Darcy's Ultimatum

by Jennifer Joy

  Uncle Gardiner begged Darcy to have a seat, moving to a chair so Darcy could sit with Georgiana.

  “Please, do tell us how Mr. Darcy is,” Uncle Gardiner asked.

  William was pleased to inform them that Mr. Darcy would be fine with proper care and was presently at their house where he would recuperate before returning to Pemberley.

  The air in the room lightened and Elizabeth forgot her headache as William spoke.

  Wickham would be shipped off to the continent where he would hopefully find a greater purpose in life.

  The scoundrels at the tavern were in prison awaiting a trial.

  Georgiana would quit London to reside in better security with her father and brother in Pemberley. This suited Georgiana just fine. Elizabeth watched her visibly relax next to her brother.

  As William neared the end of his news, his manner grew nervous. He leaned forward with his hands clasped, then sat back with his ankle on his knee, then leaned forward again. He looked around the room and avoided Uncle Gardiner, who sat grinning at the anxious young man.

  A lull in the conversation encouraged Bingley to take his leave. No insisting from Miss Bingley would convince him otherwise. They had already overstayed and he would call on Jane the next day. With a large smile to Elizabeth, Bingley focused his attention on Mr. Collins and convinced the long-winded clergyman to accompany him and Miss Bingley.

  Elizabeth expected the Darcys to follow suit, but William showed no sign of departing. When her aunt and uncle took Georgiana up to the nursery to see the children, she was shocked even more. She was alone in the room with Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  Darcy paced about the room. He paused to run his hand through his already tousled hair and looked at Elizabeth. There was so much he wanted to tell her and ask her, it was difficult to start.

  “You must have noticed… Surely, you must know… Miss Elizabeth, what I want to tell you is…” he began.

  A smile spread across her face and lit up her eyes like dancing candlelight.

  Feeling braver, Darcy walked over to stand in front of Elizabeth. Taking both of her hands into his, he said, “What I am trying to say is that I love you. From the moment we first met, outside in the rain and mud, I think I knew it. Now, I am sure and it would pain me to let you out of my sight again. Miss Elizabeth, do you love me?”

  Still smiling, Elizabeth said, “How could you doubt it? After all the trouble I took not to like you, I cannot imagine spending the rest of my years with anyone but you.”

  Darcy heaved a sigh of relief. He sat next to Elizabeth, still holding her hands.

  “I have so much I want to ask you and so much I want to tell you, but please put me out of my misery and tell me you will be my wife,” he pleaded.

  A thoughtful look replaced Elizabeth’s smile. “It was implied to me that you were secretly engaged to another. What defense do you have? If I am to give you my hand, I want to know that you are free to take it.”

  Darcy could not believe what he heard and his immediate reaction was to bristle up at the accusation. Calming himself with a couple deep breaths, he finally asked, “Who was I supposedly engaged to, may I ask? I assure you, I am entirely unaware of it.”

  “I suspected as much… William,” she said his name so shyly, it was endearing. Darcy squeezed her hand. “I never believed Miss Bingley’s gossip, but she did say it came from Lady Henrietta Tefton’s brother. I am curious why he would spread such a rumor unless it was his way of revenging himself for your interference at the park. I think I fully understand Miss Bingley’s motive in imparting this false story.”

  “I am glad to hear that Miss Bingley failed to intimidate you. She has wanted to become Mrs. Darcy since I befriended Charles, but I have never given her opportunity to hope. On the other point, I may satisfy your curiosity. I became acquainted with Lady Henrietta during the season. In fact, we were introduced at my first ball. However, it soon became apparent to both of us that we would never become anything more than acquaintances, though her parents made it clear they would bless our union. She told me in plain terms that her brother wanted her out of their London house and was desirous of sending her as far away as possible. The distance to Pemberley would have suited his purpose well.”

  “Why should he want his own sister so far? What could he stand to gain?”

