Beginning, Section II
Chapter 1
Posted on Thursday, 10 June 1999
Elizabeth walked through the Netherfield ballroom, the crowd of people parting before her. At the end of the hall stood Mr. Darcy, holding his hand out to her. She took it, making eye contact with him. His eyes burned passionately as he looked at her. She smiled up at him, for some reason she couldn't place. Elizabeth felt both confused and at peace as she stood next to Mr. Darcy. They made their way to the dance floor where they took their place in the set. The music started and the couples, in a line as far as Elizabeth could see, moved to the music, outlining the steps set down so long ago.
But as soon as the dance started it ended. Everyone started to move away, as though drawn to something. Elizabeth turned to look and saw a giant stage, spanning the entire length of the ballroom. Elizabeth watched, curious to see what would come out on stage.
"It seems Bingley has decided to entertain us with a play," Mr. Darcy said. Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
The lights dimmed and a character appeared. It was her mother! She ran around the stage shrieking and throwing her hands in the air.
"My nerves! My nerves!" she cried. "After Jane marries Bingley my nerves will be cured! And Jane will marry Bingley! She will!"
Mrs. Bennet continued running around the stage, screaming about Jane and Bingley. She was soon accompanied by Mary playing the pianoforte. She sang and Elizabeth had to cover her ears to drown out the noise. Lydia and Kitty then appeared on the stage chasing some of the officers of the militia. They ran back and forth across the stage, with their arms stretched out towards the hapless officers. As Elizabeth watched this scene, she started to hear some laughter. The people around her started to laugh and giggle at the spectacle her family was making of themselves. The laughter grew even louder when Mr. Collins appeared on stage and started preaching about the glorious chimney's at Rosings.
By this time the crowds were laughing hysterically. All around her the people were doubled over from the antics on the stage. Elizabeth yelled for them to stop but her voice was drowned out by the laughter. Elizabeth turned around trying to find some one to help her stop this when she saw Mr. Darcy. He was laughing the hardest, tears streaming down his face.
"Stop laughing," Elizabeth yelled at Mr. Darcy.
"How can I?" he replied between fits of laughter. "Your family is doing this, not I."
And with that he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Elizabeth alone. She yelled at the top of her lungs for them to stop but to no avail. No one listened. Elizabeth tried to push her way through the crowd towards the stage. She reached it and started to climb up. She grabbed her mother and ...
Elizabeth woke with a start, the dream still haunting her thoughts. Elizabeth closed her eyes and shook her head, willing the images of the dream disappear from her mind. It wasn't surprising to her that she was dreaming about the Netherfield ball. She was sure the events from the previous evening would be haunting her thoughts for a long time. The antics of her family would provide much talk for the Meryton gossips for the next week or so. After that, Elizabeth reasoned, the talk would die down and so hopefully would her thoughts on the matter.
Elizabeth thought back to the ball and all that had happened. It had been an odd evening as a whole she thought. The fact that Wickham hadn't come when he had so heartily said he would have been Elizabeth's first surprise. The second had been Mr. Darcy. She had been deeply shocked when Mr. Darcy had asked her to dance. That he would single her out for that kind of attention when he had refused to dance so many times before had been a curious surprise to her. The conversation they had had while dancing had been equally surprising. Elizabeth had been on the offensive trying to get at Mr. Darcy with her constant allusions to Wickham's situation. But he had surprised her with his defense, never backing down and yielding to her. There were few people who she could verbally spar with and it felt strange to include Mr. Darcy in that list.
However, Elizabeth resolved to not think anymore about Mr. Darcy and to spend the rest of the day in relaxation with Jane and her father. With this in mind she headed downstairs to breakfast. Halfway down the stairs she could hear her mother babbling away. It took two more stairs to hear her clearly talking about Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth sighed. Poor Jane. I don't think I could be anywhere as patient as her with Mama constantly chattering about how fine and rich I will be with my hoped for husband.
Elizabeth entered the dining room. Around the table sat Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Mary, Kitty and Mr. Collins. Elizabeth quickly took her seat next to Mary, refusing to return the coy smile Mr. Collins gave her with his mouth full of food. She looked to her mother and forced herself to smile.
"Good morning, Mama." Elizabeth greeted her mother. "Is Papa not eating breakfast with us today?"
"Noooo," her mother wailed. "He sat down and left soon after, saying that he didn't want to here about a ball that we had all attended. I believe he is in his library."
Elizabeth nodded as she began to fill her plate. She glanced up and noticed Mr. Collins looking at her with a strange smile. Elizabeth shivered. Jane noticed her reaction and had to make sure Mrs. Bennet didn't see the look of concern she gave Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet didn't notice it and quickly began chattering on about Jane's upcoming marriage. Elizabeth thought about telling her mother that there was to be no marriage as Mr. Bingley hadn't even proposed yet but didn't want to endure a case of her mother's nerves. So she quietly ate her breakfast, nodding whenever her mother needed an affirmation of her ideas.
After breakfast, Elizabeth sat with Kitty and Mrs. Bennet in the parlor room. Elizabeth and Kitty were discussing how to make a few of their older bonnets look different and Mrs. Bennet was working on some needlepoint. In all, Elizabeth was enjoying herself. Without Jane in the room, Mrs. Bennet didn't talk constantly of Mr. Bingley and was actually providing some useful advice as to what ribbon they should use. This was soon interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Collins.
"May I hope, Madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?" Mr. Collins addressed Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth watched in horror as her mother quickly agreed and grabbed Kitty to leave. Elizabeth stood up and practically begged her mother not to go and leave her with Mr. Collins but her mother would not relent. Elizabeth was to stay and hear what Mr. Collins had to say. Defeated, Elizabeth agreed to stay, resolving that the sooner this was over with the better. Elizabeth found a seat and sat down, trying not to reveal to Mr. Collins through her expressions that she did not want to be here, hoping that he would get this over with as quickly as possible.
He began, "Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections..." and so carried on, hardly pausing for breath. He talked about how he had chosen Elizabeth from the beginning, his reasons for marrying, his reasons for thinking Elizabeth would please Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And that the fact that he was to inherit Longbourn so choosing a wife among his cousins would make sure to right all wrongs between the two families. Elizabeth listened in astonishment wondering if Mr. Collins would ever stop to even take a breath. After being caught up in her own thoughts about how long Mr. Collins could talk she realized that he had come to a slight pause. She resolved to give him her answer.
"You are too hasty, sir," she cried in his response to his comment on her small dowry. "You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them."
Mr. Collins dismissed her rejection of him stating that he knew it was in young ladies natures to reject a man that they were going to accept so that they could prove their love for the young lady. Elizabeth quickly refused this suggestion saying that she was serious in her rejection. An idea suddenly came to Elizabeth and she told him that if Lady Catherine knew her, she would not think that Elizabeth was the right marriage partner for him. Hopefully he will come to reason if I mention Lady Catherine's name! Alas, Mr. Collins would not be persuaded. He was perfectly convinced that Lady Catherine would find Elizabeth suitable to be his wife.
Elizabeth was quickly becoming frustrated. Nothing she could say to this man would convince him of her refusal to marry him. She tried to tell him that she wished him all the happiness and told him that if she married him he would not be happy. She also told him that she would not begrudge him when he took possession of Longbourn. He still wasn't backing down from his offer. Mr. Collins was still convinced that she was refusing him only to accept him later when she was convinced of his love for her. Elizabeth was amused by the fact that he considered her refusal to marry him as more encouragement and again said that it was in fact a refusal. Mr. Collins was still not convinced.
Elizabeth watched in astonishment as Mr. Collins related to her that he did not think himself to be an unequal marriage partner to her. He thought his situation in life, his connections to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and especially his relations to her own family to be highly advantageous to her. He was also sure that another offer of marriage may never come Elizabeth's way and that her poor situation would never attract any suitors despite her amiable qualities. He related this all to Elizabeth and followed it by stating that he felt that she was not serious in her rejection of him and therefore he was to continue to ask for her hand.
