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CHAPTER 13

Posted on Friday, 25 March 2005

Surprised at the request for yet another pot of coffee for the breakfast buffet, Mrs. Hodges decided to go up herself and take stock of the situation. The Colonel always had at least two cups, and yes, Mr. Bingley was still in the house, but she had filled the large urn not twenty minutes ago! How much coffee could they possibly drink? Had extra guests arrived? And if so, why had she not been informed?

She donned a clean apron, tucked her graying curls into her small white cap, and discreetly made her way into the dining room. It was unusual for her to be there, to be sure, but nevertheless, she didn’t expect the kind of reception she received.

“Dear Mrs. Hodges,” said Bingley excitedly. “Just the lady I wanted to speak to! First, let me thank you for making Mrs. Ravensworth so welcome in your kitchen. You see, we are as well informed about the goings on below stairs, as you are of the goings on upstairs!” he jested.

“Now allow me to introduce you to my bride to be. Mrs. Hodges,” he said, giving her the deference of age, “This is Miss Jane Bennet. Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy’s splendid cook, Mrs. Hodges.” The ladies smiled and curtsied as Bingley continued. “I hope you’ll be able to spare Mrs. Ravensworth today because I would like to introduce her to her new mistress and send them off to purchase the items necessary to stock the kitchen of our new home. They’ll be starting from scratch, I’m afraid, but I suppose there are advantages in that, too – everything will be new and up to date.”

Mrs. Hodges smiled. She wanted to say that all these new fangled kitchen devices were not necessarily better than their older counterparts, but of course, she kept those thoughts to herself. “I shall send Mrs. Ravensworth up to you immediately, Mr. Bingley. But first allow me to wish you joy and say how happy I am for you both! Actually, I now realize that this wonderful news is a blessing for my Master and future Mistress, as well. Two such good friends, wedded to two such lovely sisters! What a happy foursome you shall be!” She smiled admiringly at Elizabeth, whom she already adored, and then nodded amiably at the older lady who stood beside her.

Elizabeth stepped forward, gesturing towards her aunt. “Aunt Gardiner, this is the famous Mrs. Hodges; Mrs. Hodges, my Aunt Madeline Gardiner. We have decided to make this shopping trip an entertaining excursion for us all, Mrs. Hodges. Even Miss Darcy is coming along to learn about knives and saucepans and nut grinders. The shops on this list have been recommended to us,” said Elizabeth, handing it to her,” but I wish you would give us your suggestion. Of course, Mrs. Ravensworth may have her own favorites.”

Mrs. Hodges skimmed the list and smiled. “These are all very reputable places, Miss Bennet. I do prefer Roaldings, though one can’t get everything there. But as all the shops are relatively close, you will be able to go from one to the other and find everything you need between them. Enjoy your outing,” she said curtsying, and retreated towards the door. A wicked little thought had entered her head a moment earlier, and she was anxious to have a bit of fun at the expense of her new friend, Mrs. Ravensworth.

“Mrs. Ravensworth,” she called when she reached the bottom of the stairs. “You might wish to freshen up a bit and put a clean apron on. Mr. Bingley has asked to see you and I believe he is going to ask you to return to his service.” The muscles of her face ached to laugh, but she kept her amusement hidden.

“Oh, Agnes,” said Mrs. Ravensworth, clutching her friend’s hand. “Whatever shall I say to him? I thought he understood that I simply had to leave! But then, how can I refuse that dear, sweet man? He has always been so good to me! Oh, dear! She will be even worse than before! She will think that I have come crawling back and take advantage of me at every turn! Why is Mr. Darcy allowing this to happen!” she suddenly snapped. “I expected better from him! Truly!”

She stormed up the stairs indignantly, smudges of flour still on her cheek. Mrs. Hodges wanted to stop her, but if she opened her mouth, more than words would slip out! She pursed her lips tightly and waited for the door at the top of the stairs to close before dissolving into laughter. What a wonderful beginning to the day!

As the door swung closed behind her, Mrs. Ravensworth reined in her anger and took some deep breaths. Remembering that she had done nothing to make herself more presentable, she took off her soiled apron and smoothed back her hair. Was her face clean? She rubbed it roughly with a clean corner of the apron bringing the color back into her cheeks, and then discarded it back behind the door. Straightening her shoulders and raising her chin, she prepared to present herself to Mr. Bingley.

