Suddenly Mr Darcy

by Anne Louise

  ****

  Days later Darcy returned to town and went directly to Darcy House and as soon as he came inside, Georgiana ran to greet him.

  “I am so happy you have come back. Thank you for your letter and more so for asking Miss Bennet to deliver it.”

  “I take it that you are well? How was your visit with Miss Bennet?”

  “Everything was wonderful. I invited her for dinner that evening and she invited me to visit with her and the Gardiners the next day. We played with the children and later walked together.”

  “Then you approve of her?”

  Georgiana’s face lit up. “I like her very much and the Gardiners too, and from what she told me, I know I will like all her family in Hertfordshire. We will write to one another. It is too bad that you cannot write, but that could be changed if you and her became engaged.”

  “You did not wait long to spring that on me. So you feel that she would make me a good wife?”

  “Yes, and she would be a sister for me. Tell me that you like her?”

  “I do like her, but I have not met her family, though the Gardiners are special people.”

  “Do you still intend to see her before Christmas? Our uncle has invited her and her sister to dine with them when they are in town the week before Christmas.”

  “She met our uncle?”

  “Yes, William, we both walked to see her uncle’s new warehouse and our uncle was there. I did not know they are friends.”

  “Well, this is interesting. I suppose he and aunt will visit soon and tell me why I must marry. You know, I actually look forward to such a visit. I want to hear their opinions on my marrying such a woman. She has neither wealth nor title.”

  “No, William, but if she makes you happy and you know that she cares for you, the choice is an easy one.”

  “It may be an easy choice to many men, but I am not experienced in matters of the heart. Actually, I fear she will reject any proposal I put forward.”

  “You cannot be serious. What single woman in all of England would not accept you?”

  “You do not understand, Georgiana. I am not confident enough to ask her.”

  “Are you in love with her?”

  “She is the only young woman that I have taken an interest in. I just have no experience in these matters. Even so, I am happy with her and miserable without her and I think of her all the time and cannot sleep but a few hours each night. Does that say I am in love?”

  “Do not look so forlorn, William. You now have the perfect young woman for you and you cannot deny she makes you happy. As for experience, I believe she has feelings for you, so you must be doing something right.”

  “I believe that to be true, but what is just as important is that I am most unhappy when we are apart. I do wish to meet her immediate family and will likely travel to see her in the coming weeks.”

  Two days later Darcy’s aunt and uncle visited at Darcy House.

  “Your uncle has been looking for you to ask about your new friend.”

  “Yes, Darcy, your aunt speaks the truth. Ever since I met her at the Gardiner warehouse, I have been eager to speak with you about her. Is she the one?”

  “That is a difficult question, Uncle. You both know that I am socially awkward around women, especially those who are out looking for a husband. Miss Bennet is different and I like her very much. I was surprised that you know her uncle.”

  “Edward Gardiner is the best of men, and not long ago he told me that Miss Elizabeth is a special young lady.”

  “She is very special.”

  “Better not tarry too long, my boy. She is one who will make you happy all your life, and Georgiana as well. I have never seen such bewitching eyes. What are your plans?”

  “You do not wait long to come to your point. I told Miss Bennet that I will see her in town before Christmas. Additionally, I promised to see her in Hertfordshire before then.”

  “So when shall you leave?”

  “I will leave within a few weeks, but I first want to meet with my friend, Mr. Bingley. Miss Bennet’s sister will arrive soon to help with the Gardiner children. It would be wise for me to speak with him and have Georgiana and I meet Elizabeth’s sister before I visit Hertfordshire.”

  “Yes, how is your friend? Be careful if you speak of Miss Bennet that he does not get too interested. Is he not the friend who is always in love with one woman or another?”

  Darcy chuckled softly. “You have met Charles Bingley. My friend does not have as much success as one might suspect. More often than not, he is jilted in love, but he always seems to bounce back. I believe in his case he just has not met the right woman. Several were fortune hunters but once they saw other opportunities, they became disinterested in Charles. Miss Bennet told me about her elder sister and I believe he should meet her.”

