Elizabeth snorted in derision, the only emotion she was able to deliver in regards to Miss Bingley. “Jane, you know as well as I that Miss Darcy had almost been taken in by Mr. Wickham,” she stated, referring to their earlier conversation after her disagreement with Mr. Darcy, “I have very little confidence that Mr. Darcy would be pushing his sister towards a fully grown man, while she is younger than Lydia! In any case, he did not confess it to me---”
“But he believes our family to be below his and Mr. Bingley’s, as does his sister.” Jane noted softly. “How do we know that he does not wish his sister to be married to a kind, amiable gentleman?”
Elizabeth firmly grasped her sister’s hands.
“Jane,” she stated, in a tone that would not brook disruption or disagreement, “it does not matter what Mr. Darcy wishes. It matters what Mr. Bingley wishes. And it is clear that he is in love with you. You shall see. Now come,” Elizabeth stood, smoothing the skirt of her gown out, “Mama wishes for us to pack before our aunt and uncle arrive. I believe we are to leave tomorrow.”
“You should first write to Mr. Darcy, Lizzie, while you still have time. It would be better if he knew as soon as possible, your plans.”
Elizabeth sighed. “You are of course, correct, Jane. I will do as you ask, if you promise to never doubt Mr. Bingley’s care for you.”
***
As soon as Mrs. Gardiner had crossed the threshold into Longbourn, she swept a waiting Elizabeth into her arms. “Your mother has written to be extensively over these past few weeks about your engagement to Mr. Darcy,” her eyes drifted over the eager faces of her young nieces, “yet I believe that is a conversation best had back in London. Let us speak of pleasant subjects here.”
Elizabeth guided her aunt to the nearest window seat, where the tea and scones were waiting.
“I am so glad you are here, Aunt. I have thought of nothing else but my impending visit to Gracechurch. Have the children stayed at home?” she queried.
“Yes, Mr. Gardiner and I had thought that it would be best, given that we would be gone less than two days, that the children’s normal routine not be disrupted. They are especially eager to see you and Jane once again, so they will get their wish. Now,” she said, turning to her other nieces, “I do believe your mother wrote that she wishes Mary to come with. What do you say to that, Mary?” she asked, addressing Mary directly.
Mary instantly blushed, not knowing what to do with so many eyes upon her at the same time. While playing the pianoforte, it was much easier to ignore them, as she could focus on the placement of her hands, her playing, and reading the music before her. Here, she had a teacup and a scone, neither of which did her any good.
“I would like to know my cousins a bit better. They are older now, and are able to interact in a less childish manner. Of course,” she hastened to add, “we are also there to help Lizzie choose her wedding clothes. I am sure I could contribute to...that, as a proper sister should.” she ended lamely.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her niece’s uneasiness. Mary had indeed changed from her last visit. There was not quite as much citation of sermons or Psalms, but the shyness was still there. She had been surprised when her sister in law had suggested that she include Mary, and hoped that her sister in law would not be forced to drag the poor girl to her carriage when the time came to leave. Out of all of her nieces, Mary had been the one to venture out the least, and Mrs. Gardiner was glad to see her coming out of her shell, and to be included in activities with her elder sisters.
“Well we are very glad to have you come with us, Mary.” she replied easily, “We shall not only shop for Lizzie’s gown, but we are also having a new gown made up for you,” here she was forced to moderate her voice, as Lydia and Kitty had immediately jumped to their feet in protest to such a treat being given to Moralising Mary, “in any style that you prefer. You shall have plenty to choose from.” Turning to her youngest nieces, she silenced them with a look. “Now Lydia and Kitty, if that is the way that you will behave when an elder sister is granted a gift, then do not think that you shall be getting the same treatment for when you reach Mary or Elizabeth’s age.”
Their protests were silenced, as they knew that their aunt was not like their mama. When she took it upon herself to lecture them, she meant every word of it. If they wished for a new gown made in London, instead of the locally made gowns that had been passed down from from their elder sisters, then they would have to behave in their aunt and uncle’s presence.
Elizabeth took her aunt’s hand. “I know I have said it before aunt, but I shall say it again. I am very grateful and happy that you and my uncle have come. I could not bear it otherwise.” Her grip tightened briefly, as she thought of Mr. Darcy. Her aunt and uncle had had the happiest of marriages, and even though her parents’ marriage was a good example of differences in temperament and intelligence, Elizabeth did not doubt that they did not love each other. She had one day hoped to find herself in similar circumstances.
Mrs. Gardiner laid a hand gently on her niece’s cheek. “It is not everyday that our niece becomes engaged, how could we not come, Lizzie?” she stated, noting her niece’s wan disposition. From her sister in law’s frantic letters, Mrs. Gardiner was aware of the circumstances of the engagement, as well as the disagreement that Elizabeth was having with her betrothed--or rather, that she was having a disagreement. She hoped to discuss it more in detail when they reached their home at Gracechurch Street, for she had no wish to discuss such a matter in front of her youngest nieces. While they were not wholly too young to listen to such a conversation, they were too immature, and Mrs. Gardiner feared they would not take the lessons needed from such an exchange. With Lizzie becoming engaged in the circumstances that she had, perhaps now would be the best time to speak to her brother and sister about Lydia and Kitty’s behaviour.
