Falling for Elizabeth Bennet

by Debra-Ann Kummong

  Darcy replies, “Of course, Elizabeth. I will send out a letter for you this afternoon.” Darcy looks to Richard and asks, “Richard, would you be willing to write the missive for me until my wrist heals?”

  Richard nods and walks out the door. Georgiana picks up Fitz and departs, leaving Darcy to rest and wonder at what has happened since he was injured.

  Later that afternoon, Darcy and Richard have just completed writing a letter to Mr. Bennet. Richard looks at Darcy and asks, “Darcy, do you believe that Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet will come?”

  Darcy replies, “Yes, Richard, I believe they will. Despite Mrs. Bennet’s feelings for Elizabeth, her father and sisters love her very much. I can only ask Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet to come, and we are asking in a way that Mrs. Bennet will not know. I have one final letter to ask you to write for me.”

  Richard looks at Darcy, and he explains, “I would ask that you write to Bingley, inviting him to join us at Pemberley. Bingley is courting Elizabeth’s elder sister, and I thought they would like time away from Mrs. Bennet. I trust you to write what you think is best, but please stress that Bingley’s sisters and Mr. Hurst are not to join him for at least two weeks.” Richard laughs at Darcy’s tone. Richard quickly writes out the letter to Bingley. When done, Richard stands and asks, “Do you need anything else, Darcy?”

  Darcy replies, “Thank you, no. I appreciate your help, Richard. Please make sure that the letters go out express, and please make sure that Elizabeth’s letter to her sister is included with the letter to Mr. Bennet.”

  Richard bows and departs. Mrs. Reynolds enters with a footman carrying the tea tray, and Darcy asks, “Mrs. Reynolds, have you seen Elizabeth?”

  Mrs. Reynolds replies, “Mr. Darcy, Miss Elizabeth is in the library.”

  Darcy stands and asks, “Mrs. Reynolds, would you please have the tea tray taken to the library? I am going to join Elizabeth.”

  Mrs. Reynolds nods, and Darcy opens the door to the library for Mrs. Reynolds to have the tea tray carried through. Darcy sees Elizabeth stand and take the tea tray from Mrs. Reynolds. Mrs. Reynolds turns and asks, “Sir, do you need anything else?”

  Darcy replies, “No, thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.” Turning toward Elizabeth, Darcy says, “Please be seated, Elizabeth.” Darcy watches as Elizabeth fixes him a cup of tea and he asks, “Elizabeth, did you mean everything that you wrote in your letter?”

  Elizabeth nods, saying, “I did, and I must admit that was the hardest letter that I have ever had to write.”

  Darcy nods in understanding and replies, “I know that it was. I saw the tearstains on the letter. It was one of the few things that still gave me hope. What I do not understand is why you are not willing to give us a chance?”

  Elizabeth sighs. “Mr. Darcy, I am no one compared to the other ladies of society. I have no connections, no real dowry, and I have family members in trade. Your friends and family would scorn such a bride.”

  Darcy shakes his head and says, “Elizabeth, I have been in society for many years, and the ladies there do not tempt me as you do. My family will respect my choice of bride for they only wish for me to be happy, and as for my friends, if they are truly my friends, they will be happy for me. You bring the most important thing—yourself. Elizabeth, you did not see the chaos the house was in the morning you left. Georgie was mad at Richard and abusing her poor pianoforte, and Richard was yelled at by both of us for driving you away. Elizabeth, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. We will learn together what things you can do. Georgie and I will help you, and you can take on your new duties slowly—that will not be a problem. There has not been a mistress in over fourteen years, and my staff will continue handling things. I will admit that I would like to have children someday, but if that does not happen, I will be happy so long as I have you in my life.”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth gives him a watery smile and says, “Mr. Darcy, for a man who does not perform well to strangers and who can blotch a marriage proposal, you can be quite eloquent when you want to be.”

  Darcy smiles. “I will remind you that you said that one day, Elizabeth. One day when we attend a social function and I manage to offend someone without meaning to.”

  Elizabeth takes a breath and asks, “Mr. Darcy, may I have time to consider your proposal? I would like to make a list of items I believe we should discuss in further detail.”

  Darcy replies, “Of course, Elizabeth. Take the time you need. Also, I have sent your father an express requesting Miss Bennet to join us here, and I enclosed your letter to your sister within the express. I also wanted to let you know that the letters for the Gardiners are also in route.” Seeing Elizabeth’s cocked brow, Darcy explains, “You and Richard each wrote the Gardiners. Richard was keeping his promise and to assure them that you had arrived safely and nothing further had happened.”

