by Lily Bernard
Wickham stood in front of Georgiana’s companion. “Mrs. Younge, what a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed over her hand and when he stood up, only Mrs. Younge could see his wink.
“Where are you lovely ladies off to on this glorious day?”
“We are just walking the promenade before going for tea. Would you like to join us?” Georgiana was happy to see her old friend again. She thought it might be nice to have someone else to socialize with.
“I would be delighted.” Wickham stood next to Georgiana and offered her his arm which she happily took. He was anxious to move ahead with his plans for revenge but knew he must be patient in order for it to succeed.
The next day, Wickham was waiting for them as they walked up the steps to the promenade. “I hope you are willing to share your stroll with me again. I enjoyed a most delightful walk yesterday afternoon.”
“Of course, George. Mrs. Younge, do you mind if Mr. Wickham joins us for our walk?”
“Not at all, my dear. Just make sure you are not walking too close to Mr. Wickham.” This time, Mrs. Younge winked at Wickham.
“George, you never told me what you are doing in Ramsgate.”
“Did I not? I am here looking into a new business venture. If all goes well, it should be quite profitable but requires that I remain in Ramsgate for several more weeks. I hope you are prepared to spend more time with me.”
“It is always a pleasure to be with you. Is that not your feeling, as well, Mrs. Younge?”
“I have no objection as long as all proprieties are observed.”
“Of course, Mrs. Younge. Miss Darcy and I are old friends. I grew up at Pemberley and was looked upon with favor by Miss Georgiana’s father. He educated me to be a gentleman and her brother was my companion while we were growing up and when we went away to school.” While Wickham was seemingly telling Mrs. Younge the history of his strong connection to the Darcys, his real intent was to remind Georgiana of his close relationship to her family in order to ensure her complete trust.
“That is all very nice, but I must insist that when you are escorting Miss Darcy you do not walk too closely. I will keep my eyes on you to ensure everything is as it should be. A young lady has only her reputation to speak for her.”
Wickham whispered in Georgiana’s ear but not so softly that Mrs. Younge could not hear, “is she always this strict?” Georgiana giggled, and the threesome continued their walk along the seaside.
The next week passed in a similar fashion. While Wickham was walking with Georgiana, Mrs. Younge walked closely behind them. “George, where are you staying while in Ramsgate?”
“I rented a lovely home not far from the waterfront and I have hired a very talented cook. Perhaps you and Mrs. Younge would do me the honor of coming for dinner one evening? I can send my carriage for you or I can come myself to escort you.”
“Mrs. Younge, shall we accept Mr. Wickham’s invitation to dinner?”
“I see no harm in accepting. I will be with you to ensure that nothing untoward can occur.”
“Excellent! Will tomorrow night around seven be convenient?”
“We do not have any previous engagements tomorrow evening. Thank you for the kind invitation, George.”
The following evening, Georgiana and Mrs. Younge entered the carriage that Wickham had sent for them. As they were riding to Wickham’s home, Georgiana was looking out the carriage window. “This neighborhood is not what I expected. The houses are very different than the homes that surround ours. I remember George telling us he was staying near the waterfront, but we are going inland.”
“I am sure everything will be fine. Let us wait until we reach our destination before we decide whether or not we wish to stay for dinner.” Mrs. Younge attempted to keep her voice steady. Georgiana was looking out the carriage window and did not notice the look of panic cross Mrs. Younge’s face.
The carriage stopped in front of a house that was quite a distance from its nearest neighbor. It was easy to see that the house had been neglected for many years; most of the shutters were hanging at an angle or had already fallen off and there were tall weeds growing all around the structure. As the carriage came to a stop, a smiling George Wickham walked down the rickety front steps and opened the carriage door. He reached his hand inside to help Georgiana exit the carriage. “George, is this where you are staying?”
“Yes, Georgie, you will see that it is much nicer on the inside.”
Georgiana looked back at Mrs. Younge for some sign of reassurance. Her companion forced a smile and said, “I am sure all will be well.”
