Still not comprehending his intentions, Lizzie slowly nodded her head.
“I propose that you enter into a courtship with me. We can present it to your father as a secret courtship for the purpose of getting to know of each other without the attachment of any scandal or shame if it was decided we did not suit. I have already admitted my admiration for you and my wishes are that it will lead to marriage but I will not hold it against you if you decided to terminate the courtship. When Mr. Collins applies to your father for your hand, he can in truth deny him because we will already be in a courtship. It will move Mr. Collins attention off of you and onto some other poor female. What say you Miss Elizabeth?”
Lizzie was all astonishment. From the time he spoke the word courtship, Lizzie’s eyebrows shot to her forehead. He truly does admire me and I never knew it! I always congratulated myself on sketching the characters of new acquaintances, but how very, very wrong I was in regards to Mr. Darcy and Wickham.
She knew she did not hold the affection for Mr. Darcy that he professed for her. But could it work? A secret courtship would put an end to Mr. Collins designs on making her his wife and she could end it with no scandal attached to herself or her family.
“Very well Mr. Darcy, with deep gratitude I accept your kind offer of courtship, albeit a secret courtship.”
Darcy kissed first one and then the other hand. The widest smile appeared on his face and he expressed his gratitude for her acceptance.
“Why Mr. Darcy!” Lizzie exclaimed. “What beautiful dimples you have! I am going to tease you more often to have the pleasure of seeing them.”
Darcy offered his arm and stated “If I can bring you merriment in this regard, I say tease away Miss Elizabeth! I believe we should return to Longbourn to speak with your father and make him aware of Wickham’s nefariousness and our courtship.”
Lizzie took his arm and together they made the trek back to Longbourn. She, with a lighter heart knowing she would not have to accept Mr. Collins and he with great joy in his heart that they were already coming to understand one another and that he was one step closer to obtaining his heart’s desire.
Chapter 2
Lizzie led Mr. Darcy to the back door of Longbourn and through the kitchen where they encountered the startled expression of Mrs. Hill, the housekeeper.
“Good morning Mrs. Hill.” Lizzie stated.
Mrs. Hill curtseyed to Mr. Darcy and replied “Good morning Miss Lizzie.” Being the proper servant that she was, she would never address Mr. Darcy unless he spoke to her first. He nodded his head in acknowledgement and Lizzie asked “Where are my mother and sisters this morning and is my father in his bookroom?”
“Yes Miss Lizzie, your father is in his bookroom and the others are in the dining room breaking their fast.”
“Thank you Mrs. Hill. I would appreciate if it you made no reference to my whereabouts for the time being if any should ask.”
“Of course Miss Lizzie,” replied the housekeeper. Lizzie Bennet was her favorite of all the daughters. The kindness and generosity she exhibited to the Hills and to all she encountered did not go unnoticed.
Lizzie led Mr. Darcy through the small hallway until they stood before her father’s bookroom. She took a deep breath and knocked firmly three times upon the solid door.
“Come in Lizzie” her father’s voice responded.”
Lizzie opened and then closed the door behind them. Mr. Bennet was sitting behind his desk with a shawl wrapped tightly around his shoulders and a book in his hand. He peered over his spectacles, first at his daughter and then at Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth did not exaggerate, Darcy thought to himself. Her father had an ashen look to his countenance that told Darcy he indeed was unwell.
Mr. Bennet stood slowly and bowed his head to Mr. Darcy. Although he was an indolent man where his estate and family were concerned, often secluding himself in his study and taking his meals there as well, he was still a gentleman. Avoidance of all matters pertaining to said estate and family was his primary objective in life. He enjoyed being distracted and making sport of other’s foibles, but he had a very uneasy feeling that he was not going to like whatever they had to impart to him. He waved his hand to indicate that they should all take their seats.
“What brings you here today Mr. Darcy?”
“I apologize for the intrusion upon your time sir but there are some matters that needed to be brought to your attention.”