  “Conduct the likes of which you witnessed in the park is a common occurrence for Lord Tefton and his sister is always revealing his latest embarrassment to their parents. With her out of the way, he would have a better standing with his family. As it is, they are threatening to cut him off. I doubt Miss Bingley paid much heed to Lord Tefton’s story, for his reputation is well-known. She most likely meant, my dear Elizabeth, to hurt you.”

  “She will hate me forever now.” Elizabeth did not look sorry for the loss.

  “Does that trouble you?” Darcy held his breath for her answer. As his wife, Elizabeth would have to hold her own in society. There would be many wishing her to fail.

  When Elizabeth chuckled, he breathed again. “Gracious, no. I cannot be liked by everyone… nor do I expect to like everyone in return.” The mischievous arch of her brow charmed Darcy. Elizabeth would make the gauntlet of social approval into a game in which she would surely win.

  “Good. You will need to remember that when you meet my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She can be an intimidating figure and she, I am certain, will take an immediate disliking to you.”

  “I have heard so much about Lady de Bourgh from Mr. Collins, I should recognize her instantly. I am not easily frightened.”

  Darcy believed her. Elizabeth would stand her own in front of anybody.

  “What about Mr. Collins? He told Bingley you were to be married.”

  Elizabeth told Darcy about the entailment on the estate, Mr. Collins’s wish to marry one of the Bennet sisters, and her mother’s allowing her one season in London to make a better match or else be forced to marry Mr. Collins. She was honest and complete in her telling of the whole affair and Darcy admired her for it.

  Darcy patted her hand in reassurance. Nothing she told him would change his heart as long as she returned his love.

  “I too was given an ultimatum by my father. Marry by the end of the season or risk disinheritance.”

  Darcy’s nerves balled up inside of him. Would Elizabeth think less of his love knowing about the conditions of his inheritance? Could she oversee it just as easily as he had overseen her London Season to avoid Mr. Collins?

  “Then, we have saved each other, have we not… William?” She still said his name softly, unused to its sound.

  “Yes, we have… Elizabeth, but you still have not answered my question. Will you marry me?” Darcy beamed back at her, confident in her answer.

  “Yes. A million times, yes.”

  They sat facing each other and smiling into each other’s eyes until the door opened and Mr. Gardiner entered. Jane, Georgiana, Mrs. Gardiner, and Emma were on his heels.

  Congratulations and hugs were extended all around and Mrs. Gardiner ordered for punch to be made for the entire household.

  Chapter 25

  Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire, One month later

  Darcy watched his wife walk toward their picnic blanket with Jane. The double wedding at Netherfield Park had united Mr. and Mrs. Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.

  Elizabeth was a vision in a blue dress the color of the sky on a clear day. Darcy’s heart sped up when he first saw her enter the room at their wedding. He had heard the sighs when Jane entered wearing her mother’s dress before her, but Darcy’s eyes were fixed on the door. Jane looked splendid, but Darcy only had eyes for Elizabeth.

  Now, after the morning wedding service, the family gathered for a luncheon on the lawn. The late July sun shone on their happy day and Darcy was content not to be confined indoors with so many people.

  Mrs. Bennet had invited all of her neighbors and most of Meryton to the wedding. Everyone in town knew about the special license which all
owed her daughters to marry on Bingley’s fine property instead of in the drab church. Only men of fortune could afford such a luxury and Mrs. Bennet made sure to make known the wealth of her sons-in-law.

  Bingley’s full household staff kept busy pouring champagne brought from London and ensuring the guests had shade and were fed with the choicest cuts of meat from the butcher. Mrs. Bennet gloried in the opulence of her sons-in-law and took all the credit for her daughters’ brilliant matches. Her slightly vulgar comments chafed on Darcy’s sense of propriety, but one look at Elizabeth placated his sensitivity. She radiated happiness and Darcy would not cast a cloud over her happiness by silencing her mother— if such a feat were possible.

  Mr. Bennet had found Bingley’s library directly after the ceremony and nobody had seen nor heard from him since.

