Not wasting another second, Mr. Bennet ordered his house workers to find Lydia. They covered the grounds of Longbourn but could not find her.
The Bennet was in disarray, trying to make sense of the two incidents. They huddled together discussing different possibilities. Meanwhile, Mary stayed silent watching her family. She started to say something, but no one heard her.
Mary couldn’t hold back any longer, so she yelled, “Hey!”
Everyone stopped and turned towards her. Mr. Bennet asked, “What is it, Mary?”
“Well, Lydia left a note,” Mary said.
“Where is it? What does it say?” Mr. Bennet inquired.
Mrs. Bennet added, “Come on child, hand it over.”
Mary handed the note to her father. Outside the fold, it read:
Do not open this until I am gone.
Elizabeth snatched the letter and began to read aloud:
Dear sister,
I can’t tell you where I am headed but just know that I am delighted. I am marrying the man I truly love, a man who’s shown me nothing but kindness.
I have no intentions of marrying Mr. Darcy.
Oh no, dear. I have bigger plans. I am marrying a man who will rise in the ranks of the regimen with the money provided by Mr. Darcy. We have enough for now.
I know it might seem foolish of me to run off, but I could no longer wait. You will eventually find out who he is. But just so you know, he is the dashing militia man who everyone loves and respects and who Mr. Darcy wronged.
Please tell Papa that someday we will return in a lovely carriage to visit.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as Darcy received word of the incident, he rushed over to Longbourn estate.
Embarrassed, Mr. Bennet couldn’t make eye contact with the man who was almost his son-in-law. “I must apologize to you, Mr. Darcy. In front of my family... I’m sorry for not taking your word and for trying to force you into marriage with my daughter.”
Darcy said, “That’s of no consequence right now, sir. What we need to do is find Lydia.”
Elizabeth trembled. She was pleased to see Darcy, and yet, she didn’t know what to say to him. After seeing how he acted in the face of being falsely accused, and how he was taking charge of the situation now, she realized she had deep feelings for Mr. Darcy, which could no longer be denied.
But did he still have feelings for her, after all that happened?
“Mr. Darcy, do you have any idea where Mr. Wickham might have taken my daughter?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“Is it at all possible they fled to London?” Elizabeth chimed in quietly.
Darcy looked back and forth between Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth, “I highly doubt he’s off to London. That was just to throw everyone off.”
Mr. Bennet scratched his head, “Where could they have possibly gone? Is there anywhere Wickham desired to go to?”
At the same time, Elizabeth and Darcy came to the same conclusion, “Pemberley!”
Everyone stared in awe at their synchronicity.
Mrs. Bennet tilted her head, “Pemberley? Why would he want to go there?”
Darcy explained, “He still wants to lay claim to Pemberley; he believes that the cottage should’ve been his. He feels slighted by me.”
“Surely,” Mr. Bennet began. “he’s not going to risk the chance of getting caught?”
“That’s precisely why he would choose Pemberley. It would be the last place anyone would think to look. He could hide there until his next move, and he could also request more money to marry Lydia.”
“But would he have spent all that money? 3000 pounds?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“Who knows what Mr. Wickham can do,” Darcy said.
Elizabeth found the courage to speak more, “I’m sorry we misjudged you, Mr. Darcy. We never imagined that this would happen.”
Darcy nodded, “No apology needed, Elizabeth. Right now, we need to head to Pemberley.”
Mr. Bennet pat Darcy on the back, “Darcy, find Mr. Wickham and make sure he does right by my dear Lydia.” Darcy nodded confidently as he made his move to leave.
“I’m coming with you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth interjected. Everyone stopped in silence, then she turned to her father. Mr. Bennet smiled and nodded his head, “Bring your sister home.”
Elizabeth gave a warm smile that thanked him silently. She turned and looked at Darcy, who gazed at her with a warm smile of his own.
Mrs. Bennet protested, “But what will people say if they see Mr. Darcy with my unmarried daughter, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth shot back, “That is the least of our problems, Mother. We are trying to find Lydia. That should be your concern. Who cares what people say?”
