She had difficulty thinking of the words to soothe and reassure him; instead she withdrew her hands. She boldly planned to place them on his face so he would calm himself, but he turned away dejectedly. Immediately, she reached for his hand and pleaded for him to turn and look at her with one simple word:
“William.”
Chapter Seven
Tuesday, March 31, 1812 continued.
The feeling of desolation from the knowledge that Elizabeth hated him, coupled with the guilt of knowing her feelings were just, tore Darcy’s heart asunder. He could scarcely hope ever to earn her approbation. How insufficient were all his pretensions to please the truly worthy woman in front of him. When she grabbed his hand, pulling him back to look at her while calling his name, he lost all restraint.
“Elizabeth,” he said as reverently as a prayer.
Immediately, he pulled her to him and rested her head against his chest. Her arms naturally wrapped around his waist, although he recognised her hesitance. He kissed her hair and clutched her tightly in desperation.
The embrace was frantic as he sought relief from his despair, and later he would be surprised his body did not react to the sensation of enveloping Elizabeth in his arms at last. Instead, he felt the urge to bring her as close as possible in an effort to meld them together, to entwine her heart with his. He had long known he loved her —he had even begun to realise he needed her in his life —but it was not until this moment, with the fear of losing her forever, that he understood he would be entirely incomplete without not just her presence but also her love.
He held her firmly until his heartbeat returned to normal and his feelings of anguish eased. He loosened his grip and searched her face for any signs of repulsion or fear. Instead, he observed her flushed countenance, rapid breaths, and dazed eyes. He scarcely allowed himself to hope she was as affected by his embrace as he was by holding her. Darcy slowly lifted his hand to gently stroke Elizabeth’s cheek; his other arm still loosely held her. Elizabeth’s hands were still around his waist, but he was uncertain if she was aware.
“Elizabeth, Elizabeth, please tell me I have hope. Tell me you are not absolutely, irrevocably decided against me. I only wish to love you, to please you,” he implored and yet insisted at the same time.
“Oh, William.” Elizabeth closed her eyes and shook her head while sighing. She blushed when she realised the placement of her hands and hastily withdrew them. “I have been so wrong in my understanding of your character. As I told you, I was blinded by prejudice. I misjudged you grievously, and I hope you can forgive me. I do respect and esteem you now.”
She paused for a short moment and then gave a light laugh; the sound filled Darcy with delight. “I find I even enjoy your company. I was quite frustrated to not be able to speak with you so openly as I would have liked on our journey this morning.”
She gave him a tantalizing smile that nearly drove him to distraction. His emotional despondency passed, and ignited by her smile and the brightness of her eyes, his body instantly recognised her nearness. He felt a change in the air between them, and his gaze moved from her beguiling mouth to her eyes and back to her lips. Every part of him was acutely attuned to her reactions, and he surmised she noticed the change, too.
His hand was still on her cheek, and he began to stroke it again, allowing his thumb to graze lightly over her enticing pink lips. She gasped and shivered, which made her move ever so slightly nearer to him. Darcy could bear it no longer.
With passion-drunk eyes, he searched her face for permission and bent his head forward. In a hoarse whisper filled with longing and need, he asked, “Elizabeth, may I...?”
“Pardon me.” The voice of Charlotte Collins sent a shock like cold water through him. Although still reeling from the intimate moment with Elizabeth, he managed to release the tempting sprite in his arms. After a soothing and deep inhale to calm himself, he turned towards the intruder with confusion, and no little annoyance, evident on his face.
“Yes, Mrs. Collins?” Charlotte had averted her eyes but returned them to Darcy upon hearing his words. He was also aware of Elizabeth’s shift in attention.
“I apologise for interrupting your...conversation, but I was directed to give this note to you, Mr. Darcy.” She held out a letter to him, which upon inspecting the seal, he recognised came from his aunt, Lady Catherine.
