by Kate Speck
William observed the woman in the bright daylight and wondered what he had found so attractive before. She had a pleasant face but her eyes were void of compassion. Her figure was lacking, with her thin frame that made her appear shrivelled and older than her actual age, and that woman had nothing to his dear Lizzy’s womanly curves. Miss Bingley’s teeth were tolerable but after falling in love with Lizzy, this woman before him was utterly undesirable, compared to the spirited, beautiful, and the most affectionate woman he had ever known.
“Miss Bingley, how do you do?” William cordially nodded. “I hope you are finding Meryton pleasant.”
“I do now, Mr. Darcy!” Caroline simpered. “It brings me most pleasure to be here with you,” she grabbed his arm and wrapped hers around it seductively, “and I hope we can advance our... friendship... while I reside here.” She fluttered her lashes.
William brusquely pulled his arm from her grasp and stood further away from her. “Miss Bingley, I do not believe you are aware of the latest but I have no wish to continue anything with you. I apologise if you were under the impression that I was interested in you but I made my calls to your home for Charles’ sake and I am utmost happy in my current situation.” He glared at her, “I am in love with the most wonderful lady in all of England and I will be bound to her for the rest of my life. I will never...”
Caroline did the unthinkable at that moment out of desperation and leapt onto William’s body, wrapping her arms around his neck in attempt to kiss him. She thought that if she could appear compromised in public, he would have to marry her and that this other woman Mr. Darcy was interested in would be forgotten quickly, and she would achieve her goal to gain Fitzwilliam Darcy as her husband.
“TAKE YOUR LOUSY HAND OFF HIM!” Caroline heard a shout, as she was being pushed off by Mr. Darcy and her brother was pulling her from his friend.
She saw Elizabeth Bennet approaching with fire in her eyes and sneered at the hoyden who was several inches shorter than herself. Caroline composed herself and lifted her nose in the air in challenge. “He is mine, Eliza Bennet, and I know he wants me. He called on me three times, did you know? What man calls three times if he is not serious? I care not if you think he is a brother to you. He has compromised me in public and he must make his intentions known now.”
Lizzy protectively wrapped her arm around William’s and glared at the tall woman. She next turned her eyes to Charles Bingley and growled quietly, “Unless your sister apologises to Will and myself, I will challenge you to a duel, Charles Bingley. I dare not strike your sister but I will fight you for Will’s honour if she does not apologise.”
Charles Bingley was caught completely unawares and chuckled loudly, believing that Lizzy had been jesting. “I could not duel you, Miss Elizabeth! It would not be fair! You are only a woman, after all.”
William hid his snort and lifted his beloved’s hand to kiss it. It was her left hand with the massive blue diamond on it and Miss Bingley had caught view of the incredible jewellery straightaway.
“YOU ARE ENGAGED??” She shrieked. “WHO IN HIS RIGHT MIND WOULD MARRY YOU?!”
William now spoke out while wrapping his arm around Lizzy’s shoulder, “I begged her to marry me, twice, Miss Bingley, and she has finally accepted me. One would have to be insane to not love such a woman.” He turned his scowl to Charles, “Bingley, my betrothed is certainly a woman and she is an extraordinary one. She excels in fencing, archery, and shooting, and she will best you in horse riding and even fishing, if you were to accept her challenge. She can beat you soundly in chess and has enough fortune to make your sister cry. If she is not superior to everyone I know, whether man or woman, I will eat my hat. Do you accept her challenge to a duel? I will be her second, although I always hope to be first in her life.” He turned and smiled tenderly and kissed her hand again.
Charles gulped at hearing Miss Elizabeth’s list of accomplishments. “No, no! I will make Caroline grovel for forgiveness. Caroline!” He turned to his sister with his face bright red from anger, “Apologise immediately. I will tell father to sign off all of your precious dowry if you do not apologise and you will have £10 to live on for the rest of your life!”
Caroline Bingley was in shock that not only was the handsome bachelor already betrothed, but to the rudest and most insufferable woman of her acquaintance. Although Elizabeth Bennet was pretty and had a good figure, she had not thought her to be a competition because of her hoyden ways.
