by Jann Rowland
“Then should matters end as you wish, it seems I will need to win over several members of your family.”
“I cannot imagine they will be anything but charmed by you,” said Mr. Darcy. He did not deny that he wished for something permanent between them, not that Elizabeth had expected him to, given his previous assertions. “Lady Catherine’s opinion does not concern me in the slightest, nor should it you.”
“And what of your father?” pressed Elizabeth. “Does he not control the inheritance to your estate? Or is it entailed?”
“There is no entailment on Pemberley,” replied Mr. Darcy. “While my father might protest, I doubt he would do anything to attempt to disinherit me. Should he attempt to do so, he would need to answer to my mother.”
Elizabeth laughed at the notion. “I can readily see it, Mr. Darcy.”
“What of you?” said Mr. Darcy, grinning along with her. “Are there relations of yours who will object to the suit of a mere heir of an estate?”
“I cannot imagine it,” replied Elizabeth. “The Bennet family has held the estate for several generations, but the family has always been small. Other than my father, my siblings, and a few aunts and uncles, I do not believe you will be required to win anyone over.”
“That is a relief, indeed.”
Mr. Darcy’s words were a source of merriment for them both, and they let loose their humor. When it had run its course, Elizabeth once again fixed her attention on him, asking him questions about the rest of his family, including his mother and sister and the cousins to whom he was closest. In turn, Mr. Darcy asked about her brother, whom he had not met, as well as of her uncles and aunts. And they spent a pleasant time until Elizabeth returned to Longbourn.
While Elizabeth met with Mr. Darcy once more while walking and daily when the Longbourn and Netherfield parties exchanged calls, an event happened which disrupted these daily meetings. A few days earlier, Mr. Bennet had received a letter from Thomas informing them of the exact timing of their return.
“Are you eager in seeing your brother and your friend?” asked Mr. Bennet of his three daughters. “I must own that I am curious as to how your brother has adjusted to life as a married man.”
“I am sure they are very happy together,” opined Jane, much to the amusement of the rest of the family. Jane’s disposition had always been rather sunny.
“Oh, I dare say you are quite correct, Jane,” said Mr. Bennet. “But the presence of another in one’s life must be a large adjustment, do you not think?”
“Of course, it must,” said Elizabeth. “And your words must be given the weight of experience, as you have lived this exact situation.”
“That is true,” said Mr. Bennet. In his eyes shone the light of introspection and remembrance, and his daughters knew he was thinking of their mother. “I was shocked,” continued he after a brief pause, “when your mother shook me awake our first night together, complaining of my snoring.”
The three sisters giggled at the thought of their mother, with her nerves, badgering their father about keeping her awake. Surely it could not have been comfortable for a new bride to speak to her husband in such a way. Then again, Mrs. Bennet had not exactly been a retiring sort of woman and would likely not have concerned herself over waking her husband.
“On the other hand, your mother had a tendency to push her feet against me those first few nights.” Mr. Bennet chuckled. “And that is when I discovered that your mother’s feet were always ice cold! I practically shot out of the bed the first time she did that, only to have her complain that I was not warming her feet as I ought!”
Again the sisters laughed. It was not precisely the most proper discussion, though to remember their mother with such fondness was a habit they had developed in the time after her death. It made them feel close to her, as if she had not truly left them.
“The point I am trying to make, Jane,” said Mr. Bennet, fixing on his eldest daughter, “is that marriage is a commitment to another person, and it is until death do us part. There will always be vexations between two people, for we each have our own way of thinking, our own opinions and habits. At times, a husband or wife might annoy their partner. Though the husband is the head of the family in our society, a man must still learn to live with a wife, to compromise in order to ensure she is happy.
“Even you and your Mr. Bingley, should you make the match we all expect.” Mr. Bennet smiled at Jane, who appeared contemplative. “You will not be alike in all respects, though you are, each of you, very complying. But you will still need to learn to live together, learn to be happy once you have achieved marriage. Marriage is a first step, not an end game.”