“But Mr. Collins and the lady Catherine..." Mrs. Bennet began.
“Stop, mother. Forgive me for speaking to you in this manner, but for once stay out of this!" Elizabeth shouted and shut her mother down. Before she knew it, Darcy was by her side, and she held to onto his arm. Together they went to the carriage outside and set out to Pemberley.
It was unusual for an unmarried woman to ride in a carriage with a man without a chaperone.
And this time around, Elizabeth knew she had to speak to Darcy. It was time let him know how she felt. She started, “Mr. Darcy...” then gazed into his brown eyes.
“What is it, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth let out a slow breath, “I accept your proposal.”
A smile crept up on Darcy’s face.
To distract herself from her embarrassment, Elizabeth looked out the window, for she had worried that he would reject her after all she had put him through. She continued, “I know it is unbecoming of a lady to court a man but—”
Darcy reached over and turned her to face him, his palm clutching her cheek, “I have feelings for you, Elizabeth. That would never go away. I want you to be my wife. I want you to be the mistress of Pemberley.” He didn’t want anyone else but Elizabeth, and he couldn’t wait to be with her, as man and wife.
In that moment, Elizabeth was thankful his hand was holding her face, because she could have melted hearing those words.
When they arrived at Pemberley, Darcy jumped out of the carriage and helped Elizabeth down. Within seconds, house workers swarmed Darcy with words of praise and endearment to which he hugged them all. Elizabeth couldn’t help but wonder how she had ever been wrong about Darcy.
Darcy hushed down the rallying to ask, “Has anyone seen Mr. Wickham?”
One of the crowd answered, “Why, yes, sir. He came by a little while ago. We were so happy to see your brother, sir.”
Elizabeth looked at Darcy, confused, “Your brother?”
“Yes. They consider Mr. Wickham to be my long, lost brother,” Darcy confirmed.
Another person in the crowd around Darcy added, “Mr. Darcy has always been generous with Mr. Wickham. In fact, I believe he keeps his portrait in the office. Mr. Wickham is part of the family.”
Darcy’s cheeks flushed red at the embarrassment, but Elizabeth enjoyed hearing this side of him.
“In fact, Mr. Darcy had the house at the back refurbished for Mr. Wickham, but never did move in. Why is that, Master?”
Darcy’s cheery demeanor disappeared; he kept a straight face. Without wasting anymore time, he turned to the footman, “When last did you see Mr. Wickham on the property?”
The footman recalled, “Earlier today, sir.”
“Excellent. Let’s make our way there now,” Darcy grabbed Elizabeth’s hand into his and led her into Pemberley.
At the cottage, Wickham stared out the window, keeping watch to see if anyone was approaching. All the while, Lydia held onto her pregnant stomach and said, “Mr. Wickham, why are we still here?”
He didn’t say a word; only kept his focus on the outside.
Exasperated, Lydia continued, “I thought by now we would be on the way in London!” She slumped into the chair dejected. “Oh, dear Mr. Wickham, let’s get out of here before anybody finds us. I ca
n’t imagine my sisters finding out I’m still in Pemberley, not in London. I want to be married before that happens!”
Wickham clenched his fist; he wished she would stop talking, but he knew he had to be patient with her. It was only a matter of time before the next part of his plan worked.
Lydia went to Wickham by the window and leaned on, “We will get married quickly, won’t we, Mr. Wickham?”
Frustrated yet trying his best to remain calm, he turned around to her with a smile and said, “In due time, dear, in due time.”
He slid his arms around her body.
Meanwhile, with both their attention diverted from the window, Darcy and Elizabeth rushed to the cottage.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and in walked Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
Without thinking, Wickham grabbed Lydia and tried to take her out the back door. Darcy took off sprinting and cut them off, “Not so fast, Mr. Wickham.”
Wickham suddenly got cornered.
Moments later, Colonel Foster waltzed in from the back door. Seeing this, Wickham’s grip on Lydia loosened and she fell off to the side. Elizabeth ran to assist her and held her close, “Are you okay, Lydia?”
