by Zoë Burton
“Are you well?”
Elizabeth swallowed back the tears that were trying to form. “Yes,” she replied, her voice shaking to match the trembling of her body. “I am sorry you had to witness that. I have never seen her so angry before.”
“There is nothing to be sorry for. I was warned ahead of time. My only surprise is the violence of her dislike; you did not warn me about that.” He cuddled Elizabeth closer, transmitting to her his loving support. “I apologize for letting loose my temper, though I was serious when I said I would rather take you with me tonight. Do you object to marrying tomorrow?”
“Not at all. I think it would be better for me if we do, as long as you are certain it is your wish.”
“I would marry you right now if your father had already signed the settlement.”
“Oh, the settlement! You were going to present it to him after supper!”
Darcy sighed. “I was. I do not, however, think it a good idea for me to remain to eat. I will send the carriage back for Bingley if he wishes, though. We should see your father now; perhaps we can go over the papers at once, before I leave.”
Unbeknownst to the couple, Mr. Bennet had followed them out of the drawing room and heard their conversation. “We can certainly review them at this time, Mr. Darcy. Come, follow me to my book room.”
Though they had jumped apart, blushing, with Elizabeth’s father’s first words, they quickly caught up to him, entering his room silently and taking seats near his desk.
“I should probably be offended at the liberties you have just taken with my daughter, but after listening to her mother’s vitriol, I am certain Elizabeth required comforting. It does my heart good to see the evidence of your affection for her. I believe it bodes well for her future happiness.”
“Elizabeth and her happiness and safety will always be my first concern, I can assure you of that.” Darcy pulled a ribbon-wrapped sheaf of papers out of the inside pocket of his coat. “Here is the settlement. There are three copies; if it meets with your approval, we can sign it now.”
Mr. Bennet pulled his glasses out of his pocket and perched them at the end of his nose. He opened the packet and began reading, making no comment until he was done. “It all looks to be in good order. You are very generous with Elizabeth. Thank you for that.” He reached to the front of his desk to pull the top off the ink bottle and pick up a pen. Dipping it in the ink, he signed the top copy and set it aside. He did the same to the other copies. When he had re-trimmed his pen and closed up the ink, he sanded his signature and folded two of the documents together, tying them with the ribbon and handing them back across the desk.
“Thank you, sir.”
Mr. Bennet nodded, and then spoke again. “Your suggestion to marry tonight is not without merit.” He looked at his daughter. “I am certain you are wondering what has caused your mother’s particular forcefulness this afternoon?”
“I am. I can think of nothing I could possibly have done to raise her ire.” Elizabeth began sobbing, tightly clutching Darcy’s hand. “She has never been so cold to me before. I do not understand.” She accepted the handkerchief her betrothed pressed into her free hand, using it to dab at her eyes and wipe her nose.
“You recall John Lucas?”
“How could I forget?” Turning to Darcy, she explained. “John Lucas is the eldest son of one of the neighbors. He is ten years older than I. The summer he came home from Cambridge, he was five and twenty, and I was fifteen and newly out. He saw me at the first assembly we both attended and decided that I would be the woman he would take home to his mother. He pursued me relentlessly, despite my father’s warnings to him that I was too young to wed. My mother, you see, encouraged him to offer for me, and Mr. Lucas took her advice and ignored Papa’s. He eventually did make me an offer, one that I flatly refused to even consider. Mama was furious, and more so when Papa supported me.”
Darcy lifted his chin. “I see. I am happy that you refused him, my dear.” He squeezed her hand, which he still held firmly in his own.
Elizabeth smiled softly at him. “And I, as well.”
“You were far too young to marry. You really should not have been out at that age, but your mother is unstoppable. At any rate, John Lucas proposed to one of Mrs. Long’s nieces three days ago and was accepted. Your mother is furious. She was certain he would approach you again. I discovered quite by accident that she had been encouraging him to do so off and on for years.”
