“And who prevents my sister from being hurt and suffering, sir?”
“I am sorry; it never occurred to me the situation could be seen in this perspective. I am sorry if your sister has suffered, it was not my intention.”
“And it was neither your intention to speak malevolently on Mr Wickham’s behalf?”
“I do not understand why we are discussing Mr Wickham now. I am waiting for an answer and all I have received are reproaches. And if I plainly understand those regarding your sister I cannot see why you mentioned that man.”
“That man?” Elizabeth asked her eyes full of anger. “Not that gentleman?”
“No, Wickham is very far from being a gentleman or a gentle man.”
“And I think this is my answer, Mr Darcy…a clear no.”
He was looking at her as if he did not understand her words. Elizabeth continued in the same tone. “I will not marry a man who considers himself above all men and women in the world and who interferes in others’ lives and speaks only with contempt about the people around him.”
Darcy stood still hoping that her decision was not real or it could be changed, although her face was a mask of sadness and concern. He did not understand how it was possible for a happy event—like a proposal—to have such disastrous results. He wanted to leave without a word. In the garden there were noises, most probably Mrs Collins was coming homed and she was happily laughing with her sister. He did not have any intention of meeting them for more than a few necessary seconds, so he turned and approached Elizabeth, who stood up looking at him.
“Just tell me a word and I will never open this subject again,” he whispered fearfully that someone might hear his words. Elizabeth was like a block of stone; she could not move or speak while he was waiting for her answer— which never came. Mrs Collins and her sister entered the room surprised to find him there and in less than five minutes, he entered the park and headed for Rosings. He hoped Elizabeth would come after him and give him an answer, but in vain he looked back—the Parsonage door was closed and not even a curtain was moving.
Chapter 2
He needed time to regain his composure and his aunt was the last person in the world to help him. In the distance, he saw his cousin returning from hunting.
Last night at dinner, Fitzwilliam tried in vain to convince him to join a hunting party. “It is a hares hunt, but most of all is a pleasant meeting at dawn with some old friends.” In other circumstances, Darcy would have gladly agreed. That evening he had finally decided—after days of profound reflection—to ask for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. And once the decision was taken, he could not postpone it anymore. He was on the verge of an unusual agitation, one he had never experienced in his life—happy a few moments and worried the next. All he wanted was to see her and end the torment. He had signs in the past that behind her irony and her apparent dislike, she considered him an engaging conversationalist and maybe more.
He had high hopes. However, the morning had been disastrous and he felt a considerable defeat. “What next?” he kept on asking himself with sadness and pain.
For once, his state of mind was on his face, and it took Fitzwilliam only a few moments to understand what had happened.
He did not say a word; he just joined his cousin in a silent walk. They were friends since early childhood, having spent many summers and winters together. The bond between them was unique though their friendship was based on doing things together rather than speaking.
“It didn’t go how you expected!” Fitzwilliam said, breaking not only the peace that reigned in the park but also the silence on the intimate subject that was in a way the very basis of their friendship. They laughed and told stories of all kinds, they even bragged from time to time about their easy conquests but never about that realm of genuine emotions and feelings that lay in each of them. But it did not mean they were unaware of what was happening with the other. Through a strange and delicate channel, each knew the other’s problems and anxiety.
Their arrival in Kent was due to small talk at Louisa’s house when Darcy found out that Elizabeth was coming to the Parsonage.
Fitzwilliam remembered well that dinner and the light in his friend’s face when her name was mentioned.
“No, it did not! It was a disaster,” Darcy said after a long time. His voice told the whole story.
Fitzwilliam noisily sighed; he detested seeing his cousin in such pain. It seemed impossible for a young woman to refuse a proposal from a gentleman like Darcy—handsome, courteous and wealthy. However, he had chosen from all the world the one lady that could say no. That intelligent and spirited young lady knew what she wanted in life, and Fitzwilliam could look around for a long time and not find another like. He had been happy when Darcy had surpassed his reticence and decided to marry her.
“Do you think I was wrong to influence Bingley and open his eyes about a certain young lady?” Darcy asked, and he looked for the first time at his cousin who was walking near him.
“Well…it is a difficult question,” Fitzwilliam answered as he finally understood one of the motives for Elizabeth’s refusal. “If you did the same with me, I would have reflected on your opinion but never made a decision only on that. While Bingley is much more sensitive and could be easily influenced by a powerful friend like you.”
Darcy nodded only sadder.
“This was the main reason…?” Fitzwilliam delicately asked, leaving his cousin the chance not to answer.
“Yes, it was the main reason, but there were others.”
By a silent decision, they continued their stroll, bypassing the house.
“Mama and Papa did not do such great work with my education, in the end!” Darcy said and slightly smiled.
“Nonsense, old boy!”
“No, wait, it is not about my courage or my honesty but things like prejudice and pride and a little too judgmental…I do not know for sure, but those seemed to be my faults a certain lady could not stand. And the fact that I influence Bingley is seen as a crime!”