Lydia began sobbing, tears streaming down her face. She apologized profusely, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for all that I’ve done, Lizzy.”
“Wickham, you are coming with us now,” Colonel foster growled.
Chapter Eighteen
Darcy and Colonel Foster had dragged Wickham to another room and sat him down in a chair.
Colonel Foster said, “You have done a great disservice to the military and the Bennets, Wickham. I see no reason why you should remain within the regimen.”
Wickham gaped at them in horror and began shaking his head.
"So, what do you say, Mr. Darcy? Should we take him in? Or are you going to comply, Mr. Wickham?"
Wickham sighed, “I guess I have no choice. Lydia is carrying my child, and I have grown a fond of her.”
“Grown fond?” Darcy stepped closer to Wickham’s face.
In a panic, Wickham revised himself, “No! I meant to say... I love her. She’s the one for I truly desire.”
“Good,” Darcy eased up. “So, then it’s settled. If you love as much as you do then why did you convince her to lie about me?”
Wickham responded “I needed the money. I am sorry Darcy, but I was desperate to give her and my child a good life.”
“You will be married in two weeks,” Darcy said.
Wickham protested. “Two weeks? Isn’t that too soon?”
“Not soon enough, considering the amount of grief you caused me,” Darcy growled. “To think you got Ms. Bennet involved in your crazy ideas is quite surprising.”
Wickham looked away; he knew Darcy was right. He had done something that should never have happened. He ruefully looked up at Darcy, “I must apologize to you Fitzwilliam. I’m truly sorry. You’ve been nothing but gracious to me...”
Darcy’s face grimaced, “Well, this time around you have no choice; you will make it work with Lydia. Is that understood?”
Wickham said, "Yes.”
Colonel Foster chimed in, “After the wedding, you will go with your wife to join the regimen in America.”
Wickham whipped his eyes up at them, “America? Why, that’s so far away. Lydia would never...”
Colonel Foster folded his arms, “That’s the agreement. Take it or else...”
“Please consider somewhere closer. Maybe London?” Wickham pleaded.
Darcy interjected, “I would like you as far away as possible from Pemberley and me. I will give you 7000 pounds, but you must stay married to Lydia for at least ten years. I will also pay all your debts, every single one of them.”
Wickham winced at Darcy, “Why are you doing this?”
Darcy smiled and simply replied, “I am doing this for the woman I love.”
“You are a good man, Mr. Darcy. I guess now I must tell my wife about our move to America,” Wickham chuckled.
Meanwhile back in the cottage, Elizabeth sat with Lydia, trying get to the bottom of the story.
“You must understand, Lydia. Everything the family has done has been in your best interest. Why did you lie about Mr. Darcy when you knew the father of your child is Mr. Wickham?”
“I wanted to do things on my own and not be under the shadow of everyone. I worried about breaking your trust and what would you think of me if I told you how in love I was with Mr. Wickham. Then you would hate me and...” Lydia continued sobbing until Elizabeth finally,
“I understand, Lydia. All will be forgiven.”
“I am sorry for everything.”
Moments later, Colonel Foster, Darcy and Wickham walked back into the room. Elizabeth stood up when she saw them arrive.
Wickham knelt down to Lydia, “Lydia, my darling. I have good news: we will get married in a few days, and once the baby is born, we will move away to America. We can own land there, and I will be able to give you government securities!”
Lydia’s eyes widened, “America? But that is so far away! How could you afford—”
“It’s all taken care of,” he delicately clasped both her hands together and kissed them. “I love you. And a new life is just what we need.”
Lydia glanced at Lizzy for approval. Lizzy nodded and smiled.
“Oh yes of course.... I agree we should venture to America but of course, that is after the baby is born but not before, where would we reside?” Lydia inquired.
Lizzy looked up at Darcy. Darcy realized Lizzy wanted to say something about the Pemberley cottage.
But he declined.
Darcy reasoned, If Wickham wanted the home, he had to ask for it.
Darcy glanced at Wickham who glanced back silently pleading with his eyes. Then prideful Mr. Wickham looked back with love at his wife to be and remarked: “Wherever the regimen wants me. That is where we will reside."