  Elizabeth replies, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Now, I believe you should retire, for I can see that you are still in pain.”

  Darcy stands when Elizabeth does and says, “I will do so, but I must ask a favor, please do not disappear on me again. I do not believe my heart could stand it.”

  Elizabeth nods, and Darcy kisses Elizabeth’s hand as they depart.

  A few days later after Darcy and Elizabeth have had their discussion in the library, Elizabeth suggests that they discuss a few subjects with Georgiana and Richard for their insight. Darcy says, “Elizabeth, we do not need to discuss our personal decisions with my sister and cousin.”

  Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, I disagree. I plan on talking with my sister Jane about some of these subjects. Why should we not also discuss them with your family as well?”

  Darcy replies in a hard, firm tone, “Elizabeth, it is not their business. I will not discuss my personal decisions with my cousin or sister.”

  Elizabeth quietly asks, “Mr. Darcy, is this how you normally act?” Darcy is confused and asks, “What do you mean, Elizabeth? It is our life, and no one else’s business but ours.”

  Elizabeth puts a hand on Darcy’s arm. “Mr. Darcy, we would not be discussing all the subjects that I feel that you and I need to discuss. I would like their insight on the rest of your family, society, and Darcy House and Pemberley. You must remember that your family is out in society more than I or my family is, and they may have some suggestions that we have not thought about. Please forgive me if I have offended you. I am used to sharing everything with Jane.”

  Darcy sighs and says, “Please forgive me, Elizabeth. I am not used to sharing decision-making. Of course, your idea is sound. We will ask Georgie and Richard to join us when we have this discussion.”

  Mrs. Reynolds enters the room and says, “Excuse me, Mr. Darcy, but a carriage is arriving.”

  Darcy turns to Elizabeth and says, “Please excuse me, Elizabeth. I will return once I have greeted my guests—they are business associates visiting for a few days.”

  Elizabeth nods and returns to reading her book, and Darcy departs.

  Darcy arrives in the foyer just as Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet are removing their outdoor wear. Darcy says, “Mr. Bennet, Miss Bennet, welcome to Pemberley. Thank you for coming.”

  Miss Bennet replies, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I hope your injuries are well.”

  Darcy replies, “Very well, Miss Bennet. I thank you. The letter only contained part of what has occurred. I have not told Elizabeth that you were expected, so she has no idea that you have arrived. I will explain everything if you would like to refresh yourselves and meet me here in a quarter of an hour.”

  They nod and follow Molly to their rooms. Darcy sees Mrs. Reynolds and asks if she would send tea to the library in a quarter of an hour. Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet return promptly, and Darcy explains everything that had happened with Elizabeth fleeing, Darcy being injured and Richard’s flight to bring Elizabeth back. Once finished with his summary, Miss Bennet asks, “Mr. Darcy, how is Lizzy doing?”

  Darcy replies, “Miss Bennet, your sister has really missed you.” Da
rcy turns to Mr. Bennet and says, “I am going to ask you and Miss Bennet to wait in the open doorway to the library. As I stated earlier, Elizabeth does not know you are here, and I would like to surprise her.”

  Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet nod and silently follow Darcy to his library. Darcy enters the library, leaving the door open and says, “My apologies, Elizabeth, for the interruption. I have some business that I must attend to.”

  Elizabeth replies, “I understand, Mr. Darcy. I believe I will join Georgiana in the music room.”

  When Elizabeth stands, Darcy motions for Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet to enter the room silently. Elizabeth curtsies to Darcy and goes to leave a book on the table when she sees her father and sister. Much to everyone’s surprise, Elizabeth rushes forward to Darcy, gives him a big hug, whispering, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Thank you!”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth spins around and embraces her father and sister. The next few minutes are noisy as everyone greets one another. There is a tap at the door, and Mrs. Reynolds enters with a footman carrying the tea tray. After the footman leaves, Darcy turns to Mrs. Reynolds and says, “Mrs. Reynolds, would you please ask Richard and Georgiana to join us, and would you mind asking for two more tea cups? They will be joining us for tea.”

  Mrs. Reynolds replies, “Sir, they are in the music room. I will fetch them and return with extra tea cups.” Darcy turns to Elizabeth and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, while we wait for my family, would you please serve the tea to everyone else?”

  Elizabeth complies, and she asks, “Papa, how are Mama and my sisters?”

