Assumed Engagement

by Louise, Kara

  At first, Kitty and Lydia protested that they could not accompany them. Very quickly, however, they realized it would be quite boring there as no officers would be around and Pemberley was at least five miles from any reasonable sized town where they could find some diversion.

  Mr. Bennet made himself scarce throughout the day, knowing he would not be able to talk any sense into Mrs. Bennet or control any of his daughters. He knew this excursion would involve both their elder daughters being in the same household with two very eligible men. He trusted the sensibility of Elizabeth and the purity of heart of Jane, but was not overly enthusiastic. He had not been persuaded in favour of either of the men and the way they had treated his daughters, but to his wife, they both held great advantage in being very prospective husbands. To Mrs. Bennet, this was most fortunate!

  That evening, he felt it essential to speak with his favourite daughter. "Lizzy, what your mother has, in effect, forced you to do is not the wisest thing she has ever done. I know how much you dislike this Darcy. If he gives you any trouble, if he is at all discourteous to either of you, I want you to return home immediately! Ten thousand a year or not! And as for Jane and her Mr. Bingley, I beg the same for her. I do not want my two daughters returning home beaten down and broken hearted. Do I make myself clear?"

  "Yes, Father." Elizabeth reassured him with a gentle, appreciative smile. "Do not worry about us."

  Her words to her father were as much words to herself. If only she could stop worrying about what might happen. Was she secure enough in her opinion of Charles' affections for Jane that once he saw her everything would be as it had been months ago? This was, after all, the main reason they were going.

  She could not help but wonder also what would happen when she had to face Mr. Darcy again. What if he had recovered by the time they arrived at Pemberley? How would she explain her presence? Her heart thunderously pounded in her chest as she contemplated this. These were situations about which she could only speculate. She could plan and prepare in her mind, but in reality, she knew not how things would turn out! The only thing she knew for a certainty was that tomorrow they would take their leave for Pemberley, the great estate of which she had been asked to be mistress!

  Chapter 3

  The following morning greeted Elizabeth in much the same way she was feeling - grey and gloomy. Although it was not raining, there was a thick mist in the air that coated everything with a pellicle of heavy dew. The sun began to retreat; it ceased trying to bring any warmth and comfort. A light fog was just beginning to lift as she crawled out of her warm bed. She stretched and took a deep breath trying to lighten the heaviness that was tugging at her.

  After a warm, filling breakfast, Elizabeth and Jane watched as the servants loaded their trunks onto the carriage and then turned to bid their family goodbye. James, their coachman, was making a final check to make sure things were secure and ready to go.

  The look of grave disquiet in Mr. Bennet's eyes did not escape Elizabeth's notice. He had spoken his mind to her last night and she was comforted by his concern. She often wondered why he never took control of family matters, usually deferring all decisions to his wife, as unwise as they often were. She was grateful that her father felt enough trust and admiration of her to leave her with his deepest thoughts and concerns.

  Mrs. Bennet gave last minute instructions to the coachman, to Jane, and to Elizabeth. "Now James, be sure that the girls get on the right hack chaise to Lambton before you leave, and Jane, make sure you stand and sit properly, and Elizabeth, you behave most kindly to that Mr. Darcy. You know that he must be a most agreeable man. Oh, I know you girls will have a wonderful time!"

  In her frustration over her mother's inconstancy, Elizabeth was often tempted to remind her how she had from the very beginning held an ill opinion of Mr. Darcy. She knew it would be a useless effort, however. Mrs. Bennet's concern for the material wealth of these "prospective husbands" made her overlook everything else. Elizabeth sighed helplessly as she thought what great lengths her mother would employ to secure husbands for her daughters!

  Jane and Elizabeth set out in their coach for the post station in Meryton. There, they quit the Longbourn coach and James saw them on to the carriage that would take them to Lambton. As they settled themselves in, neither spoke. Each girl struggled with her own set of conflicting emotions. Elizabeth grappled in her mind as to what Mr. Darcy would think when he saw her at Pemberley, considering the way she had last treated him. She felt more and more ashamed of her response to his proposal. Yet she was resolute to carry this through and do battle with him, if she must, in order to reunite her sister and Mr. Bingley.

