MR. DARCY'S FIRST ELIZABETH

by John Edwards

  sent word to Longbourn that Jane and Elizabeth would be staying for dinner.

  Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth walked behind the others, and soon he offered his arm and she accepted it.

  “I hope you were not displeased with your day, Miss Bennet.”

  “No sir, I have enjoyed it very much. Mrs. Winstead and I have much in common and I like her very much. I also like her husband.”

  “I hope she did not tell you anything bad about me?”

  “No, I do not think that I would believe it if she had.”

  “This is quite a change I see in you Elizabeth. I remember once you telling Mr. Wallace that you did not like me.”

  “I may not have liked you at first, and though I have said this to Jane and others, I now believe I may have done that to build up a shield for self defense. I did not want to care for a man who would hurt me.”

  “You should know that I would never hurt you, Elizabeth.”

  “I do now believe that, Mr. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth held his arm even tighter and he covered her hand with his own as they continued their walk. “Elizabeth, I should hope that you and your aunt and uncle could visit Pemberly, do you think that is possible?”

  “My aunt has informed me that they are unable to visit soon due to my uncle’s work. So I do not feel that I can visit, though I would like that.”

  “Then, if I sent a coach and a maid servant to accompany you as an escort, do you think you could come then?”

  “I do not know, Mr. Darcy. I should have to discuss this with my parents.”

  “You must think I am being unreasonable in asking you these things, but I must leave for Pemberly soon and I was hoping you could come and visit before the winter. I particularly wanted to introduce you to my sister.”

  “Oh yes, Miss Darcy. I do wish to meet her. Mrs. Winstead says that her own Elizabeth and Miss Darcy are good friends.”

  “Yes, that is so, but I am sure you too would be their friend if you met them.”

  “I shall inquire and get back to you soon with an answer, Mr. Darcy. I do wish to see your boyhood home. As long as the weather holds up, I should like to visit and explore all the trails and paths of that great estate. But let us return to the house, I am feeling chilled.”

  With that he took off his coat and wrapped it around Elizabeth. He was not cold and he was warmed to see his large coat covering his friend.

  That night in Longbourn, Elizabeth and Jane talked about their day. Elizabeth was convinced that Mr. Bingley would soon make an offer to Jane. Jane hoped as much and was happy that Mr. Darcy and her sister had become friends.

  “You see, Lizzy, he is a good man after all. I have thought him to be so for all this time.”

  “Then I must confess you are correct. He appears to be very good man.”

  “Yes, Lizzy, Mr. Bingley has told me he too has observed a big change in him, and he attributes this all to yourself.”

  “I do not suppose that is true, but I am tired Jane and I need to sleep. Let us renew these talks the morrow.”

  Elizabeth was not that tired and her mind had her recalling every word that was spoken and deciphering every look that was made by Mr. Darcy this day. She had looked for something to complain about but found nothing. Her own faults she believed to be more easily discernible.

  For the first time in her life, Elizabeth Bennet had felt she desired a man and the thought had tormented her for many evenings for she would not believe, could not believe that Mr. Darcy could care for a daughter of a country farmer. She had dared to expose her heart and had even told him as much. Was she a fool? It was all there for the taking. She had as much as told him that she had feelings but he did not move on that. What was wrong with her? What was wrong with him?

  She now turned from those thoughts and back to her trip to Pemberly. The morrow she would speak with her father about this, but for now, she was getting tired and soon settled into a night of much needed sleep.

  CHAPTER 20

  STRANGE REVELATIONS

  Elizabeth awoke late and was surprised to see that all had eaten and that Mary was playing the pianoforte for Mr. Collins. Mrs. Bennet caught Elizabeth’s look and stopped her from saying anything that might interrupt the goings on between her younger sister and Mr. Collins. For that, Elizabeth was most pleased. Elizabeth then ate some breakfast and soon went outside for her walk. When she came back into the house, she was presented with a letter from Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth opened the letter and read with astonishment.

  Dear Miss Bennet,

  I regret to tell you that I have been summoned to attend to my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bough. She is Mr. Collins’ benefactor and my cousin Anne’s mother. She has recently become quite ill and I have gone to her. She is at her London home so I should be with her today and for some time until she improves or worst. Her home is about two miles from my own home and nearly the same distance from your aunt and uncle. If convenient, I shall visit your aunt and uncle and then return to Netherfield. Do what you can to keep fair weather for our walks together when I shall return.

  Yours,

  Fitzwilliam Darcy

  Mr. Darcy’s letter affected Elizabeth and she wished to know more but she did not have Mr. Darcy’s address in London. It was common knowledge there was a sickness spreading around and this was a real concern, not just to Mr. Darcy’s aunt but to her nephew as well, but the elderly were usually affected the worse. After much thought, Elizabeth asked Jane to inquire of Mr. Bingley to provide her Mr. Darcy’s address in London. That request being passed to her sister, Elizabeth made plans to discuss with Mr. Collins the situation with Mr. Darcy’s aunt, but Mr. Collins and Mary, whom were almost inseparable since the ball, had left the house to walk to Meryton.