He tore it open and expected to find more harsh admonishments and denunciations, but instead read:
Rosings, Kent
Monday, March 30
Darcy,
I wish to apologise for my earlier behaviour towards you and Miss Bennet. I have instructed Mr. and Mrs. Collins, as well as Miss Lucas and all servants at both Rosings and the parsonage, to not speak of the indelicate posture in which Mr. Collins discovered you yesterday morning. I hope this shall help serve to heal any breach between our households that might have formed.
Your aunt,
The Rt. Hon. Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Darcy did not trust his aunt at all. He recognised her script but had never known her to be so conciliatory. He handed the letter to Elizabeth and returned his attention to Mrs. Collins.
“Is it true you were directed to not speak of the incident necessitating Miss Elizabeth’s and my departure?”
“Yes, her ladyship was very adamant we not even allude to the matter. I am certain all parties will obey her.”
While Darcy considered the implications of his aunt’s note and any possible plot she might consider, Elizabeth said, “Charlotte, I am quite surprised to see you here!”
“Yes, well, her ladyship suggested most strenuously that it would only be right to return Maria ourselves and visit with my family.”
“Oh! Charlotte, I am so sorry to have forced you out of your home!”
“Eliza, I assure you, the visit is a most welcome respite.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “And where is your husband?”
Charlotte looked ill at ease. “Meeting with your father. He had a note to deliver to Mr. Bennet also.”
Mr. Darcy’s attention turned again towards the ladies at Charlotte’s statement, and he met Elizabeth’s eyes. “Mr. Darcy, perhaps we ought to speak with my father together immediately.”
Darcy merely nodded in agreement, and the threesome made their way back to Longbourn.
*****
Mr. Bennet was just beginning to recover from his confrontation with Darcy, after confirming his family did not overhear him and finding himself thankful they were a noisy lot, when the butler showed his cousin, Mr. Collins, into his study. He did not attempt to stifle a groan and clutched his head between his hands for a brief moment.
Mr. Collins’ eyes seemed unusually glassy as he said, “Mr. Bennet, I have come with the express purpose of seeing to the safe reception of a letter of utmost urgency from my esteemed patroness. I shall allow you to read it without delay.” He fumbled in his pocket, even less coordinated than usual, before finding the sealed parchment and laying it on the desk in front of him.
Mr. Bennet looked on in annoyance at his cousin’s obvious inebriation. Given the circumstances of the previous few days, he felt it better actually to read the letter. He ignored his cousin sermonizing on the improper behaviour of his most favourite daughter. If he had not already expended so much interest and energy on Darcy, he might have even been moved to anger at the gentleman before him. Instead, he turned his attention to the note, praying fervently to find some amusement within.
Rosings, Kent
Monday, March 30
Mr. Bennet,
You can be at no loss to understand my reason for writing to you. I understand your second eldest daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, has presumed an engagement with my nephew, Mr. Darcy. This union cannot take place. He is engaged to my daughter. I am ready to settle twenty five thousand pounds for the silence of your household on this matter and to supplement your daughters’ dowries so they might make beneficial matches. You may rest assured that no scan
dal shall come from the compromising position in which they were found yesterday morning, as my staff and clergyman’s household have all been instructed to silence. You may relay your acceptance of the arrangement and the particulars of your choosing to me when Mr. Collins returns to Hunsford.
The Rt. Hon. Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Mr. Bennet was more than a little tempted by her ladyship’s offer. He certainly could use the money, and he would not need to lose his Elizabeth to the despicable Mr. Darcy. He did have his reservations about his cousin, among others, and his ability to abide by Lady Catherine’s edict of silence on the matter.
“Mr. Collins, has Lady Catherine commanded your silence on a matter of some delicacy?”
“Yes, Mr. Bennet, and she is worthy of all obedience...” Collins had to cease his speech due to a round of hiccoughs.
Mr. Bennet seized the opportunity, giving Collins a stern look. “Then I suggest you practice that silence now. My wife and youngest daughters remain ignorant on this subject, and so do the servants. If you do not wish to incur her ladyship’s wrath, then you must control your tongue.”
