My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

  “Mr. Morgan, what a coincidence to encounter you and Mrs. Crawford again. How very nice of you to accompany the ladies. Are you here to give your opinions too?” Elizabeth speaks amiably and asks good-naturedly.

  “I try to do what I can, Miss Elizabeth. Mrs. Everett is in need of another shawl while she is town.” Morgan answers cordially with a small smile.

  “You are such a gentleman, Mr. Morgan.” Elizabeth states pleasantly, but she could not help express it with a touch of sarcasm. Lord! Mr. Morgan acts and talks as if Jane is a mere acquaintance. How could he do this to Jane? Elizabeth knows that not all men are the same, but Mr. Morgan had acted and talked like a gentleman, so she and Jane accepted him as one. Little did they know that he was not a true gentleman, at all.

  “You are too kind, Miss Elizabeth; I am like any gentleman.” Morgan responds congenially.

  “I would not say that, Mr. Morgan. You are unlike many gentlemen.” Elizabeth could not hold her tongue from infusing more sarcasm into her comment; she is skeptical and distrustful of Mr. Morgan’s words, now.

  Morgan smiles slightly while nodding in recognition, and then he moves closer to Miss Bennet to speak to her. Elizabeth sees this, thus she turns to speak to Mrs. Crawford as Mrs. Everett moves to speak to the shop attendant about a shawl.

  “Miss Bennet, did you have a pleasant trip in Hertfordshire?” Morgan asks amiably with his handsome smile on full display.

  Jane does not want to speak with Mr. Morgan, but she cannot be rude in public; it would be most improper. “It was pleasant to see my family again, sir.” Jane replies most decorously but blandly with a straight face.

  Jane is glad that Elizabeth is occupying Mrs. Crawford’s attention so that it will not be strange to speak with Mr. Morgan with Mrs. Crawford listening in.

  “Miss Bennet, may I call upon you later today?” Morgan asks eagerly.

  “I think there is clearly no more need for that, sir.” Jane answers politely with a standard small smile.

  Darcy knows that he has to step in for Jane so that this does not become anymore awkward than it is already. Therefore, Darcy moves closer to Jane and looks at Jane then at Morgan to say, “Pardon me, Jane, Morgan.”

  “Not at all, Mr. Darcy.” Jane reverts back to being more formal in front of Mr. Morgan because she no longer considers Mr. Morgan a close friend with whom she could be familiar and informal. Jane moves back towards Elizabeth’s side. She is insulted, offended, and hurt by Mr. Morgan’s deception; she does not wish to speak to him anymore.

  Morgan looks after Miss Bennet, but he could not make a scene by moving away from Darcy and following after Miss Bennet. Therefore, Morgan is forced to turn his attention back to Darcy.

  Darcy continues to say, “Morgan, I was going to send a note to tell you that I will not be able to meet you at noon at the club; maybe we can meet another time when you are not busy with others.” Darcy states decisively.

  “Darcy, I will meet with you any other time you have today.” Morgan replies at once.

  “Morgan, I am surprised that you would still want to meet me.” Darcy says seriously; his eyes look directly at Morgan without flinching.

  “I will meet you any time you want. I really would like to speak with you.” Morgan lightly insists; he has been waiting to meet with Darcy.

  “I will send you a note, then.” Darcy responds casually; he does not want to meet with Morgan.

  “Certainly.” Morgan responds understandingly. He knows that Darcy will not be sending him a note any time soon; his response was just out of courtesy.

  At the same time that Jane is speaking with Mr. Morgan, Elizabeth politely asks, “Mrs. Crawford, are you having a nice visit here in town?”

  “I am, thank you, Miss Elizabeth. My family and I are having an extended stay this year. Morgan has been so attentive. I believe Morgan had told me that you and Mr. Darcy will be married at the end of this month. Please, allow me to congratulate you both on your pending nuptials.” Mrs. Crawford smiles nicely before continuing. “Morgan has spoken very highly of Mr. Darcy. Of course, Mr. Darcy’s stellar reputation precedes him, and it is well known in the Ton.” Mrs. Crawford says with confidence.