Elizabeth had finally had enough. The fact that he thought that she would never receive any marriage proposals was absurd. She was going to marry for love and she was content to wait for that love to come around! With very restrained fury, she again said that she would not marry him and that her feelings forbid it. He dismissed her rejection again saying that when he approached her parents his proposals wouldn't be rejected. That was the final straw. Elizabeth stood up, and marched out of parlor, past her mother and up to her room. She didn't even turn around to see Mr. Collins open mouthed look of surprise as she left.
When she reached her room, she shut the door and lay down on her bed. That stupid, stupid man! How could he not see that I could never marry him, never love him! Elizabeth's mind raged like this for a while. So engrossed she was in her own thoughts that she almost didn't hear Hill knocking at her door.
"Miss Elizabeth?" Hill called through the door.
"Yes, Hill, come in," Elizabeth replied. Hill softly opened the door, entered and bowed.
"Your father wishes to see you in the library," Hill stated. Elizabeth nodded and Hill left the room closing the door.
Elizabeth got up, smoothed her dress and hair and went downstairs to see her father. She entered the library and saw her mother and father standing together. Her mother had a determined look on her face, while her father had a more pensive mood crossing his face. She waited for him to begin.
"Come here, child," said Mr. Bennet, motioning for Elizabeth to come stand beside him. "I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?"
Elizabeth nodded her agreement. Mr. Bennet nodded, scratched his chin in thought and continued.
"Very well - and this offer of marriage you have refused?"
"I have, Sir."
"Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so Mrs. Bennet?"
"Yes, or I will never see her again," said Mrs. Bennet with a look in her eyes that challenged Elizabeth to defy her seriousness.
"I never thought I would see the day," Mr. Bennet softly commented to himself. He left Elizabeth's side, paced a couple steps and turned around, a hard look of determination in his face.
"I'm sorry, my dear, but I agree with your mother. For the good of this family you will marry Mr. Collins."
Chapter 2
Posted on Sunday, 13 June 1999
"I'm sorry, my dear, but I agree with your mother. For the good of this family you will marry Mr. Collins."
Elizabeth looked at her father, not wanting to believe what he just said. Marry Mr. Collins?!? A wave of nausea passed through her as she looked at her father and saw that he was serious. She didn't want to believe that her own father, the one person in this house more critical of Mr. Collins behavior then her, would make her marry him. Her father had even gone out of his way to ridicule Mr. Collins in front of her. How could he now want her to marry him!
Elizabeth, however, was roused from the inner turmoil of her mind by her mother's scream of delight. Not seeing Elizabeth's pale reaction, Mrs. Bennet ran to her husband throwing her arms around him.
"Ooohhhhh, Mr. Bennet!" she exclaimed. "I knew it would be so. Mr. Collins and Elizabeth will be perfectly happy together. I knew you would agree!" Mrs. Bennet clapped her hands together, still failing to notice Elizabeth's pale face and frantic eyes. "The plans must be made immediately," Mrs. Bennet continued. "A winter wedding! How beautiful it will be. And all of our friends and neighbors in attendance. Oh, Lizzie, you will be a beautiful bride. And such a husband as Mr. Collins!"
Mrs. Bennet turned to Elizabeth and gave her a tight hug. Elizabeth, still numb from the shock, didn't return the favor. Mrs. Bennet let go of her now favorite daughter and exclaimed, "Oh, I must go and tell Mr. Collins. He is upset but how happy he will be to hear the news!"
And with that Mrs. Bennet left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone with her father. She turned to look at him, unwilling to comprehend what her father had just done, while trying to maintain her composure so she wouldn't cry.
"Why?" Elizabeth asked, her voice barely a whisper. "Why? How could you do this to me! How could you?"
"Elizabeth, my dear," said Mr. Bennet, "please try to be calm."
"Calm?!?" Elizabeth raised her voice. "You expect me to be calm? You have just sealed my fate to a man who you yourself have gone out of your way to ridicule and humiliate. How am I to be calm when I know that I will be married to that horrible, disgusting, creature that..."
"Enough!" shouted Mr. Bennet. "What I did, what you are going to do, is for the good of the family."
Elizabeth looked at him, a disbelieving look on her face. Mr. Bennet continued.
"Elizabeth, when I am gone I will have left nothing to provide for my family. I have no sons. Everything I own is entailed to Mr. Collins. Do you know how that feels? To have this estate, and know that none of it will be passed on to my children. To know that my family may have to live in poverty after my death. It haunts my thoughts day in and day out. But with your marrying Mr. Collins I have made sure that all of you will be looked after. With this union, my estate at Longbourn stays with my family and I will not have to worry about what will happen after my death. You are secure."
"But I don't love Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth. "I could never be happy in a marriage with him. He is the stupidest man that I have ever met. You cannot force me into this. I will not marry him."
"Yes you will," Mr. Bennet said firmly. "Some things are more important then love. By doing this you will safeguard the future of your mother and sisters so that they can continue to live in the lifestyle that they are accustomed to. If you do not marry Mr. Collins, then you will have to marry some one rich enough to provide for all of you after my death. That, unfortunately is a most unlikely event."
"But what about Jane and Bingley," said Elizabeth, growing more desperate as she began to realize that her father wasn't about to change his mind. "Surely you see that they will soon be engaged and he is rich enough to provide for us until my sisters and I marry."
"Despite what your mother and the rest of Hertfordshire things, I don't think that Jane and Bingley will marry," replied her father. "Bingley does not seem to be the sort of man who is inclined to permanently settle down. I know his type. They travel from place to place falling in and out of love almost as often as they change their jacket. I do not expect him to be at Netherfield much longer. I cannot trust the future welfare of my family to the chance that you or Jane or your other sisters will marry rich. I must do what I can now and your marrying Mr. Collins is in my power. My mind is made up!"
"But mine is not!! I will not marry him! I refuse! I will not spend my life in a tortuous marriage because of your failure to father a son!" screamed Elizabeth. "You cannot make me! Haven't you even thought of my feelings? Can't you see how I would suffer to married to such a man! To be caught in a loveless marriage just so my family is taken care of? To spend day after day in his company, without escape, while you sit here in your library ignoring the rest of the world because you are too cowardly to face it!!"
"Elizabeth!" her father bellowed, angry at the sting of her words. "I have had enough. You will do as I say. I am your father. If I say that you will marry Mr. Collins then you will. And that is final!" Mr. Bennet glared at his daughter, furious that she would oppose him so. Her watched her struggle to maintain her composure as she turned and left the room. As soon as the door closed shut, Mr. Bennet poured himself a drink. He sat at his desk, contemplating the glass of wine sitting in front of him. He picked up, looked it over once more and drank it in one gulp. Elizabeth would see that this marriage was for the best. He would make her.
Elizabeth ran up the stairs, desperate to reach her room unseen, the conversation with her father replaying itself in her head. She quickly dashed into her room, closing the door behind her. So numb from the shock, Elizabeth found that she could not cry once she had reached the solitude of her room. Her mind was too busy trying to understand why her father would make her marry Mr. Collins to be able to afford the luxury of crying. Hadn't she always been his favorite? Didn't he want to see her the happiest out of all of his daughters. Elizabeth's mind churned as she tried to comprehend why this was happening. When she heard the soft knock at her door, she reacted instinctively, wanting to be left alone by the one person she knew would come to her aid.
"Go away," she cried, "there is nothing you can do or say that would make this any better."
"Please, Lizzie," called Jane through the door. "Please let me come in so we can talk."
"Fine," relented Elizabeth. Jane opened the door and entered, closing it softly behind her. She moved to her sister's side and put her arm around her, trying to offer as much comfort as possible.
"How could he do this to me," said Elizabeth softly. "What have I done to deserve the horrible fate of becoming the bride of Mr. Collins?"
"I don't know," replied Jane. "But..."
"Oh no," Elizabeth said dejectedly, "Always the devils advocate." Jane ignored her sister's comment and continued.
