Her Indomitable Resolve

by Jann Rowland

  “I can understand why you love this country,” said William as they strode along a path along the border between Longbourn and Netherfield. “The prospect from here down toward Netherfield is pretty, indeed.”

  Elizabeth turned an arched brow on her companion. “It is shocking to hear you say that, sir, for I had little notion you would give a favorable report to any location which is not Pemberley.”

  “Pemberley has its share of beauty,” was William’s easy reply. “But I do not believe I have ever said that other locations are not estimable.”

  Stopping at the edge of the path, he gazed out over fields, waving in the breeze, as tenants dotted the lands, bringing in the harvest. In the distance, the bulk of the manor rose, dominating the landscape, providing a visible image of the guiding hand of the estate. Elizabeth had heard Mr. Bingley speak of certain deficiencies of the property, and Elizabeth wondered what would become of it now, for it had stood empty for many years before he came.

  “Shall you miss Hertfordshire?” asked William, drawing her attention back to him.

  “Without a doubt,” said Elizabeth. “However, there are so many wonderful places to see in Derbyshire, that I am certain I shall, on the whole, have no cause to repine.”

  “I am pleased to hear it,” replied William.

  They walked on for some time, the path winding its way down through groves and fields, and soon Netherfield fell from sight. With a confident step, Elizabeth led her betrothed through the woods, her direction unerring until soon they stepped out from the path into a side lane striking off from Longbourn village and the estate itself. It was there they had an unwelcome encounter, though not as objectionable as it would have been a month before.

  “Mr. Darcy,” intoned the ponderous voice of Mr. Collins. “And Cousin Elizabeth,” added he, greeting Elizabeth with a hint of the hesitance that had been in his manner since his apology.

  For a moment, Elizabeth thought he wished to say something more, for he regarded them, likely considering it improper for them to be walking together. At length he came to the proper conclusion and said nothing. Or perhaps William, sensing his thoughts, interrupted before he could. Regardless, the peace was maintained for the moment.

  “Mr. Collins,” said Mr. Darcy in greeting. “How are you this morning?”

  “Very well, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Collins. “I had some business in the village from which I was just returning.”

  Mr. Darcy nodded and said: “Last time we met, you asked me for my assistance on the estate. Would tomorrow be convenient?”

  This was among the largest surprises of the effect the gentleman had on Mr. Collins—Elizabeth did not think he had visited any tenants or spoken with anyone on estate business since his coming. A few words from William, however, on the need for a master to be engaged in the business of his lands, and there were suddenly matters which required his attention. In particular, Elizabeth understood the Johnson family, on the northern edge of Longbourn’s lands, required repairs to their cottage, and William had offered to assist in the inspection.

  “That would be much appreciated, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Collins, bowing low several times. Regardless of whatever other improvements Mr. Collins had made, he had not lost an iota of his obsequiousness. The only difference was he now directed it entirely at William and Mr. Bingley, and the name “Lady Catherine” had been removed from his lexicon.

  “I shall come at ten,” said Mr. Darcy with a nod.

  After exchanging a few other words, they parted, Elizabeth making her way with William toward the Darcy carriage which awaited them in front of the church. As they walked, Elizabeth remembered a comment William had made only a few days before, and she turned an impish grin on him.

  “It is well that you are to meet Mr. Collins at Longbourn, for if you did not, I might worry that ‘riding like a sack of grain,’ as he does, he might not arrive unscathed.”

  With a chuckle and a shake of his head, William said: “If he keeps at it, he will be competent, though I doubt he will ever ride like Fitzwilliam does. As my cousin is a madman on top of a horse, that is not a matter to look on with anything less than gratitude.”

  “What do you think of his abilities with the estate? Will he survive when we have departed?”

  William turned to her and said: “William Collins is not suited to manage an estate—I believe you once told me your sister does much of the work.”

  “Mary makes the decisions,” said Elizabeth with a nod. “She also keeps the books and controls the purse.”

  “I would imagine it would stay that way,” said William. “What she needs from Mr. Collins is a man to deal with the tenants when necessary, to inspect buildings when they need repair, and to show them all that he is engaged. Mr. Collins can manage those things. In time, I suspect with your sister’s abilities, they will do well.”

  “That is a relief,” said Elizabeth. “As I have informed you, my father was an indifferent manager, though he was capable when he put his mind to it. I hope Mary can raise their fortunes, for I would not wish Longbourn to be neglected.”

  William nodded, and soon they had reached the carriage. The driver was standing by its side speaking with the footman, who snapped to attention at the sight of Mr. Darcy. As they prepared the vehicle for their departure, Elizabeth cast a look at the church building, so well-known and beloved to her. While she was thus engaged, she felt, rather than saw, William step up beside her.

  “It is possible to marry here if you wish it.”

