One Autumn with Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Anthology

by Fairbanks,Rose

  Father has suggested the only way he will agree to our marriage is by putting an entail on the estate for one generation. He no longer trusts my sense, but when we have a son it may be broken. Which will it be? Shall we wait until we come of age, elope to Gretna Green or agree to this entail? I will abide your wishes but know that nothing you say will deter my love. I will wait for you.

  Yours ever,

  Thomas

  “Oh, Papa. My poor mother.” Elizabeth murmured through her tears. She reached for Lydia, who was crying too. They remained hugging each other until Mr. Bennet entered the room.

  “What is this?” he asked with real concern. Then, seeing the letter, he picked it up before letting it drop back down to the table. “I will speak with you and your sisters after breakfast,” he said with a sigh.

  Before much longer the rest of the household joined them in the breakfast room. Elizabeth was struck by how quiet they all seemed. Once she would have rejoiced in the restraint. Now it was deafening.

  Finally everyone finished, and Mr. Bennet invited them all to the drawing room. He silently handed the letter to Mrs. Bennet, whose eyes widened, but she said nothing.

  “Girls, this is becoming quite the thing. Perhaps we will run a Salon at Longbourn.” The girls all giggled.

  “Well, it should come as no surprise that the most curious of our daughters have managed to find a letter I once sent your mother while we were courting.”

  Jane, Mary and Kitty looked curiously at their sisters, and Elizabeth calmly waited for their father’s explanation.

  “I know, I know. No one wants to think of their elderly parents as courting.”

  “Mr. Bennet!”

  He smiled as he continued. “But this letter has had significant impact on us all.” He took in a deep breath. “Your grandfather did not wish me to marry your mother. He believed she was beneath me, and we were both under age. At length when I proved too stubborn, he suggested an entail.”

  The other girls gasped. “We agreed to it, certain we would have a son to break it. With each new daughter your mother grew more anxious, and I retreated further to my library.”

  He took Mrs. Bennet’s hand and kissed it. “We were both very worried we had made the other regret the marriage, but we never talked of it. We have only seen in the last few days the repercussions of our selfish behaviour.”

  This surprised Elizabeth. “But if your actions were due to concern for the other, how is that selfish?”

  Mrs. Bennet answered. “Because ultimately we were more worried about our own feelings and could not face knowing our fates—if we were accepted or rejected. If we were less selfish we would have reached for each other instead of standing on our own.”

  Elizabeth had never heard her mother speak so sensibly, but her father was speaking again. “We were worried about the entail, which we agreed to entirely on our own. We thought we had failed you girls in what mattered most: securing the estate. We did not see that we were failing you by allowing such a disharmonious home and by neglecting your educations. I failed to practice economy and have not added to your dowries, and we have left you to your own devices to shift about as best you can. So, beginning Monday next I will have Kitty and Lydia sit with me each morning. Mary shall spend time with your mother learning more womanly arts. There shall be no balls until each of you can show me you can act sensibly.”

  Kitty cried out. “That is unfair! For Jane and Lizzy always have all the fun!”

  “I said until each of you can show me you can act sensibly. I believe your sisters may agree they have recently failed in that regard.”

  Jane and Elizabeth blushed and looked to their hands. At length the others left the room and Elizabeth looked to her father.

  “Papa, may I speak with you?”

  “No, I believe you need your mother at such a time.” He bent to kiss her on the cheek and then squeezed his wife’s hand and left the room.

  “Mamma?”

  “Yes, my child?”

  Elizabeth was silent for a moment. There could only be one thing she needed to ask her mother, but she knew not if she could face the truth.

  “Mamma,” she said at last. “Do you regret marrying Papa? If his family was so against you, were you treated badly? And to have your worst fears come to life!”

  “Oh, Lizzy you are still so young. Look at this place. I may not get to live in it after your father passes, and it was my dearest wish for one of you girls to become the next mistress, but I have been happy here. This has been my home. But it is not the house that makes it a home. It is the love within these walls. I would not trade my daughters for any son. Your father loves me. We may not always be able to express it so well, but you can learn from my mistakes. Do not be afraid, do not be selfish, and do not hold back. That is not your way, Lizzy.”

  “He has told you?”

  “Yes, I only know my daughter has given her heart away and is allowing it to be broken, although he offers you marriage, through your father. I wish you could have talked to me of it.”

  “I am sorry.”

  “You believed I would overthrow your wishes?” Elizabeth was silent. “I suppose you are right, but it is a mother’s prerogative to believe she knows what is best for her children.”

  Elizabeth walked over and bent to kiss her mother’s forehead. “I love you, Mamma.”

  “I love you, my clever Lizzy. Have no doubt, there is a way to sort this out, and you will find it. Do you believe he loves you?”

  “I do. Is that enough?”

  “Only you can answer that.”

  Elizabeth gave her mother a small smile. “I believe I will go for a walk.”

  She left the room, noticing Lydia had been eavesdropping in the door way. Before she had a chance to leave the house, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was announced.

  “I must speak with Miss Elizabeth Bennet immediately.”

  *****

  Netherfield

  9:00 am

  Breakfast at Netherfield passed in silence. At last Bingley spoke. “What are your plans?”

  Darcy did not reply. After twenty minutes passing with little more sound than the scraping of butter on toast, Bingley tried again.

  “I shall inform Carver we are off again.”

  “No.” Darcy said at last. He stood and tossed his napkin down on the table. “No. We will call on Longbourn. You desire to meet with Miss Bennet again, and Georgiana wishes to meet the ladies.”

