by Linda Wells
They entered Meryton, and could not help but notice the people stopping to watch them go by. Neither acknowledged the stares, but rode by in silence until exiting the village to continue to Longbourn. “I have decided not to keep the lease at Netherfield.”
“The area no longer suits?”
“No, it has lost its charm.” Bingley looked up. “If you hear of any place, perhaps something in Derbyshire …” He smiled. “Do you not think that the sisters will enjoy living closer together?”
“Indeed they would, but I do believe that you must propose first, Bingley.” Darcy smiled back at him.
“Ah yes, a small detail that slipped my mind!” He laughed and took a deep breath. It was so soon after asking for the courtship, but he had made his decision. The enormous trees situated in front of Longbourn house came into view. “You are correct about my parents, they were proud to have their children, enormously proud to have an heir to establish an estate, but they did not understand what it was to have a fortune. Possessing money is only a part of it. And I am afraid that my sisters, Caroline in particular, felt my parent’s great fear that it could all be taken away in an instant. They were climbing out of being categorized as people in trade, and Caroline felt their fear of being dragged back down. She grew to hate all that our past represented, and thought that nothing but the first circle was acceptable.”
“She has no respect for your forefathers whose hard work raised you to the level you are today, or the time it will take to bring the next generation higher.”
“Exactly, she sees it as a birthright now, instead of what it is, enormous luck and hard work.” He looked at Darcy carefully. “I never have seen you look at your fortune as a given, you take pride in Pemberley, but you are also aware of its history and are grateful for it, despite your childhood.”
“My childhood does not change the history of my name. I would be a fool to disparage hundreds of years of work because of one bad marriage. I do wonder what my father would have been without my mother … but then I would not have been born, would I?” He smiled at Bingley.
“I suppose that is the silver lining in your tale, where would your Miss Elizabeth be without that happenstance?” Bingley raised his brow at him as they turned into the drive up to Longbourn.
“I do not even care to think about it.” Darcy said softly as his eyes were drawn to the sight of Elizabeth on Jane’s arm, strolling slowly around the garden paths.
The men dismounted and strode quickly to their ladies. “I will take charge of your sister now, Jane.” Darcy held out his arm and Elizabeth grinned while slipping her hand over it.
“Do I seem unable to walk without someone holding me up?”
Seeing that Bingley had already steered Jane away to a convenient copse, Darcy glanced about then brushed her mouth lingeringly. “Mmmm. No, I simply have the unfathomable pleasure of being the one man in the world who has that honour, and I mean to take advantage of it as often as possible.”
Elizabeth regarded him carefully. The twinkle was back in his eyes. “You sir, are happy.”
“That is the second time today I have been accused of being happy.” He pursed his lips and tried to suppress his grin, and failed. “Do you dislike it, my love?”
“No, not at all, I find it rather …”
“What?” Darcy’s mouth hovered over hers.
“Intoxicating.” She whispered wickedly.
Darcy moaned and he took her hand and moved as quickly as her still tender ankle would allow. They found a bench behind a tree, well hidden from the house, and sat down. “Now, where were we?” She sighed as his lips began wandering down her cheeks and found their way to her throat. “I truly dislike bonnets.”
A warm laugh filled his ear and he drew back to see her smile. “And what do you suggest I wear?”
His lips returned to her cheek and he whispered. “Do you have any idea how much I wish to see you wearing nothing at all?” His warm breath sent shivers down her spine. “I have seen bits of you, but not the whole. I have held your nude body to mine, and felt the promise of our union, but Lizzy, I dream of the day when I may lay with you in my arms and love you completely. I can not begin to describe how I need to feel your skin upon mine. You have allowed me a taste, and like an opium addict, I will never have enough of you.”
“Oh Will.”
“Do I frighten you?”
“No darling, I … I imagine seeing you as well.” She felt his cheek move with his smile.
“Truly?” He could not hide the delight in his voice.
“I am afraid that I am rather taken with you, too.” She whispered into his ear.
“Lizzy?” Darcy’s lips softly caressed hers.
“Mmmm.”
“What do you say we marry tomorrow?”
She could feel his arms clutch her tighter. “I would say yes, but …”
Triumphant he leaned away from her. “No, no, you said yes. It is settled.”
“Will, it is not. My aunt and uncle are coming from London, Mama has planned a breakfast for us; we can not change our plans now.” She heard his frustrated sigh. “Besides, my love, I promised to walk down the aisle to you, and that will require a few more days of healing.”
“I was being foolish; of course I want you to walk to me … I just want you to know how very much I want to marry you.”
Elizabeth caressed his cheek and then snuggled against his chest, safe in his embrace. “I know Will. I am ready as well.” They sighed and closed their eyes, not daring to do more for fear of becoming carried away. So lost were they in their communion, neither heard Bingley and Jane approach.
“Charles, stop, you must not disturb them!” Jane pulled him back and away from their bench.
Bingley took a close look and flushed. “I nearly walked into them!” He grinned. “It is so good to see … and I hate to disturb them … oh Jane, I must!” Bingley pulled her hand and bounded up to the embraced pair. “Darcy!”
