Mr Bennet could only observe that Mr Bingley had run to Hertfordshire at the first opportunity, and Mr Darcy was far from exposing his engagement to London’s society. They were staying in London only because Lydia was not yet married and all feared the worst when it came to them.
They met mostly at the Gardiners’ house. Not once had Darcy invited Elizabeth to go on a visit or to walk in the park. They were hiding and Mr Bennet profoundly disliked that situation. They paid visits to his house or were invited to dinner, yet it was not the atmosphere they should share during their engagement.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth adored his home; they sometimes went in the morning with the Gardiners’ children who were thrilled by Georgiana’s room, which remained unchanged since her childhood.
“I think mama, hoped to have another baby, a little girl, which is why this room remained unchanged.” He was talking to Mrs Gardiner, but in fact, he was addressing Elizabeth, that room was for the girl he wanted from her, and she imagined her baby girl walking among toys and books for children, attentively supervised by her father’s smile.
“Come,” he said one day to Elizabeth, just as she arrived with her father and Mr Gardiner to pay him a visit.
In the library, Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner, fascinated by the books around them, forgot about the world. A fine brandy and some tasty salted cookies at hand, they joyfully passed the volumes from one to another, like only children could be in a room full of toys.
“I want to show Elizabeth some paintings,” he said, but nobody was listening so they climbed the stairs to a place she imagined to be an art gallery… but she was wrong. It took her some moments to see he had brought her into his… bedroom. She wanted to escape, but it was impossible as he took her hand and they entered another room which had direct access from his.
“This is your bedroom, madam!” he said, smiling. “But I assure you that you will not sleep here, yet… the bed is very comfortable!”
He showed her the dressing room where his mother’s dresses and furs and coats still hung, so many that Elizabeth could hardly imagine a woman to have so many. She was probably looking in admiration when he said, “Of course you and Georgiana, who is now old enough, can do whatever you want with these and those from Pemberley, but be assured in the shortest time your dressing room will be as full as this one. Of course, once we return here, after our marriage, you can change this place as you like it.”
She looked around amazed by the beautiful bright room with huge windows, admiring the pink on the walls the colour of the fading roses; she touched the velvet curtains in vivid purplish-red colour; the decor was so elegant that Elizabeth wondered what she could change. Absorbed by the beautiful room, she forgot about him only remembering when he took her in his arms, gently laying her down on the bed. She wanted to escape when he whispered, “Stay, Elizabeth, please do not run!” He moved his lips from her neck to her décolletage so slowly that she nearly cried, and then looking into her eyes as he wanted her to accept what he was doing, he unveiled her breasts from the little dress she chose in the morning - now wondering if not with that intention to offer him as much of her body as possible. But he wanted more. For the first time in her life, alone in a bed with a man who was kissing and caressing her bosom, she was far from wanting to escape, yet afraid.
“This is all, please!” she said between two involuntary sighs.
“Yes!” he said, but he had not had enough.
“I want you!” Darcy whispered. “You know, I want you!”
“Yes!” she said, but once again she did not understand the real meaning of his words. And he kept kissing her and caressing her bosom till she cried.
“Do you like me to caress you the way I do?” he asked with his eyes staring deeply into hers and his hand moving slowly over her beautiful naked skin.
“I do… but I am afraid!”
He laughed and helped her dress; she stood at his mother’s dressing table to try to cover the reddish colour of her cheeks with powder.
They strolled at a slow pace through all the house, as he showed her the rooms and the halls and the terraces surrounding the house.
“Why are you afraid?” he finally asked.
“Because I will not be a virgin on our wedding night!”
He laughed so loud that she feared all the house would come to see what happened.
“My dear lady, it is possible not to be a virgin that night but only if you accept me before the wedding. You understand Elizabeth, you and I naked in a bed and me…”
“Stop, stop!” she was pleading.
“You do not even let me talk about… so what chances may I have to actually be with you… let us say… tomorrow…”
“None!” she said with such a decided voice that he laughed again.
“Is it so important for you to be a virgin on our wedding night?”
“It is important, look at Lydia!”
“Well, I do not particularly like your sister, and she will be welcome in our houses, but only alone; however, I must say that Lydia is not an isolated case!”
Elizabeth’s outraged look made him smile again, “My Dear Lord, Elizabeth, in London I do not think there is a young woman who does not lose her virginity long before marriage; in fact, most of the women are pregnant at the wedding… what kind of world are you from?”
“One that respects the old ways of life. But then,” she asked pensively, “why is what Lydia did such a tragedy if everybody else is doing the same?”
“A good question, my love, it is about the hypocrisy of this society. You can do whatever you want as long as you hide it and pose as a spotless person.”
Chapter 15
Eventually, the day of Lydia’s wedding arrived. Dressed in satin and lace, the youngest Miss Bennet stood proudly and happily at the arm of her betrothed. In attendance were her father and Elizabeth, the Gardiners and Mr Darcy himself – who looked reluctant to be there but guarded the entire ceremony with strict attention. Afterwards, Mr Darcy declined the Gardiners’ invitation. He showed very clearly that he did not wish to be anywhere near Wickham – and nobody blamed him for that.
