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Story
III - Three Conversations
(Author's Note:In
this Pride & Prejudice variation, due to illness in
the family, the Gardiners do not go on their trip to Derbyshire
and the Peaks. Therefore, Elizabeth is home in Hertfordshire.)
Part 1
"Darcy, I am
thinking about giving up Netherfield."
Darcy looked up
in surprise at his guest. "Indeed, Charles? What makes you
consider that now?"
Bingley paced the
length of Darcy's Pemberley study. "It is been on my mind
these many weeks. Why should I lease a house and property that
I do not intend to inhabit? It is not that good an investment.
No, I believe I should leave." He glanced at his great friend.
"What is your opinion?"
Darcy shifted uncomfortably
in his chair as he set down his glass of brandy. Since Kent,
he knew he would have to talk to Bingley about what he had learned
of Miss Bennet. With Bingley and his sisters at Scarborough these
few months, his friend's summer visit to Pemberley with Georgiana
was the first opportunity for this conversation - a dreaded one,
he had to admit to himself.
"Bingley,"
he began cautiously, "as I said before, Netherfield shows
great promise, given close and attentive management. The lease
was very reasonable, and the price under contract, should you
buy the place, is a good one. It is a fine opportunity. I cannot
say you will find its like again soon. You should consider this
carefully."
"I have thought
it over, most constantly. You said it needs my close attention,
and you are right. But I…I have no desire to live in Hertfordshire.
It would be too painful."
Darcy took a sip
of his drink. "I understand, Charles." Better than
you think! "But, this is a momentous decision. You should
not commit yourself until you can see for yourself that things
are beyond repair - both at the estate and…elsewhere."
"What do you
mean?"
Darcy picked his
words with great care. "Charles, I too have been thinking
of Hertfordshire. I believe I might have been deceived about…certain
aspects and opinions of some of the inhabitants. Further study
is warranted - nay, required."
"I fail to
understand your meaning."
"It is possible
I may have been mistaken about Miss Bennet."
"What?"
Bingley stared at him. "Why do you think this?" The
last thing Darcy wanted to do was confess his actions in Hunsford.
"Since we last spoke of this matter, I have reflected on
my considerations and conclusions. I must admit I am dissatisfied
with them and with my advice to you. Some things I spoke of were
beneath me." He looked at Bingley with regret. "I apologize.
I should never have interfered."
"Do you say
you were wrong?"
"I think I
might have been, yes."
Bingley just stood,
blinking, an action that increased Darcy's unease.
"Charles, I
am so very sorry!"
"No, it not
that," Bingley said in a voice of wonder. "It is just
you have never admitted to being in the wrong to me - not in
all the years I have known you."
Bingley could not
know how those words caused pain to his friend. He started to
pace again. "So, you think I should return to Netherfield?"
"Yes, to get
a proper feel for the 'lay of the land,' as it were."
"I take it
we are speaking of more than the estate."
"Yes."
Darcy watched as
a glow of excitement grew in his friend's face, only to see it
vanish in a trice. "No, it is impossible! I cannot hope.
It is unsupportable!"
"Charles -"
"No, Darcy.
I appreciate your encouragement, but I must be realistic about
Miss Bennet." He slumped into an armchair across from Darcy.
"She cannot hold me in any particular regard. I must accept
that. Else, she would have written to Caroline whist we were
in Town." He dropped his face into his hands.
Darcy groaned inwardly.
The time had come for a very uncomfortable conversation. He had
intended to postpone this discussion until it was certain that
not only Miss Elizabeth had been proven correct about her sister's
feelings, but that Miss Jane still harbored those sensibilities.
But Darcy had reckoned without taking into account Bingley's
insecurities. There was only one thing to be done - a full confession.
He took a full breath, steeled himself, and began.
"Charles, you
do Miss Bennet an injustice. She did write your sister."
Bingley looked up.
"What? She did?" At Darcy's nod, he continued. "How
do you know?"
"Caroline told
me."
An astonished Bingley
gasped. "Caroline received a letter from Miss Bennett, and
you all hid it from me?"
"Charles, there
is more. Caroline and Mrs. Hurst visited Miss Bennet at her relations
in Town -"
"Miss Bennet
was in LONDON?"
"- and waited
upon her at Bingley House."
Bingley jumped to
his feet. "You…you…oh!" Darcy watched as
his best friend wrestled with his emotions.
"Charles, I
certainly deserve any name you wish to call me. I seriously doubt
it will be something other than I have named myself these last
months."
