“I do wish I could join you,” Bingley replied, “as I have not seen the Three Shire Head since Darcy and I left Eton.” He turned to his friend, “Do you remember that trip?”
“How could I forget? It was the worst holiday adventure I have ever experienced.” He turned once again to Mr Gardiner, “Believe me, sir, you should be grateful the rains have not been very heavy this year. I think we walked more than rode that year, and I cannot tell you how many jackets my man had to give away to the bone and rag man because they were ruined beyond repair in the muddy embankments on that journey.”
“I hope the weather holds out for all of us on our journeys these next few weeks,” Fitz smiled across at Miss Mary when she looked at him.
“You mentioned three properties to view? Where are the other two?” Mr Gardiner asked Bingley again.
“One is in Kent. Did you not travel through there just last year?”
“Yes—yes we did.” He was not sure how much Bingley knew of Darcy’s struggles with his sister, so he tried to focus on something else. “In fact, that is where Mr Darcy and my niece first met. We stayed in Ramsgate for some weeks around Eastertide.”
“Oh, that is right—my friend here goes to Kent every year at that time to visit his aunt.”
“Yes, well, that might have to change in the future,” Darcy said as he squeezed his intended’s hand.
Feeling the tension in the air, Fitz cleared his throat, “Where is the third property?”
“It is in... Hmmmm... let me think now. Hampshire, or Hertfordshire... no, I believe it was Herefordshire.” He looked at Fitz, “You grew up near Herefordshire, did you not?”
“Yes, my parents’ estate is in Worcestershire.”
“It is a pity you are not traveling with me then as I am sure you could show me some of the lovely countryside there,” Bingley said jovially. “I greatly look forward to having guests—in fact, if I am able to find a property for this Michaelmas season, let me invite you all to join me in the country. It would be much more fun if my best friend and his extended family were to join me for shooting, fishing, and of course, other social events sure to be pleasing to all.”
Darcy looked at Elizabeth, “Well, we had not thought to...” He stopped when he felt her hand squeeze his.
“We would love to join you, sir. You have been a dear friend to my intended, and I am certain he will wish to continue the acquaintance once we are married.”
“Yes, yes of course I do,” he stammered. “Just let me know when you finally find the place, and we will plan a visit. I must attend the Harvest Celebration here at Pemberley just after Michaelmas, but after that our schedule is free until Christmas.” He saw Elizabeth’s smile of approval and squeezed her hand in return. He did not even think of the insult he would have unintentionally given his friend without Elizabeth’s gentle persuasion. He was grateful for her presence in his life.
“I will send you a note as soon as the papers are signed, and will look forward to hosting you for a change,” Bingley replied, then he turned to Mr Gardiner. “You and your family are invited as well, sir.”
“This being our second holiday of the year, I really cannot afford to be away from my businesses again unless it is absolutely necessary.”
“Yes, of course—I understand.” He then turned to Fitz, “If your orders leave you time to visit, you are welcome to come.”
“Thank you; I will keep that in mind.”
Bingley’s mind, as was usual, jumped from one subject to the next without so much as a breath between them. “Miss Mary, I have meant to ask you about these hand motions you use. Are they difficult to learn?”
Elizabeth answered for Mary, “They are not too difficult, sir.”
“Perhaps you could teach me a few then, Miss Bennet?”
“Yes, of course.” Elizabeth stood and spent several minutes teaching Bingley a few simple signs and how he could use them in phrases. He tried several times, but could not form his fingers properly.
“I find it easiest to do this for that particular sign,” the colonel said as he formed his fingers properly to show Bingley.
“You know how to sign, Fitz?” Bingley asked.
“I am learning,” he said verbally as he also signed for Mary’s benefit.
“How in the world did you become so good? I cannot seem to make even the simplest gesture properly.”
“It took many hours of practice in front of the mirror before I was comfortable enough to sign in front of anyone,” he explained.
Mary blushed. She did not realize just how long and hard he had practiced.
Bingley sighed, but was determined. He walked away from the others, looking oddly at his own hands as he paced around the room, trying to form the few signs he was shown while the others continued to speak amongst themselves.
“Was that right?” Bingley asked Miss Elizabeth.
She walked over to him, away from the others, “No, no, curve your fingers more,” she showed him.
“Oh... right.” Then he walked around a little more.
“He will never get this,” Darcy whispered into her ear.
“You know him better than anyone—do you really think so?”
He shook his head no just as Bingley stepped up to them again.
“Did I get it that time?” he asked, showing her the sign again.
“Perhaps signing is just not for everyone, Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth suggested.
“I will prevail, just give me time.” He once again tried to form the word. “Was that right?”
Darcy saw that his friend was clearly separated from the others in the room, so he could not help but tease him. “Bingley! I cannot believe you would say such a thing,” he said in a quiet yet harsh manner. “There are ladies present!”
“OH! Oh, excuse me, I did not realize... that is... I am very sorry.” He looked to the others further away and whispered to his friend, “Do you think they saw what I said?”
“I do not think so.”
“Capital! Capital! I think I will give this up for now,” he said finally as he once again went to sit near the others.
