by Jann Rowland
“After what happened today, I doubt that my father wishes to have anything further to do with me.”
“Yet I believe it prudent to remove all doubt.”
The earnestness of his gaze was such that Elizabeth felt herself become warm all over, and she could do nothing more than nod her approval.
“In that case, I believe that there is only one thing left to do,” said Mr. Bingley with his typical joviality of character. When Mr. Darcy turned to him with a raised eyebrow, he laughed. “Though I might be wrong, I believe that you have not actually proposed to Miss Elizabeth. Is that not correct?”
“You are correct, Bingley,” said Mr. Darcy. “And if you can give us a few moments of privacy before dinner, I shall rectify that oversight immediately.”
Almost before Elizabeth was aware, Jane and Mr. Bingley had gone away, leaving her alone in the company of Mr. Darcy. Before they left, however, their pleasure and happiness was expressed amid subtle jests and mild teasing which Elizabeth roused herself to respond to in like kind. Soon, however, she was left alone with Mr. Darcy.
“Ours has been an unconventional courtship, has it not?” said he.
Elizabeth laughed, happy to finally have the ability to feel amusement. “It has indeed, Mr. Darcy. I imagine you must be asking yourself if I am worth the trouble.”
“There is no doubt that you are worth any cost, Miss Elizabeth.”
He strode to where Elizabeth was still sitting on the couch and knelt beside her. Elizabeth did not know what to think or how to feel. She knew that she should feel happy, but at the moment, she only knew that she was content—happiness would come after she had been able to sit back and take stock of all that had happened the past few days.
“I am not an eloquent man,” began Mr. Darcy. “But I am fortunate, as I do not think you to be a woman who desires flowery statements or poetry to be induced to accept a proposal.”
“Indeed, I do not.”
“Then I shall simply tell you that I have grown to admire and love you. Your courage in the face of almost insurmountable difficulty, your ability to be cheerful, your indomitable will, and your determination have all impressed upon me the heights of your character. I believe you will be the perfect companion and the perfect partner in the management of my estates and life. I love you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I ask you most humbly if you will honor me with your heart and your hand.”
Later, Elizabeth was never able to remember exactly how she had responded. But she knew that somehow she had managed to answer, almost coherently, in the affirmative. She did remember the feel of Mr. Darcy’s arms about her as he cradled her to his chest, and she remembered the feeling of utter peace and contentment. She also recalled the comforting assurance that she would never again be alone.
Chapter XXX
That evening, it was decided that until Jane and Mr. Bingley’s wedding could take place, the ladies would stay in Mr. Darcy’s townhouse, where his sister and her companion were currently in residence. That would satisfy the demands of propriety for the time being.
That night was therefore busy, as there was much to do to prepare for the departure. First, Jane wrote a letter to her parents, informing them of her removal to Netherfield and, subsequently, to London. It was Jane’s fear that her father would object and arrive at Netherfield to return her to Longbourn, but Elizabeth said that she doubted her father would rouse himself to make such an effort. And she was proven correct, as the only response was the arrival of Mrs. Bennet, who shrilly demanded that Jane return to the family home. Mrs. Bennet was not allowed entrance to the house, however, and she eventually went away. A footman arrived a short time later with some personal effects, and while they were not all of Jane’s possessions, Mr. Bingley assured her that she would be able to purchase anything she required after they were married.
The other difficulty lay with Miss Bingley, who, it appeared, was not quite ready to relinquish her argument against her brother’s planned nuptials. When she was informed that they were to return to London, she was initially ecstatic, but her countenance quickly changed to displeased when she learned that both Bennet sisters would travel with them.
“Surely you can see that Jane Bennet is not a suitable bride,” said Miss Bingley as they were gathered in the sitting room before dinner. That she had deigned to descend at all spoke to her determination to extricate her brother from his engagement. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, who had returned from a short trip to Meryton sometime earlier, could only look on their sister’s lack of tact in astonishment.
A sneer in Elizabeth’s direction was followed by Miss Bingley’s further statement: “With no fortune and no connections, she cannot assist your advancement in society, and with a sister now boasting the singular accomplishment of an annulment, she can only be a detriment to our whole family should you wed. Surely you must see this.”
“I will thank you not to impugn the honor of my betrothed in front of her,” said Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth had always known him to be an amiable man, but she had wondered at his mettle. This display seemed to put that concern to rest.
“And I would think that Jane could benefit my ‘advancement in society,’ as you call it, very substantially. A connection to the Darcy family is not to be put aside so lightly.”
“You are already connected to Mr. Darcy by virtue of your long friendship with him,” snapped Miss Bingley. “Do not be obtuse, Charles.”
“And I assure you that I am not being so,” said Mr. Bingley. “But a connection via marriage is much more substantial than a mere friendship.”
Miss Bingley appeared to be started at such a statement, but she shook her head. “If Mr. Darcy should ask for my hand, then you shall become brothers, but it shall not be due to marriage to Miss Bennet.”
“And there you are wrong,” said Mr. Darcy. One glace at him told Elizabeth that he was not happy with Miss Bingley’s protestations or her allusion to an eventual marriage between him and Miss Bingley. “Just this day, Miss Elizabeth has done me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage. Thus, with both Bingley and I wedding sisters, we shall, in fact, become brothers.”