"Really? That
remains to be seen!" He stared hard at his host. "Why,
Darcy? I thought you my friend!"
"Friendship
was my motivation."
"Damning me
to misery was an act of friendship?"
"Better than
damning you to an unhappy marriage."
"That again!"
Bingley paced about the room, muttering curses, still fighting
his anger. With a sinking feeling, Darcy knew he was losing his
best friend. For several terrible minutes, he watched Bingley
prowl the room.
Finally, he turned
to Darcy. "Why are you telling me this now? What has changed?"
Time for the
final shoe to drop.
"When I was last in Kent, I received information that made
me question my belief in Miss Bennet's indifference."
"From whom?"
"Miss Elizabeth
Bennet."
Bingley's jaw dropped.
"What did she say?"
Darcy could not
stop himself from gulping. "That her sister was unhappy
over your departure. I believe the words she used were 'ruined
forever the happiness of her sister.' Apparently, Miss Elizabeth
learned of my involvement in separating you."
"My God!"
Bingley pulled at his hair. "You mean Jane cares?"
"That you must
determine for yourself."
"How? How can
I do that?"
"By returning
to Hertfordshire."
"All this time…eight
months! Oh, Darcy! She must think I have abandoned her. She will
never forgive me."
"Charles, Charles,
listen to me, if but for the last time. If you truly care for
Miss Bennet, then your path is clear. You should return to Hertfordshire
and judge for yourself the state of Miss Bennet's feelings. If
she was sincerely attached, you must do right by her."
"What? You
now say I should just barge into Longbourn and propose?"
"No, of course
not! But, you must give Miss Bennet the opportunity to see that
you will do the honorable thing if she so desires it."
"And if she
no longer wants me?"
"Then you must
withdraw, taking upon yourself all of the mortification of disappointed
hopes as a gentleman should."
Bingley sat back,
anger, fear, and uncertainty clear on his face. Darcy sighed
and stood. "I am certain you have long desired my absence.
I will leave you now. Whatever you decide, I want you to know
that I have valued our friendship." Darcy's voice broke.
"Goodnight, Charles."
"Wait!"
cried Bingley. "Where are you going?"
"I…I thought
you wanted privacy."
"No! No, I
need you! Or rather, I need two things of you!"
"I am at your
disposal, Charles."
"I must send
an express to Netherfield - tonight!"
Darcy's eyebrows
rose. "Very well. I will arrange for a rider immediately."
"Good, good.
And I need a coach."
Darcy nodded. "If
you wish. But I thought you would rather ride."
"Ride?"
Bingley looked at his friend in confusion. "You would rather
ride all the way to Hertfordshire?"
"I? You want
me to accompany you?"
"Good lord,
man, of course I do! You got me into this predicament, and you
will damn well help me out of it!" He rose and extended
his hand. "After all, what are friends for?"
Darcy shook it,
and the two men stared at each other. "Charles," Darcy
began, "you are too good -"
"Ah, enough
of that! We have planning to do! Can you leave at first light?"
"Charles, I
do need at least a day to settle my affairs here."
"All right.
One day, but not an hour more! My angel awaits!"
Part 2
An anxious Charles
Bingley sat in the comfort of Darcy's coach, watching the green
fields of Hertfordshire pass by the window. He glanced at his
companion sitting across from him, his nose in a book, perfectly
at ease. Not for the first time, Bingley envied Darcy's ability
to focus upon the task at hand. He never seemed to be nervous
or uncertain. Unlike me, he thought.
Since their confrontation
three days ago, Bingley's thoughts had been in a state of extreme
flux. While Darcy calmly explained to Georgiana that unexpected
business had called the two of them to the south, Bingley had
been a nervous wreck. At one moment, he wanted to make for Longbourn
with all possible speed. A moment later, he was all but certain
that his quest was hopeless. He avoided Caroline as much as he
could, for he doubted he could restrain his temper in her presence.
Bingley had yet to confront either of his sisters over their
deceit, but the day of reckoning had been merely delayed. The
extent of his revenge would depend upon the state of Jane Bennet's
feelings.
Jane! Her pain - her feelings - were the
one constant in Bingley's brain. If he could do anything for
her happiness, it would be done. If the price of her affection
was the tossing off of his relations, Bingley would do it without
a moment's hesitation.
As the miles dragged
on during their journey, Bingley began to consider how Darcy
received his intelligence about Jane. The source was very surprising.
Bingley had no idea that Darcy had met Miss Elizabeth in Kent.
