by Kara Louise
Mrs. Bennet saw it otherwise, and soon Mr. Collins realized that he had, indeed, been refused. He then changed his opinion of this daughter and began speaking as though he would not reconsider her.
Mrs. Bennet knew she must appeal to her husband and quickly left Collins before he was able to say another word. Fortunately for Elizabeth, her father would have nothing to do with his wife’s insistence that Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins.
Elizabeth smiled with relief at the conclusion of such a beginning, but Mrs. Bennet was excessively disappointed. When she left the room enumerating the agonies she suffered, Elizabeth gave her father a hug.
“Now, now, Lizzy, enough of that. You should know me well enough by now to know that I am not inclined to give my consent to just any man who is silly enough to imagine he has regard for you and thinks he can simply ask for your hand. Presently I do not feel as though any man is worthy of you, let alone Collins. So, my dear, even if you had said yes to the man, I would have absolutely refused it!”
Elizabeth smiled, grateful for her father’s scrupulous opinion in this matter, but wondering how William would fare under it.
The household was in turmoil the rest of the day as Collins refused to be mollified and Mrs. Bennet blamed Elizabeth for ruining everything.
Elizabeth consoled herself with the fact that this would soon be all forgotten once her mother was informed of her marriage to a man of £10,000 a year!
***
While Elizabeth was suffering from the unsettling events of this day, Darcy endured, impatiently and fretfully, the long carriage ride back to Pemberley. His heart was tossed about thinking with joy on Elizabeth, but with trepidation on Georgiana. He did not trust Wickham one bit and would not put it past him to still harbour a grudge and resort to some revenge upon him, his home, or, as much as he did not want to think upon it, his sister.
Darcy rested his arm against the window of the carriage and let his head fall into his hand. Georgiana seemed so young then, and he wondered if her willingness to go with that charlatan had to do with the fact that Wickham had treated her like a grown lady, whereas he did not. She was his younger sister, and he zealously wanted keep her young and innocent. Darcy took in a long, deep breath.
If he arrived too late and Wickham did anything to Georgiana, he would never forgive himself.
Darcy watched the passing scenery, anxiously anticipating the first glimpse of the familiar landscape of Derbyshire. He knew it would be an all-day journey and he would be subject to every thought of apprehension for his sister. He allowed himself to smile as he thought of Elizabeth, his wife. His anticipation of bringing her back to Pemberley with him instilled in him great joy.
Needing a respite from his anxiety, he thought upon Elizabeth having walked the grounds of Pemberley, and it gave him a great sense of contentment. To know she had graced some of the rooms with her presence and even talked to his sister pleased him immensely. How he looked forward to returning with her in his arms. He knew Georgiana would think well of her.
His eyes narrowed as he considered what the rest of his family would say about her. His aunt… Darcy closed his eyes. She still clung tenaciously to that foolish notion that he would marry her daughter. She was fiercely protective of her name and her circle, and that sense of protection extended to Darcy and Pemberley. He could only imagine what might happen the first time he introduced Elizabeth to her as his wife. He was quite sure there would be enough sparks between them to start a fire in all of her fireplaces without any kindling.
Darcy determined that it would be best to inform his aunt of his marriage when Elizabeth was not in their presence. He had no idea if he would ever be able to sway her opinion of his wife, but he would make a gallant effort.
He allowed himself to ponder Elizabeth’s family. On the three occasions that he had been in their presence, there had been some markedly objectionable behaviour displayed.
Darcy sighed. Perhaps all Elizabeth’s family needed was a little exposure to genteel living. He absently shook his head. Her mother was probably too set in her ways to change, and the two youngest sisters, particularly the youngest, would need some sharp discipline! He held out hope for her father, however.
He consoled himself with the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were a decent, respectable couple. He regarded them highly from his visit and felt he could befriend them easily; in fact, he greatly desired to deepen his friendship with them. He believed them to have been one very positive influence in Elizabeth’s life.
He knew he would have to make a determined effort to view Elizabeth’s family with a little more tolerance.
Darcy arrived at Pemberley at dusk and immediately sought out Georgiana. He greeted his surprised sister warmly. It was too late to do any investigation into Wickham’s presence, although he did check discreetly with the household staff to see if anyone knew who wrote the note or if any had seen Wickham. None had.
***
The following day at Longbourn, Elizabeth was sitting outdoors with Jane and enjoying the cool, crisp day. It was good to be outdoors and far from the continuing outbursts of Mrs. Bennet over Elizabeth’s refusal. Jane felt the extent of her mother’s disapprobation toward her sister as much as Elizabeth did. They were both grateful that Mr. Collins had excused himself and was spending the day with the Lucases.
“Did you enjoy your visit with Mr. Bingley yesterday, Jane?”
“I had a most enjoyable time at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth smiled, knowing that Miss Bingley would have to have been on her best behaviour in front of her brother. “Yes, and it is good you were there when Mr. Collins was here humiliating me as well as himself!” Elizabeth looked at Jane and rolled her eyes. “I have never been so uncomfortable in my whole life!”