“I am sorry Lizzie, Jane, shall I return tomorrow? I was not aware that your aunt and uncle were here.” came Charlotte Lucas’ voice from the doorway. An apologetic Emma stood next to her, clearly wishing to have announced the presence of their friend.
Elizabeth stood, “Of course not, Charlotte. I should have sent a note to you or visited, I am sorry. I have been distracted these past few days.”
Charlotte crossed the threshold and embraced her friend, their hands intertwining. “Not at all, Lizzie. I-I have simply come to tell you some news, and I thought that I should come and deliver it in person.”
“What is it Charlotte?” Elizabeth asked, now exceedingly curious, as her friend never had any news that necessitated such a response.
“Mr. Collins and I are engaged.” Charlotte simply said, yet her hands tightened nervously within Elizabeth’s grasp.
Elizabeth did not let go, even as she heard Mrs. Gardiner scold Kitty and Lydia for their snorts of derision behind her.
“Engaged?” she repeated, as did Mary, wishing that she had misheard her friend.
“You hear me correctly, Lizzie. I hope that you shall be happy for me.” Charlotte prodded openly, and Elizabeth hastily congratulated her, aware that this was difficult for Charlotte. Not simply that she was engaged to a simpering fool of a man, but that she had come to tell the Bennet women directly to their faces.
“I am happy for you Charlotte, and I offer you both my congratulations.” Elizabeth repeated. She gave her friend a knowing smile, aware that they were in similar circumstances. Both would marry for necessity, yet while Elizabeth saw it as a betrayal to her true nature, she knew that Charlotte would not. She could only be happy for her.
As she led Charlotte to an open seat before her, she felt that she had to lighten the mood within the room, for she knew they were all considering how embarrassing Mr. Collins was. “I must say Charlotte, I must commend you for coming, when you know that your ears shall ring for days when my Mama finds out.”
The inhabitants laughed, as Elizabeth knew they would.
***
The next day, when his wife had begun to fuss to her middle
daughter about the number of gowns she had packed in her trunk, Mr. Bennet had excuse himself from the fray, and informed Mrs. Hill that he would be going on a call until lunch. Hopefully, all would assume that he had gone to visit Sir William and lecture him on allowing his daughter to usurp his wife’s position after his death, as his dear Fanny wished him to do. He took the carriage, and settled himself for a brief, yet relaxing ride.
Netherfield was a mere three miles away, after all.
***
When he entered the study, escorted by a rather grim-faced butler, he was not surprised to find Mr. Darcy had a light repast of tea, biscuits, as well as a snifter of brandy ready for him.
“I was rather surprised to receive your note, Mr. Darcy.” he stated plainly, “Even more so when I was informed by my wife of the notes that two members of your party had sent.” He gave Mr. Darcy a significant look. “I was under the impression that you had gone to London, with the rest of your party. Miss Bingley was quite explicit.”
He watched as Mr. Darcy swallowed nervously. “I was not aware of the contents of Miss Bingley, nor Mrs. Hurst’ letters to your daughters, Sir, although I am not surprised at Miss Bingley’s. She was displeased with my decision to stay at Netherfield for a few days longer.” he admitted.
Mr. Bennet grinned. “Miss Bingley does understand that you are engaged to my daughter, although,” he continued, his tone going from humourous to serious in an instant, “she may be sensing the uneasiness in this engagement. You and my daughter cannot avoid each other for forever, Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Darcy nodded his agreement. “I understand Mr. Bennet, and I wished to speak to you because I have been thinking about our last discussion. When I am in these situations, I find myself needing to speak to my cousin, yet I do not think that I could, for he would not be any kinder than you have been. Despite their rank,” he continued hesitantly, not wishing to come off any more snobbish than he already had, “my aunt and uncle are the warmest and most agreeable people I have been blessed with in my life. Their children are no different. I came to realize they would be most ashamed of my behaviour towards Miss Elizabeth, as they are of my Aunt Catherine’s.”
Mr. Bennet stood and clapped Mr. Darcy on the back, in a reassuring manner. “I may be a simple country squire, Mr. Darcy, but I understand your qualms, as poorly expressed as they were. It was why I decided to marry within Meryton, and not travel into London for the season.” At Mr. Darcy’s shocked expression, he continued, a small grin playing about his lips. “It may surprise you sir, but many years ago I was deemed a catch for a certain segment of ladies. The second and third daughters of tradesmen who wished to get their foot in the door of genteel society, the daughters of minor aristocracy who had gambled away their dowries and inheritances, and left them with nothing. I could do nothing but sympathise with them, as most did what they could in order to save their families. I did not blame them.” Mr. Bennet finished, his mind going back to a few of the more memorable ladies.
“Yet you did not marry them.” Mr. Darcy prodded.