Wickham kept his hand firmly around Georgiana’s arm and almost had to pull her up the front steps. When they entered the house, she saw a group of slovenly dressed men seated and standing in the front room and immediately turned to leave. Wickham sneered and grabbed her upper arm so tightly that she could not pull away from him. “Not so fast, little Georgie. You are not going anywhere.” Before she could say another word, one of the men came up behind her and placed a cloth over her mouth and tied it tightly. Georgiana realized that if she started to scream no one would hear her.
She turned her head to see how Mrs. Younge was being treated. She was shocked by the sight of Wickham kissing Mrs. Younge as he embraced her. Georgiana heard Wickham say, “nice work, Susan, it was much easier than we thought. The letter to Colonel Fitzwilliam will be sent to London tomorrow morning and the document for Darcy to sign has already been written. Darcy should be here within a week and then my revenge will be complete.”
Georgiana observed their interaction with tears rolling down her cheeks. She had never been so frightened in her life.
Chapter 8
Hertfordshire
Darcy and Bingley were out riding and decided to visit Longbourn together. They took a slow ride and when they got to Longbourn they handed the reins to the stable boy. It was a particularly warm day and as the men were walking toward the front door, they noticed that several of the windows were open in order to let in the fresh air.
They could easily overhear the conversation coming from the sitting room. Mrs. Bennet whined, “I know the weather is quite warm, but I do wish Mr. Bingley would call on Jane today. I hope he will not bring that awful Mr. Darcy with him. He is such a proud, arrogant man.”
Elizabeth spoke up as soon as her mother was finished complaining. “Mama, please, I beg you to hold your tongue. You do not know Mr. Darcy and I do not believe Mr. Bingley would remain friends with someone who exhibited the negative traits you described. I believe Mr. Darcy is a kind, generous friend who is probably shy when around those he does not know well.”
Elizabeth’s words made Darcy’s heart soar. ‘She must have real feelings for me or why else would she speak so well of me to her family. Could she be falling in love with me as I am falling in love with her?’
Before they entered Longbourn, Bingley pulled Darcy away from the open windows. “Darcy, I can see by your face that you are quite happy with Miss Elizabeth coming to your defense. Is there something you would like to tell me?”
Darcy was smiling and felt happy to openly discuss his feelings with his old friend. He pulled Bingley even farther away from the sitting room window, so their conversation could not be overheard by those inside the house. “Charles, I am besotted. Elizabeth is everything I ever dreamed about in a woman. We have been meeting early every morning and we walk together and talk. Why do you think I have stayed on in Hertfordshire this long? I must win Elizabeth’s heart. She is like the sun and the moon to me and I cannot imagine my future without her. Does that answer your question?”
“Well done, Darcy. I hope we both get what we want. Shall we go in and see the women we love?” Both men smiled and walked to the front door.
After the gentlemen were announced, they were seated before tea was served. Elizabeth noticed that whenever Darcy called at Longbourn, he sat in a chair that was not near anyone else and rarely said more than a few words. ‘When other people are around, he tre
ats me like he does not know I exist. What a strange way to behave. He is so forthcoming and kind when we are alone. Perhaps I should speak to him about it.’
Several days later, the Bennets and their guests, Charles and Caroline Bingley, were all enjoying tea in the sitting room. Bingley suggested that he and Jane go for a walk and Mrs. Bennet told Mary to go with them to act as chaperone. As soon as they left the room, Caroline Bingley began talking about Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth’s ears perked up at the mention of his name, but she attempted to maintain a disinterested look on her face as she listened.
“Our dear Mr. Darcy would be the most popular bachelor in London if he were not already betrothed. I have no idea why they are not already wed but Darcy’s engagement has broken the hearts of many young women of the ton.”