"Papa is concerned about our future," began Jane. "He has always watched the books carefully to make sure we do not exceed our income. It must be a chore to maintain his money so that all five of us plus Mama can live comfortably, without any wants or needs."
"But how does that factor in to my marrying Mr. Collins," asked Elizabeth. "You and I are at the age to soon be married, so we will not be needing his care much longer."
"Perhaps Papa is taking into account the possibility that we may never marry," explained Jane. "Look at Charlotte Lucas. She is much older then both of us and has never married or to my knowledge even had a suitor. Living in the country, we do not encounter many eligible gentlemen."
"But...Mr. Collins?" Elizabeth looked at Jane.
"He is to inherit father's estate at Longbourn, Lizzie. That would, in some people's eyes, make him a very suitable marriage partner indeed. Oh, Lizzie, you know that I would never want you to marry Mr. Collins! Perhaps you can reason with Papa?"
"I've tried Jane, but his mind is made up. He says I am to marry Mr. Collins."
"And you can't go against his wishes," said Jane. "He is our father and we have to obey him. Even if it is against our own thoughts and desires." Jane sat for a few moments in quiet contemplation. "The more conflict you cause with him, Lizzie, the harder this will be. Perhaps in a couple of days once things have calmed down, our father will listen to reason and see that Mr. Collins is not the man for you."
"I doubt that Jane. His decision has been made. Oh, what am I to do. I could resist this but it would only cause pain and hurt for everyone. If I am to go along, I will suffer terribly. I do not have your good will, Jane, to put everyone above myself. I think too much of my own happiness first of all. I am selfish indeed."
"Lizzie, you are too hard on yourself!" exclaimed Jane. "You have all the goodness ever wanted or needed. Don't you see that?" Elizabeth looked down, giving her answer by her refusal to reply. After a few moments, she spoke.
"Jane," Elizabeth asked hesitantly, "if you were in my position, if Mr. Bingley wasn't present and Mr. Collins had asked you, would you have accepted?"
Jane stood up, her back towards Elizabeth. She paced forward, stopped for a moment and turned to look back at her sister.
"Yes," replied Jane, refusing to look Elizabeth in the eye. "I would have accepted. By accepting his marriage proposal I would be maintaining the happiness of those I love the most. In time, I suppose, I might come to love Mr. Collins, if he had chosen me as his wife."
"I see," said Elizabeth. "Jane, I would like to be alone. I need to think. Could you please see to it that I'm not disturbed?" Elizabeth looked at Jane, and offered a weak smile. "It appears I have some choices to make."
Jane nodded and took her sisters hand, giving it a soft squeeze. "Lizzie, I ..."
"I know, Jane. I wish things could be different to. But some things are meant to be, I suppose."
Jane released Elizabeth's hand and left the room, closing the door behind her. Elizabeth turned away from the door and lay back on her bed, staring at the top of her canopy. In marrying Mr. Collins, my family would be looked after no matter what happens. But can I make that sacrifice? Can I live with a loveless marriage? What am I to do? Can anyone help me?
Chapter 3
Posted on Monday, 14 June 1999
Mrs. Bennet paced nervously around the parlor. She glanced over at Mr. Collins who sat tensely, still not believing that Elizabeth was to be his wife. Despite the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had already consented to the engagement, Mr. Collins still needed reassurances from Elizabeth herself. He sat on the sofa, trying to read his book while Jane and the rest of the girls worked on their sewing, except for Mary, who was reading.
"Perhaps I should go see if Elizabeth will be coming down?" said Mrs. Bennet to the room.
"Mama," said Jane, who had just returned half an hour before from Elizabeth's side. "Elizabeth wants to be alone. We should respect her wishes. She will come down when she is ready."
Mrs. Bennet sat down in her chair and started to fidget with her ever-present handkerchief. When she had left Mr. Bennet's side and told Mr. Collins that Elizabeth was to be his bride she was happy beyond belief, as was Mr. Collins. Their merriment, however, was destroyed when they soon heard the sound of angry voices from the library. They watched as Elizabeth had run to her room. When Mrs. Bennet had approached her husband to inquire about what had happened, he told her to go away and to leave him be. He was in one of his foul moods, not wanting anything else then to be left alone in the sanctuary of his library.
Seeing Elizabeth run to her room, distraught over what had happened, had quickly lowered Mr. Collins mood. Mrs. Bennet had tried everything she could to convince him that Elizabeth would agree and that she would not disobey her parents. Mr. Collins didn't believe her though, as Mrs. Bennet didn't say it with the sincerity that she had hoped for. Elizabeth had always been the most independent of the girls, always running here and there over the country in her own pursuits. If any of the girls were to disobey Mrs. Bennet it would be Elizabeth. Her intelligence and quick wit made certain that she could somehow out maneuver her mother's wishes. But Elizabeth had never been able to disobey her father, not even once. Mrs. Bennet hoped that Elizabeth would not choose this time to start.
She was aroused from her thoughts by the sound of footfalls on the stairs. She turned and saw Elizabeth enter the room, her face an emotionless mask. Mrs. Bennet's hopes started to rise as Elizabeth approached Mr. Collins.
"Mr. Collins, if your offer of marriage still stands, then I accept," Elizabeth said coldly and quickly. "I cannot go against the wishes of my parents." Elizabeth paused and looked up, as her father entered the room. He too had heard Elizabeth descend the stairs. She looked blankly at him as she said, "They have my best interests at heart."
Mr. Collins leapt out of his chair, his face glowing with joy. "Miss Elizabeth, you have made me the happiest of men! I promise I will be a good and attentive husband and that we will have many a year of happiness and joy!" He reached for her hand. Reluctantly, Elizabeth put her hand in his, trying to hide the revulsion as his skin made contact with hers. Mr. Collins smiled his biggest smile, let go of Elizabeth's hand and roughly pushed past her to where Mr. Bennet was standing.
"Thank you Sir," he began. "Your daughter and I will be exceedingly happy together. Finally the dark cloud of despair that has hung over the members of our two families will be forever gone. With this marriage, our two families are once again united by the bonds of happiness. The wrongs committed in the past are forever gone and we can move into a new era of prosperity and blissfulness that we so deserve."
"You are most welcome, Mr. Collins," said Mr. Bennet. "There is nothing more then I would like to see is your happiness. Elizabeth and yourself will make excellent owners of this estate. There is no one I would like to see mistress of this house then my Elizabeth." Mr. Bennet looked Elizabeth in the eye. "No one."
Elizabeth looked away from her father and looked at her sisters. Jane's eyes were wide with shock and concern, knowing at what cost Elizabeth was doing this. Elizabeth was to sacrifice her own happiness so that they may have a secure future. There would be no pressure on their part to marry well so that the family could be looked after. If they chose so, they could marry for love. Mary nodded, approving of the match. She thought Mr. Collins to be fine man and her sister couldn't have made a more reliable choice in a husband then Mr. Collins. Kitty and Lydia on the other hand were an entirely different matter. They were trying desperately to hold back the giggles that threatened to explode as they thought of Mr. Collins and Elizabeth as married man and wife. Elizabeth scowled at them. They ignored her and continued to fight to maintain composure for once the started to laugh, they would hardly be able to stop.
Elizabeth finally turned to her mother. The look at of joy on her mother's face was overwhelming. She quickly rose from her chair and took Elizabeth's hands.
"Oh Elizabeth!" she exclaimed. "I am so happy. I will have a daughter married. I do admit that I had doubts that you would agree to this marriage. I thought you might disobey us and cause such sorrow to your parents but it is not to be! It is everything I have wished for! Lizzie, you bring me such joy!" Mrs. Bennet's mind was racing with plans to be made. Now that Elizabeth had given her consent, there was much to be done. Invitations had to be sent, clothes had to be bought, food had to be prepared.
"We must plan for the wedding at once," said Mrs. Bennet, her mind whirling at how wonderful the wedding of her second eldest daughter would be.
