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Posted on Monday, 27 August 2001
Netherfield
Sunday
After spending almost an hour outside of Longbourn Church with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy reluctantly left her company to return to Netherfield. He knew that he had to confront his friend about Miss Riley before she did, for Mr. Darcy knew that Miss Riley could be an excellent liar when she put her mind to it (it was one of the few talents the Rileys' could boast of.) With that thought, Mr. Darcy hurried back to Longbourn, trying to clear his thoughts of the wedding that had just taken place.
Mr. Darcy found Bingley in his study, which was unusual for Bingley on a Sunday. Bingley was quietly sitting reading a book, his face emotionless, which Mr. Darcy took as a bad sign.
"Bingley, I have something urgent I need to tell you about Miss Riley," Mr. Darcy said, and Bingley just raised his eyebrows at him.
"I was wondering when I'd get your side of the story, Darc, for I am very interested in knowing why you made advances on my fiancé this morning." Mr. Bingley replied sarcastically, but angrily. "I hope you have a good reason too, before I throw you out of my home."
"I ... WHAT? I never made advances on your fiancé!" Mr. Darcy yelled, and Mr. Bingley just sighed in laughter. "Why on earth would I make advances on her?"
"I don't know how your mind works, Darcy, but I would go with jealousy." Bingley replied with a glare.
"She made advances on me, Bingley, not the other way around." Mr. Darcy angrily retorted.
"Emma told me you would say that. That since she rejected you, you would try and place the blame on her instead of on yourself." Bingley added. "I am surprised at you, Darc. I never knew you to be a backstabber."
"Bingley, you have to believe me - your fiancée is lying! If you only could of heard the things that she said to me about you!" Mr. Darcy replied desperately, somehow hoping that his friend wouldn't believe the lies his fiancée was telling him.
"Darcy, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and hear your side of the story before I take any further action." Bingley answered, after a few moments of silence. "After that, I will decide what is to be done on the matter."
"Bingley, I did not do anything to your fiancée! This morning, I sat in the library, reading, and waiting to leave for the wedding. Miss Riley came in later and informed me that you and the rest of the party had already left for the wedding, and when I tried to leave and hurry to the wedding on my own, I discovered that she had locked the door. Miss Riley, instead of letting me leave, starting going into a whole confession of how she loved me and not only said terrible things about you, but also about the Bennets." Darcy confessed, but Bingley looked unmoved. "I pounded on the door, and Mrs. Richards heard me and opened the door, and I hurried onward to the wedding."
"Well, that is quite different from the account I received from Emma. You say Mrs. Richards let you out?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Mr. Darcy nodded. "If she indeed let you out, then it would prove that you were telling the truth. If not, you were lying. So, I believe I will call her in and ask her."
Mr. Bingley went out of the room for a few moments, and returned with a very confused and dazed Mrs. Richards, who looked between the two men curiously. Mr. Darcy sat, hoping that Miss Riley had not paid her off to lie, for he knew that Miss Riley would be capable of something so unjust as that.
"Mrs. Richards, you were here this morning after we left for the wedding, correct?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Mrs. Richards nodded in agreement. "Mr. Darcy was in the library, correct?"
"Oh, yes. I saw him in there when I passed by to get the carriages readied for the wedding." Mrs. Richards replied cautiously.
"Did you speak to him any other time during the day?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Mrs. Richards nodded.
"Yes, I walked by the library door later this morning, and there was a terrible racket coming from the door. I opened it, and Mr. Darcy rushed out (I believe to the wedding), and Miss Riley kept calling out to him." Mrs. Richards replied, her guard slowly softening.
"What exactly did Miss Riley say?" Mr. Bingley questioned.
"I would rather not repeat it, sir." Mrs. Richards answered, her eyes darting to the floor. "It would be rather upsetting to you, I believe."
"Mrs. Richards, what did she say!?" Mr. Bingley repeated, becoming angrier, and Mrs. Richards sighed.
"Miss Riley kept yelling to Mr. Darcy that she loved him, and that he couldn't marry the Bennet girl 'cause he had to marry her, sir." Mrs. Richards replied quietly, and Mr. Bingley's face went pale with shock as he looked at his friend.
"That ... that will be all, Mrs. Richards. Please send in Miss Riley immediately," Mr. Bingley added, and Mrs. Richards nodded, exiting the room quickly and scurrying down the hall in search of Miss Riley.
"I don't believe it." Mr. Bingley kept muttering, over and over, and Mr. Darcy just looked at him with concern. "How could she do something like this?"
"Bingley, perhaps it would be better if you spoke to her about this later. You are in no condition to do so now." Mr. Darcy replied, concerned over his friend's ill behavior and look, but Bingley shook his head.
"Darcy, I'm fine - just a bit shook up. Besides, the sooner I confront Miss Riley, the sooner I can have that ... that witch out of my house." Bingley replied, his anger rising once more as he sank into a chair and put his head into his hands. It was at that moment that Miss Riley entered the room, giving Mr. Darcy a cocky look.
"Charles, I see you have been speaking to Mr. Darcy." Miss Riley replied coyly, satisfied that Darcy would get what was coming to him for not agreeing to marry her. Mr. Bingley just looked up, and when Miss Riley saw the anger blazing in his eyes, she knew that she was wrong. This can't be good, she thought.
"Miss Riley, we were just speaking about you and of some of the finer points of the morning that you kept out in our conversation," Mr. Bingley replied, and when Miss Riley tried to comment, Mr. Bingley stopped her. "All I want to know is, how could you?"
"Charles, are you telling me that you believe Mr. Darcy? After everything he said to me, and tried to do to me this morning? I cannot believe you would believe this ... criminal over your own fiancée!" Miss Riley replied, tears coming to her eyes. No, she thought. This cannot be happening. I cannot lose my fiancé - I could never show my face in London again if I didn't have a fiancé!
"Correction, Miss Riley, you were my fiancé. Perhaps you still would have been if you had not tried to make advances on my best friend, but now all I want is you to get out of my house and never show you face in my presence ever again!" Mr. Bingley screamed at her, but Miss Riley wasn't going to give up that easily.
"You ... you can't just break off our engagement! You cannot do that to the daughter of Lord Riley of Walchester!" Miss Riley replied angrily.
"Miss Riley, at this current moment, my aunt is reading a letter of your behavior to myself and to my friend. And, knowing my aunt as well as I do, by this afternoon, everyone in London will know of your scandalous behavior to the Darcys and the Bingleys. Once they know of this information, your family will not be able to show their face in public ever again, and I believe you should worry about what your father will think of you rather than of your lost engagement." Mr. Darcy replied sternly while Miss Riley just gasped in horror.
"How ... what ... why ... you ... you ... you can't do that! Charles, say something!" Miss Riley gasped and pleaded in shock, but neither of the two men did anything but turn away and avoid her gaze. Miss Riley knew it was over, but would not give into defeat.
"Fine, Charles, I'll leave. But it's not over yet! You'll be sorry that you broke off your engagement, Charles, as well as you, Mr. Darcy." Miss Riley yelled as she turned out of the room and left to go pack up her belongings. Mr. Bingley let out a sigh of relief.
"Darcy, I hope you can forgive me for ever accusing you of trying to force yourself on Miss Riley. It was very wrong of me to do so." Mr. Bingley replied slowly, and Mr. Darcy nodded.
"Yes, well, only if you can forgive me for not telling you sooner about Miss Riley. Miss Bennet noticed Miss Riley's attentions earlier this week, and I should have told you about it." Mr. Darcy added quietly.
"Well, I guess everyone but me could tell how conniving she was." Mr. Bingley said with a small smile. "If only I had known sooner."
"Bingley..." Darcy began, but Mr. Bingley stopped him from speaking.
"You missed a great wedding today, Darc. It was ... very lovely." Mr. Bingley interrupted with a long face.
"Bingley, I'm sorry that everything worked out the way that it did." Mr. Darcy replied, and Mr. Bingley shook his head.
"I guess we were just not meant to be, Darcy. She belongs with Mr. Collins, not with me," Mr. Bingley added. "And you can just stop with trying to cheer me up. I'm sure that I'll fine Miss Right sometime soon. If I were you, I'd worry about what you're going to say to Miss Bennet when you propose to her."
"Bingley, what makes you think I would do something like that?" Mr. Darcy said sarcastically.
"Darc." Bingley replied with a laugh, but Mr. Darcy could see his pain. Bingley had obviously taken Miss Bennet's wedding harder than he thought he would. And right now, all Mr. Darcy could do was selfishly pray that Mr. Collins' carriage ran off a cliff and killed him, so that Jane and Bingley could be together. Finally.
Posted on Thursday, 30 August 2001
Sunday, late evening (still the wedding day) About one mile from Netherfield
Darcy only went on a walk that day to clear his head, and to organize his thoughts. After everything that had happened in the past few weeks, it was like he was living in a fantasy world, like one of the stories his sister was so fond of reading (nowadays, it would be like a soap opera, but of course, Mr. Darcy didn't know that). Everyone was behind his marrying Miss Bennet - his mother, his sister, Mr. Bingley, and Darcy was sure that if his other relatives had met Miss Bennet, they would be behind him too.