  “Well, now, there is something promising in what you say.”

  “How quickly things have changed since I met Miss Bennet. Now that Georgiana has met her, I can see that the two already are friends. Georgiana likes Miss Bennet and told me that she has never had a girl friend.”

  “That may very well be, Fitzwilliam. She was never around young women nearer her own age and we have all neglected her, except you have brought Miss Bennet into her life. Now tell me more about the flooding and why you asked the Gardiners to stay at Pemberley?”

  Darcy did not go into much detail into the events of that day and told how the rains came with a vengeance. He watched as his uncle listened patiently and later asked him many questions. Of course, he did not tell of his saving the young boy from drowning and having Elizabeth come during the middle of the night to save him.

  “Yours is a very interesting story, Fitzwilliam. I can certainly see why you might be interested in Miss Bennet. Somehow I believe there is more to the story, but that is getting into your affairs and it is none of my business. Both your aunt and I want the very best for you and for Georgiana. Nowing that you have met this young woman, we do hope you will think seriously of your future. She may be the perfect wife for you, but that must be your decision. Marriage is an opportunity to invest in your future happiness and in Georgiana’s as well.”

  “I believe in what you say but will not be too hasty.”

  “You have worked very hard to manage the estate since your father’s death and I believe that Miss Bennet is your reward. A woman such as her does not come along that often so do not miss your one opportunity to find your soulmate. As you very well know, you are not getting any younger and you need an heir for Pemberley. You simply cannot continue to live the life that you have lived since your father died or you will wear out from work and die young and unhappy. If you do intend to live a long life, Miss Bennet is likely your best chance for happiness.”

  “These of the very thoughts that I have been going over since I met her.”

  “What was your first reaction when you overheard her in your study perusing the books and singing a song? Had you seen her before then?”

  “I did catch a glimpse of Miss Bennet when the Gardiners arrived for their tour. They pulled up as I was outside in the rose garden. Initially I believed Miss Bennet was with her parents. Anyway, I surprised her when I made my presence known in the study and she suggested that we both had better leave Mr. Darcy’s study or else she and I would be in trouble.”

  Darcy’s uncle chuckled in reply. “So she figured you were one of the gardeners, did she not?”

  “That is correct, Uncle, but Mrs. Reynolds soon entered and Miss Bennet blushed crimson. It was that moment that I recognized that she was a young woman who I wished to know better. Certainly I can thank Mrs. Reynolds for allowing Miss Bennet to see the study. The study has always been off the tour, but Mrs. Reynolds and I spoke weeks earlier about my need to find a wife, so she brought Miss Bennet to the study fully thinking that I might be inside.”

  “Fitzwilliam, I wish you had told your aunt these things, but one day I suppose that Miss Bennet may tell her, or perhaps Georgia
na is doing so as we speak. Anyway, we are very pleased for you and your sister. When I met Miss Bennet and Georgiana that day, I invited her and her sister, when they come to town before Christmas, to join us for dinner. Of course, we would like to invite you and Georgiana as well and perhaps your friend Mr. Bingley, if you think that is in order. From what you say about your friend, I can imagine that he will find Miss Jane Bennet as charming as you find her younger sister.”

  Darcy’s aunt and uncle did not visit long that day but it was long enough to convince Darcy that he had their approval to pursue Elizabeth. After they left, he spoke with Georgiana.

  “How was our aunt?”

  “She was eager to learn all she could and wants to meet Elizabeth. I believe she hopes you will marry in the next year. How was our uncle?”

  “He was the same, but more enthusiastic about things. I believe he sees my marrying Miss Bennet as a way for me to avoid the perils of marrying a fortune hunter, and he wants me to pursue her. And that is what I shall do. I am now off to Bingley’s house to discuss these matters with him and learn what he has been up to these past several weeks.”