He was also intently curious to learn how on earth the subject
of himself and Jane had ever come up between them, given Miss
Elizabeth's barely concealed hostility towards Darcy.
It is a shame, he thought. Darcy showed great
interest in Miss Elizabeth. Of course, only one who knows Darcy
as well as I do could see his interest. Did Jane I and I discuss
the matter? I believe we did. But recalling Miss Elizabeth's
attitude towards Darcy, I do not believe she thinks very highly
of my friend. I wonder if she did overhear Darcy's ridiculous
refusal to dance with her when we first met at that assembly.
She did seem to take an immediate dislike of him. So why would
she share such information of a personal nature about her sister?
He looked over at
Darcy. No help there. Darcy can be as stubborn as a mule when
he puts his mind to it. No amount of wheedling with get him to
talk. I have tried and tried, but he will not speak of it. Something
happened, and he is not at all happy about it.
A signpost came
into view. "Darcy! We are almost there," he informed
his friend.
The butler met the
two gentlemen outside the front door of Netherfield while the
groomsmen rushed out to assist the coachman and to care for the
horses.
"Welcome back,
Mr. Bingley. Welcome, Mr. Darcy. Sir, everything has been arranged
as you requested in your message."
"Thank you,
Perkins. Any news of the neighborhood?" Bingley inquired
off-handily, as he removed his traveling coat.
"No, sir,"
said the butler, "Meryton is very quiet."
One of the young
grooms managing the couch, remarked, "Nothin' new, sir?
Nothin' besides the scandal at Longbourn, that is."
"Henry Dunn!"
cried Perkins. "For shame!"
Both Bingley and
Darcy froze. "What scandal?" Bingley demanded.
The groom looked
between the irate butler and agitated master, sighed, and the
stepped forward. "Beggin' your pardon, sir, I thought you
knew. Why, it's all over Meryton that one of the Bennet girls
run off and left her family. Took off with one of them officers
from the militia a fortnight ago, it seems. Some say they went
to Scotland, but others…well, the whole village is in an
uproar."
Bingley was in shock.
"Perkins! What do you know about this?"
Perkins flinched
at the unlikely show of temper from his employer. "I am
afraid the unpleasantness is common knowledge, sir. It is known
that Mr. Bennet is in Town, and the rest of the family has withdrawn
to Longbourn."
Bingley did not
want to ask - it could not be Jane - but the words escaped his
lips. "Do you know who the gossip is about?"
Henry shook his
head. "Not sure, sir," earning a gasp from Darcy, "but
I have seen Miss Bennet at the green grocer's just two days ago.
Mrs. Goulding gave her the cut direct, right there in the middle
of the street! Such a shame how she was treated! And her being
such a fine lady."
"Good God!
How dare she -!" At that moment, Bingley felt Darcy's hand
on his arm, tugging him towards the front door of the house.
"It is to be
expected, Charles," he said in a low, angry voice.
"What are we
to do?" Bingley asked.
"Every man
must do as he must," Darcy growled as he turned to Henry.
In a calm voice that would brook no opposition, he said, "You!
Prepare a horse for me, this instant."
It took a moment
for Bingley to determine Darcy's purpose. "Yes! Two horses,
if you please. Hurry, man!"
A half-hour later,
the two men rode up the lane to Longbourn. During the ride, neither
had spoken, which was just as well for Bingley. He was relieved
that Jane was not the Bennet girl involved, but he was angry
and concerned for her. He knew that he would do anything to relieve
her pain and had vowed to tell her so as soon as her could. A
boy, surprise clearly written on his face, came to take the mounts
as Bingley and Darcy made for the door. The astonishment was
redoubled in the expression of Mrs. Hill, but she showed the
gentlemen to the parlor. They waited an agonizing five minutes
before Miss Bennet made her appearance.
"Mr. Bingley,
Mr. Darcy, welcome to Longbourn," a flustered Jane Bennet
said. Bingley could see the circles under her eyes, and his heart
ached for her. "Please be seated. I shall send for tea."
"Thank you,
Miss Bennet. You are too kind." Jane spoke to Mrs. Hill,
then moved to an armchair, and the gentlemen took their seats.
"Thank you
for calling on us. I did not know you had returned to Netherfield."
Bingley could see
that Jane would not look him in the eye. "We only arrived
this afternoon, Miss Bennet, and hurried to pay our respects."
"Oh! Then you…"
Jane caught herself, and her expression changed from uncertain
delight to despair. "I must thank you, but I am afraid there
is some news you do not -"
Bingley cut in.