They jumped. “Bingley have you lost your mind!” Darcy glared at him as Elizabeth adjusted her bonnet.
“Forgive us, William, but Charles wishes to tell you our news.” Jane was smiling and clutching his arm.
“Charles?” Elizabeth asked and looked from one to the other, then to William.
Darcy had a slow smile crossing his face. “You did it, Bingley? Well done!” He stood and Elizabeth joined him in their congratulations.
“Oh Jane! I am so happy for you!” The sisters hugged.
Jane was bursting with joy. “I was so surprised that he asked me today! Oh Lizzy, if only you could delay your wedding, then we could marry together!”
Darcy heard that and looked at Elizabeth in a panic. She saw it and shook her head. “No Jane, I am afraid that can not be. Besides, Mama decreed that Mr. Bingley would marry you, so she should have the pleasure of preparing your wedding clothes. I will have practically nothing new.” Darcy’s brow knit hearing her words, but he was soon distracted by his friend.
“We shall be brothers Darcy!” Bingley wrung his hand vigorously.
“Indeed, my friend, we shall.” Darcy turned to Jane and kissed her cheek. “Congratulations, Jane, I am sure that you will find my friend to be quite tolerable.”
“I would hope she would find me better than that!” Bingley laughed and accepted a hug from Elizabeth.
“Welcome to our family … Charles?” He laughed again. “Indeed, thank you, Elizabeth.”
The couples began to walk towards the house, Jane was anxious to bring Bingley inside to speak to Mr. Bennet. They were laughing and talking, enjoying the moment, when they came around the side and were confronted by the sight of an enormous coach and four parked directly in front of the door.
Darcy’s smile was wiped from his face as he noted the crest emblazoned on the coach’s door. “Aunt Catherine.” The other three stopped and stared. Elizabeth’s hand went to her mouth.
“Oh William, Mr. Collins said that he wrote to her!” She turned to him, “I never
believed she would come!”
He drew a deep breath. “I am not at all surprised.” He held her hands. “Please do not take anything she says to heart. She will be rude, cruel and angry. Remember, not only is she losing the opportunity for me to marry her daughter, but she is also losing her home in the process.” Elizabeth nodded and taking his arm, he led the way into the house.
Mrs. Hill was hovering outside the drawing room door, listening in to what could best be described as the screeching of cats in heat. Quickly Darcy moved past her and pushed open the door. What they found was jaw-dropping. Standing toe-to-toe were Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine. Anne was sitting on a sofa, a handkerchief to her mouth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia were standing and staring at the two women in awe, and Mr. Bennet was following the volley of words like canon at battle.
“This will NOT be borne!! HE is engaged to MY DAUGHTER!”
“THAT will come as a GREAT surprise to HIM!”
“IT WILL NOT! He has known of this engagement since he was a child. He is shirking his duties by entertaining the wanton behaviour of your daughter. He is merely acting as any man toying with the allurements of the feminine sex. HE will REGRET his choice. I am here to make sure that HE DOES NOT FORGET HIS DUTY!”
“ARE you calling MY DAUGHTER a … woman of the night??”
“I have heard of her luring in the neighbour’s son, and I have heard of her compromise by another man in the woods!”
“MY DAUGHTER was protecting YOUR NIECE! MY LIZZY is a good and kind girl. She would fight tooth and nail for Mr. Darcy. SHE LOVES HIM. I will not let some fortune hunting … SOW take away her happiness!”
“WHAT did you call me?”
“YOU HEARD ME!” Mrs. Bennet’s face was red and her hair was falling from her pins. She spotted Darcy and Elizabeth standing and watching her. She ran over to them. “LOOK!” She pointed to Elizabeth’s face then Darcy’s jaw. Lady Catherine blanched at seeing the nearly faded marks. “THEY fought for each other. THEY belong together. I WILL NOT permit YOU or anyone driving them apart!” She huffed and caught her breath. “MY DAUGHTER WILL MARRY the MAN who LOVES her, and who she LOVES! SHE will have a marriage that HONOURS her vows. YOU are intruding where you are NOT WELCOME!”
“Do you KNOW who I AM?”
“You are nobody to me.” Mrs. Bennet regained some control over her breathing and Darcy stepped over to her. He took her hand and led her to a chair, saw her seated and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Mother.” Mrs. Bennet blushed and patted his face. “You are welcome … Son.” Elizabeth gave her a handkerchief and stood by her side, holding her hand.
Darcy turned to his aunt. “I believe that Uncle Henry will be most displeased to hear of this Aunt Catherine.”
“What have these people done to you Darcy? You have been brawling! Did they catch you fighting the girl? Is she compromised by you? Pay them off; you can be released from this!”
“Aunt Catherine, Elizabeth is my choice. I will not describe to you what happened here, I am sure that Mr. Collins will be more than happy to give you the details.”
“I will demand that he relinquish all ties to this family!”
Darcy rolled his eyes. “Aunt, this will someday be his estate. He would be a fool to relinquish his inheritance.
“I will end my patronage!”