“I did not know he was courting anyone.” Elizabeth’s surprise was clear in her voice.
“Oh, he was not. There was a compromise of some sort involved. Your mother would have the details, or her version of them, I am sure. My point, though, is that Mrs. Bennet wanted John Lucas for you. I am certain you know why.”
“I do,” Elizabeth sighed.
Darcy looked from one to the other. “Why?”
“Because John Lucas is the son of a tradesman and that is all the more I deserve, if that much.”
“She is furious, Lizzy; violently angry. Even your sisters and the staff have tried to stay out of her way the last few days. The maids have spent what must seem like hours cleaning up broken figurines and china. I am concerned that she might, with you actually within her grasp, do more than throw dishes.”
Before Elizabeth could say anything, Darcy declared, “Then marry tonight we shall. I will not have Elizabeth in harm’s way.”
“Sadly, I believe you are correct. I did not know my mother was capable of such a thing, and I do not feel safe staying here if that is how she has been acting.” Elizabeth looked to her betrothed, tears once more flowing down her cheeks. “I am sorry to bring you even more headache.”
“Nothing about you could possibly be termed a headache, my love. It is my wish and my responsibility to protect you, and I take my responsibilities seriously.” He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the fingers before lowering it down again. He turned his attention back to Mr. Bennet. “Will your vicar be willing to perform the ceremony? We will need witnesses, as well.”
Reaching again for his ink pot and quill, Mr. Bennet assured them of the minister’s willingness to perform the ceremony. “He is a good man, and very tolerant. He has often lamented to me my wife’s behavior toward Lizzy. Let me send him a note.” Quickly, he scribbled out his request, then rose and rang the bell for the housekeeper.
“Ah, here you are, Mrs. Hill. Please send little Timmy to me. I have a letter for Mr. Lockwood that needs to be delivered immediately.”
“Very good, sir.” Nodding her head to her employer and smiling warmly at Elizabeth, who along with Mary was a favorite, the housekeeper backed out of the room, pulling the door shut behind her.
Soon Timmy was given the missive and instructions to await a reply, and he was on his way. Supper was served to Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy on trays, via Mrs. Hill, whose opinion of Mrs. Bennet’s temper tantrums was dim. She knew she could be sacked for going behind the mistress’ back to serve the master and his guests, but she did not care. She would do the right thing, regardless of her instructions. Always had, always would.
Timmy returned half an hour later with the news that the vicar had agreed to marry Elizabeth and Darcy this evening. Mr. Bennet then arranged for Mr. Bingley to come to the library to speak to Darcy and Jane to her sister. Both agreed to stand up with Darcy and Elizabeth, and so excuses were made to Mrs. Bennet, and the five snuck out of the house to walk to the church, which was a short walk away, on the other side of the paddock.
An hour later, the newly minted Darcys returned to Netherfield with Bingley, while Mr. Bennet and Jane snuck back into Longbourn.
Chapter 7
The next morning, Mr. Bennet broke the news to his wife that her least favorite daughter was a married woman. He also made it a point to relay to her that her new son was less than impressed with her treatment of Elizabeth and that no expectations of assistance or invitations to visit would be met. Mrs. Bennet was outraged, but as ther
e was little she could do, she soon determined that she would simply cut Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s new family out of her life. To that end, she explicitly informed each of her remaining daughters that they were not to mention the girl’s name to her or in her hearing, and they were not to send or receive letters from her.
Of course, she could not restrict her husband in the same way. He was, after all, the master of the house and while he did not exert himself in most circumstances, his reaction should she attempt to rule him would not be pleasant. This she knew from previous experience. Mrs. Bennet might be uneducated and of mean understanding, but she retained vivid memories of the one and only time in her long marriage that she had tried to control him. When mild-mannered Thomas Bennet raised his voice, it was a memorable experience, and one she did not wish to revisit.
