by Kay Bea
“He did not say. I expect he will give a more detailed account once he has seen the state of things himself,” Bingley answered.
Elizabeth paused to consider her next words. “Perhaps when you reply to his letter, you might assure him that all our family pray for the well-being of those involved and wish for a speedy resolution to his troubles.”
Bingley said, “I shall be happy to send on the regards of your family, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Mr Bingley.”
“As we are soon to be brother and sister, I do think you might, each of you, call me Charles.”
“Well then, I thank you, Brother,” Elizabeth teased.
The group continued to Meryton with Jane and Bingley soon falling behind the others. Elizabeth spent most of the time speaking with Mary but found she had difficulty following her sister’s conversation. Her mind struggled between relief and distress at the news of Darcy’s continued absence. Now that she was certain of her feelings and wishes, she began to fear that his might have altered—despite all that had transpired between them in London. While she could not think him inconstant, she did worry their separation might cause him to reflect again on all the reasons he had objected to their match in the beginning.
Mary drew Elizabeth from her thoughts. “I find I am surprisingly disappointed in the news of Mr Darcy’s delay.”
“What, pray tell, are your reasons for disappointment?”
“Not the same as yours, I dare say,” Mary said with a knowing glance at her sister.
“I do not know what you could mean.”
“In truth, after you spoke so well of Miss Darcy, I found myself highly anticipating her visit. Though she is more of an age with Kitty, I had hoped our common enjoyment of music might make us friends.”
“True. Miss Darcy is closer in age with our younger sisters, but she is much more reserved than either. Miss Darcy is an amiable sort of girl who does not enjoy drawing attention to herself.”
“That she is not brash and forward only recommends her friendship further in my estimation,” said Mary.
“You are wise, Mary. Only do not let such praise go to your head.” Mary smiled and shook her head at the teasing.
Lydia, who was a few paces ahead of her sisters, spied a cluster of red coats. “Oh, look! ‘Tis Denny and Taylor with Wickham!” She ran ahead, calling the soldiers’s names in a loud voice.
Not wishing to add to the spectacle, Elizabeth quickened her pace but did not run. Her determined strides carried her quickly to Lydia’s side, and she placed a restraining hand on her sister’s arm as the younger girl made to cross the final distance to her cluster of admirers. “Lydia, you will conduct yourself as a lady or we shall return home!”
Lydia slowed her walk but still made directly for the group of soldiers who were now eyeing the ladies with open curiosity.
“Why if it is not the comely Miss Bennets. Our little party is enriched by the presence of such beauty.” Elizabeth did not care for the look in Wickham’s eyes as he spoke.
Lydia slipped neatly from her sister’s grasp and placed her gloved hand on Wickham’s arm. “You are charming today, Wickham.”
“I am charming most days, Miss Lydia.” This elicited a giggle from Lydia, and she moved in such a way that her own charms were placed on immodest display.
Wickham turned to Elizabeth as Lydia flirted with the rest of the officers. “I am given to understand you are lately returned from Kent, Miss Elizabeth.”
“As you say, Mr Wickham.” Elizabeth was in no mood to humour the impudent man and felt not the least inclination to offer more than the barest civilities required.
“And how did you find that country? Surely the inhabitants of Rosings Park offered great amusement to one such as yourself.”
Not best pleased with his insight into her character, and wishing to put an end to his inquiries, Elizabeth was provoked to mention that Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy both spent three weeks at Rosings and asked if he was acquainted with the former.
He looked surprised, displeased, and alarmed, but soon recovered himself sufficiently to say, “In better days, we were often in company. And how did you find him? I believe his manners are different from those of his cousin.”
“Very different, but that is not to say Mr Darcy is lacking. In fact, I believe he improves on closer acquaintance.”
“I hope you have not developed a fondness for our mutual acquaintance, Miss Bennet, for I feel I should warn you, he is not known to be generous to the fairer sex. I know of at least one lady who was left heartbroken and exposed to much ridicule after he suddenly and publicly withdrew his affections. She was soon after required to marry in a hasty fashion.”
