by Lynne Robson
“I always wondered why you did not attend her funeral,” the Earl said thoughtfully.
Mr. Bennet continued saying sadly, “Several months after Anne died, my mother passed away; then my wife gave birth our son at seven months into her pregnancy. Unfortunately, he only survived the week. Instead of sending him out to a wet nurse, my wife nursed him herself, and so she took his death badly. She has never been the same since. I have never mentioned Anne to any of my girls.” Mr. Bennet watched Maria Lucas as she moved down the dance with the Colonel. He looked over to Miss Darcy who was sitting next to her aunt, Lady Rebecca, watching the dancers and looking around the room in awe.
“Georgiana is very much like her mother, do you not think so Thomas?” the earl said as he followed Mr. Bennet’s gaze
“Yes very much so, she seems to have her shy temperament as well,” Mr. Bennet replied then going back to their previous conversation he said. “You know I fully approve of your nephew marrying Lizzy; she will keep him in order and cheer him up a bit.”
“Why would she need to cheer him up, he looks quite happy to me,” the Earl said as he looked over at his nephew and Elizabeth who were laughing and talking.
“Last year when he arrived in Hertfordshire with Mr Bingley and his family he was rather rude to Elizabeth, slighting her at the first assembly he attended. He hardly ever spoke to anyone at any of the soirees they were invited to, he just kept to himself at the side of the room, because of this many people found him intimidating and unapproachable.” Mr Bennet told him, “At the Netherfield ball where I met him, I could detect in him the shy reserve which he had inherited from Anne, but being a man it was stronger, which made him seem extremely proud and arrogant.”
“Yes I can understand how many people feel, when William is uncomfortable he gives the impression of arrogance but usually it is because he is unsure of how to approach them,” the Earl replied. They both looked towards Mr. Darcy and could see that he was laughing and talking with Lizzy, Jane, and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bennet could see that he was much more relaxed amongst his family and friends.
As they gazed around, Lady Catherine approached them, Mr. Bennet said, “I have some news for both Catherine and yourself Edward, it is regarding that scoundrel Wickham,”
Looking at both Mr Bennet and the Earl, Lady Catherine said sounding annoyed, “Oh, what has that man done now? I just hope that this time, he gets what he deserves.” The Earl and Mr. Bennet laughed, Mr. Bennet then continued on a serious note saying,
“Before I left Meryton, I was told by Colonel Forster that Mr. Wickham had been arrested, this was not only for his many debts, but unfortunately, for the seduction of a 16-year-old girl.” Lady Catherine and the Earl looked disgusted at this, “I feel sorry for the girl and her family, when I think about it, it could have been my youngest and silliest daughter Lydia. I am so grateful to you Catherine for writing and telling me of his despicably sly character,” said Mr. Bennet sorrowfully. “ It is thought that he will be deported to the penal colonies, which I believe is a just punishment for all his contemptible deeds. All I can say is whatever happens within the next few days, he deserves whatever dreadful fate befalls him.”
They then started to walk to the refreshment area outside on the terrace; to the refreshment area.
Lady Catherine then said sadly, “I am sorry to hear about the young girl, but I must say that I am glad to hear that the legal system has finally caught up with him. Wickham has such a pleasant countenance; he can look and sound very sincere whilst weaving his lies, so much so, people tend to believe what he says without question.”
The Earl looked at Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine, and said in a serious voice. “I am glad to hear this news, but also sad as well, such a young life destroyed by that man,” then in a much lighter tone he said. “Now, let us put aside this unpleasant topic. My dear friend, I wager that William will propose to your daughter tomorrow, and that there will be a wedding in our families before June is out. If he does, I would love to host it for you at Matlock House. The Bishop of Matlock is Mr. Darcy’s godfather and would want to officiate at his wedding. You certainly would not want your cousin, Mr. Collins to be the one to officiate would you?” Mr. Bennet looked distressed at the thought, “No, by the look on your face I would guess not.”
“Edward, I don’t think Mr Darcy will be the first one to propose. By the look of Mr. Bingley and Jane, I think that first thing tomorrow I will be asked for her hand in marriage as he will have asked her tonight. Mr. Darcy however, may, take his time and not propose until the end of our stay in a week’s time. If I win the wager then we will have the wedding in London at St Clements, which is near to my brother-in-laws house and the reception will then be held at the large assembly rooms in Grosvener Square. As you know I hate London, but Fanny will want it to be there with all the pomp and ceremony she can arrange,” Mr. Bennet said, laughing.
“Oh no, Thomas, I think that William will propose tomorrow morning. Knowing him, he will first approach you. He can be very impulsive when he puts his mind to it; he is very much like George in that way. If I win the wager, the reception will be held at Matlock House where your wife and Rebecca will be able to sort out all the arrangements. Agreed?”