"Miss Bennet, please do not trouble yourself. We have been
apprised of your family's misfortune, and we are here to offer
our friendship, support, and services." He glanced at the
still silent, grave Darcy. "I speak for both of us."
An extraordinary
occurrence then took place. Jane Bennet broke down in tears.
Before he could stop himself, Bingley was on his knees at her
side, holding one of her hands.
"Miss Bennet,
please!" he cried with more feeling than politeness. "Let
me call your maid. Is there nothing you could take, to give you
present relief? A glass of wine - shall I get you one? You are
very ill."
"No, I thank
you," said she, her eyes shining wet with tears. "Please
accept my apology for my behavior. You are so…so kind. You
are too good."
"If I were
a good man, I would have never left Netherfield." Bingley
could not stop the words that had so filled his heart from flowing
from his lips. "You have nothing to apologize for,
while I - I doubt a lifetime will be enough to show my repentance."
"Mr. Bingley?"
Jane looked at him in confusion.
Darcy finally roused
himself to speak. He crossed over, placed his hand on Bingley's
shoulder, and said, "Charles, now is not the time or the
place." He turned his eyes to Jane. "Miss Bennet, Bingley
and I are eager to offer our services. It would be a kindness
if you would allow us to be of use to you at this time."
Bingley moved to
a chair next to Jane. He had not released her hand, however.
"Whatever you ask of us shall be done."
"I…I do
not know what to say. My father is not here, but on his behalf,
I thank you with all my heart."
Darcy smiled slightly
then became grave again. "Miss Bennet, I would not pain
you at this time if I could help it, but we need information
if we are to be of assistance. Can you tell us what you know
of this matter?"
Jane hesitated,
looked closely at Darcy and Bingley, then relaxed. "It cannot
be concealed in any case. My youngest sister has left all her
friends - has eloped - has thrown herself into the power of -"
"Youngest sister?"
Darcy asked in a tone that to Bingley's ears sounded almost of
relief.
"Yes, sir -
Lydia has eloped with Mr. Wickham."
"Wickham?"
Darcy cried in anguish.
"I am afraid
so. I do not wonder at your outburst. From what my sister, Elizabeth,
has said, you know him too well to doubt the rest. Lydia has
no money, no connections, nothing that can tempt him to…to…"
"I understand,"
said a miserable Darcy.
"We are afraid
she is lost forever. Oh! When I consider," she added, in
a yet more agitated voice, "that I might have prevented
it! I, who was told what he was. Had I but explained some part
of it only - some part of what I learnt - to my own family! Had
his character been known, this could not have happened. But it
is all…all too late now."
Darcy reeled as
though he had been struck. Bingley took it upon himself to comfort
Miss Bennet.
"Now, now,
Miss Bennet. I know something of Mr. Wickham's character. From
what I have been told, he is a charlatan. Such men are very well-versed
in deceiving people. You must not blame yourself."
"Thank you,
but I knew of his character! Had I spoken, Lydia never would
have gone to Brighton!"
"I am sure
you had your reasons for not speaking."
Jane's eyes flew
to a distressed Darcy. "I…I did. You are right."
Bingley was curious
at the exchange, but set it aside. "So, all this happened
in Brighton?"
"Yes. The ----shire
militia was moved to Brighton for the summer, and my unfortunate
sister was invited as the guest of the colonel and his wife.
There, I suppose, Mr. Wickham carried out his…his…"
Seduction, Bingley's mind finished her statement.
"I am grieved, indeed. Grieved - shocked. But is it certain,
absolutely certain?'"
"Oh yes! They
left Brighton together a fortnight ago and were traced almost
to London, but not beyond. They are certainly not gone to Scotland."
Darcy spoke up.
"And what has been done, what has been attempted, to recover
her?"
"My father
is gone to London and has my uncle's assistance. But nothing
can be done - I know very well that nothing can be done. How
is such a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered?
We have not the smallest hope. It is every way horrible!"
Bingley knelt, trying
to find something to say. "Your family - are they bearing
up, at all?" He winced at his stupid words.
"My mother
is tolerably well, I trust, though her spirits are greatly shaken.
She is upstairs and will have great satisfaction in knowing of
your visit. She does not yet leave her dressing-room. Mary and
Kitty are quite well."
"And Miss Elizabeth,
is she well?" Darcy blurted out.
Again, Jane wore
an unreadable expression as she answered him. "She is, but
a sudden headache keeps her above stairs."