Lady Winslow! She did not wish to expose an intimacy with Darcy by revealing all she knew and wondered how she might turn the conversation. At last, she said, “I find that account at odds with what I have seen of Mr Darcy. Perhaps you are mistaken in your information.”
“I cannot think so. But he is accomplished at hiding his true intentions. As you encountered him in that part of the country, he was likely under the influence of his aunt. He would not wish to endanger his connexion to her, and therefore must give at least the appearance of doing what is right. He cannot have changed in essentials.”
Elizabeth was quick to reply. “Oh, no. I believe in essentials he is much as he ever was. I only mean to say that by knowing him better, his character is better understood. Though his manners may not always recommend him, I find they hide nothing of his character, save perhaps a reluctance to expose himself to the follies and judgments of others.” Mr Wickham could make no further reply and the pair soon parted with a mutual desire never to meet again.
On witnessing Lydia’s behaviour and Elizabeth’s attempt to restrain their younger sister, Mary had sought the assistance of Bingley and Jane. The trio arrived as Elizabeth concluded her conversation with Mr Wickham. Her relief upon seeing them was evident, and their arrival provided a much-needed distraction for Lydia. The younger girl was at last diverted from her flirtations and joined her sisters at the milliner’s shop.
Darcy had been in town finalising preparations for his and Georgiana’s visit to Hertfordshire when the express arrived from his steward informing him of a fire that had claimed several tenant cottages before being brought under control. The news had forcibly altered his plans, and they had instead travelled immediately to Pemberley. Now, nearly a fortnight later, he was convinced his steward could easily continue the work already underway. The families were fortunate that no lives were lost, and the injuries sustained were not of a lasting nature.
Darcy was ensconced in his favourite chair by the fire in the library. The spring air was chilly and damp after prolonged days of rain, and the crackling fire served to warm the room’s occupants while simultaneously dispelling much of the gloom associated with stormy days. Grasped between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand was the ring he hoped to one day present to his beloved Elizabeth. The stones were from his grandmother’s jewels and had been reset for his mother so the eleven rose-cut white diamonds now surrounded a brilliant rose-cut emerald. The overall effect was that of a flower set in gold. He had been staring at the ring, lost in his own thoughts, for some time when his sister came upon him.
“Here you are! I had begun to think I would not find you. Are we still planning to depart for Hertfordshire on the morrow? I wish to have Sally begin packing my trunks.”
“What? Oh, yes. Yes, we must depart in the morning or we shall risk missing the wedding.”
“What is that in your hand?” She leaned in for a closer look and then gasped. “Oh, goodness!”
Darcy could not help but smile at her unchecked enthusiasm. “It is tradition to give a Darcy bride a token welcoming her to the family. This was our mother’s. Do you approve? Of giving her this particular ring?”
“How could I not approve? When shall you present it to Miss Elizabeth?”
“I do not know. I have of
ten misjudged the state of her feelings. I cannot help but hope that I am not once again mistaken. I shall bring it with us to Hertfordshire and pray that while we are there the opportunity to bestow the ring will present itself.”
“I do not think you are mistaken. Or if you are, then so am I. For I believe her to be very much in love with you.”
Darcy could not help but be surprised at this intelligence from his sister. “Truly?”
Georgiana laughed. “Yes, truly. Miss Elizabeth would surely have objected to your inviting her family to Pemberley if she did not hold some affection for you. Not to mention her behaviour after the confrontation with Lady Winslow. Were her feelings not engaged, I do not believe she would have troubled herself to seek you out following that debacle. Do not let your fear cost you the opportunity for love.”
“When did you become so wise?”
His sister gave him a grin that reminded him of Elizabeth. “When I began spending time with your Elizabeth, of course.”
