “So, Jane, it appears we did the right thing, offering Darcy a little encouragement. He means to nurture her affections and propose again; she is convinced he will not. Oh! What I would not give to be a flea in the ear of either of them!” He handed the letter back to her. If he had to lose Lizzy, how delightful for there to be some amusing drama in the case.
* * *
Sunday, 26 July
Although Elizabeth expected to see Darcy, Georgiana and Mr Bingley at the Rose and Raindrop Inn for Sunday dinner, she had no notion of meeting them at St. Swithin’s Church for matins. A phaeton drawn by two shining roan ponies drew up to the little church as she and the Gardiners strolled High Street. Elizabeth took no notice until her uncle said, “Ah! So Darcy does choose to worship in Lambton instead of Kympton this morning.” He smiled slyly at his niece, who glanced briefly at her uncle’s face before looking towards the church doors. When the phaeton pulled away, Elizabeth could see the party from Pemberley approach the vicar and Darcy greeting him.
Elizabeth was struggling to regain her breath when her aunt whispered, “You know, Lizzy, the Darcy family has the living of Lambton in their gift as well as Kympton.”
“Yet, you did not know them when you lived here?” Elizabeth asked with her eyes down. She had seen Darcy turn and search High Street, but she was not ready to meet his gaze in so public a place as the street now filled with the citizens of Lambton making their way to church.
“We knew Mr Darcy and Lady Anne by sight. They did come here to worship but not often.”
Bingley caught sight of Mr Gardiner and waved. Mr Gardiner picked up his pace, but Elizabeth lagged behind. What must he think of me with my brazen flowers? Will he believe me or have I reduced myself to a mere flirt? Why was I so impetuous? Once again, I have let my high spirits run away with my good sense. I had such a lovely time yesterday; anything seemed possible.
She and the Gardiners reached the church, and Elizabeth was able to say good morning to Bingley and Georgiana with some semblance of composure. Then the world seemed to stand still. Having greeted everyone else, Elizabeth and Darcy were left standing face to face. Darcy was smiling just enough to show his delight; he could not help himself even though he knew he was being scrutinised.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet!” He bowed slightly.
Elizabeth felt herself colouring but could do nothing to stop it. She curtsied and murmured, “Good morning, Mr Darcy.”
“May I ask you and your aunt and uncle to join us in our family’s pew?” he asked. She felt his eyes on her, as intense as when he was in Meryton.
Elizabeth could not gather her wits. Her eyes stayed downcast. She was honoured and mortified.
“Why thank you, Mr Darcy,” her aunt spoke. “How very welcoming you are.”
Darcy lead the way up the aisle of the church attended by whispers — “There’s not been a Darcy in’t pew for ten yer!” “’At’s the Miss Darcy, isn’t she a pretty sight…” — and somehow Elizabeth found herself seated between Darcy and her uncle. She was quite sure everyone was staring. In their place, I would certainly be doing so myself, she silently admitted.
The vicar of Lambton reminded her of the minister at Longbourn, a jovial older gentleman with a mass of white hair, and eyes made kind by years of smiling. This was not one of those aesthetic spiritualists, such as the vicar Darcy had chosen for Kympton, nor a man beset with the confused piety of her cousin William Collins who worshipped his patroness rather more than he sought oneness with the Holy Spirit.
As they sang the opening hymn, Elizabeth heard Darcy’s untrained but pleasing baritone at her ear. She had to pause to catch her breath, although she knew the song by heart. She noticed Darcy glance at her when her voice stopped mid-phrase, but a deep breath renewed her song.
She seems unsettled this morning, Darcy pondered. Perhaps she is regretting what she said with her flowers. She is used to assuming I disapprove. I shall show her I do not.
As the congregation stood for the opening prayers, Darcy held his own prayer book, bound in fine leather with his name inscribed in worn gold on the cover. It was a gift from his mother and had seen much use. He opened it to a flattened sprig of viscaria, which he had placed between the pages that morning. He lowered his hands and moved one elbow to brush Elizabeth’s arm. She looked over in silent surprise, her eyes landing on the flower lying on the open page.
“Yes, Miss Bennet,” Darcy murmured. Without venturing to move his head, he slid his eyes toward her face.
He is saying he will dance with me! She did not look at him but let him see her suppress a smile and gave one slow nod of her head indicating she had heard him.
Elizabeth was pleased he had chosen to be amused by her floral jest rather than affronted. For the present, she was oddly relieved it was not the little red chrysanthemum in his prayer book. The rest of the service was without incident.
* * *
The Darcy phaeton had been taken to the inn’s stable yard. The party took a leisurely walk back down High Street. The shops were not open, but Georgiana and Elizabeth walked together and remarked on items in the windows. They stood for the longest time at the display of Peaks Outfitters, purveyors of goods and supplies for touring the Peak district. Elizabeth remarked upon a flower press with binding straps holding layers of thin wood and blotter paper. It came with a satchel worked with vines stained green on a brown leather background. Elizabeth mentioned she had some flowers she wished to press but was reluctant to use her aunt’s, fearing she would take up space her aunt wanted to use for Derbyshire wildflowers.