It was time for them to return to Hertfordshire – Lydia and Wickham to visit their family before heading North, and Elizabeth with her father – finally home. One wedding was done; the next ones – happier and worthier – needed to be prepared.
Darcy decided to join them in a few days and stay at Netherfield till they obtained the License from the Vicarage and then, immediately to depart for Pemberley.
“Once at Pemberley nothing more can happen!” he said. “And if Charles and your sister want to join us, we could share a double wedding.”
It was an excellent idea, but his words troubled Elizabeth, “Do you think something could happen…?” She asked with a little trembling voice.
“I will not lie to you, I do fear my family; in the beginning, they advised me to marry with no other conditions but now, after the Lydia situation… well…”
“You are afraid your uncle will not approve our marriage…”
“Yes! Even if that means supporting Lady Catherine’s false claims that mama wanted me to marry Anne.”
∞∞∞
A day before their departure, Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner were alone at home. Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner were out on business, while Lydia and Mr Wickham were shopping for their move North – again thoughtless of their limited finances. Elizabeth refused to accompany them and preferred to remain to her room, trying to rest. The task was unsuccessful, but she could not possibly accomplish anything else either.
Just after noon, an elegant carriage stopped in front of the house. Elizabeth was first to see it as she was reading in the bow window of her chamber which looked out onto the main street. She did not recognise it, but its richness suggested it could well belong to Darcy. She dressed in haste almost running downstairs, but in the drawing-room, the voice she heard was not the one she expected. Astonished, she recognised Lord Matlock’
s eldest son – the Viscount, talking familiarly with her aunt. She was reluctant to enter, so she remained near the half-open door, waiting to determine if the conversation would allow a third person or not.
“What a surprise, your Lordship! To what do I owe such a pleasant surprise? Unfortunately, my husband is not at home.”
Mrs Gardiner was polite but not too familiar as that visit looked rather strange from the perspective of their relationship which was far from being so close as to include unannounced afternoon visits.
“To be honest, I know Darcy is meeting Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet at the club, as he invited me too. So I took this opportunity to come, hoping to catch you alone.”
“Really? This is an even greater surprise. How may I help you? May I offer you a drink or some refreshments?”
“No, thank you. I wish to talk to you about a very delicate subject. I might be assuming too much, but I am doing it for the benefit of your family – and mine.”
“Now I am truly intrigued,” Mrs Gardiner said. And so was Elizabeth.
“Mrs Gardiner… Maddie… May I speak openly? In the memory of our old friendship?”
“Of course. Do sit down. And how should I call you?”
“You may call me Arthur – although I suspect you will soon be rather angry with me. But that will not stop me from completing my mission.”
“Your mission?” Elizabeth heard her aunt laughing. “This sounds frightening.”
“I heard that one of your nieces has just married, under some questionable circumstances and another one is about to marry Bingley. He is a worthy man, and I have heard only good reports about your niece too. I am sure he and your niece will make a good match.”
“Thank you.”
“But, Mrs Gardiner… Maddie… I do not know how to say this otherwise but directly. I also heard that your second niece – Miss Elizabeth – hopes to make a very advantageous marriage. I had suspected something even when we were in London and then I learned that he invited you to stay at Pemberley… I was shocked and I became suspicious seeing Darcy with her at the Inn.”
“At the Inn? You mean – when we were all travelling from Pemberley to London?” Mrs Gardiner’s voice turned colder.
A cold fear gripped Elizabeth’s heart … Her aunt was a very intelligent woman who understood the Viscount knew nothing about Darcy’s proposal and even their plan to marry soon. It was rather odd, but it was not for her to decide how Mr Darcy wanted to announce his marriage to his family.
“Yes,” the Viscount replied. “And now some rumours have troubled our family’s peace. We heard there is a sort of connection between your niece and my cousin. My aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh wrote to my mother. She is quite desperate and outraged. I am not sure what is happening, how all this occurred, but you must know that such a marriage can never take place. Darcy is engaged to our cousin Anne.”
“Is he?” inquired Mrs Gardiner. Elizabeth’s heart beat so loud that she feared they might hear it within the room.
Only some weeks ago the Earl of Matlock was against Lady Catherine’s intention to marry Darcy to her daughter and advised him to marry in haste… but not the Bennet girl. Anybody was better! Moreover, they decided to support Anne de Bourgh. Elizabeth was so desperate that she could scream, yet how could she fight with them?
“I see. And what should I do with this information, your Lordship?”
“I wanted you to know.”
“Now, I do know. But perhaps you should remind Mr Darcy. He seems to be an honourable man. If he is engaged, he will surely keep his word, whoever his fiancée might be.”