The question now on Darcy's mind was when. When would he find the time to be alone with Miss Bennet? When would he be able to ask her to be his wife? Darcy wished that he had asked her the previous Wednesday, the day he had planned on asking all along, for he knew that he couldn't ask her today. Not after the wedding and Miss Riley's confession. Darcy felt like he had let Miss Bennet down when it came to her eldest sister's happiness, and that was one weight that Mr. Darcy didn't want on his shoulders at the present time. But how would he know when the time was right to propose?
Mr. Darcy was deep in thought, and if Miss Bennet hadn't accidentally stepped on a twig, which the noise that it did, the two of them would have unknowingly passed by each other without even a glance, for they were both deeply concerned with their own problems. But, luckily, Elizabeth did step on a twig, which jolted them from their thoughts and back into reality. They were both overjoyed to be in each other's company, but neither showed it.
"Miss Bennet, I hope you are well," Mr. Darcy said quietly with a bow, and Elizabeth curtsied in reply.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I am well. I believe the shock of this morning has finally worn off," Elizabeth replied with a small smile, while inside she felt positively sick at the fact that her sister was now the wife of Mr. Collins, and had to love and obey him for the rest of their life together.
"Would you care to take a turn with me?" Mr. Darcy asked, and when Miss Bennet looked hesitant, he added "I promise not to yell at you like I did previously." With that, Elizabeth just nodded and began to walk by his side. A long silence fell over both of them, neither of the two knowing what to say, in fear that they would offend one another.
"Mr. Darcy, did you speak with your friend about this morning?" Elizabeth cautiously asked Mr. Darcy, and he nodded.
"Yes, and it took a great deal of convincing for him to realize that I was not the one lying to him. I do believe that he and Miss Riley are finished, for Miss Riley was leaving Netherfield just as I began on my walk. At least, I assumed it was her carriage leaving when I set out." Mr. Darcy replied.
"I sincerely hope that Mr. Bingley is not upset over breaking off his engagement. I understood that he and Miss Riley were very close." Elizabeth added politely.
"Yes, well, Miss Riley did give that impression. The Rileys are known for two things - lying and their ability to act, and in my short time knowing her, I have seen both of those talents readily displayed." Mr. Darcy grumbled. "I am pleased, thought, that the truth came out about Miss Riley - I would hate to see my friend unhappy in marriage."
"As am I." Elizabeth agreed, as they both walked along in silence. Mr. Darcy couldn't help realizing how beautiful it was outside that afternoon - it was the perfect afternoon. And Darcy realized that, although Miss Bennet had been though a very tiring and upsetting morning, there was no time like the present to propose. And with that thought, Mr. Darcy stopped and turned to Miss Bennet, who cautiously turned towards him.
"Miss Bennet, I know that the timing for this question is probably all wrong in your mind, especially after the upsetting events this morning held, but I must ask it." Mr. Darcy began quietly. "Miss Bennet, would you do me the supreme honor of becoming my wife?" Mr. Darcy questioned hopefully, and it felt as if the world around him had stopped. Elizabeth just smiled at his question.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I will." She replied with a laugh, as she threw her arm around him and embraced him. "But I must say, the timing of your question was not at all wrong - I could not think of a better afternoon for it."
"I suppose I will have to speak to your father, and ask him for his consent. Unless you wish to just elope with me to Scotland?" Mr. Darcy replied, and Elizabeth just laughed.
"I am sure that my father will be delighted to give you his consent. Besides, an elopement sounds more like something Lydia would do to disgrace the family's name." Elizabeth replied, her eyes dancing happily in the fading sunlight.
"But, on a more serious note, I know that you have very little dowry, and will inherit very little on your father's death," Mr. Darcy began solemnly, and as Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, he interrupted her. "I do not care, however, of your financial status in the world, or of your connections or family. I am rich enough knowing that you will be my wife."
"Mr. Darcy, as sweet as what you have told me is, I am afraid that what you have just said of my fortune is a lie." Elizabeth replied, while Mr. Darcy just gave her a curious look.
"What? What do you mean, a lie?" Mr. Darcy questioned quietly, not quite sure of what she was saying.
"I have a dowry, and quite a large one at that matter." Elizabeth replied quietly. "No one, except my immediate family, and Charlotte Lucas, know of it, for my father feared that if men knew of it, fortune hunters would be lined up outside of our door."
"It is of no importance whether or not you have a fortune, my dear," Mr. Darcy replied quietly, but Elizabeth shook her head.
"I believe we should get our engagement off to an honest start," Elizabeth answered. "That is why I am telling you about this. Have you ever heard of a Countess de Marlough?"
"Yes, I believe so. She died a few years back - the widow of a French Count, with no children or family to leave her estate to." Mr. Darcy stated with a smile. "She was a good friend of my parents before her and my father's deaths."
"She was also a great friend to my father's parents, and was named as my godmother when I was baptized. I would visit her every time I went to London, and I believe she thought of me as the daughter she never had." Elizabeth confessed. "The Countess was a great influence on myself, and on her death, she left to myself most of her large estate."
"I remember hearing about her death," Mr. Darcy replied with a small laugh. "I remember how half of London was furious that she left most of her fortune to an ' upstart young country girl', which is what I believe they called you."
"Yes, and the other half to some distant relatives on her husband's side." Elizabeth added. "I, on the other hand, received sixty thousand pounds as a dowry, and her large estate in Bath, which I usually visit in the summer. I do believe it angered her relations to discover I was given so much when they were given so little."
"I ... I'm shocked. That is a large sum of money to be left to someone, I must admit." Mr. Darcy. "I am surprised that you could keep it a secret for so long."
"I am sorry, though, that I didn't tell you about it sooner. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied sincerely, and Mr. Darcy gave her a stern look.
"I will, on one condition." Mr. Darcy replied, his face stamped with no emotion, and Elizabeth's heart almost dropped into her stomach.
"What ... what would that be, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked nervously, and Mr. Darcy burst out into a laugh.
"That you stop calling your fiancé Mr. Darcy, and start calling me William," Mr. Darcy replied, and Elizabeth just laughed.
"So I am not allowed to call you Fitz, like your mother and your sister?" Elizabeth teased, and Mr. Darcy just gave her a look.
"Elizabeth ..." Mr. Darcy answered as he pulled her in close and gave her a kiss. And as the two stood in a passionate embrace, it was obvious to both that this was the beginning of a beautiful future for the both of them. Elizabeth only wished that everyone, particularly her sisters, could be so happy.
Posted on Sunday, 2 September 2001
Sunday
Netherfield
Mr. Darcy came home in a very good mood that evening. He was both relieved and overjoyed - relieved that he had finally rustled up the courage to propose to Miss Bennet and overjoyed that she had accepted him. The fact that she loved him in return was just too good to be true, and Mr. Darcy almost felt like singing out his happiness to the world.
The fact that Elizabeth had a fortune was also on Mr. Darcy's mind. Mind you, he did not care - Mr. Darcy would have married Elizabeth if she was a hundred thousand pounds in debt - but he was glad that she had a fortune of her own. The London society would more likely accept Elizabeth since she had her own fortune and estate, rather than if she had not. Mr. Darcy supposed that her only weakness in London would be that she grew up with a father that only had two thousand a year, but he was sure that no one would hold it against her once meeting her. True, it was very conceited sounding, but it was true of most of the noble families in London. Old money liked to mix with old money, not with newcomers to the batch.
Mr. Darcy arrived home late that evening, and was a good twenty minutes late for dinner. The only other time he had been so was when he had fallen off his horse at the age of six and had broken his leg, causing him to be stranded in the woods for most of the evening. He knew that Bingley, his mother, and Georgie would probably realize what had caused his delay and not overreact, but what about Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine?
Miss Bingley was just like Miss Riley, and would openly object to a marriage between himself and a Bennet. Not even Elizabeth's good stature in life could win Caroline over - she was the most determined fortune hunter in London, and had a very good reputation for being so. Mr. Darcy knew that Caroline had set her sights on becoming the Mistress of Pemberley ever since she was six years old, and he had Mrs. Bingley to thank for that. Once a Bingley woman had her sights set on you, they would do everything in their power to marry you, and not one Bingley woman had ever been rejected by the person they sought after. Until now, Mr. Darcy supposed.
Lady Catherine was another story. True, she would be mad when she discovered that Anne would not be marrying myself as she always intended, thought Darcy, but Lady Catherine was always civil to those of high standing. Why, Miss Bennet was better off in society than Anne de Borough was - she had better connections, fortune and estate, and was in much better health than Anne was. But still, Catherine always had her way, no matter what. No person was ever an obstacle in her plans, and Mr. Darcy knew that it would be hard to win over Catherine.
"My dear nephew! There you are! We had quite despaired over your absence from dinner this evening!" Lady Catherine announced quite formally. "Especially my dear Anne."