Lizzie placed her folded hands in her lap, but she was unable to keep them still and decided to bury them in the folds of her gown to hide her anxiety. She had to convince her father that she held a true admiration of Mr. Darcy and entered into this courtship of her own free will. She did not dislike him as much as she did before but knew that their feelings were unequal. Anything, almost anything and anybody would be a better prospect than being the bride of Mr. Collins.
“Papa, Mr. Darcy would like to relate his relationship with Mr. Wickman to you. The tale is grave indeed, so I ask you to please heed what he says most seriously.”
Mr. Bennet marked the page in the book he was reading, removed his spectacles and folded his hands on his desk before speaking. “Very well Lizzie, I would hear what the gentleman has to say.”
After Darcy finished relating his entire association with Wickham, omitting his sister’s involvement, Mr. Bennet spoke. “I thank you sir for sharing with me the reputation of this reprobate of a man. I will send for Sir William Lucas to acquaint him with Wickham’s propensity of incurring debt among merchants with no intention of payment. I do agree that the merchants of Merryton have to be protected. And although, as you say, he may be a debaucher of young women, I do not believe that my daughters are in any danger from him. They are not heiresses; they have an inconsequential dowry and no lofty connections to society. They have nothing to tempt him with, especially my younger daughters as they are the silliest girls in all of England.”
“But sir,” Darcy stated in a pleading voice, “I beg you to reconsider your opinion on this matter! I truly do believe that they are in a very grave danger. Wickham has been known to leave ruin and havoc in his wake.”
Mr. Bennet waved a dismissive hand in the air. “If that is all, I would appreciate returning to my book and the quietude of my bookroom.”
Lizzie was ashamed by her father’s behavior and his dismissive attitude towards Mr. Darcy’s warnings. “There is one more subject that we would like to discuss with you.” She looked at Mr. Darcy and her eyes begged him to proceed.
Inwardly, Darcy seethed with anger at the indolent and uncaring attitude of Mr. Bennet towards the welfare of his family. How did he ever produce such a caring and intelligent daughter as Elizabeth? When she looked at him, he saw the sadness in her eyes and the anger in her countenance as she clenched her fists. She does not deserve such a father but as my wife I would bestow upon her the esteem and love she so rightly deserves for every day of my life.
Darcy stood and looked down at Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth also stood and placed herself at his side. Mr. Bennet eyed them both curiously.
“Sir, I have asked your daughter for a courtship and she has accepted although she requests a secret courtship. In this matter, we can come to know each other better and decide if we would suit. Your daughter can end the courtship at any time with no scandal or shame attached to your family. My intentions are honorable and my wishes are that it will lead to her acceptance of my hand in marriage. I ardently admire and respect Miss Elizabeth and wish to make her my wife. We seek your consent and blessing.”
Mr. Bennet was rendered speechless and alternately stared at Darcy and his daughter for a few moments before he spoke.
“Mr. Darcy, would you be kind enough to step out for a time while I converse with my daughter? Afterwards, I will render my decision.”
As soon as Darcy closed the door behind him Mr. Bennet sputtered loudly, “Lizzy how can you be accepting a courtship with this man? Did you not dislike him intensely for insulting you at the assembly? And I be
lieve that was as recent as yesterday? Are you out of your mind for accepting a man such as he? Truly he is very rich, but would that ensure your happiness? Lizzie, you would not be happy in a marriage where both partners could not esteem each other.”
When her father paused, Lizzie replied, “I do esteem him father. He is a very good and honorable man. He ardently admires me and granted our feelings are not presently equal, but is that not what a courtship is for? To determine if we would in fact suit? He is an intelligent, kind man who is genuinely interested in my opinions. He has no false pride. He is also of a reticent nature, and is uncomfortable with society that he is not familiar with. I insisted on the courtship being kept a secret, that if when the time presents itself, and it is determined that we do not suit, I can break off the courtship with no shame or scandal attached to our family.”
