“No, Lizzy. I must speak now.” She took a deep breath and looked at Darcy before speaking in a hoarse voice. “Mr. Darcy, I must apologize to you and your sister. Regardless of how many times I was informed that Mr. Wickham said nothing but lies about you, I persisted in thinking he the better man. I called you names and unjustly accused you, even to your sister’s face, even after I learned you loved Lizzy. I never questioned how such a supposedly-terrible man could love Lizzy. How could such a terrible man be capable of the passion and sacrifice I heard of you? But the only good we knew of Wickham came from his mouth. Mr. Bingley, at least, liked you. Will you forgive me for being an ignorant, silly and vain creature?”
Lydia was crying and could not quite credit what she heard next.
“Of course I forgive you, Miss Lydia. Can you forgive me for thinking myself superior to you and your family? Georgiana told me of her conversation with you. No, no keep your apology. You see, my sister has folly in her as well. My aunt came and horribly insulted Elizabeth and your family, full of arrogance, prejudice and greed, intent on matching me with my cousin. I, too, was prejudiced and full of pride, but I now very much look forward to calling you sister.”
“Sister? Truly?” She looked to Elizabeth.
“Yes, it has all been settled for many days. Now you must get better so we may host a dinner to celebrate our engagement and Jane’s as well.”
“Jane and Mr. Bingley? How wonderful!” she exclaimed with a hint of her usual enthusiasm. Then she sank back against her pillow. “How exhausting.”
Darcy and Elizabeth laughed, then left, allowing Lydia to recover.
*****
Tuesday, December 17, 1811
Kitty came into the drawing room, where the entire household was gathered, bearing a stack of letters. The Darcys and Bingley had yet to remove to Netherfield, although they were to leave that evening. Lydia was downstairs for a few moments to take in some fresh air.
“Goodness! Have we received a letter from every acquaintance we have ever had?” Mrs. Bennet excitedly declared.
Kitty dutifully passed-out the letters and each person opened their letter in as secluded a position as possible.
Mrs. Bennet opened her letter and leaned toward the light shining through the window. She had all but forgotten about the express she sent to her sister-in-law on the day Darcy arrived at Longbourn.
Fanny,
Truly you ought to be ashamed of the way you scared me by sending your latest letter express. I found it hard to believe Elizabeth engaged to Mr. Darcy, as in her most recent letter she decries him as hateful and arrogant and we know he is vastly superior in rank and wealth. Yet, London is ripe with rumours of their engagement. I took the liberty of writing some former acquaintances of mine who remain in the Lambton area, near Pemberley, in Derbyshire. Their replies are full of nothing but glowing reports of his character. They do assume he has some pride, but pride he must either have, or the people of a small market town which he does not visit frequently, would assume he does. His rumoured wealth is well over ten thousand pounds per annum, as well as vast holdings. I asked after Mr. Wickham as well, who is not to be trusted and, when he departed the Lambton area, he left behind many debts, settled by Mr. Darcy.
But pray, write to me immediately and let me know how this engagement has come to pass. I cannot fathom Lizzy marrying a man simply for his wealth and by all accounts Mr. Darcy is too sensible to be taken in by infatuation.
Yours,
M. Gardiner
Elizabeth sat beside Darcy on the sofa and began to blush at the opening lines of her aunt’s letter.
My Dear Niece,
Are you out of your senses to marry this man? Have you not always hated him? You have said he is a proud, disagreeable man, but that would be nothing if now you truly liked him; please assure me your motives are pure.
I believe that some of your opinions were based on the claims of Mr. Wickham. However, I have heard from my Lambton friends that Mr. Darcy is a generous landlord and master, and that Wickham is a gamester and philanderer, and left the area in debt. Instead, it appears that Mr. Darcy may be a good man, based on these reports, but this alone is not a sufficient basis for a marriage.
I cannot think you so mercenary to marry Mr. Darcy if you hated him, so I suppose you have learned he is not unscrupulous as you had previously believed him but your lively talents place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You must esteem your husband to escape discredit and misery. You must respect your partner in life. I suppose you are concerned as your mother had hopes of matching Jane with Mr. Bingley, who I understand has left the area, and perhaps you feel guilty after rejecting Mr. Collins, but you must not marry without affection!
However, I know not how you could break such a well-known engagement without serious consequences, for all of London is speaking of it, but if you should think better of it and need distance from Longbourn know that you are always welcome with us. I will be at Longbourn in two days and you must tell me all then!
Yours,
M. Gardiner
Mr. Bennet stood before the fireplace while reading his brother-in-law’s note, wavering between offense and amusement.
Bennet,
My wife had the most distressing letter from my sister and has informed me there is much gossip that Lizzy is to marry Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. We know this cannot be as Elizabeth hates him, and why should he care for her? Even still, it seems we are to be the victims of cruel gossip, and I know not what is to become of the family if we cannot persuade Mr. Darcy to marry her. I know you do not wish to hear it, but if it would help I can offer to settle some money on her to entice Mr. Darcy, although I could not match what many eager debutantes could provide. As you are such a poor correspondent, I have arranged my business so Margaret and I can leave earlier than usual for our annual visit. We will arrive in two days time.
