Meant to Be: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Andreea Catana

  “Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I did not know you were acquainted with my dear Miss Bennet! I quite enjoy such surprises! How came you to know each other? Oh, have you met Mrs. Gardiner? She is my dear friend. Mr. Crampton—God rest his soul—was a business partner with Mr. Gardiner. Such a bright, honourable man! And very successful! Both Mr. Crampton and Mr. Gardiner.” Mrs. Crampton spoke animatedly, much to the colonel’s amusement.

  “Yes, I have had that pleasure,” the gentleman answered. “And Miss Bennet is an old acquaintance—I enjoyed her company last spring when I was visiting my aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She was visiting a friend in the neighbourhood.”

  “But how is it you never mentioned that to me, Miss Bennet?”

  Elizabeth blushed. “I never imagined you might know Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “Oh, the Matlocks are related to my daughter-in-law Elinor. Did I tell you that her grandfather was an earl and her father a general?”

  Elizabeth’s smile grew. “Yes, you did.”

  “You know, Miss Bennet, after our meeting the other day, I told Darcy you were in Town. He was as astonished as I was. I suggested he call on you, but he is very busy these days, so I was about to do so alone tomorrow.”

  Elizabeth’s heart beat stronger, and familiar cold shivers moved down her spine. She watched the colonel, trying to understand his words. He had spoken to Darcy about her. Of course, he did not wish to call on her—that was not surprising. So, he was in Town. Should she dare ask more? Her aunt and Mrs. Crampton were already looking at her with curiosity.

  She could only force herself to utter, “I trust Mr. Darcy is in good health.”

  A reply from Colonel Fitzwilliam followed quickly, “I think he is quite all right.”

  Suddenly, the colonel waved his hand discreetly. Elizabeth’s eyes followed in that direction, and she frowned; her chest tightened, and she held her breath then clasped her hands on the reticule in her lap. From across the room—dumbfounded, pale, and holding a glass absently—Mr. Darcy was staring at her. His eyes narrowed as though to have a better look at her.

  The colonel invited him with an open gesture that caught Darcy’s attention, so he obeyed and approached hesitantly. Unsteadily, Elizabeth rose to her feet; her eyes remained on his blue gaze as he moved closer. A sudden lump in her throat left her unable to answer his restrained greeting.

  The colonel performed the introductions and asked his cousin’s opinion about the fortuitous meeting. The older ladies on the settee were unfamiliar with Darcy, so the colonel offered some details. Elizabeth watched it all as in a dream, unable to respond. He was only a few steps away, as astonished, embarrassed, and lost as she was. His face showed that he was not indifferent to the happenstance, but whether he was angry, displeased, or annoyed—or simply eager to run away from her as soon as possible—she was unable to read on his stern face.

  She was awakened by his hoarse voice addressing her. “Miss Bennet, what a surprise to see you here…”

  “Mr. Darcy…” she managed to reply and then averted her eyes.

  “Surprise is not an exaggeration for this coincidence,” the colonel added joyfully.

  “I only hope it is not an unpleasant one for Miss Bennet,” Darcy replied, and Elizabeth’s gaze returned to his. He looked concerned. She could see that his concern was genuine. As though wishing to make himself clearer, Darcy continued, his eyes holding hers.

  “I would not wish my unexpected presence to make Miss Bennet uncomfortable. I would rather leave than to know I have ruined her evening.”

  “Why on earth would your presence ruin her evening?” Mrs. Crampton asked loudly. Her voice startled Elizabeth; she suddenly realized how strange their encounter might sound to the others, so she forced a laugh as she carefully searched for the proper words. It was a lucky chance—the only one—and she would not miss it for the world. She tried to answer lightly, though she felt her cheeks burning.

  “Mr. Darcy is joking, of course. We have debated in the past, but that does not diminish my pleasure on seeing him again. Quite the opposite: I am delighted with this opportunity to clarify some of our earlier misunderstandings.”

  She stole a glance at him; he seemed startled, incredulous, and his face seemed to lighten. The blue of his eyes softened, and she smiled at him and then continued her explanation for the two ladies.