Elizabeth felt her heart sinking at the news of Darcy’s engagement. ‘Why would he spend so much time with me if he is already promised to another?’ They had never spoken of their feelings, but Elizabeth thought their relationship was progressing beyond friendship. ‘Do I want to be more than Mr. Darcy’s friend? Have I fallen in love with Mr. Darcy?’
Her mother’s voice brought Elizabeth back from her musings. “Darcy is such a stern, disagreeable man, but I suppose a woman could overlook those flaws when a man is so wealthy. Who did you say the lucky girl is?”
“Mr. Darcy is engaged to his cousin, Anne deBourgh. She is the daughter of his mother’s sister, Lady Catherine deBourgh. I believe they are to wed in the very near future.” Caroline was watching Elizabeth’s face while she was speaking and knew that her words had accomplished what she had intended. Caroline was satisfied that Elizabeth now knew that any ideas she had for a relationship with Mr. Darcy were over.
Both Darcy and Elizabeth were spending more and more time each day thinking about each other. Many weeks of meeting every morning and spending time together, led them both to admit to themselves that they have fallen in love. Elizabeth was surprised by her feelings which were so different from her initial reaction to Darcy. She now saw the goodness in the man she once thought she would hate forever.
Darcy was relieved when he finally realized that he had found the only woman he knew he could not live without. He questioned himself about how long it would take for them to come to an understanding.
A few days after Miss Bingley’s visit to Longbourn, Elizabeth and Darcy were walking together in companionable silence. News of Darcy’s engagement to his cousin weighed heavily on her mind. Elizabeth broke their mutually enjoyed quiet. “May I offer my congratulations to you on your engagement.”
Darcy was thrown off guard by Elizabeth’s comment. “My engagement? I fear I do not understand.” Has Elizabeth been reading my mind? Does she think we are already betrothed?’
“Miss Bingley told us that you are engaged to your cousin, Anne deBourgh and are to marry soon.”
Darcy stopped walking and ran his hand through his hair before he sighed. “Miss Bingley does not know what she is talking about. I am not now nor, will I ever be engaged to my cousin, Anne. This so-called engagement is all in my Aunt Catherine’s imagination. My aunt speaks of an arrangement she made with my mother when Anne and I were in our cradles. No one else has ever heard a word of it and my mother never mentioned it to my father or to me.” Darcy stopped walking and looked at Elizabeth. “My cousin, Anne, is a fine person who has suffered from ill health her entire life. We have always cared for each other as amiable cousins, nothing more.
“I visit my aunt and cousin every year in Kent and I have heard my aunt’s story too many times to count. My aunt has been a widow for a long time and she is used to having her way. It does not matter whether she is making decisions about her estate or trying to arrange a marriage for her only child. When I visit there, I help my aunt review the ledgers her steward keeps and offer my advice on how best to run such a large estate. I have my doubts about her listening to what I have said but I do try to help. I believe my Aunt Catherine fears that if Anne and I do not wed, no one else will ever ask her.”
Elizabeth was very happy to hear what Darcy had to say. “Thank you for explaining that misunderstanding.” Elizabeth waited a moment to gather her courage. “May I ask you a question?”
“Madam, I am at your service.”
“When you visit Longbourn with Mr. Bingley, why do you behave as if you and I have never met?”
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and wrapped it around his arm as they began to walk. The movement felt very natural to both of them and Elizabeth was enjoying the feeling of her gloved hand on Darcy’s strong arm. “Miss Elizabeth, our walks together and our discussions are very special to me. I look forward to seeing your beautiful face every morning and I do not want to share our friendship with anyone else. At least, not yet. We, neither of us, perform for strangers.”
Elizabeth was blushing, and her heart was beating faster. Is he saying what I think he is saying? Does Mr. Darcy have feelings for me? She felt that it might be best if she tried to change the subject. “Will you tell me about Pemberley?”