  Elizabeth glanced at him before turning her attention back to the building. “That is not what I was considering, William. I have attended services at this church all my life, but I cannot imagine I will attend often once we depart from the neighborhood. It is a part of my past, well-loved for the memories it provided.”

  “No, I cannot but suppose you are correct.” William paused and considered the building, saying: “The only residence in the neighborhood in which your family resides now is Longbourn, which is not large, and there are certain . . . drawbacks to staying there.”

  A grin sweeping over her features, Elizabeth turned to him and in a stern, yet playful voice, said: “A moment ago you said that Mr. Collins is not all bad, yet now you propose that we cannot endure a few days in his company?”

  “Do you wish to submit to hours of his ostentatious manners and endless speeches?”

  “No, but I thought you were warming to him.”

  “To a certain extent, I have,” said William. “Mr. Collins is not a worthless man—he is a misguided one. I have attempted to help him become a better one, but it does not follow that I find his society agreeable.”

  “On that, we can agree,” said Elizabeth.

  “Returning to our previous topic, you informed me once that you would prefer to marry at Longbourn church, the same place where all your sisters married.”

  “Except Kitty who, as you may recall, is not yet married.”

  “And shall marry in London, as I understand.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Through this business I have discovered a few truths, William, and they have changed my perspective, though I may have informed you of it before.”

  When William did not respond, Elizabeth smiled and said: “The act of marrying is important, not the venue. Should we marry in the meanest chapel in the poorest place in the kingdom, it would not have any less significance than if we married in St. Paul’s Cathedral itself.”

  “With that, I cannot disagree,” said William. “However, where the opportunity exists, this new perspective should not preclude acting to fulfill certain wishes which, in the end, may not matter, but which will make the day even more meaningful, at least in your own heart.”

  Elizabeth turned to him, gazing at his well-loved face. “A moment ago, you were speaking of Longbourn being insufficient. What are you saying now?”

  “There are always ways to ensure wishes can be granted, as long as the means to do so exist.”

  “And do they?�
�

  The grin with which William responded set Elizabeth’s heart to racing. “I do. If you recall, I am a very wealthy man. Bingley has given up the lease on Netherfield, but I could always take it up for a few months, or there may be other estates nearby which will suit as well.”

  “And could you do this before the Quarter Day?” asked Elizabeth.

  “It is possible to rush it,” replied William. “Why, do you wish to marry before December?”

  “We have already been engaged for a month, and yet we do not have a date,” replied Elizabeth. “I should not want to wait until I am thirty.”

  William threw back his head and laughed. “No, I cannot imagine my patience would last that long either!”

  “Then perhaps it is time to decide our future,” said Elizabeth.

  “I believe, my future wife, that you are as intelligent as you are beautiful,” said William. “Come, let us return to our family where we may discuss it.”

  “And make plans,” said Elizabeth. Chuckling, she added: “I shall warn you now, Mr. Darcy: my mother is eager to celebrate all her daughters’ weddings in styles so extravagant that she might bankrupt you if you let her. I suspect the only reason she has not turned her attention to it yet is because of all that has happened of late. It is my recommendation that we not only choose a date but set the parameters of our celebration, otherwise there is no telling what she might insist upon.”

  With laughter, William replied: “I shall take your warning in the spirit in which you intend it. Then let us be firm.”

  William handed her into the carriage, and it shuddered into motion, leaving Longbourn village behind as they made their way back toward Netherfield and their future. Elizabeth could not know what it held for her, but she anticipated a life of happiness and devotion with this man. Whether they would spend much time in Hertfordshire in the years to come, she could not know, but the thought of living in Derbyshire was not onerous at all. The future could not come soon enough.

  Chapter XXXIV

  The future, when it came, was a happy one for Miss Elizabeth Bennet, for when she became Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, she married a man who worshipped the very ground on which she walked. It was not to be supposed that any couple could avoid all disagreement or strife, and the Darcys were no different in this respect. As their relationship was built on mutual respect and admiration, however, their disagreements, when they occurred, were always tempered, short-lived and set aside quickly.

  Mr. Darcy, though he remained a reticent, quiet sort of man, did not follow in the footsteps of his father, and while he was aware his father might not have appreciated the benefits his wife brought to their marriage, Darcy never lost sight of what he had gained, which was immeasurably more than he lost. Elizabeth was not a woman possessing untold riches, nor was she connected to great persons, but her insight, her effect on him, her intelligence were as valuable as if she had been born a princess.

  Though the discussions were spirited to a certain extent, Elizabeth decided it was best and easiest to marry from her sister’s parish in Derbyshire, and in so doing, she became the second of her sisters who did not marry from Longbourn church. This was compensated in her mind because of the presence of all her sisters—except Lydia, who never returned to England—including Mr. and Mrs. Collins, and the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Russell. Her uncles from Meryton and London both journeyed north for the wedding, and as a surprise, her father’s sister from Cornwall also made the long and arduous journey. In all, Elizabeth thought those in attendance more than made up for not holding the ceremony in Meryton.

