by Robin Helm
Elizabeth smiled. “He has pursued me and loved me in a way that I would never have expected. He is as constant as the sun. We are well-matched in temperament, interests, and expectations. Indeed, I am happy beyond my wildest expectations to be marrying a man whom I love so well, and I fear no other man could compare to my betrothed.”
Mrs. Bailey smiled through tear-filled eyes. “Then you both have my blessing. I shall make you a wedding breakfast that shall be remembered and talked of in Meryton for years, and Longbourn will shine as it never has before.”
“Thank you,” Darcy said, pulling Elizabeth to his side. “Now, dear lady, what do you ask of me?”
“You owe me nothing, Mr. Darcy.”
“Perhaps not, but I would hear your request, if you will. You are important to my future wife; therefore, you are important to me.”
The older lady nodded. “My husband and I have already spoken of what we would do when our dear girl marries, and we would like to go with her to her new home. We have no children, but Lizzy has filled that emptiness in our hearts, and we wish to be where she is.”
“You and your husband are welcome to visit Pemberley at any time of your choosing, Mrs. Bailey. You will always have an open invitation to be our guests.”
She shook her head. “We do not ask to be your guests. Indeed, that would make us quite uncomfortable.”
His confusion was evident. “We already have an excellent housekeeper at Pemberley, Mrs. Bailey, and she has been with us since I was a boy. I doubt Mrs. Reynolds would want to give up her position, and I cannot ask it of her.”
Mrs. Bailey laughed. “I imagine you are correct, Mr. Darcy, and I would not dream of displacing her or anyone else. In fact, I have no desire to manage a household the size of yours. I would rather confine myself to making sweets, if your cook is amenable to sharing her kitchen. I have an idea of how to use icing to decorate cookies which I would like to explore, and I have been thinking of making small cakes instead of large ones. I have already planned a frosted wedding cake for my Lizzy’s wedding breakfast, though I had no idea it would be required so soon.
“My husband and I wish to experiment with growing vegetables, fruits, and other plants, like peanuts, throughout the year. His tremendous knowledge of horses could help you, and when your children come, we would love to help care for them. Do you have any use for an older married couple who wish to experiment with what interests them?”
My Nonny died several years ago. Mrs. Bailey reminds me of her a great deal. She seems quite excited about her plans. Darcy turned his eyes to Elizabeth, noting the happiness she exuded. She would have family at Pemberley. When I am gone during the day, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey would be there for her. I would not worry every minute when we are apart as I do now. She would putter in the gardens with them rather than walking the grounds alone, and my mind would be at ease. Their presence would make me a better master.
He nodded to Mrs. Bailey. “I think your ideas are wonderful. I know Elizabeth would be more comfortable at Pemberley if you and your husband were there, and anything that can add to my future wife’s happiness is important to me. Normally, I am not so forward with ladies, Mrs. Bailey, but as this is a business agreement, shall we shake hands?”
When he offered his hand, she chuckled and accepted the gesture, glancing at Elizabeth.
“I quite like your young man, Lizzy. He will do very well for you.”
After a short meeting with a most genial Mr. Bennet, the young couple made their way to the parlour to share the joyous news with the rest of the Bennet family.
However, the announcement was forestalled.
By the fireplace stood a tall, golden-haired man.
Thaddeus Beckett had returned, thwarting Darcy yet again.
He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘Who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’
John 8:7
Elizabeth stood frozen in place, eyes wide. Why is he here?
Her mother and two youngest sisters sat silently in the room, watching the scene with undisguised interest.
Jane’s gaze was focused on her needlework while Mary stared at her book and Mr. Bingley peered out the window.
Beckett stepped forward and bowed. “Darcy. Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy, unsmiling, returned the gesture. “Beckett.”
Elizabeth, regaining her equilibrium, nodded to the physician. “Mr. Beckett.”
“I should very much like to speak privately with you, if you would grant me the honour,” Beckett said quietly, his blue eyes pleading with her.
She glanced up at Darcy, her voice low. “Do you mind? We shall stay within your sight, if you agree. Of course, if you object, I shall refuse his request.”
“I trust you completely, and to a lesser degree, him,” replied the gentleman. “A conversation between the two of you may set his mind, and yours, at rest. I think we all would prefer that the matter be settled.”
“Thank you for trusting me,” she murmured.
He rose even further in her estimation. Very few men would extend such courtesy to a man who has compromised his fiancée three times.
Beckett signaled for her to lead the way, so she guided them to the gardens, stopping at a bench to sit.
The younger gentleman sat beside her, but Darcy walked a short distance further and turned to face them, arms folded across his chest, expression dispassionate.
“Did you receive my note?” asked the physician, drawing his brows together.
She fixed a level gaze upon his angelic face, his blond hair a nimbus in the sunlight.
The hubris of the man! “I did. You left it in a public place, and Mr. Darcy saw it. The letter disappeared for a bit, but then he found it again. He brought it to me, though it was improper for you to write me. Surely you knew you were exposing me to further gossip.”
He drew in a deep breath and stood, hands clasped behind his back. “You are right, of course. I have behaved most thoughtlessly where you are concerned. I assure you, I do not usually act so rashly. I must beg your pardon. Please forgive me.”
