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Chapter Twenty-Six Posted on Saturday, 12 February 2005
Mr. Wickham was so perfectly satisfied with this conversation that he never again distressed himself, or provoked his dear sister Elizabeth, by introducing the subject of it; and she was pleased to find that she had said enough to keep him quiet.
Their visitors were not to remain above ten days with them which were finally drawing to an end. Mr. Wickham had received his commission before he left London, and he was to join his regiment at the end of a fortnight.
No one but Mrs. Bennet regretted that their stay would be so short; and she had made the most of the time by visiting about with her daughter, and having very frequent parties at home. These parties were acceptable to all; to avoid a family circle was even more desirable to such as did think, than such as did not.
Wickham's affection for Lydia was just what Elizabeth had expected to find it; not equal to Lydia's for him. She had scarcely needed her present observation to be satisfied, from the reason of things, that their elopement had been brought on by the strength of her love, rather than by his; and she would have wondered why, without violently caring for her, he chose to elope with her at all, had she not felt certain that his flight was rendered necessary by distress of circumstances; and if that were the case, he was not the young man to resist an opportunity of having a companion.
Lydia was exceedingly fond of him. He was her dear Wickham on every occasion; no one was to be put in competition with him. He did every thing best in the world; and she was sure he would kill more birds on the first of September, than any body else in the country.
But the day of his and Lydia's departure had come, and Mrs. Bennet was forced to submit to a separation, which, as her husband by no means entered into her scheme of their all going to Newcastle, was likely to continue at least a twelvemonth.
``Oh! my dear Lydia,'' she cried, ``when shall we meet again?''
``Oh, lord! I don't know. Not these two or three years, perhaps.''
``Write to me very often, my dear.''
``As often as I can. But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have nothing else to do.''
Mr. Wickham's adieus were much more affectionate than his wife's. He smiled, looked handsome, and said many pretty things.
``He is as fine a fellow,'' said Mr. Bennet, as soon as they were out of the house, ``as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.''
The loss of her daughter made Mrs. Bennet very dull. ``I often think,'' said she, ``that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's friends. One seems so forlorn without them.''
``This is the consequence, you see, Madam, of marrying a daughter,'' said Elizabeth. ``It must make you better satisfied that your other four are single - at least for now.''
``It is no such thing. Lydia does not leave me because she is married, but only because her husband's regiment happens to be so far off. If that had been nearer, she would not have gone so soon. Jane will be at Netherfield and therefore still close to me!''
But the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope, by an article of news which then began to be in circulation. Another party had arrived at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy and his sister had joined the family party. Elizabeth was emotions were stirred by this, but in what manner she was not sure. Why had he come? Was it to break the engagement or to confirm its existence?
Mr. Darcy joined Mr. Bingley in coming to Longbourn that very afternoon. The Bennets were assembled in the drawing room. Seeing Mr. Darcy again, Mr. Bennet greeted him affectionately with a strong handshake. The color which had been driven from Elizabeth's face, returned for half a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added luster to her eyes, as she thought for that space of time that his affection and wishes must still be unshaken. But she would not be secure.
``Let me first see how he behaves,'' said she; ``it will then be early enough for expectation.''
Elizabeth said as little to either as civility would allow, and sat down again to her work, with an eagerness which it did not often command. She had ventured only one glance at Darcy. He looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more as he had been used to look in Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him at Pemberley. But, perhaps he could not in her mother's presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was a painful, but not an improbable, conjecture.
Darcy, after enquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which she could not answer without confusion, said scarcely any thing. He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. There he had talked to her friends, when he could not to herself. But now several minutes elapsed without bringing the sound of his voice; and when occasionally, unable to resist the impulse of curiosity, she raised he eyes to his face, she as often found him looking at Jane as at herself, and frequently on no object but the ground. More thoughtfulness and less anxiety to please, than when they last met, were plainly expressed. She was disappointed, and angry with herself for being so.
``Could I expect it to be otherwise!'' said she. ``Yet why did he come?''
She was in no humor for conversation with any one but himself; and to him she had hardly courage to speak. She enquired after his sister, but could do no more. He responded that she was at present at Netherfield and eager to see her, which Elizabeth was pleased to hear.
Silence ensued. Finally, Elizabeth could take no more and begged to be excused. She noticed Darcy start as if surprised and it was apparent that he felt she was unwell.
"Miss Bennet, is there anything that I can do for you?" He asked, rising as if to follow her.
"You are all kindness, Mr. Darcy, forgive me, but I must retire to my chamber, a sudden headache." With that she slowly left the room without daring to look back at him. Once she was out of the door, she ran up the stairs to her room. As soon as she entered the room, she noticed the letter on the dressing table.