“Not so fast you two, I would like to join in this little wager, I don’t know if you have noticed but he has been acting like her fiancé already. Did you notice what happened when the Colonel went to claim his dance he was furious.” Lady Catherine said “Over the last few weeks, he has been extremely attentive to her; which is unusual in itself. His eyes follow her everywhere, and I have never known him go for so many walks as he has done on this last visit. Therefore, I think he has already asked her and that you will be granting him an interview after tonight’s festivities. If I win this little wager, I would like to pay for the trousseau for both girls. Do you agree?”
Mr. Bennet laughed at this and said, ”Alright I agree with the both of you, I do not know what Fanny will say once she finds out that most of the wedding arrangements will be taken out of her hands. She may never forgive me.” All three laughed and talked of what they then hoped would be the happy future of their family.
Walking back into the ballroom the Earl then said, “By the way, how is Sophia? I hear she is with child again and is due in a few more weeks. I am told that she is rather large for one child and has spent nearly 8 months in her bed resting. I hope she has a boy then you will have a close family member who is to inherit Longbourn rather than that insipid cousin of yours, Mr. Collins.”
Mr. Bennet smiled wistfully, “I do hope so, too, for John tells me she is so happy. The doctor has told him it might be twins; but they are keeping this from Sophia, as he knows she will worry, which is the last thing he wants. The doctor has told him so far, everything is developing normally, and as long as she rests, there will be no need for him to worry. The babies should arrive within the next couple of weeks. John and the doctor are keeping her well looked after with complete bed rest, expecting the double births to take place soon.”
Chapter Ten
The next day after the ball Elizabeth went as usual for her walk in the groves, not expecting to see anyone about so early. Elizabeth sat down on a log, which had been carved into a seat, looking over the horizon, thinking about what had happened at the ball. Jane and Mr. Bingley, thankfully, had put the past behind them and looked so happy. Elizabeth herself had a wonderful night talking while dancing with Mr. Darcy. She now knew that she was in love with him and hoped that he also would fall in love with her. Elizabeth sat and stared out over the fields where she could see a large flock of sheep grazing; unbeknown to herself she let out a rather long sigh.
“Good Morning Miss Bennet, you look and sound rather unhappy today. Is their anything I can do” Mr. Darcy asked. Leaning against an old oak tree a short distance away, he watched her daydreaming for sometime as he tried to gather his courage to ask her the most important question of his life. That morning he had approached her father and asked his permission t
o ask for her hand in marriage, which was given to him immediately.
“Oh, err…No, Mr. Darcy!” a surprised Elizabeth said. “I am feeling quite well thank you, I was thinking how beautiful these groves are and how I will miss them along with Lady Catherine and all her family when I leave in a week to go home to Longbourn.” Elizabeth then raised her head and smiled at him thinking ”I shall miss you the most when I go Mr Darcy.”
“Oh Elizabeth, how beautiful you are when you smile like that, I hope that you will smile at me like that for the rest of my life,” thought Mr. Darcy as he walked over to where Elizabeth was sitting.
Mr Darcy, then, to Elizabeth’s surprise, knelt down in front of her, taking both her hands in his saying; “Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, I would like to tell you how ardently I have come to love and care for you. You have brightened my every day since meeting you and I now know that I do not want to spend the rest of my life without you. Would you please do me the honour of becoming my most beloved wife?”
Elizabeth, beaming with happiness said, “Yes Mr. Darcy I would love to become your wife, I too have come to realise that I could not live without you. You give me something to look forward to each day. I was dreading leaving this place and not seeing you again.”
Mr. Darcy then took his Elizabeth in his arms and kissed her, gently not wanting to frighten her, he then said. “Let us go and tell your father, I asked his permission to ask you for your hand this morning, so I would imagine he will be awaiting the outcome.”
Blushing, Elizabeth said, “Yes, Mr. Darcy we had better go and relieve his suffering.” She smiled up at him lovingly, not being able to resist kissing her again he took her in his arms and kissing her again. Pulling away and looking into her lovely rosy face, he smiled and kissed her on both hands. Then asked her,
“Elizabeth, will you call me by my given name? It is Fitzwilliam, but Georgiana and most of the family usually call me William.”
“Yes, I would like that, but rather than calling you William, may I call you Fitzwilliam. I like your given name, it is so unusual, wasn’t it your mother’s maiden name?”
“Yes my beloved Elizabeth, it is my mother’s maiden name. I have two other names my second name is George and my third is Edward so you have a choice. However, I like you the idea of you calling me by my given name.” Taking her face in his hands he caressed her blushing cheeks with his thumbs, looking lovingly into her lovely chocolate brown eyes, then kissed his lovely Elizabeth again this time deepening the kiss even further. Elizabeth then pulled away blushing prettily averting her eyes as he said,
“Elizabeth you are and always will be the most exquisite person who has entered my life. I was so lonely with out you, and now I am the happiest man alive because you have agreed to become my wife.” He then took her again in his arms and kissed her again thoroughly. Looking into her rosy face he then said gently, “Come Elizabeth, your father awaits us,” as he caressed her right cheek with the back of his fingers
With that, they walked back to Rosings to see Elizabeth’s father, who was awaiting them in the Chinese room along with the rest of the family.