“Mrs. Ravensworth!” exclaimed Bingley warmly. The pieces of his life were miraculously coming together and he was in excellent spirits.

“Mr. Bingley,” she curtsied.

“Well, I suppose Mrs. Hodges told you what I have in mind? I have found you a new mistress and a new domicile. I believe both will meet with your approval! Allow me to introduce you.” Mr. Bingley turned, and putting his arm around the waist of the beautiful young lady who had been so mistreated by Miss Bingley only a few days earlier, brought her forward and said, “Miss Jane Bennet, this is my very talented and most devoted cook, Mrs.Ravensworth. Mrs. Ravensworth, Miss Jane Bennet – soon to be Mrs. Charles Bingley and your new mistress.”

Mrs. Ravensworth nearly fainted! Though lightheaded, she managed to smile and exclaim her surprise and pleasure. “May G-d bless you both,” said murmured.

“And the thing is, Mrs. Ravensworth, the cupboard is bare, so to speak,” chuckled Bingley, “So if you would accompany Miss Bennet and her family to the shops today, you ladies can make quick work of getting at least one room of the house well equipped! I’ve already spoken to Mrs. Hodges. She knows she will have to do without you today . . . . and from now on, I suppose.” He smiled at her expectantly, waiting for her response.

“I shall go below and fetch my bonnet then, Mr. Bingley,” replied Mrs. Ravensworth, her head spinning. And give Agnes a piece of my mind for letting me fret so unnecessarily!

“There is no hurry, Mrs. Ravensworth” said Jane warmly. “We’ve only just arrived and have promised to have a second cup of coffee while everyone finishes breakfast. Shall we ring for you when we are ready?”

“Very well, Miss Bennet. I shall be waiting below.”

“Does all this fuss about shopping make you a bit envious, Elizabeth?” murmured Darcy from behind his linen napkin as he wiped his mouth. “You come into a world of long completed rooms, overstocked kitchens and carefully laid out gardens. But I assure you that you will be free to change anything you like. In fact, perhaps you should speak to Mrs. Hodges before you go and see if there is anything that she needs from these shops as well? Perhaps some of our equipment is rather antiquated.”

“Fitzwilliam! How could you think that! I haven’t yet begun to explore the beauty of this house! Change things? Before I’ve even discovered the treasures that are here? I can well imagine the time and effort that went into securing every precious piece! No, my love, I am not at all envious! Overwhelmed and blessed perhaps – but not envious – not a bit.”

She leaned towards him, allowing her shoulder to brush against his for a moment. How she missed being close to him. She knew he must be suffering the same longings, the same aching desires that had, in the past few days, become so acute! Would this sordid business with Strickland never end? It had taken over their lives and postponed their plans indefinitely! It was time for it to be over! Despite the lingering pain in her ribs, she longed to leave for Hertfordshire and begin to plan their wedding! She knew that Charles and Jane felt the same way. They were all becoming more and more impatient! She reached out beneath the tablecloth to place her hand upon Fitzwilliam’s thigh.

He startled for only a fraction of a second, then taking her hand and rising, turned to Mrs. Gardiner and said, “Would you excuse us for a moment, Aunt, ….everyone? I think that Elizabeth and I should ask Mrs. Hodges if she needs anything new for her kitchen. The ladies are getting along so well now, we mustn’t let petty jealousies over new saucepans get between them. We won’t be long.”

And without so much as a nod, he strode out the dining room door, pulling Elizabeth behind him. She took two hasty steps to each one his until they reached the servants entrance where he slowed to lead her carefully down the stairs. He spoke briefly to Mrs. Hodges, who looked at him as if he were daft ( Surely he understood that she felt free to purchase any new kitchen item that came on the market and often did so when curiosity struck her, or when she heard from a colleague that a certain item was worth having!)

“Well, if there is nothing you need, Mrs. Hodges, we shall return upstairs,” he fumbled both for the words to say and thing to do next. Then the thought struck him. “Do you also have a key to the wine cellar, Mrs. Hodges, or need I seek out Perkins? I wish to show it to Miss Bennet and chose a wine for a special toast at dinner tonight.”

