“Yes, Papa,” Elizabeth confirmed with a hug for her father.
“Now, let’s go about our day. No one must know about this. Am I understood?” Mr. Bennet asked, looking at everyone around the room.
“Yes, Papa,” his daughters responded.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet looked away, wondering, “When will this all end? Is she destined for despair? Will her daughters find husbands?”
The following morning, Elizabeth set out on the journey to London. The trip itself was uneventful, which was quite surprising. Elizabeth spent most of the journey thinking about her family’s situation.
She wondered if she hadn’t been so judgmental about Mr. Darcy the night of the ball, maybe things would have been different. Who knows, he could possibly have received a proposal from him, had she not acted on impulse to deny him a dance.
She thought about how her desire Darcy began right from the moment he saved her from losing her life at the lake to the time at the ball where he stood stoically watching her. The sound of the galloping carriage made her smile. It reminded her of better times when her father had more land and less debt. Elizabeth reminisced about simpler times when he mother got more than the expected clothing allowance.
Mrs. Bennet also received a governmental security, which she unfortunately spent frivolously on material things that held no value. Elizabeth sighed as she realized the carriage would soon arrive at the Bingleys Palatial estate.
Once she arrived at the Bingleys’ home, Bingley’s sister met Elizabeth with a look of disdain on her face. She remarked, “Finally...they sent someone, Your sister’s upstairs.”
Elizabeth tilted her head at a slight angle, puzzled as to why she was not pleased to see her. She couldn’t understand why she acted without warm manners, but she decided to let it go.
Following Bingley’s sister, Elizabeth hurried up to Jane, who lay in bed, nursing a bruised ankle. Elizabeth sat on the bed and hugged her. She then asked, “Dear, Jane, how is it that you fell down the stairs?”
Jane smiled wearily, “I must welcome you first before we talk about such matters!” She wrapped her hands around her sister once again then she pulled back for a moment.
Trying to lighten the mood, Elizabeth cheered with forced enthusiasm, “Oh, how I have missed you at Longbourn! Mother and Father send their regards.”
Jane forced another smile then silence followed as both sisters played a staring contest, each willing the other to flinch first.
Even though Elizabeth had a lot of questions, perhaps now was not the best time to ask, seeing as Jane kept quiet to herself.
So, instead, Elizabeth asked, “Have they been treating you well?”
It was evident Jane wasn’t happy. She lay back on the bed and turned her face away; a lonely tear rolled down her cheek.
Elizabeth couldn’t bear to see her sister looking this way. She offered, “Jane, if we must leave tonight, we can.”
Jane instantly replied, “Why would we want to do that? I’m here for love, and I can tell he loves me. But for some reason, I fear someone is trying to keep him from loving me.”
Elizabeth bit her lip, “Why would you think that?”
With a sigh, Jane continued, “Well, I don’t think Mr. Bingley’s sisters like me very much.”
Elizabeth retorted, “That’s nonsense. They don’t even know you. Give it time. They will eventually come around. They will love you the same way we love you; if not then it will be their loss.”
Jane smiled to herself, “If only it were that simple... then life would be perfect.”
“Life is never perfect. Life has its ups and downs, and this is just one of them. Everything will be fine.”
Before either sister had a chance to respond; Bingley suddenly walked into the room. He brought a lively energy to the room, “I hate to break up the happy sisters’ reunion, but it would be rude of me not to welcome you, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth rose to her feet and politely curtsied to Bingley, “Thank you, Mr. Bingley.”
Bingley opened his arms and embraced Elizabeth, “Welcome to our home.”
Though she was taken aback, she wrapped her arms around him and returned the gesture, “Oh... Thank you, again, Mr. Bingley. What a lovely home you have.”
At the sight of seeing her love, Jane couldn’t help but smile. Bingley smiled back at her as well and asked, “Jane, I hope you’re feeling better!”
With a glint in her eyes, she said, “Yes, I am, Charles. Seeing you here has certainly helped.”