Still, the mail generally came while her husband was out of the house, either visiting with the local gentlemen or doing something on the estate, and if she were careful about it, Mrs. Bennet might be able to destroy any letters that came into the house. Likewise, the outgoing mail generally sat on a silver salver in the entry hall; destroying that ought not to be difficult, either. She almost giggled with glee at the thought of severing the bond between her husband and his favorite child.
~~~***~~~
For Darcy and Elizabeth, their first full day of marriage was a lazy one. Both had been so enamored of their marital duties that they decided to spend the day in bed, sending Bingley a note telling him all was well and asking for time alone for the next few days.
Bingley, delighted to know his friend was so happy, laughed at the missive, then searched out the housekeeper to explain the situation to her. This task complete, he considered how he would spend his day, deciding to ride into the local town and make himself known to them merchants there.
While he rode, Bingley considered all he had witnessed the previous evening. He had been shocked into silence by Mrs. Bennet’s words and actions. Bingley understood why Darcy had married Miss Elizabeth so quickly. He was not sure he would have been so decisive in a similar situation, but he admired his friend for being so.
Bingley then turned his thoughts to the beautiful Miss Jane Bennet. He was attracted to her, and became more so every time he spoke to her. For the first time in his life, he was considering his future, including marriage. None of the other women who had caught his fancy had done so the way Miss Bennet had. He knew her status was not what his sisters would wish for, but she was a gentleman’s daughter, and would raise his, should he marry her. That mother of hers, though… Well, I should not rush into anything, anyway. Is Darcy not always telling me to take my time and consider every aspect of a decision before I make it? I shall do just that. I will visit and attend local gatherings, and observe. If Miss Bennet shows herself to be the lady I believe she is, and if she returns my feelings, I shall offer for her. Later.
~~~***~~~
On the fourth morning after their impromptu wedding, Darcy and Elizabeth finally emerged from their rooms. Though they had greatly enjoyed their time alone together, both felt badly for neglecting their host for so long. In addition, Elizabeth wished to visit her sisters.
Bingley was already in the morning room, sitting down to eat, when they arrived. He greeted them cheerily, making small talk until they had sat down at the table with their plates and cups.
“Thank you for your tolerance, Bingley,” Darcy began. “I hope it was not too great an imposition.”
“You are welcome. It was no imposition at all. It is not as though I have a hostess to entertain for me.” Bingley grinned. “I think perhaps Mr. Bennet was far more put out than I.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, her cup of tea halfway to her mouth. “My father?”
“Yes, he came to see you the day after your wedding. He seemed upset that you were not coming down for the day, and as I refused to disturb you after receiving Darcy’s note, he was forced to leave without speaking to you. I did promise that I would let him know when you emerged from your rooms. Strange thing, though, he insists that I send him word. He was adamant that Mrs. Darcy not do it.”
“I would imagine that, given my mother’s actions the night of our marriage, he is hoping to avoid a repeat performance.”
“That seems likely,” agreed Darcy. “Would you like to see him today?”
“I think I should. At the very least, it will ease his mind to witness my happiness.”
“Excellent! I will send a note straight away, then.” Rising, Bingley asked if there was anything, in particular, he should add to the note.
“I should love to see Jane and Mary, if my father is willing to bring them,” Elizabeth replied. Of all her sisters, she was closest to Jane, though Mary was a close second. She knew she would not speak to her sisters of how she spent the last few days, but she did wish to reassure them that she was well.
“I shall do that. Please, enjoy your meal; I will return once I have sent the note.”
Within the hour, Mr. Bennet was being shown into Netherfield Park’s drawing room, trailed by Jane and Mary. He hugged his daughter tightly, but Elizabeth knew from his manner that something was not right. She let go, leading him to a seat before settling herself into a nearby chair. Darcy joined her there, standing behind and to the right of her, his left hand resting on her shoulder. Once their sister and father were settled, the two Bennet ladies joined them, sitting together on a settee.