“Let us not exaggerate! Maybe your involvement in that story was somehow too deep, but in the end, Charles is an adult. If he loved that lady, your words would have meant nothing more than an opinion. We both know he is not the most faithful lover as he has had a few conquests in the last years.”
“So true, but Elizabeth does not know that,” he said, finally breaking the silence and naming the woman he loved.
“And your delicacy prevented you from telling the truth.”
“Of course, it is not a subject to open with a lady; we all had some torments in our youth. But mostly I was not very sure that Miss Jane had a real commitment towards our friend. She looked rather indifferent, interested more in a marriage.”
“It is not such a bad thing; look at me, I am an honest man, but I also have to marry in certain conditions.”
“I agree, not every man or woman has the possibility to follow the heart…I was wrong as that young lady suffers a lot…even now.”
Fitzwilliam looked at his cousin in wonder; it was a rare thing for a man to recognise he had made a mistake.
“Recognising shows your value as a person.”
Darcy smiled. “Well, you are, after all my cousin and my best friend, you cannot think badly of me!”
“I assure you I could be rather rough in my judgement. I see you as you are; indeed, a certain pride makes you sometimes look indifferent or even arrogant, but someone who knows you perceives the core. You are honest with the people around you…while you demand the same. If you permit me to say this, you do not possess any shrewdness and your habit of telling the truth is not so much appreciated in our society.”
“You might be right,” Darcy said reflectively. “I tend to tell the truth even when it is not necessary, but also I am too judgemental. I must not ask people to be what I cannot be myself.”
“Enough!” Fitzwilliam said with a decided tone. “You are a man of honour, and I thought any woman in the world would be happ
y to be your wife.”
“It is true for any woman excepting one…” Darcy said, and again sadness conquered his face.
“Was it a strong refusal, like a denial?”
Darcy reflected a few instants. “I am not sure, I was just asking this when Mrs Collins arrived and we could not resume our conversation.”
“So, in spite of everything, there are hopes?”
Again Darcy did not know what to say. Elizabeth did not answer if she still wanted to reflect or if it was a definitive decision.
“She refused me…categorically but when I asked if she would permit me to come back and discuss further…well, there was no answer, mostly because of Mrs Collins’s arrival.”
“Then my friend, you could take advantage of this uncertainty and go back. You have nothing to lose. You can ask her again. Most certainly it was a surprise for her and she might be scared of marriage and not so mad at you.”
It was a valuable point of view. Darcy was happy to discuss with his cousin and discover a new perspective—one he could use to clear his mind and make reasonable decisions. He tended to be stiff sometimes and his cousin’s benevolence and love of living were essential to make him see the world in a better light.
“It is so unpleasant,” he continued, “how she blamed me for causing Wickham’s problems in the past!”
“No!” Fitzwilliam was stunned. “Why did you not tell her the truth?”
“How could I? We decided not to tell the truth about him—for Georgiana’s sake. I do not want rumours about her to circulate in London or Hertfordshire.”
“Of course, but I see Miss Elizabeth as a poised woman, she would never gossip at Georgie’s expense.”
“Yes, she is, yet I cannot forget she liked that scoundrel,” Darcy said with a shadow of frustration his cousin immediately discerned.
“That proves only how astute he can be with women. Even when he is not interested in them. I am sure Miss Elizabeth was never a real prey for him as she is virtuous and poor.”
“You are probably right, yet that shows any woman could fall in a love trap, even the intelligent or virtuous ones.”
“What you advise me to do?” Darcy asked while they slowly climbed the mansion’s stairs. They stopped for a moment to admire the park. Fitzwilliam laughed with much benevolence, “I thought you were done with advice!”
“My advice! I will never try to influence a person, but I treasure your opinion.”
“Well, to be very short, I think you have found a splendid intelligent woman, so do not renounce her at the first obstacle. Her resentments or objections could be solved between you two and…”
“Yes. And convince her I am the perfect man for her!”
“Exactly, and do not lose time, go to her, even tomorrow morning and be sincere but use your honesty, this time, to attain your aim.”
∞∞∞
Darcy envisaged the approached dinner with some apprehension. He was not in the mood to have a decent conversation, and Lady Catherine’s guests were most of the time, dull or obsequious. He hoped that evening they would be alone—the usual small gathering with Anne and her governess. For once, his wish was accomplished as he found only his family at the dinner table. He was the last one to arrive—an excellent opportunity for Lady Catherine to scold him as she used to when they were little boys.
Darcy excused himself with a bow and sat near his cousin.
“The soup is almost cold,” Lady Catherine continued her tirade while the others began to eat, but she soon lost interest in Darcy.
“How was your hunting party, Fitzwilliam?” she asked.
“Excellent, aunt!”
“Did you bring some hares, you know how I like that particular game.”
“Of course, you have almost a dozen to present to your guests.”
“Splendid! And you Darcy? I understand you were at the Parsonage.”
Darcy exchanged a quick look with his cousin. The news travelled fast between the Parsonage and Rosings although they hoped not all news. He did not know if Elizabeth shared her story with anyone at the Parsonage. As his aunt was calm and indifferent—like always—there was a chance she did not know what had happened in the neighbourhood.