In seconds, Bingley trotted to the edge of the bed, sitting by Jane’s side, and stroked away stray hairs that blocked her eyes, leaving his hand cupped around her cheek. Jane did her best but failed to hide the growing smile creeping across her face. The two locked eyes and held their gaze as if nothing else existed in the room around them.
Elizabeth smiled with relief, for it was obvious that her sister was in love with this man and this man with her. She only wished his sisters could see the same.
As the days passed, Jane got better.
Hearing of Elizabeth’s arrival at the Bingley estate, Darcy stopped by for a visit. Elizabeth was surprisingly pleased to see him, but he did not say much to her. The two of them stood at opposite ends of the morning room, staring the other down, willing words to breach their lips but couldn’t find the right ones to say.
Finally, Mr. Darcy remarked glancing intently at Elizabeth,
“I hope you are enjoying your stay.”
Elizabeth eyed him curiously, “Yes... London is not as bad as they say it is.”
Darcy nodded in acknowledgement before hanging his head to stare at the ground, mimicking the new hanging silence between them.
She reluctantly continued, “Plus, everyone here has been gracious.”
“Ms Bennett, I know this might be quite unexpected, but...” Mr. Darcy paused trying to put into words how he felt. For he was not a man used to matters of the heart, rather he followed societal norms.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked urging him on. She too, had feelings and had not forgotten how he saved her from perishing in the Lake. Her eyes widened as she watched his breathing increase.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He blurted out suddenly. Elizabeth blushed. She felt butterflies in her stomach. Her lips began to move ready to respond to Mr Darcy’s sudden proposal.
But before they could continue their conversation, they heard a surprise visitor had arrived.
It was Lydia.
Elizabeth gaped at the sight of Lydia. Why was she here? Did she travel alone? Why is she breaking all the rules? Before long, she ran out to meet her sister.
“What are you doing here?” Elizabeth asked as the footman helped Lydia out of the carriage.
Lydia thanked him then turned to Elizabeth, “Not so much as a welcome, hmm, dear sister? Or are you worried that at eighteen, I am better suited for your Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth frowned and scoffed, “Well, it’s not that I’m not excited to see you. I am just surprised you are here. Judging by your attire, I am shocked Papa let you go looking like this.” She made a circular gesture at Lydia’s chest, “Your breasts are practically spilling out of their enclosure. Did Father send you or did Mother put you up to this?”
Lydia shrugged her shoulders and ignored her sister’s question. Instead, she inquired, “Well, now that I’m here, what did I miss?”
At that moment, Darcy stepped outside and joined them.
“Hello, Lydia. Elizabeth did not say you would be joining us. Are you alone? Surely a chaperone must have accompanied you?”
Lydia shot him a dark stare then feigned a smile, “Yes, I had hoped my aunt and uncle would accompany me on this trip, but I am pleased to say that Colonel Foster was gracious enough to ensure my safe arrival.” She walked passed Elizabeth and Darcy into the home.
As soon as Lydia stepped foot into the house, Jane appeared at top the stairs. She looked down and said, “What a lovely surprise
! Lydia!”
Lydia ran up the stairs to Jane and hugged her for a moment then pulled back. She observed, “Dear sister, you look well. I must say you look fit as a fiddle!” Then she burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth looked toward Darcy, embarrassed by her sister’s behavior. It was clear that Darcy thought it was improper to not inform the owner of the home about surprise visits, and Elizabeth found herself worried about his impression of her family now that Lydia showed up dressed distastefully.
Darcy promptly said, “I must take my leave now. I have matters of great importance that require my immediate attention.”
Elizabeth nodded, “Very well, Mr. Darcy. I hope to see you again before we return to Longbourn.”
With a nod back, and not another spoken word, Darcy took his leave. Elizabeth watched him disappear behind the door then glanced up at her sisters smiling at each other. She wished Lydia had stayed back in Longbourn, but the fact was she did make the trip so she should feel welcome. Set on doing just that, Elizabeth walked up the stairs to join her sisters.
