Elizabeth's Ordeal

by Charlotte Browning

  “Are you sure you feel well enough?” asked he, with a slight frown.

  “Yes, of course. The last thing we need is for my mother to find you here in my bedroom” replied she, letting her work aside and getting up.

  “Yes, of course. Your mother will be leaving in a few minutes to visit a friend. Meet me at my study after she leaves.” He asked her.

  “Very well.” She nodded, and Darcy left the room.

  Half an hour later, Lady Catherine left the house with Georgiana and Anne joined Darcy and Jonathan at the study.

  She hesitated at the door, when she noticed Jonathan’s presence. “Oh, I thought you wanted to talk to me.” She stammered, looking at both men, not sure of what to do.

  “Yes, I do. Please come in. Allow me to introduce you to a very good friend of mine, Jonathan Pierce. Jonathan, she is my cousin Anne.”

  “It is a pleasure finally knowing you, Miss Anne.” Jonathan greeted her, with a polite bow.

  “The pleasure is mine, sir.” She turned to look at her cousin. “What seems to be the problem, Darcy?”

  “Please, take a seat.” Suggested he, signalling the chair next to the one Jonathan was using, while he sat back, behind his desk.

  She obeyed, hesitantly. She was clearly intrigued and perhaps, even a little bewildered.

  “Have you had news from your former doctor?” asked Darcy, going right for the kill.

  Anne flushed and then lost all colour from her skin. “No… I have not… why should I… I mean… he resigned his position… as my doctor…” stammered she, wriggling her hands nervously over her lap.

  “I saw him a couple of days ago.” Darcy informed, and she became paler than she already was. “I have to say I had trouble recognizing him. It seems he decided to join the army as a doctor and suffered a few injuries.”

  Anne jumped up from her chair. “What? Are you sure? What happened? Will he be alright?” she almost shouted the questions, one after the other.

  “I am afraid I asked not for details, but he did look emaciated, a shadow of the man I met at Rosings.” Darcy went a little further, wanting to know just how much his cousin really cared for the man.

  She sobbed and covered her mouth for a few seconds as unshed tears shined in her eyes.

  “Do you know where he is?” asked she, frantically.

  “Yes, I invited him to stay a few days at my house.” Jonathan answered Anne’s question.

  “Would… would it be imposing if I paid him a visit?” asked she, turning to look at Jonathan.

  “Not at all, you are more than welcome.”

  She took a deep breath and turned to look at Darcy. “Can you please take me?”

  “Of course, but are you sure that is a good idea? After all, he was just your doctor.” A bit of salt on the wound, would not do much harm.

  “Please Darcy, you, better than anyone, know exactly what he means to me.” Ranted she, turning to leave the room. “I shall go pick my shawl and my hat. I will not be long.”

  Jonathan watched her disappear through the door and turned to look at Darcy. “A bit fiercer than I expected.”

  “She completely changes when it comes to the good doctor.”

  “Yes, I am starting to notice that.”

  They walked out of Darcy’s study just to find Anne already coming down the stairs.

  “I am ready, could we please leave?” asked she, as she attached her small hat over her dark hair.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The men guided her out of the house and soon they were on their way to Jonathan’s house. The silence inside the carriage was quite thick and Darcy was more than happy to hop out of it when they reached Jonathan’s house.

  Surprisingly, the door was opened by the doctor himself. He had been waiting for them impatiently by the door.

  Anne let out a small cry when she saw him, and oblivious of the other people around her, she ran into the man’s arms, hiding her face and the tears running down her cheeks on his strong chest.

  Elizabeth motioned the other men to join her in the drawing room, giving the couple the needed privacy.

  “Did you have problems taking Lady Catherine out of the house?” asked she, in a low tone.

  “We had to change our plans, since Georgiana had an arguing with Aunt Catherine.” Replied Darcy, taking a seat on a sofa, next to Elizabeth, explaining the way they had solved the unforeseen problem.