Mr. Bennet studied his stubborn daughter for some moments, sighed and resignedly said “Very well Lizzie, send your young man in.”
Darcy stood silently before Mr. Bennet with his hands clasped behind his back.
“Very well Mr. Darcy, I will give you my consent to court my daughter because that is what she desires. I also agree that a secret courtship would be in her and our family’s best interests. I must insist that all proprieties be observed and that you both act with decorum at all times. Is that understood?”
Darcy released the breath he did not know he was holding and his entire demeanor relaxed. He was not entirely convinced that Mr. Bennet would give his consent.
“Yes sir, I fully understand and I thank you and rest assured that you shall not regret your decision. I must go to town tomorrow morning to deal with some business matters. I hope to return within the week. Do I have your permission to write to Miss Elizabeth?”
“You may write to Lizzie but direct the correspondence to myself as I shall be reading it first before I give it to her.”
Darcy agreed to these terms, thanked Mr. Bennet again and the two of them took their leave of him.
They walked slowly into the garden and once they were a distance from the house as not to be seen, Lizzie turned to Mr. Darcy. “I must express my gratitude once more sir for I feel such relief that I have been rescued from a fate worse than death.”
Darcy chuckled and took both of her hands in his, placing a kiss on each one. “Please believe me when I say it was my pleasure and I mean every word I told your father. I hope you come to hold me in high esteem and that one day you will consent to be my wife. Now that we are courting it is not improper for me to address you as Elizabeth. Will you not address me as William?”
Lizzie felt her face flush and looked down at her hands which were still enveloped in his. She nodded her head.
“I must return to Netherfield or Miss Bingley is likely to send out a search party for me but I look forward to our dance together at the ball.”
Darcy bowed, turned and began the trek back to Netherfield with a feeling of elation. His Elizabeth was finally within his reach.
Chapter 3
Lizzie walked slowly back to Longbourn thinking over all that had transpired that morning. Imagine Mr. Darcy holding me in such high esteem. She acknowledged that their feelings were not equal but she did want the opportunity to know him better. And she was ever so grateful that she was saved from the clutches of Mr. Collins. What would follow next she did not know but she would figure it out as it came.
As she neared the steps of the house, she could hear her mother’s shrill voice. “Oh where is that girl? Do not concern yourself Mr. Collins that Lizzie will not make you an excellent wife once you have taken her in hand.”
Just at that moment Lizzie entered the house.
“Oh there you are!” screeched Mrs. Bennet as she grabbed Lizzie’s arm. “Mr. Collins has requested an audience with you and I have given my permission.” She steered Lizzie to the empty front parlor. “No one will disturb you in here Mr. Collins”.
Lizzie could not break free from her mother’s tight grasp.
“Mother, I am sure that there is nothing that Mr. Collins has to say to me that I wish to hear. I beg you to let me go to my father”.
“Lizzie I insist that you stay and listen to what Mr. Collins has to say or I shall be very displeased with you”. She then gave Lizzie a somewhat forceful shove into the room and closed the door leaving Lizzie alone with Mr. Collins.
Knowing that her mother was probably on the other side of the door listening to every word that was spoken, Lizzie resigned herself and took a seat. She folded her hands in her lap and slightly bowed her head.
“Miss Elizabeth from the moment I stepped into Longbourn I knew that you were the keeper of my heart and that we were destined to share our lives together”.
Lizzie covered her mouth with her hand to stifle the snort that escaped. How easily he transferred his feelings from Jane to her and he had not even been here a sennight!
“I came here at the direction of my most esteemed patroness Lady Catherine…” It was at this point that Lizzie ceased to listen as she could not tolerate another long boring account of the wisdom of the majestic Lady Catherine.
“And now my dearest cousin, all that is left is to set the date of our wedding, which must be soon as Lady Catherine, the most humble and revered of all in England has deemed it….”
Lizzie stood up abruptly and stated, “You are too hasty sir, for I have not given you my answer! Let me do so now. I thank you for the honor but I must decline your generous offer. I could not make you happy and you certainly could not make me happy.”
