And Who Can Be In Doubt Of What Followed

by Alexa Adams

  As Louisa continued to recite the many good reasons not to slight the future mistress of Pemberley, Caroline reflected on her entire acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She remembered the first time he accompanied her brother home on holiday, the delight of being invited to Pemberley, then Pemberley itself. Sweet Pemberley! The tears again began to overwhelm her when her sister’s words again intruded.

  “ …and Georgiana will have her season soon. You might frequently be invited to join their party, and then think of the doors that will open to you! You had best forget every thought you ever had of Mr. Darcy and set your mind to finding a husband. You are not getting any younger, as I need not remind you, …”

  “No, she really needn’t,” thought Caroline. “Of course, Louisa is correct. Eliza and Mr. Darcy will not enjoy constantly escorting Georgiana, especially as it is unlikely the new Mrs. Darcy will be welcomed into society with open arms.” Miss Bingley knew very well those protective, invisible walls that enveloped the Ton, penetrable only by bloodline, having felt first hand the sting of being regarded only a visitor within their sanctum. The notion of Elizabeth Bennet impacted with the full force of society’s scrutiny brought some solace. And it was certainly true that only the most eligible bachelors would be presented to Miss Darcy. There was much to be gained by maintaining the acquaintance and little profit, but in self-regard, in breaking it.

  Louisa paused in her lecture, either to catch her breath or due to the look of resignation that had spread over her sister’s calming mien, “Have I gotten through to you, Caroline?”

  There was a pause before Miss Bingley responded collectedly, “Thoroughly. I will write to Georgiana with my congratulations and to invite her to stay at Netherfield whenever this monstrosity of a wedding takes place.”

  “You forget it will not fall to you to invite Miss Darcy, as it is likely Charles will be married before her brother.”

  Caroline scowled, but no more tears threatened. Louisa, content that the worst was over, departed her sister’s chambers.

  **********

  The joy Miss Darcy expressed on receiving the same information that had thrust Miss Bingley into such disorder was as sincere as her brother's in sending it. Writing to his dear sister was no onerous task for Mr. Darcy; only one of those rare errors of the postal service could be blamed for the sister of the groom not being one of the very first notified of the impending marriage. Four sides of paper were insufficient to contain Georgiana’s delight, and all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister. Sadly, her happiness was soon tampered, as she received less pleasant communications from first Lady Catherine, who made no secret of her disapprobation for Elizabeth Bennet, and then this from Caroline Bingley:

  Words cannot do justice to my feelings upon learning of engagement of your brother to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Please express to Mr. Darcy my sincerest congratulations on his engagement in your next letter. My particular delight in his choice stems from the closer relationship that we shall share, my dear friend, when my brother is married to Jane Bennet. Two best friends marrying two sisters! What could be more charming?

  Once a wedding date has been set, please consider joining the Hursts and myself when we travel to Hertfordshire. Your companionship will enliven the journey and you are, of course, most welcome to stay at my brother’s house as long as the celebrations keep you in the area. The accommodations at Longbourn would be far too trying for one of your refined sensibilities, and as your brother will, of course, be in residence at Netherfield, I quite feel as if you belong to our party. The future Mrs. Bingley will not mind my taking the liberty of extending this invitation, as she is the kindest sister for whom one could wish and quite devoted to my happiness, which cannot be more certain then when in your company, my dear friend.

  Georgiana knew Miss Bingley well enough to perceive her standard insincerity in these words (save for the first line, which she readily believed). Long had Caroline tried in vain to attract Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana had born witness to some of her most humiliating attempts. She had hoped that with the end of Darcy’s eligibility, so too would end Miss Bingley’s attentions, but it seemed that was not to be. Clearly, Caroline was determined to continue inflicting her presence on the Darcys. Not amused, Georgiana responded with uncharacteristic boldness:

  Please accept my congratulations on your brother’s approaching nuptials. It is natural that you feel your good fortune in securing Jane Bennet as a member of your family, for I hear she is the sweetest and loveliest of ladies. It is very gratifying that Mr. Bingley, one of the kindest brothers I know (indeed, I often feel as if he is my own), should find his equal in his wife.