  Mr. Bennet replies, “Lizzy, your sisters are fine. I have Kitty and Lydia staying with their Aunt Phillips. Mary is at Longbourn, taking care of your mother. You mother seems to be doing better with less noise in the house, but sadly, no permanent solution has been found.” Mr. Bennet turns to Darcy and teasingly asks, “Mr. Darcy, have you managed to convince my Lizzy to marry you?”

  Just then Richard, Georgiana, and Mrs. Reynolds enter the room. Richard teases Darcy and says, “Darcy, you could not wait for us?”

  Darcy replies, “Richard, have a seat. Mrs. Reynolds has your cup.” Darcy turns back to Mr. Bennet and says, “Mr. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth and I were having another discussion about the possibility of a marriage between us when you and Miss Bennet arrived. We had just agreed to include Richard and Georgie in on the conversation to get their input.” Seeing the confused looks on everyone’s faces, Darcy explains, “Miss Elizabeth has some concerns that she wants to address before she gives me her answer. Miss Elizabeth is concerned about my family, society, and of course, Richard and Georgie.”

  Richard and Georgiana look at each other, and Richard replies, “Miss Elizabeth, I can assure you that my parents and my brother will be thrilled to see Darcy married. Darcy has been alone a long time. I know that Darcy has Georgie, and I am just a cousin, but we are not what he needs.”

  Darcy watches as Georgie rushes over to Elizabeth, giving her a hug, saying, “Elizabeth, I would love to have you as a sister.”

  Elizabeth laughs and warns, “Georgiana, just remember, you would not be getting one sister, you would be getting five. Jane and I and even Mary are the quieter of the Bennet sisters. You have met Kitty and Lydia. They would not always be as good as they were the last time you met them.”

  Darcy watches as his sister just grins at Elizabeth. Richard looks at Elizabeth and says, “Miss Elizabeth, you would be a most welcome member of the family. I feel terrible that I would even be a consideration concerning your marriage to Darcy. You and Darcy have found love and happiness. Embrace it.”

  Mr. Bennet turns to Elizabeth. “Lizzy, I have had many conversations and letters with Mr. Darcy, and I can promise that he only wants the best for you. Mr. Darcy is willing to let you set the pace of what you can handle. That is a gift that not every wife receives.”

  Darcy turns to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, while I am grateful to my family’s support as well as your own, the decision is yours. I am not sure if you are aware of this or not, but I am actually not very fond of going out into society.” Darcy pauses when Richard and Georgiana start laughing. When they finish laughing, Darcy says, “There will be some events that we will need to attend, but the other events are not important.” Forgetting everyone else in the room, Darcy stands and walks over to Elizabeth and asks, “Elizabeth, do you love me?” Darcy puts a finger under Elizabeth’s chin and lifts her face until he can see her eyes. “Elizabeth, I love you, and as long as we have love, everything else will work out. We will work things out together. Elizabeth, will you do me the very great honor of accepting my hand in marriage?” Darcy watches as Elizabeth gives him a brilliant smile and softly says, “Yes.” Darcy pulls Elizabeth to her feet and gives her a gentle kiss—until Darcy hears a throat being cleared and laughter in the background.

  Mr. Bennet says smiling, “Mr. Darcy, I believe you should let my daughter go.”

  Richard, Georgiana, and Miss Bennet are all laughing at Darcy, and Richard asks, “So, Darcy, when is the wedding?”

  Georgiana speaks up and says, “Why do we ladies not check with Mrs. Reynolds to see when this could be accomplished?”

  Richard turns to Darcy and suggests, “Darcy, why not visit vicar to see when he would be able to perform the ceremony?”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth looks from Georgie to Richard to Jane to Mr. Bennet and back to Darcy. Concerned Darcy asks, “What is it, Elizabeth?”

  Elizabeth looks at him anxiously, “Mr. Darcy, we cannot have the ceremony that quickly. The banns have to be called, and my mother will want to plan a big wedding since I am marrying a man with ‘ten thousand a year.’”

  Darcy replies, “Elizabeth, first would you please call me by my first name—either Fitzwilliam or William? We can actually marry at any time we wish. I procured a special license when I went to London, and your father has been aware of my intentions for several weeks. I asked your father for his blessing before I even left Netherfield. All I had to do was convince you to marry me.”