"I agree," said Mr. Collins, turning away from Mr. Bennet. "Lady Catherine insisted that I was to find a bride at once and be married, so that I may return to Hunsford before the New Year. Now that my dear Miss Elizabeth has consented, we should be married as soon as possible so that we may return. Lady Catherine does not like to be kept waiting."
"Then so it shall be," said Mrs. Bennet. Her and Mr. Collins moved over to the desk so that they could look over dates, deciding when it would be best to have the wedding. Elizabeth watched them, knowing full well that she wished to have nothing to do with the wedding preparations. Her mother would see to everything and she knew it. Elizabeth walked over to where Jane was and took a seat by her. Mary returned to her book, deciding that all was well. Kitty and Lydia quickly quit the room. Shortly after, Elizabeth could hear the sound of muffled giggles coming from upstairs. She looked to Jane.
"They know not what this means," said Jane, referring to Kitty and Lydia. "One day they will understand what you did for them. I know they will." Elizabeth smiled weakly and Jane thought she saw a small twinkle in Elizabeth's eye.
"Do not worry Jane," said Elizabeth in a lowered voice. "Everything will work out. I may have agreed to marry Mr. Collins but that does not necessarily mean it will happen. I will find a way to prevent this marriage."
"But how, Lizzie? You have accepted his proposal of marriage," Jane said quietly.
"I am not married yet, dear Jane. There is still time. I can implore to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to see if they can help. Perhaps a certain event will happen to change Papa's mind." Jane blushed slightly at Elizabeth's remark. Elizabeth looked determinedly at Jane. "I will not be married to Mr. Collins, Jane. But to make sure that I am not, I have to comply for now. On my word, I will not be Mrs. Collins."
Jane reached out and took Elizabeth's hand in her own. She gave it a gentle squeeze. "I hope so Lizzie. I hope so."
Chapter 4
Posted on Wednesday, 16 June 1999
It is a truth universally acknowledged that news, no matter the size or importance, travels fast in the country. This was all too true in Hertfordshire, for the news of Elizabeth's engagement to Mr. Collins traveled through the land like wildfire. This was due to Mrs. Bennet, who after setting a date for the wedding in three weeks time with Mr. Collins, sat down immediately to write letters informing all of her friends and acquaintances of the upcoming nuptials. First she wrote to her sister, Mrs. Phillips and her brother, Mr. Gardiner. The latter was coming with his family to Longbourn for Christmas so she wrote to hurry their arrival so that they might partake in all the joy of the coming wedding. Next she wrote to Lady Lucas and the rest of her acquaintances in Hertfordshire. How envious they will all be that I will have a daughter married. Finally after those were done she wrote one final letter, hoping that upon it's reading it would cause one of the recipients to think of an event that would lead to much happiness, especially on her own part. Lizzie's engagement will be the most perfect hint. Soon I will have two daughters married and how then will everyone be jealous of my good fortune. Mrs. Bennet smiled as she wrote the name of the house for it to be delivered to: Netherfield.
"What?!?! Miss Elizabeth Bennet is to marry Mr. Collins?"
"Calm down, man. She is only a simple country girl."
"But to that horrible, slimy toad of a man? How could she agree?"
"I think it is terribly ironic, don't you? To see some one that witty and intelligent and not to mention wonderfully pleasing to the eye be married to the likes of Mr. Collins. I think it is great joke indeed."
"You would think that. What about you? What is your take on this, Wickham?"
Wickham glanced up from his bunk. He looked at Carter and Denny and said, "It is terrible indeed that such a fine lady as Miss Elizabeth Bennet would be engaged to Mr. Collins." Carter looked at Denny triumphantly. "But," continued Wickham with a grin, "it is a good sort of joke don't you think? I don't know who to pity more, Miss Bennet for marrying the likes of Mr. Collins or Mr. Collins for the marrying the likes of Miss Bennet. A lady like her would not make a good wife as her quick wit and fiery temper would not be easily tamed."
"But you could?" asked Denny with a leer. "You think you could tame her."
"Of course," Wickham replied sounding bored. "It would be hardly a challenge, even with her engaged to another."
"You talk nonsense Wickham," said Carter, mildly angered by Wickham's comments. "And I will not hear anymore of it." And with that, he quit the room, refusing to listen to Denny and Wickham make fun of Miss Bennet's horrid situation.
"What's with him?" asked Denny.
"I think he is partial to Miss Bennet," said Wickham. "But that doesn't matter since she will soon be Mrs. Collins."
"Well," asked Denny. "Can you do it?"
"Do what?" replied Wickham.
"Bring her under your spell, so to speak," said Denny.
Wickham laughed. "Of course I can," he said. "It would a easy thing. I know that she does not love Mr. Collins. Why she can hardly stand to be in the same room as him. She is probably desperate for some one to come and relieve her of her present situation. It would be as easy as taking sweets from a child."
"Really? Would you like to put a wager on that?" asked Denny.
"Of course," agreed Wickham. "How about the next weeks pay then?"
"Agreed," said Denny and they shook hands.
Miss Bingley watched as her brother and Mr. Darcy finished their arrangements before leaving for town. Mr. Bingley's business in town was to be for only a short duration and if all things went well they were to be back at Netherfield in two days. However, Miss Bingley did not wish to spend any more time in Hertfordshire. She had already spoken to her sister and it was agreed that they would depart for London tomorrow. Her maid was already packing up her belongings for the journey. She had yet to tell her brother of her intentions but had vowed to do so when the gentlemen were to come and take tea with them before leaving.
Miss Bingley walked back into the drawing room, where the butlers were finishing setting up the tea trays. She would be glad to be out of this house, for it had not been a pleasant stay. She gritted her teeth as she remembered watching Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet engage in conversation in this very room. She had watched as Mr. Darcy watched Miss Elizabeth's every move during her stay at Netherfield. She could tell that Mr. Darcy was intrigued with Miss Elizabeth and it was even more evident at the ball last night. How angry she had been watching Mr. Darcy dance with Elizabeth Bennet. She had seen the electrified looks exchanged between them as they moved to the rhythm of the dance. The only consolation she had gotten from the entire evening was Elizabeth's humiliation and Darcy's mortification at the behavior of the Bennet family. But all this will not matter. We will soon be gone from this place and will never see Elizabeth Bennet again.
Mr. and Mrs. Hurst walked into the drawing room shortly after. Miss Bingley greeted her sister warmly. Mr. Hurst walked over to one of the couches and sat down, still in pain from his excessive drinking the night before. Miss Bingley ignored him, as she had always done before.
"So Louisa," asked Miss Bingley. "Are you excited about returning to town?"
"Of course I am," Mrs. Hurst replied. "This dreadful society is almost too much for me to bear. I will be exceedingly relieved when we are back in London and settled."
"So will I," said Miss Bingley. "The sooner we are gone from here the better."
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy then entered the room. Mr. Bingley was all smiles as he prepared his tea but Mr. Darcy had a hard look on his face. Miss Bingley could tell that he was anxious to be gone. She moved over to his side. Mr. Darcy glanced at her and looked away quickly. Miss Bingley was about to begin speaking to him when a servant entered the room.
"Ma'am," said the girl holding up a note, "This has just arrived from Longbourn for you."
"Thank you," said Miss Bingley as she took the note. The servant then left the room. Miss Bingley set down her tea.
"A note from Longbourn?" inquired Mr. Bingley. "Whatever could that be for?"
"Probably Mrs. Bennet thanking us for the ball last night," said Mrs. Hurst.
"You are probably right, Louisa," said Miss Bingley as she opened the note. "She was quite profuse in her thanks last night but I doubt that was enough for her. Let's see..." Miss Bingley began to read the note. Mr. Bingley waited impatiently for his sister to announce the contents. Mr. Darcy took a sip of his tea. He took notice of Miss Bingley when he saw her eyes go wide with shock and a large smile play itself across her lips.