Elizabeth also rose to her feet, head held high. “You are forgiven. Though you placed me in a precarious position, I am unharmed. Is that all you wished to say?”
“I came to tell you why I left, as well as why I have been so long delayed in returning.”
“That is unnecessary, Mr. Beckett,” she said firmly. “We are polite acquaintances. You helped me in a professional capacity, and I appreciate all you did for me. You owe me nothing.”
He groaned. “I wish to be more than a polite acquaintance.”
When she made no response, he continued. “My parents’ carriage had overturned and rolled down an embankment, but the circumstances were such that it may have been a planned attack on their lives. They were both badly injured. Indeed, their coachman died from his wounds, and it was questionable whether they would survive the night or not. I had no choice but to leave immediately, for I was summoned as their son, as well as their physician.”
She put a hand to her mouth. I have misjudged him. “I know not what to say. I am so sorry for your pain and their suffering. Have they recovered?”
Beckett shook his head, his expression infinitely sad. “My father has improved, but my mother may never fully regain use of her legs. I would have come to you that day, but I knew I would be unable to keep from telling you everything if I saw you. ’Tis why I wrote instead.”
Her voice was gentle, compassionate. “Why was there a need for secrecy?”
“I already told you my father is the Duke of Ormonde. What I did not say is he is in the direct line to inherit the throne, though the king has fifteen children who would be crowned before my father. Even so, my father is one of His Majesty’s closest advisors. No information is ever released concerning those in the king’s inner circle unless he first gives permission. His Majesty chose to withhold his consent until after an investigation into the incident could be conducted. Even now, we are
limited as to how much information we may impart.”
“I understand. You had no choice.” Her tone was sympathetic.
“Please, tell me I am not too late,” he said, taking a step closer to her.
“Too late?”
His eyes searched her face. “I came back here for you. I wish to pay my addresses, to know you better, to convince you I could be a good husband to you.”
She lowered her gaze. “I am betrothed to Mr. Darcy.”
“I know you felt something for me, as I did for you. I still do,” he said, imploring her.
Elizabeth raised her face to his. “At one time, I did believe I could love you, but I realize now I may have been charmed by the idea of you – a handsome, intelligent, kind man who paid marked attention to me. I could tell you admired me, and that was flattering – a novelty.”
He clenched his fists by his sides. “Do you love him?”
“I do. I would not marry him otherwise.” She spoke persuasively. “There is no lack of eligible ladies, Mr. Beckett. You shall have no difficulty in fixing your affections elsewhere, and those feelings will be returned.”
A frown marred his beautiful countenance. “I have yet to feel for any other lady what I feel for you. Do not dismiss my love so lightly, as if I am capricious.”
Beckett turned his face away. “My heart is broken. Perhaps I shall not marry at all,” he muttered under his breath.
“You feel that way now, but you will soon forget me.”
“Would that I could. I fear I shall not erase you from my mind as quickly as you abandoned all thoughts of me.”
She shook her head and reached towards him. “Come, shake my hand. I have lost neither the memories of how you helped me when I was injured, nor the way you cared for my sister during her illness. Let us be friends with no acrimony between us. Shall we agree to remember the past only as it gives us pleasure?”
He accepted her hand, bowing over it. “I sincerely wish you all joy, and I hope that Darcy will endeavour to deserve you. If you ever need me, I shall be at your disposal.”
Darcy’s voice sounded from behind him. “Thank you for your good wishes, Beckett. Be comforted, for I will always do my best to make my wife happy, though I doubt I shall ever truly deserve her,” he said, walking to her side.
“Now, should I seek out a new physician,” Darcy continued, “or are you able to get past your disappointment and continue to be the physician for my family?”
Beckett straightened up and turned to face Darcy. “Are you certain you can trust me with your wife?”
Darcy smiled benignly. “No, but I am quite positive I can trust my wife with you, for she has more honour than either of us. I also know that you shall make her well-being a priority, and that is what I want – an excellent physician who seeks the best for my beloved. Can you do it?”
Beckett gave a sharp nod of his head. “I take my profession quite seriously. I always seek what is most effective for my patients. Now, I take my leave of you, for I must return to London. Good day to both of you. Best wishes for a long and happy life together.”
He turned on his heel, striding quickly towards his carriage which awaited him in front of Longbourn. As soon as he was seated inside, he rapped on the ceiling and was on his way.
Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm. “Shall we make our announcement now? I confess, I was a little disappointed to have to wait.”
She tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Prepare yourself for a great deal of enthusiasm. In all likelihood, an embarrassing display of excitement awaits you.”
He chuckled, pulling her closer to his side. “As there will be a distinct lack of enthusiasm from certain quarters of my family, I think I can bear a bit from your mother and sisters. By the way, would you be happy to wed in three weeks after the banns are read? Would you rather wed sooner than that? I should be quite pleased to go to London for a special license and marry you Saturday.”
Elizabeth smiled as she glanced up at him. “My mother would likely faint dead away if we were to have our wedding sooner than three weeks. There are clothes to buy, a breakfast to plan, things to do!”