“Oh, I have it right here, Sir,” she said, pulling a ring of keys from her pocket and handing it to him. “It’s the squared off one, as you know, Sir.” She was able to remain expressionless though she could well imagine what her master was really looking for between the darkened shelves of the wine cellar. How wonderful to be young and so much in love! How very difficult, too, she chuckled to herself.

With dignity and unfaltering composure, Darcy took the key, smiled and headed for the cellar steps. Once there, he lit one of the candles stored on a small shelf of the landing and proceeded to lead Elizabeth down. He wound them through a maze of wooden shelves lined with wine till he reached his destination.

“These are the bottles we shall use to toast our happiness at the wedding,” he replied to her silent query. “ I plan to have them carefully transported to Hertfordshire. They are over two hundred years old and incredibly mellow. But this,” he said, gently taking a dusty bottle from the highest shelf and wiping off the label with his thumb, “is the one we shall share on our wedding night. Only four of this vintage remain, and each has been opened only to commemorate the most precious and meaningful of events.” Still holding the bottle, he bent to kiss her. Elizabeth backed away.

“Then I suggest you put it back carefully, before …..”

Even in the dim light she could see his eyes sparkle as he chuckled and returned it safely to its home. He then pulled her away from the shelves and encircling her waist with his hands, lifted her onto a nearby barrel. He stood there staring at her, holding both her hands in his, so moved by the pride and contentment that swept over him. “I love you Elizabeth Bennet Darcy,” he whispered, bending to bury his face in her neck and kiss her fragrant skin.

“I didn’t know we were already wed,” she whispered into his dark curls as she felt her pulse quicken.

“You have been part of me since Hunsford, Elizabeth. Even with your refusal ringing in my ears, I felt bound to you – bound to you by heaven – though my despair was dragging me down to the depths of hell. I have since come to think of those bitter words between us as our first passionate, marital row. Our most genuine feelings were always uttered in the heat of argument – when we were both too incensed to think of propriety. Why do you think we squabbled and bickered so often? With indignant fervor spurring us on, we could say what we really felt. After all,” he now grinned, “who but a wife would speak to me that way and know that I would love her even more!”

Moved to tears, Elizabeth flung her arms around his neck, pulling his head down towards her. His cheeks brushed the lace edging of her gown as his lips brought to life the delicate skin above it. And then, as his kisses became more ardent and desperate, she felt his hands cup the sides of her breasts and caress them. Her gasp was met with a barely audible groan of pleasure as he came to taste the wine he’d really been after. This deeply passionate kiss was their first without inhibition or restraint, and Elizabeth soon lost all sense of reality. Where did her body end and his begin? She knew not, as they pressed each other closer and closer. Was that the rhythm of her own pulse throbbing so powerfully through her, or was it his? What did it matter as long as they could remain this way?

But her thoughts became more practical when they did finally separate and she realized that her hair had come undone and the rosy blush that had risen from her cleavage now ran a deep band of pink across her chest. How could she go back and face the others? What could she do?

Darcy grinned as he kissed her brow, then led her to yet another set of steps, and up, up, up to the familiar little sewing room that had been her sanctuary. “I’ll send Margaret up to help you, and don’t fret, my love. I’ll think up some sort of excuse for you on the way.”

“Arthur Strickland to see Mr. Darcy.”

“Come in, Sir,” said Perkins, “Mr. Darcy is awaiting you in the library.”

Having taken Strickland’s hat, cane and gloves, Perkins led him up the elegant circular staircase. As he followed, the anxious caller was virtually giddy with anticipation. His complexion was two or three shades too pink with excitement, the nicks on his neck gave evidence of his unsteady hand, and the tautly tied knot of his cravat made his head look like it was not quite comfortably placed on his shoulders. Perhaps the affects of drink had something to do with it as well, for the gentleman had found it necessary to calm his nerves before making his way to the home of the esteemed Mr. Darcy. Strickland had high hopes of securing commitments that could miraculously help him out of the terrible situation he now found himself in. Darcy’s capital and his schemes!!! What could be more promising!

Strickland’s eyes darted here and there in wonder of the fine furnishings and beautiful artwork that graced the corridor. But reminding himself to focus on the important meeting at hand, he squared his shoulders and pulled himself erect as the butler knocked and then opened the door.

