by Wells, Linda
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.” Her gaze shifted to take in Jane, who was clutching a handkerchief and staring down at her feet.
“Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner said softly, “I will speak to your mother.” Elizabeth nodded, and close to tears, walked back over to Jane and flushed again with shame to realize that Colonel Fitzwilliam was still in the room. She turned away from his piercing eyes and did not notice when he walked away to speak quietly with Evangeline. Jane pressed her hand on Elizabeth’s arm.
“Oh Lizzy, I am so sorry, how can you be so supportive of me when I have behaved so poorly?”
Elizabeth awakened from her thoughts to face her sister. “What are you saying?”
Jane said tearfully, “I was so happy for you when you first became engaged, and then I allowed my jealousy over your joy to turn me into someone I do not know. I told you that day I would be happy to marry for security, but I begrudged you the love you found with Mr. Darcy.”
“Why did you? I have been so hurt Jane, I thought that I was living with my youngest sister, not my eldest.”
“But you see, Mama told me that marrying was my duty, that I was the only hope. When you became engaged, I … I lost my way, and I think that I feared losing Mama’s love. Now I understand how much she has hurt you.” She took Elizabeth’s hand. “Can you forgive me?”
Relieved to finally see the sister she knew return, Elizabeth gladly embraced her. “Yes, but oh Jane, what of Mr. Harwick? You can see how much his opinion must be hurt after meeting our parents.”
“I will accept whatever decision he makes.” Jane drew away and steadied herself. “I have hardly done anything to make myself appealing to him.”
Harwick was standing in a far corner of the room, examining the portrait of a young woman with dark hair and warm, smiling eyes. When the door shut he turned to find the three men facing him.
“Who is this, Darcy?”
Looking at the portrait, he said slowly, “That was my grandmother, on my father’s side, Rebecca Darcy.”
“She resembles Miss Elizabeth.” He observed. Unsaid, Darcy knew, was that the portrait resembled Ellen Harwick. Addressing Mr. Bennet, Harwick left no doubt of his displeasure. “Sir. You may or may not be aware that this meeting between us was done by design. It was recommended that I meet the father of Miss Bennet without being exposed to her family. Although at the time I felt it was rather unnecessary, how could the family of such a pleasant woman be a problem? I now understand thoroughly the reasoning in my friend Darcy’s mind. Your wife has, in a matter of moments, insulted the memory of my beloved wife, questioned my honour, and pried into my business, while you sir, stood silently by, allowing her to continue. I can only assume that you have no desire to see your daughter make, frankly, an extraordinary match. Perhaps you are blinded by Mr. Darcy’s devotion to Miss Elizabeth? I have no such sentiment to sway me, sir. I can walk away from this courtship without a heavy heart, and after meeting Miss Bennet’s parents I am inclined to do so. What have you to say about this?”
Mr. Bennet took a moment before speaking. “It seems that I journeyed to London to be the subject of chastisement by two rich men today, have you both become tired of society and wished for some sport at the expense of my daughters?”
“Bennet!” Mr. Gardiner exclaimed. “Do not be a fool! This is not a game.”
“Mr. Bennet, you knew what was likely to happen if Mrs. Bennet accompanied you here. You cannot feign indignation with our reactions.” Darcy spoke quietly. “You created this situation, not we.”
“You are ending the courtship with Jane?” He asked Harwick.
“I have made no decision on that particular subject, although I have made decisions on others.” Harwick’s cold gaze met Mr. Bennet’s eyes.
He sighed and nodded. “Very well, I apologize for what occurred, and I will speak to my wife. Your decision for Jane should be based on her behaviour, not her parents’.”
“I can accept that.” Harwick glanced at the portrait again then caught Darcy’s eye, nodding to him when he recognized that he understood, and departed the room to stand pensively by the fireplace. The other men followed. Darcy went immediately to Elizabeth’s side, and did not hesitate to tell her what had just occurred.