“I am so sorry that happened!”
“Well, Jane, I believe there are just some things in life that are meant to happen that you cannot avoid.”
Jane took her hand. “You miss Mr. Darcy. I can tell.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Sometimes I feel that just knowing he loves me gives me strength to endure anything. But, yes, Jane, I do miss him.”
“I enjoyed watching the two of you at the ball. It was also interesting to hear the thread of gossip that began to circulate after your first dance, and then increased greatly after your second.”
“And just what were they saying?”
“That the esteemed Mr. Darcy certainly has good taste, and wherever he goes, he can have the best pick of dance partners.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “And?”
Jane looked down. “And… that you better not hold to any expectations about his having danced two with you.”
“I shall remember that, as Miss Bingley gave me the same warning.”
Both sisters laughed.
Elizabeth reached over and put her hand on Jane’s. “Have you told Mr. Bingley… about William and me?”
Jane shook her head. “I do not feel as though I should; at least, not until he makes an offer of marriage to me. I do not feel it right to mention that his best friend is secretly married to my sister.”
“That is probably very wise, Jane.”
“I know that he shall be greatly pleased, Elizabeth; do not fret about that. I would not want him to think that I am telling him solely to encourage him to make me an offer of marriage.”
As the two began talking of other things, they saw the object of their conversation approach them on horseback, surprising Jane with a visit. He joined the two sisters as they visited, and at length, Charles and Jane departed to go for a walk.
Elizabeth turned her attention back to her sisters and the officers and continued to watch in concern as one of the officers, George Wickham, seemed to concentrate his attentions on Lydia. Her youngest sister responded in what seemed, to Elizabeth, to be an overly flirtatious and even provocative way. He had a charming personality, but Elizabeth wondered about his intentions. Certainly a man in his position would not bother with someone
with as little fortune as Lydia. She was surprised, then, when he walked over to her.
“Good day,” he said, seating himself next to her. “You have a very pleasant family, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wickham.” For some unknown reason, Elizabeth felt his words were a little too coated in sweetness.
“And your sister and Mr. Bingley seem very happy.”
“Yes, they are.”
Wickham smiled and paused, as if searching for a way to say something.
“And his friend, what is his name?”
Elizabeth quickly turned to him with a blush sweeping over her face, startled at his reference to her husband. “He… his name is Mr. Darcy.”
Wickham smiled at her obvious nervousness.
“And is he from around here?”
Elizabeth chided herself for her sudden nervousness. “He lives in Derbyshire.” Elizabeth unknowingly began rubbing her hands together.
“And you said you had only come to know him spending those few days at Netherfield?” He flashed her a charming smile, meant to disarm and assure her of his trustworthiness.
Elizabeth turned her face from him, feeling as if she was being interrogated.
“I… he…” Elizabeth had the gnawing suspicion that his questions were not as casual as they seemed. “I have not known him long, no.”
Wickham narrowed his eyes, noticing her obvious discomfort.
“I notice that he did not join his friend today. Is he no longer in the neighbourhood, then?”
Elizabeth looked at him, searching the face behind the charming smile, suave voice, and penetrating eyes. “No, I believe he had some business that took him back to his home in Derbyshire.”
Wickham’s charming smile was quickly replaced by a satisfied grin.
Further conversation was prevented by Lydia briskly walking toward them.
“Mr. Wickham, I wondered where you had gone off to!”
“Well, Miss Elizabeth, it appears as though your sister desires my company. If you will excuse me, it has been a pleasure conversing with you.” Wickham gave her a polite bow, and then eagerly went off with Lydia.
As he walked away, Elizabeth was annoyed at herself for reacting as she did. Why did I feel so uneasy when he spoke of William? She gripped her hands together and shook her head. There was no reason to react that way . She could not help turning her gaze back on him, nevertheless, wondering what it was about him that so disconcerted her.
Chapter 27
Darcy arose at dawn the next day to get an early start making inquiries with Durnham’s help. When no one at Pemberley seemed to recall seeing Wickham in quite a long time, they set out for the surrounding villages and made inquiries. Wickham had not been seen by anyone.
That night Darcy retreated to his study. It had been a long day and he was too restless to sit and relax, wondering what Wickham could be doing and who it was that saw him. What is it that I am not seeing? he asked himself. He paced relentlessly before walking over to the mantel and picking up Elizabeth’s sampler. As he looked at it, Georgiana walked in.
“Am I disturbing you?”
Darcy quickly put the sampler down and returned to his chair. “No, please, come in and sit.”
Instead of sitting, Georgiana walked up to her brother’s desk, facing him. She had just come to learn from one of the servants that his preoccupation since arriving had something to do with Wickham.
She decided to ask him outright. “Fitzwilliam, what brought you home so suddenly?”
Her eyes searched his and noticed the pain that flooded them.
“I… I received a note that there was a matter of urgency here that needed my attention.”
Georgiana waited, but he seemed reluctant to go on. He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. Over the years, Georgiana had come to recognize that as a sign he was nervous and concealing something.
“Does it have to do with George Wickham?”