Yours,
E. Gardiner
Darcy sat next to Elizabeth and noticed while she opened her letter in happiness and seemed to sink into confusion, he viewed his message with scepticism. He had heard Lady Catherine’s opinion of his marriage, now he was to learn the opinion of his uncle, a powerful earl.
Darcy,
You have not replied to my message from last week so I visited your house and learned you were in Hertfordshire, and only urgent notices were being forwarded. Why on earth have you not returned to London? Your cousins and my wife are gladly, nay eagerly, relating the details of your engagement, of which I believe there is a fair amount of fabrication. Your Aunt Catherine has been to visit you, I understand. She immediately returned to Rosings but I persuaded her to allow Anne to remain. She is blooming as I have never seen before.
I congratulate on your forthcoming marriage. I assume it is not a great match by material standards, but then I wager you have more of the Fitzwilliam in you and always believed you would marry for affection.
My wife was invited by Miss Bingley, who we understand is sister to your host in Hertfordshire, to visit and meet the Bennet family. My wife had wanted to throw you a betrothal ball but Richard was especially keen to accept Miss Bingley’s invitation. I fear you may be in for some teasing by your cousin but I am certain this is more to your tastes. The whole family will arrive in two days time.
R. Fitzwilliam
Georgiana sat between her new friends and read her letter with wide, disbelieving eyes. How had she been taken in by such false friendship?
My dearest Georgiana,
I was so surprised to hear of you and Mr. Darcy going away with my brother last week, but as I know an announcement which we have all longed to hear will soon follow, it fills my heart with joy to see your continued intimacy with my brother. You have no equal in beauty, elegance and accomplishments and you know Charles admires you greatly. Beware, though, for Charles is so capable of engaging any woman’s heart that I am much mistaken if there is not a young lady in your new neighbourhood who has designs on him. But never fear, dear,
Louisa and I will arrive in two days time to spend Christmas at Netherfield and there we will protect our common interests.
I have heard of your brother’s engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn and I was fortunate enough to meet with your aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam, the other day and invited the entire family to spend the holidays with us at Netherfield.
Yours,
C. Bingley
Bingley happily accepted his letter from his sister and began it with eagerness. He still hoped to have her come to Netherfield. His desires wavered after reading her words.
Charles,
What is the meaning of returning to Netherfield? Why did you not inform Louisa and me? Who is to escort me to the holiday functions? And to know you took Mr. Darcy with you, only for him to propose to that horrid Eliza Bennet, and now he is lost from me forever!
But, I will be kinder to you than you were to me. I am happy that Georgiana went with you, for surely you see Jane Bennet is nothing compared to her. It is of no matter though. Louisa and I will make a very early start and arrive just after breakfast in two days to winter with you at Netherfield. We have the compliment of the Earl and Countess Fitzwilliam arriving on the same day to spend the holidays at Netherfield and meet the Bennet family, and my early arrival will allow me to prepare for our honoured guests; please ensure you are available. I only wish it could all take place in London so Eliza may be properly ostracized, but then on second thought I would not want Mr. Darcy to lose his position in Society, so it is better for Lady Fitzwilliam to mould Eliza how she must before they arrive in London.
Yours,
C. Bingley
When finished all five looked at each other in amazement and spoke in unison. “Two days time!”
*****
“William, please!” Elizabeth cried.
Darcy was pacing around the library at Longbourn. “No, ‘tis too much! Miss Bingley attempting to marry off my sister while she is still a child! Your uncle wanting to pay me to marry you! How can it be that strangers, who do not even know me, are inclined to doubt my honour so implicitly!”
Mr. Bennet interjected, “Darcy, really. Gardiner did not doubt your honour, he only wished to not affront your pride, which you have admitted you have.”
“But the reputation of your daughter—even your whole family’s—was at stake! Even had I not such an attachment to Miss Elizabeth, I could not have walked away!”
Elizabeth came toward him and placed her hand on his arm. “Please, it is all my fault. If only I had not been so prejudiced and unguarded in my writing. Can you ever forgive me for causing so many to believe the worst of you?”
“You at fault! No, no. It was my own actions that encouraged that belief.” Darcy sighed. “And it is my pride that is offended again as a result.”
Elizabeth smiled slyly. “Perhaps I will save your reputation again!”
Entirely forgetting Mr. Bennet’s presence he leaned in for a kiss, before hearing the older gentleman clear his throat.
“I must meet with Mrs. Bennet.” Looking at his daughter and Darcy he admonished, “Do not tarry long.”
*****
In Mrs. Bennet’s chambers, Mr. Bennet found his wife staring off into space.
“Fanny?”
“Oh, Thomas! An earl and countess? Here? The girls! Can they behave?”
“Do you not believe they have learned much in the last fortnight? We have no reason to believe Darcy’s family is hateful; they surely cannot expect much from the match as they have never heard of us before. Now, let us use our Bennet pride to some good. We will not be put down by anyone, but we can acknowledge when one is of superior rank. More than that, Kitty and Lydia will not be able to participate in all the adult functions as they are no longer considered out. Besides, Darcy is not changing his mind.”
