‘Well, sir.’ Elizabeth’s voice had dropped to almost a whisper, and he leaned closer to hear her. ‘You have learned from your error; you have made yourself fully understood this time.’
‘For the avoidance of doubt,’ Darcy released her hands and pulled her into his arms. ‘Let me reiterate.’
He claimed her lips and expressed himself warmly in a manner far more fitting than mere words. For a few minutes, they remained wrapped in the cocoon of their own happiness, but the inevitable had to come, and slowly Darcy drew the kiss to an end.
‘Much as I wish to remain with you, Elizabeth, I must go. Promise me you will come to Pemberley as soon as you can on the morrow?’
Elizabeth’s gaze held his; then, she reached up to place a kiss upon his lips. ‘I promise, sir. Nothing could keep me away.’
She watched Darcy walk down the drive until he reached the gateway, where he turned to raise a hand before disappearing from view, and she closed the front door with a sigh. How was it possible to love someone so much; how was it possible to miss them so deeply within seconds of them having left?
Elizabeth turned around and drew in a short breath. The morrow would come soon enough; it was time she sought out her sister. She hurried up the stairs and along the landing to Jane’s chamber to find her sitting on the bed.
‘Dear Lizzy!’ She took Elizabeth’s hand as she came to sit beside her. ‘It has been such a trying day for you, has it not? And for us also, with the gentlemen leaving so suddenly. Until Mr Bingley came back, we had not a word of how anyone was.’
‘It is over now, Jane. We are quite rid of Wickham.’
‘Was it truly terrible?’
‘It was unpleasant; I cannot deny it. But there, Jane; what do I always say? Think on the past only as its remembrance brings you pleasure.’
‘Speaking of bringing pleasure...’ Getting to her feet, Jane crossed the room to her dresser, then turned to face her sister. ‘There is something I must tell you.’
Chapter Eighty-Four
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. ‘Mr Bingley has proposed!’
Jane smiled. ‘No—he did not; though I think he may have, had I let him.’
‘You are incorrigible, Jane! Do you intend to torment all the men of your acquaintance?’
Jane ignored this and reached for something on the dresser: a familiar leather box. ‘When he came this morning, Mr Bingley brought me this.’
Elizabeth eyed the box with rising curiosity as she walked over to join her sister. ‘Is this what I think it is?’
Jane flipped open the lid to display their mother’s golden locket.
‘But how?’ Elizabeth raised her eyes to her sister’s in confusion. ‘I mean... I saw it, as you know, in the pawnbroker’s window, but...’
‘Was Miss Latimer nearby, by any chance?’
‘Yes—she happened upon Alice and me.’ Elizabeth’s eyes widened. ‘She overheard some of our conversation?’
‘So it would seem. Mr Bingley said she commandeered him for a ride, told him she had called at The Grange to speak to Alice, who confirmed the locket was mine and how saddened I was over its loss. They rode into Lambton, where she showed him the necklace in the window. She felt unable to enter the shop, the nature of its business being what it is, but had asked him along in the hope he would oblige.’
‘Miss Latimer is full of surprises!’
‘Indeed! But Mr Bingley not only did as she asked, but insisted on providing the money to redeem the locket.’
‘Oh, Jane! I am so pleased you have it restored to you.’
‘As am I.’ Jane closed the lid of the box and replaced it on the dresser. ‘It was kind of Mr Bingley, was it not?’
‘Without question. And why did this kindness not encourage you to allow him to make his addresses?’ Elizabeth frowned as her sister’s cheeks filled with colour. ‘You like him yet, Jane; I have seen you spending more and more time in his company, and seeming to enjoy it. Have you found you cannot love him again?’
Jane walked slowly across the room to stare out of the window.
‘I do like him; indeed, he remains one of the most significant men of my acquaintance.’ She turned about, anxiety filling her countenance. 'But I was devastated when he did not return to Netherfield, and the effects lingered for some considerable time. I have not forgot, and I vowed never to let my heart be touched in such a way again.’
‘Is it why Mr Wentworth failed?’
‘Perhaps.’ Jane wrapped her arms about her waist. ‘Yet I am in danger, Lizzy, of falling once more, and I cannot bear to go through the pain again.’
