by Ola Wegner
Decisions by Ola Wegner
A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Ola Wegner
Copyright by Ola Wegner 2017
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty- One
Chapter Twenty- Two
Epilogue
Chapter One
Elizabeth reached the top of Oakham Mount. She sat down on the fallen tree trunk, slightly out of breath. It had been a while since she had taken such a long walk. How old had she been when she had come here for the first time with her father? She must have been very young indeed, as it had been before the birth of her youngest sister, Lydia.
She felt a familiar tightening in her throat, her eyes watering with fresh tears. It had been nearly three months since that dreadful afternoon when the news had come. She should have accustomed herself to the thought of how life at Longbourn had changed and the many more changes that were to come.
She gazed at the rich green scenery of Hertfordshire. The weather was pleasant, not too warm, with light wind cooling her face pleasantly.
Before long she felt that it was time to return. It was unwise to leave Mama alone for an extended period of time.
On entering the house, she saw a large trunk standing in the middle of the foyer. She looked inside. Her father’s books filled it tightly up to the rim. With Jane’s assistance, she would have to repack at least some of them to smaller boxes. Many of them were rare and first editions. She would not wish for them to get damaged during the move. Mr Collins was truly gracious to allow them to take whatever books they fancied. Elizabeth was aware that despite his university education, her cousin was not the brightest of men. Still, she was rather astonished that he discarded her father’s extensive library so easily.
Her mother walked down the staircase.
“You are back from your walk, my Lizzy,” she observed calmly.
“Yes, Mama,” Elizabeth said, attempting to put a bright smile on her face. “Are you feeling better?” she asked.
“A little,” Mrs Bennet said, but her pained expression spoke differently. “Shall we have some tea now?”
They sat in the drawing room which lacked its usual cosiness. There, paintings were removed, as well as some of the smaller furniture and bibelots.
Hill brought tea. Elizabeth was sad that they had to leave the housekeeper behind. They would be able to keep only three servants in their new home: the cook, the maid, and a footman who would also help with the heavier work.
“Where is Jane?” Mrs Bennet asked.
“She is in Meryton, Mama, in our new house,” Elizabeth reminded her. “Today they are moving our china, and Jane wished to be certain that none of the pieces were broken. Kitty and Mary are keeping her company.”
“Our new home,” her mother said sadly. “Never in my life did I imagine that I would have to return to my childhood home.”
“After the small renovations which Uncle Phillips arranged for us, it proves to be quite a handsome house. We are quite fortunate that grandfather decided to leave it for you in his will. In our current situation, we are not able to afford to lease one of the houses in the neighbourhood.”
Mrs Bennet gazed upon empty walls. “Charlotte Collins may be the new Mistress of Longbourn, but never will she be able to run the house the way I did.”
Elizabeth expected that in a moment her mother would mention the fact that, had she not refused Mr Collins, their situation would have been entirely different. Elizabeth had heard it often for the last three months.
The door opened and Jane, followed by Mary and Kitty, walked in.
“We may move in next week, Mama,” Jane announced. “There is not much left to pack apart from our personal belongings.”
“And books,” Elizabeth reminded.
Jane smiled at her. “Yes, of course, Papa’s books as well,” she agreed.
Mrs Bennet closed her eyes and uttered a desperate moan. “Am I to say farewell to my Longbourn forever, then?”
“I am sure that we shall visit, Mama,” Kitty said.
Mrs Bennet sat up, straightened her back, and said, “My foot shall never step over the threshold of this house as long as Charlotte Lucas is its mistress.”
“Everything has been beautifully refreshed at the new house,” Jane said. “You shall not recognize it, Mama.”
Mrs Bennet leaned against the chair and stared melancholically out of the window.
“We shall live right by the main street,” Mary said. “It would be only a five-minute walk to visit most of our friends.”
“It is true that everyone is very much pleased to have me reside in Meryton now,” Mrs Bennet agreed. “Oh, that Lady Lucas is so greedy. Mr Collins had a perfectly good living at the parsonage and he should have stayed there, allowing us to live here. That would be the behaviour of a truly honourable man.”
There was a knock at the door. Hill entered. The housekeeper’s expression was rather unsure.
“Yes, Hill?” Jane asked. “What is the matter?”
“There is a gentleman in the library. He has just arrived. He asks to see Miss Elizabeth.”
“A gentleman?” Mrs Bennet cried out. “To see Lizzy? Has he introduced himself?”
“It is Mr Darcy of Pemberley, I believe. He introduced himself as such.”
“Mr Darcy!” the women exclaimed in unison.
“What is that horrible man doing here?” Mrs Bennet demanded. “Does he not know that we are in mourning?”
“Thank you, Hill,” Elizabeth said. “Please, tell Mr Darcy that I shall join him shortly in the library.”
The servant left. Elizabeth could feel Jane’s gaze on her.
“Mr Darcy in here? What can he be doing here?” Mrs Bennet kept questioning. “Is he here to pity and ridicule us?”