"Good evening, Aunt. I just went out for an evening stroll." Mr. Darcy lied through his teeth, hoping that Lady Catherine did not suspect anything out of the common to be wrong. Mr. Darcy knew that he would have to inform his aunt about his marriage, but he supposed his mother could do that. She had always been better at speaking to his aunt.
"I do hope that you are all right, my dear nephew. I don't know what myself, and Anne, would have done if something terrible had happened to you," Lady Catherine gushed, trying her best to win over her nephew. If only Anne was here, Lady Catherine thought grumpily.
"I ... thank you for your concern, Aunt Catherine, and I believe that I will now retire to my chambers. If you see my mother, please tell her that I wish to speak with her as soon as possible." Mr. Darcy replied stiffly, and hurried up the stairs to his room, far away from the prying of his aunt and of Miss Bingley. Unfortunately, Miss Bingley caught up to him on his way to his room, for she was determined to have him as her husband.
"Mr. Darcy, I had wondered where you had gotten to! You were not at the wedding this morning!" Miss Bingley said sympathetically. "I hope you are not ill?"
"No, Miss Bingley, I am quite well," Mr. Darcy replied with the twinge of a smile, which caused Miss Bingley's hopes to increase. "There was a small ... misunderstanding over this morning, which, in consequence, forced me to miss the wedding this morning."
"If you are despaired over missing the company of those ... Bennets, then I advise you not to worry. As you must know, Charles and Emma tragically broke off their engagement, and once Mrs. Bennet hears that Charles is single, she will be over here in full force with all of her daughters. I dare say she will not rest until she is the mother of the mistress of Netherfield, and I find that shows low breeding in a woman." Miss Bingley replied angrily, and Mr. Darcy had to note the irony in her speech.
"I suppose so," Mr. Darcy replied dryly, upset at what Miss Bingley had said, but also slightly agreeing with her. Mr. Darcy was just relieved that he and Elizabeth wouldn't be living so close to Longbourn, as to allow full access of frequent visits to Mrs. Bennet.
"You should have heard Mrs. Bennet this morning. She was bragging for all to hear of the good fortune of her eldest daughter in marrying Mr. Collins. Ha. He is not much of a catch, is he? But I suppose that those Bennets have to take whatever they can - even if it was Mr. Collins." Miss Bingley announced haughtily. "I do feel sorry for poor Jane, though. Do not think I am without feelings. But I do believe that she got what she deserved."
"Miss Bingley, I think you have said quite enough about the Bennets. Now, if you will excuse me ..." Mr. Darcy replied angrily, trying to get past Miss Bingley, but she wasn't about to let him get away.
"Mr. Darcy! I know what I said was cruel, but it is true - Jane accepted the man, and therefore, she has to pay the price of being his wife. It is no one's fault but her own. Besides, what good is it to you to defend the Bennets?" Miss Bingley said with a small laugh.
"For you information, Miss Bingley, I am just trying to protect the honor of my fiancé's family." Mr. Darcy replied angrily, glaring at Miss Bingley, whose face had begun to pale rapidly.
"Your ... your ... your ... fiancé?" Miss Bingley whispered, her voice choked up.
"Yes, Miss Bennet. I believe you know her." Mr. Darcy replied, and Miss Bingley nearly fainted. No, she thought. He cannot marry the upstart Eliza Bennet! All of my dreams, my hopes, my wishes - gone!
"FITZWILLIAM DARCY! What did you just say!" Mr. Darcy heard behind him, as Lady Catherine stormed up behind him, and Mr. Darcy cringed inside.
"Aunt Catherine, I ..." Mr. Darcy replied, before being cut off by Lady Catherine.
"What do you mean, you are engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet! How could you propose to a woman of that character, of that situation in life!" Lady Catherine yelled. "How could you do this to your mother, and your sister? How could you do this to myself, and most importantly, to Anne!"
"Aunt, I am never going to marry Anne - I never was -, and the sooner you realize that ..." Mr. Darcy added quickly, and Lady Catherine just gasped in shock.
"She has you under a spell! Miss Bennet has trapped you with her alluring arts, and has made you forget what you owe to this family! Are you ready to destroy the happiness of myself and your mother, whom both of us were planning on a union between you and my Anne! Are you willing to pollute the shades of Pemberley with the likes of that Bennet girl!" Lady Catherine spat angrily, but Mr. Darcy held his ground.
"Lady Catherine - I am going to marry Miss Bennet with or without your consent, but hopefully with." Mr. Darcy replied calmly.
"I will never give you consent to marry that girl! I would sooner drive a stake into Anne's heart, which is what you are doing right now! I forbid you to marry that girl! She has no connections, no fortune, and a most rude family, and it is my duty to see that she is never the mistress of Pemberley!" Lady Catherine argued.
"My mother has no problems with Miss Bennet, and neither does Georgiana, and those are the only two opinions that matter to me. Besides, Miss Bennet does have a fortune - a fortune of sixty thousand pounds and an estate in Bath - and with that I believe that no one in London will care who her family was or is." Mr. Darcy replied smugly, happy that he could belittle his aunt's argument towards his fiancée.
"I don't care if she's the Queen of England! Mark my words, Darcy - you'll regret ever choosing Miss Bennet over Anne!" Lady Catherine retorted, as she turned on her heel and hurried down the hall to her chambers, Darcy doing likewise.
Miss Bingley, on the other hand, was left confused and dazed in the hallway, not knowing whether to be happy or sad. To anyone else, they would have taken the argument as a negative sign and stopped their pursuit of Mr. Darcy. But not Caroline. She took it as a challenge. It wouldn't be too hard to pry Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet apart, but it would be done. Whether or not they were married.
Meanwhile, Anne looked at her mother curiously as she entered into her chamber in a state of distress. It was confusing to see her mother like this - in fact, Anne had never seen her mother so.
"Mama, whatever is the matter? Are you all right?" Anne asked quietly, with a small cough.
"No, my dearest! I am not, and will never be all right, for your cousin, Mr. Darcy, is to marry Miss Bennet without even a care for you or his family honor!" Lady Catherine spat angrily, and Anne's eyes filled with tears.
"Marry? Miss Bennet? But ... but ... he can't! He just can't! You promise me he would marry me!" Anne cried angrily, tears cascading down her cheeks. How could he do this to her, Anne thought bitterly. How could he betray me and marry such a lowlife tart?
"There, there, Anne! He will never marry Miss Bennet. Engagements can be as easily broken as they are made - you'll see. The day H*ll freezes over will be the day I see Miss Bennet marry Darcy, and take your place as Mistress of Pemberley!" Lady Catherine said soothingly, and Anne just gave a small sniffle.
"Are ... are you sure?" Anne questioned. "They can be easily broken apart?"
"Of course they can - with the right techniques. Don't worry, my Anne. Soon, Mr. Darcy will come running to you, asking for your forgiveness for being so stupid as to propose to Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine replied with a small laugh, and Anne couldn't help but smile. Her mother was so good to her - she would do anything just to see that her daughter married the man she loved. Even when obstacles presented themselves, her mother knew just how to deal with them. And Anne knew that the obstacle called Miss Elizabeth Bennet wouldn't be around much longer.
Posted on Sunday, 2 September 2001
Netherfield
The Thoughts of Three Unhappy Residents
Sunday Night
Lady Catherine de Borough
Lady Catherine de Borough paced the length of the fireplace in her chambers, all the time muttering angrily to herself. How dare her nephew propose marriage to Miss Bennet, or any other woman for that matter? He was intended for Anne - everyone could plainly see that, except for Mr. Darcy, for that matter. Lady Catherine cursed herself for not forcing him to marry Anne sooner, when his mother had given her consent to the marriage. Then this whole mess would be over with - Anne would be married and settled, and I could live in peace, thought Lady Catherine.
The question playing on Lady Catherine's mind now was who would marry her Anne? She knew very well that no man of good sense would marry her. Even with her large dowry and being the heiress to Rosing's Park, no man would wish to marry a woman who would not be able to bear children, for every man needed an heir to his estate.
There was always her other nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was the second son, and of no importance to the Fitzwilliam family, unless his elder brother died. Lady Catherine stood there for ages, trying to persuade herself that Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne should marry, but it was no use - they just were not meant for each other.
It was concluded that evening that Anne and Darcy would have to some how marry - it was the only way Lady Catherine could insure that her Anne - her sickly, pale daughter - was taken care of when Lady Catherine was no longer around. It was obvious that if Darcy did not marry Miss Bennet, he would surely do his duty and marry his cousin. But how could she get rid of Miss Bennet?
Lady Catherine understood that she had to get rid of Miss Bennet, but how? She knew that Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet would go through with the wedding - there was nothing that could dissuade Mr. Darcy from marrying this upstart country girl. The wedding would take place on Sunday, and that was fine with Lady Catherine, for wedding bonds could always be broken.