  Darcy had been nervous to see Georgiana’s and his father’s reaction to Elizabeth’s family. He warned them and gave them scenarios to expect, but even Darcy had to admit that his memory had exaggerated their conduct somewhat. While still crass, Darcy was able to see the humor in Mrs. Bennet’s tactless and over-personal comments. He indulged Mr. Bennet’s desire for peace and left him undisturbed in the library the whole afternoon.

  Mary sermoned; Kitty and Lydia teased and flirted with all the men, including Darcy’s father.

  To Darcy’s relief, Georgiana stayed away from the younger Bennet sisters. She preferred the company of her new sister and Jane, as well as the Gardiners who had traveled to Netherfield Park for the wedding.

  Aunt Catherine de Bourgh, still in an upset over Anne’s refusal and Darcy’s engagement to a ‘lady of inferior birth’ decided to stay at her estate in Rosings. Darcy hoped his cousin fared well in London. In all his time in town, he had not seen her.

  His father, Mr. Darcy, had never laughed more in the ten years previous than he did since arriving in Hertfordshire. He was accompanied often by Richard and the two saw humor in all the things Darcy would have cringed at only three months ago.

  Darcy enjoyed a brief reprieve from Mrs. Bennet and was standing next to his cousin and father, watching Elizabeth talk with Jane, Georgiana, and Mrs. Gardiner. He and Elizabeth would leave for Pemberley in the morning, so Darcy determined not to be jealous of his wife’s time with her family. They would spend hours together in the coach and a lifetime together at Pemberley. Elizabeth had never been farther north and Darcy planned to show her all of his favorite spots along the way until they reached their home in Pemberley. He had already sent a message to his housekeeper asking that she prepare Elizabeth’s room and to have the library bursting with fresh wildflowers on their return.

  “Darcy… Darcy…” he heard from his dreamland. A shove brought him back to reality.

  “What a gentleman has to do to get your attention…” Richard shook his head and clacked his tongue at Darcy.

  “Well, you have it now. What do you want?” Darcy rather preferred dreaming romantic plans for his wife over his current company.

  “I was commenting to Uncle George here how grateful you must be that Pemberley is such a safe distance away from Longbourn and your in-laws.” He chuckled at his cleverness.

  “It is a good distance, but I think having Mrs. Bingley so close to her family will prevent frequent visits more than the distance. Bingley is a brave man.”

  “You are forgetting one important detail, Son. The length of the journey ensures that visits will be extended. I cannot imagine Mrs. Bennet planning a stay of less than two months and, once she sees how grand the estate is, it will be rather difficult to uproot her.” Mr. Darcy patted his son on the back as a brief wave of horror swept over Darcy.

  Swallowing with difficulty, Darcy said, “Let her come then.” Then a devious thought made him cackle. “What would happen if Mrs. Bennet and Aunt Catherine were in the same room?”

  “I daresay we will find out some day. I hope to be there when it does. It will surely be a splendid show,” Mr. Darcy roared.

  Patting his coat pocket, Mr. Darcy pulled out a letter and handed it to Darcy. “On your way through London, would you be good enough to deliver this to our solicitor’s office?”

  Darcy had not thought of his inheritance since he told Elizabeth about it a month ago. He was so happy and busy making arrangements for his bride, it had escaped his mind. He looked to his father for an explanation.

  “You kept your end of the bargain, Darcy. Your name was never taken off my will, nor would I have done such a horrible deed to my own son. What kind of father do you think I am?” asked Mr. Darcy in a huff.

  Darcy flew his arms into the air in exasperation. “What of the letter I delivered at the start of the season? Did it not contain instructions referent to my disinheritance?”

  Looking sheepish, Mr. Darcy said, “You really believed I would do that? I only meant to move you to action, Son. I want grandchildren!”

  “Father, what was in the letter?” Darcy insisted.

  “Mr. Haggerston has been a long-time family friend, besides our solicitor. I merely asked about his plans to visit Ramsgate this summer and about the health of his family…”

  All Darcy could do was sigh deeply and shake his head at his father. Richard got a good laugh.