“I was thinking of a small, private ceremony limited to our immediate families.”
She laughed aloud. “Then you may wish to reconsider marrying me, for the first wedding in the Bennet family will surely take place in front of the full population of Meryton society – four-and-twenty families – as well as my relations and yours. I am sorry to pain you, but it cannot be avoided. Can you bear it, my love?”
“I can bear a great deal more than that to be your husband,” he answered, his dark eyes alight. “That was the first time you called me your love. While I bask in the glow of this moment, lead me to your family, for I am quite ready to face them all.”
Darcy and Elizabeth stood in front of her family and Mr. Bingley, meeting their expectant stares together. He took her hand in his, clearing his throat as everyone quieted.
“Elizabeth has agreed to be my wife, and all that remains is for us to set a date.”
The words had barely left his mouth when Mrs. Bennet was out of her seat, hugging her daughter with effusions too numerous to mention.
Once the cacophony had subsided a bit, he calmed himself and tried yet again.
“We must set a date for the wedding. I prefer to marry as soon as possible and return to Pemberley, for I have been away from my estate business far too long.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded. “Yes, indeed. We shall have the banns read for the next three Sundays, and you may wed the following Friday or Saturday, three weeks from now.”
He answered quickly. “Today is Friday. If the banns are read Sunday, we can marry two weeks from Monday. As an alternative, I can go to London and obtain a special license to wed without the reading of the banns. We could marry two weeks from today.”
“Two weeks?” She blanched, sitting down and taking a breath. “But we have so much to prepare – her wedding clothes, the breakfast, invitations to our extended family. Should you not like your family to be present, as well? They must make plans to travel here.”
“My sister will come, of course,” he answered, “and my Fitzwilliam relatives. I shall invite my aunt and her daughter, but I doubt they will attend.”
Collins stood, clearly agitated. “Her ladyship will be most displeased, and as she is my noble patroness, I shall not be present either. In fact, I have decided to leave Longbourn immediately. I received an invitation just this morning to dine at Lucas Lodge tonight, and I believe I must accept their generous offer. Perhaps they will allow me to stay with them until I can arrange transportation back to Hunsford.”
He bowed and nearly ran from the room.
“Well, he has no reason to be in a huff just because Lizzy prefers Mr. Darcy to him. Who would not?” Lydia giggled and Kitty joined her, wagging their eyebrows. “Um-mm.”
Elizabeth and Jane blushed, but Mary frowned at her youngest sisters. “It behooves us all to be charitable to those who are – less fortunate in appearance or circumstance. Mr. Collins is our cousin and a parson. He deserves our respectful compassion. Kindly restrain yourself from making sport of him, for he is suffering enough at this moment. In coming here, he was trying to do what he thought was right.”
Lydia and Kitty rolled their eyes, smirking.
Elizabeth bit her lower lip. “Thank you, dearest Mary. Now, about the date. Mr. Darcy has so many people who depend upon him. Surely two weeks is sufficient time. Jane and I will help you, Mama, and so will Mrs. Bailey, even though she and Mr. Bailey will be preparing to move to Pemberley as well.”
For once, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet spoke as one. “What?”
“They have not spoken with you concerning their request to move with Elizabeth to Pemberley?” Darcy asked, tugging on his cravat, clearly uncomfortable.
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “They have not, but I should not be surprised. When Elizabeth had her nineteenth birthday, Mrs. Bailey came to me and requested th
at we employ a young lady of her choosing. She said she would like to retire when Elizabeth married. I agreed, and before much time had passed, she presented her niece, lately come from America. She has been training the young woman to be a housekeeper since then.”
Mrs. Bennet made a sound very like, “Humph!” Then she added, “Has Mrs. Bailey taught her niece to make her desserts, as well? For every woman in Hertfordshire with a household to run has been trying to lure her away from Longbourn for her recipes. They are happy enough with their housekeepers. Lizzy, you have been most high-handed to steal her from us.”
Elizabeth noticed Darcy’s frown and spoke quickly in conciliatory tones. “Mama, I had no intention of stealing Mrs. Bailey. She asked us if she and Mr. Bailey could come to Pemberley with us. Mr. Darcy graciously granted her request. Surely, you would not have her stay here when she and her husband wish to go with us. We shall provide for them when they are too old to work. Are you able and willing to do that?”
Mr. Bennet nodded slowly. “As you know, we are in no position to provide for our servants once I depart this earth. Indeed, Lizzy, should your mother and unmarried sisters outlive me, they will depend upon the kindness of you and your husband themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have served us well for many years. I am happy to think they shall never have to worry about what will happen to them in their old age.”
Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “I have already thought of that, sir. I intend to refurbish the dower house at Pemberley. It will be at your family’s disposal should they need it.”
Mr. Bennet looked at his wife pointedly. “My dear?”
She sighed. “Oh, well. If you put it that way, I suppose I must allow it to be so.” She turned her attention to Elizabeth. “Will you ask her to leave her recipes for her niece?”
“Of course, Mama. I imagine she has already been teaching Janalyn to bake, but I will make certain she has the recipes for your favourite sweets.”
Darcy cleared his throat again. “The date?”