Mr Darcy- My Hero

by Zoë Burton

  Bingley immediately expressed interest, vowing to put his own solicitor on the case as soon as possible the next day.

  After the meal, the sexes separated for a while, as was customary. The division did not last long, as Darcy was eager to be in Elizabeth’s presence and get her alone, and the gentlemen all knew, or thought they knew, what his purpose was in inviting them here.

  It was no surprise to the ladies, of course, when the gentlemen entered the drawing room. Mary and Georgiana began a duet to entertain the guests. While the rest of the guests were thus engaged, Darcy drew Elizabeth to the back of the room, where he encouraged her to sit on a sofa beside him.

  “Miss Elizabeth,” he began, happy that her elder sister had joined them so he could address her thusly, “I know that we have not known each other for a very long time…it has only been a few weeks…but…” He looked up from their hands, which he had joined upon beginning his address. Seeing the encouragement in her eyes, he continued. “From the first moment of our acquaintance, I was struck by you, by your liveliness and intelligence. Every meeting since has cemented in my mind how very…right you are, for me, and how well we go on together. My feelings for you have grown from fascination to something much stronger. Miss Elizabeth…I love you. Will you marry me?”

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy!” One of Elizabeth’s hands had risen to cover her mouth as tears filled her eyes. “I feel the same; yes, I will happily marry you! Thank you!”

  Darcy let out the breath he had not realized he was holding as his smile grew at her words. He lifted the hand he still held to his lips and graced it with a kiss. “Thank you. I will endeavor to make you very happy.”

  They remained at the back of the room for the rest of their sisters’ performance, staring into each other’s eyes and holding hands. Every once in a while, Darcy kissed her fingers. It was only when the music stopped and the room suddenly became silent that the pair realized they had become the object of attention.

  “Darcy, what are the two of you doing there in the back of the room!” Lord Watts’ voice was jovial. It was rare that anyone had opportunity to tease Fitzwilliam Darcy and he was determined to make the most of it.

  Bingley, who knew Darcy better than anyone in the room, save Georgiana, added his voice. “Yes, Darcy…what are you being so clandestine about back there?”

  Darcy and Elizabeth had startled apart at the voices calling out to them, blushing to the roots of their hair. Quickly they stood and faced their friends and family. Darcy took a deep breath, grasped Elizabeth’s hand, tucked it under his elbow, and then addressed the room.

  “I am beyond happy to announce that Miss Elizabeth has done me the great honor of accepting my hand in marriage.”

  Georgiana and Mary squealed with delight, first hugging each other, then rushing to Elizabeth. Jane was torn between laughing at one sister and congratulating the other. She settled for hugging her Aunt Gardiner.

  The next day

  Darcy rode to Hertfordshire early the next morning, arriving at Longbourn at mid-day, to an almost empty house. Bingley rode along to keep him company, hoping to get a glimpse of Netherfield. Their first stop upon arriving in Meryton was the office of Mr. Phillips, the Bennet ladies’ uncle and the town’s solicitor, to speak to him about Netherfield. Having been granted an appointment with the attorney to view the property later in the day, the pair rode on to the Bennet family estate.

  The gentlemen were admitted to the house by a servant of middle years who Darcy assumed to be the housekeeper, and were immediately ushered into the room occupied by the master of the house.

  “Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Charles Bingley.”

  A grey-haired gentleman rose from behind the desk at one end of the book-filled room. He bowed to Darcy and Bingley, who returned his greeting, before extending his hand to them. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Thomas Bennet. Welcome to Longbourn.” Shaking his hand, the friends thanked him for seeing them.

  “Please, have a seat.” Mr. Bennet waved toward the chairs in front of the fire, coming around the desk to take one for himself. “My second daughter has mentioned you in her letters to me, Mr. Darcy. She seems quite taken with you, from what I gather.”

  Darcy smiled a bit. “Before I reply, let me introduce you to my friend, Charles Bingley. Your daughters just met him, at dinner in my home, last evening. He is hoping to view Netherfield today, as he is looking to lease an estate for a while.”