Fearing the loss of her fortune, she curtseyed, “I apologise, Mr. Darcy, Miss Eliza.”
“It is ‘Miss Elizabeth’ to you, Caroline Bingley!” Lizzy snapped.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Caroline nodded again. “I acted irrationally and spoke in haste. It will not happen again.”
Lizzy stood closer to the crass woman who had said the words but did not appear apologetic at all and she hissed, “If you dare come near my betrothed again, I will make sure you will regret it. I will not strike a woman but I can certainly fight with words. ‘I do desire that we may be better strangers,’ Miss Bingley.” She stepped back and smirked at the pale woman. “Oh, by the way, madam, I do believe I see a freckle on your cheek.” Lizzy pointed at Caroline’s face. “Right there, yes, it certainly appears to be a freckle.”
William and Lizzy hid their laughter as Miss Bingley ran away in tears to the carriage, hiding her face in mortification from the freckle, more than from her poor conduct in front of several villagers.
“You quoted As You Like It and it was perfect, Lizzy!” William whispered, after Miss Bingley had departed in her carriage. “I had seen you this angry only once and I am glad that I was not the recipient of it this time!”
Lizzy giggled, “You are mine, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and I will challenge anyone to a fight to the death if they do not remember that.” She looked at Charles Bingley, who was sheepishly shuffling his feet in shame. “And the same goes for my sister, Mr. Bingley. Break her heart and I will put an arrow through yours!” She grabbed William’s arm and walked away with a grin on her face.
Charles broke from his frozen state when Jane wrapped her arm around his. “She means it, you know.” Jane began. “Lizzy will not actually murder you but she will find ways to terrorise you if you offend her. She is the most beloved of my sisters but we were always fearful of her wrath at the same time, because she was not afraid to place frogs in our beds or pour mud onto our heads if we angered her. Believe me that my sisters and I were very relieved when she befriended Darcy because she was busy climbing trees or fencing with him instead of finding ways to get into trouble at home. She loves Darcy and our family more than anything else in the world and I hope you will remember that if you are to continue our courtship.”
Charles lifted her hand and kissed it, “I shall never forget, Jane. I know I am still young and have another year of schooling to go, but I care for you very much and perhaps I shall ask Miss Elizabeth for lessons to improve my skills; with Darcy’s consent, of course.” They laughed heartily. “I love you, Jane. You are the kindest lady I know and I dare not lose my chance at winning you. I hope you will forgive me for my sister’s misbehaviours today. I will not allow her to interfere with us and I will tell my father what happened today. He will be mortified even though he is very ill, and I would like to keep him at peace but I will take care of my sister. I will become the head of my family and I must begin to manage my wayward sister now so she does not become a shrew. I would hate for her to have to live with us once we are married.”
“But we are not engaged, sir.” Jane softly retorted. “Are you not jumping too far ahead?” She raised an eyebrow with amusement in her eyes.
“Not yet engaged, Miss Bennet. Perhaps I will ask you three times in order to best Darcy at something. But I will propose as soon as I am of age and we will be married, even if I must beg for your hand a thousand times, my dearest, loveliest Jane.” Charles leaned in and softly kissed her cheek, not caring that there were witnesses on the courtyard of the town square
, and announcing to everyone that Jane Bennet was indeed a captured woman.
Chapter 18
“You look wonderful, Mrs. Jenkinson!” Lizzy embraced the lady who was beaming in joy. “You will be the most beautiful bride and I know Richard will be the happiest groom alive!”
Laura Jenkinson blushed. “Lizzy, please call me Laura. I will be finally giving up the name of Jenkinson and I am most eager to become a Fitzwilliam. Lord Matlock still frightens me at times, as he reminds me of his sister when he looks upset, but Lady Matlock has been most kind and has been pouring me with gifts and has taken me shopping often. My mother has been calling for her salts because she is still in disbelief that I will become a daughter to the Earl and Countess.” She held Lizzy’s cheeks, “You are very beautiful, Lizzy, and I know William is most anxious to be married to you. He, by far, will be the happier groom in the church and I am thankful that we will be married in a double ceremony. You and your husband will always have a place in our home and are welcome to visit Rosings Park any time.”