  “That should give us enough time.”

  They were able to hear the hushed conversation taking place in the hallway, and Elizabeth prayed Anne would agree with their plans. She wanted her happy life back.

  A few minutes later the couple joined them in the drawing room.

  “Anne has accepted to marry me.” MacGregor announced. “And we would like to do it right away, with your help.”

  Elizabeth clapped her hands happy.

  “Of course, we shall help you.” Darcy stated, standing up and hugging his cousin.

  “I am still very scared, but Robert assures me he fears not my mother.” She murmured.

  “Trust him, Anne, I am sure he is more than capable of handling your mother.”

  “I will never be able to thank you enough for looking for him.” She assured her cousin.

  “I had my own motives, so do not worry about that.”

  “Even so, a thousand thanks.”

  “I have a special license waiting for you. All we have to do is go to the nearest church.” Darcy announced, looking at MacGregor.

  “Please… I would like to take Anne as far as I can, as soon as possible.”

  “You might want to remember her delicate condition. Travelling too much would probably be harmful.” Darcy warned him.

  “I am aware of that. We shall make the trip in short stages.”

  “Do you have a place in mind?” Jonathan asked, curious.

  “I would like to take her home, with my family, but that is too far away.” MacGregor answered.

  “I have a small house a day away from here, where you could stay for as long as you need. I do not visit it often.” Jonathan suggested, as generous as always. “No one would ever find you there.”

  “Are you sure? That is very generous of you, but I would hate to impose…”

  “I am the one offering. There is no imposition.” Jonathan assured. “We would all be calmer, knowing you were in a safe place.”

  MacGregor glanced at Anne and she nodded. “Then all I can say is thank you.”

  Elizabeth took a look at the wrinkled, old dress Anne was wearing and she stopped the men.

  “Anne deserves to wear a better dress at her wedding. Allow me to help her change into something more appropriate.” Demanded she. “Meanwhile, send a message to Maggie and ask her to pack Anne’s things with discretion. She cannot leave with just what she is wearing.”

  “Of course, you are right.” Admitted Darcy, walking to Jonathans study to follow Elizabeth’s instructions.

  “Come Anne, let us see what we can find amongst the clothes Maggie sent me yesterday.” Elizabeth guided the flustered woman up the stairs. “Why are you being so kind to me?” Anne asked in a low tone, when they entered the room Elizabeth was occupying. “I tried to destroy your marriage.”

  “I know that was your mother’s doing. You were just protecting the man you love, and believe, I understand that.”

  Anne wiped a tear that rolled down her cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Just promise me, that no matter what, you will not allow your mother to move in with you.” Elizabeth asked. “That would be the biggest mistake you could ever commit.”

  “Yes, I know that, and I doubt Robert would ever accept it.”

  “Men sometimes accept the weirdest things, just to see the women they love happy.” She reminded her and Anne nodded, recognizing the truth of Elizabeth’s words.

  Elizabeth walked to the wardrobe and looked through the dresses Maggie had sent her, and found a beige one that would be perfect for a wedding.

>   “Here, let us try this one. Though, I am not as talented as my maid, I am sure I can modify it if needed.”

  Half an hour later, Elizabeth had Anne all dressed up and she was about to start combing Annes hair, when the door to the room opened up and Maggie entered. “I thought you might need my help, ma’am.”

  Elizabeth let out a chuckle. “Girl, you’re an angel. Please, do your magic, while I check on the other preparations.” She handed her maid the brush she had in her hand and left the room.

  “Anne is almost ready. Have you warned the clergyman of the eminent wedding?” asked she, as she met the men in the drawing room.

  “Oh, we did not think of that.” Darcy admitted.

  “Now, would be a good moment.” She urged them and Jonathan immediately offered to go.

  “I shall wait for you there.” Announced him, as he left the house.

  MacGregor excused himself to go pack his things and left Darcy and Elizabeth alone.