Chapter Twenty-Seven Posted on Saturday, 12 February 2005
How silly she thought she was for having allowed herself to forget something so important as a letter from Pemberley. For a moment, she stared at it. She was suddenly gripped with fear that it would be some indication that Darcy had left her, that it was in some way a goodbye. What was the use? What could Molly have to say - she would never be Mistress of Pemberley after all that had happened. She was curious though and Molly had taken such good care of her, she was genuinely fond of her, so she felt it was her duty to read her note.
Miss Bennet,
Please forgive me for this intrusion but when one of the housemaids, Margaret, to be specific, was cleaning your room, that is the chamber you recently stayed in at Pemberley. Anyway, as I was saying, she found this note when we removed the carpets for beating. Nonetheless, since it was addressed to you, I thought that I should forward it to your home. I hope that is what you would have wanted.
Molly
Elizabeth could hardly rip open the other letter for her hands were shaking in anticipation. There was no doubt, it was from Mr. Darcy, she recognized his writing from the way her name was written on the front.
My dearest,
I want nothing more than to stay here at Pemberley with you always but I feel I must leave. If it were not for our engagement, I'm sure that Lydia would not have been tempting for that scoundrel. He is now using your family to get back at me; I hope that you can forgive me for this pain you are enduring. It is my duty; I must go.Forgive me also for reacting the way I did. When I heard you say that you loved me dearly now, I so wanted to turn and take you in my arms but my foolish pride was hurt and I needed time to reconcile myself to the truth. When I proposed, I thought you were expecting and truly wishing for my assurances. What must you think of me now - arrogant fool that I am. But what good did you know of me then? I understand that now and that you do love me. That is what matters - that is what we will build our future on. But we shall talk of this when I return.
Until then, my love, know that you are the dearest thing to my heart and you will be in my thoughts until you are in my presence.
F.D
Elizabeth's heart was overflowing, she ran downstairs back to the drawing room where she had left him. All she encountered was the remainder of the family party. Jane shocked to see the state that Elizabeth was in stood and exclaimed.
"Elizabeth!" Jane shrieked, "What is it?"
"Oh Jane, I'm such a fool - where is Mr. Darcy?"
Jane motioned toward the door and before she could relate that the gentlemen had left, Elizabeth had bolted from the room. She looked around the house and gardens but they were not in sight. She ran for the road to Netherfield, tears of joy running down her face. In the distance, she could see two gentlemen trotting along on horseback.
"Fitzwilliam!!! Fitzwilliam!!!" she called to them, breathless from running. They could not hear her she feared. With one last call, she stopped, "Fitzwilliam," for she could run no further.
The gentlemen turned and saw her. Darcy immediately reared his horse towards her, desperate to get to her to attempt to relieve her obvious distress. When Darcy was but ten feet from her, he slipped off his horse with great agility and dropped to his feet on the ground. She ran to him and was immediately accepted into his arms and protection.
Bingley, who immediately perceived that he was not needed, turned his horse back and decided to return to Netherfield.
"I thought that you would not come back to me, I thought you would not want me when I am Wickham's sister..."
"Oh, Elizabeth, you are not "Wickham's sister" you are Elizabeth Bennet, the woman that I love." He gently lifted her face by putting his forefinger to her chin. With the other hand, he dried her eyes with his handkerchief while smiling. "I thought that my letter would reassure you but it seems you need more."
"I just received it - I couldn't find it but Molly sent it. You were there in my room before you left - I thought it was a dream but you were there. I searched and searched but couldn't find it. Oh Fitzwilliam, forgive my foolishness ...Wickham said that Lydia had told him we were engaged for a short time and I thought you would not return. Then Bingley showed up alone and I thought that was a confirmation of it."
"That is my fault my love, Wickham was unreasonable and I knew the reason was that he figured that I would pay to protect my wife or in this case, her family. Which I would have gladly, but I told Lydia that you had called off our wedding (which I thought you might) because of it being my fault that Wickham pursued her. She didn't believe that Wickham had ulterior motives but this was leverage for me against him. If you were not my fiancée, my interest in the matter was lessened and he was forced to be reasonable. As far as not coming to Netherfield right away, it was because I wanted to bring dear Georgiana from Pemberley and I wanted to wait for Lydia and Wickham to leave - I did not want to subject my sister to the news of their marriage and their presence. Did not Bingley or your father dispel this for you?"
"I did not mention my fears to either, I'm afraid, not even to Jane, but my father did say something about you ranting about your love for me. However, I could not force my doubt from my mind. But I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister. It was not your fault nor your responsibility for they are two ordinary people, one solely out for pleasure and money and the other vain and conceited. Ever since I have known it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.''
``If you will thank me,'' he replied, ``let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owes me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.''
Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, ``You are too generous to trifle with me. Oh my love, tell me one thing, is this what you truly want, are you sure that you want to marry, not for money, not for security, not for your family, but for you, do you want to be Mrs. Darcy? I would rather provide for your security than to have to enter into a marriage that you do not desire. Look me in the eye and tell me if this is what you want."
Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak. "Fitzwilliam," she lifted her eyes and solemnly stared into his, "there is nothing that I want more than to be Mrs. Darcy, I would not care if you had no money, no Pemberley, or even if you saved Lydia from disgrace. I love you so very deeply and yes, there is nothing that I want more than to marry you."
They wondered on for some time, just simply holding hands, until they realized that Elizabeth should really be back at Longbourn for the remainder of the day short and the shadows were growing longer. As they entered the garden on the west side of Longbourn, Jane joyously beheld their advance from the window where she silently had held a vigil for her sister's return. She knew that Elizabeth was disconcerted when she left and it worried her because although she knew it concerned Mr. Darcy, she did not know the reason. Jane smiled to herself though, seeing that Elizabeth was alright and in Mr. Darcy's protection, and went back to her work when just as she noticed Darcy lean down to kiss her beloved sister.
Chapter Twenty-Eight Posted on Saturday, 12 February 2005
Darcy arrived at Longbourn every morning as early as would be proper. Rumors from Netherfield reported that he was actually known to be dressed at dawn and in poor weather he would pace the halls of the mansion until the time arrived that he could call for his horse.
Darcy was not the only one. Miss Elizabeth was also known to be found in the park of Longbourn waiting for Darcy to arrive every morning. When together, they seemed not to notice anyone else and instead enjoyed long walks in each other's company around the countryside.
No one found this offensive except perhaps Mr. Bennet. Not only did he have the misfortune of seeing his favorite daughter prefer another man's company, he had to deal with the fact that she would soon be leaving for Derbyshire and he would not have the joy of seeing her often. He would watch them walk in the gardens or just when they were sitting and talking. He now respected Darcy above any man but also envied him that he was able to steal away his beloved treasure.
Wedding talk soon began to make Mr. Bennet leave his sanctuary, his library, for the commotion was so great, solace was not to be found in the confines of Longbourn. As he began walking the gardens, for his stroke still kept him from removing too far from the boundaries of home, he was immediately joined by his Lizzie and her young man. "Papa, what are you doing out here all by yourself? Please, take my arm, and let us sit her under the large oak." Gently she led him to a small stone bench that the great branches of the tree shaded from the glaring rays of the sun.
"Lizzy, I don't now whether or not to look forward to this wedding or not. When it comes, peace may be restored but my dear, it means that you and your sister Jane will be gone and I will not have a sensible conversation again in this house. All I have heard since Lydia left is wedding clothes, wedding clothes, wedding clothes!"
Elizabeth made a slight frown, empathizing with her father's situation. Darcy on seeing her sad expression could not help but be moved and he understood wanting to escape the chaos that was the Bennet home. "You know Mr. Bennet, you are always welcome at Pemberley and at the townhouse in London. I, that is we," taking Elizabeth's hand, "will always be glad to see you."
Mr. Bennet smiled at Darcy, "Thank you my boy, I appreciate that, but when you see how very often I take you up on that, I'm afraid that you may change your mind. In the meantime, I propose a short trip to London, what do you say to that my dear. I know that this mess with Lydia prematurely ended your trip to Pemberley and you were to shop with Jane in London. Now you and Jane and your mother could shop to your hearts content from Gracechurch Street. I, on the other hand, may take up my future sons' offers and enjoy the peace and sanctuary of their homes!"
"Oh, Papa!" Elizabeth admonished her father but before she could think of the practicality of the plan, Darcy interjected.
"That is an excellent arrangement! I have so wanted you to see the house in London and with your father there as my guest, you could come and go as you pleased! And Georgiana could join us!"
"You forget, sir, that I have made no answer! Let me do that now! I think it is a wonderful idea! I will go ask my mother now!"
Both men smiled as Lizzie ran towards the house and until she entered its confines, she held their gaze. She could not help looking with admiration at the two men that meant the most to her.
Neither man said a word while Lizzie was still in sight. Darcy took the opportunity to again let Mr. Bennet know that he meant his invitation to Derbyshire and thanked him, because Darcy credited him with bringing the two of them together.
Mr. Bennet was confused but decided it was best not to pursue it and instead started into another thought. "Mr. Darcy, you are a good man, I can see that now. I owe you a great deal for what you did for me and what you did for Lydia but I am giving you my greatest gift. I am giving you my Lizzy and by seeing the way she looks at you, and vice versa I might add, makes me think you an even greater man!"
Mr. Darcy began to evoke Lizzy's fine qualities and how lucky he was when they were interrupted by exclaims from the house. It seemed that Mrs. Bennet was quite happy with the plan and was already shouting orders for packing.
"It seems Mr. Darcy," Mr. Bennet said turning toward the house with Darcy and patting him on the back, "we have packing to do. Oh, and I was serious about staying with you. I hope you don' t mind, my dear boy!"
It took Mr. Bennet at least half an hour to convince Mrs. Bennet that they could not leave immediately. He would write to her brother Gardiner explaining their plans while Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy would write to their houses in London to have them prepared. Mrs. Bennet, however, did not see any reason to wait and had her and her daughters' trunks packed immediately.