  Miss Bennet comes over to Elizabeth, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Lizzy, just think. Mr. Darcy is offering to give you the kind of wedding you have always dreamed of. You never wanted a large wedding, and I imagine that, given how small Mr. Darcy’s immediate family is, he would enjoy a small ceremony as well. Believe it or not, Lizzy, the reason Papa and I are here is to witness your wedding.”

  Elizabeth looks at Darcy and asks, “Is this true, Fitzwilliam? You did all this for me?”

  Darcy nods. Elizabeth exhales softly. “Very well.”

  Richard inquires, “How about we separate and see how soon the wedding can be arranged?” Darcy and Elizabeth look at each other and agree. The men go with Darcy to visit the vicar, and the ladies follow Elizabeth to see Mrs. Reynolds.

  Over dinner, Darcy tells Elizabeth and the other ladies that the vicar can marry them at any time. Darcy watches as Elizabeth explains that Mrs. Reynolds suggests that the wedding be in three days, allowing Elizabeth time to have a dress altered to fit her, and the travelers will have a chance to recover. Mrs. Reynolds also wishes to prepare a small wedding breakfast. Georgiana tells Darcy that they are going to go through dresses for Elizabeth to take with her into Lambton to be fitted as her wedding dress since the rest of Elizabeth’s clothing is still with the Gardiners. Once dinner is over, the men retire to Darcy’s study to finalize the settlement paperwork, and the ladies follow Georgiana upstairs to find dresses.

  In Darcy’s study, Mr. Bennet reads over the settlement papers that Darcy has given him. Upon finishing reading the papers, Mr. Bennet looks up, saying, “You really do love my Lizzy, do you not, Mr. Darcy? You seem to have taken everything into account. Whether you have children or not, if you pass away before Lizzy does, my Lizzy will never be in fear of being unable to care for herself.”

  Darcy calmly advises, “Mr. Bennet, I want Elizabeth to enjoy life and be comfortable the rest of her days.”

  Mr. Bennet si
gns the paperwork and gives it to Darcy and suggests, “Mr. Darcy, I would suggest holding off on putting the marriage announcement in the paper for a few weeks. This will give Lizzy a chance to get used to her new life.”

  Richard interjects, “Darcy, I agree with Mr. Bennet. I know you wish to show off your new wife, but there will be many disappointed ladies out there, and I am sure you would much rather spend time alone with your new wife anyway.”

  Darcy looks from Mr. Bennet to Richard and responds, “I was planning on introducing Elizabeth into society slowly—your suggestions just reinforce my beliefs. However, I do believe that I should discuss this with Elizabeth. I have discovered that she does not like people making decisions for her.”

  Mr. Bennet chuckles. “Mr. Darcy, you are starting to meet my old Lizzy. The Lizzy you first met was a quieter, more subdued version of the Lizzy that I love and have allowed her mother to push into a corner and into the shadows. Who knew that a supposedly shy, quiet man from Derbyshire would be the man to bring my Lizzy back to life and out of the shadows? I thank you for that, Mr. Darcy.”

  Richard laughs. “Darcy, we know that you are not fond of social situations, but I know that my parents will want to meet your wife. I would plan on counting on my mother to throw a dinner or ball so that Miss Elizabeth can get her first taste of society.”

  Darcy lets out a frustrated sigh. “Richard, I appreciate anything that your mother is willing to do to help Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet, since I will soon be your son-in-law, may I ask that you either call me Darcy like my cousin here or William like my sister?”

  Mr. Bennet claps Darcy on the shoulder. “William, it will be my pleasure to do so. Please feel free to call me Bennet or Father—your choice. Also, Colonel, since you will also be family, please feel free to call me Bennet as well.”

  Darcy looks from the two men and suggests, “Shall we rejoin the ladies and see what miracles they have been able to perform?”

  As he enters the room, Darcy notices that Georgiana is playing the pianoforte and Miss Bennet and Elizabeth are sitting together, speaking softly. Darcy crosses over to the sisters and inquires, “Elizabeth, will you walk about the room with me?” Elizabeth stands and puts her hand on Darcy’s arm. They slowly walk about the room. Darcy looks down at Elizabeth and advises, “Elizabeth, I have spoken with Richard and your father, and they have suggested that we not announce our marriage right away—wait, let me explain.” Darcy stops when he sees Elizabeth getting upset. He continues, “It is not out of shame. I am proud to soon be able to call you my wife. The suggestion was so that we could ease you slowly into society. I told your father that I would discuss it with you and let you decide what you would like. Also, Richard mentioned that his mother will likely want to have a dinner or ball in our honor.”