“Yes, aunt, I paid a visit to Mrs Collins and I had a chance to see Miss Bennet,” he replied as it was rather dangerous not to acknowledge he had met her.
“Miss Bennet, you say. And what common interest do you have with that young lady?”
This time his aunt was looking directly at him.
“I just brought her some books, for as you probably know the Parsonage’s library is not well supplied.”
“I think that the library is supplied enough for a young woman. At her age, she would be better in search of a husband instead of reading.”
Her nephews were silently looking at her so, she continued. “I find that also you have to think about marrying. I hope, Darcy, you did not forget that your dear mother and my sister wanted to have a wedding in the family!”
Her words made Anne blush with such intensity that her cousins were afraid she would faint and fall from the chair. She was like an angel, barely breathing, so unearthly that no man could consider her as a future wife.
“Mama!” she whispered with what looked like reproach but in fact, was nothing but fear.
“You hush, young lady! We are in the family,” she said, ignoring Mrs Jenkinson as she did most of the time. “It is now the best moment to discuss such matters.”
“Lady Catherine,” Fitzwilliam said, “Aunt Anne wished for Darcy to have the right to choose his wife.”
“Nonsense, Fitzwilliam, the children have to please their parents and submit to their demands.”
Darcy was sorry for his cousin Anne and the treatment her mother inflicted on her, but it was not his problem. He had escaped such discussions in the past. It was time to be frank and determined. “I have deep sentiments of friendship for my cousin Anne. I am sure she has the same…”
But, his aunt was ready for a fight. “Anne is a good child, and you should do what is right for her.”
“Exactly,” Darcy tried to continue, “and it is right to marry for love.”
“Love!” exploded Lady Catherine. “What is wrong with you young people when you discuss only about love. In my time, one accepted his or her family’s decision, which was good for their name or wealth or estate and did not have such fancy thoughts.”
They both avoided answering such a tirade. They did not agree with her views, but experience told them it was better to wait for the storm to temper.
“And if you will not marry your cousin—like your mother and I would want—may I know if there is a lady you have decided on?”
Darcy continued to look in his plate trying to eat, but it proved to be a wrong strategy.
“Is it a certain lady you visited at the Parsonage?” In Lady Catherine’s voice there was no longer a storm but a hurricane that was about to destroy everything in its wake.
“Are you engaged?” she roared, half standing up.
“No, I am not,” Darcy said and it was so sadly true.
Lady Catherine sat with a huge sigh.
“And you do not intend to propose her?”
Darcy could not believe that his most intimate secret was under discussion at Lady Catherine’s dinner table.
“I am waiting for an answer, young man!”
“Lady Catherine, if there were news you would be the first to find out,” the colonel replied.
But their aunt was not interested in him, “You stay out of this, Fitzwilliam,” she uttered.
“I have nothing to tell you, aunt,” Darcy said.
“Do you swear there is nothing between you and that woman and there never will be?”
At her last words, Darcy stood up. “I refuse to swear to anything of this kind, aunt! I am a grown-up who makes his decisions. I am sorry, Anne, if I made you sad,” he said while he addressed only his cousin, “you deserve a chance to be happy.”
“You can do whatever you want, aunt. I cannot oppose your plans, only the ones regarding my future.”
And he left the room.
The colonel found it wise to stay and approach his aunt. He was almost whispering as if he owned a secret; he knew exactly how to speak to Lady Catherine.
“Dear aunt,” he said, “you know him…!”
“Yes, exactly like his mother, she is dead, but God forgive me, she was so stubborn that no one could make her change her mind. This is how she ended up married to Darcy and not a duke or an earl. Many gentlemen in the Ton wanted to marry her…”
“Exactly,” the colonel was playing the part of the loving nephew. “Opposing his ideas is contrary to what you want. Being against a young lady would only make him want her more.”
Lady Catherine looked at the colonel and approved, “You might be right, it is exactly what happened with Anne and old Darcy!”
Chapter 3
The very moment she entered her parlour Charlotte realised that a strange scene just ended between Mr Darcy and her friend. The hasty bow and his departure, along with her red cheeks revealed the drama of the events that took place. Maria looked around without suspecting anything, happy to greet a person from Rosings as she ultimately adopted her brother-in-law’s attitude towards Lady Catherine. She simply enjoyed being in her sister’s house and participating in all the activities a household implied.
“Please Maria, go to the kitchen to see if the maid follows all the instructions for dinner,” Charlotte said, eager to have her out of the room.
Elizabeth could only thank her with a painful expression on her face.
“My God, what happened here?” Charlotte exclaimed as soon as they were alone.
Elizabeth had to decide in a hurry. It was impossible not to tell something to Charlotte and let her suspect what really happened. She could neither confide the whole truth as she was unsure how much of their discussions Charlotte would tell Mr Collins. And certainly, she did not want her cousin to know about her and Darcy.
Elizabeth's Covenant Page 2