“I cannot imagine Thomas and Caroline being anything other than happy with their situation,” said Elizabeth.
“I dare say you are correct,” said Mr. Bennet. “But I wonder how they have achieved that happiness.”
They were not to wait long, for early the afternoon of the third day after the assembly, the carriage rumbled onto Longbourn’s drive, pulled by a pair of snorting horses. It stopped in front of the house and its inhabitants soon alighted to the delight of the family members awaiting them. The air resounded with the sounds of excited greetings and laughter, especially as the future master of Longbourn introduced his wife to them with pride and evident happiness.
“To hear you speak, my son,” said Mr. Bennet, “one might be excused for thinking that we had never made your bride’s acquaintance.”
They all laughed again, with Thomas exclaiming: “But you have only spent a few minutes in her company as my wife. And with such a wife, one can hardly blame me for espousing a little pride.”
“Thomas!” protested the newly minted Mrs. Bennet. “I hardly think it necessary to proclaim my virtues to those who have known me all my life!”
“Is that not what a husband is for?” asked Elizabeth. “By all means, Thomas—she is now under your protection, and thus you must take every opportunity to ensure everyone you meet knows how wonderful she is!”
By this time Caroline was as red as a ripe apple from Longbourn’s orchards. Though she attempted to glare at them all, it was clear she was far too happy to be upset with their teasing. The newly arrived were invited into the house, and for the first time, Caroline entered as a resident, to the excitement of her new sisters. As they went, Jane was speaking to her brother and new sister in a manner quite unlike the normally reticent Jane.
“Come in get settled! Caroline, all of your personal effects have been delivered from Netherfield, and your family has been invited to dinner tonight. We expect they will arrive before too long, along with Mr. Darcy.”
“Ah, so he is real,” said Thomas with a laugh.
“Of course, he is,” said Caroline. “But I am curious as to his behavior while he has been here. Have there been any developments on that score?”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks heating a little, but Jane spoke up, diverting Caroline. “Mr. Darcy is a good friend to Mr. Bingley and thus must be welcome in our home. As for myself, I do not know what to make of the gentleman.”
“I am surprised, Jane!” exclaimed Thomas. “From you, that is akin to a scathing denunciation!”
“There is nothing wanting with regard to Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Bennet. “The gentleman can challenge me in chess, which is a point highly in his favor.”
By this time, the party had reached the entranceway, and the banter continued, Thomas teasing his father about his chess habits, while the rest of them laughed and talked, several conversations ongoing at once. Curious as to her sister’s meaning, Elizabeth looked at Jane, wondering at her words. But Jane was speaking with Caroline in an animated fashion, and Elizabeth allowed the matter to pass.
The newlyweds found their way to their chambers to refresh themselves from their journey, and while they were away, their neighbors arrived. The Bingleys positively exuded eagerness to see Caroline again, but Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth was embarrassed to see, had e
yes for no one but her. When Caroline and Thomas returned downstairs, they found Elizabeth in earnest conversation with the gentlemen.
The Bingleys all crowded around them, speaking their congratulations once again while demanding details of their time in Ramsgate. For a time, the conversations were again loud and unrestrained, as was often the case during such reunions. Then when the immediate curiosity was satisfied, Thomas looked over at Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, who had largely kept out of the fray. That was all Mr. Darcy required to ask for an introduction, which Elizabeth provided with alacrity.
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance at last, Mr. Darcy,” said Thomas. “There have been times when I wondered if you truly existed.”
“So I have heard,” replied Mr. Darcy. “It is unfortunate we have never crossed paths before.”
Elizabeth did not miss Mr. Darcy’s almost imperceptible glance toward her, and neither did Thomas. The grin Thomas directed at her provoked a sinking feeling, which was borne out when he turned to Caroline.
“It seems you were correct, my dear.”
“Of course, I was,” replied Caroline primly.