  Your felicitations are most welcome, and I will happily avail myself of your offer to journey together. It will provide Mrs. Annesley with the ability to use my brother’s marriage as an opportunity to visit her sister, without my having to ask Fitzwilliam to part from Miss Bennet. I would hate to intrude upon their time together, and your kind invitation provides a most welcome solution to the problem. As for where I shall reside while in Hertfordshire, I appreciate your kind offer upon the future Mrs. Bingley’s behalf, but I have already accepted Miss Elizabeth’s invitation to stay at Longbourn. I trust my sensibilities shall somehow bear the affront.

  As for Lady Catherine’s letter, she fed it to the fire.

  ************

  The post at Longbourn grew to hitherto unknown proportions over the next week, the situation becoming so desperate as to send several maids scurrying about in search of a larger salver than that which usually sufficed to hold it. Jane received Miss Bingley’s response to her last on the same morning that two particularly thick letters arrived for Elizabeth: one from her Aunt Gardiner and the other from Miss Darcy. The family was all together at the breakfast table, and Elizabeth perused the second with her lips curved into an amused smile.

  “Well Miss Lizzy?” her mother’s excited voice interrupted her reading. “Tell us what Miss Darcy has to say?”

  “She congratulates me most warmly on my engagement, professing her sisterly devotion.”

  Mrs. Bennet beamed. “That is how it should be. What else?”

  “Miss Bingley has invited her to stay at Netherfield for the wedding,” Elizabeth said with a conscious look at her sister, who seemed pleased with the contents of her letter.

  “Yes,” Jane casually confirmed, betraying not a hint of chagrin. “She mentions so much here.”

  “While Miss Darcy appreciates the opportunity to be with her brother on this occasion, it does not seem that she relishes the idea of Miss Bingley’s companionship. For a girl of sixteen, the pursuits of such older ladies cannot be particularly stimulating.”

  “I certainly would not care to spend all my time with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and I am a year older than Miss Darcy,” Kitty stated with determination.

  “How fortunate then that it is not required of you,” replied Mr. Bennet. “You Jane, being so very much older than Kitty, will not feel it so hard.”

  “Not at all, Papa,” she smiled.

  Elizabeth seized the opportunity to defend her sister. “I believe Kitty makes a valid point. Would not Miss Darcy be far happier amongst girls her own age? If you see no objection, I should like to invite her to stay with us at Longbourn instead.”

  Mr. Bennet frowned slightly, but before he could respond his wife exclaimed, “Oh yes! That is exactly what you should do. We should be honored to host Mr. Darcy’s sister.”

  “Should we, Mrs. Bennet? Just when these tired walls could finally breathe a sigh of relief, you seem intent on once again stressing their structural integrity with an excessive number of young ladies!”

  Mrs. Bennet bristled. “I am sure we can make Miss Darcy quite comfortable.”

  “It was my own comfort I was considering.”

  “Please, Papa. Miss Darcy is a very quiet, reflective young lady. I assure you her presence will be no intrusion, and I believe we will all benefit from her companionship.”

&nb
sp; When Mr. Bennet saw Elizabeth’s genuine desire for Georgiana’s presence, he easily relented. “Very well, my dear. If she might set a less foolish example for my daughters to follow, who am I to object? I would like to think myself the head of the family, but as we all know that place to be held by your mother’s nerves, I shall submit to their whims.”

  “My nerves have nothing to do with the matter,” Mrs. Bennet asserted. “Having Miss Darcy at Longbourn will bring Mr. Darcy all the more often, and Kitty can entertain her, while Lizzy attends to him. You see how nicely it is arranged.”