Darcy remained at his place beside his desk and nodding to his awestruck visitor, said, “Strickland, thank you for accepting this last minute invitation.”

Arthur Strickland bowed low, and upon straightening, took several steps forward, anxious to shake Darcy’s hand. The latter gentleman, however, was already moving toward the serving table that held the refreshments. “May I offer you some port, Strickland? Mr. Bingley and I were about to have a glass. Oh, I beg your pardon. I don’t believe you know my friend, Charles Bingley. I’ve asked him to come and hear your proposal as well. Bingley,” he said turning to his friend, “ this is the gentleman you’ve heard so much about.”

“Sir,” was all that Bingley said, with a slight nod of his head.

Despite the seemingly cold reception from his host and his friend, Arthur Strickland was elated. That Fitzwilliam Darcy should invite a colleague to consider his proposal was more than he could have hoped for! After all, the more investors he could entice the better!

“Why thank you, Sir. A glass of port will do very nicely just now.” He watched as Darcy poured and reached out to accept the goblet, but Darcy held it close to his side, saying, “Ah, yes! I’m glad I remembered. Strickland, before we begin our business discussion, I wanted to ask your opinion on something of a more personal nature. I hope you’ll indulge me.”

Strickland, obviously flattered, replied, “Why certainly, Sir. In what way can I be of service to you?”

Darcy put the goblet back down on the tray and looked towards the fire. “I am presently in search of a companion for my sister. At nineteen, she has outgrown the need of a governess and continues her education with the very finest of masters. However, I believe she would benefit from the company of a young lady mature enough to guide her, but young enough and sweet enough to be a friend. I’ve interviewed dozens of women in the past few weeks, and spoke to one just the other day who said she had recently been in your employ – a Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I wished to hear your opinion of her work, as well as your estimation of her character. Did your daughters care for her?” He had turned just in time to catch the startled expression on Strickland’s face.

Darcy now smiled at him, giving no indication that he had anything but genuine interest in what he had to say. And so after a moment’s hesitation, when the fleeting thought that Darcy might have another motive in mind was abandoned, Strickland cleared his throat and prepared to say all that was necessary to prevent such a connection.

“Ah yes, Miss Bennet,” he said with a grim countenance. “I’m afraid I cannot give you a positive recommendation there, Mr. Darcy. I was forced to dismiss her just before Christmas. She was not the sort of young woman I would want around my daughters,” he said with a smirk. “If you know what I mean, Sir?”

“I can obviously guess, Mr. Strickland, but I’d appreciate your being more specific. What was it that the young lady did or said to give you such a negative impression of her?” Darcy stared at the fire for a moment, and then bent to remove the wrought iron poker from its stand.

“Well,” Strickland stumbled on his words, “ for one thing, she kept rather late hours – staying out late and returning to the house at all hours of the night, er … or early morning, that is. She flirted unashamedly with all the male servants, but worst of all, she was an incorrigible tease. She did not display the modesty required of a young lady in her position. I believe she thought that I would increase her pay if she allowed me certain liberties . . . . . or perhaps she was planning on blackmailing me later on, but, in any case, she made it very clear that she was eager to . . shall we say. . . . give of herself quite freely.”

Darcy stared at Strickland for quite some time, aware only of the sound of Bingley’s agitated breathing. When he finally made his way towards the man, his friend placed himself strategically behind him.

“And I suppose you will now tell me that the lady preferred her intimate encounters on the rough side.” Darcy hissed, “. . . that she enjoyed being beaten and dragged and flung against furniture!. . . . . . that a few passionate moments with you were well worth getting her ribs broken , her face cut up, and her eyes swollen shut!” Darcy’s guttural growl was so low that Strickland had to strain to hear him, but the rage in his eyes made his meaning clear. Stunned and frightened, he said the first thing that popped into his head.

“This is indeed outrageous, Mr. Darcy! I thought you invited me here to discuss business, and instead you’ve lured me here to make preposterous accusations!”

“I saw Miss Bennet not long after you “dismissed her,” Strickland. But of course, you will claim that it was she who wanted to leave your house without her belongings, without any way of keeping warm and without the money to purchase so much as a cup of tea! Mr. Bingley here found her, and lucky for you, we called the doctor and saw to her care – or I might now be accusing you of murder rather than only attempted rape and assault!” spat Darcy.