“I did not,” Mr. Bennet agreed, “for while I felt pity for most, and attraction to some, there were none that were entirely interested in me. Whatever you may say about my wife, Mr. Darcy, she cannot be accused of being uninterested in my character. It was what drew me to her. Of course, some allowances for temper have been made, but I do not regret our time together. I do not wish for the opposite for any of my daughters.”
Mr. Darcy swallowed nervously. Mr. Bennet allowed him a few minutes reflection.
“I have been thinking about what you said during your last visit,” Mr. Darcy repeated nervously, “and I have come to ask you for your advice as to what to do next. I believed I understood Miss Elizabeth, and yet I was wrong. I believe asking your advice would be a good next step. I would understand if Miss Elizabeth did not wish to speak to me again, but we cannot take so drastic a step. And,” here his colour heightened as he considered his next words, “our wedding will take place soon, and it would not due for us to still be in this state of disagreement.”
Mr. Bennet agreed with a small grunt. “Yes, Lizzie should have already sent you a note that informs you that my brother and sister are here to convey her and her next two sisters to London.”
Mr. Darcy then informed him that he had received it earlier that morning, and was composing his own letter of introduction to a few modistes that the Gardiners would never be able to receive an appointment from, nor afford, as well as another letter to his banker to deliver some promissory drafts to the Gardiner residence. Mr. Bennet replied rather pointedly, “Lizzie does not wish to face your relatives alone, Darcy. Especially since you informed her that they were not to be exposed to any of us.” Mr. Bennet was glad to see Mr. Darcy’s wince at his own snobbery. “If you wish to convince her that you have changed, then you must show her that you have changed your mind, and recognized that you were wrong.”
Mr. Darcy furrowed his brow, as he considered his future father in law’s words. When he spoke, his words were not uneasy, nor indecisive, “I shall write to my sister at Pemberley, and tell her to pack for a visit, and bring her to London to meet Miss Elizabeth. My aunt and uncle will also wish to come, although I do not know if my cousin can get away from his duties for such a time.”
Mr. Bennet nodded in approval. “A good start, Mr. Darcy. Will this be a surprise?” he added in a teasing manner.
This time Mr. Darcy did blush. “Of course not, Sir. I will write to Miss Elizabeth before I set off. It should not take more than a week to bring my sister, if I leave on the morrow.”
The gentlemen shook hands, and this time, as Mr. Bennet left, he did not feel as though he were leaving his daughter to her doom.
Fitzwilliam knew that his valet and the coachman were waiting for him, as his things had already been packed. He had only delayed his departure to speak to Mr. Bennet. But, as he watched Mr. Bennet depart, he could not find it in himself to follow. Within the space of two or three days, everything had gone wrong.
No, the truth had been revealed to him.
He would fix the pain that he had inflicted upon Miss Elizabeth, because it was what a gentleman and man of honour would do. Because it was the bare minimum of what was required. He would seek no special privileges or congratulate himself, nor would he expect Miss Elizabeth’s gratefulness.
Chapter Twelve
The journey to Gracechurch Street did not quite feel as long as Elizabeth had anticipated. Perhaps because in the days leading up to the visit, she had often compared the trip to her aunt and uncle’s to the trip she would soon take to live with Mr. Darcy at Pemberley. Her aunt and uncle had often spoken of going on a trip to the Lakes region to see the sites, and Elizabeth had hoped they would take her with them on their trip. However, that would no longer be necessary.
She would marry Mr. Darcy soon, and find herself trapped within the wilds of Derbyshire. Hopefully, in time, she would be able to convince him to allow her to take any children they may have with her to visit her family, alone. Her papa was getting up in years, as was her mama, and she wanted them to know that they had loving grandparents on at least one side of the family.
All she could do was hope, for it was clear that Mr. Darcy would not discuss the matter further. He had not called nor sent any word to her since their disagreement, and while at first she had been delighted that he had stayed away, she could not help but wonder what this meant for their future together. If they were to have any success at this marriage, they would have to allow for differences of opinion, yet find some common ground. Otherwise, he would become her lord and master, and her fate would be sealed.
“Lizzie!” Her aunt called her, as she had been one of the last to exit the carriage, and had lingered behind the others. She had been mentally chastising herself for disturbing her mood again, with thoughts of Mr. Darcy, for in the days leading up to her wedding, she had planned to be happy and enjoy the time left she had with her family. She would control what she co
uld, and hope she could endure the rest. She would not allow anyone to break her, least of all Mr. Darcy.
“What is it, Aunt?” she queried, as she stepped into the drawing room where the rest of her party was gathered. Jane and Mary had already been surrounded by their Gardiner cousins, who had not noticed her presence yet.
Her aunt held out a letter to her.
“From Mr. Darcy, dear.” she stated, her mouth pulled into a small smile.
Elizabeth took the proffered letter, astonishment clearly etched in her features. Why had Mr. Darcy written her? He had not attempted any sort of contact previously, and she could not help but feel nervous. Had he decided to chastise her through a letter of associating with her aunt and uncle in London, instead of going to stay with his aunt and uncle, the countess and earl? Her hands shaking lightly, she opened the letter and read, unwilling to speculate what lay within the contents any longer.
Consequence of Jealousy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 13