by Linda Wells
“Oh, Mr. Collins, we have enjoyed your counsel for several nights, certainly we can spare you!” Mrs Bennet happily pushed him to accept and gladly waved him out the door to spend the rest of the day at Lucas Lodge.
When he had gone Lydia giggled. “Well Mama, I pity poor Charlotte, it seems she may have caught a husband, but who would want to kiss that every night!”
“At least he would want her, my dear. There is a great deal to be said for that as well.” Mrs. Bennet caught Elizabeth looking at her with understanding and startled, resumed her frenetic activity. “You should be resting Miss Lizzy, Mr. Darcy will be here soon enough and he will want to see you improved. You are not married to him yet!”
“Yes Mama.” Elizabeth said quietly and left to go write her aunt a letter.
SARAH DOUGLASS took the stack of post on her writing desk and sat down to answer her letters. Amongst the correspondence there was an envelope from Longbourn, but the handwriting was definitely not her brother’s. Opening it she began to read and gasped, putting her hand to her mouth.
20 November 1811
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
Dear Aunt Douglass,
Please forgive this long delay in writing to you, but you see; I only just learned of you in the past few days. Recent events have brought to light your history and how it relates to circumstances which affect a dear friend of mine. I can only say that I regret not knowing you and my cousins, but am so delighted to finally have the opportunity. My father told me that you were once living in Scotland, and by your surname, I suppose that is where you married, but now you live in Derbyshire. That is quite extraordinary news as I will be marrying and moving to Derbyshire within the next fortnight. I will marry Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and join him and his sister at his estate, Pemberley. Perhaps you have heard of it? I understand it is within five miles of the village of Lambton. I do hope that someday we may take advantage of our proximity and meet. Papa tells me that we resemble each other; so naturally, I am all curiosity to see you now!
I shall write to you again when we are settled at home.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Bennet
Sarah wiped the tears that flowed down her cheeks and read the letter again. Finally, after nearly five and twenty years, she was again acknowledged as a Bennet. She did not know what to think, but there in her hand was the connection to her past that she felt was missing for so long. Her letters from her brother were always welcome, but she felt his shame when each one arrived bearing news of people she was not permitted to meet. It was a cruel punishment, but she accepted it for what she had willingly done.
“Sarah, there you are! I wanted to ask you … Sarah dear, whatever is wrong?” Angus Douglass touched his wife’s shoulder and pulled out his handkerchief to wipe her tears. He saw the letter still clutched in her hand. “Did you receive bad news?”
“No, Angus, I have received the most extraordinary news … my brother has spoken of me, this is from my niece Elizabeth. She wishes to know me.” Her teary eyes met her husband’s and he knelt as she threw her arms around him. Angus was inclined to be angry with her brother and wished to never see him darken his door for the way he had continued to refuse to publicly acknowledge his sister, especially after his parents’ deaths, but at the same time he knew his wife’s feelings. He drew away and held her hands.
“What does your niece have to say?” Sarah handed him the letter and he took a chair nearby and holding her hand, held the letter in the other and began to read. His eyes grew wide. “Sarah, do you realize what this says?”
“I believe so … what do you see?” She was very confused.
“Darcy! Your niece Elizabeth is marrying Darcy!” He laughed. “Remarkable!”
Sarah continued to stare at him in confusion. “You know Mr. Darcy?”
“Know him? You have met him! Why he is my greatest supplier of wheat and barley. I visited Pemberley in August with Marshall.” He thought and grinned. “As I recall, our son was quite taken with a brief glimpse of Miss Darcy.”
Sarah’s mouth hung open. “Oh, forgive me Angus; I do not know where my mind was, of course, Fitzwilliam Darcy, how could I forget … such a very sombre young man.”
Angus grinned. “And he is to marry, well that is excellent news!” He stood and walked around the room. “Your niece says that she reminds your brother of you. If that is the case, I would say that Mr. Darcy will not be sombre for long!”
Her eyes grew wide. “ANGUS!”
He laughed and kissed her hand. “Forgive me, my dear, but I am very fond of that young man, if he has found happiness in a young woman who even approaches your charm, he is very fortunate indeed.”