It was clear Mr. Darcy did not understand. To Elizabeth’s relief, neither enlightened him, though they continued to smile as if they knew a secret. Uncertain her relations would not embarrass her, Elizabeth changed the subject.
As dinner parties go, this one was different in the high spirits of the group gathered together. Mrs. Bingley was as happy as Elizabeth had ever seen her, speaking to Mrs. Bennet and obtaining every bit of information she could of their journey. The Bennet sisters also commanded as much of her time as they could, the dream of their family being united finally realized. Bingley was attentive to Jane as usual, which prompted the teasing of his sister and new brother, and even Mr. Bennet was seen to be very happy. The only members of the company who were not quite as enthusiastic about the evening were the Hursts. Mrs. Hurst was not naturally a person given over to merriment, and Mr. Hurst had never been enthusiastic about anything other than his plate, in Elizabeth’s experience.
“So, Bingley,” said Thomas, directing a lazy smile at his new brother, “one might wonder when you will decide to take that final step with my most reticent sister.” Thomas then turned a grin on Jane. “Or do you feel you are still not well enough acquainted with her?”
Mr. Bingley laughed at the irony in Thomas’s statement, even as his mother exclaimed: “Nonsense! Why, he has known her all her life! I declare it is high time you ceased keeping the poor girl waiting, Charles!”
“No, I am quite well enough acquainted with Miss Bennet to take the step you suggest, Bennet,” replied Mr. Bingley, not at all bothered by the teasing. “But I shall not do so until I am ready and, more importantly, Miss Bennet is ready. It is important to me to know that she feels like she has had a season of courtship.”
“Excellent answer, Bingley!” said Thomas. “I dare say you will do well in life when you finally do muster the courage.”
“It is not a matter of courage, old man. It is simply a matter of timing.”
“And Jane will make an excellent daughter,” said Mrs. Bingley. “Your mother and I always dreamed of uniting our families. To know we will have two such ties fills me with such contentment.”
Mrs. Bingley turned to Elizabeth and Mary, who were sitting nearby. “If only I had another son, I could perhaps hope to obtain one of you as a daughter as well!”
Louisa Hurst snorted with some disdain, but no one paid her any heed. The response was provided by Mary who said: “I think that perhaps two marriages in the family are quite enough!”
For her part, Elizabeth nodded her agreement. The thought of Mr. Darcy entered her mind, and she glanced at the gentleman to see him earnestly watching her. Feeling a little self-conscious, Elizabeth looked away. Jane was watching her, she noted, but Elizabeth only shook her head at her sister’s questioning glance. The matter with Mr. Darcy was still too new, too private to share with anyone, even a most beloved sister.
“It is impossible, regardless,” said Mrs. Bingley. “I shall be content with my new son, and hope that I will soon be provided a new daughter.” Then she looked from Caroline to Jane and back again. “I also hope that I shall be provided grandchildren before long? My dear friend did not live long enough to welcome grandchildren, so it shall be my duty to provide them with the love of two grandmothers!”
“And spoil them beyond the possibility of redemption!” added Mr. Bennet.
“Of course!” exclaimed Mrs. Bingley to the general laughter of the company. “It is the duty of all grandmothers, you see.” Then she turned to Louisa. “I am happy we are to finally gain a grandchild from you and Hurst. It is high time, for you have been married for more than three years.”
Mrs. Hurst as she pinked with embarrassment but did not reply. Privately, Elizabeth thought they might have three children by now if Mr. Hurst had as much interest in his wife as he did the brandy decanter. Even now, the man was sitting on the sofa next to his wife, his head bowed as if asleep. Given her experience with the man, Elizabeth thought it likely he had drunk as much as all the other men combined when the ladies had separated from the gentlemen.
A little later in the evening, Elizabeth found herself next to Caroline while Mr. Darcy, a rarity that evening, was away from Elizabeth, talking with Thomas and her father. Elizabeth had known this moment was coming, for Caroline was almost certain to wish to bask in her accurate prediction. As it was, Elizabeth was not of a mind to protest.