  “I met Mr. Darcy at the same time as the colonel in Kent, and then we happened to meet again and spend more time in each other’s company in Hertfordshire. Mr. Darcy stayed with his friend Mr. Bingley, who rented property near my father’s estate. During that time, we discovered some common tastes but also many opposite views. However, challenge is never a bad thing, is it?”

  “Miss Bennet was quite a tough opponent for Darcy,” the colonel said, laughing. “She is a very bright young lady with extensive knowledge and decided opinions. I cannot remember another young lady giving Darcy such difficulty.”

  “It was not difficult, I assure you,” Darcy responded in earnest. “As Miss Bennet said, challenge is never a bad thing.”

  “Bingley, you say? I believe I have met his father, have I not? He passed away a few years ago, if I am not wrong. I remember him being a lovely man—the young Bingley, of course!” Mrs. Crampton quickly took the lead in the conversation, and the colonel engaged in it easily. Mrs. Gardiner showed interest in the subject while Elizabeth moved towards the wall, a little behind the group. A few moments later, Darcy slowly approached her until she could feel the warmth of his closeness.

  “I never expected to meet you here, Miss Bennet,” he whispered, gazing ahead. “My cousin told me you were in town, but I did not know what to do. I felt I had no right to call on you. I felt certain you did not wish my presence.”

  Elizabeth blushed, hoping Mr. Darcy would not notice. To conceal her nervousness, she bowed her head and smiled briefly, but an instant later, she spoke decidedly.

  “My surprise was even greater, sir. I never suspected a connection between you and Mrs. Crampton, and I did not know you were in town until a few minutes ago.”

  “My aunt Lady Matlock is connected to Mrs. Elinor Crampton’s family. Our parents were close.”

  “Oh, that is interesting indeed! They seem very nice people.”

  “They are…Miss Bennet, please do not hesitate to tell me what you think. I hope my presence does not bother you. I shall again state my willingness to remove myself from the dinner for whatever reason if you prefer it.”

  “Would you rather leave, sir?” she inquired daringly. “Because on my part, I shared my preference earlier. You should know by now that I always express my opinion honestly.”

  “I am relieved to hear that…and glad…and no, I would certainly not prefer to leave. Quite the contrary.”

  “The colonel told us about your reluctance to call on us. But I thought it was because you did not wish to be in our presence—”

  “Not at all.”

  Though neither of them looked at each other, each could feel the other’s uneasiness, struggle, distress, joy, and relief. A long moment of silence followed; then Darcy continued in a much lighter voice.

  “Is your father here? My cousin told me he was in town too.”

  “Yes, my father is here, but he was tired and…he is not usually fond of large gatherings, especially in the company of people with whom he is not well acquainted.”

  “I understand him perfectly…”

  “I know you do.” She smiled.

  “I know you know, Miss Bennet,” he replied teasingly, and her heart, as well as her eyes, laughed at him.

  “If it is acceptable to you, I would like to call on Mr. Bennet tomorrow…”

  She flushed. “I am sure he would like that very much. And so would my uncle and aunt. Have you met Mr. Gardiner?”

  “I have not had the pleasure, but I hope to make his acquaintance in a few minutes.”

  “He would be very pleased, I am sure…”

  The music suddenly began, coveri
ng their voices. The colonel turned to Elizabeth and asked for the first set. She was taken by surprise and felt reluctant to leave Darcy’s company, but she had no reason to refuse him.

  Elizabeth expressed her approval then glanced at Darcy. He wore an easy smile and leaned towards her to make himself heard above the musicians.

  “Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of dancing the supper set with me? It should be the fourth, I believe.”

  Though chills made her shiver, her face and neck turned crimson. The supper set meant that he would also escort her to supper and sit near her, which he surely knew.

  “It would be my pleasure, Mr. Darcy,” she answered as she took the colonel’s hand and followed him to the dance floor.

  As she lined up with the other dancers, she tried to keep her attention on her partner, but with little success. Her mind and heart remained in the corner of the room at Darcy’s side; she could not bear being so far from him, now that the fate had brought them together again in the most astonishing way.