"Well, what is it?" asked Mr. Bingley anxiously as he saw his sister's reaction. "Don't keep us in suspense!"
"Oh my...Miss Elizabeth Bennet...." started Miss Bingley. She glanced up and saw Mr. Darcy stand up straight in response to her name.
"What about Miss Elizabeth?" Mrs. Hurst asked. The whole room waited in anticipation.
"Is...to marry...Mr. Collins!" exclaimed Miss Bingley.
The only sound in the room was the crash as Mr. Darcy's teacup hit the floor. Fortunately for Mr. Darcy, everyone was too caught up in the news to notice or care, even the gentleman himself.
"What?!?" exclaimed Mr. Bingley as he took the letter from his sister's hands. "This must be some kind of joke."
"It is not!" exclaimed Miss Bingley. "Mrs. Bennet writes to inform us of the engagement and to invite us to a party at Longbourn in three days time to celebrate the upcoming marriage!" Miss Bingley looked at her sister. As soon as their eyes met, they burst into laughter, holding each other by the arms as they laughed long and hard at the prospect of Elizabeth becoming Mr. Collins's bride.
So caught up in their amusement that they failed to notice Mr. Darcy's shocked expression. He looked at the sisters laughing uncontrollably and quickly turned and left the room, not wanting to be present. He needed to be alone. His long stride quickly led him to the library. He shut the door and paced around the room.
Elizabeth and Mr. Collins?!? No, this cannot be. Surely she would not marry him. But Mr. Darcy knew that it was true. He had seen Mr. Collins pay his attentions to Elizabeth at the ball last night. He had heard Mrs. Bennet talk of Elizabeth marrying Mr. Collins. But he had thought that even if Mr. Collins did propose, so quickly would be Elizabeth's refusal that the matter would have come and gone without any one noticing. Her accepting Mr. Collins marriage proposal had seemed to be the last thing that would ever happen. But she did accept him. Does she love him? Mr. Darcy shook his head. He knew that Elizabeth didn't love Mr. Collins. That he was clearly sure about.
But then why would she marry him? If it was not for love, then what? Had he misjudged her? Mr. Darcy admitted that he had not known her long. He did not know her stance on matrimony. Maybe all she wanted from marriage was a home and a husband and anyone would do. But Collins? He had seen the look of disgust on her face last night while she had been dancing with the clergyman. She was evidently repulsed by him. Even if all she wanted was to be married, which he doubted on reflection, Mr. Collins seemed to be last person she would consent to. It's not as if he had any fortune...
Collins is to inherit the estate at Longbourn on Mr. Bennet's death! Darcy ran his hand through his hair, mad that he hadn't realized it before. It all made sense. Elizabeth had agreed to marry Mr. Collins so that she would be mistress of Longbourn. The Bennet's would then retain some hold on their father's estate. Darcy paused from pacing for a moment. But that doesn't make sense either. Why would Elizabeth live in a loveless marriage so that she could have Longbourn? She may be lively at times but materialistic and greedy she is not. Darcy sat down on the closest chair, his mind a whirl. Maybe he was missing some vital clue. It's not as if she would let herself be forced into marriage. He put his head in his hands and looked down at his feet. It was then he noticed the stain the tea had made on the bottom of his pants. Oh no...what a spectacle I made out of myself, dropping a tea cup and dashing out of the room like some infatuated schoolboy who finds out his nanny is married.
Darcy stood up and left the library to go change his clothes. On the way to his room, he was intercepted by Mr. Bingley.
"Darcy, I was just coming to find you," said Mr. Bingley as he fell in to step beside his friend. "We shall be leaving for London immediately. Hopefully my business will be quick so that we may return in time for the party at Longbourn." Darcy looked at him astonished.
"You want to go?" asked Darcy unsure if he wanted to go himself.
"Well, yes, I would...Caroline and Louisa are desperate to go and it would be rude not to accompany them," replied Bingley. "And Elizabeth Bennet is a friend and I would like to wish her happiness..."
"I see," said Darcy knowing full well that Bingley would spend the entire evening conversing with Jane Bennet.
"If you do not wish to go..."
"I did not say that," said Darcy a little more tensely then he should. "I just don't know if I would be welcome."
"You should at least know before she is married," said Bingley quietly.
"What?!?" asked Darcy.
"Hmmm...did I say something? I must have been thinking out loud." Bingley said a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He clapped his friend on the shoulder. "I will see you downstairs. Go change so we can get going. The sooner we go the sooner we can come back." And with that Bingley left Darcy standing in the hallway, a surprised expression on his face.
"I should have known," said Darcy out loud to himself. "He's known me long enough to know when I have been affected by some woman." Darcy continued on to his room. Is that what Elizabeth Bennet is to me? An affection? Truly Elizabeth had intrigued him. He had never met any one like her before and he doubted he ever would again. But did his feelings go beyond a simple admiration of her? Am I in lo...no I don't think so. Yet, when Mr. Darcy reached his room and once again thought of Elizabeth becoming the wife of Mr. Collins, he clenched his fists as an unknown fury swept through him. Mr. Collins was not deserving of Elizabeth, not now, not ever.
Chapter 5
Posted on Sunday, 20 June 1999
Bingley's business in London was in fact of short duration. The gentlemen arrived back at Netherfield in time to go to the party celebrating the engagement of Mr. Collins and Elizabeth Bennet. Everyone was anxious to go. It was evident on everyone's faces in the carriage ride over to Longbourn Miss Bingley couldn't wait to see Elizabeth Bennet and rub it in her face that she was marrying one of the most stupidest men in all of England. Mr. Bingley was excited to see Jane Bennet again. He loved spending time with her and rather thought that she enjoyed it to. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, didn't know what to think as he stared out the window, watching the approach to Longbourn. His confusion over his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet perplexed him. He knew he admired her, that he was certain, but how far did his feelings go? And if, by some divine miracle, he did manage to figure them out, what would he do? She was to be married. He couldn't, on good conscience, stop a marriage on the off chance that he might have feelings for the bride to be.
Mr. Darcy's thoughts continued to whirl as the carriage stopped outside of the Bennet's household. Mr. Darcy climbed out and looked around. His face grew hard and cold as he saw a certain some one come up the drive. Wickham stopped also, looking at Mr. Darcy. A quick wave of panic passed over Wickham's face. Darcy watched as he turned to his companions, quickly said something and then walked off hurriedly. Darcy nodded to himself. Good. He knows if he wants to remain the darling of Meryton he had better stay out of my company.
"Shall we go inside?" asked Bingley.
"Yes, let's," said Caroline, a large smile on her face. "I can't wait to congratulate the upcoming bride and groom."
The party from Netherfield entered the house. After they deposed of their coats and hats, they were lead into the main room. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were there, as were the Lucas's and Colonel and Mrs. Forster. A few of the officers lingered about with Kitty and Lydia hovering near them. Mr. Collins was talking to Mr. Bennet and Sir William. Jane was conversing with Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth was standing near them but not really taking part of the conversation. She was more inclined to stare out of the window. As soon as Bingley and company stepped through the doorway Mrs. Bennet, who had been talking to Lady Lucas hurried over to them.
"Ahhh, Mr. Bingley!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. "It is so nice to see that you have made it here to our little party."
"Mrs. Bennet, it is always a pleasure," said Bingley with sincerity. "Let me be the first to congratulate you and your family on the upcoming marriage of your daughter."
"Thank you, sir. You are too kind," replied Mrs. Bennet.
"It must be a great relief to you see one of your daughter's getting married," chimed in Miss Bingley with a smile on her face.
"Why yes it is!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. "It brings me the greatest pleasure in the world. And it couldn't have happened to a more deserving person then Elizabeth. Surely her and Mr. Collins will be truly happy." And with that Bingley and his party moved to mingle with the rest of the people present. Mr. Hurst went promptly to get a glass of wine, Mrs. Hurst moved to talk to Colonel Forster and Bingley went directly to Jane. Darcy found himself a corner where he wouldn't be disturbed and where he could watch the room, especially Elizabeth. Miss Bingley, on the other hand, approached Mrs. Bennet.