“You are, of course, correct, sir! And it is so affable of you to remind me so diligently. May I presume that you have agreed to her ladyship’s proposal?”
Mr. Bennet had not entirely decided. In fact, he was rather tired of the subject for the day and just about to make a request for more time to decide when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy barged into his study.
“Papa! I must speak with you at once.” He immediately recognised Elizabeth’s glare of disdain at Mr. Collins as she spoke.
“Yes, and I should like to speak with you.”
Elizabeth continued to eye Mr. Collins, insisting, “I must request a private audience.”
“And so I agree.” Mr. Bennet’s lips curled up in amusement. “Mr. Darcy, could you show Mr. Collins the way to his wife? Afterwards, you may wish to sit with the ladies in the morning room again or leave entirely.” Mr. Bennet did not trust Collins near his wife and daughters and hoped Mrs. Collins could convince her husband to depart for Lucas Lodge.
Mr. Bennet was annoyed that his attempts at baiting Darcy were unsuccessful. He had expected the man to be more affronted when asked to leave the library and told to escort Collins, as a servant would. And wonder of wonders, the proud man showed no reaction to being forced into more company with Mrs. Bennet or to leave for Netherfield. Darcy only looked towards Elizabeth and gave her a little smile and a nod, then graciously obliged.
Once alone, he looked at his daughter and began, “You shall not have to marry Mr. Darcy, Lizzy. Her ladyship has graciously condescended to ensure silence on the subject.”
“How can you trust a woman who so carelessly demanded to send me away? Who insulted me and our family with the vilest language? You must see we cannot be so assured! If gossip were to get out, it will materially harm the reputations of my sisters.”
“With a dowry of six thousand pounds, surely they shall draw the attention of some respectable men. It shall be more if I invest wisely.”
Elizabeth gasped in disbelief. “Of what are you speaking?”
“Her ladyship confirms Mr. Darcy’s engagement to her daughter and, in the interest of seeing that union preserved, has offered a sum of twenty five thousand pounds in addition to her earlier assurances.”
“Mr. Darcy has vigorously denied any engagement with Miss de Bourgh. He refuted it to his aunt’s face!” Elizabeth’s face took on an unexpected expression of panic. She soon recovered and calmly stated, “He has declared our engagement just as openly.”
“The general expectation of Mr. Darcy’s marriage to Miss de Bourgh is well-known. I daresay few would believe any gossip of an engagement with you.”
“Can you not see this is an outrageous attempt at bribery? I very much doubt that, should there be no scandal and I release Mr. Darcy from our understanding, he shall marry his cousin. Lady Catherine would be incensed, and I believe her to be vindictive.” She paused a moment and narrowed her eyes. “In fact, she might act against us even if he would marry her daughter. I also find it hard to believe she would honour the payment or that she even has the monies.”
“I would do anything, rather than see you in so unequal a marriage guaranteed to bring you nothing but misery.”
“Even putting all of my sisters at risk? You must be sensible!”
“I know you can never respect the man after all he has done.”
“You know nothing of the sort! Pray, have you read my uncle’s letter?”
Mr. Bennet snorted in disgust. “I am sure your uncle has only been intimidated, or perhaps charmed, by Mr. Darcy in coming to his defence. There is little use in my reading it.”
Elizabeth snatched the letter from her father’s desk and began to read aloud:
Gracechurch Street, London
Tuesday, March 31
My brother Bennet,
I am certain you are shocked, and not a little angry, to hear of Lizzy’s betrothal. I know from my visit over Christmas you do not have a favourable opinion of Mr. Darcy, and if you have heard the reasons for their engagement, then you will, naturally, be all the more upset.
It is undeniably true that Mr. Darcy should not have met with Lizzy alone. However, I do believe his claims; the meeting was unintentional. The man has a very upstanding reputation, and I do not perceive any mean motivations on his part. In fact, my wife and I have readily observed his admiration for Lizzy. I quite believe he loves her, and he has admitted so to her and me.