Bingley saw that
this intelligence, rather than giving comfort, pained his friend
anew. Darcy paced a moment, pale and trembling, before he begged
to be excused and quitted the house.
Bingley struggled
to apologize for his companion's extraordinary behavior, but
Jane placed a hand on his arm, silencing him. "Sir, do not
trouble yourself. I am not offended. Indeed, I believe Mr. Darcy
is very upset. Please, I cannot say more."
Bingley grew more
confused than ever. Knowing he had to see to Darcy, he excused
himself, assuring Miss Bennet of his swift return, and went after
his friend. He found him near the stable, his horse's bridle
in hand.
"Darcy! Surely
you are not leaving?"
Darcy would not
look Bingley in the eye. "I think I must. Pray give my regards
to the Bennets."
"Darcy, this
is badly done! It will look as if you are leaving them because
of their shame."
Darcy's head jerked
up. "No! Never! Believe me, the Bennet family has my highest
regard." He flushed and put a hand over his eyes. "I
must leave to go to Town. I have business that cannot wait. Please,
ask no more."
Bingley made sure
the stableman was out of earshot. "I am afraid I cannot
oblige you, Darce. What is the nature of this 'business?' You
will tell me, or I shall think the less of you."
Darcy stared out
into the distance.
"Tell me,"
Bingley demanded. "You owe me at least this."
Darcy looked hard
at him. "You will tell no one. Swear it!"
"I will hear
what you say first."
"I go to set
things to rights. I must find Wickham."
"You? But how?
Do you know where he is?"
"I know his
ways, Charles. I can find him. I have done so before."
"Why do you
not want anyone to know?"
"It would seem
I do this to earn the gratitude of… of the Bennets. I would
not have my motivations misunderstood. I am proud to do this
for them. I do not desire thanks for doing my duty."
Charles clapped
his friend on the shoulder. "Then, I shall join you. We
will do it together."
"No. The fault
is mine and so must the remedy be. I go alone."
"Your fault?
How is this? How are you at fault for something Wickham has done?"
Darcy hung his head.
"This is not the first time he has done something like this.
If I had exposed his character before the world, none of this
would have happened."
Bingley gripped
his arm. "That is what Miss Bennet said! What the devil
is going on? You will tell me now!"
Darcy shook free.
"Bingley, leave off."
"Darcy, if
you do not tell me, I will announce your intentions to Miss Bennet."
Darcy was furious
with Bingley, but the gentleman stood patiently. He had left
his friend with no choice.
"In Kent, I
warned Miss Elizabeth about Wickham, but asked that she keep
the information to herself. Apparently, she followed my wishes,
save for sharing what she knew with her sister, which is perfectly
reasonable. Had I not restricted her, surely, the whole family
would have been told."
To Bingley, this
made little sense. "Darcy, I think you take too much upon
yourself. But I know you are intent on your purpose. I will make
your excuses, but I do advise you return to Netherfield and leave
at first light tomorrow. Surely a few hours will make no difference
one way or the other."
"But Miss Lydia
-"
"Darcy, must
I be blunt?" He whispered, "Do you think Wickham has
not had his way with her by now? It has been two weeks."
Bingley heard Darcy
grind his teeth. "You are right," he managed in a calm
voice. "I will leave tomorrow."
"We will talk
more when I return to the house. Agreed?"
Darcy jerked a nod,
mounted his horse, and with a short wave, set off for Netherfield.
Bingley turned back to the house. On his way back in, he thought
he saw a movement in an upstairs window. A moment later, he rejoined
Jane in the parlor.
"Miss Bennet,
I do not mean to impose myself on you at this time, but I would
be happy to take tea with you, if you wish company." As
she hesitated, he added, "I have not had the opportunity
to talk with you since the twenty-sixth of November, since I
was ignorant of your visit to Town."
Jane's eyes grew
wide, and Bingley held her attention with his open countenance.
"I…I do not understand."
"In short,
I was misled. Miss Bennet, believe me, I am very happy to
be here."
Jane gasped and
turned to the window. Bingley thought he heard her murmur, "Lizzy
was right." When she turned again, she had collected herself.
"Mr. Bingley,
I am glad you are here for tea. Allow me to inform my sisters
of your visit. We all will be happy for the company." She
paused. "I, most especially."
Bingley's grin almost
split his face.
Jane had a becoming
blush on her cheeks as she moved to the doorway. "I will
only be a moment, sir."