Newlyweds were always unstable - never knowing what their life partner was thinking, and being new to the role of husband and wife was the beginning of the end for most couples. Lady Catherine knew of hundreds of couples that could be easily broken up - for one thing, it was how she got her husband, Lord de Borough. A few subtle hints and comments to his first wife, and she ran off to France without ever being heard from again.
Topic of the comments was the next most important thing - money was always a good one amongst the elite class in London. Miss Bennet could easily be persuaded to believe that her husband married her for her wealth and connections, and, being as gullible as she was, Miss Bennet would probably believe it and be on the first carriage back to Meryton. Anne could conveniently be there to comfort her heartbroken cousin, and the wedding would take place just as soon and Mr. Darcy could say 'divorce'.
Anne de Borough
Anne de Borough was in very sour spirits that evening - even worse than her mother. Anne was, of course, upset over the fact that her nephew, her beloved, her diamond among stones was to be married to another. After years of dreaming, wishing, and praying, the man she loved most was never going to be hers. But that wasn't problem number one on Anne's list.
Her mother had lied to her. Anne remembered that day, about five years before, when her mother had told her, promised her, that she and her cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, would one day be wed, and unite the de Borough and Darcy lines forever. Anne had been unsure of the union at first, but had slowly grown to accept that she and her cousin were meant for each other. Two years back, Anne had grown to realize that she was in love with her handsome cousin, and realized that she not only accepted the marriage - she yearned for it to take place.
And up until now, Anne had believe that her cousin had wished the married to take place too. He had always been good and kind to her, listening to her play the piano (the few times that she did) and praising her highly on her accomplishes. Anne believed that the marriage was his idea, not her mother's, and knew that one visit he would propose.
But now this. After all her thoughts, hopes, prayers, wishes, inclinations, he was engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a nothing country girl who had the good fortune to be friends with a dying Countess. A leech, who prayed off of the wealth of others - it was disgusting to think of. And her cousin was willingly marrying this leech, which was more than Anne could bear.
She knew that somehow Miss Bennet had bewitched her cousin - that was the only way he could fall in love with her. Anne knew that she had to do something to break the two apart - for the sake of her cousin, it was necessary. But what?
Poison would always work, but Anne did not want to become a murder. Besides, murder always caught up with someone, no matter how far below it was buried. Accusations were always good, but would anyone believe that Miss Bennet had done something horrific or illegal in her past? Miss Bennet would probably just laugh and the whole town would believe she was innocent. No, those two ideas were sadly out.
Gossip was a good idea, though, thought Anne. Comments that just slip out and work their way to Miss Bennet, perhaps about Mr. Darcy marrying her for her money, or even that he had a mistress. Miss Bennet would believe them - she was the type that believed everyone, even if they had liar printed plainly on their faces.
Don't worry, Darcy, thought Anne. Soon I'll have you out of the clutches of the evil Miss Bennet, and you can marry me. And we can be together, like we belong, forever.
Miss Caroline Bingley
Miss Bingley didn't know how it could have happened. She had watched Mr. Darcy so closely, and she had never once seen any inclination that he had feelings for Miss Bennet. If she had, Caroline would have quickly made sure that his feelings were made opposite - but now they were to be married, and everything Caroline, and the other Bangles, had hoped for would never occur.
Miss Bingley couldn't let it happen. She had promised her mother she would marry Mr. Darcy, and could remember her mother's words echo in her head. 'It will be a good match,' her mother had said. 'It will insure that you live a rich life in the elite of London, even when the wealth of the Bingleys has run out.'
Miss Bingley knew that she couldn't live with her brother forever. The Bingleys had new money, and it was obvious to them and only them that the five thousand a year her brother had would slowly decrease to just three thousand a year, or even two. It had been obvious when Charles was just a toddler, and it had been obvious to Caroline when she was only six years old.
Miss Bingley didn't want to lose her place in the social crowd of London - she knew if she did, the parties and elegant affairs would be gone, along with all of the hopeful young suitors that she could lay claim to. But the only one she wanted was Mr. Darcy, and for years she had believed he wanted her too.
There had always been Anne de Borough in the way, but Caroline knew that Mr. Darcy would want nothing with her, especially when she was around. And for years, she had assumed that he wished to be her suitor. He had always been so nice and kind to her, praising her at the pianoforte and when she recited poetry at various gatherings. But now, to be engaged to the upstart Miss Bennet, would ruin everything Caroline had wanted.
Caroline was what you would call spoiled - she was the baby of the family, and was given everything that she wanted by her mother. When Caroline wanted something, no matter hat it was, she was given it. And since Caroline wanted to be the Mistress of Pemberley, she would have it.
The question was how, and the first thought was gossip. Gossip was what had gotten rid of others that went for Mr. Darcy, and gossip was what got Miss Riley and Charles engaged in the first place. A few correctly chosen comments and Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy's marriage would be down the drain sooner that you could say 'divorce'.
That night, three happy people went to sleep that evening with smiles on their faces, happy to know that a certain couple would not be together in marriage for very long.
Posted on Wednesday, 5 September 2001
You can image how the Bennets felt, and acted, when news of Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement was discovered. Mr. Bennet displayed his emotions calmly and good-naturedly, where as Mrs. Bennet proceeded to faint the moment Elizabeth told her she was engaged. But, upon wakening, Mrs. Bennet proceeded to squeal with delight for the following days, bragging so much to the neighbors, of her daughter's good fortune, that not one of them left their estates for the rest of the week.
Mrs. Darcy was also overjoyed that her son was finally getting married, although she did have some strong objections to the family of Miss Bennet. Mind you she had grown very fond of Miss Bennet, despite her previous comments and arguments, and was overjoyed at the fact that she would soon become her daughter-in-law. Mrs. Darcy just wasn't very happy with Mrs. Bennet's constant twittering and spouting of information at the wrong possible time. Elizabeth was happy that Mrs. Darcy was around - it made sure that her mother need not visit her at Pemberley and teach her how to be the Mistress of such a great estate, which was a comfort to more people than just Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet's comments were so annoying that Lydia and Kitty, who usually put up with their mother's strange antics, were often visiting Maria Lucas. Their father went along, of course - his excuse was that they needed to be closely guarded after the Wickham incident, but Elizabeth knew that her father was growing tired of his wife's silly outbursts. Elizabeth, of course, spent most of her time at Netherfield, much to the delight of Georgiana and the irritation of Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
Mr. Bennet naturally gave Darcy his consent to the marriage, after many thorough questions to make sure that he was not marrying Elizabeth for her money. Once that was settled, and the paperwork was filled out, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth wasted no time in planning for the wedding. They had decided to marry the coming Sunday, on what should have been Mr. Bingley's wedding day. Everything that had been ordered and prepared for the Bingley wedding suddenly was used for the Darcy wedding, and most everything was sorted out for the big day.
The wedding went off without a hitch - no more threats were made, and no one dared to do anything to stop the wedding. It was a very small ceremony at Longbourn Church, with only a few close family friends from the neighboring areas, including the Lucases and the Bingleys, and, of course, the Bennets and the Darcys. Mrs. Bennet was upset over the small size of the party at the wedding, for she had hoped that many rich friends from London would visit, perhaps with sons that could marry Kitty, Lydia, or even Mary. Lady Catherine did not attend the ceremony - she and Anne were gone first thing Monday morning, for they were both displeased with what had occurred concerning the marital status of her nephew. Darcy's other aunt and uncle did not attend, but offered every invitation for the newlyweds to visit them at the townhouse in London when they were next in town.
Also absent from the wedding were the Collins, and most didn't know whether to be glad or upset over that couple's absence. Jane had written to Elizabeth a few days before the ceremony, offering her apologies. Her excuse was that she needed to be in Kent, so she could learn her duties as a clergyman's wife and mistress of the house, but Elizabeth knew that Mr. Collins probably forbid Jane from coming, due to Lady Catherine's disapproval of the wedding. Elizabeth cringed every time she remember that Mr. Collins was now her brother-in-law ... and Jane's husband, as disgusting as it could be. Elizabeth wondered what Jane had done in her life that made her deserve such punishment.
Directly after the wedding, the newly wedded couple headed directly for London. An invitation was extended from Mr. Bingley to stay at Netherfield for the evening, but neither Elizabeth nor Darcy felt right spending the evening there with Caroline Bingley under the same roof. Instead the couple left for the Darcy townhouse, where they would spend their first months as a happily wedded couple.
The next two months were spent in perfect bliss. Elizabeth met Darcy's aunt and uncle, the Earl of Matlock, and his cousin, the Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth had to agree that he was a very friendly man, even if he was not very handsome, but there was something unsettling about his manner. Elizabeth had heard that he was the younger son of the family, and Elizabeth concluded that his manner was more of jealousy towards his cousin than anything else. Elizabeth had heard her father mention that her fortune would sometimes be a burden, and she supposed that this was one time that it was.
