by Jann Rowland
She was now bereft of any family or name, as she was certain her parents would no longer countenance any congress between her and any of them. The thought of being forever estranged from Jane brought particular pangs, and Elizabeth, though she tried valiantly, could not suppress a sob.
She barely noticed when their progress stopped, but she could hardly miss when Mr. Darcy pulled himself up on the horse behind her, settling into the saddle and pulling her to him. He shook the reins, and the horse started forward, and Elizabeth, shocked as she was by his actions, could not speak for a few moments.
“Surely this is not proper, Mr. Darcy,” said she, attempting—and failing miserably—to inject a hint of levity in her voice.
“I find that I care little for propriety at this moment, Miss Bennet.” He regarded her with that heart-stopping smile of his before his gaze became somewhat mischievous. “There is no one about to observe us, Miss Bennet.”
“We might still meet someone.”
“In that case, what is the worst that could happen? I might be forced to marry you to save both our reputations. I am well able to bear the thought of such an eventuality.”
Blushing, Elizabeth could only laugh, it sounded mirthless even to her own ears. She settled up against him, content for the moment to be encircled in his strong arms.
They rode on for several moments, and Elizabeth could tell that they were making better time than previously, which was likely a good thing. The day was waning, and the cool air was becoming biting, and Elizabeth knew that should it get much colder, her pelisse would not be much protection against the chill. It had been a long and exhausting day, and she would not be unhappy to have it end in a warm bath and a cozy bed.
“Although I cannot understand your feelings at this time,” said Darcy, the gentle buzz of his voice sounding close beside her ear, “I urge you not to give any credence to your parents’ words. You are an exceptional young woman, Elizabeth Bennet, and your parents do not deserve to have you in their lives.”
As if his words were the final assault on her already overwrought emotions, Elizabeth felt the hold on her emotions shatter and break. She let loose a hoarse sob that was followed by a torrent of tears. She clung to Mr. Darcy’s coat in desperation, crying for the harsh life she had had in her parents’ home, for the pain of the severing of her family ties, for the loss of her dearest sister, and for the life lost, that of her brother, who had perished under the most tragic of circumstances. For Elizabeth, it was the first time she had sobbed thus since her aunt’s kindness had broken down her barriers when Elizabeth had left Longbourn for the first time all those years ago.
When her tears finally subsided and her sobs stilled, she was content merely to bask in the warmth of a lovers’ embrace. And for the moment, Mr. Darcy said nothing either, as he appeared to take as much comfort in her presence as she did in his.
“I would apologize for provoking such a storm of tears, but I had a feeling that you required them.”
Elizabeth nodded. “The release of emotion can be cathartic indeed. I have not indulged in them in such a way for many a year.”
Though he did not answer her, Elizabeth felt the tightening of his hold, and they continued in silence. It was not a few moments later when Elizabeth began to take notice and interest in their surroundings.
“Where are we going, Mr. Darcy?”
“Netherfield,” replied he shortly. “In fact, we shall be there momentarily.”
Pulling away, Elizabeth looked up to him askance. “Is that wise?”
“It is not wise to continue out in this cold when you have been subjected to it the entire day.”
“Still, for me to show up at Mr. Bingley’s home unannounced . . .”
“Not precisely unannounced,” said Mr. Darcy. “I sent an express off this morning when I left, notifying Bingley that I was leaving Kent and warning him of the possibility that we might arrive at his doorstep today. My man is following with my clothes and should arrive today. We will send a footman to Longbourn for your trunk when we arrive there.”
“It seems that you think of everything, sir.”
A smile met her declaration. “I must warn you, Miss Bennet, that I am of a very serious frame of mind. I am also an organized and dutiful creature, so if you feel you cannot live with such a man, then I suggest you tell me so at once.”
Elizabeth feigned astonishment. “What shall I do, sir? It is a daunting prospect to be married to a man without fault.”
“I am not without fault. But if you wish for a partner who will devote himself to your happiness and comfort, then I am at your complete disposal.”