  He turned to look at his wife. “In a few days, we shall be the couple walking down the aisle, again.” He said with a wide smile, taking her in his arms.

  “Oh, yes, I had forgotten that small detail.” Admitted she. “I never stopped feeling married to you. That will be just a formality.”

  “This time, I want the whole world to know we are getting married.” He assured her. “I have everything prepared to announce in the newspapers that we shall be renewing our vows at the cathedral and I have sent out all the pertinent invitations, especially the ones to your family, along with a carriage to bring them to London.”

  Elizabeth chuckled, imagining her sister’s enthusiasm for the trip to the capital. “Thank you, my love.”

  “I have also invited Mr. and Mrs. Collins. That might lead him to correct his mistake of erasing our wedding certificate.”

  “Oh, you are such a clever man.” She teased him.

  “Of course I am, I married you did I not?” replied he, leaning forward to steal a kiss from his wife’s tempting lips.

  A few minutes later, Anne came down the stairs, followed by MacGregor and they were able to leave the house.

  The ceremony was short but meaningful. It was beautiful, watching them exchanging promises of eternal love.

  When it was done, they all signed the wedding certificate and the newlywed couple left towards Jonathan’s house.

  “It is time to go home and face the beast.” Darcy said as they watched the carriage disappear into the city’s traffic.

  “That will not be easy.” Jonathan assured them.

  “I know. Hopefully, my aunt will understand she has been defeated and will retreat gracefully.”

  Elizabeth snorted her incredulity.

  They left to Darcy’s house, but Lady Catherine had not yet returned.

  “I guess Georgiana is doing a good job entertaining them.” Darcy chuckled.

  “My mother loves music, so she must be in paradise, listening to your sister. I am sure she has no hurry to dismiss her guests.” Jonathan explained, with a faint smile.

  “That gives us a little more peace and allows the fugitive couple to reach their first stop.” Replied Darcy.

  “Perhaps, we should order her maid to pack all her things. I do not wish to have them under our roof tonight.” Elizabeth suggested. She trusted not the woman and she wanted her as far as possible from them.

  “You are right, I shall order that immediately.”

  The women arrived a little before dinner. Lady Catherine was in a bad mood, and it only became worse when she saw Elizabeth standing in the drawing room.

  Jonathan took Georgiana out of the room and Darcy thanked him. There was no need for his sister to witness what was about to happen.

  “What… how…?” the old woman mumbled.

  “What am I doing here? This is my home.” Elizabeth completed her sentences. “How did I get here? How did I escape? Your nephew knows very well the woman he married, so he was sure I would never exchange his love for something as worthless as money.”

  The woman let out a shriek of rage as she took a menacing step towards Elizabeth.

  “He rested not until he found me and rescued me from the men you hired to abduct me.” She continued.

  “Lies… I have no idea what you are talking about.” She yelled.

  “Of course, you do. But fear not, unlike you, we are not willing to create a scandal that would affect the whole family, so we are not taking any actions against you.” Retorted Darcy, standing next to Elizabeth as a warning to his aunt. “All we want is for you to leave and forget you ever belonged to this family.”

  “This is an outrage.” She yelled once more. “I shall not let this go unpunished.” She threatened. “People will know how you ruined your cousin’s life and how you are treating me.”

  “My cousin…” Darcy made a small pause to make sure the old woman was listening carefully. “… is happily married to the father of her child, and since she is over twenty-one, and long gone from your side, there is nothing you can do to ruin that.”

  All the colour that had heated the old woman’s face, disappeared.

  “What have you done to my poor daughter?” she growled, infuriated.

  “I released her from your dreadful claws and gave her the freedom and the happiness she deserves.” Assured Darcy.

  “You… this is all your fault.” The woman yelled, turning to Elizabeth and charging against her.