“But I assure you that by the time I get through with you it will not make a bit of difference!” he continued, moving closer. And with one swift motion, he slid the poker between Strickland’s legs and with a snap of his wrist forced it up into his groin with as much pressure as he could exert. Strickland gasped and spat, doubling over in pain and attempting to back off the offending tool. But Bingley had hold of the other end and would not allow his escape.

“How does it feel to be at the mercy of another human being intent on doing you harm, Strickland? I promise to show you as much mercy as you showed Miss Bennet!”

Strickland’s face reddened and his eyes bulged. His cries were barely audible, for the wind had been knocked out of him, and yet, Darcy persisted. His own thoughts swirled round in his brain. He had vowed not to become violent unless the man himself initiated violence, and yet here he was, very likely doing permanent damage to the man’s genitals without a shred of remorse or compassion. He had, of course, expected Strickland to lie about his treatment of Elizabeth, and would have even understood his berating her performance as a governess . . . . But never had he considered his maligning her reputation and forcing onto her innocent soul, his own base instincts. Any thoughts of misguided passion or uncontainable lust had completely been destroyed with these despicable lies! This was his Elizabeth he was talking about – his beloved, his betrothed, and as virtuous and respectable a woman as could be found. He deserved to suffer.

“You’ll hang for this, Darcy!” sputtered Strickland, straining on tiptoe to lessen the excruciating pain he was in, and virtually being lifted, at times, off the ground by the force applied. He kept grasping for something to hold on to in a vain attempt to regain control, but both men would strike away his arms at every endeavor.

Eventually, Bingley’s growing discomfort with the brutal confrontation was becoming plain, and Darcy was grateful to have his friend there to temper his rage. Giving Charles a nod, he lowered the rod, and as Strickland fell forward in agony, he pulled him upright and flung him into a chair. Pressing the poker flat against his chest, he leaned in close to whisper, “I assure you, Strickland, it is you who shall hang or better still, waste away in some dank prison. It has taken me all this time to convince Miss Bennet to denounce you, but she has finally come to her senses and is now prepared to do whatever is necessary to see to it that you get your due! It was only her love for your children that made her hesitate. She wished to spare your daughters the anguish of having a father so shamefully accused!”

“You have no proof,” muttered Strickland, “It is her word against mine – no servants were in the house to witness anything. I swear I paid her off and let her go!”

Darcy drew back with a smile as Bingley held on to Strickland’s shoulders. “Indeed? You paid her off? That is not what we have come to understand from Miss Bennet’s retelling of her encounter with you. Why don’t we pay a visit to your bank and see if such a note was ever received and cleared. That should be simple enough, and most revealing.”

The defiance that had remained on Strickland’s face throughout his ordeal now changed to genuine fear. As beads of perspiration appeared on his brow, he stammered and sputtered out one inane excuse after another.

“Ah, so am I to understand that you do not wish to go to the bank? Miss Bennet is telling the truth after all then?”

Strickland didn’t answer but muttered to himself as he rocked back and forth in pain.

“You lying bastard, you despicable piece of filth!” spat Darcy. “Well now that we understand who has the upper hand here, let me tell you how all this is going to end. I would see you drawn and quartered, but Miss Bennet has fought too long and too hard to protect your children for me to deny her this proposal. I am honor bound to make it though the very thought of giving you any options at all makes me ill.”

He strolled back to the table where the refreshments had been laid out and poured himself another glass of wine, then filled another. He sipped his slowly, stood silently waiting to reclaim some semblance of calm, and then continued:

“The choices are very simple to understand. In the first, Bingley and I simply deliver you to the Constable while Miss Bennet presses charges against you. Be assured that I have the influence to have you incarcerated for a very long time. And once word of your brutal and licentious conduct get into the papers, I am certain that more young ladies will come forward to confirm the charge and accuse you themselves. You will not live another day as a free man!

Your home and all your household possessions will have to be sold to pay your creditors. Yes, I know all about the mountain of debt you have accumulated, as well as the money you so conveniently “borrowed” from your father-in-law’s business. Your family will naturally be displaced, but it is doubtful whether you will give them a second thought. Thankfully, there is a loving grandmother who is eager to take them in and an aunt who is ready to adopt them whenever that might be necessary. This scenario is most agreeable to me.