Elizabeth tried not to laugh aloud, but the smirk on her intended’s face told of the joke he pulled on his friend. “That was very wrong of you, sir! The poor man will never again want to sign the word ‘shoe’.”
Darcy chuckled, “You must allow me to have my share of fun, my love.”
Elizabeth tried not to burst out in laughter as she sniggered, “That was badly done, sir—badly done indeed.” She drew her hand up to cover her mouth as she was having a hard time keeping a straight face.
Darcy reached for her fingers, drawing them to his lips for a sweet kiss to the back of her hand. “I am sure Bingley will find a way to repay the gesture, but I could not resist the temptation. He has always been a bit gullible.”
Elizabeth smiled widely, “I just cannot imagine that the gentleman I sit here with tonight is the same one who burst into my uncle’s house in Ramsgate insisting I speak with him. You are so very different.”
“I do not think so. In character I am as I ever was,” he replied.
“I think Pemberley brings out the best in you, my love.”
“Pemberley brings out the best in you as well, Elizabeth. My heart swells with pride to know that in just three days you will stand beside me as the mistress of this grand estate and of my heart.”
The two lovers were interrupted when Mr Gardiner asked for some time to speak with Mr Darcy on the morrow to finalize the contract before the wedding. With a nod of acceptance, Darcy was ready to turn his attention back to his intended, but her uncle had other plans and wished to retire, requesting his nieces accompany them upstairs. Elizabeth receiving one last kiss on the back of her hand and a smoldering look from her intended before she locked arms with her sister and they followed their uncle and aunt up the stairs and to their rooms.
Darcy watched his intended walk away, grinning when she turned back once more from the stairs. “W
ell, gentlemen, shall we have a smoke?”
“I think I will go on up as well,” Bingley replied, leaving the two cousins alone and bounding up the stairs. He easily caught up with the others before they reached the top, and he put his arm out to Mary, who reluctantly linked her arm through his.
When they reached their rooms, the sisters gave their final greetings and each retired alone.
Elizabeth dressed for bed as she thought of all her heart desired. Three days—just three days and I am to be married. I hope these last few days pass quickly, she thought as she crawled into the huge bed, curling onto her side as she pulled the counterpane up high, falling quickly into a deep sleep nearly immediately.
Mary was too anxious over the happenings of the evening to sleep peacefully, so she spent the next hour pouring her heart and soul out onto the pages of her journal. Why was Mr Bingley paying her such attention? Why had she not realized before now how long and hard the colonel studied to be able to speak with her in sign? So many questions left her heart reeling and her journal pages full.
As she closed the book, she sighed heavily. It was fitting to end this part of her life with the final pages of the book. She would have to go to the nearest village and purchase another one soon.
Fitz watched as the others ascended the stairs, his heart falling just a little when he saw Miss Mary take Bingley’s arm. He turned away and followed quietly after Darcy, taking a cigar when it was offered, then sitting in the chair by the open window, glad for the cool night breeze.
“So...” Darcy sat across from his cousin, “you practiced for hours before you even spoke a word of sign to anyone?”
Fitz rolled his eyes, “I had hoped you did not catch that statement.”
“Oh, I think everyone caught it, including Mr Gardiner. Does he know how ambitious you are?”
“He is the one who lent me the book of signs.” Fitz puffed out a ring of smoke.
“Hmmm...” Darcy did just as his cousin, trying to make his ring larger in their unnamed battle. “Hours you say?”
“Oh come on Darcy; just say what you wish to say. Scold me or tease me, just get it over with so I can enjoy my cigar in peace.”
He put his hands up in surrender, “No more; I promise.”
“Yes, well, I could tease you in return, you know. I have heard quite the tale from your intended about some of the events of these last few months, and I must say it is a little different than you have told me yourself. Proposing on a whim like you did, with her family looking on? Just what were you thinking?”
Darcy chuckled, “I was merely thinking of my own happiness and did not care if the whole world looked on when I asked.”
“For your sake, I am glad she did not deny you.”
“Deny me? Never!” He drew in a long puff, letting is out slowly in a long stream of smoke. “You do not think she ever would, do you?”
“It is not for me to say, but from how you described your first meeting, perhaps it is best that you waited until she saw your better qualities before you poured your heart out to her.”
“At least I can say I have a lady on my arm. What of you?”
“I cannot afford to marry, you know that.”
“I know nothing of the sort, only that my father wanted to see to it you were well cared for and wished to give you a property that would allow you to marry where you desire, but you are too stubborn and refuse even my help in the matter.”
Fitz stood, snuffing his cigar in the ashtray. “I will not have this discussion again. Good night Darce.”
He watched Fitz leave the room, then whispered to himself, “If you will not accept my help one way, I shall have to try another.”
Mr Darcy, I do not feel comfortable with these terms. Are you certain?” Mr Gardiner asked as he sat stunned in Mr Darcy’s study.
He nodded, “I am.”
“I just... that is... please do not take this the wrong way, but you are too generous, sir.”