All astonishment, Miss Bingley gaped at Mr. Darcy. Of course, such a proud woman could not accept her ambitions crumbling before her, so she chose to disbelieve what she had been told.
“I am comforted by the knowledge that you possess a fine sense of humor, sir. I know that you would never sully your name by sharing it with such . . . such a . . .”
“I caution you to consider your next words very carefully, Miss Bingley,” said Darcy. Though his tone was calm, his countenance was stony. “Miss Elizabeth shall indeed be my wife as soon as may be, and I do not take kindly to anyone disparaging those who are close to me. If you wish to be invited to any of our homes in the future, I suggest you moderate your comments.”
A sickly expression fell over the woman’s face, and Elizabeth thought for a moment that her anger and disappointment would overcome her good judgment. But Miss Bingley managed to master her emotions, though congratulations were not forthcoming.
“That is . . . fortunate for you, Miss Eliza,” managed the woman. “Now, if you will excuse me, I believe that rest will do me well, for I fear that I have a headache.”
And with that, Miss Bingley quit the room. Mr. Bingley appeared embarrassed at his sister’s behavior, as did Mrs. Hurst, but the lady gathered herself and approached Elizabeth.
“I extend my congratulations to you, Miss Elizabeth. I am certain you shall be very happy with Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Hurst. I believe I shall.”
The older lady smiled, but her eyes darted in a worried manner at the door through which her sister had just exited and betrayed her concern.
“I believe I should go to Caroline, Charles,” said she, turning to her brother. “To put it indelicately, I am certain there is no one in this room who was unaware of Caroline’s . . . ambitions. She is likely to be quite affected.”
“Though I am sorry for
your sister’s disappointment,” said Mr. Darcy, “I did not give her any reason to believe that I would ever offer for her.”
Mrs. Hurst smiled at Mr. Darcy, indicating that she took no offense. “I believe that Caroline saw what she wished to see, Mr. Darcy. Regardless, I should go to her.”
After she left, silence settled over the room for a few moments, only be to broken by Mr. Hurst. “When shall we be called in to dinner? With Caroline and Louisa away from the room, I do not know who shall act as hostess.”
“I believe that we shall be able to do without one for tonight,” said Mr. Bingley.
Hurst grunted and then turned to Elizabeth and Jane. “I must congratulate you both. I knew that Darcy would never propose to Caroline.”
He looked at Darcy and said with an uncharacteristic seriousness, “I recommend that you watch her. I doubt she means to go quietly into the night.” After another grunt, he was back to the same Hurst that Elizabeth had always seen. “Let us go into dinner. I find that I am quite famished.”
When the morning arrived, the party from Netherfield was ready to depart early. Elizabeth and Jane traveled in the Darcy carriage along with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, and though a strict interpretation could have suggested it was a breach of propriety, they decided that each couple would be a suitable chaperone for the other. Underlying that decision was the fact that none of them wished to sit with Miss Bingley, who was riding in the Bingley carriage with her sister and Mr. Hurst. That Miss Bingley was in a foul mood all morning had been evident in her posture and countenance, but for the short time they were in company together, she had said nothing. That she had wanted to say something was also evident in her dark looks, but she appeared unwilling to provoke Mr. Darcy further.
The journey was an easy one, and before noon, they had arrived in London and made their way into the fashionable district in which Mr. Darcy had his abode. There, they were delivered to Darcy house, where they would be staying for a few days until Mr. Bingley was able to procure the much-desired special license. When their luggage had been taken from the carriage, Mr. Bingley and Jane spent a few moments together in parting, as the Darcy carriage was to deliver him to his townhouse, which was a short distance away.
Upon entering the house, Elizabeth’s breath was taken away. The interior was large and fine, and the thought of being mistress of such a place was almost enough to overwhelm her. The only other place she could really compare it to was Rosings Park, but though that estate was fine and obviously the abode of someone of wealth and consequence, the similarities were striking, though somewhat understated. Simply put, Rosings seemed to be designed with the intention of displaying the owner’s wealth to all who entered. But whereas the furnishings, the floors, the wallpaper, and everything around her was very fine and obviously costly, Mr. Darcy’s house in London had a more . . . comfortable feeling about it. Elizabeth had difficulty explaining even to herself exactly what she felt, but she decided after a moment’s thought that Darcy house was a home rather than a trophy. It had an understated elegance about it which made it much more welcoming than Rosings’ overwhelming splendor.
“Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy, startling Elizabeth from her reverie.
She turned to Mr. Darcy, noting his indulgent smile for her, and she at once realized that someone else was present. Standing before her was a tall, slender young woman of wheaten tresses and pale blue eyes who bore a startling resemblance to Mr. Darcy. It was his sister, she realized, and she wondered that she had not considered the fact that she would meet the young woman for the first time that evening.
“Georgiana, this is Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” said Darcy, performing the formidable introduction. “Miss Bennet is Mr. Bingley’s betrothed, and Miss Elizabeth has done me the singular honor of accepting my hand.”