  “I would think that a lady of Miss Darcy’s education would prefer to spend her time engaged in more productive pursuits than that which Kitty favors. I shall invite her to practice with me.”

  “I am sure Miss Darcy has interests enough to enjoy both yours and Kitty’s companionship, Mary,” said Elizabeth, smiling reassuringly at Kitty, who looked unsure. Elizabeth herself felt rather uncertain of what Mr. Darcy would make of his sister staying at Longbourn, immersed in the society of her family. She would speak to him of it that very morning, when the gentlemen escorted Jane and Elizabeth on what had become their daily walk.

  **********

  It remained warm for the season, and the party departing from Longbourn animatedly discussed the felicity of the weather, sharing recollections of autumnal scenes until they passed Meryton, where they broke into two groups. Jane and Bingley spoke of Caroline’s letter and a potential wedding date, while Elizabeth regaled Darcy with an account of her aunt’s praises.

  “Aunt Gardiner cannot say enough in your favor. She calls you a perfect gentleman, hailing from the perfect place, and could not be happier for us. I am surprised Uncle Gardiner hasn’t become jealous, for how can he be expected to compete with a Derbyshire man?”

  Darcy smiled the subtle way he did before offering a rejoinder, an expression she was now beginning to recognize. “We cannot allow my birthplace to disrupt such a happy marriage as the Gardiners’. Shall we relocate to Hertfordshire? According to Mrs. Bennet, with very little improvement, which I could doubtlessly afford, the great house at Stoke would make an admirable residence.”

  Elizabeth stopped walking and a look of utter horror spread across her face. Darcy couldn’t help laughing, “Come now, Elizabeth! Surely you would not reject me just because of a change in abode?”

  “Would I not?” she asked with a teasing smile.

  He studied her with mock severity. “You know, if you coveted my possessions rather than my company, you might have accepted my offer at Hunsford.”

  “But sir, that was before I saw your beautiful grounds at Pemberley.” They laughed together and resumed their walk, arm-in-arm. After a moment, Elizabeth broke the peaceful silence, “My mother should not have spoken to you of such things. I thought you better shielded from her tongue.”

  “Your mother did not tell me so: your father did, when we went shooting yesterday. He recited a fascinating tale of the homes your mother suggested as possible residences for Mr. and Mrs. Wickham.”

  “Ah yes, I believe she dismissed several grand homes as unacceptable before my father declared it mattered little, for they would never enter Longbourn. It took a great deal of persuasion before he relented.”

  “So he said. I understand you were instrumental in changing his mind. Your father thinks very highly of your judgment, Elizabeth, as do I.”

  She blushed consciously. “I wonder what you will think of my most recent decision, though I really do not know what else could be done. I received a letter from Miss Darcy this morning.”

  “Georgiana has been a rather active correspondent lately. I suppose she couldn’t resist sharing her delight with you directly?”

  “Oh, she is excessively joyful, and I only fear that when she knows me better, she will be disappointed.”

  “That’s not at all likely. As she gets to know you, she will love you the more,” he said assuredly.

  “It seems she will soon have the opportunity.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Miss Bingley has offered her a place in the Hurst’s carriage when they travel to Netherfield.”

  “Excellent! It will save me a trip to London.”

  “But your sister does not enjoy Miss Bingley’s company. She would rather, so she writes, enjoy the hospitality of Longbourn.”

  This time Darcy halted, looking down at Elizabeth with surprise and concern. “She invited herself to stay with you?”

  “That is one way of putting it, yes. It is no imposition, I assure you. We would be delighted to have her.”

  He did not respond, and another silence ensued as they walked on, this one uncomfortable and tense. Elizabeth felt mortified, then angry. “So we have come back to this,” she thought. “I believed he had overcome his disdain for my family, but I see I was wrong. But of course, he is right to hesitate. What kind of environment is Longbourn for Miss Darcy?” She spoke, her voice quivering with emotion, “If you deem my family inappropriate company for your sister, Mr. Darcy, I shall inform her that we are unable to accommodate her wishes.”