  Jane's doubts resurfaced as to whether Charles actually wished to see her. She reasoned in her mind that, after all, it had been about five months since he quit Netherfield. He left without saying goodbye and had made no attempt to contact her, even while she was in London visiting her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. This was certainly not an indication of someone who held much regard for her. She absentmindedly shook her head, which was noticed by Elizabeth.

  "What is it, Jane?" she asked.

  "What if Mr. Bingley does not wish to see me. It has been so many months. When he did have the opportunity to pay me a call in London, he did not take it. Maybe we should not be going."

  "Jane, have faith. Everything will be all right." Elizabeth wished she could tell her what she knew; that the reason Charles did not pay her a call in London was due to Mr. Darcy's interference and intervention in separating them; that her very presence in Town had been kept from him. As she reassured Jane, she prayed that her intuition in this matter was correct.

  To keep herself occupied during the day's travel, Elizabeth drew out the lace handkerchief she had purchased in Meryton. Threading a needle with a dark blue thread, she began to embroider her initials. She made a simple line drawing of an EB in one corner, and stitched it in a running stitch. She then added some simple flowers around it, using some pinks, greens and yellows. When she had finished, she was pleased with her work.

  Jane kept herself busy reading, although the book could not command her attention as she wished. She found herself gazing out the carriage window watching the scenery go by and wondering what these next days would bring.

  "Lizzy," Jane was the first to break the silence that had been their companion for much of the time. "Do you believe in Providence or fate?"

  Elizabeth laughed gently. "Should this not be a question for Mary?"

  "No, I would prefer your opinion."

  "Well, I guess I believe more in Providence. If all things are in the hands of the Almighty One, then fate has no place. I think some people would be of the opinion that some things are fate and some are Providence, but I do not think that could be. Either He has all things in His hands or He does not. Why?"

  "I have been considering the events that have brought about our going to Pemberley. Could I even think to attribute it to Providence… or is it fate and things are just happening by chance?"

  "Jane, however it turns out, we must accept that it is for our good. We may not always agree with it; it may not be what we want. Remember what Reverend Burbridge says, ‘His ways are not our ways.’" Elizabeth hoped that her words would give comfort to Jane no matter what happened at Pemberley with Charles.

  Jane suddenly changed the subject. "Lizzy, do you think it possible that Miss Darcy also invited Mr. Bingley to Pemberley because she has an attachment to him? After all, that is what Miss Bingley hinted at in her letter."

  "I believe Miss Bingley wrote those things to discourage you. At the most, I believe it was only wishful thinking on her part."

  "What do you suppose Miss Darcy is like? Do you suppose she is proud and arrogant like her brother?"

  "I do not know. Mr. Wickham had confided in me that she was not amiable, that she was very proud. But then, can we believe any of what he told us, knowing what we now know about him? She must be very naïve, though, to have thought herself in love with such a man
."

  "It does appear, though, that she has a great love for her brother."

  "Yes, of course she does. He is, after all, her only immediate family. Since her father's death he is now both her brother and her father."

  The remainder of the ride resulted in much contemplation by both ladies. Neither wanted to talk any more of the anxiety each was feeling. A reassuring smile from Elizabeth occasionally made its way to Jane. Her sister needed all the encouragement she could give her.

  They arrived in Lambton just as the sun was setting. They carefully descended from the carriage and found the coachman from Pemberley was already waiting there for them. He introduced himself to the two girls as Winston and directed them to Pemberley's coach. Elizabeth took the opportunity, as they were walking over to it, to inquire about Mr. Darcy.