That was a mistake on Mrs Gardiner’s part. She was angry and almost told the Viscount the secret, but it seemed he did not understand her words or their proper meaning because he continued, “Their engagement is of a particular nature; they have been meant for each other since they were in their cradles. I have heard about this engagement all my life and we all expect this marriage to take place any time soon.”
“Have you asked Mr Darcy about his intentions? You should have done that before coming to speak to me about a subject with which I am not familiar.”
“I attempted to. He admitted he admires Miss Bennet very much and that she and Georgiana are already friends. But he refused to talk more. He is a man of few words, and he is private and stubborn.”
“Would it then be fair to say Mr Darcy is also not a man to fall for a few charms and to allow his mind to be defeated by some shallow inclinations? And that he is unlikely to marry someone unworthy of his expectations?”
“Yes. But men − even the best and the strongest – show weakness at times, in the most unexpected moments. I have seen other excellent men − even Dukes, even Kings – losing their minds and ruining their lives.”
“I imagine Mr Darcy has admired several young ladies before. Did you have such a conversation with all their aunts? Or would my niece be the only one to ruin his life?” Mrs Gardiner was now angry.
“Maddie, please… I am only trying to warn you. My aunt Lady Catherine is determined to have this report clarified. She might go and speak to Miss Bennet’s family.”
“I see. Well, I can surely not make Lady Catherine’s schedule. I do not know what you expect me to do at all, sir.”
“To speak to your niece. Do you happen to know if they are engaged?”
“Engaged? But you just said your cousin is engaged to your other cousin.” Mrs Gardiner’s mockery was sharp and barely concealed her fury.
“Mrs Gardiner, please do not take this lightly! While it may sound like an advantageous marriage for your niece, please do not ignore the disastrous consequences of such a union. Darcy is expected to make a marriage within his circle. He has a duty to accomplish. He cannot marry someone so below him, although he might be tempted by Miss Elizabeth’s charms. I know she is a charming lady; even my brother admires her. But that should be all! We cannot afford to play games – they are not children kissing on the cheeks!”
“No, they are not. Therefore, coming here and talking to me about this matter is at least questionable, if not highly improper. How far your cousin might approve of your interference in his affairs, I do not know. But I am reluctant to discuss more about my niece with someone outside the family.”
“You must understand that everybody would suffer if such an event takes place. Darcy will be ignored by his relatives and friends. He will be criticised and disapproved. He will be the talk of the Town. And soon he will come to feel resentment and remorse, instead of affection. Georgiana will also be exposed to public criticism – right after her coming out! I came here to avoid all this. I felt it was my duty to my family and to you – as an old friend. You must help me stop this.”
“I am afraid you cannot meet success with me, and even if it will make your situation at present more pitiable, it has no effect on me. You came here telling me that you know my niece hopes to marry Mr Darcy. The assumption of knowing Elizabeth’s secret hopes is ridiculous in itself. Then you present me with a list of misfortunes that will occur if your cousin marries my niece, without even knowing if such an event is likely ever to take place! Not to mention that my niece is a remarkable woman and any man should be proud and happy to have her as his wife.”
“I do not argue about Miss Elizabeth’s worthiness! But her situation in life? Her family? If in the past such a marriage would have been acceptable… after her sister’s elopement − could you force Darcy to become Wickham’s brother-in-law? This is appalling and outrageous!”
“Your insistence in making a fool of yourself is appalling and outrageous, your Lordship. Please stop this nonsense. I would suggest you have this conversation with your cousin. And please be sure that if Mr Darcy ever proposes to Lizzy, I will encourage her to accept him! Despite the resentment of his family or the indignation of the world you already mentioned, the wife of Mr Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation that she could, upon the whole, have no cause t
o repine. And I see no other to deserve it more than my niece!”
“So they are not engaged?” The Viscount repeated.
“I refuse to discuss this further with you, sir!”
So lost and astounded was Elizabeth in listening to the conversation that she remained oblivious to the three men staring at her with puzzlement. However, when her father called her name, she stared, looking at them with shame and worry.
“Lizzy, what on earth are you doing here?”
“Papa, I…”
Mr Gardiner, Mr Bennet and Darcy entered the drawing-room and the sight of Mrs Gardiner talking to the Viscount let them dumfounded.
“Cousin?” Darcy looked at the Viscount, then at Mrs Gardiner, then at Elizabeth.
“Forgive me for intruding. I happened to be in the neighbourhood and I stopped by to greet Mrs Gardiner. I deeply apologise if I bothered anyone. I shall leave you now,” the Viscount bowed politely and attempted to exit.
Darcy hesitated only a moment, then apologised and quickly followed his cousin. Inside the drawing-room, the four remained silent, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
“May I have an explanation? Should I be jealous or worried?” Mr Gardiner asked, half-serious, half in jest.
His wife waved her hand. “Be as you choose, I am rather angry.” She then turned to Elizabeth, with her eyebrow raised in challenge. “Lizzy, have you been listening to our discussion?”
Wedding at Pemberley Page 13