“Mr. Harwick, I would like to speak with you privately, if you do not mind.” Jane requested quietly. “We could take a seat over in the corner?” He nodded and they walked across the room. She sat down and looked at her family talking and drinking their tea.
He sat beside her and waited. “Miss Bennet?”
She sighed and continued looking down. “Mr. Harwick, please accept my apology.”
“What have you done?”
“I …I have for the entirety of our friendship displayed little of myself, and further, I have discovered a side of me that I never knew and I hope will be banished forever now that I recognize its existence.” She looked up to see his brows knit, but no other expression. “When my sister announced her engagement, I was so happy for her. She had been through a terrible rejection and faced the wrath of our mother in very cruel ways, and Mr. Darcy is the ideal partner for her. However, as I saw her love blooming and how Mr. Darcy displayed his affection for her, I am afraid that I became, shamefully, resentful.”
“I noticed some tension between you.”
“Yes.” She twisted her hands again, and looked over to where Elizabeth stood talking to Darcy.
Harwick followed her gaze and asked gently, “What is the purpose of this conversation, Miss Bennet?”
“Mr. Harwick, I know how poorly I have shown myself to you, and I know that I am wanting in many areas, but now that Lizzy has relieved me of the requirements of duty, I hope that I can … learn to be myself.”
“I appreciate that you have had to work through these feelings, and admire the conclusions you have drawn. Your parents’ decision to put you out at such a young age astounds me, and I must also remind myself that you are still quite young, although you are the eldest.” He smiled and touched her hand. “Your words remind me that you are not the only person in this room who has some barriers to overcome.”
“You, sir?”
“Me as well. Darcy was kind enough to speak to me earlier about this.”
“Sir, you witnessed my parents, I suppose that your private conference was in reference to their behaviour and I fear that it will only grow worse as the tour continues.”
“Thank you for the warning, although I hope that it is at an end.” He stood up and offered her his hand. “I promise to keep an open mind. Is that what you were asking of me?”
“I suppose that it was, but also I … I will understand if you choose against me, and not just based on my parents’ behaviour but on mine.”
Harwick studied her silently. “I have made no decision, Miss Bennet, however, I will soon.” Jane smiled a little and looked back over to Darcy and Elizabeth, who were in turn watching them.
More than anything, Darcy wished to be holding Elizabeth after their quiet emotional discussion, but that was certainly not permissible with a roomful of guests. Instead he took her hand in his and locked their fingers together. “So, she has apologized to you and to him.” Darcy said thoughtfully. “That is interesting.” He saw her brows rise and smiled. “It fascinates me how you are so shy about our love, but so feisty about your sister’s, despite your frustration with her. Well it is up to them now.” He touched her cheek. “How did we become matchmakers?”
“I would prefer to just worry about our own match for a change.”
Darcy bent near her ear. “We have nothing to worry about, except my pending demise from wanting you.”
“What does that mean?” Elizabeth whispered as her shoulder brushed against his chest.
He thought of how they could possibly touch, and moved to stand behind her. Drawing her back so she lightly rested against him, he whispered so nobody else could hear. “It means, my love, my darling Elizabeth, that I want to feel our bodies join together, as man and
woman were created to do.”
“Ohhhhhh.”
“Was that too plain?” He asked as he gently caressed her wrist with his thumb.
“No, it was …oh Fitzwilliam. I think that I will die if I do not touch you soon.”
His voice shook. “Are you serious, Elizabeth? You would wish to ….”
“Is that wanton?” She asked and leaned further against him.
“Oh no, dearest, it is everything I have hoped for.”
Mrs. Gardiner approached and spoke softly. “I think that it is time to continue the tour.”
Darcy flushed and was grateful for Elizabeth’s position in front of him. She looked back at him then smiled to her aunt. “Must we? It is at last calm in here.”
“Lizzy, your mother will not rest until she sees every corner of this house.”
“I doubt that Harwick will welcome her into his.” Darcy said as he regained his composure. He drew a deep breath and managed to smile again. “You are a problem.”