  “I thank you, Mrs. Crawford, for your congratulations and for your kind words about Mr. Darcy. I have been told that he is the best of men to which I completely concur. He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word.” Elizabeth states eloquently, genuinely, and proudly. Her love and absolute devotion to him has been strengthened, intensified, and escalated by his own love and devotion for her. She cannot fathom a life without him and his love.

  Elizabeth can tell that Mrs. Crawford is also a confident, forthright, intelligent woman – someone that gets what she wants with her looks and her easy conversations. She is different from Jane – not to say that Jane does not possess good qualities, but they are almost opposite ends of the scale. Maybe this is to whom Mr. Morgan is attracted. There is nothing wrong with him changing his mind, but the way he went about it was distasteful, offensive, and insulting.

  The men turn back towards the ladies, and then Mrs. Crawford goes to hook her arm through Mr. Morgan’s arm. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Jane see this gesture but do not give any indication of its effectiveness. Afterwards, farewells are spoken with curtsies and bows performed by all. Morgan gazes after Darcy’s group once he leads Mrs. Crawford to her Mother’s side. He wishes he could speak to Miss Bennet, immediately.

  Inside the Darcy carriage, it is quiet for a couple of minutes while everyone gets settled. Darcy reaches out across from him to where Elizabeth sits with Jane to hold Elizabeth’s hand, and then he asks her what the ladies were talking about because he heard his name mentioned. He smiles charmingly in order to lighten the mood, but internally, he is taken aback by Morgan’s actions. There can be no other explanation for his behavior at this point. Darcy had tried to think of reasons and explanations as to why Morgan did what he did, but it is rather evident, now. He simply cheated on one lady to get another.

  Elizabeth cheerfully tells William what Mrs. Crawford had said. Darcy responds with a handsome smile which attracts Elizabeth even more. She keeps thinking of how lucky she is to have him for a betrothed.

  Darcy jokes, “Well, you must believe it because the Ton has spoken.” Darcy and Elizabeth chuckle because they both know that Darcy does not care about what the Ton says about him. He cares about what is right and just.

  Jane smiles at her sister’s and William’s playfulness. She had that with Mr. Morgan for a very short time, but it was not meant to be. She will overcome this; she can do it. She will forget about Mr. Morgan.

  Once they reach the Gardiner’s residence, Elizabeth asks William if he will go straight home after meeting Mr. Morgan at the club.

  “I have told Morgan that I am not meeting him.”

  “Why, darling?”

  “Because I do not feel like talking to him or hearing him after seeing him earlier.” Darcy is disappointed in his friend for treating Jane in this manner. He really is surprised that Morgan is this type of gentleman.

  “I am sorry that things have turned out this way. I know that you are unhappy with him.”

  “I am offended for Jane. Do you want me to leave so that you can spend more time with Jane?” Darcy asks considerately, but he hopes that she still wants to spend time with him.

  “I am saddened and offended for Jane too, but I want to be with you.” Elizabeth pouts prettily as she reaches for William’s waistcoat pocket where his gold chain is hooked to his pocket watch.

  Once again, Darcy is thrilled at Elizabeth’s considerations and attentions towards him. He observes her touching the chain and then removing his pocket watch from his waistcoat; he allows her to do whatever she wants. He is charmed by her innocent, lighthearted concentration on the object.

  “She and I have talked much about this already.” Elizabeth continues to examine William’s pocket watch as she speaks. “There is not much more to say about Mr. Morgan except that
he treated her abominably – like a rogue. I will end up saying the same things again.” Elizabeth opens the pocket watch to examine the inside. “I think I will just let her be at peace for a little while then check on her later. Will you stay and have luncheon with me?” Elizabeth smiles cheerfully up at William while still holding his pocket watch.

  “Most certainly.” Darcy leans in to kiss Elizabeth’s cheeks, and then he looks carefully at the opened drawing room door. Afterwards, he kisses her mouth ardently. He is most thorough at suckling her tongue but not her lips because he does not want any evidence left behind to indicate their activity should any of her family members come in. However, once they are married, then he will not hold back his ardor for her. He will not flaunt their activity, but he will not shy away from expressing his love for his wife even if her lips become swollen and red from his love.