Chapter Six
A week later, the Bennet girls made their way back home to Longbourn. It was a quiet trip with occasional discussions about events from the previous week.
When they arrived back at Longbourn, Mr. Bennet looked relieved to see his daughters, but he also seemed pensive.
Elizabeth wondered why her father kept pacing around the room.
Then the girls soon found out that their cousin, Mr. William Collins, had returned for a follow-up visit, and they noticed their mother having a deep conversation with him.
Jane, Lydia, and Elizabeth politely curtsied to Mr. Collins, who acknowledge their presence by raising his hat.
Mrs. Bennet beamed at her daughters and proudly declared, “Mr. Collins has wonderful, wonderful news, girls!”
Mr. Bennet stopped pacing at hearing this, and his apologetic eyes met Elizabeth’s. She immediately understood the situation. Collins was here not for a social visit but to make a proposal, which required an immediate answer for he did not have much time because he needed to return to Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
“The great Lady Catherine de Bourgh has been kind to me, my dears. I am now in a position to take a wife. I hope you will hear me out,” Collins grinned.
“Oh, isn’t this wonderful, girls? You return home and Mr. Collins is here. Dear, dear, Mr. Collins, is this a proposal?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“Well, my dear, Mrs. Bennet, indeed it is...” Collins said, circling around the Bennet daughters, who stood side by side trying to maintain a straight face. Lydia couldn’t help but laugh.
“Dear, are you alright?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“Oh, Mother. Why yes, I am fine,” Lydia said, stifling more laughter.
Mrs. Bennet eyed her suspiciously, “Just checking. And you, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth looked up with wide eyes, “What about me, Mother?”
“Well, my dear, you haven’t spoken much since you returned. Would you consider a proposal from our dear Mr. Collins?”
“Well, he has to ask first, Mother,” Elizabeth responded, looking away.
Collins then spoke up, “My dear, Elizabeth, you’ve been most of my mind aside from my feelings for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I must ask... Will accept my proposal? Will you become the mistress of my manor?” He held his hat to his chest and bowed his head.
Elizabeth’s sisters giggled while she grimaced and frowned. She wasn’t sure why Collins singled her out. As far as she was concerned, one of her sisters would be better suited to marry him.
After a deep breath, she replied, “While I find your proposal most enticing, Mr. Collins, I’m afraid I have to decline.”
Mrs. Bennet, horrified by her daughter’s response, interjected, “Lizzy, do you realize you are not getting any younger? Mr. Collins has made a fine proposal, which you must consider!"
Elizabeth turned to her mother with stern eyes, “I have taken it into consideration, Mother, and it would be best for me to decline.”
Mr. Bennet let out a soft sigh of relief, pleased by Elizabeth’s response, for he did not want Collins to wed his precious daughter.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head and looked at Collins with pleading eyes, hoping he would not withdraw his proposal. Conversely, Collins looked embarrassed, pressing his lips tightly together to hide the fact that he was hurt by Elizabeth, who didn’t take the time to consider his request. He remained silent for a moment until he turned, and his eyes met Lydia’s.
He cocked an eyebrow, wondering about her, and imagining if she could make an excellent wife. Not only was she a lot younger than Elizabeth, but she would also give him great joy, something fun at his home.
“I have changed my mind,” Collins countered.
Mr. Bennet, still concerned, raise an eyebrow back and asked, “You have changed your mind, Mr. Collins?”
Before Collins could respond, Mrs. Bennet began sobbing, “What have I done to deserve this? Even if my daughters do not get married, I would like for them to realize a proposal is not something that should be taken lightly.”
Mr. Bennet darted a dark stare at his wife and retorted, “What are you talking about, dear? Let the man speak.”
His eyes turned back to Collins, who then declared, “Yes, I have made my decision. I changed my mind and I now request Lydia’s hand in marriage instead.”
Everyone gasped, jaws dropped to the floor. Jane whispered underneath her breath, “Lydia?”