Colonel Fitzwilliam did, however, mention that he was to visit Lady Catherine in a month's time, which sparked Darcy and Elizabeth's interest in joining him, both for separate reasons. Darcy's was for his mother, who had not spoken to her sister since the incident of their marriage, and Darcy knew that she wished very greatly to speak with Lady Catherine again. Elizabeth wished to visit her sister, Jane, and see how she was doing as the new Mrs. Collins, how terrible that it was. And so, Darcy and Elizabeth visited the couple a little over two months after their wedding, which proved to be a very interesting visit.
Posted on Wednesday, 5 September 2001
"Oh, Elizabeth! I am so glad that you have come to visit me. I know that it must be so busy for you in London, but I am grateful that you have still remembered me," Jane replied softly to Elizabeth the day after she and Darcy had arrived. "It has been very boring with just Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins to speak to all day long."
"I can believe that," Elizabeth replied with a laugh. "Although it is perhaps a bit better than some of the people I've had to meet."
"Elizabeth, I am sure that they are very lovely people once you get to know them." Jane scolded, and Elizabeth laughed again. It was so good to see Jane again, like she had always been at Longbourn. Elizabeth had hoped that Mr. Collins hadn't sucked the happiness, good-naturedness, and joy out of her Jane, and it showed that her prayers had come true.
"Yes, well, that is the downfall of my marriage. I cannot stand some of the people who live near William's townhouse, and yet I have to socialize with them almost daily." Elizabeth replied with a sigh. "I still can't even believe I'm married. I refer to everything as William's - it's seems such a shock that I am to be Mistress of Pemberley and a house in town, even though I technically was the Mistress of Kennington for all of those years."
"Married life is so different than I thought it would be," Jane replied, looking out the window wistfully. "I never expected it to be like this."
"I always thought that you, at least, would marry for love rather than material things." Elizabeth added quietly, and Jane just nodded.
"Things never seem to turn out they way we think they ought to, Lizzy." Jane said softly. "I suppose Hertfortshire has gone back to the way it was, after so many weddings in such a short period of time. I can't believe it - three in one week."
"Yes, well, it wasn't quite that many." Elizabeth replied slowly, regretting that she didn't tell Jane sooner about the break up of Mr. Bingley and Miss Riley.
"What do you mean, Lizzy? I was married, you were married, and Miss Riley and Mr. Bingley were married." Jane questioned, and then a strange look came over her. "You don't mean to say that ... Mr. Bingley didn't get married?"
"I mean to tell you sooner, Jane. I honestly did, but ... I didn't quite know how to." Elizabeth answered sympathetically, and Jane just turned pale.
"How long?" Jane whispered, barely being heard by Elizabeth.
"He broke it off the day you married Mr. Collins. It turned out that Miss Riley was only using him to get to Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth added, and Jane just shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jane."
"It's not your fault, Elizabeth."
"But I suspected it! I suspected from the very beginning that Miss Riley did not love Mr. Bingley, and by the time I told someone, it was too late!" Elizabeth cried unhappily, and Jane just sighed.
"Elizabeth, it is not your fault, so don't blame yourself. I wouldn't do anything differently - I swear to you." Jane said, trying to convince Elizabeth of her happiness, but failing miserably.
"Jane, I can plainly see that you are unhappy with your marriage, and it pains me to see you so. Can't you write and try to have the marriage annulled somehow?" Elizabeth questioned. "Or run off with Mr. Bingley to France?" Elizabeth added, causing the two girls to laugh.
"Elizabeth, even if I could, I can't. I can't leave Mr. Collins now, or ever." Jane replied solemnly. "Elizabeth, I'm pregnant. I can't just run off with Mr. Collins' child, now can I?"
"Oh, Jane..."
"It wouldn't be right - a child deserves to know its father, and grow up in a happy family. I can't take that away from my baby now." Jane added forcefully. "I can't make it illegitimate before it's even born, and ruin its chance for a good life and happiness in the world."
"Jane, I agree with you, as horrible as it is for you to stay here with Mr. Collins. But Jane, it does make me very ill to see you so unhappy." Elizabeth lied through her teeth, trying to hold back the anger at Mr. Collins.
"Elizabeth, I chose to marry Mr. Collins - it was my decision, and I said 'yes' to his proposals. There is no one but myself to blame for my choice, and I have to live with the results of my choices." Jane replied, standing up quickly to ring the bell for tea. Elizabeth nodded slowly, but it really did pain her to see Jane like this. Hopefully, somehow, something would occur that would allow Mr. Collins and Jane to break apart, so that Jane could be with Mr. Bingley. Hopefully the death of Mr. Collins, thought Elizabeth selfishly and cruelly, so that no one else will have to suffer the fate of being Mrs. William Collins. Bleech.
Posted on Friday, 7 September 2001
London
Darcy Townhouse
One Year Later
A lot happened over the first year of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage. The Darcys proved to be very close in their marriage, and were said by neighbors to be the perfect couple - young, rich, happy, and in love. They spend most of their time at Pemberley, spending only a month at Elizabeth's estate, Kennington, during April. Elizabeth gave birth to their first child and heir, a son named William George, exactly one year and one month after the couple was married, which to the happy parents was the perfect (late) anniversary gift.
Georgiana and Mrs. Darcy kept up permanent residence at Pemberley, but often came to London to stay when Darcy and Elizabeth were there. Georgiana became the perfect aunt to her new little nephew, and finally came out that summer, much to the worry of her mother, brother, and new sister. Mrs. Darcy tried to play her part as the loving grandmother, but could sometimes be very controlling and demanding on how William was to be raised, which upset Elizabeth greatly.
Unfortunately, to the dismay of many, nothing happened to Mr. Collins during the first year and two months of his marriage to Jane, although he did almost suffer a heart attack when his children were born. Jane gave birth a little over nine months after their wedding to twin girls, much to the happiness of Jane that the babies were healthy, and deep down that she had two little daughters to be just like her. Jane named them Catherine Mary and Elizabeth Lydia, after her sisters, even though Mr. Collins boasted to Lady Catherine that the eldest, Catherine, was in name sake of his noble patroness.
Both Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine were upset and greatly displeased over the fact that no heir was born, and that no only one, but two daughters had been born. It had even been heard amongst the servants that Lady Catherine had mentioned to Mr. Collins many times about having the marriage annulled, but Mr. Collins wasn't going to break up with his beautiful wife so easily. He wasn't sure he would ever find another beautiful woman who would accept his proposals, and decided to stay put in his marriage. Lady Catherine, however, made hints that God was unhappy with his wife, which was why he punished the Collins with two girls, and Anne just laughed at the misfortune the Collinses were going through.
Anne de Borough and Caroline Bingley were still unmarried - both still held onto the fact that Mr. Darcy could break off his marriage to Elizabeth, since there was no longer a need for a wife like her, since an heir to the Darcy line had so unfortunately been provided. Caroline had remained close to Georgiana, and was always coming for visits when the family was in London. Anne, on the other hand, had not spoken to the Darcys since their visit to Kent the previous year, but was still plotting the perfect plan in her head, and waiting for the right time to unleash it.
Do not forget about Mr. Bingley during this time - he was still alive, still around, although he remained guarded and quiet. Mr. Bingley sold Netherfield a month or so after Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage, and bought an estate only twenty miles from Pemberley, so that he could remain close to his friend. Mr. Bingley was not as sociable as he used to be, and was guarded in who he met, but did manage to meet a young lady during a party in London.
It was most certainly not love, although the two were merely attracted to each other. It was openly said that the two married for material reasons - both looking to increase their wealth by a good marriage, and the rumors were not denied by either family. So, one beautiful spring day, about six months or so after Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage, Mr. Bingley married Miss Delia Woodright, and with it came a dowry of twenty - five thousand pounds. The two played the happy couple, while just being glad that they did not remain single for the rest of their lives, and that they were both very comfortably situated in life.
The Bennets continued to live at Longbourn - not as happily as before, but almost. Lydia and Kitty were almost immediately sent to two good schools for young women - separate ones, of course - by their father to curb their behavior. Kitty began making rapid improvements without her sister around, but Lydia stayed the same, although her wild temperament began to become more tame. Mrs. Bennet had suffered a stroke shortly after Elizabeth's marriage, and had lost her hearing completely. Mary had the task of staying with her mother, and being a companion to her father, although the two of them were quite opposites.
Life was pretty much normal for the Darcy family - nothing out of the unusual happened, and the family was as happy as one could be. Darcy was usually busy with business, or going out to a club with one of his close acquaintances. Elizabeth was busy with William, for taking care of an almost two month old little boy was hard work. Elizabeth often felt sympathetic to her elder sister, for she had to take care of two five month old little girls, and Jane didn't have the help of a nurse.
That day, however, the Darcys got the shock of their life - but they would not know that at first. The day was like any other in early January - a light snow covered the ground outside, and the chilly London air nipped at the passers by the window. Darcy and Elizabeth were enjoying a quite afternoon at home, reading by the fire, with little William sleeping by Elizabeth. Georgiana was also at the townhouse, but was busy practicing on the pianoforte in another part of the house.