Lizzy smiled broadly and squeezed her friend’s hand, “Thank you, Laura. I know you have made the colonel happy and he cannot stop smiling when you are together. I had never thought cousins could be so alike but Will and Richard are like little boys whenever they are together and I am grateful that you are sharing your special day with us.”
“Well, because of William’s insistence of marrying as soon as possible, our wedding date moved up by a week so I cannot complain!” Laura laughed. “Thank you for use of the cottage in Ramsgate for our wedding trip. Rosings Park is still under renovation and William is planning to take you someplace farther away, I have been told. Tell me, Lizzy, what was the reason for the cottage being named ‘Victory Cottage’? It is a wonderful name and I am curious of the meaning.”
Lizzy’s eyes shone, “It is a two-fold meaning, Laura. First reason is to dedicate it to the memory of Admiral Horatio Nelson, as HMS Victory was the ship he commanded to win the Battle of Trafalgar. The second reason is closer to my heart, as it was where I had truly begun to fall in love with Will. He showed me what it was to be loved with every action and look, and when he offered it to me before his second proposal, I knew I needed him as my husband and not only as a dear friend. Victory Cottage not only wins battles but hearts.”
Laura smiled fondly, “It is the perfect name, Lizzy. I shall think of Lord Nelson’s courage as well as your heart when we are there for a month. Has William told you where he is taking you?”
“No,” Lizzy responded. “He has been secretive and has not told a soul, except for Papa Darcy. It must be somewhere in England or perhaps as far as Scotland, but he will not tell me anything except that we will be gone at least two months.” She looked into space and tapped her chin. “I hope all is well, though. I saw him going to see Mr. Jones, our local apothecary here the other day and also consulting with Mrs. Annesley about some medicinal herbs after she arrived. I wonder if he is feeling poorly, or if Mama Darcy is ill again. I would hate to be gone so long if she is not well.”
“I have not seen anything wrong but of course you know Lady Anne better than myself.” Laura answered. “I am certain William would not keep such a thing a secret from you if you only ask him. Ah,” she exclaimed, “the gentlemen have returned already and you can ask him now.” She commented as she stood and kissed Richard’s cheek, “I thought you were out fishing and would not be back until luncheon, Richard!”
Richard laughed, “I caught six fish and was doing well but this mooncalf cousin of mine was too eager to return to his lady and kept disrupting the peace.” He looked at William who was embracing Lizzy and was not letting her go. “He is a fool in love.”
“We are all fools in love, Richard!” Lizzy chastened her future cousin. “I have seen you with Laura and might I remind you that you stood and paced for a full hour when your betrothed was expected yesterday. You were so anxious of her arrival that I had to return home before the Grantleys were due.” She reached up and kissed William’s cheek. “He missed me and I missed him.”
“I am going to take Lizzy to the library for a while if you do not mind.” William grinned. “I have a gift for her and I am sure you would not mind some time alone yourselves.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down and departed with Lizzy on his arm.
“Those two,” Richard laughed, “are like little children still.” He sat next to Laura and kissed her lips ardently. “I did miss you, my love. Ten more days to go. I feel like I waited an eternity to marry you and the next ten days will be an eternity more.” He kissed her again for several minutes until a knock was heard at the door.
“Enter!” Richard groaned. “Every time I have some privacy with you, my love...” He chuckled.
The butler entered and bowed, “Mr. Fitzwilliam, I am looking for Master Darcy. I have urgent news.”
“He is in the library with Lizzy, Mr. Nicholls. What has happened? Anything I can do?”
“No, sir,” he shook his head. “I just received word from Mr. Charles Bingley that his father has passed.”
~*~
“Will!” Lizzy frowned, “You do not have to get me one more thing. After Snowflake, my beautiful ring, and Victory Cottage, you will never need to gift me another present.”