“Thank you, dear.”
He smiled and began thinking. “I will have to make a wedding gift for him, perhaps a few kegs of our finest ale, made with his corn! You know, I was planning on stopping there next month when I toured the alehouses in that area, perhaps you would like to come along, meet your niece?”
“I will wait for an invitation.”
“Nonsense! You have waited long enough to be part of that blasted family again!”
“Angus it is not Elizabeth’s fault. I do not wish to impose.”
He sighed and smiled at her. “I was going to impose myself in any case. So what does it hurt for you to be with me … and take Marshall along as well?”
“Angus, I will not be party to your matchmaking. I will write Elizabeth back and mention our connection. If we are invited, it will be by the Mistress of Pemberley, and not for business reasons.” She fixed a determined eye on him.
“You are a stubborn mule sometimes, Sarah.” She smiled and caressed his cheek. “And you like me that way.” Angus kissed her lips. “Aye, Lassie; that I do!”
“I THOUGHT THAT we were going to London, Mother.” Anne de Bourgh looked out the carriage window as the horses took a road to the right, going north instead of on the familiar turnpike to the left, leading to London.
“So we are, daughter, but we must pay a call first.” Lady Catherine fixed her determined gaze on the horizon.
“Where?”
“We are going to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Chapter 30
“Mother!” Richard walked into Pemberley and saw his parents and brother waiting just inside the front door.
Before she could respond, Georgiana rushed past him and into her arms. “Aunt Ellen!”
Lady Matlock hugged her tightly and looked questioningly at her son. Richard shook his head and closed his eyes. “I am so happy to see you arrived safely dear. How was the journey?”
Georgiana kept her head on her aunt’s shoulder and sniffed. “It was fine, but I am so happy to be home. I never wish to leave Pemberley again.”
The adults all exchanged glances and Lady Matlock pushed her away and looked at her face carefully. “I think that I will join you in your rooms. We can talk a bit while you change clothes. How does that sound?” Georgiana nodded and the two women departed upstairs.
“Well?” Lord Matlock looked at his son.
“Let me change; and I will join you and James …” He looked at him questioningly, this was not their home.
“Ah, yes, shall we meet in the library?”
Richard smiled. “I imagine Darcy will not mind if we pilfer some of that fine port he keeps in there?”
James grinned. “Oh, have no fear; we have been making good use of our host’s assets!”
Some twenty minutes later Richard was comfortably ensconced in Darcy’s favourite leather chair before the fire, glass in hand. “I was surprised to see you here. Darcy only wrote to you three days ago.”
“That is your mother’s doing, as soon as I read your letter, she was packing for Pemberley. She was certain Georgiana would be coming home soon. I imagine that he should be receiving our letter today. I am rather surprised that he chose not to return with his sister.” Lord Matlock’s brows went up and he subtly demanded an explanation.
“Father, Georgiana had me and her companion, and … Darcy will never leave Miss Elizabeth’s side.” James snorted and Richard frowned at him. “Watch yourself, James. I will not tolerate any disparaging remarks from you concerning Miss Elizabeth. If Darcy is not here to defend her, I will.”
“So, you have been suckered in by the notion of love.”
Before he could reply to the jab, Lord Matlock interjected. “Or do you have feelings for the lady yourself?”
Richard stared at him. “Pardon me? Where on earth did you devise that ridiculous idea? I greatly admire my future cousin, that I freely declare, to you and to Darcy, but if you are implying that I have lost my heart to the woman … you are very much mistaken.” He stood up and poured another drink. “Why would you make such an accusation?”
“Your letters from Netherfield were very complimentary, effusively so, I have never heard such praise from you about any other woman. Unless you include that mare you once rode.”
“I would hardly compare Miss Elizabeth to a horse Father, and I can assure you that the lady would take great exception to it as well. I admit that had I met her on my own, without Darcy being involved, yes, I believe I would easily have fallen in love with her.” Lord Matlock’s head tilted, watching as he returned to his seat and sipped his drink. “I walked into Netherfield expecting to see a fortune hunter, but I met a lovely, genuine, happy and sincere woman, who was absolutely besotted with Darcy, and the most extraordinary thing of all was to see him displaying his undeniable devotion to her. He is moon-eyed over her. It would be amusing if it was not so wonderful. You will see; they are a joy to see together, especially after this hell that they just experienced.”