  “Well, that is excellent news! The house has sat empty for far too long; Lord Hampton was the last person to lease it, and that was a year or more ago. My wife will be especially happy to hear of your taking it.”

  “Thank you, sir. I am hoping it is what I am looking for and that I may join you all here for a few months.”

  “Good, good!” Turning back to Darcy, Mr. Bennet continued. “Surely Netherfield is not the only reason you have decided to come visit?”

  “No, sir, it is not. I am here to tell you that I have asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me and she has consented. All that remains is for me to obtain your permission.” Darcy felt more nervous with each word, causing him to end in a rush. “My position in life is secure; I am the master of my estate, which is on firm financial footing, and I have a handsome fortune. I will be generous with her settlement; she will want for nothing, not in my lifetime or should I predecease her.”

  “Thank you for your transparency.” He glanced at Bingley. “Would you like to discuss money matters now, or would you prefer a private interview for that purpose?”

  “Now is fine, I think. Bingley is privy to many of my affairs, and can be trusted to keep what is said to himself.”

  “Very well, then. I do not know if you are aware, but Elizabeth and her sisters are to share in my wife’s portion. Each will receive one thousand pounds upon her death. I have not added to it, and now that I am faced with a suitor for one of my girls, I must say I am a bit embarrassed about it. Will that sway you from your desire to marry my Lizzy?”

  “No, sir. I can well afford a wife who comes to me with little. Miss Elizabeth had made some oblique mention of having only her charms to recommend her, and after some thought, I had supposed that a small dowry was what she referred to. But, in comparison to what she does possess…intelligence, good humor, a sharp wit, beauty…money matters little.”

  “I am happy to hear it. I would have hated to have my daughter’s heart broken because of it. Before I give you my final decision, let me ask you one more thing. Do you love her?”

  “I do,” Darcy assured Mr. Bennet in his deep voice. “She takes my breath away.”

  “Excellent! Then, I give my consent. Welcome to the family.”

  The gentlemen shook hands, Darcy thanking his soon-to-be father-in-law, and settled into hammering out the basics of the settlement. Darcy promised to return as soon as possible with drafts of the agreement, and the three gentlemen had tea and a light repast before Darcy and Bingley headed out to look at Netherfield.

  Darcy did not meet the rest of the Bennet family, as they were visiting the neighbors. Elizabeth had warned him that her mother was likely to be overwhelmingly vocal when she met him, and he was not certain if he was disappointed or relieved to have missed her.

  The ride to Netherfield was short, as it was a mere three miles from Longbourn. Darcy and his friend met Mr. Phillips there and looked at the house and surrounding property.

  “What do you think, Darcy? It seems to be in good condition.”

  “It does. I see no structural problems, and the house is old enough that it should have settled as much as it is going to. The property drains well and is well maintained.”

  “I think I shall take it, then.”

  “I think you should. I will come stay with you if you are opening the house soon. Elizabeth will probably wish to marry from Longbourn, and I do not want to be separated from her any longer than I must be.”

  “In that case, I will speak to the housekeeper as soon as I am done signing the
lease and she may begin to hire staff. How long will Miss Elizabeth remain in London?”

  “I hope to persuade her to not return until you move in here. I know that Miss Bennet will stay a bit longer, as will Miss Mary, but Elizabeth will want to begin planning the wedding, I am certain.”

  In short order, Bingley had the lease signed, and the gentlemen were on their way back to town.

  Chapter 4

  “Mr. Darcy to see you, ma’am.” The maid curtseyed, then moved out of the way for Darcy to enter. It was the first time Elizabeth had seen him since he proposed two days previously. Her breath caught as she rose from her seat, Mary beside her, to see his handsome form enter the room. When he smiled, her heart began to race and a matching grin formed on her lips.

  He bowed before her, taking her hand and bestowing a warm, lingering kiss on her fingers. Rising, his eyes were arrested by the emotion he saw in hers. They stood staring at each other for a long moment, until Lady Watts bustled into the room, calling out a greeting.