So letters were sent and responses were received; all was agreed upon in a mere three days' time. To celebrate, a special dinner was held at Netherfield. Since the party was set to leave at first light the next day, the carriages were called for directly after dinner. As the Bennet family departed for their trip home, Darcy stopped Lizzie and gently holding her hands, looked into her eyes. "Oh my love, this is the last time that I will take you to one of our houses and not make you stay! How I wish that you were coming there as my wife. Oh my love, I so hope that you like it - it is not Pemberley but I think that it will do."
"Oh dearest, it would not matter if it were a shack as long as you are there. I'm sure though that I shall love it. But I leave you now; it will make it that much quicker until we leave for London tomorrow. Goodnight my dearest."
Elizabeth looked around and saw that no one was looking; she reached up to the tips of her toes and bestowed upon Darcy a quick kiss and ran for the carriage.
Darcy called to her, "is that all my love?"
Playfully, she looked back, "for now, my good sir, for now!"
Chapter Twenty-Nine Posted on Monday, 14 February 2005
Elizabeth looked out her chamber window with trepidation fearing that the inclement weather might prevent their planned travel. Although the sun was hidden from view, the day was bright and the road looked clear. Although she dared not admit to herself, she desperately longed to see her future London home. After the grandeur of Pemberley, she could only imagine what London would have in store for her.
Strangely, that morning the Bennet household was relatively quiet for a large party preparing for removal to London. Elizabeth thought what a difference Lydia's departure had made. She thought how different her sister's trip to London was from the one that they were about to take.
Elizabeth made sure that special care was taken to her appearance and when she finally made her way down stairs, the rest of ladies of the house were making ready their trunks while the gentleman of the house instructed the loading of their carriage.
Mr. Bennet was not thrilled with the traveling arrangements for to allow the Bennets more room, it was decided that Elizabeth was to ride in the Darcy carriage and Jane in the Bingley carriage. Riding all the way to London with his wife and two of his very silly daughters was not the ideal situation for him. In fact, under normal circumstances, it would have been enough to induce him to stay home. The promise, however, of not having to continue in London with them and London offering many favorable distractions was the motivation he needed to make the trip.
As the last of the trunks were loaded under the family's eye, two carriages were seen on the road approaching Longbourn. Elizabeth felt an uneasiness in her stomach and she was unsure whether it was because of Darcy's imminent approach or seeing their house in London. The gentlemen quickly alighted the carriages and greeted their fair ladies as well as their families.
"Good morning Mr. Bennet!" Darcy called to his future father-in-law, "Are you sure that you would not like to join us in our carriage for the ride? It would afford Mrs. Bennet and Mary and Kitty more room!"
Elizabeth could not believe her ears. The look on her face must have betrayed her thoughts but Darcy looked down upon her with a wink and a smile. She was not sure if her father and Darcy had planned it but her father acknowledged that it was a wonderful idea and was seated in the Darcy carriage quickly before Mrs. Bennet could protest. Elizabeth didn't say anything, while she looked forward to spending the trip with Georgiana and her beloved, she realized that she could still do that while sharing them with her father. She smiled at Darcy and he handed her up into the carriage.
Once they were underway, Elizabeth immediately understood Darcy's plan and approved immensely. He began conversing with her father so that she could talk unabated with Georgiana. This allowed both pairings to become better acquainted and she couldn't be happier about it. Although Elizabeth had made an effort to promote a friendship with Georgiana, it seemed as though they couldn't find the time to spend together since Elizabeth's removal from Pemberley.
The trip was happily thus spent conversing. Elizabeth noticed Darcy asking Mr. Bennet's advice on business matters which pleased her greatly. And with every word her future husband spoke, she could see him rising in her father's estimation. She was sure after this trip he would definitely be her father's favorite.
Before she knew, Elizabeth could see the outskirts of London approaching although it would still be some time before she arrived at Gracechurch Street. Once there the entire party would dine with the Gardiners and then proceed to their various houses. Elizabeth would not see the townhouse until tomorrow.
All the Gardiners came out to meet the carriages as they arrived and dinner was a pleasant affair. Elizabeth was amazed to see Darcy take pains to participate in the conversation. Indeed, he looked to be enjoying himself! She could not help but see the difference in him, or at least in her opinion of him and the change it had undergone.
Even Georgiana, although she rarely spoke, seemed to enjoy the dinner gathering. Kitty was developing a friendship with the young girl and Elizabeth felt that they could have a positive influence on each other. Kitty was not so wholly unmanageable as she was under Lydia's influence and Georgiana's natural reserve had to be beneficial. Kitty, on the other hand, liked to laugh and her extraverted tendencies would help to draw out Georgiana's shyness. She had never had a true friend near her own age.