The first confusion of the day was when the Darcys' butler came into the room to announce a guest. This was odd, for the Darcys were not expecting anyone to visit them during that cold, bleak day, and both were silently praying that it was not Caroline Bingley on another one of her conquest visits. And the second shock of the day was seeing Jane rush into the room, both arms filled with her two daughters, and Jane's face being a mask of tears, confusion, and wonder.
"Jane? Whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth asked, running over to her sister and taking one of her nieces out of her sister's arms. Jane just sat down in the chair closest to her and burst into tears, and Darcy and Elizabeth patiently waited until Jane was finished crying.
"Jane, whatever is wrong?" Elizabeth asked again, and Jane just shook her head. "Jane, I know something must be wrong, or you would not be here alone. Where is Mr. Collins?"
"He's gone, Lizzie. I came back from a visit in town, and he was gone!" Jane sobbed with confusion, as Elizabeth and Darcy both exchanged a confused look.
"Are you sure, Jane? Perhaps he has just gone off to visit another church, or something reasonable like that." Elizabeth questioned, and Jane once again shook her head.
"He left me ... a ... a note that the housekeeper gave to me. It said that ... that I was to leave his house immediately, and never come back." Jane replied, as tears dripped down her cheeks. "But the worst part was that he ... he said that our children weren't his, and that he never wanted to see those illegitimate girls ever again." Elizabeth just gasped out in horror at what her sister had said, and Darcy walked over to the window and looked out it as if he was looking for the answer to the problem.
"Jane ... I'm so sorry." Elizabeth said quietly.
"How could he do that to them? They're his flesh and blood, and yet he refuses to make them known as his children! How could he just leave me ... leave our happy family?" Jane cried. "They're illegitimate in the eyes of the world, and no man will want anything to do with me, or my children now!"
"Jane, I'm sure that this is all a misunderstanding, and that Mr. Collins and you will be able to work this out." Elizabeth replied calmly.
"This is all my fault! Why did I ever agree to marry him! Why did I give up my dreams to be Mr. William Collins?" moaned Jane.
"Jane, you have to be strong - you have to get through this! You have to do it for your daughters - they can go on without their father, but not without their mother!" Elizabeth argued firmly, and Jane nodded. "Besides, you can say with William and myself until this whole mess has been sorted out."
"Thank you Lizzy. But I must ask you to promise not to tell Papa about this whole mess. I don't want to worry him - he has mother to look after now, and I would just be another burden to him." Jane replied with a small smile through her tears, and both Darcy and Elizabeth nodded in reply.
Meanwhile, Darcy was thinking of what he could do about this whole mess - there had to be something. He would have to track down Mr. Collins and find out why he had just suddenly left his wife and children. But he would need help, and he knew exactly who could help him. Mr. Collins wasn't going to get away with this act, and Darcy would make sure of that.
Posted on Friday, 14 September 2001
Inn
Cheapside, London
Tuesday
Mr. Darcy's information had lead the men on a wild goose chase, and when they finally got the correct information, it was too late at night to pursue Mr. Collins any further, without their wives (actually, only Elizabeth) wondering where they had gone off to. The next morning, the two men set off to a small Inn in Cheapside, in a very run down part of town. Mr. Darcy doubted very highly that Mr. Collins would stay in such a place, but then again, Mr. Collins appeared that he didn't want to be found, so anything was possible. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy stayed close together, for many people on the sidewalks were looking at the two men very viciously, and both were afraid deep down of what the greedy people could do to them.
Mr. Darcy had other things on his mind, besides finding Mr. Collins. He was busy thinking about the cold manner in which Elizabeth had spoken to him the night before. Mr. Darcy supposed she was just mad at him for not being there when Anne visited, and he had apologized thoroughly, but Elizabeth had still been mad at him in the morning. She was very persistent in knowing where he was going, and looked at him in disbelief when he told her he was going to the Bingleys. Mr. Darcy just didn't know what was going on with the Bennet girls lately.
Mr. Darcy was just hoping that he would be able to find Mr. Collins and persuade him to take Jane back. Between Jane's blubberings and sobbings, and her two children crying every second of the day, Mr. Darcy was almost ready to throw them out of his house, even if they were family. Besides, Jane spent most of her time sleeping, gossiping, and, as already mentioned, crying, and left the responsibility of caring for her children to either Elizabeth, Georgiana, or William's nanny, and acting as if she didn't want her children anymore. It worried Mr. Darcy greatly that Jane would run off one afternoon and leave Mr. Collins' children with the Darcys, and Mr. Darcy didn't particularly want to take care of those two.
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley walked briskly up to the innkeeper, who looked at the two men as if he had never seen anyone from the London elite visit his inn before. The innkeeper looked ready to pounce at any moment, and Darcy decided to speak with him, as Bingley was feeling very angry at that moment and Darcy was afraid he would do something rash.
"We're here to see Mr. William Collins, who I believe is staying at this inn." Mr. Darcy replied formally, and the innkeeper just raised his eyebrows.
"There's no Mr. Collins here, sir. Now be gone with you," the innkeeper said gruffly, while Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley exchanged a look. Mr. Bingley, in return, placed a few pounds on the table and slid them over to the innkeeper.
"My friend said we were here to see Mr. William Collins. Now where is he?" Mr. Bingley replied angrily.
"He's here, but he doesn't want to be disturbed, sirs." the innkeeper replied, scooping up the pounds as quickly as he could, as if he was afraid they would disappear. Mr. Darcy placed a few more pounds on the table and glared at the innkeeper.
"What room is Mr. Collins in?" Mr. Darcy grumbled.
"Room 4. Just down that hallway, the second door to your right, sirs. But you don't hear it from me, understood." the innkeeper replied calmly. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley just looked at each other, and walked down the hallway, hoping that the information the innkeeper had given them was valid. The came to a dark oak door, with a faded number four painted on it, and Mr. Darcy banged on the door with ample force. The two men heard some mutterings from inside, and the door quickly opened to reveal Mr. Collins standing there, looking disheveled, and shocked to see his brother-in-law there.
"Mr. ... Mr. Darcy. How good to see you again." Mr. Collins replied quickly, darting his eyes to the window.
"Mr. Collins. My friend and I are here to speak with you on a very important matter. May we come in?" Mr. Darcy replied, as Mr. Bingley barged into the musty room.
"Of course, but I don't know what you'd wish to speak to me about." Mr. Collins lied, and Mr. Bingley just glared at him. Darcy opened his mouth to speak calmly, but Bingley, unable to control his anger, lashed out.
"We want to know why you, the dog you are, threw your wife and two children out of your house, and called you two angels of daughters illegitimate!" Mr. Bingley shouted, and Mr. Collins cringed and ducked.
"Sir, I never mean any disrespect to Miss Bennet, but I could not stay with her anymore." Mr. Collins mumbled in reply.
"Why? WHY did you leave her!" Mr. Bingley argued back. "Did you realize she was too good for you! Had to ruin her chances of ever being happy in a marriage!"
"Mr. Bingley, I really do not wish to go into the details of why I left Miss Bennet, but I will tell you that I had a very good reason for doing so," Mr. Collins replied humbly, his eyes darting towards the door at every syllable.
"You'd better, you rat!" Mr. Bingley yelled, and Mr. Darcy threw him a silencing look.
"What is that reason, Mr. Collins? You'd better tell us, or we'll find a way to throw you in jail. No matter if you're my wife's sister's husband, and the father of my nieces." Mr. Darcy said calmly, and Mr. Collins sighed.
"You see, Mr. Darcy, I was married long before I married Miss Bennet. Her name was Miss Diane Allen, and together we had two girls, and a boy who died a few days after his birth. About three years before I married Jane, she took our children and left. I heard from her mother a year later, and she stated that Miss Allen had died and that she was taking care of our children." Mr. Collins confessed, and Mr. Darcy nodded. "So I began to look for another wife - a wife who could give me a son. I must have a son, if I am to inherit Longbourn, for I wish to keep the estate in the family."
"You married Miss Bennet. That is understandable." Mr. Darcy added, and Mr. Collins nodded.
"Yes, and she unfortunately gave me two daughters. But then, last week, I heard a rumor that a Miss Diane Allen was still alive, and I set forth to see if the rumor was true," Mr. Collins stated. "That is why I am in London - to find my wife, and continue to be her husband. She will give me a son - she did before, but he unfortunately was not healthy and died. But this is God's will, for me to find her again."
"So you left your wife for a rumor?" Mr. Bingley spat, and Mr. Collins nodded.
"I suppose you may say that, yes, I did. I believe she is still alive, and I will find her." Mr. Collins said nobly. "Jane Bennet was never good enough to be the wife of a clergyman, especially coming from a family like hers. She has her looks, I will grant you that, but that is all. I would have at least expected her to give me a son, and not those two loud-mouthed brats instead."
"How dare you call her children that! Do you know what you are doing to your two daughters? They will now be deemed illegitimate! Are you willing to do that to your own flesh and blood." Mr. Bingley roared in anger.