  When Elizabeth thus met Mr. Collins he was distraught and Elizabeth was surprised at how his state affected Mary, such that Mary went to her father and asked that he help Mr. Collins go to London to be near Lady Catherine.

  More shocking was that Mary demanded that she accompany Mr. Collins. Elizabeth had never seen her sister act this way and soon Mrs. Bennet was supporting Mary’s request. Mr. Bennet was as astonished as anyone on Mary’s request but expected something between Mary and Mr. Collins so was not looking to be an impediment to any future happiness between those persons. Finally he gave way on the condition that Mary and Mr. Collins be accompanied by Elizabeth. Elizabeth then was reasonably directed to accompany Mary and so resigned herself to do what she could.

  Early that afternoon the three left in a coach for London, and since Mr. Collins had Lady Catherine’s address, the three arrived after dark. Mr. Collins was the first to enter the home and asked to see Lady Catherine immediately, but he was told by the butler that she was currently with the doctor. While the three of them were waiting, Mr. Darcy came downstairs and with a surprised look greeted the new arrivals.

  “Miss Bennets, Mr. Collins, I am surprised to see you.”

  “Do not worry sir, I am here now and all will be well,” stated Mr. Collins. Then he moved to go upstairs, but seeing his way blocked by Mr. Darcy, he said, “May I see to her ladyship?”

  “She is with Mr. Wallace, my doctor. He has stated she is to have no other visitors, but I shall tell her you have come. You all must be tired from your journey, let me call the servants to make rooms for you, and then we shall have some food. I am sure you must also be quite hungry.”

  “Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “Mary and I plan to stay at my aunt and uncle’s house. We will not impose on you in the least.”

  “I will hear nothing of that. I wish you to stay here. There is plenty of room and you may be able to help, but I have been directed by Mr. Wallace to follow his rules for caring for my aunt.”

  After a light dinner, Mr. Darcy took Mr. Collins upstairs to see his aunt. He did not stay long as he became quite excited to such a degree that one would think him a blood relative to Mrs. Bennet rather than to her husband. Such were his ramblings and attentions that Lady Catherine ga
ve her nephew that get him out of here look. After Mr. Collins left, his aunt confided that she never was so sick and she cautioned Mr. Darcy to protect himself and the others from catching her sickness. The doctor had told them it was a virulent influenza and that she would be sick for several days. Lady Catherine asked her nephew to stay with her as much as he could because she was afraid and had known many people had never recovered. Mr. Darcy had a large chair brought into the room and made plans to stay and share time with the servants in watching over his aunt, but she insisted he stay. He then thought that Elizabeth might help him so he approached her and soon she went with him to visit his aunt.

  “Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins came here this evening with his cousins. He is now with Mary Bennet and this lady is Elizabeth, Mary’s sister. She is a friend of mine and Mr. Bingley, and I think she can help you more than I could. I will arrange for a large chair to be brought in for her use too.”

  The great lady was near exhausted and her only reply before falling asleep was, “She is quite beautiful, nephew. We shall talk later, but thank you Miss Bennet.”

  For four days Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy stayed with the lady and took care of her. Lady Catherine, though quite demanding when she was well, was exactly the opposite whilst she was recovering, but once she started feeling better, the officer in her came out and she started firing off orders, though for some reason Mr. Darcy noticed that his aunt favored Elizabeth. It was all a surprise to him when Elizabeth told him that she liked his aunt. Now this was a first, because how could anyone really like Lady Catherine, except Mr. Collins, who had reasons more associated with duty?

  One afternoon, Lady Catherine summoned her nephew to her side and told him something that startled him. “Nephew, I hardly know where to start. You knew of your mother and my own plans for you and Anne to eventually be married. I have the sad news to inform you that Anne recently told me that she had met a man that she was interested in and that she and the man are engaged. I am so dishearten and I grieve for you nephew at your loss. Please do not hold me responsible. I am sure that I got sick based on this news as much as any other reason. The man is an Earl and is widowed with three children and the wedding will be next spring. Please do not be too upset about this, you will find another I am sure.”

  Mr. Darcy wanted to smile and jump up in happiness but took the news as humbly as he could by expressing his best wishes for his cousin’s health and happiness. Lady Catherine had never understood that neither her daughter nor Mr. Darcy had ever wished to marry the other, though it had been discussed many times.

  As Mr. Darcy left the room, his aunt asked that he summon Miss Bennet to her room.

  A knock on the door gave way to an invitation to enter and so Elizabeth came over to Lady Catherine and asked her if she was improving.

  “Yes, Miss Bennet, thanks to yourself and Mr. Darcy. You have been very kind to me, more kind than I deserve, but I wanted to tell you that I concur with the gentleman’s plans to marry, and I am sure you and I will become close friends.”

  Elizabeth was caught off-guard and felt the heat from her flush as she contemplated what had just been said. Had Lady Catherine been informed that Mr. Darcy and she were engaged? The nerve of that man to assume that I would marry him without so much as a courtship. And I may not even like him; I still have reservations.