  After the ceremony, the Darcys spent some time on their wedding tour in the south, before retiring to Pemberley. Throughout the years of their lives, William made good on his pledge to show her a dozen places of beauty about Pemberley, and many more besides. To this they added sojourns in the Lake Country, frequent excursions into the Peaks, and even a few journeys across the channel to see some of the famous sites in Europe.

  In London, Elizabeth found herself an object of curiosity when they went there for the season. Though Elizabeth received some words of envy or anger for capturing one of the most eligible men in London, nothing anyone said could dim her happiness, and she left those who commented to their bitterness. As the Fitzwilliam family made their support clear, there was little anyone could say or do, ensuring her overt acceptance. If there were those who refused to acknowledge her, Elizabeth ignored them as not worth her time.

  In time, children arrived, the line of succession to the next generation assured, and whereas the Darcys had consisted of only a brother and sister before, Elizabeth provided her husband several children to carry on the family line. They brought those children up to know the love of their parents, Elizabeth taking the role of teacher and mentor, as did her husband, who assured their children of his love, shying away from harping on duty as his father had often done with him.

  As for Elizabeth’s sisters, they were all happy in their own ways. Jane and Bingley made Hazelwood into a home, raising their brood of children, and the sisters were blessed to be situated so near to each other. For many years after, visits were common between them, their children growing together to be as close as their parents. For Kitty’s part, her husband’s estate was in Cheshire, and while not so close as Jane and Elizabeth, it was not so distant that they could not visit often either.

  As for the Collinses, Longbourn remained their home forever after. Though Mary had spoken of her indifference to birthing sons or daughters, she had two of both, rendering the point moot. Mary, the reason for Longbourn’s success, continued to manage the property with a flare her father had never possessed. While it might be assumed Mr. Collins was forever a figurehead, they worked out a solution where she made the choices and he executed them that saw surprising success for the rest of their lives. Mary remained close to her sisters, but Mr. Collins, though time rendered his offenses forgiven, remained somewhat at arms’ length, his character making it difficult for others to endure him for long. While they did not exclude Mr. Collins from their various family gatherings, there was always a sense of relief when he departed.

  Mrs. Bennet went to the north in the company of her youngest daughters, and while she occasionally visited Longbourn again, her primary home was with Jane, though she often imposed upon Elizabeth. Though it could be said that William found it difficult to endure his mother-in-law, she was somewhat in awe of him, such that in his company, her behavior was muted, a fortunate circumstance that allowed Mr. Darcy to endure her.

  The Gardiners and Fitzwilliams ever remained close to the Darcys and Bingleys. Elizabeth’s gratitude to her husband’s family for accepting her remained steadfast. When Charity and Rachel married, they remained close, both in terms of relationship and their homes, and Colonel Fitzwilliam did inherit his estate, which was situated closer to Hazelwood than Pemberley. Even the eldest son, James, who Elizabeth had heard was proud, accepted Elizabeth and said many times that she had provoked an astonishing change in her husband. With Lady Susan and Lord Matlock, Elizabeth remained on the most intimate of terms, grateful to them for their invitation and support.

  Georgiana, ever Elizabeth’s closest and most faithful friend and sister, stayed with her brother and his wife for several years, seeming uninterested in any of the suitors who vied for her hand. When she surrendered her heart to a man, she did so without reserve, informing Elizabeth that her experience had taught her what she should search for in a husband. Though Georgiana’s home was at a greater distance than Jane’s, they remained close in letters, gathering together as often as occasion permitted.

  Miss Bingley, after she lived at her brother’s estate for some months, returned to Norfolk, and there, the gentleman who had been paying court proposed to her, and they were married. As the man had some standing in society, Miss Bingley was happy, it seemed, though, she was never blessed with children. The gentleman was some years older and had several children by his previous marriage, so the lack was no trial for h
im. What Miss Bingley thought on the subject was not vouchsafed to the Darcys, for they were in her company but rarely.

  As for Elizabeth’s second-eldest sister, little was ever heard from her. Lydia, headstrong and heedless, sent letters to her mother, but they were long expected and imparted little information when they arrived. They finally received word that she had settled in the Americas, and from that point communication became even more sporadic. Though Elizabeth had never been close to her sister, she thought she might have wished to meet her again, but it was never to be.

  In the end, Elizabeth was forever grateful to all those who supported the youngest Bennet daughter when her situation had been wanting, for they had led her to the life she lived as an adult, as a loving mother and wife to the best of men. As she often observed to her husband:

  “I could never want for more, for I have everything that I wish.”

  Then Mr. Darcy would respond: “As do I. And it is all because I have you in my life.”

  The End

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