  Darcy stepped in her way and easily subdued her. “You lost, aunt, accept it and leave before I decide to accuse you of kidnap. I am sure you would not like your stay at the London Tower.” He threatened her in a harsh cold tone. “All your things wait for you outside, on a carriage.”

  The woman opened her mouth a couple of times as if wanting to say something, but she finally decided against and left the house, with her head held high.

  Elizabeth was sure that would not be the last time they heard from her, but now they were more prepared.

  She allowed Darcy to take her in his arms as she sighed relieved. The nightmare was over.

  Two weeks later, by her father’s arm, Elizabeth walked down the aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral, for their vows renewal. This time, all of their family and friends accompanied them, to celebrate such an important occasion. Even Anne and her husband had travelled to the city for the occasion.

  Elizabeth had never seen the woman this healthy before and her husband agreed with her. Being away from her mother had done wonders to his cousin’s health.

  After the brunch offered to celebrate their wedding, Darcy and Elizabeth returned to Pemberley, eager to go back home and enjoy their lives.

  Perhaps, this time, they would really have that happy ever after they had dreamed with.

  The end

  Excerpts Unexpected Valentine

  A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation

  Charlotte Browning

  Chapter One

  "Elizabeth, darling, you would never guess who I just saw in town," Mrs Bennet announced as she entered the house, still removing her navy blue heavy coat. It had been drizzling the whole day, but Mrs Bennet had decided not to miss her weekly mass, so, she had faced the inclement weather to pay her respects to God. Mary had accompanied her, but surely, she had gone up to her room as soon as she entered the house.

  "No, mother, I doubt I would be able to do so," Lizzie said, barely raising her eyes, from the book she had been reading by the window in the drawing room.

  The thick dark clouds in the sky had taken away almost all the daylight. Despite it was only four o'clock in the afternoon, it was getting dark fast, for being late January.

  "Of course, you would not," Mrs Bennet took a seat on one of the sofas, with a pleased sigh, "I was on my way to the church when I saw him walking down the main street. I have to admit I did not expect to see him again around these parts."

  Lizzie let out a silent sigh and turned to her mother. She knew she would not let her proceed with her reading until she finished tellin
g her the events she had lived that afternoon.

  "And of course, I told him so. He was very polite, cold and distant, as usual, and obviously, eluded all my interrogations, giving me no answers at all," Mrs Bennet continued her monologue.

  Something in her mother's words sent a shudder down her spine, he was cold, distant... could it be possible? But why was he here? What could he possibly be doing back here?

  "I insisted not, but I decided to be as polite as he was and invited him for tea," Mrs Bennet sighed once more, "Clearly, I expected him to refuse the invitation and resume his way, but he never ceases to surprise me. And he said yes. He even said he had matters of importance to discuss with Mr Bennet. So, now, we have a guest for tea, who probably will be arriving in just a few minutes."

  "A guest, mother? Who did you invite?"

  "Well, Mr Darcy, of course. He's staying at Netherfield. Did you not listen to what I have just told you?" Mrs Bennet frowned, looking displeased to her second daughter. No matter how hard she tried, she would always have trouble understanding her.

  "You invited Mr Darcy for tea? And he said yes?" Lizzie could not come out of her astonishment. How was that possible?

  "Yes, Elizabeth, that is exactly what I said. According to his own words, he wishes to talk to your father," she repeated.

  "Did he say what it is concerning?" Lizzie put the book she was holding down and got up.

  "No, he did not. You know him, he only speaks what he finds utterly necessary," Mrs Bennet protested.

  "Have you warned the kitchen about the unexpected guest?"

  "But of course, as soon as I got in. I also informed your father about this visit."

  "What do you think is the matter he has to discuss with our father?"

  "I have absolutely no idea and he hinted not a thing when he mentioned it to me," Mrs Bennet explained, still frowning.

  "I guess we will have to wait and see,"

  Lizzie decided to go to the kitchen and check on the preparations. She wanted not to hear criticisms from Mr Darcy about her house and her family.