“Well?” asked Mr. Bennet, smiling as he looked at his daughters rosy cheeks.
“Papa, I am so happy,” gushed a joyful Elizabeth.
“You were right Edward! I am to lose my two eldest daughters. Congratulations my dear Elizabeth, Mr Darcy. I cannot wait until your mother finds out. She will be over the moon, especially when she finds out that you are to marry at Matlock Cathedral with the Bishop officiating. Well, well, young man, let us go, and talk somewhere private. Catherine, may we use your library?”
“Of course Thomas, William knows where it is.” Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy then left the room.
“Congratulations Elizabeth! Welcome to our family, finally.” Lady Catherine said happily, “I knew you would be an ideal wife for William, but did not want to force things between you. It was up to you both to make that decision for yourselves.” Lady Catherine then looked around the room at the smiling faces of the Earl and the Countess.
“Congratulations Elizabeth and welcome to our family,” the Earl and Countess said.
“We, that is, myself, your father, Edward and Rebecca were making bets on when William would propose. Unfortunately, it looks like I have lost and Edward has won. That means that Edward and Rebecca will have the pleasure of hosting your Wedding Reception at Matlock House, along with your mother of course. Have you thought about a date? What about the last weekend in June? June is such a beautiful month and that gives us six weeks or so to prepare everything including your trousseau,” said Lady Catherine enthusiastically
“Oh yes! June is my favourite month of the year and all my favourite flowers are in bloom. Lady Rebecca, many of my relatives have young children, do you think that we could hold the reception as a garden party?” Elizabeth gushed happily to Lady Catherine, the Earl, and Lady Rebecca.
Smiling Lady Rebecca spoke in her soft voice “Yes my dear, if that is what you prefer, it would be an excellent idea, as many in William’s family have young children as well. Tell me though what your favourite flowers are? Come, sit beside me and tell me what you would like,”
Elizabeth sat on the chaise by Lady Rebecca’s side and answered Lady Rebecca’s question, Elizabeth replied, “I love lilies of the valley, lavender, roses and gardenias. They all smell and look so wonderful. What flowers do you like?”
“I love roses, especially the Fitzwilliam rose. It is a beautiful red rose with a exquisite scent. When you come to Matlock house, I will show it to you. I do hope you and your family will come to Matlock House a couple of weeks before the wedding. Perhaps then we can see if there is anything special your mother will want to add to make your day special.. Remember, it is your wedding day and as the bride, you must be happy with how things are arranged as we would not want you to be unhappy on your wedding day.”
“Thank you Lady Rebecca, I would love to come to your home a few weeks before the wedding,” Elizabeth said enthusiastically. “I love the outdoors, so a garden party would ideal for me, seeing everyone relaxed and happy. It would be the ideal wedding reception to my liking.”
“Yes, a garden party would be ideal, Elizabeth but if it rains may I suggest that we could have a few entertainments for the children in the solarium and have the ballroom open for the adults. There would then still be entertainment for all.” Lady Rebecca recommended to Elizabeth, “What do you think, Elizabeth?”
“Lady Rebecca that would be a excellent idea, I had not thought about the weather.”
The butler then entered with a maid bringing tea, cakes, and the finest fruits from Lady Catherine’s hot houses.
Chapter Eleven
The family was effusively congratulating the newly engaged couple, and making plans for the future when Miss Darcy entered the room. She was surprised to see Elizabeth at Rosings with both her aunts and uncle. Due to a rather late start that morning, she had missed all the excitement. Her Aunt Catherine was the first to welcome her that morning.
“Did you sleep well last night? Did you enjoy yourself at your first ball, Georgie? Come sit beside me here. We have a wonderful surprise for you, but I think we had better let your brother tell you.”
As she spoke this, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy arrived back in the room both looking very pleased with themselves.
“Miss Darcy ran up to her brother, saying excitedly, “William, I hear you have a big surprise for me. Please, please do not keep me in suspense. Tell me what it is.”
Laughing Mr. Darcy said “ Yes Georgie, I have some excellent news for you. You will soon have the sister you have always wanted. Miss Elizabeth Bennet has consented to be my wife,” as he said this, he walked to Elizabeth and stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “I hope that you will be happy for us”
Elizabeth was surprised to see that Georgie, generally so quiet and shy, could be just as animated as her younger sisters in her joy. She then rushed to her brother and Elizabe
th crying, “I am sooooooooo happy to have a new sister, especially you Miss Bennet. I hope that we will become very good friends. Can I call you Elizabeth? Will you call me Georgie like the rest of my family? Have you decided on a date yet? Will it be soon?”
Everyone started to laugh at this, Elizabeth then answered.
“Yes, of course you may call me Elizabeth or if you want, you can call me Lizzy like my other sisters do. Georgie, you will have more than one sister when we marry, you will have five, and I am sure that all my sisters will learn to love you the way I do. As to your other questions… We… that is your Aunt Catherine and Aunt Rebecca have been discussing a date, all it needs now is your brother’s consent, then plans can start being put into action.”