Instead of the gentlemen retiring to their brandies, it was decided that they would leave directly after dinner. Although she denied it, it was obvious that Georgiana was fatigued. As tomorrow promised a busy day of shopping, Darcy thought it best that she rest now. The ladies would head out shopping in the morning and return for tea to Betrile House, the Darcy townhouse.
The elder Bennet daughters walked their guests to the door along with their father who despite their mother's protest was still planning on escaping with his future son-in-law. He insisted that he had important wedding matters to discuss with Darcy and wanted to make sure that Betrile House was good enough for his daughter. Mrs. Bennet, while sure that Darcy would not own anything but the best, was persuaded enough by the wedding contract argument to relent and let him go.
"Good night Elizabeth." Mr. Bennet said as he proceeded to the carriage with Georgiana, "Don't be long son!"
"I can't wait until tomorrow when you see our house! I hope that you approve."
"I'm sure that I will, if you like it, I'm sure that I will love it. I must admit that I'm nervous - this time the servants will know who I am - what if they hate me?"
"My darling Elizabeth, they will love you. Mrs. Kennedy is a wonderful caring woman and runs the household like clockwork. She was wonderful with Georgiana so I don't doubt that she will take you under her wing." Motioning over his shoulder, he added, "I think that your father is timing our good bye so I had better go. Until tomorrow, my darling." Sneaking a peek at the carriage, Mr. Bennet was indeed keeping a watchful eye over his beloved daughter. Darcy although he desperately wanted to kiss Elizabeth, instead chose to kiss her hand and departed.
Waking up at the Gardiner' house was always something that Elizabeth had enjoyed. The loving atmosphere and the familiarity of the family made it a joy to be there. Today, it was an even greater joy. Elizabeth had never been one for shopping. She like any other woman loved a new dress but she never felt enthusiastic about picking out material. Today was different however. Today she chose her wedding clothes and she could hardly believe that the time had come.
They had barely eaten breakfast when they heard a carriage approach. Georgiana it seems was just, if not more excited than Elizabeth. Finally, the party was ready to set out - Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Elizabeth, Kitty, Mrs. Gardiner, and Georgiana piled into two carriages, the Darcy and Gardiner carriages for there were so many of them. They prevailed upon Mary to join them but she refused claiming no interest in such an expedition. Elizabeth and Jane joined Georgiana in the Darcy carriage which was first and because of this, the sisters insisted that Georgiana choose the first store that they would attend.
The owner rushed to meet them and was obviously acquainted with Miss Darcy. Elizabeth could see that the attention made the young girl uncomfortable but she persevered and introduced her future sister-in-law. The others had never been to this store before and were astounded by the wonderful fabrics - luxurious and the sheer multitude of choices. The owner brought out many samples for the brides to look at and after asking for their personal tastes and looking at their coloring, made wonderful suggestions. When Jane and Elizabeth were finished, they were surprised that the whole morning had been spent at Mr. Fluere's shop but that they had made most the purchases they would need. Although Mrs. Bennet objected, they knew they were done for the day.
When Elizabeth approached Mr. Fluere about settling payment, he informed her that it was already taken care of - that Darcy's were wonderful customers and he looked forward to Mrs. Darcy's visits in the future. She blushed for she was not used to the attention she had received. For the first time, she was referred to as "Mrs. Darcy" and this was her first experience of seeing what her life would be like.
Chapter Thirty Posted on Monday, 14 February 2005
The carriages proceeded up ___street and approached large, stately homes. Georgiana was quick to point out her home down the block on the left side. Elizabeth felt her stomach lurch as the carriage approached and she saw her London home for the first time. It would be a moment that she would remember for the rest of her life. Pemberley would always be her favorite home because there she realized his worth but now she was seeing their home when she knew that her true love possessed it. He was responsible for all details of life there and she treasured everything that related to him.
The stately façade of Betrile House was a little intimidating until she saw Darcy coming to greet them. He looked as nervous as she felt. As the footman opened the carriage door, Darcy was there waiting to hand her down.
"My dearest Elizabeth," taking her hand to his lips, "Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner, welcome to Betrile House."
"My dear Mr. Darcy, what a lovely home! I can't wait to tell my sister Phillips all about it. Is it not a lovely home, Madeline?"
Darcy ignored his mother-in-law's compliments and began to lead Elizabeth followed by the rest of the party up the stairs. "My dear, I must warn you, the servants are waiting to meet you in the foyer. There are not as many here as there are at Pemberley but I thought that I had better warn you."
"Well, not as many as Pemberley - well, why even mention it then!" Elizabeth said with a smile on her face. The footman opened the door and Elizabeth found herself in a large foyer. The floor was a beautiful marble all the way up the staircase in front of her. A large crystal chandelier was suspended above and the room was filled with people. Elizabeth had almost forgotten that day at Pemberley when she was introduced to all the staff. She couldn't remember how many people were there then but she couldn't imagine it was more than the amount assembled before her now.
She was suddenly aware of her mother talking behind her. Not so much her mother talking, it was more the fact that she suddenly stopped.