"They are not my concern anymore. My concern right now is to find my wife, and, if she is still alive, it will mean that Jane was nothing more than my mistress, and she can deal with her little brats on her own." Mr. Collins spat, and Mr. Bingley looked about ready to wring his neck. Darcy, however, stepped in before Bingley could.
"Mr. Collins, don't you believe that you are being a bit too hasty in your decision? It is only a rumor, and remember that Miss Allen's mother wrote to you herself about your first wife's death." Mr. Darcy replied calmly, and Mr. Collins shook his head.
"It is quite possible that it was a lie, since she was always against Diane and myself's marriage. You see, she was quite upset that we did not visit her as often as she wished us to, which to her was once a month for a week. As a clergyman, I was quite unable to do so, but Mrs. Allen never understood that," Mr. Collins confessed. "Mrs. Allen finally was able to brainwash her daughter into leaving me, and it would not be above her to lie openly to me about her daughter, in the means to keep us apart."
"Mr. Collins, I ask you now to go back to your wife, and your two daughters. They are real, and your rumor is only a rumor, and nothing more." Mr. Darcy pleaded, and Bingley shot him a deathly look.
"God's will will take me where I need to go, and right now that is to find my Diane. It may be possible that she is not alive, and then I will go from there. But for now, I must go to my Diane." Mr. Collins added finally, and Darcy and Bingley decided to leave at that moment.
Both were in the worst of spirits after their discussion with Mr. Collins. Mr. Bingley, although happy that Jane was no longer married to Mr. Collins, was angry at Mr. Collins for calling his children 'illegitimate' and 'brats'. Mr. Bingley kept wishing that he had never married Delia, for all he wanted was to marry Jane Bennet as soon as possible. Mr. Darcy was upset because it seemed that the Darcy family would never get rid of Jane and her daughters, whom Darcy did not think would be the best influence on his son and any future children.
Meanwhile, at the Darcy townhouse
"Father? Whatever are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked in shock, as she saw her father standing in the doorway of the sitting room. She and Jane had been in there, Elizabeth doing her needlepoint while Jane moaned and wailed about how terrible her life was. Elizabeth was using all the restraint she had not to throw her sister, and her two bratty girls, out of the Darcy house. But seeing her father in the doorway made Elizabeth's thoughts come to a stop.
"I came for a surprise visit, although it seems that I am not the only one." Mr. Bennet relied with a laugh, and Jane's face went pale. "Although you don't seem very happy to see me, Jane. Where is Mr. Collins?" Jane, at that comment, burst back into tears.
"He's gone." Jane wailed, burring her head in her hands while sobbing.
"Gone? Gone where?" Mr. Bennet asked confused, with a touch of anger on his voice.
"He ... left ... left me and our children, and said they weren't his! I'm a disgrace now, father, and no one will want to marry a girl without a husband and with two illegitimate children." Jane sobbed in reply.
"He said what!" Mr. Bennet yelled. "That man will not get away with this! I will hunt him down, and force him to stay with you. And if he will not, then we'll just have to annul this marriage, for I will not have a daughter of mine with that ... pig!" Elizabeth just sat there, looking down at her needlepoint, hoping that that wasn't the only annulment that would take place in the Bennet family.
Posted on Sunday, 16 September 2001
Bingley's Townhouse
London
Tuesday Evening
"Where exactly have you been, Charles?" Delia angrily grunted, her hands on her hips and her eyes blazing with anger. Bingley averted the gaze, for he was afraid he would turn to stone if he looked at her any further.
"I went out, with Darcy." Bingley replied quietly, walking over to pour himself a drink.
"Well, you could have told me that in the first place. The girls came over for tea this afternoon, and all of them wanted to know where you were. I do say, they are the most gossiping, brown nosing bunch I have ever met," Delia twitted, and Bingley just sighed.
"Then why are you friends with them?" Bingley asked sarcastically, and Delia shot him another look.
"At least I'm looking out for us, and trying to push our name into society more," Delia replied angrily. "If I were you, I'd be trying to raise your fortune back up to five thousand, rather than following Darcy around like his shadow. He doesn't need to raise his fortunes - lord knows he already has twelve thousand a year, plus his wife's huge dowry, not a measly little three thousand a year from the Bingley name, and still dwindling downwards."
"Delia, you know that I've been trying to raise up my fortunes for the past year, but with the economy so unstable ..." Bingley retorted.
"It only seems to be unstable for you, Charles. Everyone else is getting wealthy off of it. You should have seen the diamond Amelia Hornswipe got from her husband - I swear, it was at least twenty karats!" Delia sighed. "For once, I'd like to be able to show off a piece of jewelry like that."
"Delia, I really don't need this right now." Bingley argued, but Delia just rambled on.
"You'd never guess what your sister told me, either. It seems that Mrs. Darcy's eldest sister is back in town, without her husband. Seems to me that he finally got tired of that old teapot." Delia said with a laugh. "I wouldn't be surprised - I'd die of pain if I'd had two screaming brats."
"Delia, you've said quite enough on this subject." Bingley added quietly.
"Oh yes, you and you're fancy for Mrs. Collins. I forgot about that. Somehow, I don't believe that you were out with Darcy." Delia inquired haughtily, and Bingley cringed.
"I was with Darcy - ask him yourself." Bingley retorted, and Delia just laughed.
"You were probably off on one of your hero rides. For goodness sakes, you were probably off looking for Mrs. Collins' husband, like he'd ever come back," Delia laughed, and when she saw Bingley look away, she knew that it was true.
"I don't get you, Charles. Why on earth would you want to look out for a little nothing like her. She's not even from a good family. I'll grant you that her sister, Mrs. Darcy, actually made something with her life - sometimes I forget that she only had money for six years, and not her whole life." Delia prattled. "But why you take such an interest in that girl is beyond me."
"Not everything in life is about you, Delia. For once in your life, just drop the subject." Bingley shouted, and Delia looked at him in shock.
"This is a strange world we live in, when my husband shows more attention to a married, poor woman than to his own wife! Well, Mr. Charles Bingley, I am sick of your attitude!" Delia argued angrily.
"My attitude, Delia? You're the one with the problem with everything I do!" Bingley retorted.
"Well, maybe that's because you're a nothing. When I married you, I thought you'd at least become something - raise the family fortune, be the socialite of the town's elite, but I suppose I was wrong!" Delia shouted. "I should have listened to my parents, and not married you. But I did, and I'm unhappy with our marriage, and I want a divorce."
"You ... what?" Bingley said, in shock, for he hadn't seen that coming.
"I want a divorce. I've met someone else, and we wish to marry ... soon." Delia replied calmly. "He's a Lord, with a fortune of fifteen thousand a year, besides the fact that we're madly in love."
"Where'd you meet him?" Bingley croaked out.
"At a party, at the Weelrights, one that you so unfortunately had to miss." Delia added with a happy grin on her face.
"Delia, don't you believe we should think this over, before we get to hasty with a divorce?" Bingley said shortly.
"Father's already prepared the papers. His lawyer will be by tomorrow morning, and you can sign them, give me back my dowry, and I'll be gone my noon. All of my things are packed, and it will make the divorce nice and quietly like. Richard and I will be married by this weekend, and you can go back to your little Mrs. Collins and take care of her brats for her." Delia laughed.
"Delia, I won't stand for this - we can't just get a divorce!" Bingley argued.
"For one you're actually worried about your fortune, aren't you. You know that our divorce will dwindle the Bingley name even further into despair. I'm sorry, but I will not have anything to do with this marriage anymore." Delia said with a sigh. "I hope you and Mrs. Collins are really happy, Charles."
With that, Delia walked back up the stairs to her room, where she slammed the door. Bingley cringed at the sound, wondering where his marriage had gone wrong. True, he would now be free - free to marry Mrs. Collins, as soon as she got an annulment. If she got an annulment. But still, marrying her would have no gain to his fortune, which is what he needed right now. So what would triumph - money or love? Somehow, Bingley could tell this would be a long night.
Darcy Townhouse
London
Tuesday Evening
Elizabeth was not in a good mood when Darcy returned home that evening. She had spent the day consoling a weeping Jane, who was currently upstairs, lounging about and eating chocolates, while Elizabeth and Georgiana took care of her neglected children. Sometimes Elizabeth wondered how some people could be mothers, and that included Jane. Elizabeth did love her sister, but knew that she had somehow changed over the past two years.
Mr. Bennet had spent the day talking to various lawyers, trying to find some way to annul the marriage between Jane and Mr. Collins. They had all told him the same thing - Mr. Collins had to sign the papers, and since there was no sign of Mr. Collins, it was a hopeless case. Also, Mr. Collins had to file for the annulment, and have a good reason to, for any divorce to take place. Mr. Bennet had come home to tell Jane this, who in turn had a fit of nerves. Elizabeth, on the other hand, tried not to get a migraine from all of the screaming.
As you can see, Elizabeth was not pleased when Darcy strolled in, a good hour after dinner, truly suprised to see Elizabeth still mad at him.
"Where have you been all day?" Elizabeth questioned, her lips pursed together.
"Bingley and I went out for a bit, dear." Darcy replied calmly, as if nothing was wrong.