“Perhaps he wishes to pay his condolences,” Jane suggested.
“Three months after the funeral?” Mrs Bennet questioned. “That is hardly possible.”
“Do not concern yourself, Mama. I shall deal with him,” Elizabeth assured her.
She walked through the house with a racing heart. She stopped in front of a door leading to the library, waiting there for a long moment before she entered.
Mr Darcy stood with her back to her, examining the bookshelves.
“Mr Darcy,” she said. “Welcome back to Hertfordshire.”
The man slowly turned around to face her. Her was dressed in a great coat. His long riding boots were muddy, his hair dishevelled. Elizabeth guessed that he must have spent long hours in the saddle.
“Miss Elizabeth.” He bowed deeply in front of her. “I am pleased to see you in good health despite the most unfortunate circumstances.”
She felt his eyes on her person. He stared long and hard. She endured his examination calmly. She forced a polite smile. He must have heard of her father’s untimely death. What brought him here, though? It would be quite enough to write a letter of condolences.
He took a step forward. “Allow me to tell you how deeply sorry I was to learn only a few days ago of your father’s tragic accident. I do believe that I can recognize what your feelings might be at that moment, as I vividly remember the time of my own dear father’s passing and before that my mother’s.”
“I thank you, Mr Darcy,” she said, astonished with the raw emotion in his voice. “Are you on your way to London? It was most kind of you to stop by to pay your condolences.”
Darcy seemed to hesitate with the answer. “I left Derbyshire the day before yesterday.”
“You rode here all the way,” she guessed, looking at his dusty clothes. “You must be tired and thirsty. May I offer you some refreshments?”
He appeared relieved with her words. He smiled. “Yes, I thank you, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Take a seat, please,” she said, gesturing to one of the chairs. She called for the maid, ordering her to bring tea, cake and sandwiches.
Only when the servant left did she notice that all the chairs were strewn with papers and books. Quickly she cleared two of them. “I apologize for the mess.” She looked up at him. “May I take your coat and hat?” she enquired. “I shall have it cleaned for you from the road dust.”
Darcy shook off his coat, handing it to her together with his hat. “Excuse me for a moment, sir,” she said, leaving the room, her arms full of his clothes.
Jane was waiting for her in the foyer. Elizabeth instructed one of the footmen to clean Mr Darcy’s clothing then she turned to speak with her sister.
“Why has he come here?” Jane asked in nearly a whisper.
“He is on his way to London, he stopped by to pay his condolences.”
“Do you wish me to join you?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “It is not necessary. He will have his tea and be gone before long.”
“I will go to the stable to see that his horse is well fed and rested,” Jane offered.
Elizabeth saw Hill coming with the tray.
“I will take it,” she said. “Thank you, Hill.”
Elizabeth entered the library, holding the tray in both hands, while Hill closed the door behind her.
On seeing her, he stood immediately to his feet. “Allow me to help you,” he said. Darcy took the heavy tray from her. Elizabeth cleaned her father’s desk from the books and Darcy put the tray there.
Elizabeth was silent as she fixed the tea for him.
“Milk and sugar, if I remember correctly,” she said.
“Yes, thank you.” He took the cup from her, touching her hand lightly in the process.
“I am afraid that we can offer you only a plain cake,” she said apologetically.
“It is quite enough, I assure you.”
Darcy drank his tea, his dark eyes wandering over the room.
“I can see that you are in the process of moving,” he stated the obvious.
“Yes, we are,” Elizabeth confirmed. “I am still looking through my father’s personal archive. Mr Collins plans to move here before the end of the summer and my mother is determined to move out before it happens.”
“That is perfectly understandable.”
They enjoyed their tea in silence. Elizabeth was hoping that the visit would come to an end soon. After what had transpired between them that afternoon at Hunsford, she had not thought to see Mr Darcy ever again. His visit today was utterly unexpected.
“I trust that your family is in good health taking into consideration the circumstances,” he said.
“They are. We are slowly accustoming ourselves to our changed circumstances. My mother does not admit guests for the time being.”
He nodded his head. “Of course. I expected no less.”
Elizabeth bowed her head, allowing herself a small smile, hearing relief in his tone and expression. She could easily believe that Mr Darcy was not eager to see Mrs Bennet.
“May I ask what are your plans after leaving Longbourn?” he asked.
“That is not a secret. My mother owns a house in Meryton which she inherited from her father. It is adequate for us.”
“May I ask for some more tea?” he asked.
Elizabeth smiled. She refilled his cup.
“Thank you,” he said. He took a sip before putting the cup back on the tray. He rose to his feet and began pacing the room, raking his fingers through his hair.
Elizabeth watched him from her seat. A feeling of unease filled her heart. What was the true purpose of his visit?
“Miss Elizabeth, I cannot be silent. You must allow me to speak freely. I cannot allow you to live in poverty. Neither can I allow myself to live without you.”
Elizabeth opened her pink lips, staring up at his towering form, standing over her.