"Elizabeth, this is Mrs. Kennedy."
"Miss, let me just say how wonderful it is to make your acquaintance." Elizabeth instantly liked her. She was a somewhat stout woman with auburn hair pulled back to a bun and friendly green eyes. Her good nature was apparent in her face."
"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Kennedy. Mr. Darcy speaks very highly of you; I look forward to getting to know you better."
Darcy made the important introduction of Elizabeth to the staff and then introduced her to each one individually. Darcy asked Elizabeth if she would like to say something or to proceed into tea.
After debating a hasty retreat, Elizabeth turned back. "Thank you all for welcoming me and my family to Betrile House. I'm sure that in time that I will get to know you all but please forgive me if it takes a little time to know all your names!" Darcy was beaming and it was obvious to all of his staff that he loved this woman deeply. That was good enough for them. The respect and admiration that they felt for him led them to accept her on those merits alone.
Glasses were passed and a toast was called for. "To Miss Bennet!" "To Mr. Darcy!" Mr. Darcy toasted too - to a very happy future for them all. Finally, Mrs. Kennedy hurried the workers to their duties. Mr. Bennet was waiting in the dining room when his family entered. He was sure that they had been productive while shopping and was even more relieved that he had not accompanied them when Mrs. Bennet began talking of lace.
Darcy offered to take Elizabeth and her family on a tour of the house. It all seemed so overwhelming to her. So much to take in. The rooms were well proportioned and fitted up beautifully - in the same good taste as Pemberley. Elizabeth tried to make note of what changes she would like but felt that few were needed. Finally, she was showed her rooms. The light green colors accented the dark mahogany wood. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, it's perfect! I wouldn't change a thing!"
Mrs. Kennedy chuckled "That's a good thing miss, the master had it fitted up special for you! He saw to every detail himself." Elizabeth's heart swelled at the trouble he had taken and the smile she bestowed upon was all the thanks that he could ask for.
Darcy suggested that they all go for a drive for it was a lovely day. When Elizabeth owned that she was fatigued, he insisted that she be allowed to rest claiming that he would not have her fall ill before their wedding. Kitty longed to see London so she pressed her future brother to still drive out. Although reluctant, he saw that they rest of the party would enjoy the outing and acquiesced to the proposal. Bidding farewell to Elizabeth, he promised to call back for her in two hours time.
Chapter Thirty-One Posted on Thursday, 3 March 2005
After saying goodbye to her family, Elizabeth returned to her chamber and walked cautiously around her room to be able to take it all in. She ran her hand down the beautiful coverlet - he had bought it for her. She knew she should be resting but too many thoughts were flowing through her head. This was to be hers; with these rooms, she was to be intimately familiar. She left the bed chamber and went back to her sitting room and sat down on the settee by the fire. How many pleasant days will be spent doing just this she thought.
A gentle knock from Mrs. Kennedy at the door jarred her from her thoughts. "Begging your pardon Miss, I didn't want to disturb you if you were resting. Mr. Darcy has a visitor and when I told her that Mr. Darcy was not in, I mentioned you're were here. She insisted upon speaking to you immediately; I would have sent her away but it is Mr. Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine."
"Oh," was the only response that came to her mind. She had never asked Fitzwilliam if he had told his aunt and she really didn't want to face her alone. But Lady Catherine was there and could not be ignored. "Mrs. Kennedy, please tell her that I will be down to the drawing room directly." Checking her appearance in the mirror, she waited a moment and followed. She laughed to herself that Lady Catherine should be the first person that she welcomed to her home. As she passed through the entrance hall, Elizabeth noticed Lady Catherine's carriage remained at the door, and Elizabeth saw that her waiting-woman was in it. She took a deep breath and opened the drawing room door.
"Lady Catherine, how pleasant to see you! I'm sorry that Fitzwilliam is not here to receive you."
"Fitzwilliam? Miss Bennet," sneered Lady Catherine. "Never mind, I would rather talk to you. Would you join me in the garden?" She didn't wait for Elizabeth's answer and proceeded from the room. As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the garden and walked on without looking back.
They proceeded in silence along the gravel walk that led to the garden; Elizabeth was determined to make no effort for conversation with a woman who was now acting more insolent and disagreeable than was usual.
"How could I ever think her like her nephew?" said she, as she followed behind.
As soon as they entered the garden, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:--
"You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come."
Elizabeth looked with unaffected astonishment.
"Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I have not been at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here except that you came to see your nephew or niece."
"Miss Bennet," replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, "you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this, I shall certainly not depart from it. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago. I was told that not only your sister was to be most advantageously married, but that you, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet are to be united to my nephew, my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I thought it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to him. Obviously, since you are here and feel that you own such a place as to welcome guests, it must be true."
"If you believed it impossible to be true," said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and disdain, "I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could your ladyship propose by it?"
"At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted but it is not too late, will you remove yourself from this situation and separate from my nephew? How could you aspire to such a match?"