  The evening passed as in a dream for Elizabeth. She danced the fourth set with Darcy, and though they spoke little, their hands, smiles, and gazes met and lingered at every opportunity. There was nothing more to be said, and neither of them needed words.

  At supper, Darcy’s place was on the opposite side and three seats away from Elizabeth, but she saw him speaking to her uncle and aunt every time he had the chance. She was perfectly aware he was doing it for her sake, and once this realization set in, Elizabeth felt her heart as full of gratitude as it was of affection.

  Before they departed, a warm farewell was taken from the Cramptons as well as from Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam with the promise of the next day’s call repeated.

  Darcy helped Elizabeth into her carriage; her fingers rested in his palm for only an instant longer than it should, and his grip was only a little bit tighter than needed. But the small gestures, as well as the long gazes that followed, ensured Elizabeth that the night signalled a new change in her life.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Elizabeth fell asleep late and awoke early. She wondered whether the events of the previous night had truly happened. She had attended a party for her aunt’s sake, expecting to spend a night of loneliness and worry in a room full of strange people, but the Fates had different plans for her. The presence of the last man she expected to see at that gathering showed her again that she misjudged his feelings and behaviour. He gave no sign of resentment after their heated fight and her unfair accusations and no trace of pride or disdain in his behaviour towards her relatives. And particularly to her, he showed no restraint in his admiration and preference. If she was surprised to hear of his admiration for her several weeks ago, she was now astonished that he ceased trying to conceal it.

  When she asked him about Georgiana, his friendly answer about his sister’s wellbeing comforted her. Now that they both knew what was behind her painful story, he seemed willing to share his distress with her.

  Elizabeth even dared to open the subject of Mr. Bingley, and Darcy informed her that he was visiting a friend near London and mentioned that Bingley had been in a poor disposition since they returned from Hertfordshire. Sensing the hidden meaning behind his words, Elizabeth assured Mr. Darcy that her entire family missed Mr. Bingley’s presence and desired to see him in the neighbourhood again. She could not be certain, but she hoped and prayed that Mr. Darcy would inform his friend of their conversation and, despite the struggles and obstacles, that Mr. Bingley’s affection for Jane was strong enough to induce him return to Netherfield.

  During their ride home, both her uncle and aunt expressed their favourable opinion of the entire party: Colonel Fitzwilliam in particular but most of all Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Gardiner was delighted that Mr. Darcy was just as she imagined the young heir of Pemberley to be while Mr. Gardiner expressed his admiration for Mr. Darcy’s knowledge and sound judgment. Both declared they noticed only a slight touch of pride and arrogance—mostly in his posture, and less in his manners—and that it was appropriate for his wealth and situation in life. In short, the Gardiners wished to see him again and to maintain the acquaintance with him.

  Elizabeth’s felicity about the past evening was increased by the prospect of the present day; Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were expected to call. While waiting for the proper time for a visit, she prepared herself carefully, arranging her hair with more diligence than usual.

  At breakfast, Elizabeth found Mrs. Gardiner alone. Her aunt glanced at her with an amused expression.

  “You look lovely, Lizzy—almost as nice as last night. May I inquire about the reason for your special preparation? Or should I dare guess?”

  Elizabeth blushed but replied cheerfully. “You may ask or you may guess, dear aunt. Either would do for me.”

  “Well, well—I am pleased to see you in such high spirits. Let me think…I would say that, despite your lively disposition and friendly manners in the presence of a certain officer, you are more inclined towards a tall, dark and rather silent gentleman with less engaging behaviour.”

  Elizabeth laughed, and redness spread across her face and down her neck. “I cannot deny it; you seem to read my mind quite well, Aunt Miriam.”

  “I must learn to read your mind, dear niece, since you are too clever to tell me the whole truth. You only told me parts of the story, enough to intrigue me but too little for me to see the whole picture. Now I can truly understand the reason for your distress after Mr. Bingley and his party left Netherfield.”