“Mr Gardiner, I do not feel it is too generous at all. In fact, this was a lower figure than I originally wanted, but my solicitor urged me to not put myself in a bind. As my wife, Mrs Darcy will be watched closely by the Ton. I intend to give her every avenue at my disposal to make her position in society as remarkable as possible,” he explained.
He nodded, “I understand. I do not see things the way you do, obviously, but I do understand your sentiment.” He continued to read down the papers, his finger tapped the ink in a few places where he stopped to think, though he did not say anything. Flipping to the next page, he stopped and went back to the previous page, reading the passage again. Finally he looked up, “Sir, I may not be at liberty to admonish your frivolity with your wife, but I must give my concerns over your gift to her sister.”
“My own sister has a dowry of £30,000 and has the funds from an estate on my mother’s side of the family. Eventually that estate will be given to her when she marries or becomes of age, but until then it is overseen by my steward and the proceeds are put towards seeing to my sister’s welfare for the rest of her life. I have only carried out what my father before me set up for his own children.” He shifted in his seat before he continued, “My parents were good people; my father taught me to be fair in business dealings as well as with my tenants and staff, but it was Elizabeth who taught me to see the value in those whom the Ton looks down upon. I will be forever grateful for her spirit in putting me in my place when we first met. As such, I feel it would be unfair to treat her sister any differently than I do my own. I know it is not equal to my sister’s dowry, but I insist upon the amount of £20,000 be added to what she has already, as well as the property I have laid out in the papers. As with my sister, the monies from the property will be put aside for her to use if it is ever necessary. If she marries, I wish it to be part of her dowry, and if she does not, then when I am gone, she will have a place to live without having to worry.”
Mr Gardiner saw the agitated state of the man across from him. This was not the Master of Pemberley he was speaking with, it was the orphaned young man of eight and twenty years who knew all too well what it was like to be left alone in the world. He understood what the Bennet sisters had gone through more than anyone, and he loved them enough to do everything in his power to provide for their future—both of them. Mr Gardiner’s eyes filled with tears at the realization that this young man cared more for his nieces than their own father.
With a deep breath slowly released through his parted lips, he slowly nodded, “I thank you, sir—with all my heart, I thank you.”
“Your gratitude is not necessary, Mr Gardiner.”
“Perhaps not, but I will give it all the same. Thank you for caring for my nieces as no one else ever has.”
“They have had you caring for them these last few years, sir,” Darcy said modestly.
“Yes, but I am their uncle. You are a stranger to them, and yet you have chosen to accept both of them willingly into your family. For that I am most grateful. You truly are a good man, and I dare say your parents would be very proud of who you have become.”
Darcy stood and began to pace, his heavy footfalls muffled by the plush rug underneath his feet. “My father was a good man. He was always fair, and raised me to be such, but he was also a very cold man who did not give his affections easily. My mother had a heart of gold, but she was the product of her upbringing as well. As the daughter of an earl, she had very high expectations for who her children would one day marry.” He turned back to face Mr Gardiner. “Sir, I know this will sound harsh, but I am glad my parents are no longer alive as I know neither one of them would be accepting of Elizabeth in my life.”
Mr Gardiner stood, going over to stand beside Mr Darcy, “You are nothing like your parents, and I will be proud when you join our family in just two days. Now let us sign these papers so as not to delay the ceremony.”
Darcy smiled just a little, the creases in his forehead disappearing, “Thank you, sir.”
The papers were signed
and the two were glad to celebrate with a cigar for each.
“Sir,” Darcy said, “Will you keep the particulars of this contract from your nieces? Please?”
“It is your money, son. If you wish them to know what you have done with it, then I will not stop you, but neither will I tell them in your stead.”
“Thank you. I would not wish to offend the memory of their own parents.”
“Understood, but I will caution you to speak with Elizabeth after you are married. To keep this from her would not be wise. As a man married many years now, I would say keeping the peace is easiest when you are completely honest about all your dealings.”
“Thank you, sir. I will tell her, but not until we are married.”
Edward drew in the sweet taste, then slowly let the smoke out. “My wife’s concerns about Mary will be greatly assuaged by your generosity.”
“Is there anything more I can do to make Miss Mary feel at home here at Pemberley?”
He chuckled, “No, no; you have done so much already. She will find much joy in choosing the decorations and furniture for her chambers, and since our arrival Mary’s personal maid, Mabel, has been well accepted among your staff.”
“If having a familiar face around will help Miss Mary, then I am glad to add her to those whom I already employ.”
“When Mary first came to us we had a difficult time learning to communicate with her. I am sure you can appreciate the challenge since you and your cousin have both been trying your hand at signing over the last few months.”
“Yes, indeed; it is quite the challenge.”
“Mabel was already in our employ, but when the girls came to live with us, she and Mary formed a bond. She easily picked up on the signs she was taught, and within just a month Mary came to us asking if Mabel could be her personal maid. After a trial period to determine if she was qualified for the job, my wife was happy to agree to the plan, so I could not say no to such an idea. I must say she has impressed me with her abilities.”
“I have had little interactions with her, but Mrs Reynolds has had nothing but good things to say of her. She seems to get along well with the staff.”
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 13