"I am at my
leisure, Miss Bennet."
An hour later, Bingley
returned to Netherfield, where true to his word, Darcy awaited
him. Bingley ordered a cold supper for two be served in the study.
Once the sliced meat, cheese, and bread had been served and the
servants had withdrawn, the Master of Netherfield spoke to his
guest.
"I must say
I had a most enjoyable visit with the Miss Bennets, given the
present circumstances. I thank you for obliging me by conveying
me to Hertfordshire."
"I am happy
to have been of service to you, Charles," Darcy said to
his plate.
Bingley said nothing
and waited. Finally, Darcy raised his head. "And how are
Miss Bennet's sisters? Miss Bennet herself seems well."
"She is, and
I shall tell you that I will do what I should have done eight
months ago. At the appropriate time, I will make my intentions
clear, and if Miss Bennet will have me, then I will consider
myself the most fortunate man alive."
Darcy snorted. "Knowing
you, that time will not be far off." Darcy chewed a bit
of cheese. "I must call myself a fool, Charles. No one with
eyes in his head could mistake Miss Bennet's feelings. I hope
one day you can forgive my interference."
"Oh, I suppose
I have forgiven you already, old boy."
"Thank you,
Charles. Now, I believe we were speaking of Miss Bennet's sisters?"
Bingley hid a smile,
his suspicions proving to be correct. "Miss Mary and Miss
Kitty were very gracious, and Miss Kitty especially happy for
the company. They have not had callers, except for their Aunt
Philips, for some time." He allowed Darcy to twist in his
chair before adding, "Oh, and Miss Elizabeth came to see
me off."
Darcy froze, and
Bingley knew he had hit his mark. "She is well, Darcy, but
like the rest of the family, she feels the weight of their troubles
most acutely."
His reaction was
far more than Bingley had foreseen. Darcy rose quickly, his chair
falling back with a crash, and he strode directly over to the
window. Bingley, knowing he had gone too far, hurried to follow,
professing his apologies. "Darce - Darce - I am sorry! I
should not tease you so!"
Darcy did not hear
him. "Oh God, what have I done?"
"Darcy, listen
to me." Bingley pulled Darcy about by one arm and was taken
aback my the despair he saw in his eyes. "Miss Elizabeth
asked about you most particularly. She insisted I give you her
regards."
"She…she
did?"
"Yes, she did."
He paused. "There is much you have not told me about your
dealings with Miss Elizabeth. Do you not think it is time you
told me of them?"
"Charles…I
cannot…"
"You admire
her, do you not?"
Darcy was silent
for a moment. "I do. But we did not part well in Kent."
"It seems she
has forgiven you."
"She cannot…not
after this."
"I do not understand.
What could have happened that this business with Wickham could
affect?"
"We…we
misunderstood each other. Wickham was a part of it." He
looked at Bingley. "Miss Bennet was part of it, too. Miss
Elizabeth knows of my interference."
"Good lord."
The absurdity of the situation overcame Bingley, and he could
not stop a chuckle. "What did you not talk of? This
is a strange manner of courting, Darcy."
"You have no
idea, Charles." Darcy turned back to the window. "So,
you see that I must set this to rights, but at the same time,
I have no hope for myself. It is too much."
"Darcy, you
are wrong."
"Maybe, maybe.
Time will tell."
"Well, come
back and eat, and tell me of your plans." Bingley was able
to coax Darcy back to table. After some more prodding, Darcy
gave him a brief outline of his intentions.
"This will
not be inexpensive, Darcy. Are you sure I cannot help?"
"I will bear
the weight of this and no one else."
"And I must
stay here," Bingley grumbled. "What good can I do?"
"More than
you think. By being a visible presence with the Bennet family,
you restore their standing."
"By Jove, you
are right!"
"Bingley, take
care."
"What! Surely
you do not think that -"
"I think that
you must be very careful not to act impulsively, but rather thoughtfully.
You must do everything in the proper and correct manner."
Bingley sat back,
abashed. "Oh, of course." He thought. "I shall
write to Mr. Bennet tonight, offering my support and asking his
permission to call on his family."
"Much better.
I would only request you keep my intentions to yourself."
"I do not comprehend
your reasons, but I will do as you say."
"Thank you,
Charles."
"I still say
you do Miss Elizabeth an injustice. She does not think ill of
you."
"Charles, please,
do not tempt me! I cannot be that fortunate. Let us enjoy our
meal before I retire. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Part 3
On a mild December
day, Elizabeth Bennet sat on a large stone and tried to force
her anxious mind to be soothed by her favorite sight, the view
from Oakham Mount. But it was all for naught, for he was
coming today.
Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Oh, how she dreaded
and longed for this meeting! Not since Hunsford had she laid
eyes on him.
No, that is not
so. I saw him outside Longbourn and was too cowardly to greet
him as I should. Oh, what does he think of me?
Every word, every
movement, every emotion of that ill-fated interview in the Collins'
parlor Elizabeth could recall with perfect clarity. His horrible
and wonderful letter she knew by heart. The day she discovered
the colossal extent of his deeds in service to her family would
be forever etched in her mind. The moment that she realized that
she loved him - that he was the only man in the world that could
make her happy - was the most delightful and heart-wrenching
of her life.
Oh, where can
he be?
For almost four
months she had wrestled with the meaning of Darcy's actions.
Her heart said he had done it for her. Her mind screamed that
it was impossible. She, however, could produce no other motivation,
and yet…and yet... Wickham and Lydia had been in the north
county since Michaelmas, and now Christmas was nigh…and
yet…he had not come.
If, in spite
of everything, he still loves me, why does he stay away?
Now, with Bingley
and Jane's wedding in a week's time, Darcy was coming to Netherfield
with his sister and cousin to stand up with his friend.
Does he only
come to honor his friend? Does he feel nothing for me? Is the
thought of my family's permanent attachment to the name Wickham
so abhorrent to him? Of course, it must be! For his poor sister's
sake he had put all tender feeling aside. And what could I expect,
after my hateful words in Kent?
Yet, he comes
to Herefordshire now and brings his sister. He could have stayed
away. Oh, what is he thinking even now?
Teasing, teasing
man! I shall think of him no more!
Resolved for the
final time to dismiss the Master of Pemberley, Elizabeth gathered
up her bonnet, stood and straightened her spenser, turned - and
gasped.
"Good afternoon,
Miss Bennet." The tall, serious man bowed to her.
"Mr. Darcy!
You quite startled me!"
"My apologies.
I had not known my horse to be so quiet."
Elizabeth remembered
her manners and made her curtsy. "It would do well to have
it make more noise, sir, unless it is your intent to frighten
young ladies!" Her eyebrow rose. "I cannot see how
that would suit your purpose, unless perhaps you have turned
highwayman?"
A sudden smile broke
out on his grave continence. "Have you never heard of Darcy
the Dastardly?" he asked with a sweeping bow.
Elizabeth giggled,
her hands over her mouth, delighted and surprised at the gentleman's
teasing. "So that is the source of your ten thousand a year,
sir?"
He put his hand
to his forehead. "Alas, I am discovered! I have no secrets
from you, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth blushed.
"You are very welcome to Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy. Is your
sister with you?"
"She is resting
at Netherfield. I hurried to pay my respects to your family."
Elizabeth experienced
a not unpleasant rolling of her insides. "And the shortest
route from Netherfield to Longbourn was by way of Oakham Mount?"
Darcy grinned. "Your
sister, Miss Bennet, was good enough to let me know your destination."
The knowledge that
he had been looking for her was very pleasing, yet it
would not do to smile too much, until she knew his feelings.
"This is a
beautiful sight," he said.
"Yes, I enjoy
it very much, but I should return home."
"May I accompany
you?" He extended his arm.
"Of course,
but your horse?"
"He is a good-natured
beast. The rein is long enough that he may follow without disturbing
us, I think." Taking his arm, Elizabeth and Darcy set off
for Longbourn.
They had only gone
a short distance in companionate silence before Elizabeth said,
"Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature, and for the sake
of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may
wound yours. I can no longer delay thanking you for your unexampled
kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known it, I have
been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel
it. Were it known to the rest of my family, I should not have
merely my own gratitude to express."
"I am sorry,
exceedingly sorry," replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise
and emotion, "that you have ever been informed of what may,
in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think
Bingley was so little to be trusted."
"You must not
blame your friend. Lydia's thoughtlessness first betrayed to
me that you had been concerned in the matter, and of course,
I could not rest until I knew the particulars from my aunt and
Mr. Bingley." She smiled. "Of course, the first person
to betray you was yourself."
Darcy turned to
her, astonished.
"I saw you
from my window when last you were at Longbourn, having an intense
conversation with Mr. Bingley. When I finally came down to talk
to him, he said, 'Miss Elizabeth, Darcy sends his regards. Do
not trouble yourself over this matter. We will stand by you,
both Darcy and myself, and will do whatever we can in service
for your family.' So you see, I was not as surprised as you might
imagine when Lydia let it be known you were at her wedding!"