"For now, why don't you rest. Ms. Bennet and I will retire to the main quarters. Colonel Foster, the servants, will show you to your chamber. We are all tired; a little rest wouldn't hurt anyone."
Lydia smiled at Lizzy who agreed. Colonel Foster followed the servant out of the cottage to his guest chamber.
Mr. Darcy held his hand out for Lizzy who promptly accepted. They too walked out the cottage, leaving Wickham and Lydia alone.
Mr. Darcy walked back hand in hand into the main quarters. He inquired if Ms. Bennet's room was ready. Mrs. Reynolds responded, “Yes."
"Thank you. Mrs. Reynolds, you may go now," Mr. Darcy said.
"Yes, sir," Mrs. Reynolds responded.
Elizabeth could not believe she was alone with her handsome and soon to be husband, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy led her to her chambers for the night. He smiled and said "Oh my dear, I hope you like the room. I have taken the liberty of ordering a bath gown for you which should be here shortly. But first, I wanted to give you this."
Elizabeth gasped as Mr. Darcy got down on one knee and pulled out a beautiful diamond encrusted ring sitting in a royal box from his jacket.
He said, “Darling Elizabeth, I am not usually a man of many words, but my feelings for you can no longer be subdued. I do not see a future without you in it. I want to ask if you will do me the honor to become my wife. Will you have my heirs? Will you be the mistress of my weary heart?”
A tear ran down Lizzy's face. She blushed happily and said "Yes, yes I will, dear Mr. Darcy. I have loved you from the moment you saved my life, and now you have shown me more of your grace with Lydia. How could I possibly say no?"
Just then they heard a knock on the door. It was Mrs. Reynolds holding Elizabeth’s white bath gown in her hands. Mr. Darcy opened the door and stepped out of the room leaving the ladies alone. Elizabeth wished he stayed, although his watching her take a bath was against the rules of courtship, no one will know if they kept it to themselves.
She changed into her bath gown and walked towards the dressing room's tub seated in the center of the room.
She slid in the inviting water fully dressed in her bath gown.
She leaned her back against the tub and closed her eyes waiting for Mrs. Reynolds to pour the water on her back. She imagined a blissful future with Mr. Darcy, a home filled with children. She listened to the relaxing sound of water being poured over her back by Mrs. Reynolds. Only it was not Mrs. Reynolds; it was Mr. Darcy.
"Don't turn around," He whispered delicately into her ears.
She gasped and said, "Oh Mr. Darcy it is not proper for you to see me this way."
Darcy remarked," I am not looking, so you need not worry. Besides once we are married I will see you in all your beautiful natural glory. Your beauty will be mine to cherish till eternity."
Elizabeth blushed enjoying the feeling of her future husband bathing her.
That night what happened between them was never revealed but Darcy was a gentleman that evening.
The following morning, Darcy and Elizabeth rode in the same carriage with Wickham and Lydia back to Longbourn.
Once they arrived, Mrs. Bennet rushed up to her daughters and held them. Mr. Bennet glanced at Mr. Wickham who promptly apologized for the pain he had caused the family. Mr. Bennet nodded. He accepted Wickham’s apology for his daughter’s sake. But he knew it would take a while to accept his daughter’s pregnancy before marriage.
Jane rushed to greet her sisters, pleased to see them. Standing beside her was Mr. Bingley beaming. Lizzy noticed something different about Jane, she was perfectly glowing with Mr. Bingley by her side.
Lizzy said “Why Jane you look beautiful I take it you must have good news to share with Lydia and I”
“Yes, dear sister, Mr. Bingley asked for my hand in marriage after conferring with Papa and I agreed. We are getting married soon,” Jane said. Lizzy embraced her and said, “So am I and Lydia too!”
“And perhaps Mary and Catherine would be next,” Jane said turning to her other sisters who also welcomed Lydia and Lizzy back home. Lizzy said to Mr. Bingley, “You made a good choice Mr. Bingley.”
From Pemberley With Love Page 10