William kissed her lips tenderly, “I give because I can, my love, and I have enough to share with you anything that will please you.” He lifted up the box again, “Open it, my love. It is not only from me but also from my parents.”
Lizzy opened the velvet box and saw the most beautiful row of pearls on a string to form a necklace. “These are gorgeous, Will! I have never seen such perfectly round, large pearls like these before.”
“It is a wedding gift, for you to wear in ten days, my love.” William smiled. “I cannot believe it; it still feels a dream.”
Lizzy wrapped her arms around William’s neck, “You are the very best of men and I have always known that. I love you very dearly and I also have a gift for you, even though it is nothing like what you have given me.” She smiled as his face lit up. “But it will have to wait since I will have to fetch it from Longbourn and I have no wishes to leave your arms right now.” She caressed his cheek and asked reservedly, “All is well with you? You or your mama are not feeling ill? Will you tell me if anyone is not well?”
“We are all well, Lizzy! There is nothing to fear.” He responded. “I love you.” William leaned and kissed her ardently until a knock disrupted their activity.
Mr. Nicholls entered with a grim look on his face. “Mr. Darcy, I apologise for disturbing you but Mr. Charles Bingley sent word through a man that his father just passed. I thought you would wish to know right away.” He bowed and departed after William thanked him and nodded.
Lizzy gasped, “Oh, no! I knew he was seriously ill but I did not think so soon! He was such a kind man! Oh, poor Charles. Poor Jane!”
William rubbed her back, “I shall need to ride to Purvis Lodge to see him, Lizzy. Will you let your parents and Jane know of the situation? I will tell my parents before I head out and I am afraid mama will need to assist Charles since Caroline Bingley will likely be useless and they do not know many people here. Will you ask your mother to help as well?” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Charles is only twenty years old and is now orphaned. I feel terrible that he is going through this while I am to be celebrating my wedding in ten days.”
“Well, at least Mr. Bingley knew that Charles was deliriously happy with his situation here, and Jane and he are informally engaged. Mr. Bingley was unhappy with Caroline’s attempt to compromise you and he worked with my Uncle Philips to place several clauses in his will regarding her future. Charles was prepared for his father’s passing and he will be well, but he will need your guidance and support.” She lifted to her toes to kiss his cheek. “Go to your friend. Send word to Longbourn with whatever is needed and Jane and Mama will help Charles in his time of need.” She held his hand for a second longer, “But will you take Richard with you? I
trust you implicitly but I would feel better if Richard went with you to handle Caroline. I do not trust her and I do not wish for any harm to come to you.”
William softly smiled and nodded. “Of course, Lizzy. I will ask Richard to join me. I will see you at Longbourn tonight, my love.” He kissed her lips and departed to speak with his parents immediately.
~*~
“I am very sorry for your loss, Charles,” William consoled his friend as they sat together with Richard in the drawing room. “My mother will be working with your housekeeper to give instructions and is making arrangements with Mrs. Bennet to be of aid to you in your time of need.”
“Thank you, Darcy,” Charles Bingley softly replied. “He was not well for a while and I saw him grow weaker but he did not tell me about it until after Caroline had advised him that they should not be coddling me any longer. I thought my sister had changed but she has been nothing but a disappointment since we arrived here. I know papa was at peace with my future with Jane but he did worry for Caroline and I promised him that I would care for her. She is devastated by our loss, of course, but I think it is rather due to her loss of papa’s gifts and indulgences rather than missing him. She looked most like mama, you know, and papa spoiled Caroline more than he ought.” Bingley wiped the corners of his eyes. “I will miss him but I know he is at peace now.”
William tapped his friend’s shoulder, “I will do all I can to assist you. Your father leased this place with a two-year contract at a very good price and you will have a home to return to between terms. You will be close to Jane and your sister can invite Mr. and Mrs. Hurst to stay here if they choose to reside in the countryside, or Miss Bingley can stay with your sister while you are at your last year of school; the choice is yours and hers. After you complete your schooling, you are welcome to stay with me at Netherfield and if you are prepared to marry, you can look for an estate to purchase. I will be on hand to support you, my friend.”