  "He is about the same, Miss. No improvement. It is quite distressing. In the beginning, he cried out in his sleep, tossing and turning a bit. But that has now stopped. The doctor can think of nothing else to do, save pray. I can find no sign of internal injuries, but if he received a bad head injury, he could be this way for a long time or…"

  The coachman shrugged and shook his head sombrely, looking down. He did not finish what he was going to say. By his tone of voice Elizabeth was able to finish his thought herself. Suddenly she felt that fear grip inside her again, but this time she knew the source. She feared that Mr. Darcy may never wake up!

  "May I inquire as to how the accident happened?" asked Elizabeth.

  Winston related the details. "The carriage lost a wheel and overturned just outside Lambton. There had been much of rain. We were almost home… almost safe. As it turned over, his manservant, Durnham, and I jumped from the coach and Durnham suffered a broken ankle. I only received minor bruises and was able to run for help. But when help arrived, Mr. Darcy was unconscious and has not regained consciousness ever since."

  "How long ago was that?"

  "It has been four days ma'am."

  The girls were helped into the coach and Elizabeth suddenly felt gravely concerned. Four days of being unconscious was not a good sign. How was he to eat or drink? She looked out the window and noticed darkness beginning to settle around them.

  Jane saw her concern and smiled. "I am quite certain that he will come through this. He is a strong man; has a strong constitution."

  Elizabeth smiled back at her weakly. Now it was Jane's turn to reassure her.

  As the last remnants of daylight lingered, they found themselves outside the town of Lambton and in beautiful countryside. Elizabeth thought to herself how much fun it would be to explore these woods, the hills and valleys, the streams and trees. She thought of how Mr. Darcy probably knew these woods by heart, having grown up and lived here all his life. "Oh, Lord," she suddenly prayed silently, "Please bring healing to Mr. Darcy. Please let him enjoy these grounds again. Amen."

  Soon the darkness settled around them and Elizabeth could no longer enjoy the prospect of the countryside. Without the added distraction of delighting in the view, Elizabeth began to feel nervousness build on top of the fear she had been experiencing since hearing the words of the coachman.

  They were almost there. Soon their purpose in coming would present itself. Jane would see Charles. Her only fear was that Mr. Darcy succeeded too well in making him forget her. She leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. She again prayed, this time for Jane and Charles.

  Her eyes were still closed when she heard Jane softly say, "Oh my!"

  Elizabeth’s eyes opened and she joined her sister in their first view of Pemberley. Elizabeth was speechless. She could not see clearly for the dark sky, but could tell from the lights that it was a magnificent estate. Soon the coach came to a halt, and the coachman was at the door opening it for the ladies to assist them down. As they stepped out, Elizabeth was overwhelmed with the majesty of the residence. It was quite stately and she was rather impressed with it. Her eyes took in the full length of the dwelling as they walked toward it.

  Her heart pounded as she grasped the truth that this was Mr. Darcy's home. Her hands began to shake and she put the one inside the other to hold them still. Jane looked from one end to the other, and then to Elizabeth.

  "Lizzy, have you ever seen anything so grand?" asked Jane ecstatically.

  "No, Jane, I have never seen a more happily situated house," her voice trembled as she and Jane walked toward the main entrance. "I like it very much." Her answer had been a whisper, but very intense.

  As Winston escorted the ladies to the door, they were greeted by a host of household servants. The housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, welcomed them inside as the two sisters now admired the interior. It was decorated in an affluent, practically elegant, but not ostentatious, way.

  "Come this way, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet. I will show you to your room. Miss Darcy will meet you in the drawing room at half past the hour. She is in with her brother presently."

  The two guests were led up the stairs and down a grand hall. Elizabeth felt a mixture of admiration and awe at the furnishings and decor. She turned her eyes toward every room they passed, at every picture and piece of furniture lining the hallway. She could see that someone, at some time, put much love and thought into this home. That was the feeling it suggested. Even though it was a grand estate, it was also a home, with warmth and love pouring out from its walls.

  As they were shown into their room, they were pleased to find it was rather large with two beds, a beautiful mahogany armoire and table, and a dressing chamber off to the side. Several candles had been lit and a fire was burning in the fireplace, giving them much desired warmth. A plate of breads, cheese, and fruit awaited them.