She turned to him. "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. If your
feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.
My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from
you will silence me on this subject forever."
Elizabeth, feeling
all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation,
now forced herself to speak and immediately, though not very
fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone
so material a change since the period to which he alluded, as
to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances.
The happiness which
this reply produced was such as Darcy had never felt before,
and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly
as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth
been able to encounter his eyes, she might have seen how well
the expression of heartfelt delight diffused over his face became
him. Though she could not look, she could listen, and he told
her of feelings which, in proving of what importance she was
to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.
They walked on,
without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought
and felt and said for attention to any other objects. She soon
learnt that they were indebted for their present good understanding
to the efforts of her sister, Jane, of all people. To Elizabeth's
astonishment, it happened that Bingley and Jane had been in a
conspiracy to bring their friends together.
Jane had enclosed
a note to Darcy, secreted in Bingley's invitation to stand up
with him. The note explained that Elizabeth's spirits had been
very low since the spring and that Jane had learned the cause
was the absence of a certain gentleman from Derbyshire, whom
Elizabeth had once despised but now felt altogether differently,
even before the events arising from Brighton. His return to Hertfordshire
was earnestly requested.
"It taught
me to hope," said he, "as I had scarcely ever allowed
myself to hope before. I knew enough of your disposition to be
certain, that had you been absolutely, irrevocably decided against
me, you would have acknowledged it to your sister, frankly and
openly."
Elizabeth colored
and laughed as she replied, "Yes, you know enough of my
frankness to believe me capable of that. After
abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple
in abusing you to all my relations."
"What did you
say of me that I did not deserve? For, though your accusations
were ill-founded, formed on mistaken premises, my behavior to
you at the time had merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable.
I cannot think of it without abhorrence." "We will
not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening,"
said Elizabeth. "The conduct of neither, if strictly examined,
will be irreproachable. But since then we have both, I hope,
improved in civility."
The two spoke of
many things - their interactions in Kent, how they both learned
from them, how grief and bitterness soon turned to more positive
feelings, how both endeavored to improve. Elizabeth's spirits
soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy to account
for having ever fallen in love with her.
"How could
you begin?" said she. "I can comprehend going on charmingly
when you had once made a beginning, but what could set you off
in the first place?" "I cannot fix on the hour, or
the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation.
It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I
had begun."
"My beauty
you had early withstood, and as for my manners - my behavior
to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, and
I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain
than not. Now, be sincere, did you admire me for my impertinence?"
"For the liveliness
of your mind, I did."
"You may as
well call it impertinence at once. It was very little less. The
fact is that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious
attention. You were disgusted with the women who always spoke
and looked and thought for your approbation alone. I roused
and interested you, because I was so unlike them. Had
you not been amiable, you would have hated me for it, but in
spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings
were always noble and just, and in your heart, you thoroughly
despised the persons who so assiduously courted you. There, I
have saved you the trouble of accounting for it, and all things
considered, I begin to think it perfectly reasonable. To be sure,
you knew no actual good of me - but nobody thinks of that
when they fall in love."
Darcy stopped upon
that word dropping from Elizabeth's lips. "Dearest, loveliest
Elizabeth, may I kiss you?"
She could say nothing,
but raised her chin as she closed her eyes. She felt the pressure
of his mouth on hers - so light, so sweet - she wished it would
never end.
"How…lovely,"
she whispered after he drew away.
He ran a finger
along her jaw. "To hear that you love me - I cannot say
what joy that brings to me, my dearest!"
"If it is but
a shade of what I feel, then it must be overwhelming, Mr. Dar….
Fitzwilliam," she corrected herself. She smiled at his delight.
"Yes, Fitzwilliam - the name suits you, sir." Her fingers
stroked his cheek. "My own Fitzwilliam! How I love you!"
There was but one
answer to that.
A week later, Mr.
Bennet had the melancholy task of toasting his new son-in-law
and announcing the engagement of his second daughter. He soon
turned his mind to the positive aspects of the union between
Longbourn and Pemberley. After all, not only was he gaining a
potently amusing son, but vast libraries in London and Derbyshire
would soon be at his disposal.
The Bennet carriage
would have to be re-sprung,
he thought. Fifty miles may be nothing to Mr. Darcy, but I
would not regard it so!
The End
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