  “Miss Bennet,” I believe your sister and Mr. Collins will be very happy together, do you not agree? I do hope your family will welcome the announcement. Miss Bennet, when you come to visit your sister, I should like very much to attend to you at Rosings Park. Now that my daughter will be moving away, it will be lonely at Rosings and you have such a spirit and wit about you that I find very pleasing. And when you do come, please attach yourself to my nephew and his sister.”

  “Yes, Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth said, trying to collect her composure and angry at herself that she had assumed the worse of Mr. Darcy. “I am sure all will be happy to learn the news, and I thank you for your kind words and I should like to visit you at Rosings. I seem to find Mr. Darcy’s and my paths crossing often since he came to Netherfield to visit Mr. Bingley. I shall hope that he will visit Rosings at the same time.”

  “Now Miss Bennet, please send Mr. Darcy back to me.”

  Elizabeth walked away but was numbed by the experience. Yes, she had first thought Mr. Darcy had announced his intentions for her and she had been quick to censor him, and for no reason at all. Though she was happy for Mary and Mr. Collins, and knew her mother would be ecstatic, now Elizabeth felt an emptiness inside as she realized that perhaps all Mr. Darcy wanted was to be her good friend. Somehow, for reasons she could not explain, she felt hurt that it was not herself and Mr. Darcy being the engaged couple. But Mary to marry Mr. Collins? The thought both excited and surprised her. At least Mr. Darcy could celebrate not being tied to a loveless marriage with his cousin, and Elizabeth was happy for him about that. Hearing these things was all too strange to understand such a change in her younger sister. Later, she and Mr. Darcy went for a walk and he told her all that Lady Catherine had told him and she told him as well of her visit wit his aunt.

  “Good for you, Mr. Darcy. Your aunt has released you from that commitment made years ago.”

  “Yes, I am happy about that, but I am also very happy about the news of your sister and Mr. Collins. You must know I was worried that he may ask for your hand, and knowing him to be such a social person and an accomplished dancer, well, I considered I should lose you to him.” He then looked mischievously at Elizabeth and they both started to laugh. But Miss Bennet, I am happy for them and I am happy that Mary will be near Rosings and that our paths might cross when I visit my aunt.”

  Elizabeth did a quick calculation and did not like her analysis of what he had just told her. Maybe he meant to say it differently, but he left it said that he would see her at Rosings. This did not seem like he had any romantic interest in her. But he also had said in jest that he was afraid of losing her to her cousin, or maybe he meant that? Well, did he care for her or not? She could not tell so they continued to walk in silence, but his statement of seeing her at Rosings implied he would probably not be seeing her much after he left Netherfield, and that upset her. What she did not know was that Mr. Darcy knew that his own words were awkward and he wanted to correct his misstatements.

  Miss Bennet, what I intended to say concerning your sister and Mr. Collins was that it is my intention to visit my aunt often if you are to be present too.

  And if I will not be visiting my sister, will you still come to Rosings, sir?

  “I think you can answer that question, Miss Bennet, can you not?”

  Elizabeth flashed a big smile at him as she realized how just being with him could often make her happy.

  “Miss Bennet, we shall have to return the day after tomorrow to Netherfield, but first I should like to accompany you and your aunt and uncle to the theater. Before that, you all are invited to dinner at my town home. Would you honor this request? I have already received the consent of the Gardiners.”

  “I should be delighted, Mr. Darcy, but you have made these plans without even asking me and before asking the Gardiners.”

  “Yes, you are correct, but you have not seen your aunt and uncle since you arrived, and I did not want you to leave to return to Netherfield until we could have a night off, and I wanted to visit with them as well. Is there something wrong with that logic?”

  “No sir, but I would have been pleased if you had discussed this with me before you made the plans.”

  “Of course you are correct. I was only hoping to please you, but now I see the obvious. That was inconsiderate of me Miss Bennet, and I apologize.”

  “Then I am looking forward to our evening, Mr. Darcy. I dare say it will be a welcome break for all of us and I am excited about seeing my aunt and uncle again.”

  “Then Miss Bennet, there is something else. My sister, Georginia has arrived in London and she will attend also. Your sister and Mr. Collins are lea
ving early the morrow to return to Longbourn as they wish to tell the family the news. I have written to your father to say that my own sister will accompany us back to Netherfield and I am sending one of my maids to accompany your sister and Mr. Collins. She will then go on to Netherfield.

  I hope this does not trouble you?”

  “No sir, you are very gracious.”

  Lady Catherine now being much improved, she made plans to return to Rosings. The dinner and the theatre made for a splendid evening enjoyed by all. Elizabeth immediately liked Miss Darcy, and she found her to be kind, but shy and reserved. She still found her quite smart and had discovered that she had an exceptional talent in playing the pianoforte. They sat next to each other at the dinner and at the theatre and Elizabeth noticed Miss Darcy eyeing how her brother was behaving and that she seemed quite interested in how he reacted to the lady from Longbourn.

  The next day they took Mr. Darcy’s coach to Longbourn and then to Netherfield. The trip back went well and Elizabeth was again impressed with Mr. Darcy and his sister and she saw the depths of their affections. But she was not excluded from the same feelings as she had felt Mr. Darcy gently grab her own hand under the cover and play with her fingers and all the while he was flirting with her by staring at her and his easy smiles affected her greatly.