Chapter 9
“Pemberley has been my family’s home for almost two hundred years. The original manor house was much smaller than it is now. It seems that every generation has felt obligated to expand it until I became master. Pemberley is magnificent, not because the manor house is large but because it is set on the most beautiful parcel of land. There is a natural stream and lake in front of the house, several orchards, a formal garden and acres and acres of unspoiled natural vegetation.” Darcy looked down at Elizabeth before he continued, “there are many paths around the property designed for lengthy walks.”
“It sounds like a perfectly lovely place to live.”
“I hope you will see it one day.” His words made Elizabeth blush again and she looked away from Darcy’s handsome face. After he had spoken, he realized that now was the perfect opportunity for him to act on the decision he had been contemplating for weeks. They had been walking in the shade of some large trees when Darcy stopped and took Elizabeth’s hand. “Miss Elizabeth, these past months of our friendship have been the happiest days of my life.” Elizabeth thought that Darcy was telling her goodbye and suddenly her heart felt frozen in her chest. “I believe you are the most beautiful and intelligent woman I have ever met. I have seen how kind and caring you are and your joy for life is contagious. I can see your lovely eyes and smell your lavender scent in my dreams.” Elizabeth realized that Darcy was not trying to say goodbye. He was speaking about her in a way that made her heart beat faster in anticipation.
Elizabeth could not help but smile at Darcy’s words and looked at his handsome face as he knelt down on one knee. “I love you most ardently, my dearest Elizabeth. I humbly ask you to become my wife. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make you happy.”
Elizabeth was so thrilled by his words that it took a moment before she could speak. “I am very happy you feel the way you do. I believe I began falling in love with you the first day we walked to Oakham Mount.” Elizabeth looked into Darcy’s eyes and smiled. “Yes, yes with my whole heart. I am very happy to accept your proposal. Yes, Mr. Darcy I will be your wife.”
Darcy kissed her hand and rose to his full height to embrace her. Elizabeth was surprised by the feeling of having his arms around her and she was totally enjoying being so close to this wonderful man. She put her arms around his waist and her heart beat even faster. ‘My future husband! And the smell of his sandalwood soap is so intoxicating!’
Darcy released his tight hold on her and said, “you have made me so happy. May I call you Elizabeth?” She smiled up at him. “And will you call me William?” Elizabeth nodded her head. “Georgiana will be thrilled with our news. I have written to her about you many times since the night we met at the Assembly. She is currently spending some time with her new companion in Ramsgate. Elizabeth, I know you will be a wonderful sister to Georgiana. I am so eager for you to meet her and to see Pemberley and Darcy House. We can all be together
in London as soon as she returns. Shall we go to Mr. Bennet for his blessing?” Darcy paused, “do we need his permission to marry? Over these past months, we have spoken of so many things, but I do not know the age or birthday of my betrothed.”
Elizabeth giggled at Darcy’s rapid inquiries. “I will not be one and twenty until October. After my father grants his permission, we will be officially betrothed. William, how old are you?”
“I am eight and twenty. I celebrated my birthday with Georgiana in London in April, shortly before I came to Netherfield with Bingley.” Darcy paused before asking, “do you think Mr. Bennet would possibly withhold his permission?”
“No, I do not. When I tell him how I feel about you, I am certain he will be happy for us to marry. However, I do have a question.”
“Madam, I am at your service.”
“Why me? Why the daughter of a country gentleman who has no connections to the ton?”
“Love. I fell in love with you, Elizabeth, not your title or your wealth. Perhaps one of the reasons I love you so much is because you are not of the ton. You are a remarkable woman who speaks honestly and does not try to be someone she is not. You are also the most intelligent woman I have ever known. Every woman I have met in London looked at me and only saw my wealth. I believe that you love me for who I am, not what I possess.”
“Yes, that is true, and I thank you for your answer. You have stated your feelings quite well.”
“Elizabeth, I am sorry I do not have a ring for you. When I left London with Bingley, I never expected to find the woman of my dreams living in Hertfordshire. When we are married, all the Darcy jewels will be yours and I doubt you will be disappointed.”
“William, you know me well enough by now to understand that I love you, not what you possess or can give me.”