  Elizabeth has become more daring; her unoccupied hand reaches for the nape of William’s neck to hold while she suckles his tongue into her mouth just as he did hers. She does not dare suckle his lips too much either. She would be mortified if anyone figured out that her kisses caused his swollen, red lips.

  Once they release each other’s mouth, Darcy asks, “Dearest, do you like my pocket watch?”

  “Yes, I think it looks very nice. I like that it is entirely smooth polished gold – simple, yet sophisticated. I like that it has an elegant script of your name on it.” She runs her finger over the letters – F.A. Darcy, and then she asks about the other letters situated under his name. “What do these letters represent, darling? MDCCCIV.”

  “They are roman numerals.”

  “Oh, I want to figure them out; let me try to remember.” Elizabeth concentrates and figures it out under her breath. “Let me see…‘MDCCCIV’. Oh, I think I have it. M is for 1000. D is for 500. C is for 100 and there are three of them which means 300. I is for 1. V is for 5. But…IV together is 4! That means it represents 1804! Am I correct, darling?” Elizabeth asks excitedly; she hopes it is correct or else it will be embarrassing that she does not know her roman numerals.

  Elizabeth is so cute when she concentrates; Darcy cannot be any more pleased to have her for a wife. “You are my beautiful, smart betrothed.” Darcy leans in to kiss her forehead.

  “What does that number mean? Does it represent the year 1804?”

  “Yes, it does; it was the year I graduated from Oxford. This was my Father’s present for my graduation.”

  “Oh, how very sweet. My Father has one too; it has some intricate lines and shape designs on it, though.”

  Darcy unhooks the chain from his waistcoat and says, “I want you to have it so you can use it.” Darcy grasps her hands and places the watch in between both of her hands.

  “No, darling! I cannot take it; it is a sentimental gift from your Father. I do not need such a fancy pocket watch, but I do thank you for your generosity, though.” Elizabeth caresses his cheek and then kisses the other cheek in thanks. She does not want to offend William by not accepting his watch; she hopes he understands.

  “But I want you to have it; I want you to have something of mine with you all the time.” Darcy expresses warmly.

  “But, what will you use, then?”

  “I have another one from when I was younger. I really want you to have this watch.”

  “Are you certain, darling?” She does not think she can decline; it may hurt his feelings.

  “Yes.” Darcy answers with contentment.

  “I really do not need it, but if you say that it is a token of you, then I will be glad to accept it and keep it with me always. Thank you, darling; I will treasure it forever. You are too generous with me.” Elizabeth kisses his lips lovingly before he shows her the fascinating details of the center of the watch itself. “I will keep it in my reticule all the time, everywhere I go.”

  After luncheon, a letter from Mr. Bennet arrives. Elizabeth reads it in front of William and Jane.

  January 16th, 1811

  My Dear Daughters Jane and Lizzy,

  It is all settled, finally. Lydia and Sergeant Denny are settling in the ‘very small, inconvenient cottage’ that I have provided. Obviously, you know those to be Lydia’s words; she did not voice her discontent and frustrations within my hearing. However, I heard of them anyways. I will not go into all of her complaints and dissatisfaction about the ‘very small, inconvenient cottage’ with no servants to help her and Sergeant Denny. At the very least, he has been smart and has not said a word to me, except in greetings and farewells. He has only dared to give me a quick look. He is respectful, but I think he is more scared that I will tell on him to Mr. Darcy. Imagine me chuckling and shaking my head at this point, Lizzy, Jane.

  Your Mother quieted the neighbors’ curiosity as to yours and Jane’s lack of appearance by saying that both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were called away due to urgent family business and the Army. Then she spoke about your wedding that will take place in London with the Archbishop Peters presiding at one of the magnificent churches in town. She impressed them all by informing them that the Archbishop Peters is your betrothed’s Godfather. Certainly, she told everybody that your soon-to-be Uncle is the Earl of Matlock. Your estate will be Pemberley – one of the grandest estates in England. And definitely, everyone already knows of Mr. Darcy’s ten thousand a year! (I still chuckle). However, I do have to say again that I am very happy for you, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy is, unquestionably, a great gentleman in all senses of the word. I will be overjoyed to give my dear second daughter’s hand to him, in marriage. I will be proud to call him my son. I want only the best for you, and it seems that I will get my wish because as you have said ‘Mr. Darcy is the best of men’. Please, send him my thanks, once again, for helping our family through our ordeal.