Miss Darcy blinked in surprise and then turned a smile on her brother. “When did this happen? The last letter I had from you suggested that you had hoped that you would be able to propose. At least, the last letter I received before your mysterious express last night.”
“It was yesterday, my dear, after we arrived at Netherfield.” He laughed at her curious expression and said, “It is quite a story—and one which is not all pleasant. Let us get our guests situated comfortably before we proceed any further.” He then turned to Jane and Elizabeth and said, “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, please allow me to introduce my sister, Georgiana Darcy, to your acquaintance.”
The ladies curtseyed to one another, and Miss Darcy stepped forward and said with a shy smile, “I am so happy to make your acquaintance, and I am happy to accept you as a sister, Miss Elizabeth. My brother has had much to say about you in his letters; so much so that I almost believe I already know you.”
“I hope he has been charitable,” said Elizabeth with an arch smile at her fiancé.
“Oh, yes, indeed,” said Miss Darcy. Then she colored, as if she had spoken out of turn, and said in a quieter tone, “We should settle you in your rooms so that you may refresh yourselves.”
“I agree,” said Mr. Darcy. “I shall join you later, as I believe that I have a few matters requiring my attention.”
And so the ladies separated from the gentleman and made their way to their rooms. As Elizabeth walked through the house, she had to remind herself that it was nothing more than a house, though a fine one indeed. Mr. Darcy would not have chosen her if he did not think she was capable of being mistress of his homes.
The ensuing days passed peacefully. The sisters enjoyed their time living in Darcy house, and they quickly found a kindred spirit in Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth found within a short time of observing the girl that though she was sweet and kind, she was also rather shy, and her outburst upon their arrival appeared to have been somewhat of an anomaly. Elizabeth’s heart quickly went out to the young woman, and she endeavored to make her comfortable, thereby leading to a hastily formed friendship. Georgiana Darcy would do well for a sister, Elizabeth thought, as in character she was much like Jane, though much more shy. The young woman’s companion, Mrs. Annesley, quickly impressed them as a sensible, amiable woman who benefitted her charge exceedingly. All seemed quite well among the ladies.
As for Mr. Darcy, the first day in London, he was much occupied with whatever business had built up during his absence, but on the second day, he was much more in evidence. Between brother and sister, there was a clear and strong affection, and if Mr. Darcy, being much older, naturally seemed to take on the role of a parent, he also seemed to be taking care to ensure that his sister felt comfortable in confiding in him as a brother. It was likely a natural progression, after all—he had been her guardian since she was ten, so it was only to be expected that she would look up to him as a father.
Mr. Bingley was also present several times over the ensuing days, and indeed, he appeared to prefer to spend his time at the Darcy townhouse rather than at his own. It was not surprising. After all, his own townhouse contained a young woman who was most likely in the foulest of moods, and Elizabeth did not doubt that he would prefer not to be constantly importuned by his sister about his upcoming marriage to Elizabeth’s sister. Nor, she suspected, did he wish to be subjected to Miss Bingley’s bitterness about Mr. Darcy’s betrothed.
One subject which came up between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth the very next day after their arrival was his desire to have her known as his affianced. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as the demands of propriety needed to be met.
“I would like nothing more than for our engagement to be known to all,” said Elizabeth, “but surely you can see that it cannot be. Until Jane is settled in Mr. Bingley’s townhouse, I cannot be known as your betrothed. It would not be proper for me to live here when our engagement has been publicly declared.”
“I believe you know that society can go hang, for all I care,” said Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth smiled softly and put her hand on his arm. “I do understand, Mr. Darcy. But we must live in society, and I will n
ot have a scandal erupt over our living arrangements before the marriage actually takes place. It shall be enough of a sensation that you are marrying me at all.”
Mr. Darcy was forced to give way, little though he appeared to like it. Living in close proximity did, however, have one additional benefit. It allowed her to see the man in his home in positions which she had never had the opportunity to before. She learned, for example, that Mr. Darcy preferred to eat lighter foods at breakfast, much as Elizabeth did herself, and she learned that the only reason eggs and bacon were provided at all was because Miss Darcy sometimes preferred them. Elizabeth also learned that he was fair and kind to all his servants, and she knew that such a man was to be admired. Many of his station would look down on others and treat them almost as beasts of burden and slaves to their whims.
Word arrived very soon after their arrival that Colonel Fitzwilliam had accompanied his cousin Anne de Bourgh to his parents’ home. Elizabeth had been informed of the reasons why Mr. Darcy had been delayed in seeking her out after the hearing, and her heart went out to Miss de Bourgh. Eager to know the young woman outside of the stifling influence of her mother, Elizabeth insisted upon visiting her.
“I cannot vouch for my uncle and aunt’s behavior, Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy when Elizabeth had proposed her scheme.
“You think they will disapprove of me?”
Mr. Darcy sighed. “I cannot state with any certainty how they will react. I do know that though they have never expected me to marry Anne, they have always assumed I would marry a society woman who could raise my fortune and position in the world.”
“And I am able to do neither of those things,” said Elizabeth, the old feeling of insecurity welling up within her.