“Well, Lizzy,” said she. “It seems to me that Mr. Darcy is quite attentive to you. Are you ready to acknowledge that I had the right of it?”
“More than ready,” replied Elizabeth agreeably. “But I do not yet understand my own heart, so any congratulations are premature.”
Caroline gave her a long look before reaching out and grasping Elizabeth’s hand. “Yes, I should imagine you would wish to confirm your feelings. As he has only been here a few weeks, his admiration must still be new to you.”
“It is,” said Elizabeth.
“Then there is nothing left to be said. I have known since he visited us four years ago that Mr. Darcy is a good sort of man. The passage of time has not changed that belief, if for nothing more than the fact that he finds you worth his admiration.
“But I shall not push. I am only content with the thought of your ultimate happiness. But I shall not tease much, for I know you must understand the extent of your admiration for him in turn.”
“Thank you, Caroline,” said Elizabeth. “Should I come to esteem the gentleman enough to allow a deeper connection between us, I shall be certain to let you know.”
“I am sure I shall be the second to know, then,” said Caroline, her eyes shining with laughter. “After all, you will certainly tell Jane before you inform me!”
“Of course,” replied Elizabeth with a laugh.
Then Mr. Darcy approached, and Caroline left them together. Elizabeth did not notice her departure, for the gentleman consumed her attention to the exclusion of anything else.
Chapter XIV
Had Mrs. Bennet survived, matters would have been easier at Longbourn those initial days after the return of Thomas Bennet with his new bride. Then there would have been no question as to who would act as the estate’s mistress.
Sadly, however, Mrs. Bennet had passed away more than a year before, and as a result, Jane had largely taken up the reins of the house, with her younger sisters’ assistance. When Caroline entered Longbourn as the heir’s wife, there was a period of adjustment for the four Bennet ladies. It was clear from her early actions that she had no wish to step on any toes. It took more forthrightness on Jane’s part than Elizabeth thought her sister possessed to resolve the situation.
“What are your plans for the day, Brother?” asked Jane when they sat at breakfast three days after his return.
Thomas eyed his sister, his expression inscrutable. “I thought to visit the
Johnson farm, for there is a matter I need to discuss with him.” He turned a fond smile on his wife. “While I might wish the honeymoon to last longer, there is work to be done on the estate and life, after all, does go on, regardless of my wishes otherwise.”
The elder Mr. Bennet looked on his son with amusement. “Very good, Thomas. We can discuss the matter of Johnson’s farm when you return. I think it best that I spend some time with the ledgers this morning.”
Thomas nodded and returned to his meal. Elizabeth suspected that both men knew something of the delicate state of affairs between the ladies at present. It was to their credit that they meant to allow them to handle the situation and not become involved.
When breakfast ended, and the gentlemen excused themselves to see to their sundry tasks, Jane suggested the ladies retire to the sitting-room. They all agreed without comment, Elizabeth and Mary with some amusement, and soon they were ensconced in that room. Jane lost no time in raising the subject at that point.
“Caroline,” said she, “I believe we should discuss our roles within the house now, so that we all may have clarity.”
The look Caroline directed at her new sister suggested wariness. She did not disagree, however, motioning Jane to continue.
“My sisters and I wish to thank you, Caroline,” said Jane. “It is clear you have taken great care of our feelings since your return to Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, Mary, and I appreciate your forbearance.
“Having said that, I must ask what you mean by constantly deferring to me when it is clear that the authority must rest with you?”
Caroline fairly gawped at Jane’s pointed words, while the two younger ladies giggled at her astonishment. That, of course, did not endear them to her, which she demonstrated with a mock glare. Her displeasure, however, only made them laugh longer.
“Our silly sisters aside,” said Caroline with a superior sniff, “I did not wish to assume I might simply enter the house and take over its management with nary a by your leave.”