“I am happy to hear it,” said Elizabeth, struggling not to tear up at his response.
Luckily, she was prevented from responding, as Mr. Darcy announced that Netherfield had become visible through the trees. More pressing issues once again plagued Elizabeth’s mind, and she turned to look a little fearfully at the rising prominence of the manor.
“I must own that I am not anticipating being subjected to Miss Bingley’s supercilious sneers and affected superiority.”
“Leave Miss Bingley to me,” said Mr. Darcy.
They soon stopped in front of the manor, and Mr. Darcy let himself down from the horse. He was just reaching up to assist with her own descent when the master of Netherfield, trailed by Miss Bingley, emerged from the front door. Mr. Bingley had a look of concern on his face, but his sister only displayed a fierce scowl, though the expression was erased when she saw Mr. Darcy glance at her.
“It seems you were correct, Darcy,” said Mr. Bingley as he approached and shook Mr. Darcy’s hand.
“Believe me, Bingley, it brings me no pleasure to be proven correct in this instance.”
Bingley nodded and turned to Elizabeth. “I am happy to see you, Miss Bennet, looking unscathed by your ordeal. I assure you that you are welcome to stay at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth only had time to thank him and to assure him that she was well when the shrill tones of Miss Bingley interrupted them.
“What can you mean by calling her ‘Miss Bennet,’ Charles? Do you not know that she has been married to Mr. Collins this past month?”
“My sham of a marriage was struck down yesterday morning, Miss Bingley,” spoke up Elizabeth, unwilling to allow the two men to speak for her. “I am Miss Bennet, and I would appreciate it greatly if you would not refer to me with the name of the man who conspired with my father to force me to the altar.”
If anything, Miss Bingley’s sneer of derision became even more pronounced. “So you obtained an annulment.” Miss Bingley turned her back on Elizabeth, as if giving her the cut direct, and addressed her next comments to her brother. “Surely you cannot mean for . . . this woman to stay here, Charles. Not with the stigma of an annulment attached to her.”
“I assure you that I do mean to extend our hospitality to Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley, his voice allowing for no argument.
“If it is any consolation,” said Darcy, interrupting Miss Bingley when she appeared about to deliver a retort, “I was at the annulment hearing when the Archbishop of Canterbury himself declared that Miss Bennet was in no way responsible for what happened to her and that no stigma should be attached to her.”
“You were at her annulment?” sputtered Miss Bingley. “That is singular, Mr. Darcy. I was not even aware that you had seen her lately. I am all astonishment that you would take such an interest in her.”
“I take quite a lot of interest in her,” replied Mr. Darcy, his manner as serious as Elizabeth had ever seen. “I received her approval of a courtship the day before her father separated us.”
This last was said with such a tender look that Elizabeth almost melted in response. Miss Bingley, however, watched them with a slack jaw and bulging eyes; soon, however, her expression became a thin glare of displeasure. The woman would bear watching; now that Mr. Darcy had stated his intentions outright, she would be looking for any opportunity to end Elizabeth’s relati
onship with him.
“Now, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley, a grin affixed to his face in response to their obvious affection, “I shall call a maid to show you to your room directly. I have no doubt that you will wish to refresh yourself after your journey.”
Elizabeth curtseyed and thanked him, and she gratefully allowed herself to be led away to her room. Mr. Darcy bid her a quiet farewell and promised that he would see her for supper that evening; then he turned to Mr. Bingley and thanked him. The last thing Elizabeth witnessed before she climbed the stairs to the second level was the sight of Miss Bingley raising her voice in anger and Mr. Bingley giving a firm response. At least, Elizabeth hoped it was firm. The woman already promised to be insufferable.
The bathwater was hot and plentiful, and Elizabeth felt her weary body relax in response. So relaxed did she become that she almost fell asleep in the bath, and only the arrival of the maid who had been sent to attend her prevented her from following her body’s intentions. But Elizabeth would not allow herself to slight her host—Mr. Bingley had welcomed her into his house against his sister’s wishes, and she would not be so rude as to fall asleep before she had attended him for the evening.