The Darcy siblings departed at first light. Bingley had extended an invitation for Darcy and his sister to remain at Netherfield while he was on his wedding trip. Though Darcy did lament the loss of the previous two weeks in the company of his Elizabeth, he consoled himself with thoughts of seeing her at the wedding and then, if the Fates were kind, she would welcome his continued addresses while the Bingleys were away. He hoped that by the time the Gardiners visited Pemberley in the summer, he and Elizabeth might be engaged or, if she consented to be married by licence, perhaps already wed. These thoughts sustained Darcy on the long journey.
“Will Miss Bingley attend her brother’s wedding?” Georgiana interrupted her brother’s reverie on their final day of travel.
“I cannot say as I have not discussed the matter with him, but I believe it was intended for Miss Bingley to remain with her aunt until autumn. She must be allowed time to find her place in her new society and cannot do so if she is frequently travelling.”
Georgiana hid her smile. “No, I dare say she will require half a year at least to gain her footing.”
“I should not be surprised if that were true. I did understand Mr and Mrs Hurst would be at Netherfield.”
“I see,” Georgiana said. “It is unfortunate we shall not see much of Mrs Hurst. For I am certain she will feel the absence of her sister.”
Darcy looked at the young lady before him and wondered, not for the first time, when she had ceased being a child. “She will likely feel it most keenly. But pray, why would we not see our hostess?”
“Oh, perhaps I am mistaken. I assumed you would wish to call on the Bennets as soon as may be on our arrival. ’Tis likely our visit will not be a short one, and I am certain I shall be far too tired to be much company after such a day. Of course, the day of the wedding, we shall all be much engaged until after the breakfast.”
“I should not encourage this, you know”—Darcy attempted a serious expression as he spoke—“but I find I cannot fault the sentiment.”
The remainder of the journey passed without incident and in due time the siblings found themselves at Netherfield. They were greeted by their host, who was preparing to call on the Bennet family.
“But I say, Darcy, should you and Miss Darcy wish to join me, I certainly do not mind waiting.”
Georgiana looked to her brother and, on seeing his approval for the scheme, answered for them both. “We thank you for your consideration, Mr Bingley, and shall make all haste to join you.”
In a shorter time than either of the men thought possible, the trio had arrived at a Longbourn in chaos. The sounds of Lydia’s wailing could be heard long before they gained entry to the house. “Mama, I must be allowed to go to Brighton without my sister! Mrs Forster has invited me as her particular friend. Me. Not Lizzy! She cannot be allowed to accompany me for she shall ruin everything!” The remainder of her lamentations were unintelligible as she continued to cry.
Mrs Bennet’s shrieks then joined the fray. “I do not see why that ungrateful girl should be allowed to ruin her sister’s travels. She has done nothing but discourage my dear Lydia since her return from Kent!”
Lydia’s voice was heard once again. “Oh, I hate you, Lizzy! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”
The visitors had by this time gained the door, and Bingley lifted his hand to knock when the door opened. To anyone who would take the time to recognise it, Elizabeth’s voice held a lethal tone, though certainly not a volume which could compete with her youngest sister. “I have no particular wish to join you in Brighton, Lydia, but it seems we must both learn to suffer our misfortunes!”
It was at this time that Elizabeth came face to face with the trio. After a seemingly eternal pause of only seconds, Elizabeth greeted their party. “I fear you find we are not at our best at the moment. I should like to welcome you inside, but perhaps we had better walk in the gardens for a time? I would be happy to summon Jane.”
Miss Darcy answered first. “Of course, Miss Elizabeth. I, for one, welcome the opportunity for some exercise after spending three days in a carriage.”
Elizabeth gave the younger woman a look of gratitude and turned to have Mrs Hill call for Jane. She then led the visitors to a corner of the garden on the far side of the house where the din from inside could no longer be heard. Jane arrived with Mary and Kitty, and soon Jane and Bingley drew somewhat apart from the others.