‘What makes you fear the same outcome, when the circumstances are so different?’
‘Are they truly? Mr Bingley’s sisters will remain as opposed to the match as before. Our family’s circumstances have worsened substantially since then; imagine how vociferous their objections might now be if they discover our reacquaintance? Besides, Mr Bingley leaves on the morrow.’
‘But he will return, of that I am certain.’
Jane looked sceptical. ‘We had that notion once before, if you recall.’ She sighed. ‘He did say he planned to come back, and I suppose I do believe him. Once he has settled the twins in Harrogate, he intends to go on to Scarborough, where the cousin lives who has raised the younger girls. His youngest sister, Julia, is there and he has not seen her since she left Town.’
‘And then?’
Jane frowned. ‘It is beyond common politeness. He has kindly offered to Papa to bring Mary and Kitty back with him, their being schooled at Ripon making it easy for him to pick them up on his return. Papa has written a letter to the principal; it is hoped they can make a short stay to be reconciled with our sister.’ She paused as a smile returned. ‘Perchance they will be here for the wedding?’
Warmth spread through Elizabeth’s veins at the thought of her impending marriage to Mr Darcy, and she smiled too. ‘Perhaps they will. But Jane, has Mr Bingley not shown a great deal of consideration towards our family, despite all the circumstances? You cannot doubt his constancy now? Does he not deserve a second chance?’
A strange look came over Jane’s face, and she walked back to stand before Elizabeth. ‘How singular you should say so; he spoke of second chances when talking to Sarah earlier.’
Elizabeth eyed her sister in amusement. ‘And was there any hidden meaning in his words, Jane?’
Jane looked a little conscious. ‘Perhaps.’
‘So what did he say? It must have struck home for the reconciliation to have taken place.’
‘Our sister was in low spirits. When Mr Bingley returned and brought us tidings of all that had happened at Pemberley, we felt such relief and Sarah began to weep. I tried to console her, but the news of Wickham’s death seemed to unhinge her for a moment.’
Elizabeth frowned. ‘Did she retain feelings for him, then? She did not speak as though she had.’
‘Not at all. I think it was relief he would never prey again upon a young girl combined with regret for having succumbed. When she had calmed, she spoke of how she had been struggling to let go of her resentment towards Papa, and Mr Bingley attempted to help her.'
‘It was kind of him to remain during such an outburst!’
Jane smiled. ‘He said he was accustomed to being a shoulder, having five sisters of varying ages of his own.’ She sobered. ‘He spoke well, and she listened as he extolled the importance of family and how we should all be prepared to forgive those whom we love, for none of us is blameless.’
‘Mr Bingley might deliver a better sermon than Mr Wentworth with his words of wisdom!’
‘I think what resonated most with her was his honesty, speaking of loving each of his sisters, but not necessarily in equal measure. Yet despite this, they have a familial bond that is unbreakable. He believes Papa did what he thought was best for each of his daughters in the circumstances, that both he and Mrs Hawes owned a share of culpability and forgiveness should be offered and taken on both sides.’ J
ane smiled. ‘It was as though something lit up inside her. She finally seemed to realise they had both been given another chance, and she hurried away to seek out Papa.’
Elizabeth sighed with relief. ‘It is such a comfort to hear it. So, does this mean she will remain here?’
Jane nodded. ‘Mr Wentworth has called too. He suggested she accompany us to church on Sunday, so she can be introduced to the neighbourhood as a distant cousin making some stay with us. He felt it was for the best, a way of integrating her, and Papa agreed. Mr Wentworth has encouraged Sarah to join him in some work for the parish. I suspect she was more taken with his fine features than his suggestion, but it seems to have roused her interest and brought some animation to her countenance.’
Before Elizabeth could comment on this, the door opened, and Lydia came into the room, stretching her arms above her head and then concealing a yawn.
‘Lizzy!’ She ran across the room and threw her arms around her sister, and Elizabeth laughed.
‘This is a fine greeting. To what am I owed such attention?’