“Why?”
“Because you are so close, but I dare not touch you.” Steeling himself, he offered her his arm and raised his voice. “For any who wish to continue the tour, please follow us.” Everyone joined them and they moved through the house, visiting the music room, the many sitting rooms, then on to see several bedchambers.
“Where are the masters’ and mistress’ chambers?” Mrs. Bennet asked. “They must be fine indeed; I must see where my Lizzy will sleep!”
“Mama, they are in the process of being redecorated, so there is nothing to see there right now. We just ordered new furnishings …”
“You chose furniture without me?” She huffed. “And what did you purchase? Which warehouse did you visit? Lizzy knows nothing of what is fashionable. I cannot begin to imagine what mistakes she has made …”
“Mr. Chippendale came here personally, Mrs. Bennet.” Darcy’s expression was challenging. “Does that suit?”
“Oh …yes of course.”
“Do you find any of the rooms of this home in need of improvement?”
“No, no sir, everything is very fine.”
“Very well, then perhaps comments should instead be directed to Elizabeth on what an excellent mistress she will be, and not on opinions of her lack of experience. I have found that she has excellent taste, and I trust her to choose well. Furthermore madam, you speak of how pleased you are with our engagement, and yet you continue to disparage Elizabeth with your comments. Which is it madam? Is her discernment only applicable in finding a husband or may it be applied to all aspects of her many talents?”
“Oh, well, I … I think that Lizzy is a clever girl …”
“And beautiful.” He stated and stared at her.
Mrs. Bennet remained silent and all conversation around them had stopped as well. “And … beautiful.”
“And you will not criticize her before company again.”
“I … No, why would I do that?”
“Why indeed, madam.” Darcy looked to Elizabeth who was gripping his hand tightly and studying the floor. He glanced at Mr. Bennet, saw Richard and Harwick both smiling widely, and caught the Gardiners nodding. Raising Elizabeth’s hand to his lips, he kissed it and waited for her look back to him. “Let us show your father our library, Elizabeth.”
Chapter 23
10 June 1809
I had hopes that upon this meeting between Papa, Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Harwick, all of our differences of station, opinion, even behaviour would be easily resolved. After Fitzwilliam met Papa at Longbourn and they discussed our engagement, and agreed that Papa’s desire to manipulate people and laugh at their reactions or worse, sit back and exert no control over Mama and my sisters was not admired at all, I cannot imagine why he decided that it would be amusing to bring Mama with him to London. Although I can appreciate that she probably did complain loudly about not coming with him, I know that if it was any other circumstance, he probably would have been glad to leave her at home. But no, he chose to see what havoc she could wreak. Stupid, foolish man!! It was all I could do to hold my tongue in the carriage, but both Aunt and Uncle took me aside before we boarded and told me that it was for them to address. I was a floor above them, and still I could easily hear my uncle telling Papa in no uncertain terms that his behaviour that day had likely precluded any hope of establishing a tolerant welcome of the Bennets at Pemberley, and he would not be in the least surprised to see Mr. Harwick coming in the morning to end his courtship with Jane. I will not be surprised either and I know that Jane will accept it as well. How different it might have been if Mama had stayed at home!
She heard a quiet knock on the door and it opened a little to reveal Jane’s worried face. “May I come in, Lizzy?”
“Of course.” She smiled and closed her journal, and joined Jane on the bed. The sisters held hands and after some silence Jane asked, “Did you hear them?”
“Yes. I do not think I have ever heard Uncle so angry.”
“Nor Papa.”
“Papa was defensive, not angry. He realizes that he has erred terribly. Did you hear uncle telling him to go to Mr. Harwick first thing in the morning and beg his pardon?”
“Yes, and somehow I do not think it will help.”
“He would be marrying you, Jane. Not the family.” Elizabeth sighed. “I believe though that he would be justified in not welcoming them into his home.”
“I can see that.” Jane whispered. “I can also see him rejecting me on my own behaviour.”