"I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer."
"This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Will you leave this house and never return?"
"Your ladyship would wish me to abandon your nephew just like that?"
"It ought to be so; it must be so, and then he may regain the use of his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in but he will come to his senses."
"If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it and I will not desert him."
"Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am almost the nearest relation he has in the world, and am entitled input into all his dearest concerns."
"But you are not entitled to mine; nor will such behaviour as this, ever induce me to be persuaded."
"Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, will never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?"
"Only this; that if he is so, he would have never made an offer to me."
Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment, and then replied:
"The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers. While in their cradles, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished in their marriage, to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To his tacit engagement with Miss de Bourgh? Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?"
"Yes, and I had heard it before. But what is that to me? If there is no other objection to my marrying your nephew, I shall certainly not be kept from it by knowing that his mother and aunt wished him to marry Miss de Bourgh. You both did as much as you could in planning the marriage. Its completion depended on others. If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?"
"Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you willfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us."
"These are heavy misfortunes," replied Elizabeth. "But as the wife of Mr. Darcy I would have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to my situation, that I could, upon the whole, have no cause to repine."
"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring? Is nothing due to me on that score? Let us sit down. You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose; nor will I be dissuaded from it. I have not been used to submit to any person's whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment."
"That will make your ladyship's situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me."
"I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father's, from respectable, honourable, and ancient-though untitled--families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them? The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up."
"In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal."
"True. You are a gentleman's daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition."
"Whatever my connections may be," said Elizabeth, "if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you."
"Tell me once for all, are you determined to marry him?"
Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine, have answered this question, it was a response that she did not have to make.
"She is!" Darcy had entered the garden and quickly moved to her side.
"Fitzwilliam Darcy - this is absurd! How can you ignore the wishes of all your family! Miss Bennet, you must be reasonable. Surely, you can see that this is a mistake. You must promise me not to go through with it."
"She will do not such thing and if, Lady Catherine, you can not accept her as my wife and the mistress of Pemberley, I will be forced to ask you to leave."
"Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require."
"And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage at all more probable? He is attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew approves of your interference in his affairs, I cannot tell; but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no farther on the subject."
"Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the objections I have already urged, I have still another to add. I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man's marrying her was a patched-up business, at the expense of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew's sister? Is her husband, is the son of his late father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth!-of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?"
"You can now have nothing further to say," Darcy resentfully answered. "You have insulted me and Elizabeth in every possible method. I must beg to return her to the house."
And she accepted his proffered arm for support for him to escort her as he spoke. Lady Catherine arose, and they turned back. Her ladyship was highly incensed.
"You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of our family! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?"
"Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. I love your nephew and would never dishonor him in any way. By marrying him, I don't think that I would be doing so. You know my sentiments."
"You are then resolved to have him?"
" I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me. So, yes."
"It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world."
"Neither duty, nor honour, nor gratitude," replied Elizabeth, "have any possible claim on me, in the present instance. No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his marrying me, it would not give me one moment's concern-and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn."
In this same manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the door of the carriage, when, turning hastily round, she added, "I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your family. You deserve no such attention. Darcy, I am most seriously displeased."
As her ladyship's carriage pulled away, Darcy began to laugh. Elizabeth astonished at his sudden outburst inquired what could possibly be funny in this situation, Darcy replied, "I knew that I loved you before but knowing you can hold your own with Aunt Catherine, why you have my total respect." He mocked bowed.
"Seriously, Fitzwilliam, if you agree with her or want to give into her wishes, I would understand."
"After all we have been through - not a chance."
"Well then, Lady Catherine has been of infinite use, which ought to make her happy, for she loves to be of use." He smiled and offered his arm to lead her into the house.
Chapter Thirty-Two Posted on Monday, 14 March 2005
The parties enjoyed London with the Gardiners but the approaching weddings eventually made it necessary to remove themselves back to Hertfordshire for the happiness of all. Mrs. Bennet exclaimed that she had never known such joy as that happiest of days approached.
On that fateful morning, a messenger arrived at Longbourn from Netherfield carrying gifts from the grooms for their brides. Mr. Bingley had sent Jane a beautiful set of pearls with matching ear bobs that he had recently purchased.
Elizabeth was presented with a case of soft burgundy velvet. From its worn edges it was obvious that her present was older, much older. With her parents and sister watching, she carefully opened the case to see that it contained a stunning emerald necklace that obviously matched her engagement ring. She felt a shiver as her father placed the exquisite gems around her neck. The note attached was simple.
My darling,Now the set is together which makes it complete as we shall be by the end of this day.
F.
Complete, Elizabeth thought, the term was correct. She had never thought about it but he was the missing piece of her life. But he was missing no more.
You would think that the advantage of having three daughters married, two very advantageously, would have had a calming effect on Mrs. Bennet however, she was still occasionally nervous and invariably silly. Mrs. Bennet passed on within three years of this happy day and lived to see no more of her children married. Mister Bennet married Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana companion, and to the happy surprise to all (except Mr. Collins) welcomed a son, William Bennet.