When Elizabeth had finished her bath, she dressed in a simple evening dress—what remained of her clothes had arrived in the interim—and prepared to remove herself to the sitting room before supper. She had almost finished her preparations when a knock sounded on her door. After she gave the signal, the door opened, and a young maid stepped in.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet, but your presence is requested in the sitting room.”
Frowning, Elizabeth wondered at the purpose for her summons. She had thought Mr. Bingley would be content to allow her to spend the evening in her room if she should desire it. Something must have occurred to prompt the summons.
“Tell Mr. Bingley that I shall come directly,” said Elizabeth to the maid, who curtseyed and left the room.
It was only a moment later when Elizabeth left her room, her curiosity afire with the reason for her summons. But it immediately became clear to her. The moment she entered the room, she found herself enveloped in a fierce embrace.
“Jane?” was the only thing Elizabeth was able to manage before she too was crying and hugging her elder sister, afraid that this would reveal itself to be nothing more than a dream if she pulled away.
When the tears stopped and the sisters were able to pull apart slightly, Elizabeth was able to see her sister through watery eyes, and in a voice choked with emotion, she said, “How came you to be here?”
“I could not stay there any longer,” sobbed Jane. “I do not know my parents, and to be frank, I do not wish to know them. I never saw such cruelty before as when father struck you. I do not wish to stay in his house.”
The last was said in a whispered voice, and Elizabeth, unable to bear her sister’s distress, once again drew her close.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” said the voice of Mr. Bingley. For the first time since she had entered the room, Elizabeth became aware of the presence of the gentlemen. “Shall I call for tea? I believe that we have much to discuss.”
The sisters released one another, and Elizabeth turned to see the indulgent yet concerned gazes of both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Though Mr. Darcy was dressed in the same clothes as he had been previously, he had bathed himself, and his clothes had been brushed, and if he was not his typical immaculate self, at least he appeared to be clean and comfortable.
“What is there to discuss?” asked Jane in a dispirited tone. “I am not yet one and twenty, and though Papa has given consent for my marriage, the thought of living at Longbourn until we marry is insupportable.”
“Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy, “there may be something we can do. Shall you not take tea with us?”
“Indeed, Jane,” said Elizabeth, “we should do as Mr. Darcy has suggested.”
Taking a visible breath to calm herself, Jane nodded and allowed herself to be led to a nearby couch. As Mr. Bingley ordered their tea, Elizabeth sat close by her sister, determined that nothing should come between them. Jane, Elizabeth was pleased to see, appeared just as eager to stay as close as possible. Mr. Darcy watched over them as a dog watches over his bone, and though he said nothing, it was clear that his concern for them was more than just friendly. The only one of the house who was not present was Miss Bingley, and Mr. Darcy informed them at a question from Elizabeth that the woman had chosen to remain in her rooms.
When the tea was delivered, Elizabeth assumed the task of pouring, for Jane was clearly still too overwrought to concentrate on such a mundane task. As soon as they all held a teacup in their hand, the discussion began in earnest.
“How did you get here, Jane?” asked Elizabeth with no small measure of curiosity. Though her sister was certainly capable, Elizabeth did not think her the type to walk three miles in the cold.
“I rode,” she replied simply. “The stable hand was not present, so I saddled the horse myself and left Longbourn as soon as I was able. I could not stay in that house one moment longer.”
“What happened, Jane?”
Jane huffed, which was a sound which Elizabeth had never heard from her before. “More of what usually happens. My father returned to his bookroom as you departed, and my mother was in hysterics, moaning about what would happen when he dies. I think I understand his aversion to her company in a way I never have before.”
“That does not make it right for him to ignore her and belittle her,” said Elizabeth with indignation.
“No, it does not,” said Jane with a sigh. “But I do understand it. For all of his failings, my father is an intelligent man, and my mother would try the patience of a saint.”