The second choice secures your freedom for as long as you submit to my demands and obey them to the letter. These demands involve the well-being and happiness of your children, Strickland, and were devised to spare their sweet and innocent souls the degradation of having you as a father. Listen carefully; I will only say this once.” Darcy took a long swallow of wine and glared at him.

“You will, this afternoon, have a heart to heart talk with your daughters. You will tell them of the unforeseen business problems you are encountering and of the difficult financial situations that necessitate their moving to their grandmother’s home for the time being – along with their mother, of course. Only Laura will understand what you are saying, but Julia will understand the emotions behind the words, so you better be convincing. You will assure them that you love them and that you are very distressed by this separation. You will then introduce them to their new governess – a Mrs. Annesley, who is in my employ and under my protection. She will see to their needs and get them back on a normal routine of study, exercise and amusement. Mrs. Thompson, a highly experienced nurse, began caring for your wife as soon as you left the house this morning, and she will also remain with Mrs. Strickland when the family makes the move to Mrs. Bromwell’s in the next day or two.

You will resign from the firm – but not before you sit down with a group of auditors that I have hired to figure out exactly how much you embezzled and how much you will have to repay. Hopefully your house, and other assets and investments will be enough to cover what you owe. If not, debtors’ prison is as good a place as any for you to reflect on your past sins. Oh, and of course, Miss Bennet’s wages, her doctor bills, the salaries of Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Thompson will be added to those debts! You see it is a simple question of which type prison you would prefer. The choice is yours.”

And with that, Darcy took his last swallow of wine and raised his glass with a satisfied grin

“Charles,” he said, calmly handing his friend his glass, “I think you can let go of Mr. Strickland now. I believe he realizes he has nowhere to go. Besides, I’m not really sure he can walk.”

Julia skipped along happily, stopping and waiting now and then for her new governess and her grumpy sister to catch up. She was so happy to be out and doing something – especially when that something was to be a surprise!

Laura’s sullen face reflected her feelings. She kept herself a few paces behind Mrs. Annesley, not wishing to give the lady the satisfaction of walking beside her.

“I don’t understand why we had to come to this G-d forsaken park just now when we have so much to do at home! I should be sorting through my things and deciding what to take, not traipsing through some lonely wood so far from home. Look! There isn’t a soul around! Why have you insisted on bringing us here?” she demanded loudly. “I don’t like the feel of this; and I don’t like surprises. I insist on knowing why you have brought us here.”

Mrs. Annesley stopped to look at her unhappy charge. “Laura,” she said softly, “I know you have no reason to trust me, but I assure you that you will be very pleased to see the person waiting for us just beyond that clump of trees. We’re almost there, my dear – come.”

Laura remained rooted to the spot, her curiosity urging her forward, but her resentment of this new governess planting her even more firmly to the ground. She stood and glared at Mrs. Annesley.

Julia, in the meantime, had skipped up the little rise and as she came to the clump of tall oaks, suddenly stopped short and shouted, “Miss Bennet! Miss Bennet!” before running toward her, arms outstretched and leaping into her arms. Laura’s eyes darted to Mrs. Annesley’s face. There she saw the warm smile of a truly caring person. Mrs. Annesley nodded for her to go.

Laura raced up the rise to see Elizabeth twirling Julia about in her arms, laughing and weeping for joy. Elizabeth seemed to slow upon seeing her and then stopped completely on seeing her stricken face. Kissing Julia atop her head, she put her down and strode quickly over to where Laura stood. The young girl broke down weeping and ran the other way. She found herself caught in the arms of Mrs. Annesley who held her tenderly.

“Laura, what is it?” cried Elizabeth, breathless and disconcerted by the rejection. “Are you angry with me for leaving you? I can explain. That is why I have come! Please let me talk to you! Please, my dearest.”

At this endearment Laura broke from Mrs. Annesley’s embrace and into Elizabeth’s arms. “Angry with you? How could I be angry with you? But how will you ever forgive me, Elizabeth. I should have warned you! I should have protected you!” she cried. “It was all my fault!”