Not usually one to stay silent, Lydia was short on words. She looked at her sisters with desperate eyes—she did not want to marry this man. Seeing this, Elizabeth strategically shot back a look that urged her to not accept this proposal.
Mrs. Bennet cleared her throat expectantly, “Lydia?”
“Yes,” Collins added. “Lydia. I’ll give you some time to think about it, but I will not wait for long. I must now take my leave. I have pressing matters to discuss with Lady Catherine and the clergy, but I will be back later tonight.” He walked out of the Bennets’ home.
Mr. Bennet looked at his wife then at his daughters, who looked relieved, except Lydia. Lydia groaned, “Mama, he can’t possibly want to marry me.”
Mrs. Bennett shrugged and brushed aside any concerns Lydia had. She said,
“Oh, nevermind, Mr. Collins. Perhaps, he wasn’t serious about the proposal. But, my dear Lydia, why wouldn’t you want to be the wife of a clergyman who finds you suitable? He will take great care of you.”
“Because, Mother, there is someone else. He will be here soon with his proposal!” Lydia shouted.
Shocked by Lydia’s outburst, Mrs. Bennet said, “What kind of man would propose to a woman without first obtaining approval from her parents? Such a man who does not follow tradition has no decency.”
Lydia started to pout.
But Mrs. Bennet continued to exclaim, “Can this man offer you the 500 pounds you need for your clothing allowance? If not, then I suggest he keep his proposal, and you accept Mr. Collins’ proposal at once!”
Lydia cried out, “For your information, Mother, he is someone you already know, and I am certain you will approve once you find out who he is. He can afford to give me more than the 500 pounds a year, for he has an income of at least 10,000 pounds.” And with that, Lydia stormed out of the room.
Mrs. Bennet was aghast and turned to a tired Mr. Bennet, who wondered why God had been cruel to him by not birthing him a son to inherit his home.
“That’s it. My daughters have gone stark raving mad. None of you will bring shame to our home. Elizabeth, did you know about this? Who is Lydia talking about?”
“I wish I knew, Mother, but I haven’t the slightest idea,” Elizabeth shrugged.
Mr. Bennet quietly walked away to his library, worried about his unsettled debts. If he was being honest with himself, if none of his daughters ended up getting married, then when he passed away, the estate he had carefully built over the years would end up with Collins. He leaned b
ack in his chair thinking about what would happen to his wife and daughters. It was clear that the social ball had not helped matters. With a long sigh, Mr. Bennet palmed his face and wondered what he had done wrong. He then peered out the window at the lush countryside and concluded that whatever will happen with the estate will be after he is long gone.
Weeks went by without a word from Collins, but Mrs. Bennet continued to wait impatiently for his return with his proposal. Lydia had told her sisters that she saw him in the marketplace once, and he flirted with her the minute Catherine looked away. Then she mentioned to Mrs. Bennet that she heard he could be getting married soon, but to whom remained a mystery.
“Oh no. If that happens and it is not one of you, what will happen to me? Will I be forced to move out of my home? Will I be sent away? Would he sell Longbourn? Our lives would be ruined," Mrs. Bennet lamented as she buried her face in her hands.
“Mother, our lives will not be ruined if Mr. Collins marries someone else,” Elizabeth said, placing a reassuring hand on her mother’s shoulder. Elizabeth was worried about other things; things like her sister, Jane. Jane locked herself in her room day in and day out, refusing to venture out of it, because she had not heard a word from Bingley.
She also worried about her mother’s favorite daughter, Lydia, who sometimes snuck out of Longbourn without permission. Elizabeth believed that a good woman with manners should always have company when stepping out, or she might get tempted by a man.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head and glanced at her daughters in silence.
A moment later, the footman walked into the room and announced the arrival of Collins.
Mrs. Bennet beamed at the thought that maybe he was here to propose to one of her daughters. She gleefully instructed them, “Hurry! Straighten up, girls.”
From Pemberley With Love Page 4