"Could I be so bold, madam, as to ask if you have any assistance in planning the wedding?" asked Miss Bingley.
"I am overseeing the matter directly," replied Mrs. Bennet with pride in her voice.
"I see..." said Miss Bingley. "Well then, I was wondering if I could assist in the preparations. I planned most of my sister's Louisa's wedding and I must declare, it was the talk of London. I would be honored if you would let me help you with such a special and wonderful occasion that is going to be your daughter's wedding."
"Of course you can!" squealed Mrs. Bennet with joy. If Miss Bingley was to help plan the wedding that meant that they would be spending time with her which meant that Jane could see Mr. Bingley more. Everything is working out just as I knew it would. Soon Jane and Bingley will be engaged and how my happiness will increase! Mrs. Bennet called Elizabeth over to her side.
"Elizabeth," said Mrs. Bennet. "I have wonderful news. Miss Bingley wants to help plan your wedding to Mr. Collins."
Elizabeth looked at her mother, shocked as to what she said. She then looked to Miss Bingley. Behind the false smile, she could see Miss Bingley laughing at her. It was too much for her to bear.
"Thank you for your kindness," said Elizabeth tensely, trying to control her anger. "But I'm sure my mother will be able to handle everything. Your assistance is not needed."
"Elizabeth!" Mrs. Bennet said scoldingly. The whole room cast their eye on the conversation. "Miss Bingley wants to see that you have a wonderful wedding and she will help to make sure everything is perfect! You should be grateful!"
Elizabeth sighed, not wanting to fight with her mother in front of the whole room. She merely smiled and said, "As you wish Mama." Elizabeth cast a not too subtle glare in Miss Bingley's direction. She knew it was very unladylike but she couldn't resist. "I'm sure Miss Bingley will be a help to us all." And with that, Elizabeth left her mother's side and returned to looking out the window. Miss Bingley smirked as she saw Elizabeth trying to contain her fury at her mother and herself. Miss Bingley wanted to make sure that Elizabeth's marriage to Mr. Collins went off without so much as a bump. The sooner she is married to that greasy toad the sooner I will have Mr. Darcy to myself. Miss Bingley smiled to herself as she imagined all the fine jewels, clothes and especially the prestige she would have when she was Mrs. Darcy.
Elizabeth looked out into the night. It still had not snowed in Hertfordshire. Normally she would be anxious for snow as she loved the sight of it covering the land but right now she would be happy if it never snowed at all. With no snow on the ground, she could still get out of the house for at least an hour a day by herself. Her solitary walks were the only thing that was keeping her sane. It kept her focused on her goal to get out of this marriage. Her aunt and uncle would be coming tomorrow. Hopefully they would see reason and convince her father to call off the engagement.
Elizabeth looked around the room. She saw Mr. Collins talking to Mr. Bennet and Sir William. She could hear snippets of the conversation, basically the words "Rosings Park" and "Lady Catherine" over and over again. Strangely, she wished to meet the famous Lady Catherine de Bourgh but not as Mr. Collins wife. Sir William was paying attention to Mr. Collins but Mr. Bennet looked positively bored. Elizabeth looked away, furious at her father's behavior. She saw Jane and Bingley together. If her uncle and aunt couldn't help her she hoped Bingley and Jane could. If Bingley would just hurry up and ask Jane to marry him then I won't have to marry Mr. Collins! This was Elizabeth's fondest wish and as it would secure Jane's happiness and her own. But as she watched Jane and Bingley converse she noticed that it was Bingley who carried most of the conversation. Jane, who was deeply worried about Elizabeth, wasn't really paying too much attention to him.
Elizabeth turned and looked out the window again. It took her a while to realize that she had company. She turned and looked up at Mr. Darcy who was looking out the window with her.
"Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth archly. "Have you come to give me your congratulations also? If you have please save them, I am in no mood to hear people tell me what a fortunate alliance I have made, all the while they are laughing at me in their eyes."
Mr. Darcy looked down at Elizabeth. "I assure you, Miss Bennet, I will do no such thing." Elizabeth didn't know if he was speaking about congratulating her on her engagement or laughing at her or both. He continued. "I have merely come to look out the window. It is a nice night."
"Yes, that it is," confirmed Elizabeth. They stood together in silence, neither knowing what to say to each other. So much had changed in the last couple of days. But one thing hadn't: Mr. Darcy's ability to surprise her in his behavior towards herself. Here was Mr. Darcy, her severest critic, coming and standing beside her at a party celebrating her upcoming engagement to the biggest fool that ever lived. Elizabeth was confused as to why he would even want to associate with her. It wasn't as if they were on the best of terms. Oh well...I must talk to some one to pass the time. Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy," she began, "if we are to stand here together looking out the window we must have some conversation."
"A very little will suffice," said Mr. Darcy as he looked at Elizabeth, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Elizabeth blushed slightly and looked away, remembering their conversation at the Netherfield Ball.
Mr. Darcy continued, "Perhaps you could say something about the size of the park. I might remark on the number of trees." He was trying to show Elizabeth that she could talk to him. Hopefully this attempt would get through to her. He knew that if he was to figure out what Elizabeth Bennet meant to him he would have to be able to talk with her. Their last conversation wasn't exactly the high point of their acquaintance. Fortunately, they were separate enough from the rest of the party to that their conversation wouldn't be overheard. Darcy, therefore, was a little more at ease with what he was saying to Elizabeth, as he knew he would only have to face her.
"Do you repeat, what I have previously said, in some attempt to mock me?" asked Elizabeth raising an eyebrow. She started to feel better, more like herself as she began to prepare to match wits with Darcy.
"I would never dream of it," said Darcy, trying to keep the conversation going and away from any topics that would cause tension, namely Wickham, Mr. Collins and Elizabeth's upcoming marriage. "I merely said what I said in anticipation of what you were going to say. Was I far from the truth?"
"Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth, "I assure you that I do not plan what I am going to say ahead of time. I prefer to speak as the moment allows. That way I find that I am more inclined to speak the truth."
"But some times you must plan out your words so that they will come across right," observed Darcy. "There are just some instances where speaking as the moment allows is not proper."
"And those would be?" asked Elizabeth.
"Well..." started Darcy. She would ask wouldn't she. "Well, in business ventures you do want to know what you are going to say before hand."
"I wouldn't know about that," said Elizabeth, a smile on her face. "Surely that cannot be the only instance?"
"There is another instance where knowing what you want to say would be prudent," said Darcy hurriedly. "But it isn't proper conversation."
"You will not offend my ladylike senses, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth, intrigued. "Please tell me for I am curious to know."
"If you insist, Miss Bennet," said Darcy. He glanced at Elizabeth and then looked out the window again. "If one was addressing the lady of his admiration, in the manner of a proposal, he may wish to know what to say before hand, so that it may lessen the nervousness on both parts." Darcy blushed slightly then cursed himself for doing so. I'm acting like a schoolboy again. Get a hold of yourself, man! If Elizabeth noticed him blush she didn't acknowledge it. Instead she responded with a bitter laugh.
"It's funny you should say that Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth. "I have recently had experience with that particular thing and I must confess, knowing what you are going to say beforehand does not lessen the nervousness." Elizabeth grew more hard and withdrawn as the anger she felt at being Mr. Collins bride to be began to surface. "Sometimes what you know you will say will not change the outcome."
Mr. Darcy was desperate to change the topic again. He chose the first thing that came to his mind. "So Miss Bennet, did you enjoy the ball at Netherfield?"
"I do not know," Elizabeth said. "It was truly an interesting experience." Elizabeth was having a hard time dealing with her anger. The knowledge of being engaged to Mr. Collins was having an ill effect on her, making her want to take it out on some one, any one who was present. This was why she turned to Mr. Darcy angrily and said, "You must have been relieved that Mr. Wickham did not show up to the Netherfield ball."