“Oh, Laura, no! It was not for you to protect me, but the other way around. You are only thirteen! How can you begin to understand? You mustn’t blame yourself for something that was never in your power to control.”

“But I knew it would happen eventually; it always did! When I was younger I didn’t understand why, but I always knew that he had done something to make them sad or frightened – and then they would leave. I was being selfish, I wanted you to stay and I prayed every night that he would allow it.”

“My precious girl,” said Elizabeth, hugging Laura to her. “You could not have predicted anything! Please banish this foolish thought from your mind. What happened is done and we must help each other put these sad feelings behind us. Now let me look at you! You’ve gotten thinner, but you’ve matured into a beautiful young woman in just these few weeks. Responsibility will do that. Mr. Darcy told me how hard you’ve been working to ….”

“Mr. Darcy? That kind young man who came to see Papa? Do you know him?”

“Yes, I do,” said Elizabeth with a grin. “In fact, . . .and you are the first person in London to hear this news . . . .Mr. Darcy and I will soon be married. And it is Mr. Darcy who persuaded Mrs. Annesley to come and help your family. You see, until now, she has been the companion of Mr. Darcy’s sister, and so we know with certainty what a truly wonderful person she is. You can trust her Laura; you have my word that she has only your happiness and well-being in mind when she advises you. I believe you will soon come to love her very much.”

“Perhaps,” whispered Laura into Elizabeth’s ear as she hugged her tightly, “but I’ll never love her as much as I love you.”

Julia stood staring at the two of them, tears rolling down her cheeks. “What happened to Miss Bennet, Laura? I don’t understand. What was your fault? Why did she have to go away? Please tell me.”

They separated to look into Julia’s sad and anxious eyes, and Laura withdrew within herself, not knowing what to say. Elizabeth swept Julia up in her arms.

“Julia, you know how much your Papa loves you and worries about your education? Well, unfortunately, he and I did not always agree on what was best for you. He had his own ideas about what children should learn and how they should learn it, and when I refused to do things his way, he got very angry with me. I had to leave because we would never agree on some very important matters. Laura feels that she should have warned me to hold my tongue and do as your Papa asked, but you know how hard that would have been for me. It was simply time for me to go. I was very sad to have to leave without saying good-bye, but I had no choice. Now do you understand?”

Julia nodded, wanting desperately to believe this simple tale. Her instincts told her that there was a great deal that she did not yet understand, but she was happy to have this comforting explanation. She accepted Mrs. Annesley’s handkerchief for her eyes and asked innocently, “The pretty Christmas biscuits? Did you remember to get the recipe from Mrs Hill?”

“Of course I did! You know I always try to keep my promises. And once you are settled at your grandmama’s, I shall arrange with Mrs. Annesley to come and bake them with you.”

“Mama!” cried Kitty, “Come quickly! There are two enormous carriages coming!”

As the ladies rushed out to greet their visitors, Mr.Bennet stood by his library window and watched his two eldest daughters disembark from the first carriage. His heart swelled! Lizzy was home! How he had missed her precious company! Then, surprisingly, the delicate frame or a very pretty and elegantly dressed young lady emerged. Mr. Bennet was confused, but only until the beaming smile of Mr. Bingley next appeared from the carriage that followed. He chuckled to himself, thinking, “Well, well! Here at last to claim your bride, aye Bingley? Well, it certainly took you long enough, my boy! But I suppose I shall have to forgive you. And you’ve brought another one of your sisters, have you? I had thought there to be only two?”

He was grateful to see his eldest daughter looking so happy, but his thoughts immediately turned to Lizzy and the blessings that her sister’s marriage would bring to her life. His heart had nearly broken when Elizabeth had announced her decision to leave home and become a governess. To think that a child of his would be forced into service was painful indeed. It was true that Lizzy’s decision was made partly because her life at home had become unbearable, but had his financial circumstances been different, there would have been countless other options. Now at least, she would always have a home with a sister she adored. And Bingley was too kind and obliging to ever object to her company.