“It is obvious he married her in a moment of infatuation,” said Mr. Darcy. “Unless a person is fortunate enough to make such an alliance with a person with whom one is well-suited, sudden passion and infatuation cannot be a reason for lasting happiness and harmony.”
“Indeed, it cannot,” said Mr. Bingley. “But that cannot be an excuse.”
Mr. Darcy gestured in agreement, and the group fell silent. A stray thought caused Elizabeth to break it.
“And what happened with Mr. Collins?”
“Mrs. Hill saw him to a room immediately, and he showed no inclination to leave it. I am certain he was as fatigued with Mama’s hysterics as was I.”
“I am glad you have come, Jane. I had thought that my entire family was lost to me. I am happy to be proven wrong about you at least.”
“You may have more family available to you than you thought.”
Elizabeth looked at Jane askance, and Jane smiled and laid a hand on her arm.
“Kitty and Mary have both changed substantially since you left,” said Jane. “Kitty and Lydia had a falling out, so Kitty tends to stay with me and Mary. And Mary told me that she wishes she had treated you better when you were at Longbourn.”
It was all Elizabeth could do not to choke up and shed tears at the thought that her sisters might be thawing toward her. She did not know either girl well, as neither had given her the opportunity to know them, but after having been so long denied any relationship with her birth family, Elizabeth could only grasp at the idea of having sisters with eager anticipation.
That thought brought on another, and she turned to Mr. Darcy, noting that he appeared to have the same thought she had.
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, I am serious in my interest in helping your sisters,” said he.
“It seems to me that we have a ready solution for our immediate problem,” said Mr. Bingley. “Your father has already given his consent to my marriage with Jane, and the settlement papers are signed. The only thing holding us back is the date we already decided on, which is a month away. If I were to purchase a special license, we could marry at any time, and my dearest Jane would not need to return to Longbourn.”
“And it would save you from enduring a month more of engagement,” said Darcy with amusement.
Mr. Bingley looked at Jane, his heart in his very gaze, and she blushed in response. “I find that I can bear the deprivation of being denied a long engagement very well indeed,” said he. He then tore his eyes away from Jane and said, “Darcy, can I assume you are still set on Miss Elizabeth?”
“I am,” replied Darcy without any delay.
“With Jane and I married, Elizabeth could stay with us until your own marriage takes place. That would solve the problem of her accommodations while you are still courting.”
“I believe the courtship phase is over,” said Darcy in a low tone, with his customary intensity.
Elizabeth reveled in the feeling of love she had for this man, but pushing those feelings aside, she turned to Mr. Bingley and said, “I would not wish to impose upon you so soon after you are married. And Jane deserves a large celebration when she weds.”
“I do not need such trappings, Elizabeth,” said Jane, taking her sister’s hands in her own. “All I wish is to be married to the man I love. It matters not if Mama is allowed to spend more of Papa’s money than she ought and to host a wedding breakfast to be talked of for many years to come. Those are her wishes, not mine.”
“And let me dispel your other objection,” said Mr. Bingley. “Jane and I have the rest of our lives to travel and share one another’s company. You are concerned about imposing, but you should put such thoughts from your mind. We will be happy to facilitate your courtship with my dearest friend. After all, I shall be gaining a brother whom I have always wished to gain.” A smile then fell over his features, and he continued, “Though I suppose that I shall not be gaining a brother in the manner in which at least one of my sisters has always schemed.”
Though the allusion to Miss Bingley and her ambitions lightened the atmosphere slightly, there was little of mirth to be had. Elizabeth knew that the woman had not given up her fight and would not do so until Elizabeth was pronounced Mr. Darcy’s wife, but Elizabeth was not concerned about Miss Bingley’s actions.
“I do not think that this arrangement will be required for long,” said Mr. Darcy, interrupting her thoughts. “I wish to be married as soon as possible so that I may legally bring you under my protection. Once that happens, your father will have no more control over you.”