After introducing Miss Darcy to her other sisters, Elizabeth spoke of the events they overheard. “I feel I must apologise once again for my family. What a terrible introduction you have had to our home. I fear my youngest sister is spoilt and used to having her way. She is unaccustomed to being denied.”
“’Tis no reflection on you. Pray, do not think you must apologise for your relations. Gracious, should that be the case, I fear I should still be apologising for my aunt’s behaviour whilst you were in Kent!” Miss Darcy said with great conviction, then flushed. “Oh dear, I should not have said such a thing!”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “No, you should not. But it seems this is a day for improper speech, so I believe we shall have to do our best to overlook one another’s faults.” Miss Darcy appeared to relax at that statement, and the group continued their walk. Elizabeth enquired after the fire and expressed her satisfaction for the planned repairs. Soon enough, Mary, Kitty, and Miss Darcy found themselves agreeably engaged with one another, leaving Mr Darcy and Elizabeth to speak with some privacy.
When Darcy could contain his curiosity no longer, he asked, “Am I to understand you will be travelling to Brighton?”
“So it would seem, sir. I unwisely attempted to interfere in my sister’s plans to follow the regiment to Brighton, and, for my reward, I shall now be required to accompany her.”
“With the regiment? Surely not!” Darcy could not contain his shock and dismay at the turn of events.
“I see you share my opinion of the matter. But I can assure you the decision is made. My father has already notified Colonel and Mrs Forster of the necessary change in plans, and we are to depart the day after Jane weds.”
Darcy was incredulous. He had thought to have weeks to win Elizabeth’s hand. “But why? What can your father be thinking?”
“I cannot say, Mr Darcy. I can only offer to relate to you the whole of our conversation and hope that you might see what I do not. I fear I have brought the situation on myself.” Darcy did not speak but waited for her to continue. “You see, when Lydia began to crow over her good fortune, I felt it necessary to speak to my father regarding the dangers of allowing a girl such as my sister to accept such an invitation, and to be in the company of one man in particular. Fear not, I did not expose either you or your sister.”
“It began this morning when Lydia received a note from Mrs Forster inviting her to accompany them to Brighton. My parents saw no harm in the scheme. I begged my father to reconsider, emphasising that my sister is full young to be out in company, much less to be left to her own devices in a camp full of sold
iers. But he believes himself wiser, insisting she would be under the supervision of Colonel and Mrs Forster.” Elizabeth sighed. “When I insisted, my father replied, ‘Surely you cannot be jealous of your sister. You have had your share of travels. It is only right that Lydia should have her turn.’ He would not be reasoned with, even going so far as to tease me for being missish. In the end, he laughed and said that if I felt the chaperonage of Mrs Forster was insufficient, then he would send me to Brighton as her protector.”
Elizabeth turned to Darcy and completed her narrative in saying, “The news was greeted with the shrieking of my eavesdropping youngest sister. I believe you arrived soon after that.”
“Good god! And this is his final word? Can he be so wilfully blind?”
“Though my father is rarely set in his decisions, I fear this is one of those times. I had not thought he would sacrifice sense for peace, but it seems I have been mistaken.” Any other day Elizabeth might defend her father, but she was not feeling particularly generous towards him at that moment.
“I would be willing to speak to him of my own dealings with Wickham if it will be of assistance.”
Elizabeth could not hold back a smile at the idea of a conference between her father and Darcy. She shook her head and replied, “I do not think that he would give much credit to your words. Though I would not interfere should you wish to try.”
After a few moments in silence, he finally said, “I do not understand. Why would your father—or anyone—doubt the veracity of my words?”
“Oh, dear. I had not thought to discuss another unpleasant topic today.”
“Madam, you have informed me that my word as a gentleman is to be doubted. I believe I require the explanation of such a charge.”
Elizabeth sighed and said, “I will beg you to remember you have requested, nay, demanded this intelligence, and any pain it causes is therefore of your own making.”
Darcy gave his assent.