“But you did apologize.”
“Yes, but …”
“Would you be so very hurt if he did withdraw?”
“Were you hurt when Mr. Stewart left?”
“I knew it was because of our dowry and family …”
“I know that part of it is because of me.” Jane said sadly. “I do not love him, Lizzy, so I do have that.”
“Do you like him?”
“Oh yes, how could I not? He is very gentlemanly and although he is very formal with me at all times, he clearly is an amiable man. I imagine that if he was in a comfortable situation, he might be much more open. He makes me think of your Mr. Darcy sometimes.”
“Yes, I think they are cut of the same cloth.” Elizabeth mused, then went back to holding Jane’s hand. “Whatever happens, Jane, please know that I am with you.”
“Thank you, Lizzy, you are too good.”
“WELL THAT SOUNDS LIKE AN UTTER NIGHTMARE.” Bingley declared the following morning.
“It was, trust me.” Darcy glanced at the clock and sighed, he was determined to call on Elizabeth, but he would wait a little longer before appearing in Gracechurch Street. He was grateful that Bingley chose to visit and distract him for a while.
“And you have the dinner with them tonight at Matlock House?”
“Yes.” Darcy rubbed his face and looked over to the pile of correspondence he needed to address, then back up to his friend. “This was supposed to be a straightforward event. Show Mr. Bennet my home, introduce him to the Earl, show him Harwick’s home … well, the best laid plans are not necessarily effective.”
“It seems that in the end you made your point; did you not? I mean, he certainly saw what Miss Elizabeth would be gaining as your wife, and meeting Harwick would certainly show him that he had similar prospects?”
“But the problem there is that Harwick … well, I will not speculate about his thinking.” He looked up to see Bingley’s knit brow. “It seems that I will soon be in a position similar to yours, looking for husbands for my sisters. At least Georgiana has many years before I have to face that torment.” Hearing a chuckle he looked at him curiously.
Bingley cleared his throat. “Well, at least the Bennet girls still have parents to address that problem, for Caroline it is just me.” He smiled and crossed his legs. “I do think, however, we may have a nibble on the line.”
“Really?” Darcy smiled and leaned back in his chair. “Do tell.”
He laughed. “Well, let us say that she went
to a ball with Louisa and Hurst the other night, and a man actually approached her to dance, and followed through with a call the next morning. I was not at home when he called so I can not speculate on his features or really on anything else, but Caroline described him as handsome and charming, and very well-connected.”
“Does this prince have a name?”
“Undoubtedly, but I have not heard it as yet.” He saw Darcy’s concern. “I should be more inquisitive, you think?”
“Yes.” Darcy leaned forward. “Women are not the only fortune hunters, Bingley. If he calls again, despite enjoying the novelty, you should see what the man is about, and what he has to offer her, besides charm, that is.”
“You see, that is why I come to you, although I know what you say is common sense.” He held up his hand and laughed. “No, and I do not need a lecture on my deplorable lack of the attribute.”
“I said nothing.” Darcy sighed and glanced at the clock again. “I am sorry, but I really should go to visit Elizabeth.”
“It is a fine day; shall I offer to be chaperone with Miss Bennet again so you two might walk? I promise not to cough?” He raised his brow and smiled. “And I promise to keep Miss Bennet from coming between you as well.”
“I do not know if Harwick …”
“I am not courting her, I am aiding you. Unless you would prefer Mrs. Bennet to join you?”
“Get your hat, Bingley.” Darcy growled.
INSIDE THE FRONT ROOM in Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth sat and stared unseeing at the book in her lap. In her right hand, the gold locket containing Darcy’s hair was held, and she rubbed it unconsciously as she attempted to ignore her father’s presence in the chair opposite. The only sound in the room was his throat clearing as he turned a page in his newspaper, and the steady tick of the mantle clock. Upstairs there was a thump and the sound of little feet.
“Marianne has her hands full with the children. It is good that Jane enjoys helping with them so much.”