Darcy started at this, looking up into the wise, maturing face of his sister. Her look of tenacity surprised him at first, and then softened his guard.
“Have you seen him recently?”
Georgiana shook her head. “No, and I do not wish to, but I would have liked to have been informed of this.”
“You have grown up, Georgiana, and sometimes it is difficult for me to remember that.” He stood up and beckoned her to come to him. She walked around the desk and he drew her into his arms.
“I received a note that Wickham had been seen around Lambton and Pemberley. I was worried about you.”
“Did you not trust me, Fitzwilliam?”
“I trust you, Georgiana. I do not trust him.”
He drew her away and looked at her. “I will make some final inquiries into this matter tomorrow, and then on the following day I want you to join me when I return to Netherfield.”
She gave him a sly smile, and walked over to the mantel. “You have been spending a great deal of time with your good friend, Charles Bingley. You must be enjoying his company.”
“Yes, I am.”
“And Miss Bingley?”
“Miss Bingley is, and always will be, an unfortunate accessory to my friendship with Bingley.”
Darcy watched as Georgiana casually picked up the sampler.
“And what of Miss Bennet?”
A lump in Darcy’s throat forced him to swallow, and he watched her turn slowly and give him a piercing gaze.
“Miss Bennet?”
“Yes.” She turned and bore her eyes into him. “You claim that you trust me. Would you please trust me enough to tell me exactly who Miss Elizabeth Bennet is?”
Darcy stared at her and then laughed softly.
“Oh, I had forgotten. She mentioned that she met you when she and her aunt and uncle toured Pemberley.”
“So you have seen her at Hertfordshire!”
“Yes, I have. But how did you know?”
Georgiana walked back around to the chair opposite his desk and sat, still holding on to the sampler. “Too many things were all too conveniently linked together. You called out the name Elizabeth from the carriage in America and reacted in a way I had never seen you act. And then there was the strange note from Wendell, with only the word Longbourn written on it. When Miss Bennet visited Pemberley, she mentioned that she lived at Longbourn, which is in Hertfordshire, which just happened to be where you set off to so suddenly.”
“You are quite the detective, I see.”
“Oh, I have all the clues, but I do not know what they mean! The final clue, however, I have just recently discovered while you have been gone.”
“And what is that?”
She held up the sampler. “I had not noticed this before, but a few days ago I was looking at this sampler and I saw the initials of the one who stitched it. EB . They are cleverly concealed among the tendrils of the vine, but definitely an EB. Now please do not tell me it is all a coincidence!” Georgiana crossed her arms in front of her, as if she was not going to leave until he explained this all for her.
Darcy looked up, taking a deep breath as he did. “I met Miss Bennet on the ship going to America.”
“I thought as much.”
Darcy tightened his jaw as he contemplated how much to tell her. “I grew quite attached to her, but did not come to learn any particulars about where she lived or where she was staying upon arriving in America. That morning when we docked, I went in search for her, but she had already disembarked and was on a carriage to I know not where.”
“And that is why you seemed so despondent when you arrived in America?”
Darcy nodded. “All I knew was that she was staying with her aunt and uncle in New York for a few months and then would return to England. I knew she lived in Hertfordshire. Wendell said he would see if he could find out exactly where she lived. That was what his note was for, which, by the way, was addressed to me, and younger sisters should not be sneaking a peek at their brother’s correspondence!”
Georgiana smi
led and looked down, then slowly lifted her eyes to look innocently at him.
“So you found her at Longbourn in Hertfordshire?”
Darcy nodded, a wide grin spreading across his face.
Georgiana clasped her hands. “I am glad!”
“You are glad?”
“Yes. Fitzwilliam, I liked her so very much, and I prayed and prayed that she was someone of whom you were fond and that she cared for you in return.” She nervously looked down at her hands. “I have very often thought about the fact that you would someday marry, and that it might be someone whom I would not like or who would not understand me.”
Darcy reached across the desk and gave Georgiana’s hand a gentle squeeze. “And what did you think of Elizabeth? I mean, Miss Bennet?”
“I did like her. Just in that small amount of time I spent with her, I came to like her very much.” She looked at him and smiled. “She is so very unlike any other woman I have seen you with.”
Darcy looked down, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Now you know very well, Georgiana, that I have never really taken a strong liking to any particular woman. Usually the association was out of duty or obligation or some familial obligation. There may have been a few whose company I enjoyed, but none I would have sought as my wife.”
“Oh, but there were certainly many who wanted you to take a liking to them and who would have, without the slightest hesitation, consented to being your wife!”
“Yes, and I can remember all your comments after I would introduce one of those women to you.”
Georgiana looked down, displaying a childlike pout for her brother. “I was not that bad, was I, Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy laughed. “I quickly discovered, Georgiana, that the quieter you were around the lady, the more vocal you would be to me after she left!”
Darcy smiled at his sister. He had wondered over the years if she would have approved of any lady. He often speculated that his sister would be more reticent to give her approval of a woman than his mother would have been. “And how did you find Elizabeth?”