“My aunt loves drawing flowers and amuses herself in the winter by making pictures from the wildflowers she presses in the summer,” Elizabeth explained.
Georgiana did not acknowledge she knew of Elizabeth’s nosegay from her brother but determined to tell him Elizabeth’s admiration for the press. As she considered the matter further, she decided such a gift from her brother would be improper, but she was free to do as she pleased for her new, and already dear, friend.
The private dining room was on the second story of the inn, across the hall from the guests’ sitting room. It was not made for large parties, but six people fitted comfortably. The meal would not be served until two o’clock; however, coffee, tea, and cider were brought immediately as they entered the room, and a settee and chairs near the fireplace allowed for conversation.
Bingley could not contain himself and kept nodding at Darcy as if to prompt him. When all were seated and comfortable, Darcy spoke.
“Mrs Gardiner, I feel we have, perhaps, kept you from paying all the social calls and taking in all the sights you have wished to revisit.”
“The fault is not yours, Mr Darcy, nor would I have you believe I have found my time ill spent. It has been delightful to visit Pemberley again and make the acquaintance of you and your sister.”
“But would you stay longer if you could? I know Mr Gardiner must return to town but Georgiana and I would like to invite you to stay on after Thursday” — he glanced quickly at Elizabeth — “with Miss Elizabeth at Pemberley.”
The Gardiners were too astonished to respond. Elizabeth smiled nervously and looked at her hands.
Bingley would not be repressed. “We were talking yesterday at dinner and thought it would be a great treat if Jane, er, Miss Bennet brought your child
ren here, and then we could all stay together through August. Mrs Annesley returns in five days. There will be ample chaperonage.” His blue eyes beseeched both Gardiners.
Darcy spoke again. “Bingley has invited me to shoot at Netherfield this autumn, and Georgiana will join us.” He made a furtive glance at Elizabeth, who was blushing furiously and keeping her eyes down. “Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth could travel back to Longbourn with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley, and I can travel with Bingley. As we will need two carriages anyway, they may as well be full of friends.”
The Gardiners were not at all surprised that Darcy looked every bit as anxious as Bingley. “My chaise and four could see you and your children to Oxford, Mrs Gardiner, with whatever nurses and footmen you might need if perhaps Mr Gardiner could meet you there?”
Mr Gardiner looked quizzically at his wife. London in August was a trial, and although he would rattle around their house alone, he thought the opportunity for his family too important to deny. “I have no objection. What say you, my dear?”
Mrs Gardiner was quietly pleased for Elizabeth. “You are kind to brave my children, Mr Darcy. I would so enjoy my Lambton friends having the opportunity to meet them. And I am sure Mr and Mrs Bennet would spare Jane. We have only to ask Elizabeth.” She turned and looked at her niece. “Well, Lizzy? The plan hinges on you.”
Elizabeth was so thrilled, embarrassed and astonished she hardly knew what to say. Her eyes bounced from Bingley to Georgiana, both of whom looked sincerely hopeful. She then looked at Darcy. His eyes were on his coffee, his cheeks aflame. For Jane’s sake alone, she would have said yes, but the racing of her heart told the truth: it was for herself she had hope.
Still looking at Darcy, she answered in a low voice, “This is very generous of you, sir, and Miss Darcy.” Both brother and sister looked at her with some surprise at the uncharacteristic shyness of her address. “I can answer for Jane, I think; she and I would be most pleased to stay at Pemberley for the month of August.”
“How delightful! We shall send an express directly!” Bingley smiled.
Elizabeth and Darcy surveyed each other in unrestrained wonder. It was obvious to everyone, except themselves, that each was deeply in love and the affection was mutual. Although both were abundantly endowed with self-confidence, when they thought of each other, it failed them completely.
* * *
Monday, 27 July, 1812
When the express from Longbourn arrived at Pemberley late Monday night, Darcy was still awake, pacing in his study. The next day Mr Gardiner was coming to fish, with Elizabeth along to observe. Mrs Gardiner would arrive for dinner after visiting several friends to let them know she would not be leaving the area as soon as planned. Darcy was relieved the express was presented without Elizabeth or the Gardiners being about the place. If it was bad news, as Darcy half expected it to be, he could share his sorrow with Bingley and have the night to recover before having to face the others. As the express was addressed to Bingley, Darcy asked Grayson to rouse him. He also requested a bottle of champagne from the cellars, assuming Bingley, at least, would have reason to celebrate.
Bingley was in his dressing gown reading before the fire and joined Darcy without dressing. Darcy had opened the packet and held the letter addressed to him. The thinner letter for Bingley, just one sheet, he laid upon the desk. He observed Mr Bennet’s handwriting, and his stomach lurched into his throat.
As Bingley entered, Darcy indicated the letter on the desk. “Now, Bingley, we shall see where we stand.”
Bingley looked around. “You have not called Georgiana? That does seem hard. She will be cross.”
“I suppose you are dressed enough.” Bingley was in his stocking feet, and wore only a shirt, but his dressing gown was more modest than any Darcy owned. “Can you wait whilst I fetch her?”
Bingley smiled. “It only seems fair.”