“I must meet with Hill and call on Lady Lucas. Oh, dear. How many are coming? I am certain Bingley will host us at Netherfield some, but the first dinner must be here.”
Mr. Bennet smiled at his wife and left her to her tasks.
*****
Thursday, December 19, 1811
Netherfield
11 am
Bingley arose early as his sisters and brother were expected to arrive shortly after breakfast. He had already seen to it all, with the help of Darcy and Georgiana. The rooms were ready for their guests, but he knew Caroline would desire to look things over as well. Although usually, given to sleeping late, he knew Caroline would arrive on time for hosting the Fitzwilliams. They were all invited to dinner at Longbourn.
“Charles! How could you allow this to happen?” Caroline cried as soon as she saw her brother.
“Keep your voice down!”
“I simply do not understand it. Darcy was more than happy to leave the area when we departed and he fervently agreed with me on the matter of the Bennets, and yet only a few days later he returned and I hear in Town he was engaged to Eliza all that time? Why would he conceal the engagement? It is so unlike him to lie, or even omit things!”
Bingley was growing nervous. Who knew what Caroline would concoct to explain this discrepancy or when she might voice it?
“Have you never wanted to veil your true opinion of things? Perhaps affection for someone? We all know you never had romantic feelings for Darcy.” Caroline blushed, and Bingley continued, “I hope you had a pleasant drive, but I do believe Mrs. Clark needs your help in the blue room.”
“Oh! Why did you not say so earlier? All must be well for the Co...the Countess!”
She scurried off and Bingley released a sigh, before finding Darcy to apprise him of his concerns.
He found his friend in the library.
“Darcy, I need to speak with you.”
“Very well.”
“Did you and Lizzy discuss how to present your engagement?”
“I proposed the night of the ball and left for London to settle matters.”
“That is all very well, but Caroline has determined that it makes no sense for you to conceal your attachment from her.”
“I suppose the notion that I simply did not wish to hear her vitriol would not cross her mind?”
“No, and I daresay you cannot respectfully say that to her face.”
Darcy sighed, and Bingley understood it all. Darcy hated fake civility and had certainly needed to use it constantly on Caroline. Bingley continued his point. “I worry what reason Caroline has formed in her own mind, and what she may say to others. We cannot rely on her to be guarded in her statements.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the correspondence is known here and, if there is no reason to think that you were not engaged when they were sent, then it is of no concern. But I fear she will imply the engagement happened due to scandal.”
Darcy scoffed. “First of all, she was much more aware than Elizabeth was of my admiration. Secondly, I doubt she is foolish enough to question my honour to my face or in front of my noble relatives. Lastly, my uncle brings Arlington with him. She will be far too distracted with a viscount to worry about me at all.”
“You do sound confident. Do you really think you can understand her better than me?”
“Charles, I do not mean to insult you or your sister, but the only way I have tolerated her so well all these years is precisely by understanding her and knowing what to say to have some peace. I could almost feel sorry for my cousin, but he can fight for himself. Besides, Miss Bingley is not so terrible. I daresay she is not very different than me, she is quite aware of her duty to the family to marry well. Perhaps one day she will, like me, learn that affection is superior to consequence.”
“Well, then I will have no worries.”
“Come, let us prepare for the afternoon. When do you announce your engagement to Jane?”
“She has asked to inform my sisters.”
Darcy raised his eyebrows, and the two friends laughed and readied themselves for all the pomp and circumstance Miss Bingley would roll out for the arrival of
Darcy’s family.
Chapter Ten
Thursday, December 19, 1811
Longbourn
At five o’clock the entire Netherfield party arrived at Longbourn, nearly bursting it at the seams. Elizabeth sat nervously in the drawing room as Darcy introduced his family.
“May I introduce my uncle, Lord Robert Fitzwilliam and his wife, Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam? Aunt, Uncle this is Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet and their daughters Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine and Lydia.”
He paused to allow Mr. Bennet to speak. “We are very pleased to meet you and honoured to have you in our home. Allow me to introduce my wife’s brother and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner of London.”
Elizabeth held her breath, fearing looks of disdain from Darcy’s family towards her London relations, but they all looked pleased to make the acquaintance.
Darcy spoke with surprising civility to the Gardiners, despite his earlier affront at the letter, and then spoke again to the whole room. “Allow me to also present my cousins: Joseph, the Viscount Arlington, Richard, a colonel in the royal Horse Guards Blue, Lady Emilia and Lady Alice Fitzwilliam and Anne, the daughter of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
There was an awkward pause after the greetings but the earl burst forth. “I very much like this room, it is very comfortable!”
Everyone smiled and relaxed, breaking into small groups before dinner was announced. Elizabeth was surprised to see Caroline so easily gave up attending to Darcy in favour of the Viscount, but then it should not have surprised her if Caroline frequently cared for only the highest rank in the room. She had some kind of odd, teasing relationship with the Colonel frequently glancing in his direction while speaking with the brother. The Colonel, when not slyly insulting Caroline, was one of the most amiable gentlemen Elizabeth had ever met.
One Autumn with Darcy Page 18