Mr. Collins stood there stupefied for the moment. “You are refusing me? But your mother assured me of your hand. You will probably not receive another offer such as mine. I advise you to reconsider and accept me.”
Lizzie groaned and swept past him to open the door. Her mother was listening at the keyhole and practically fell into the room.
“You ungrateful girl!” she shrieked. She grabbed Lizzie by the arms and roughly began to shake her. ‘We will see what your father has to say about your refusal. Do not be concerned Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet will make Lizzie do her duty and marry you.”
She marched her daughter down to Bennet’s study and without knocking, flew open the door and shoved Lizzie inside. Mr. Collins followed behind them.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion Mrs. Bennet?” asked Mr. Bennet sharply.
“This wretched, ungrateful girl will not do her duty by her family! She has refused Mr. Collins hand in marriage! You must make her accept him Mr. Bennet for I do not know what will happen to us when you are gone. I have already given him my consent and assured him you would also do so.”
Mr. Bennet’s demeanor hardened and he narrowed his eyes at his wife. “Let me rightly understand you Mrs. Bennet. You have usurped my authority, as master of Longbourn and given your consent for my Lizzie to marry? How dare you!” Mr. Bennet was shouting by now and Mrs. Bennet took a step back from him.
“You do not have such authority and let me make myself absolutely clear on the matter. I cannot give my consent as I have already given it to another gentleman to court Lizzie and I will not subject any of my daughters to a life with this buffoon. As for you Mrs. Bennet, I am withholding your pin money for three months for your assumption that you had the right to make decisions that rightly belong solely to me.”
Mrs. Bennet began to sputter and Mr. Bennet held up his hand. “Not another word will be said on the matter, or I shall make it six months.”
Silent and furious, Mrs. Bennet left the study and took Collins with her. He immediately stomped from the house.
Lizzie hugged her father and said “Thank you Papa.”
“That is enough of that for now. It is time you prepared for the ball.”
With a quick kiss on his cheek, Lizzie skipped from the room.
Mrs. Bennet wailed “Jane, Jane or where is Hill? I need my smelling salts! Oh that headstrong, disobedient girl! Where will we go? Mr. Collins will surely evict all of his even bef
ore your father is buried!”
Jane, ever the gentle, agreeable daughter, led her mother to the stairs and up to her room.
“Come and rest Mama. I will have Hill bring you a soothing cup of her special tea to calm your nerves.” Hill’s special tea always had a generous portion of brandy in it.
Unbeknownst to everyone at Longbourn, Lydia was at this time in Merryton searching for George Wickham. She hurried to town to seek him out and share the secret she had learned that morning. She had been eavesdropping at Mr. Bennet’s door after she saw Darcy and Lizzie enter the study.
Chapter 4
As soon as Lydia spotted Wickham across the street, she hurried over to him and grabbed his arm.
“La Wickham, I have been looking for you.”
“Miss Lydia, what brings you here? Should you not be preparing for tonights ball?”
Lydia leaned in closer to Wickham and whispered “Yes, but I had to see you. I have the most delicious secret about Mr. Darcy.”
Wickham immediately became alert and attentive. “And what could that be Miss Lydia?”
Lydia pouted and said “I will tell you only if you promise me a dance at tonight’s ball.”
He considered her a stupid child but thought she might be of some use to him. “Of course I want to dance with the prettiest girl in all of Hertofordshire.”
“Mr. Darcy and Lizzie are in a secret courtship! What say you to that?”
Wickham stiffened and asked “How do you know such a report is true Miss Lydia?”
“I saw them go into father’s study and I listened at the door.”
Wickham saw all of his plans for grandeur and a life of living as a gentleman disappear before his eyes. He then observed Collins approaching from a distance and turned his attention to Lydia.
“That is very interesting Miss Lydia but you must return to Longbourn. You do have to ready yourself for tonight’s ball.”
The Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet Page 2