“Something is wrong, Papa. I can tell by your demeanor. What is it?”
Mr. Bennet sighed, looking down at his clasped hands. He was feeling an enormous amount of shame at what he must relay to his favorite daughter. He had noted Darcy’s protective stance and knew that the gentleman would tolerate no meanness toward his wife. Taking a deep breath and looking back up, he plainly laid out his own wife’s demands. “Your mother insists that she will not recognize you any longer; that you are dead to her, and no longer welcome at Longbourn.”
Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
Jane spoke up. “It is true Lizzy. She gathered us all together last evening and declared that under no circumstances are we to have contact with you. We are not allowed to write letters or reply to yours.”
“I seriously doubt your letters to your sisters would make it past the front door, Lizzy. I am so sorry. Would that I had a stronger will to stand up to her.”
“Indeed,” was all Elizabeth had to say to that. She was shocked once again at her mother’s implacability. “I do not know what to say. Of course, if she does not wish me there, I will not visit Longbourn, but I am uncertain I can bear not hearing from my sisters. There must be something, some way that we can write without Mama knowing.”
“I have already spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Hill. They are to receive the mail themselves and deliver it to me directly. Outgoing mail will go directly from my hand to the post boy. I have no doubt that Mrs. Bennet will go through the letters and destroy anything she thinks is from you. You may continue to write to your sisters, and they to you. They will hand their missives directly to me to send out.”
“Will Kitty and Lydia be able to keep it from Mama?” Mary voiced the question everyone was asking themselves.
“I doubt it.” Jane surprised everyone with her statement, as none had ever before heard her say something critical of anyone. “They are full young to understand the ramifications.”
“They would think it a joke,” Mary added.
“I think you are right, both of you.” Mr. Bennet turned to Elizabeth. “You will have to limit your letters to Jane and Mary, in that case.”
“I shall. I am happy that, though I seem to have lost my mother, I am at least able to keep my sisters and father.” Elizabeth smiled wanly, reaching up to hold her husband’s hand when he squeezed her shoulder. “She did not object to your visit here today?”
“Your mother was still above stairs when we departed. If she asks where we have been when we return, I shall be honest. I do not want Jane and Mary to be forced to prev
aricate. I will take the blame.”
Elizabeth had been forcing her emotions back during this discussion with her family, but she was suddenly unable to hold the flood in check. Feeling tears rise within her, she rose quickly to her feet. Hand over her mouth, she choked out, “Please excuse me,” and stepped away, intending to leave the room. The Bennets rose with her, and her father put his hand on her arm, halting her progress.
“I am sorry, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I love you, Papa,” she whispered. She turned to Jane and Mary, opening her arms to them. They stepped into her embrace, hugging her tightly and murmuring assurances of their love and devotion. Finally, overcome with sobs, Elizabeth tore herself away and blindly ran toward the door, Darcy on her heels. The Bennets were left to take their leave of Bingley.
Darcy caught up with his wife just as she reached the staircase. “Elizabeth.”
She turned toward him, unable to see for the tears. Darcy swept her up in his arms and carried her to their rooms. He refused to let her go once they arrived, settling them both on the settee in the sitting room, his wife in his lap. One arm held her tightly to him, while the other rubbed up and down her back. Elizabeth’s face was buried in his neck as she cried. Soon, she quieted, remaining in his embrace as she calmed.
“I am sorry, Fitzwilliam. I am not usually such a watering pot.”
“There is nothing you need feel sorry for, my love. You have received a crushing blow. I would be worried if you were not affected.” Darcy handed her a clean handkerchief to replace the one she held. His valet, hearing the mistress cry, had crept into the room to place two at Darcy’s elbow as a precautionary measure, before just as quietly returning to the dressing room.
Elizabeth wiped her eyes and blew her nose. “Thank you for being so understanding. I do not really know why I am undone by her words. She has always had a streak of cruelty; why I expected anything different is beyond me.”