  Elizabeth turned more serious; she sat by Mrs. Gardiner and took her hands. “Please do not be upset with me, Aunt. There was nothing to be said, as I was—and I still am—uncertain whether there is a story or not. I have admired Mr. Darcy for some time, but I did not know of his feelings until one day when we had a huge fight and I accused him unfairly. Then he left, and I expected never to see him again. I was certain neither Mr. Bingley nor Mr. Darcy would ever return to Netherfield or ever wish to speak to me.”

  “I see. However, from what I observed, Mr. Darcy appeared more than willing to speak to you.”

  “Yes, I cannot tell you how surprised I was—as was he. Mr. Darcy thought I would be displeased to see him. He offered, for my comfort, to even leave the party.”

  “It seemed to me a great misunderstanding solved by a coincidence—which is not particularly flattering to Mr. Darcy. I would expect the master of Pemberley to have more determination in settling a delicate situation,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, half in jest.

  “You have no reason to blame or doubt him, Aunt. Of that, I assure you. There were special circumstances that did not allow him act differently.”

  Mrs. Gardiner’s smile became broader as she petted her niece’s hand. “Very well, than I shall not.”

  “But there is another part of the story that I was reluctant to share with you because I felt it was part of a secret I did not dare reveal…”

  Careful with her words, Elizabeth told Mrs. Gardiner the concealed details about Mr. Wickham’s dealings with Mr. Darcy, the officer’s attempt to malign Mr. Darcy’s name, and her confronting him with the information during their fight. She still did not say a word about the attempted elopement, only mentioning that Wickham tried to use Miss Darcy’s genuine affection for him to his benefit and to harm Mr. Darcy. If Mrs. Gardiner guessed there was more behind these words, she did not inquire further.

  “But, Lizzy, why on earth did you not let me write my relatives in Lambton to discover more of Mr. Wickham’s character?”

  “I believed it to be unnecessary, Aunt. The regiment was about to leave Meryton, and I expected him to be out of our lives forever. But now that Lydia is near him, you may understand how terribly uneasy I am about it.”

  “But such a man would never be interested in a silly girl with no dowry and no connections. He will surely use his charms on a young heiress who could provide him the careless life he seeks.”

  Elizabeth continued to speak to her aunt for a wh
ile. Sharing her distress shared with her compassionate aunt and having the liberty to speak her mind and her heart was a great relief.

  As Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet were out, they delayed breakfast and only had tea, fruit, and pleasant conversation until an event that promised to be of the most alarming nature fixed Elizabeth’s attention in a worrisome manner.

  It was almost noon when the gentlemen returned to the house. Mr. Bennet went straight to his chamber without a word and in quite a frightful state while Mr. Gardiner informed his wife and niece that he had some papers to take care of in the library. Elizabeth’s worry—again, she was left without an explanation—became unbearable, and she attempted to speak to her father and then to her uncle, only to meet with rejection.

  Finally, half an hour later, Elizabeth was summoned to the library, and she entered hesitantly. Her father was standing by the window, holding a drink, while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were on the couch looking terribly worried.

  “Papa, what has happened?” Elizabeth asked, frightened by the obvious turmoil of her father.

  “Come, Lizzy; take a seat and listen to me please. There is something that I must tell you—long overdue and concealed until now. I hoped not to be forced to open the subject with you, but I have no other choice. Nothing more can be done, and tomorrow I shall return to Longbourn. You may stay or come with me—it is entirely your decision.”

  “Papa, you frighten me…”

  “Forgive me, my child; I am sorry you have to bear your father’s stupidity. “

  “Is it about Lydia? Has she done something inappropriate?”

  “Lydia? No, my dear! I must confess that I would rather prefer Lydia’s stupidity to my own.” Elizabeth continued to watch her father in horror, not fully understanding his words. “The truth is, my dear, that, from my desire to remedy the faults and neglect of a lifetime, I entered into a business that caused me to lose even the little we had.”

  “I truly do not understand your meaning…”

  Mr. Bennet emptied his glass of brandy and immediately filled another one.