Darcy finally made his revelation. “Bingley, you were not the only one to request permission to court a Bennet daughter.” Darcy could see Bingley inhaling to produce some manner of loud and festive noise, but Darcy held up a hand to quiet him. “Unlike you, I have requested to keep it private. You know, and Georgie shall know…”
“Know what?” his sister asked as she entered the room.
“Where have you come from? Did Grayson alert you?”
“I was coming out of the library when I saw Charles. So my question remains: what shall I know?”
“There may be a response here to your brother’s request to court Lizzy.” Bingley supplied her answer.
“Court Lizzy? Does Lizzy know?” Georgiana gaped at her brother.
“No, nor do I wish her to. I will not make my addresses until I am certain of Elizabeth’s affections and after Bingley and Jane are betrothed. I suspect that once they are reunited, Elizabeth will look upon me more favourably.”
Bingley and Georgiana both began shaking their heads, telling him he was steering a wrong course and should tell Elizabeth of his request to her father, but Darcy was adamant.
“…in any case, we have Mr Bennet’s letters before us. Open yours, Bingley.” Darcy wanted to hear what he was sure was good news.
Bingley read aloud:
“Dear Mr Bingley, May I say that the entire Bennet family is delighted, no — that does not seem a strong enough word — elated, yes, that is more accurate, to be hearing from you and upon such a happy subject. I have consulted the daughter in question — Jane, was it? — and her regard for you is as steady as one would expect from such a steady young woman. Her smile, which I have always thought quite remarkable, has taken on a radiance with which I believe you will be most pleased when next you see her. However you choose to proceed, you have the abundant blessings of her mother and myself.
“Please write straight away if we have connected you with the wrong daughter!
“Regards, T. Bennet.”
Darcy sighed with relief. “Well, Bingley. That’s your future settled.” He turned and smiled at his friend.
Bingley was grinning. Georgiana squealed and hugged Bingley.
Darcy looked at his sister with mild disapproval. “I am most alarmed to learn you can produce such a sound, gosling. What a disturbing noise.”
“Wait until Darcy reads his. We might all be making disturbing noises,” Bingley said, laughing. They quieted, and suddenly, there was not a breath to be heard in the world.
Darcy began as Bingley had done, reading the letter aloud, but his voice was barely above a murmur.
“Dear Mr Darcy,
“To say your request comes as a surprise is, you will understand, an understatement of vast and epic proportion. That you would undertake to court a woman who has been known to express a spitting contempt for you seems reckless at the very least. You have never given the appearance of being inbred, nor do I have reports that insanity runs in your family.”
Georgiana began to giggle nervously. A strange huffing sound could be heard from Bingley, who was attempting to suppress his mirth.
“I have consulted Jane, as you suggested, and we agree that if you wish to undertake a courtship of our Lizzy without certain knowledge of the outcome, after failing quite miserably once before, then we must consider it seriously. Jane says you felt such a strong need to correct Lizzy’s false impressions of you that, without a thought to propriety, you wrote her a letter, which, with a similar lack of propriety and her typical curiosity, my daughter read. Let that be your first warning as to her character. For the moment, I shall set that fatherly complaint aside and return to the home question.”
Darcy glanced at his companions, chagrined, then continued.
“Jane and I can only assume that your love for my best and most brilliant daughter has made you courageous or foolhardy, and possibly both. We can, neither of us, claim to know Elizabeth’s current sentiments about you. She has kept her own counsel since divulging to Jane the contents of your letter in April, so we have decided we simply must leave you to make your own way. Jane wisely s
ays, ‘If he is to be discouraged, let Lizzy be the one to do so.’”
Darcy’s voice grew stronger, and he smiled as he read:
“Howsoever, if you are able to secure Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s respect and affection, then I will consent to the marriage. If she cannot love and respect you, you are better to give her up. Be forewarned, for I believe Lizzy will surely destroy whatever peace of mind your bachelor life has allowed you. Lizzy is remarkable indeed, but I fear she will not make anyone a tranquil or amiable wife. She has too much of my nature.
“I marvel at your bravery, I admire your persistence, and I applaud your good taste. I wish you the best of luck, for you shall certainly need it. Jane and I will, as requested, keep the matter between us. Rest assured, in any case, but most especially if you succeed, I shall pray daily for your immortal soul.
“Respectfully,
“T. Bennet.”
Darcy started to laugh, a rumbling chuckle that built to a level of boisterous hysteria. In a moment, they were all laughing, and when the footman entered the study behind Grayson with the tray of flutes and champagne, he stopped and stared. The footman had never seen the master or his sister overcome with joy.
Iris
“Messages”
Chapter 7
Waiting for Jane
Tuesday, 28 July, 1812
When Mr Gardiner and Elizabeth arrived at Pemberley at eleven o’clock for fishing, they were surprised that Darcy was easier with them than he had ever been before. He lead them to the phaeton, which he drove to a fishing spot further into the Pemberley woods than Mr Gardiner had yet been. He informed them Bingley would ride out to join them shortly and Georgiana would come in a curricle with a picnic in a few hours. Darcy was smiling with every sentence he uttered as if possessed by the highest spirits.
The Red Chrysanthemum Page 12