But in the next moment, however, the tall and sculpted figure of Fitzwilliam Darcy emerged from the conveyance. There was an air of serenity and self-possession about him that he had never before observed. His expression was open and artless, his smile, genuinely warm. And his dark eyes followed Elizabeth’s every move. Mr. Bennet’s heart sank. He had just been picturing his Lizzy comfortably established at Netherfield, close enough for the two of them to enjoy the each other’s company, yet happily removed from her mother’s influence. Was he now to lose her to the hills of Derbyshire so very far away? He turned from the window and prepared himself to face the changes that life was about to impose on him. His thoughts had been selfish, of course. If Lizzy really loved the man, there could be no greater blessing for his entire family! He would have to learn to do without her.

Leaving the quiet of his library behind him, he ventured towards the foyer just in time to see Elizabeth and the lovely stranger stroll in arm in arm, laughing happily. How many times had he seen his two eldest girls arrive home in this way? His Lizzy had obviously taken a new sister into her heart – the truest sign of her affection for the brother. If the young lady was a Darcy there would no longer be any doubt.

“Papa! Here you are!” cried Elizabeth, breaking away from her friend to embrace him. She kissed his cheek before turning back to her. “Allow me to introduce you to Miss Georgiana Darcy, Papa. She has joined her brother and Mr. Bingley on this visit.”

Mr. Bennet bowed and smiled. “Miss Darcy, welcome to Longbourn. It is very good to meet you, my dear. I can see that you and my Elizabeth have become great friends.”

“Yes!” replied Georgiana enthusiastically, “We’ve become the very best of friends and we . . . . “ Here she cut herself off, realizing that she may have already said too much, and looked to Elizabeth for guidance.

Mr. Bennet, amused by the little exchange, took Miss Darcy’s hand to reassure her. “It is quite all right, Miss Darcy. As a lifelong observer of human folly, I have the come to read the signs quite clearly.”

He pulled his daughter close to kiss her brow and whispered, “You could have warned your old Papa, Lizzy. Such surprises are not good for my heart, you know.”

“Oh Papa, you will love Fitzwilliam once you get to know him! He will be all that you could ever wish for in a son-in-law! He is the very best of men.”

“He must be to have won your heart so completely, Lizzy! Well, well, let us save him from your mother then, shall we? She seems quite incensed that he has dared to inflict himself upon us again. What a shock she will have! Aye Lizzy?” And with that, the three of them went to welcome Mr. Darcy to Longbourn!

“How beautiful they both look!” sighed Georgia

“Indeed,” murmured her cousin, sitting beside her. His gaze lingered on Miss Benn . . . that is, Mrs. Bingley’s happy countenance as she now progressed up the aisle on the arm of her husband.

Georgiana pressed his hand. “Richard, I know this must be difficult for you. Although you concealed it very well, I had a feeling that you were becoming attached Miss Bennet. I’m truly sorry if this is painful for you.”

“Dearest Georgie, how perceptive you are! I do admire Jane Bennet very much, and I could easily have fallen deeply in love with her, given the opportunity. She is just the sort of woman I now realize would make me truly happy. But despite the uncertainty of their relationship earlier on, I soon came to understand the depths of Bingley’s feelings and . . . . well, I thought it best to step back and see what develops. And here we are!” he chuckled, though a bit sadly.

“She hasn’t any money though, Richard. It would not have been easy.”

“Yes, that’s true, Georgie. But I have recently come to an astounding revelation. I don’t think I could be happy with a wife I didn’t love – no matter what financial advantages she could offer me. It would be far better to learn to do without certain luxuries and live with a woman who truly brings me joy. I’ve been thinking of leaving the army and perhaps studying law. If I had a profession that could support a family reasonably well, I’d be less restricted in my choice of wife. The ladies of our society that are financially independent often have certain attitudes and characteristics that are . . . . . well, shall we say, not particularly endearing,” he laughed. “And I would not like to feel as if I were being kept and owed my wife my constant gratitude.” Georgiana blanched.

“Oh my darling! I would never include you in that group! You are the epitome of sweet femininity. You must know that!” said the Colonel. “You would never treat a man that way. Then again, after the example set by your brother, I am certain that you will only marry a man you adore. No, you needn’t feel sorry for me, Georgie. This has been a difficult but necessary experience for me. I am now more hopeful than I have been in ages. And Miss Bennet has shown me the kind of woman I must aspire to attract. For that, I shall be forever grateful.” He rose in the pew and gave her his hand. “Now come, let us congratulate the happy couples and see them off to Italy!”

The End