  Mary laughed when the couple jumped apart. “I was beginning to wonder if you would ever again take notice of anyone in the room.”

  “I am sorry, dearest Mary, if we ignored you. We did not intend to.”

  “All is well, Miss Elizabeth,” declared Lady Watts, “for is not incivility the very essence of love? Sadly, we cannot leave you alone together, but Mary and I will take ourselves here to the fireside and you and your betrothed may speak together privately.” Winking at Elizabeth, she took Mary’s arm and escorted her across the room.

  Darcy was quick to take advantage of the relative freedom they were granted, and helped Elizabeth seat herself on a settee, sitting as close beside her as he dared.

  “You spoke to my father yesterday?” Elizabeth had been anxious about the visit. Her mother and youngest sisters were unpredictable in that, while they were uniformly loud and unchecked, one never knew precisely what would come out of their mouths. She could not bear for Darcy to think less of her due to their behavior. She was not nearly as concerned about her father’s permission being given. She knew that she had given enough hints away in her letters that he would not think twice to grant it.

  “I did.” Darcy resisted the urge to hold her hand. “He has granted us permission to marry and given us his blessing. We discussed the details of your settlement, as well. I shall take a copy of the rough draft to him once it is completed; I took my notes to my solicitor upon my return yesterday evening.”

  “That is good news! And…my mother?”

  “Was not at home. Neither were your sisters. Mr. Bennet said they were out for the morning, visiting. Bingley and I took tea with him and then met your Uncle Phillips at Netherfield.”

  Elizabeth’s brows rose. “Oh? What did Mr. Bingley think of the place? I confess I was not certain he was serious about leasing it.”

  “There are several reasons behind his decision, I think. He is very much taken with your sister, I believe. He has planned and searched for months for an estate to lease, as he plans to purchase one at some point. And, he does not wish to see me have to take rooms at an inn when he can provide better accommodations.”

  “That is very kind of him. He seems to be a good friend to you.”

  “Bingley is the best of friends. He is, perhaps, too easily swayed by those around him, but he is generous, kind, and loyal, and I could not ask for more.”

  “I am happy to hear that he likes Jane, for I can tell by her behavior that she likes him, as well. Tell me about his habits, though.” She blushed. “Forgive my impertinence. I know such a question is not proper to ask, but I am—we all are—protective of each other. We have no brother to look out for us, and so we have taken it upon ourselves to do it for each other. I do not wish to offend, but Jane has a tender heart, and I would not have it broken, if it were possible.”

  Darcy was taken aback at first by her question, but he admired that quality in her…that protectiveness over her sisters. “Bingley has fallen in and out of love many times, but it has generally been more because of the ladies than his own actions.” He paused. “Well, let me amend that. On occasion, his sisters, in particular his younger sister, Caroline, have convinced him that this or that lady did not share his affections. I suspect that they did not care for the lady’s position in society, given Caroline and Louisa’s attitudes toward me and my fortune. However, most of the time, the ladies in question did not truly care for him, and he discovered it before it was too late. I will say this of Bingley, for all his amiability and eagerness to please, he can be quite shrewd in his dealings. My guess is that he inherited the trait from his father, who was an excellent man of business and who left Bingley with a large fortune.”

  “You are saying, then, that if my sister truly does esteem him, he will be able to discern the fact? And…will he allow his sister to dissuade him, if my sister is his choice?”

  Darcy thought a moment, considering how best to answer. “I believe that, as long as Bingley can see your sister’s affection for him, he will rely upon his own counsel. I found her to be almost supernaturally serene when we met, so I will trust your judgement of the matter. If he comes to me, with your permission, I will share with him what you have told me.”

  “Oh, yes, please do! I should not like to see my sister’s happiness ruined through misconception.”