  Georgiana smiled to see her brother’s happiness over meeting Elizabeth and watched as he left to visit with his friend. He arrived only to learn that the man had left short minutes earlier to go to Whites Gentleman’s Club for a light lunch.

  Minutes later the friends met. “Darcy, I am glad to see you. It has been many weeks and that is too long for friends.”

  “Yes, I agree. Minutes ago I stopped at your house and they told me you had come here, so I have come to join you. Now tell me the latest of what is going on in your life?”

  “I shall tell you Darcy, but after that I require you to do the same.”

  “That is fair, Bingley, I accept.”

  “Very well, I have sent my sisters packing. They are getting too much into my business and are constant;y giving advice on what I should look for in a young woman and all other matters associated with moving up in society. They have gone to Bath and will stay with Mr. Hurst’s family for a few weeks and after that will return to Hurst’s home in town.”

  “You seem to be pleased with that decision?”

  “Oh yes, Darcy, I am very pleased, but there is another reason for it. Of course, you know that I have been interested in acquiring a country estate? That was something that my father always wished for me and now that I am in a position to afford it, I have been advised that such an estate is available and it is not far from town. That is one of the reasons that I wanted to come and see you today and ask you to join me in visiting the place and helping me in my decision.”

  “You have not told me where the estate is located.”

  “How silly of me Darcy, it is located in Hertfordshire. The name of the estate is Netherfield Park, and it is not far from the little village of Meryton, but I guess you have not heard of it?”

  Darcy felt his heart began to beat rapidly and he knew he would accompany his friend. He now had the perfect excuse to meet Elizabeth and he also wished for Bingley to meet Jane Bennet, who had arrived in town just days earlier.

  Of course Darcy had heard of Meryton, but this was not the time to tell him about Elizabeth Bennet and that she lived not far from the estate he was looking to rent or perhaps buy.

  “It should not take long to ride there. I am happy to join you.”

  “Good, I plan to meet the agent who is handling these matters in a few days in Meryton.”

  “Are you looking to purchase or just to rent?”

  “Well, actually Darcy, it is both. I can rent with an option to buy or I can purchase it outright.”

  “My advice to you is that perhaps you should do the inspection with the thought that you would rent. Later you can decide if you like living in the country. In any event, I will join you.”

  “Now Darcy, what have you been up to?”

  He told of the weather and the flooding near Pemberley and about meeting the Gardiners, but he did not mention Elizabeth. Instead, he wanted Bingley to meet her after they had visited Netherfield. He knew that Bingley would likely find the eldest Miss Bennet to his liking, but he would nevertheless offer his honest assessment of the estate, though he secretly wished for his friend to rent the place. Bingley’s presence there would allow Darcy a home base so he could properly court Elizabeth.

  “I was happy to meet the Gardiners and later I learned that the man is the owner of the import and export business on the Thames and that he and my uncle are friends. Mr. Gardiner and I have spoken briefly about me possibly investing in his business and we may meet soon to talk about it in more detail. Bingley, this may also be something that you should consider. I am sure you will find the conversation very interesting and it should not be very long, and yes, I do want you to come and join me.”

  “Then you can count me in, although I probably will be very bored with all of this discussion. Still, I might learn some things about the import and export business.”

  The friends continued to talk about many things that day until Darcy remembered that he had some other things to do, so they made plans to meet later with the Gardiners.

  ****

  The days passed quickly at Longbourn and Elizabeth had still not told anyone but Jane about meeting Darcy. She had talked with her father but had left out all mention of the man, but she still had not received a letter from Georgiana. In the meantime, Jane had arrived at the Gardiners to stay a few weeks to help with the children, and for a respite from the everyday drama at Longbourn.

  According to plan, Mr. Gardiner advised Darcy that Miss Jane Bennet had arrived and he invited Darcy and his sister to meet her. That afternoon, Darcy and Georgiana took a carriage to Gracechurch Street. Once there, Mr. Gardiner introduced Miss Jane Bennet to the Darcys.