I understand most of your displeasure with the man arises from his supposed dealings with Mr. George Wickham. Mr. Darcy laid bare his dealings with the man in their entirety last night. After years of abusing the generosity of his friend and patron, Mr. Wickham then refused the living at Kympton and requested the value of it. He received the amount of three thousand pounds. Wickham then gambled away his money in a matter of years, and when the living fell open, he requested the vacancy. After Mr. Darcy denied him, Wickham began his effort to discredit Mr. Darcy.
More painfully, last summer, the man attempted to seduce Mr. Darcy’s sister and planned an elopement. Fortunately, Mr. Darcy arrived in time to stop the plans, and when it was made clear Mr. Wickham would not receive Miss Darcy’s dowry, the reprobate left the poor girl broken-hearted. She is to inherit thirty thousand pounds, and we know Wickham is currently calling on a young lady who recently inherited ten thousand pounds.
In addition to a financial motivation, Mr. Darcy believes Wickham has a personal wish to see him hurt. Mr. Darcy even suspects the attentions bestowed upon Elizabeth and your other daughters was with the sole design of discrediting himself, as Wickham might have recognised his friend’s admiration for Lizzy. In light of such suspicions, Mr. Darcy has taken measures to safeguard his future sisters and wishes to be of use to the town of Meryton. He is prepared to compensate the tradesmen for any debts Wickham incurs until his departure. We have decided against publicly exposing Wickham for the time being; we would not wish to anger the man before he is properly restrained. I support Mr. Darcy’s unexampled selfishness and wisdom in this matter.
I beg you, listen to the man.
Yours etc.
Edward Gardiner
*****
Elizabeth’s hand trembled as she tried to contain her seldom-felt fury and thrust her uncle’s letter in front of her father once more. “You see, Father!”
Mr. Bennet tentatively took the letter and held it limply in his hands, watching in stunned amazement as his daughter agitatedly fired questions. “Would a man so dishonourable, as you accuse him of being, desire to protect us from such a calamity? Would he dare to create a story about his dear sister?”
She allowed some of her rage to dissipate. “Mr. Darcy has explained he is uncomfortable in new society, and he was, understandably, in poor spirits during his stay in the country. He explained that he did not believe Jane loved Mr. Bingley. Even you must own that she is very reserved in her express
ions. He apologised for his interference and has already notified Mr. Bingley, who arrives this afternoon, of his errors. I believe we misunderstood Mr. Darcy’s discomfort for pride and arrogance due to our own insecurities. And we were very wrong to trust Mr. Wickham so implicitly.”
With sudden softness and light blush on her cheeks, she added, “Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. You must see this marriage has to go forward, and I do esteem him now. Pray, do not pain me by speaking of him in such ill terms again.”
Elizabeth perceived Mr. Bennet was mortified by his misjudgement but chose not to capitulate so easily. Instead, he said, “I shall deny Lady Catherine’s offer. I can see you are determined to have him, but in any other circumstance, I should refuse him if he ever condescended to ask.”
Elizabeth gave him an exasperated sigh, furious anew that her father refused to believe Darcy’s regard for her even after his doubt of Darcy’s honour was vanquished.
He gave her a sharp look. “Elizabeth, I know you could never be happy if you do not esteem your husband. Your lively talents place you in great danger in an unequal marriage.” Elizabeth was shocked to think she shared the sentiment in her own breast only two days prior and fancied it liberal!
In her silence, her father continued, “We are uncertain if a scandal shall develop at this point; let us allow for some passage of time.” He then turned his attention to a book for several minutes.
When he looked up and saw her watchful expression, he added, “I will say nothing else.” After sitting a moment to ascertain if she could work on her father, she exited the room with a disgruntled harrumph and left her father alone with his books.
*****
Elizabeth immediately sought Darcy, knowing that he and Charlotte would have routed Mr. Collins away from her family and on towards Lucas Lodge. She correctly assumed he waited outside for her. She found him seated on a bench in the garden.
Compromising Mr. Darcy Page 9