  Lizzy, I have spoken to your Mother in regards to what happened that day, and she is sorry that she was in such a state. After my lengthy explanations and conversations with your Mother, I think she has realized that she was wrong in saying those things to you. She told me that she did not mean to indicate to you the vulgar side of what she had meant to say. After that specific conversation, I pointed out to your Mother that she had the biggest influence on Lydia and look what has come about when she was not strict enough with Lydia. I also admitted that I should have paid more attention to this aspect; I was wrong not to pay more attention, sooner. However, up to the day of Lydia’s wedding, your Mother was still defending Lydia. I explained how wrong her defense was. Lydia did nothing good to help herself, yet your Mother still defended Lydia instead of teaching her that she was in the wrong for all that she had said and done. I told your Mother that she will drive everyone away if she does not change her attitude and her ways. She will endear more people to her if she changes a bit. I will endeavor to talk to your Mother more so that she can change her ways.

  Jane, I hope that everything is well with you, my child. I am proud that you spoke up and put Lydia in her place. You have always been my serene, accepting, polite child for which I have always treasured. However, I am glad to know that you can stand your ground and assert yourself if needed. I hope all is well with your courtship; I look forward to meeting your gentleman friend – Mr. Albert Morgan. Your Mother is very happy for you too, as you well know. I plan to travel to London on Wednesday, January 28th with your Mother and sisters for Lizzy’s wedding, so we all will talk more, then.

  Lizzy, I forget; are you inviting the Dennys to your wedding? I do not know where you stand with Lydia, so I did not presume to say anything about them. I do understand how you feel on this entire situation, but if Lydia is repentant, will you forgive her and tolerate her? I know it is very hard to deal with people when they are mean, ignorant, and unrepentant. I hope that she will change for the better, now that she is married. I trust your judgement and will support your decision. Lydia does need to learn and grow up if she is ever to make a decent life for herself. Being the way she is, I am afraid that she will learn things the hard way. Well, only she can truly help her
self. We will have to wait and see. I look forward to seeing my two beloved daughters soon.

  Your loving Father

  Longbourn, Hertfordshire

  Darcy and Jane listened intently to Elizabeth as she read Mr. Bennet’s letter. There was a mixture of all sorts of feelings as a result of that letter: hope, humor, pride, suspicion, and sadness. Elizabeth will have to give this some thought. Undoubtedly, she cannot exclude her Mother from her wedding. From what her Father has written, her Mother seems to understand a little more, now. Maybe she will be more relieved now that another daughter will be married and really be sorry for what she said. In any case, Elizabeth can no longer have the same type of mother-daughter relationship with her, as before. Their relationship was less than mediocre, at best; now, it has worsened. She does not want to hold a grudge, but what her Mother said and expected of her was hurtful and shameful. Elizabeth can possibly forgive her Mother but to forget it is different. As far as Lydia is concerned, Elizabeth will ask her Father to assess Lydia’s repentant ways. If her Father feels that she has gotten better, then Elizabeth will allow Lydia to attend her wedding but not Sergeant Denny.

  Elizabeth tells William and Jane her thoughts and then continues to say, “Well, I guess we shall see how much Mama and Lydia have changed.”

  “I think they will change for the better, Lizzy. Both of us were rather harsh with them last week. There is no way they could not have reflected upon it and repented their ways.” Jane imparts her optimism, as she usually does.

  “I do not think we were harsh, Jane. We said what desperately needed to be said. All the things we said were appropriate for what was going on at the time. I will not sit idly by any longer to suffer through such ridiculousness from Lydia. It is no longer cute; she is old enough to understand the proper deportment for a lady.” Elizabeth defends their actions.

  “You are right.” Jane understandably agrees; she just wants everybody in her family to get along, love each other, and help each other.