Lydia drew back, her expression quite solemn. ‘We were so worried for you, Lizzy, when you did not return from your walk. Then, when I came downstairs earlier, Papa was in such a state, they had to tell me about Wickham being in the vicinity, how he had turned up at Pemberley. You can imagine what has been going through all our minds!’
‘I am perfectly well, and I am happy to hear you have made peace with Papa.’
She smiled, looking much like the Lydia they knew. ‘I believe I will be closer to him now than I ever was. Is life not strange, the way it turns?’ She eyed Elizabeth for a second, then laughed. ‘Such as you and Mr Darcy, Lizzy. To think how you hated him, yet now you are to be wed! I am happy for you; I knew how it would be after I had seen him looking at you outside the church.’
‘I cannot bear to think of how I spoke of him when first we met.’ Elizabeth pushed the unpleasant memory aside and summoned a smile. ‘Is Papa awake now?’
‘Yes—he has called for some tea.’ Lydia frowned. ‘He seems so weary.’
‘He has been worried for too long over too many things. Let us hope it is at an end; he will rally, I am certain, given time.’ Elizabeth walked over to the door. ‘I must speak to him about Mr Darcy’s proposal.’ She smiled at her sisters. ‘Then we shall be able to set a date!’
~o0o~
The following morning brought fresh showers, and knowing this would prevent Elizabeth from walking to Pemberley, Darcy tried to curb his patience for when she might arrive by carriage.
Latimer already had most of his luggage loaded onto the second of his conveyances and was pacing up and down the entrance hall awaiting his wife and daughter. Darcy looked over at the long case clock against the far wall; it was early yet, but he hoped Elizabeth would arrive before the man insisted on leaving, for she had expressed a wish to say farewell to Eleanor Latimer.
‘I regret having to leave, Darcy, though I am of course pleased all has been settled.’
Colonel Fitzwilliam had come to stand beside him, Georgiana at his side. Darcy eyed his sister thoughtfully. She had benefited from a night of rest, aided by the reassurance of the twins’ attentions on the previous evening, and seemed almost restored to her former self.
‘We have been fortunate to have your company for so long on this occasion, Cousin.’
Georgiana took the colonel’s hand. ‘When do you next think you might be given leave, Richard?’
He shrugged. ‘Hard to say, Georgie.’ He looked at Darcy and smirked. ‘I look forward to a brief sojourn whenever the wedding date is set, though.’
There was a sudden bustle of activity near the door, and a footman hurried over to swing it open, admitting Mr Bennet and his two eldest daughters, and Darcy strode across the hall to greet them.
Latimer ceased his pacing to eye the new arrivals keenly. Wary lest he say anything untoward to Bennet, such as questioning him about his removal from the South, Darcy chose not to perform the introductions and instead encouraged Georgiana to welcome them in, but as the gentleman and Jane followed her to the drawing room, Elizabeth walked over to where Darcy and the colonel stood.
‘I am relieved to be here in time to farewell Miss Latimer. There is something I must speak to her about. When do you propose leaving, Colonel? We shall be sorry to lose your company.’
Colonel Fitzwilliam sighed dramatically. ‘I do not think there is anyone ever more missed than I.’ He winked, and Elizabeth laughed, drawing the attention of Latimer.
‘I think Latimer senior is growing impatient for the ladies. I believe he wished to be on the road before now.’ Darcy spoke quietly, and the colonel grunted.
‘You will not be sorry to see them go, Darce.’
‘Latimer will be no loss, but Mrs Latimer and her daughter have proved to be sound company.’ Darcy frowned. ‘Though the latter did seem out of spirits last night.’
Elizabeth raised a brow. ‘I am not surprised.’ She turned to the colonel. ‘Did you not notice, Colonel Fitzwilliam?’
He pursed his lips, then nodded. ‘Yes—I did; over supper I gained the impression she wished to speak of something to me, but it came to nothing. There was little opportunity for conversation thereafter. Once we re-joined the ladies, Latimer insisted on cards did he not, Darce, and we were at separate tables for the remainder of the evening.’
Darcy could recall his cousin’s impatience at their own table and how often his attention seemed to wander. Could it have been drifting towards the other table? Is this what Elizabeth had hinted at?
‘Ah, here they are.’