"Well, it's nice to know that you got some time off, while I was here taking care of Jane's two bratty girls while Jane lolled about eating chocolate and moaning about how bad off she was. I swear, I can't wait until we go back to Pemberley or Bath, just to give me so peace and quiet," Elizabeth stated bluntly.
"I'm sorry to hear that about your sister, dear," Darcy replied shortly, and Elizabeth just narrowed her eyes at him and rambled on.
"My father arrived today too, and you can imagine how shocked he was to find Jane here, husband less. He's been off trying to figure out a way for the two's marriage to be annulled, but has gotten nowhere. I told him that you'd help him tomorrow, since you had some connections with lawyers in the area." Elizabeth added.
"Oh, I'll be glad to see him again, although I've already made plans with Bingley for tomorrow," Darcy answered quietly. He had promised Bingley that they would talk to Mr. Collins again about coming back to Jane, before Mr. Collins skipped out of town. Elizabeth was not happy with this response.
"You've been spending so much time with Bingley that I hardly ever see you anymore. Surely you two can miss one day of each other's company." Elizabeth asked angrily, and Darcy shook his head.
"We have some very important business to take care of, that can not wait any longer," Darcy replied shortly, and Elizabeth just sighed.
"Really? What kind of business?" Elizabeth pressed on, determined to get an answer out of her husband, whether or not it was the answer she was looking for.
"I really don't want to go into the details, dear. It's very boring work, and you probably wouldn't understand it." Darcy added, opening up the newspaper and beginning to read from the headlines.
"Really? Try me. I can understand loads of things, Darcy, or did you think I was a brainless twit?" Elizabeth retorted, and Darcy looked at her stunned, wondering where all of her questions were coming from.
"Look, Elizabeth, I know that you're very tired and stressed out from your sister's visit, but I would rather not talk to you about my business right now," Darcy said solemnly, as he headed towards the door.
"Just tell me this - does she know you're married, or does she believe you to be a single bachelor?" Elizabeth shouted after him, and Darcy stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly, confused and dazed at her question.
"WHAT? What do you mean, does she know we're married? Who are you talking about?" Darcy argued back, and Elizabeth just laughed.
"Anne told me all about you, so don't play daft with me. I know you've got some mistress out in London that you're not telling me about." Elizabeth argued back angrily. "I just wanted to know if she knows about me, or does she think you're actually going to marry her?"
"Elizabeth, I don't know what you're talking about, since I don't have a mistress." Darcy replied through clenched teeth.
"I know that all men take up mistresses when their wives are expecting. I had a first hand account from your cousin, Fitzwilliam, and I do believe she knows something about London," Elizabeth said firmly.
"Anne is just angry and jealous that I married you instead of her, and that's all. I have never had a mistress, nor will I ever take one, Elizabeth, and you know that. Whatever made you believe Anne over myself, I'll never know," Darcy denied.
"Somehow I just don't believe you. If you weren't with a mistress, then where were you these past days?" Elizabeth snorted.
"Elizabeth, I can't say - it's personal business. But I promise you, I was not with another woman. I swear it on my father's grave, for heaven's sake!" Darcy argued.
"How am I suppose to believe you when you won't give me any reason to? Honestly, I'm really starting to believe Anne." Elizabeth said with a sigh. "But how could you do this to me? To William, for gosh sakes! He's not even 6 months old and you've already broken apart his family!"
"Elizabeth, I swear I am telling you the truth! I was not with a mistress, nor was I ever!" Darcy shouted back.
"Fine - you can lie all you want to, but it's not going to make a difference. When you're ready to tell me the truth, I'll be upstairs in my room," Elizabeth replied, turning on her heel and walking up the stairs to her room. Darcy could hear the door slam, which was an achievement since it was quite a distance away from the sitting room. The slammed door, of course, caused Jane's two daughters to start crying again, and Darcy was certain he could hear the loud moaning of Jane in the mixture.
Darcy wasn't sure what to do. He couldn't just let Elizabeth go on thinking that he had a mistress, and was shocked that she couldn't see through Anne's schemes to break the two apart, which were so obvious it was blinding. But he couldn't tell her that he had seen Mr. Collins, or Mr. Bennet would be in Cheapside immediately, trying to prove that he was Superman or something, and that he was the only one who could look after his daughters. Darcy knew that he was darned if he did, and darned if he didn't. Just which darned did he want to be at that moment, he didn't know - but he'd have to figure it out soon, before Elizabeth did something drastic and packed her bags for good.
Elizabeth sat on her bed and looked at the clock over her fireplace. She watched the minute hand move slowly around the clock's face, as first half and hour passed, then an hour, and then almost reached an hour and a half. Elizabeth felt like venturing downstairs to see where Darcy was - perhaps he had gone back to his mistress. Elizabeth knew that if he didn't come up, it was obvious that she was right, but what if she wasn't?
"Yes? Come in." Elizabeth replied cheerfully, and Darcy came into the room, looking very grave and distraught.
"I decided to tell you the truth." Darcy said quietly, and Elizabeth looked at him curiously, wondering what he had to say. What if he admits it? thought Elizabeth. She always had a suspicion, but Elizabeth didn't think she could handle it if William came right out and told her he had a mistress.
"Well, I'm listening," Elizabeth replied firmly.
Darcy sighed."See, Bingley would probably be mad that I'm telling you this, because we know that you'd tell your father and he'd place all of the responsibility on his shoulders. But I suppose I have to, since it's come down to this." Darcy began, and Elizabeth nodded. "But I want you to promise me that you will not tell your father what I'm telling you, until either Bingley or I do. Agreed?"
"Agreed. You may continue," Elizabeth added regally, raising her chin defiantly.
"You see, after your sister came to stay with us, Bingley and I went off to look for Mr. Collins. We found him staying at an inn in Cheapside, where we spoke to him this afternoon," Darcy replied, and Elizabeth looked at him with wide eyes.
"You spoke with Mr. Collins? I must tell Jane this!" Elizabeth said, getting up to go towards the door, but Darcy stopped her.
"You cannot. Not yet, at least, since we have no good news for her," Darcy added stiffly.
"Well, what did he tell you?" Elizabeth questioned.
"He said that he had heard a rumor that his first wife was still alive, so he is off looking for her. I do believe that he plans on divorcing Jane, somehow." Darcy answered.
"His first wife?" Elizabeth asked, her brow furrowed. "I never knew he was married."
"Neither did I, but I suppose so. Why else would he leave Jane?" Darcy replied exasperatedly.
"I must get my father - he can hunt down Mr. Collins and make him come back to Jane. Which Inn did you say he was staying at?" Elizabeth asked hurriedly.
"I didn't, and I won't. If you remember, you promised me that you wouldn't tell your father what I told you." Darcy said firmly. Elizabeth just gasped at him.
"Why not? This is something he needs to know! I can't believe that you're being so selfish at a time like this!" Elizabeth argued.
"Because I am sick and tired of your father butting into everything, then being praised for acting like a saint!" Darcy replied. "Every time a family crisis comes up, Bingley and I always figure out what to do, and then we blindly tell your father, and he takes all of the credit."
"Fitz......." Elizabeth started. "We have to at least tell Jane this, if not my father."
"I'll give you that at least. We can tell her now, if you'd like." Darcy added quietly, and Elizabeth nodded. As they both began to walk towards the door, Elizabeth stopped and cleared her throat, causing Darcy to look at her.
"Fitz, I'm sorry about what I said to you earlier - I should have know better than to believe Anne over you." Elizabeth said, tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's okay, Lizzy." Darcy said with a smile, putting an arm around her, as the two walked down towards the sitting room. On the way there, they encountered the butler.
"Sir, Mister Bingley stopped by a moment or two ago. He spoke with the Mrs. Collins for a while, and then said he would return tomorrow to speak with you." the Butler said with a bow.
"I wonder what Charles could want?" Darcy asked out loud, as they walked into the sitting room to see a very happy Jane sitting there.
"Jane! It's good to see you looking so bright and healthy," Elizabeth said happily. "I understand you and Mr. Bingley were having a very good chat."
"Oh, Lizzy! I'm so happy! Mr. Bingley told me that he talked Mr. Collins into filing for an annulment as soon as possible! And Mr. Bingley also told me that he and his wife are filing for an annulment, and asked me to marry him as soon as both divorces are finalized! We'll hopefully be married by the end of the month!" Jane replied joyfully.
"Jane! I'm so happy for you," Elizabeth said, reaching down to hug her sister.
"He said that he'd always loved me, and wished he could have stopped my marriage to Mr. Collins. He told me that he died the day he thought he'd lost me! Have you ever heard anything so sweet?" Jane replied, tears streaming down her face.
Elizabeth was too happy to express it in words at that moment. Jane was finally to marry Mr. Bingley, as soon as both were freed from their current life partners. Jane's children would have Mr. Bingley as a father, and would not be deemed illegitimate. Everything was too perfect, tho perfect, thought Elizabeth. Almost too perfect.