“Allow me to resubmit my offer of marriage, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, his features etched with determination and resolve.
Elizabeth felt that all the strength momentarily left her body. The teacup which she held in her hands fell onto the carpet, spilling the rest of the tea on her black dress. She watched Darcy, who knelt in front of her, picking up the cup and saucer, which were thankfully not broken.
“Have you burned yourself, Miss Elizabeth?” he enquired gently, gazing into her eyes.
She shook her head.
He sat back on the opposite chair.
“I am awaiting your answer,” he reminded her.
She cleared her throat. “I am not certain if I understood you correctly, sir,” she spoke weakly.
He leaned forward and reached for her hand, encompassing it very gently within his. “I will speak more plainly then. I still love you and wish for you to become my wife.”
Elizabeth looked at her hand, lying in his. She shook her head.
“It cannot be,” she whispered.
“I assure you that I know my mind very well. I beg you to consider my offer once again.”
Elizabeth swallowed, looking up at him. “I cannot give you an answer now.”
“I understand. May I return tomorrow?”
“Yes. No.” She shook her head. “Let us meet at Oakham Mount,” she proposed. “At midday.”
“Very well. I shall be waiting for you there. Thank you for your hospitality.” He lifted his hand to her lips and murmured quiet goodbyes.
Elizabeth walked him to the front entrance, attempting to keep her composure intact. She watched him leaving. She could hardly believe what had happened to her for the last hour. She had never expected such a turn of events.
Chapter Two
Elizabeth sat curled in the middle of the bed, her knees pressed to her chest.
“You have left the curtains open, Lizzy,” Jane observed upon entering the room. She pulled at the heavy velvet curtains, closing them. “It is a full moon tonight. You would not be able to sleep at night with such bright light.”
Elizabeth lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The candlelight was casting shadows onto the plain white ceiling.
Jane sat on the edge of the bed. She was towelling her hair dry.
“You have been very quiet today, Sister. You barely spoke one word at dinner. It is unlike you.”
“Oh, Jane. I feel as if I have been caged inside a tall tower without means of escape.”
Jane stopped moving, eyeing her sister carefully. “What is your exact meaning, Sister?”
“Jane… what if there was a man, a very wealthy man, who offered to marry you?”
Jane was silent for a while before answering. “It depends, Lizzy. If I like him, I would not hesitate for long.”
“What if you did not like him?”
“I would contemplate what kind of man he is. Can I learn to like him? Is he a good man? Shall he respect me?”
“Those are all valid notions,” Elizabeth agreed.
“Moreover, having in my mind our current circumstances, I would have to remember that by marrying a wealthy man I would be able to aid our family.”
Elizabeth turned her head, her dark eyes meeting the clear blue gaze of her sister. “Jane…”
“Yes, Lizzy.”
“Mr Darcy did not come here only to offer his condolences. He renewed his marriage proposal.”
“Lizzy… Are you certain?”
“I am. I asked him. I am certain.” Elizabeth sat up, sitting cross-legge
d on the bed. “I thought that I would never see him, Jane, never again. What is he thinking? I rejected him, I told him that he was the last man in the world whom I could every marry. Why is he returning to me? I do not understand.”
“He must still love you,” Jane said. “That is the one and only explanation.”
“He told me that he learned of Papa’s death only recently.”
“Which would explain why he did not come earlier.”
“I asked him for a day to consider his offer.”
“It was wise of you,” Jane praised her. “Shall he visit us tomorrow?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I asked him to meet me at Oakham Mount.”
“Oh, Lizzy. What are you going to do?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Of course you do. No one can force you into marriage.”
“Almost every day Mother reminds me of my rejection of Mr Collins,” Elizabeth mentioned. “Had she known I rejected Mr Darcy, she would not wish to ever talk to me.”
“Mr Darcy loves you very much, Lizzy,” Jane concluded. “He returned to you even after your initial rejection.”
“I know so little of him, Jane.”
“Let us go through the questions I mentioned before,” Jane said reasonably. “Can you learn to like him?”
“It is rather difficult for me to imagine,” Elizabeth responded honestly.
“Is he a good man?”
“I think that we can safely state that the stories which Mr Wickham spread of Mr Darcy were unfound and untrue,” Elizabeth agreed. “In his letter Mr Darcy explained everything in much detail. I cannot believe that he would write lies about his young sister.” Elizabeth was careful not to mention that she could not forgive Darcy his interference in separating Mr Bingley from her sister. She knew that Jane still longed for Mr Bingley, although she never mentioned his name.
“Can he respect you?”
Elizabeth sighed. “I fear that he will always see me as his inferior, not a partner. He was very clear about his doubts considering our union when he proposed the first time. Our circumstances as a family did not change. They even worsened.”
Jane looked at Elizabeth with compassion in her eyes.
“There is one thing that is certain,” Elizabeth said. “I would be able to help you, Mama and the girls, even if it is only by sending some of my pin money.”