Both ladies were coming down the stairs, and once they reached the entrance hall, Mrs Latimer came over to Darcy, speaking of her appreciation of all he had done for her and her family.
‘You are more than welcome, Mrs Latimer. I trust you will journey safely back to Town.’
‘I am sure we shall.’ She smiled at them, and then looked over her shoulder. ‘Eleanor? It is time to say your farewells.’
To everyone’s surprise, Eleanor Latimer did not respond to her mother’s beckoning. Her air and countenance had not improved overnight and she stared unsmilingly over at Darcy, Elizabeth and the colonel, before drawing in a sharp breath and hurrying across the hall and out of the front door.
Darcy frowned and looked to Elizabeth, but she was watching his cousin and, to his equal surprise, the colonel took off across the hall and out of the door after the lady.
Chapter Eighty-Five
‘Please forgive Eleanor.’ Mrs Latimer’s voice was wistful as she turned back to face them. ‘ She is saddened to be leaving, having been much happier here than I have seen her these many years.’ She smiled regretfully, and Darcy felt for her as she curtseyed and walked over to join her husband.
‘May I suggest we also take some air, Mr Darcy?’
He looked down at Elizabeth. She had a brow arched in enquiry, and he smiled. ‘Is it not raining?’
‘Very little now; nothing to regard.’
Darcy glanced over at Latimer, who appeared to be berating his wife as he gestured towards the open doorway. ‘As you wish, then.’
They crossed the hall and went down the steps onto the gravel.
‘Look!’ Elizabeth nodded towards the lawned area at the front of the house. Eleanor Latimer was a quick walker, and the colonel had almost broken into a run to catch up with her.
‘Elizabeth; what is going on?’
She laughed and reached for Darcy’s hand, which he willingly gave her. ‘Have you not seen their interest in each other? Did it occur to you Miss Latimer’s unhappiness these last four and twenty hours is not solely over departing Pemberley but because she does not want to leave a certain someone?’
Darcy looked back over to where the colonel had now caught up with the lady. There seemed to be a debate taking place. Then, Elizabeth gasped, putting a hand to her mouth as the colonel stepped forward, pulled Eleanor Latimer into his arms and kissed her soundl
y.
‘Oh my!’
Darcy stared in disbelief as Elizabeth released a small laugh. ‘It is not delightful?’
‘I am not sure Latimer is going to think so; he already thinks I am running some sort of bawdy house at Pemberley!’
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in astonishment. ‘Are you in jest?’ She studied his countenance. ‘No—you are not!’ She began to laugh again. ‘Oh dear; and here he comes!’
Darcy looked over his shoulder. Latimer was storming across the gravel towards the lawn, his wife hurrying in his wake. ‘Well, Fitzwilliam always was a man of action over words. He is well versed in dealing with the consequences.’
‘Put my daughter down, you... you oaf!’ Latimer glared at Darcy as he charged past, but his wife came to stand beside them, somewhat out of breath.
‘I do apologise, Mr Darcy. Anyone less like an oaf I cannot imagine. Your cousin is the perfect gentleman.’ She paused, then looked over towards the still embracing couple. ‘Well, most of the time.’ Mrs Latimer turned back to Darcy and Elizabeth, smiling widely. ‘Eleanor does not seem to be objecting.’
‘I wonder if we should go to their aid.’ Elizabeth gestured to where Latimer had now come to stand before his daughter and the colonel, who whispered something in the lady’s ear before turning to face her father. Latimer was red in the face as he angrily expressed his feelings, but Eleanor walked up to him, slapped him across the face and turned to the colonel who promptly offered his arm, and they began to walk away.
Darcy placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm. ‘I think Fitzwilliam can take it from here. Let us return to the house.’
‘I had best calm my husband. It will not do for him to be in one of his tempers with such a long carriage ride ahead.’ Mrs Latimer hurried across the glistening lawn to where Latimer stood, his astounded air and countenance apparent even across the distance.
Darcy and Elizabeth paused as they reached the steps, and as Eleanor and the colonel drew near, the blushing lady exchanged a small smile with Elizabeth before hurrying into the house. Darcy eyed his cousin in amazement.
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