  The greetings were cordial and Darcy asked of her trip to town as Georgiana followed with questions of Elizabeth and her family.

  Immediately, Jane took a liking to both of them, but she was pleased to finally meet the very man who had captured her sister’s heart. Oh, Lizzy! What a handsome family you have met. Mr. Darcy must be the handsomest man I have ever seen, and I just love Miss Darcy. How fortunate you are to have made such good friends.

  Both Darcy and Georgiana looked at each other as if to say how beautiful Jane was. Indeed, Darcy could hardly wait until the next day when he would return with Mr. Bingley and could observe his friend and Miss Bennet together.

  Jane Bennet was blessed with a very pleasing countenance, much like Georgiana. She was strikingly attractive and a little taller than Elizabeth, and like Elizabeth, both sisters had a lithe figure. Whereas Elizabeth talked easily, Jane was more reserved and some might even call her shy. Darcy immediately knew that Bingley and Jane stood a good chance of becoming the best of friends.

  Jane invited them to come upstairs where they greeted the children. Recognizing Georgiana from days earlier, the children competed to get her attention as Darcy watched the children hug and play with her. Next he must have seen a few happy tears as all the children came at once and hugged Jane and Georgiana.

  Later, back at Darcy House, Georgiana and Darcy continued to speak of her meeting Elizabeth’s sister. Georgiana said that Jane Bennet was very kind and pleasant, much like Elizabeth, and asked her brother what he thought of the visit.

  “Georgie, you have asked me a very easy question. First, I can tell you that Miss Jane Bennet is just as her sister has described. She is very poised and is strikingly attractive. I believe that my friend Charles Bingley had better guard his heart because she likely will capture it. The next thing that I will tell you is that I can see you enjoy being around the children. Is that not so?”

  “You are correct, I do enjoy being around the children. I also believe Miss Jane Bennet is very attractive and she has an easy way about her. In some ways I feel that we have a similar countenance. It is easy to understand why the two sisters get along so well, and it is the same reason why Elizabeth and I get along so w
ell. Our personalities compliment one another.”

  “You are very observant. Mrs. Gardiner said the same thing about you and Miss Bennet.”

  “William, did you enjoy being around the children?”

  “I did very much enjoy being with them, though it is something I have little experience with, but I can see that you are quite the natural around them. They adore you.”

  “Visiting them has opened my eyes to many things. We had a small family, but I wish to marry and have many children, and I wish you to do the same. Can you imagine being married to Miss Bennet? Can you imagine Mr. Bingley being married to Elizabeth’s sister?”

  “Yes, I can imagine both of these things.”

  “Thank you, William, so you really believe that Mr. Bingley is in danger?”

  “I think he is in real danger of falling in love with Miss Bennet. Georgie, Mr. Bingley and I will visit the Gardiners on the morrow and the following day we will ride to Hertfordshire. He is considering renting a large estate for a year or possibly buying it.”

  “I hope it is not far from Elizabeth’s home.”

  “Yes, this is all very odd. It is likely not far away from Miss Bennet’s home, for he said it was near the little village of Meryton.”

  “You once told be that Mr. Bingley has always wanted to own an estate, did he not?”

  “I cannot say he always wanted that. He did tell me that it was his father who wished that for him, but lately he has talked of owning an estate. Anyway, visiting Pemberley caused him to think more seriously about the matter. If he does take possession of the property, it will afford both of us an opportunity to see more of the Miss Bennets.”

  “Perhaps you should not tell Mr. Bingley. If he suddenly likes Miss Bennet, he may wish to move nearby, even though the house may be a disappointment.”

  “I will look out for him, Georgiana, though you raise valid concerns. If the property is not a good choice, I will advise him against it.”

  “And how long will you stay?”

  “We will likely stay in Meryton for two nights and return the next day. It is possible that we might stay another night.”