  “To think I preferred your company to Mrs. Bennet’s. You two are incorrigible.” Darcy walked away to join his wife on the picnic blanket, leaving behind him the cackling of his relations.

  Elizabeth made room, but she did not move so far that her back could not lean against him. She smelled like rain in the springtime and fresh cut flowers. A tendril of hair escaped her bonnet and Darcy reached out to caress it. Her hair was as soft as it looked. Elizabeth leaned her head back to smile at her husband, her eyes glowing with happiness and something that made Darcy forget his thoughts. Ever the gentleman, he contented himself with a kiss to her hand.

  He thought back to the day Anne refused him. Richard had accused him of being emotionally distant and over-practical. He had been right, of course. Now, Darcy sat next to the most beautiful woman in the world and his heart felt so full he thought it might burst with joy. Maybe life was not a fairy tale, but Darcy felt blessed with his queen.

  Thank you!

  Thank you for reading Darcy's Ultimatum. This story was a blast to write and the characters had so much more story to tell, I turned it into a trilogy (Besides, what was in Anne's letter anyway?! For the curious, I'm including a sneak peek of Anne's story in the Bonus Material at the end of this book. All I can say for now is that Lady Catherine is exceptionally good at keeping a secret. Of course, she doesn't have much choice unless she wishes to become the scandal of the decade...).

  I want to give special thanks to you, dear reader, for choosing my book and spending your precious time in reading it. It was a joy for me to write and I hope you enjoyed it. Please click here to leave a review — I read all of them!

  If you would like to know when my next book is available, you can:

  * sign up for my new release newsletter at www.jenniferjoywrites.com (Subscribers get access to bonus chapters!)

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  About the Author

  When Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite Austen characters, she is teaching English, reading, perfecting her doughnut recipe, or taking her kids to the park.

  Her wish is to continue to write sweet romances with happy endings for many years to come.

  She currently lives in Ecuador with her husband and two kids. All of them are fluent in Spanglish.

  Right now, Jennifer is imagining how a courtship with a turbulent beginning (we're talking unintentional compromises and murder here) can possibly lead to a smooth Happily-Ever-After for Darcy and Elizabeth. She senses there’s more trouble to come and promises to keep a detailed account of events (because, let’s face it, it makes for fun rea
ding!).

  Other Books by Jennifer Joy

  Historical Romances

  Anne’s Adversity: The Cousins Series, Book 2

  The Colonel’s Challenge: The Cousins Series, Book 3

  Earning Darcy’s Trust

  Accusing Elizabeth

  Love Never Fails

  Win, Lose, or Darcy

  The Honorable Mr. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 1

  The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth: A Meryton Mystery, Book 2

  The Inseparable Mr. and Mrs. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery Book 3

  Cozy Mysteries

  Cabs, Cakes, and Corpses: Murder on the Equator,

  Book 1

  Rum Raisin Revenge: Murder on the Equator, Book 2

  Cold Case Crumble: Murder on the Equator, Book 3

  Sweet Contemporary Romance

  Written in the Stars: Starlight Terrace Proposals #1

  Bonus Material

  “Anne’s Adversity”

  Rosings, Early March 1812

  Anne de Bourgh stared at the letter she held in her trembling hands.

  “How did you get this?” she asked Molly, their newest addition to the housekeeping staff. Molly wrung her hands in her apron and hung her head.

  “Come, Molly. You have nothing to fear from Miss Anne. After all the effort it took to convince Lady Catherine to take you on, do not think Miss Anne would let you go so easily,” said Nancy, Anne’s maid.

  What Nancy said was true. Anne had found Molly a couple months ago. It was one of those cloudless winter days when the promise of sunshine lured residents outside. Tired of being cooped up in the house, Anne had taken her pony and cart for a drive. As she neared Hunsford, the rectory on Mother’s estate, she caught sight of the girl nearing the parish. She looked to be about fifteen years of age. Anne watched as she hid behind a bush outside the garden.