  Her betrothed echoed her sentiments, and their conversation moved on to other topics.

  ~~~***~~~

  On the day of Elizabeth’s departure from London, her family and the Darcys gathered at Arthur Place. She was to be escorted to Longbourn by her betrothed and his sister, as well as Charles Bingley and his family. The Hursts had returned to London so that Bingley’s sister could serve as his hostess at Netherfield.

  After much hugging and kissing and assurances of correspondence between Elizabeth and Georgiana, and Mary and the family, Darcy handed first his sister and then his future wife into his travelling coach before boarding it himself. They proceeded to Brook Street, where Bingley and the Hursts were waiting. In no time at all, the merry group was on its way.

  They passed the time in quiet conversation. Except for Darcy and Georgiana, they were an outgoing group and before long, were speaking like old friends. The trip from London to Hertfordshire was a long one, however, and after the first stop, they found quiet pursuits such as reading and napping, in an effort to save their voices.

  They arrived at Longbourn just after tea, having dropped Georgiana, Bingley, and his family off first at their estate. For the first time, Darcy experienced the whirlwind that was Mrs. Bennet. He was shocked at her poor manners and loud exclamations.

  Elizabeth cringed every time her mother opened her mouth. She feared that Darcy would end their engagement, so haughty was his expression. She could tell he was offended. He is probably wondering if he truly wishes to be a part of such a family.

  Darcy, however, was wishing he could take Elizabeth away from her home today instead of weeks from now. For every word Mrs. Bennet spoke in praise of him, she had three that were disparaging of her daughter, a fact that angered him beyond expression. When she tried to draw him into the conversation by asking his opinion, he firmly responded that he thought Elizabeth was everything wonderful and that, as her mother, Mrs. Bennet should be praising her to the skies. Not knowing what to say in response, the matron turned the conversation to other areas.

  When the time came for him to leave, Elizabeth got him alone and expressed her worry. Darcy was quick to comfort her and assure her that ending their understanding was the furthest thing from his mind.

  On the second day of her return to Hertfordshire, Elizabeth found herself and her sisters walking into Meryton to visit their aunt. Darcy was spending the morning with Bingley and would come to Longbourn for dinner. As they approached the Phillips’ residence, Lydia called out a greeting to an officer, part of the militia unit quartered in the town for the winter, who was just across the way. He came across to greet the party with another man
in tow. The officer, Lieutenant Denny, was just introducing his friend, one George Wickham, when Darcy and Bingley rode up the street.

  Seeing the Bennet ladies, they stopped to greet them. Bingley moved on, as he had business with the blacksmith that must be attended to right away. Mr. Wickham was trying to engage Elizabeth in conversation, which made her uneasy. Darcy, who had ignored the gentlemen in favor of gazing upon his love, immediately saw the discomfort in her face. He began to look at the officer and his companion in order to determine the source of her distress when his attention was arrested by a visage he had hoped to never see again. In an instant, he was off his horse and by Elizabeth’s side.

  “Are you well, my love?”

  The relief on her face was instant. “Yes, Fitzwilliam, I am. This gentleman was just making himself known to me.” She refused to look back at the newcomer and therefore missed the paling of his skin and the flash of fear in his features.

  “I see this.” He took her hand as he spoke and tucked it under his elbow, holding it close. Turning away from her, he addressed the man. “Wickham. Fancy meeting you here. What is your purpose in visiting this village?”

  “See here, Darcy, I have just as much right to walk these streets as you. Maybe more. I am signing up with the militia. I have funds to purchase a lieutenant’s commission. I have to do something to make my way, since you refused to give me the living your father left me.”

  “You were compensated richly for the living and signed it away. Do not think you will get away with spreading that story here. Fitzwilliam is looking for you. I spared your life after our last encounter; I will not do it again. My advice to you is to leave town immediately, because before this day ends, I will have sent him an express giving him your location, and you know what that means. I will not have you trifle with any female in this town, not if I can prevent it.”

  Wickham had grown even more pale at the mention of Darcy’s cousin. His bravado, however, had yet to desert him. He turned to Elizabeth. “I heard Darcy call you his love. Are you his mistress, then? He cannot be engaged to you; he is already betrothed to his cousin De Bourgh.” He jumped back when Darcy reached for him, turning and running the other direction.