Mr. Bennet missed his second daughter exceedingly; his affection for her drew him and his new family oftener from home than any thing else could do. He delighted in going to Pemberley, especially when he was least expected.
Mr. Bingley and Jane remained at Netherfield only a twelvemonth. So near a vicinity to her mother and Meryton relations was not desirable even to his easy temper, or her affectionate heart. The darling wish of his sisters was then gratified; he bought an estate in a neighbouring county to Derbyshire, and Jane and Elizabeth, in addition to every other source of happiness, were within thirty miles of each other. The Bingleys welcomed two daughters in the five years that followed. Finally after twelve years of marriage when they expected no more children, they welcomed a son, Bennet Bingley.
Kitty, to her very material advantage, spent the chief of her time with her two elder sisters. In society so superior to what she had generally known, her improvement was great. She was not of so ungovernable a temper as Lydia; and, removed from the influence of Lydia's example, she became, by proper attention and management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. Kitty ended up marrying the vicar at Kympton, who had the living that old Mr. Darcy had planned for Wickham.
Mary was the only daughter who remained at home; and she was necessarily drawn from the pursuit of accomplishments by Mrs. Bennet's being quite unable to sit alone. Mary was obliged to mix more with the world, but she could still moralize over every morning visit; and as she was no longer mortified by comparisons between her sisters' beauty and her own, it was suspected by her father that she submitted to the change without much reluctance. She married her uncle Gardiner's clerk and when he passed, she became a Christian missionary.
As for Wickham and Lydia, their characters suffered no revolution from the marriage of her sisters. He bore with philosophy the conviction that Elizabeth must now become acquainted with whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown to her; and in spite of every thing, was not wholly without hope that Darcy might yet be prevailed on to make his fortune. The congratulatory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her marriage, explained to her that, by his wife at least, if not by himself, such a hope was cherished. The letter was to this effect:
My Dear Lizzy,I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.
Yours, &c.
As it happened that Elizabeth had much rather not, she endeavoured in her answer to put an end to every entreaty and expectation of the kind. Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy in her own private expenses, she frequently sent them. It had always been evident to her that such an income as theirs, under the direction of two persons so extravagant in their wants, and heedless of the future, must be very insufficient to their support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane or herself were sure of being applied to for some little assistance towards discharging their bills. Lydia thankfully was not blest with children with Wickham. He was killed in a dual with a baronet for trifling with his daughter. By that time, Lydia had realized what her husband was and greatly settled down. Poverty and a loveless marriage had corrected Lydia's faults. She married with a country doctor who was introduced to her by her brother-in-law Darcy. She learned to truly honor her brother Darcy for in her maturity, she realized what it was that he had done for her.
Miss Bingley was very deeply mortified by Darcy's marriage; but as she thought it advisable to retain the right of visiting at Pemberley, she dropt all her resentment; was fonder than ever of Georgiana, almost as attentive to Darcy as heretofore, and paid off every arrear of civility to Elizabeth. She married Colonel Fitzwilliam believe it or not. He spent a great deal of time at Pemberley without his wife or if she was at Pemberley, he was somewhere else.
Pemberley was now Georgiana's home; and the attachment of the sisters was exactly what Darcy had hoped to see. They were able to love each other even as well as they intended. Georgiana had the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though at first she often listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at her lively, sportive, manner of talking to her brother. He, who had always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her affection, she now saw the object of open pleasantry. Her mind received knowledge which had never before fallen in her way. By Elizabeth's instructions, she began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband which a brother will not always allow in a sister more than ten years younger than himself. Darcy had great plans for his sister - at least an earl for her. But when she fell in love with a baronet of small fortune, it was his wife who reminded him that a family fortune wasn't everything. Sadly, she died in childbirth in her twenty-fifth year as did the child.
Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter which announced its arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. But at length, by Elizabeth's persuasion, he was prevailed on to overlook the offence, and seek a reconciliation; and, after a little farther resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment gave way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to see how his wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait on them at Pemberley, in spite of that pollution which its woods had received, not merely from the presence of such a mistress, but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city.
With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.
Elizabeth and Darcy welcomed a son within the year. While Edward Darcy was the pride and joy of his parents, Elizabeth thought that Darcy bordered on jealousy of the attention instead of being given to him, was being lavished on his son. Edward was followed in turn by five sisters; a fact which made Mr. Bennet laugh and openly tease his son-in-law. Now he would know what it was like to be father to five girls.
They were known as the happiest of couples. Yes, they did argue but they shared a mutual regard that so few couples enjoy. When after fifty-five years of marriage Elizabeth fell ill, Darcy was by her side constantly. When she passes two months later, no one was surprised when they found his body by her grave. It was only a week later and they say that he died of a broken heart. Others say that life was not enough to separate them and their love would keep them together forever.