"I would not say relieved, Miss Bennet. I have nothing to fear from him," Mr. Darcy said, wondering what had overcome Elizabeth.
"And why should you!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "With your wealth and connections you need not fear anyone who you have done wrong."
"What?" asked Mr. Darcy, taken aback.
"Do not deny it. You so much as admitted it to me at the ball," answered Elizabeth.
"I have done nothing wrong to Wickham," said Mr. Darcy, frustrated that Wickham had influenced Elizabeth so.
"Your reaction reveals your guilt!" said Elizabeth angrily, "I know there is a torrid history between yourself and Mr. Wickham. The man in question told me so himself."
Now Darcy was mad. He had thought Elizabeth was smarter then this, that she of all people would be able to see through Wickham and his lies.
"You are a simpleton indeed, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy tensely said. Elizabeth was taken aback by the constrained fury in Mr. Darcy's voice. "I had though you possessed more intelligence then this. Wickham is not one to be trusted and you have done so openly and willingly without even looking into his character. You have no idea what or who he is yet you defend him to your last breath. Can't you see him for what he truly is? You are letting your supposed feelings for him sway your judgement. And your engagement..." Darcy paused as he realized that he had gone too far. He watched Elizabeth color with anger.
"I thank you for your concern, sir," said Elizabeth. "If you excuse me." Elizabeth quickly bowed and left the room. Darcy watched her go and then turned back to the window, trying to calm himself down from their argument. I can't believe that woman! At every turn she pushes me away. And here I was trying to be nice to her!! How could I think that I actually liked her!
Darcy leaned against the window trying to find answers in the dark outside. It was then that his eyes caught some movement. He could see a figure moving in the grounds. He looked harder and thought he saw a red coat and the flash of a sword. Why would a officer be moving in the Bennet's yard at night...oh no. There was only one person it could be. Mr. Darcy looked around the room, trying to find the nearest exit. But he just couldn't go dashing out so soon after he was in conversation with Elizabeth. The room would quickly become suspicious and that was the last thing Elizabeth or himself needed. He would have to wait till the opportunity was right to leave. He just hoped he wouldn't be too late.
Elizabeth stood alone outside. She was in her favorite spot in the garden. It was quiet and peaceful, someplace where she felt secure and safe. Her argument with Mr. Darcy had made her blood boil. How dare he call me a fool! I have not been blinded by Wickham. I know that he is telling the truth! And he knows nothing of my engagement. Stupid ignorant prideful man!! Elizabeth continued to pace. It wasn't long before she realized that she wasn't alone.
"Hello," she called, apprehensively. She heard some rustling in the bushes behind her and a man stood up. Elizabeth started to back away.
"It is only I, Miss Bennet," said Wickham as he came closer so that Elizabeth could see him. Elizabeth sighed in relief and approached him.
"What are you doing out here?" asked Elizabeth. "You should be inside at the party." She motioned to the house and started to head towards it. Wickham grabbed her hand. Elizabeth looked at him startled.
"What I need to say, dear Miss Bennet, I don't wish the rest of the people to hear," said Wickham with his most charming smile.
"I don't understand," said Elizabeth. "Is it because Mr. Darcy is here?"
"No, that is not it at all," Wickham replied. "Do you think I would let some one like him stop me from seeing you?" Elizabeth looked at Wickham shocked. He continued. "I have come here tonight, Miss Bennet, to know if you harbor the same feelings towards me as I towards you."
"What..." asked Elizabeth. She tried to pull her hand away but Wickham wouldn't let go.
"Ever since you announced your engagement to Mr. Collins, I have been under great stress for I realized what you mean to me," said Wickham. "I know you don't love Mr. Collins. I know you have a passionate heart and I think that I am the one who could fulfill that heart's needs."
Elizabeth blushed and pulled her hand away. She quickly turned away from Wickham. He came up behind her.
"What would you have me do," whispered Elizabeth her mind awhirl. Wickham cares for me. He can help me escape this engagement. Is this what I want?
"Run away with me," whispered Wickham in her ear. He put his hands on her shoulders. Elizabeth stood up straight.
"Ye..." Elizabeth stopped. In all her life she wondered what the gentle touch of a lover would feel like. But she knew that when she felt it, she would know. But Wickham's hands on her shoulders were not gentle and loving at all. They were hard and painful. Wickham's lust for her was evident in the way her forcefully gripped her shoulders. Elizabeth began to panic and struggle. Wickham's grip became harder as he started to pull her backwards.
"Nooo..." cried Elizabeth. "Let me go!"
Wickham stopped and quietly swore under his breath. Elizabeth looked up, not believing what she saw.
"Wickham, so help me God, if you don't get your filthy hands off of her right now, I will make you wish you had never been born a male," said Mr. Darcy fury evident in all of his features.
Chapter 6
Posted on Sunday, 27 June 1999
"Wickham, so help me God, if you don't get your filthy hands off of her right now, I will make you wish you had never been born a male," said Mr. Darcy fury evident in all of his features.
Wickham quickly let go of Elizabeth. He backed away, hands in the air. As soon as she was released Elizabeth moved at of the way of Mr. Darcy, who was charging Wickham. Elizabeth had never seen any body move so fast. Mr. Darcy roughly grabbed Wickham by the collar of his uniform and pulled him in close.
"Don't you ever touch her again!" said Mr. Darcy, trying to prevent himself from striking Wickham in front of a lady. "Get out of here! I never want to see you near this place ever again!"
Wickham had a panicked look on his face. He struggled but Mr. Darcy wouldn't release his firm grasp on him. When they were children, Wickham had always been slightly stronger then Darcy. No matter what had happened he had always been able to handle the wealthy boy. But years of idleness on Wickham's part and constant exercise on Darcy's part had reversed the roles. Now Darcy was the stronger, the tougher and there was nothing Wickham could do about it. He decided to see if he could try reasoning with the angry gentlemen.
"Look, Darcy, if this is about Georgiana..." began Wickham. Darcy held on to him tighter as his anger boiled over.
"You are not even worthy of saying her name! Now leave! No one wants you around here!" Darcy yelled. He pushed Wickham onto the ground roughly. Wickham quickly scrambled up. His hand hesitated on his sword for a second but quickly fell away when he saw the look in Darcy's eyes, almost daring him to do it so Darcy could have an excuse. Wickham decided not to give Darcy that satisfaction. He turned and ran out of the garden.
Darcy watched Wickham run into the darkness. He then turned to Elizabeth. He watched her jump back a little as she saw the anger on his face. He closed his eyes and breathed out once, trying to calm himself. When he opened his eyes, Elizabeth looked a little more relaxed.
"Are you okay, Miss Bennet?" asked Darcy. "Did he hurt you?"
"I am well. He did not hurt me," replied Elizabeth, still shocked by the encounter she had just witnessed. "I must thank you, Sir, for you intervention. If you had not come out here..."
"I understand, Miss Bennet," said Darcy. He had rushed out of the Bennet household and into the garden just in time. He had watched as Wickham had approached Elizabeth and whispered something in her ear. When Wickham had put his hands on Elizabeth's shoulders, though, he had gotten mad with rage. Then Elizabeth had cried out for help and Darcy had revealed himself from his hiding place determined to do whatever it took to get Elizabeth away from Wickham. First Georgiana and now Elizabeth. Will that man ever stop hurting the people that I care... He was broken away from his reflection by Elizabeth addressing him.
"I feel that I must also apologize for my behavior towards you," began Elizabeth. Darcy looked at her astonished. "I shouldn't have been so trusting of Mr. Wickham. He revealed his true nature tonight. I shouldn't have been so foolish. He said what I needed to hear to be set against you. I easily believed him when I should have been listening to you. I hope that you will forgive me for misjudgment."
"You are already forgiven, Miss Bennet," said Darcy meaningfully. Elizabeth blushed a little and looked away.
"I should have known that Wickham was too good to be true. Is this what you meant when you said that Wickham was not to be trusted?" asked Elizabeth, trying to find out what had happened between them.