“Very well then, Son, I am mistaken and your mother is once again correct.”
Richard grinned. “Ah, she predicted that my enthusiasm was happiness for Darcy, and you chose to see only torment?”
Lord Matlock cleared his throat. “Hmm. Something along those lines. In any case, your letter was disturbing enough, but I would like to hear everything.”
Richard settled back and methodically described everything that had occurred in Hertfordshire. When finished, he poured a new drink and went to stand by the mantle, affecting a pose that mirrored the estate’s absent owner. James and Lord Matlock sat in silence, digesting the information.
“Georgiana resembles what she was in London this summer.”
“Indeed, I attempted to elicit conversation with her, but she steadfastly refused my attempts. Her companion took me aside at one point and quietly suggested that I leave off for now. Perhaps Mother will have better luck.”
James seemed finally impressed with the woman Darcy had chosen. “She took on Wickham when he held a knife to her throat? I can not imagine such bravery from a man, let alone a girl.”
“I am pleased to hear that she has at last managed to garner your praise, James. They will come to Pemberley directly after the wedding, which will take place a week from now. I suggested to Darcy that we might bring Georgiana to Matlock to give them a bit of a honeymoon, perhaps return her for Christmas?” He looked at his father who nodded.
“Absolutely. I wish to meet this woman, but I do believe that Darcy deserves a honeymoon without having to worry about anything but his wife. I will speak to your mother.”
“What will your behaviour be towards her?” Richard asked his father.
Lord Matlock saw Richard’s protective stance and looked at him with interest. He had never seen this side of him before. “I recall saying that we would trust your opinion.”
“You did, but that does not tell me how you will receive her. Elizabeth’s status is not of our circles, but I assure you that Darcy will not tolerate incivility.”
Lord Matlock did not flinch away from the colonel’s glare, but he sensed the strength of the leader before him. “I will tell you this. We will welcome Mrs. Darcy because of, as you say, all that she has accomplished. Make no mistake; I am already impressed with her. However, I must see her for myself; I must see them together before I can truly accept her.”
Richard nodded. “Be prepared to be humbled quickly, Father.”
Still caught up with the story of Wickham’s death, James shook his head in wonder. “A woman taking on an armed man with nothing but her wit! Extraordinary!”
“GOODBYE, CAROLINE.” Bingley stood stiffly in front of the Hurst’s carriage. Louisa was already inside, and Hurst was standing beside him, waiting for Caroline to enter. The Hursts agreed to accompany her to London, and see her settled in Bingley’s townhouse. They would return in a few days, to attend the wedding. Hurst would also deliver the letters Bingley had prepared to his attorney, so that the disposition of Caroline’s dowry and her future could be determined.
“Goodbye Charles.” Caroline hesitated. She had convinced herself that her always pliable brother would relent and let her stay, but he had remained firm in his resolve. “I hope to see you again soon, perhaps for Christmas?”
“I am afraid that I will be unable to join you, it is my hope that I will be spending my time with the Bennet family.” Bingley kept his eyes focussed on the feathers of her turban. He knew that if he met her gaze he might not follow through with his decision. Caroline opened her mouth, and then closed it again. Lifting her chin, she climbed into the carriage and took her seat.
Bingley blew out the breath he was holding when he felt Hurst’s hand on his back. He turned to his brother, and away from the carriage. “Hang on, Bingley we will be gone in a moment. Do not give in now.”
“I thought for a few moments that she was repentant when she saw Darcy and Miss Elizabeth, but she seemed to have returned to her fawning over him almost the moment that Miss Elizabeth departed. There was a glimmer of compassion, why would she not accept the truth of her involvement? I might have been inclined to show some mercy if she had.”
“I do not know, Bingley. Louisa and I talked about it last night. Caroline’s desire for Darcy was very strong and long-lived. I imagine that it will take time for her to let go of the delusion that she would ever marry him. I hate to say this, but I wonder if upon looking at Miss Elizabeth, she was sorry that her injuries were not more grievous.”