  He looked to her in surprise, but she refused to meet his eye. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he turned her towards him. “Look at me, Elizabeth,” he demanded in a slightly pleading tone. She looked up. “That is not what I was thinking. Georgiana knows better than to put herself forward in such a manner. It was presumptuous of her, a failing from which many in my family suffer. Surely you can’t imagine I think Miss Bingley a more appropriate companion to my sister than you?”

  “But what of my mother, and my younger sisters? There is sure to be talk of Mr. Wickham, and Miss Darcy not sharing your intimidating height, sir,” she tried to laugh, “she is unlikely to dazzle them into silence.”

  “Your mother can be counted on to do everything possible to make sure her material comforts are fully met, and I am sure Georgiana will find your sisters very pleasant company, once they get to know each other.” He smiled encouragingly, and she chided herself for doubting him. Wrapping her arm snugly around his as they walked on, she hoped the gesture conveyed both her love and repentance.

  “I say, Darcy!” Bingley called from behind, where he and Jane had lagged. Now they hurried forward, both glowing with delight. “Jane has had the most wonderful notion!”

  Jane blushed and said shyly, looking to her sister, “We were just discussing Miss Bingley’s travel arrangements, and it occurred to me that it would save everyone a good deal of trouble – that is if you approve, of course – were we to have one wedding, rather than two.”

  “You see, Darcy! A double wedding! Is it not a marvelous idea?”

  Mr. Darcy was a bit surprised, but felt no aversion to sharing his nuptials with his friend, and Elizabeth’s smile suggested it was exactly what she would most enjoy. “It seems a very practical solution,” he mused aloud. “No need prolonging the disturbance such preparations cause. You are in agreement, Miss Elizabeth?”

  “I think it a wonderful notion. My mother might at first despair the reduction in fanfare, but surely her nerves will benefit in the end.”

  “What reduction in fanfare?” Mr. Bingley exclaimed. “If anything, so momentous an occasion is cause for twice the display!”

  Both couples turned their steps back towards Longbourn, the ladies excitedly discussing the arrangements along the way. As they passed Lucas Lodge, they noticed a hired carriage in the sweep drive, bearing all the signs of recent arrival. “I believe it’s Charlotte!” Elizabeth cried, hurrying forward with Jane to greet their friend, who was now excitedly calling to them. The gentlemen stayed back, merely waving their greetings, not being on such intimate terms with the family as to intrude at such a time, but as soon as Mr. Collins noticed them, he left Sir William Lucas’ side to pay his respects.

  “Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley! May I offer my sincerest congratulations on your approaching nuptials? As a recently married man myself, I can assure you both of the felicity of the state. Your aunt, sir
, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was in perfect health when we departed Rosings, though I am afraid not as enthusiastic as myself about your engagement to my amiable cousin Elizabeth.”

  “I am sure I will hear from my Aunt herself on the subject.”

  “That is to be expected, Mr. Darcy. While I fully feel the honor you do my family, your aunt cannot be expected to feel quite the same. For one of such dignity and lineage, it must not be the match desired. Why you chose my humble relative in favor of Miss Anne De Bourgh, such a superior specimen of her sex, is certainly no one’s concern but your own, sir, but Lady Catherine feels it most severely.”

  While Darcy angrily endured Mr. Collins’ civilities, much to Mr. Bingley’s amusement, Charlotte gave the Bennet ladies a quick history of their departure. “Lady Catherine was so incensed that she blamed Mr. Collins for failing to marry you, Eliza. Under such conditions, you can understand my desire to be away.”

  “Lady Catherine is insufferable! How dare she insult you so?” Elizabeth demanded.

  “Surely she is just angry,” Jane suggested. “It is very wrong of her to use her dependents in such a manner, but she must be bitterly disappointed. It will pass.”