  "You may freshen up, have a bite to eat, and then come down to meet Miss Darcy in the drawing room, which is down the stairs and directly to the left. She will make your acquaintance there in about 20 minutes." With that, Mrs. Reynolds left.

  "What do you think?" asked Elizabeth, wondering what thoughts were going through Jane's mind.

  "Oh, Lizzy, is it not simply wonderful? Netherfield is very nice, but this is grand!" She saw the pensive look on Elizabeth's face and quickly added, "You are not remorseful of your decision to refuse Mr. Darcy's proposal, now that you have seen Pemberley, are you?"

  "Oh, no, Jane," laughed Elizabeth. "I simply find it hard to believe that this is where he lives. In some ways it seems grander than him, in other ways he seems grander than it."

  A knock at the door brought in a manservant with their luggage. A maid was right behind, offering to put away their clothes in the dressing chamber. With the maid in the next room, the sisters had to refrain from talking any more about Pemberley. They enjoyed some of the food that had been put out and set about getting themselves ready to meet Miss Darcy.

  The time passed quickly and they soon heard a grandfather clock down the hall chime the half hour. "I believe it is time to meet our hostess!" exclaimed Lizzy with a nervous sense of excitement. "Shall we go?"

  Just as they were to set out, Elizabeth walked over to the table where some of her toiletries had been placed. She pulled out the handkerchief she had embroidered in the carriage and sprayed a mist of gardenia toilet water on it. Bringing the handkerchief to her nose, she breathed in the fresh scent of it, and then tucked it into the pocket of her dress.

  The two ladies walked out into the hall and proceeded down the stairs. As they came to the bottom, they walked into an open room on the left and saw a young girl sitting on a divan. As soon as she saw them, she rose and demurely walked over to them. She curtseyed politely. Her words were very carefully chosen and spoken in a very slow, deliberate manner. "I am so glad that you have come. I am Georgiana Darcy. I believe… one of you is Miss Jane Bennet, and one is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

  Elizabeth laughed nervously. "Thank you, Miss Darcy. I am Elizabeth Bennet. It is good to meet you." She smiled at the young girl, who obviously was making a determined effort to be polite and gracious. She could see the strain of t
he past few days on her face. "This is my sister, Jane."

  "It is my pleasure. I am afraid, Miss Elizabeth, that my brother has improved very little since my letter."

  "I am so sorry; we were informed of that from your coachman, Mr. Winston."

  "I did not know what to do. I am so glad you could come. I knew that with the two of you being just engaged, I had to inform you."

  Elizabeth's eyes widened and she tried to disguise her startled look. She thinks we are engaged?

  Miss Darcy blushed and looked down. "I know the announcements have not been made. My brother… about two weeks ago… wrote me from Rosings to tell me that he was going to propose. But do not worry; he told me that I must not tell anyone and I have not."

  Elizabeth glanced at Jane with a look in her eyes that told her to go along with what she was going to say. "Miss Darcy…"

  "Please call me Georgiana."

  "Thank you, Georgiana. Then you must call me Elizabeth. I am very grateful for you thoughtfulness in writing me and informing me of his condition. I know that with the shock of what happened, the thought to write was commendable."

  "I have only done what I felt I should."

  "And so you have. Pray tell, you wrote that Mr. Bingley was also coming. Has he arrived yet?" Elizabeth asked.

  "No, he should arrive sometime tomorrow. He had some business he had to attend to in London that took him through today."

  Elizabeth looked over at Jane and saw her relax a bit at this news.

  "Georgiana, what does the doctor say about your brother’s condition?"

  Georgiana began shaking and tears filled her eyes. Her voice continued in strained sobs, "He does not know what is to be made of his condition. He says all we can do is wait… and pray." Georgiana trembled as she began to weep.

  She looked up and straightened her deportment. "Elizabeth, you are bearing up very well. I know you will be a stronghold for me… as well as my brother."