Bingley was horrified. “She can not be that cold!”
Hurst shrugged. “Well, I have a long carriage ride with her ahead, so I am certain to hear quite a lot, perhaps I will conveniently fall asleep.” He smiled and winked at Bingley. “You are doing the correct thing. Do not forget that. Perhaps someday there will be reconciliation, but I do not see that coming until some poor fool decides to marry her.”
“Fool indeed.” Bingley shook his hand. “Thank you for doing this, Hurst; I do not know how I can repay you.”
He laughed as he climbed into the coach. “Oh, I will remember you said that!”
The door was shut and latched and Bingley took one last look at Caroline, and then signalled the driver to walk on. He turned to the house and slowly climbed the steps. Inside the entrance, Darcy waited for him.
“Come on Bingley, I think that I know precisely what you need at this moment.”
“What would that be?” He said quietly.
Darcy smiled. “Have you forgotten Jane?”
His head snapped up. “Of course! I will be but a moment, let me change into my riding clothes!” Darcy laughed. “I will see you at the stables.” He watched Bingley bounding up the stairs and smiled as he pulled on his gloves. It seemed that Bingley would now understand what it was to need the comfort of the woman he loves.
Darcy took his time walking out to the stables. It was a welcome sunny and warm day, and reflected his mood. He would not admit it to anyone, but he was glad to have Georgiana returned to Pemberley. This was the first time that he would truly be able to concentrate on nothing but Elizabeth. No sister, no John Lucas, no Wickham, not even family would intrude. It would only be his dearest friend and himself, and he intended to make good use of the time.
He swung up into the saddle and took
the opportunity while waiting for Bingley to work on some equestrian skills. Although this horse was not his own, he could not resist the urge to train it to do his bidding. As a boy, he was taught to ride early, since it was a very important skill to possess as master of the estate, but very quickly he realized that his mount was the only part of his life where he was able to exert control. When riding he was his own master, and that time alone was invaluable for helping him survive returning to the house. He took out his ribbon and held it tightly in his hand, seeing the contrast between his black leather glove and the yellow satin. The next time he entered Pemberley, he would not be alone, and with Elizabeth on his arm, or better yet, in his arms, their entrance would forever banish away his memories of dread when walking inside.
Bingley’s hurried approach startled him from his reverie and he returned his token to its place. “You took long enough, Bingley!”
“I could not locate Bates! He had gone below stairs and I had a deuce of a time getting him back!”
“You are incapable of dressing yourself? How old are you?” Darcy’s lips twitched as he watched his friend leap upon his horse and they began their ride. “I seem to recall Jane said that she liked you in green, Bingley.” Darcy laughed as he saw his face fall while staring down at his blue coat. “Forgive me; I am making sport with you. She will find you handsome in whatever you wear.”
“Do not do this to me, Darcy! Did I harass you when you were courting Miss Elizabeth?” His glare fixed on Darcy’s amused face. “And how can you stand being so happy and amiable? It is just not you, Darcy, you should rethink it.”
“You find my mood to be irritating?”
“No … no disconcerting.” He sighed and looked down at the ground. “Did I do the correct thing with Caroline? Have I made an enormous mistake?”
“Charles.” Darcy met his surprised expression. “Your sister’s behaviour over the years that I have known her has always been directed only to serve herself. I have not once observed her extending a hand or even a kind word to anyone else. Not even towards Mrs. Hurst or yourself. This is not your fault, but rather a result of the lax upbringing she received. Your father was too busy making his fortune and you mother was too busy trying to climb society’s ladders. They did these things to benefit their children, but I fear that all three of you lost out in the process. As for Miss Bingley, she attended the finishing school that you father could afford, and it was probably a very good institution. It taught her social skills that are necessary for her to move about the ton, however, all of the education in the world does not make up for a lack of compassion or goodness. Something seems to be innately missing in Miss Bingley. I can only hope that her new situation will help her to appreciate what she once had. Perhaps someday you will both wish for reconciliation.” Bingley acknowledged his thoughts but sank into his own.