“You know that you can not revoke a living once given. Although I have no desire to defend the man who has done nothing to serve his family, and has insulted my betrothed with his assumptions and impositions, I can not see you taking out your ire over your failed plans on him. I will speak to Uncle Henry, but I am sure he will agree that if Mr. Collins suddenly finds himself driven to abandon his pulpit, you will suddenly find yourself in new accommodations as well.”
She spoke quickly. “I do not have to go to the dower’s house until Anne is thirty.”
“I was not speaking of the dower’s house, Aunt. I believe that a place at Bedlam is waiting for you.”
Silence so deep filled the room that the only sound was the rasping breath of the old dowager. “You heard of Henry’s threat?”
“I have, and it is not a threat.” Darcy’s face was unreadable. He had retreated behind his protective mask.
“Mother, I believe we should depart now.” Anne’s voice broke the tension. She stood and walked to Elizabeth; she took her hand and stared at her face, taking in her every feature. Elizabeth felt as if the woman was measuring herself to her. Finally an expression of regret and resignation came over her. “I hope that you give Darcy what he needs, Miss Elizabeth. I never could.”
“I will.” Elizabeth looked to William who knit his brows and exchanged a glance with her. He then looked at his cousin who approached him.
“Allow me to see you to your carriage, Anne.” He held out his arm and she placed her thin hand upon it. “Aunt Catherine?” He held out his other arm and she rose but did not take it. In silence they left the room.
“Mama, thank you.” Elizabeth bent and held her tight.
Mrs. Bennet whispered in her ear. “I do not want you to be unhappy in your marriage, Lizzy. I know that Mr. Darcy is a fine man.”
Elizabeth kissed her cheek. “I think that he would wish you to call him William now.” She smiled and wiped the tears from her mother’s flushed face.
Mr. Bennet appeared by her side and bent to her. “Fanny, that was the most remarkable speech I have ever heard, and I wish to apologize to you. If it were not for the marriage we have had, you would never have been able to deliver it so well.” He held out his hands and confused, she took them. “Come.” He nodded to his daughters and led Mrs. Bennet out of the room and upstairs.
Outside, Darcy watched Lady Catherine enter the coach and then turned to Anne. “When I asked you if you wished to marry me, you said no.”
She smiled slightly. “I said no because I knew that you did not want me. If I had said yes, you would have felt obligated to proceed, would you not?”
Darcy looked down. “I do not know. I never considered marriage until I met Elizabeth.”
Anne patted his arm. “I saw the relief in your eyes, Darcy.” He looked pained. “I am not in love with you; I was seeking escape from Mama.” She looked at the silenced woman in the coach. “It seems I will find it in any case.”
“I doubt that Uncle Henry will send her to Bedlam, Anne.”
She laughed. “No, perhaps I will one day, but I will consider removing her from Rosings. I will write to him of it.” Anne kissed his cheek, and touched the faded bruise on his jaw. “You truly did fight for each other?” He nodded and she smiled. “Good for you Darcy, I will not regret you, but will you allow me a bit of jealousy?” She patted his cheek and climbed up the steps and took her seat. “Go and be happy, it is about time.”
“I will.” He closed the door and signalled the driver to leave.
Elizabeth appeared and slipped her arms around his waist and he rested his head on her hair. “Are you well?” She felt his head nod. “Do you regret not marrying her?” She asked in a small soft voice.
“No, she wanted me only as a means to her own desires, not as her friend or to love.” He looked down, and saw her worry. “I do not regret a match that I never desired, and even if she had answered me in the affirmative, I … I admit I would have been torn with my decision … but I believe in the end my desire not to fulfil my mother’s wishes would have given me the ability to continue to resist. I feel that I was always waiting for you.” He fixed her with the same intense stare that he gave her the very first time they met. It seared her soul then and it did again now. Both times she was branded as his. Elizabeth held his face in her hands and kissed him, gently suckling his upper lip. Darcy moaned softly and closed his eyes, pulling her tightly to him, and turned his head to deeply kiss her in return. He heard the soft sound of her moan and drew away, waiting to see his dearest friend’s eyes open. Elizabeth gazed at him and smiled, feathering her fingers through his mussed hair.
“Tomorrow, Lizzy. No more w
aiting.”
She caressed him, following the curves of his face, and knowing that in this man she had found love, friendship, and a future that very few could imagine, let alone own. “Yes, Will. No more waiting.”
Darcy drew a deep breath and blinked rapidly, then rested his forehead on hers. “Thank you.”
Upstairs in the window of Fanny Bennet’s room, the married couple watched their children. “I suppose that such a display should be stopped.” Mr. Bennet observed, looking down at his wife.
“No, leave them be Mr. Bennet. Perhaps they can teach us a lesson or two.”
Mr. Bennet turned to her. “I had no idea the woman I had married. I never knew the force you are. Why have you hidden behind the silly façade all these years?”
“Have you never wondered why Lizzy was so strong or why I looked upon her as my least favourite?” He shook his head. “She is as I once was. I saw you loving and appreciating her, when I knew that she was like me … she has your intelligence and humour without a doubt, but the rest is me. You never gave me a chance. You dwelled on … the one you lost. I simply did the best I could with what you offered me.”