"Yes it is," said Darcy. "Wickham has always been a cad and ... a seducer." Darcy choked out the last word. Elizabeth caught it and pressed on.
"Is that what he did to Georgiana?" Elizabeth asked to Darcy.
Darcy stood upright and quickly barked out, "I don't want to talk about it!" His reaction gave Elizabeth her answer. Wickham had done something to Georgiana. And from her stay at Netherfield, Elizabeth knew that Georgiana was Darcy's younger sister. What did Wickham to do to her, to Darcy himself?
"We have been absent long enough, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy. "We should go back to the party." He started to head back but was stopped when he realized that Elizabeth wasn't following. He turned and looked at her.
"I would rather not go back inside," said Elizabeth. She looked at the ground. "I don't wish to listen to them talk about my engagement and how wonderful it is." She looked up at Mr. Darcy. "Even though I don't like that I can handle it. But the worse part is seeing them laugh at me in their eyes for becoming engaged to Mr. Collins. They think I can't see it but I do. Yet I can say nothing."
Darcy stood in silence not knowing what to say. Elizabeth looked so sad at the mention of her engagement. He ached to help her but he did not know how.
"I am sorry, Miss Bennet," began Darcy. "If there is anything I can do to help..."
"There is nothing you could do," said Elizabeth. "I cannot change what people think. I guess I will just have to live with their silent laughter." Elizabeth shivered a little bit as a cool breeze came up. "Perhaps we should go in. People will be starting to miss us."
Darcy nodded and offered Elizabeth his arm. She took it and together they headed into the house.
After Darcy and Elizabeth returned to the house the party flew by rather quickly. Darcy stood in the corner, much like he had before and watched Elizabeth as she conversed with some of the people present. She didn't look shaken and seemed determined to put her encounter with Wickham behind her. He silently observed as she stood with Mr. Collins and listened to him tell Sir William and Mr. Bennet how happy they would be as man and wife. He watched as she tried unsuccessfully to the close watcher to hide her disgust.
When the party came to an end, Mr. Darcy joined Bingley and the others in their carriage. Mr. Hurst looked a little drunk while Miss Bingley glowed with triumph. Bingley, on the other hand, looked slightly puzzled. Darcy could not determine why, as he had spent most of the entire night talking to Jane. He was unable to ask Bingley anything, however, because as soon as the carriage door closed, Miss Bingley started sharing her opinions of the night with everyone.
"Wasn't that a delightful evening?" asked Miss Bingley, a smile of victory on her face.
"Indeed," agreed Mrs. Hurst. "Mrs. Bennet is very pleased in having Miss Elizabeth engaged."
"Even though Miss Elizabeth is not!" laughed Miss Bingley. She calmed down and became more serious. "Why, she was positively rude in declining my help in the wedding preparations."
"But Mrs. Bennet did agree," observed Mrs. Hurst. "Why you would want to help with the wedding is beyond me, but you are."
"My dear Louisa," said Miss Bingley. "I want to make sure Miss Elizabeth has the most wonderful wedding." Miss Bingley's smile grew larger as she continued. "For she will have the most horrid marriage!" With that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst laughed again. Bingley sighed and tried not to pay any attention to his sisters. Darcy glared but they did not seem to notice or care. Fortunately for Darcy, Miss Bingley did not inquire as to his thoughts on the matter. After the events of the evening, Darcy was not in the mood for Miss Bingley and her games. As soon as they reached Netherfield Darcy made his excuses and retired to his room.
"What an evening indeed," said Darcy out loud to himself. He had hoped that during the course of the evening he could have figured out his feelings for Elizabeth. What had happened had sent him on an interesting emotional ride. His argument with her followed shortly by his rescuing of her had covered all of the extremes of his feelings. But he was confused as to what to do next. If he took any action he could frighten her away. If he took no action he would lose her forever. And he wasn't sure that was a risk he could take.
Wickham sat at the pub not really touching the drink in front of him. He had been staring at it for half an hour. To the casual observer it looked like he was trying to determine if he should drink it or not. To Wickham, the only reason he hadn't downed it and ordered another was the fact that he was trying desperately to determine a way to gain revenge on Darcy. So far nothing had come to mind.
He picked up the drink and swallowed it in one long gulp. He waved for another one. It was quickly replaced and Wickham once again began staring into it, trying to some answers. He knew that he could not stay in Meryton for much longer. Elizabeth Bennet or Mr. Darcy might reveal himself. He resolved to request for a transfer in the morning. With any luck he would be out of Hertfordshire within a day. But that still did not solve the problem of Darcy.
There must be a way to get my revenge. Wickham sighed. He hadn't succeeded with Georgiana and there was no way to try again. After what he had tried she would never trust him again. He couldn't discredit him because no one would believe Wickham's word against Darcy's. Wickham picked up his drink and was about to drink it when a thought struck him. When Darcy had confronted him, he had been quite enraged, almost jealous. Could Darcy be in love with Elizabeth Bennet? Wickham had heard that Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Netherfield Ball and they were observed to be having quite an animated conversation. There was also a rumor going around that Darcy would stare at Miss Bennet for peculiar amounts of time when they were at assemblies. But Elizabeth Bennet is to be married...and if Darcy loves her... Wickham smiled. Even if he hadn't planned it, Darcy would still be suffering. I guess I will have to live with that. Wickham finished his drink and sat back in his chair, a contented look on his face. I will still have my revenge, Darcy, you can count on that.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrived at Longbourn the following day. Elizabeth had anxiously awaited their arrival. She knew of all people, her aunt and uncle would see that Mr. Collins was not a suitable match for herself and make her father see reason. After they had been settled she waited until they were alone to approach them. She quickly related the entire story to them, telling them everything from Mr. Collins arrival to the proposal to her father forcing her to marry Mr. Collins for the sake of the family. They listened attentively to her.
"Please," said Elizabeth after she had recounted the events of the last few weeks, "I ask that you speak to my father and ask him to reconsider his decision. I will not be happy with Mr. Collins. Surely something can be done."
Mr. Gardiner smiled and took Elizabeth's hand. "I will try Elizabeth. I know your father is a good man and will listen to reason. I will go to him direct and plead your case." And with that Mr. Gardiner left to go seek Mr. Bennet.
"Don't worry my dear," said Mrs. Gardiner. "Your uncle will convince your father."
"I hope so, dear aunt," said Elizabeth. "I don't know if I could live as Mrs. Collins. I wish he had never come here. Life would have been so much simpler." Mrs. Gardiner smiled and took Elizabeth's hand, trying to give her some comfort. They sat like this for a while, Mrs. Gardiner telling Elizabeth about London life in an attempt to get her mind off of the conversation taking place in her father's library.
A while later, Mr. Gardiner returned. Elizabeth's hopes were dashed when she saw the defeated look on his face.
"Your father wishes to see you Elizabeth," said Mr. Gardiner. "I'm sorry but..."
"It is okay, uncle," said Elizabeth. "No matter how hard I hoped, I knew my father wouldn't be so easily persuaded." Elizabeth left the room and went to the library. She entered and closed the door behind her. Mr. Bennet sat at his desk, a grim expression on his face.
"Elizabeth," he began but before he could continue Elizabeth interrupted him.
"You do not need to say anything, Sir," said Elizabeth coldly. "I know that your decision will not be reversed. I may not like it but I am your daughter and I must abide by your wishes. I still had to try, though, and you cannot blame me for that."
"Well," said Mr. Bennet. "I see that we understand each other perfectly. Since I have nothing left to say to you that you did not say yourself, you may leave." Elizabeth turned around sharply and left. As she closed the door, she missed the pained expression on Mr. Bennet's face. He knew that his daughter was unhappy with marrying Mr. Collins. He knew that she would keep trying to find a way to prevent the marriage up until it happened. This marriage would take place. He would make sure of it. His family depended on this marriage. He just hoped that one day Elizabeth would be able to forgive him.