  “William, I do not wish you to be uncomfortable. Mr. Bingley may go alone.”

  “No, I desire you to meet them as well.”

  “Darcy, truly you need not come. I may have decided to give Netherfield up after all. It feels right drafty this morning.”

  Darcy smiled a little and clapped his friend on the back. “Did you lose courage in your sleep? We have ladies to court!”

  “What has gotten into you?” Bingley asked in wonder.

  “A desperate resolution! Let us leave in half an hour.”

  Darcy grinned as he left his friend and sister in awe. Twenty minutes later he stood in the entry awaiting their presence when an express rider arrived for Darcy. He read the express with trepidation.

  Wednesday, December 11, 1811

  Fitzwilliam House, London

  Darcy,

  My mother was in the room when our uncle read your note announcing your betrothal to this Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Mother is now missing from Matlock House, and I am rather certain she has journeyed to Longbourn to make her complaints to the lady directly. I hope this reaches you in enough time to intervene. My best wishes to you and Miss Bennet.

  Your cousin,

  A. de Bourgh

  Darcy immediately agreed with his cousin’s opinion—his aunt must be on her way to Longbourn. He could only fear what she may say to Elizabeth and how she might insult his beloved. He realized anew that his family truly did have its share of offensiveness.

  All fears regarding his recepti
on immediately vanished, and Darcy was anxious to arrive at Longbourn. His carriage pulled up, but Bingley and Georgiana had not yet appeared. Scarcely sparing them a thought, he departed without them. His thoughts were slightly more ordered upon reaching Longbourn. He sent his carriage back to Netherfield and taking a deep breath, prepared himself to battle his aunt and woo his lady.

  *****

  Longbourn

  Jane sat alone in the drawing room, folding and refolding her hands, attempting to find composure. The others had gone about their usual morning pursuits. Mr. Darcy’s aunt was walking with Elizabeth in the garden, and Jane had little hope the meeting would be pleasant.

  Last night Elizabeth had confessed to loving Mr. Darcy and rejecting his proposal, as she was certain that his offer was made only out of duty. Elizabeth scarcely knew what would become of them all, as news of a presumed engagement was already circulating. More than sympathizing with her sister’s pain, Jane could not forget that her own beloved was only three miles away, but was now unlikely to appear.

  Unexpectedly, Mr. Darcy was announced.

  He looked about the room and raked his hands through his hair, leaving it quite askew, before speaking quickly. “I am sorry to dispense with the normal civilities, but I was informed my aunt is here and needing...my presence.”

  Jane furrowed her brow as she studied him. He anxiously paced around the room while she spoke. “She is walking near the wilderness with Elizabeth.” His head snapped back to Jane. Perhaps if she were a less reserved person herself she would not have noticed, but Jane saw the moment fear and desperation followed by determination entered his eyes. To her surprise, he dashed away before she could say anything else.

  Elizabeth had insisted that Mr. Darcy did not truly desire to offer for her, and she was uncertain of his affections, but he looked desperate and resolved to Jane.

  She thought of her parents’ marriage. She always knew she never wished to marry to one of such an unequal disposition to her own, as her parents had. This morning she learned they had passionately, if imprudently, loved each other. Yet, it was not their difference in stations or dispositions that starved their love, but rather their own fears.

  Jane attempted to apply that theory to her experiences. She had thought that Mr. Bingley truly cared for her, but he had quickly proved inconstant. On her side, she was too afraid to show her regard for him. Her temperament was not as open and unreserved as Elizabeth and Lydia’s, and she no longer had the claims of youth as an excuse if she should make a foolish mistake and believe admiration to be more than it was. To reveal her building affection only to then be rebuffed was unthinkable. For the world to know of her disappointed dreams, the folly and vanity that she could ever think she might appeal to such a man, would be unbearable. She believed she would rather know the private pain of rejection than to be fodder for the gossips.

  Or so she had always told herself. She had never fancied herself in love before meeting Mr. Bingley. Her heart was not lightly touched or given to extreme emotion. She generally thought well of everyone, but to truly admire and love someone was another matter entirely. Such were her thoughts when she heard a carriage pull up the drive and saw Mr. Bingley and a very pretty young lady, undoubtedly Miss Darcy, descend. She burst into tears.

  *****

  While walking in the garden with Lady Catherine, Elizabeth waited for the lady to begin the explanation for her errand. She did not need to wait long.

  “Yesterday I heard that you, the unknown Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire, are engaged to my nephew, Mr. Darcy!”

  Elizabeth said nothing in reply.

  “Surely you must contradict this falsehood being circulated!”

  “If you believed it false, I wonder at you coming. How came you to hear this news?”

  Lady Catherine turned red. “That matters not. I am assured of its impossibility. I insist on you answering me plainly. Are you engaged to my nephew?”

  “Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.”

  “Let me be clear, this match cannot take place. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter.”

  Yesterday Elizabeth would have considered this viable, but not today. Now, she knew the honour of Mr. Darcy. She inwardly scoffed at an aunt who knew him so little. “If he is, then you should know his honour would prevent him from offering for me.”

  “The engagement is of a tacit nature, but every virtue forbids your match. The alliance would be a disgrace!” Lady Catherine drew closer and attempted to tower over Elizabeth. “You shall be despised by everyone.”

  “What care I for the favour of the world? I believe the world in general would have far too much sense to scorn my marriage to Mr. Darcy. If his family chooses to be resentful, it will not cause me one moment’s concern. The wife of Mr. Darcy would have so many other extraordinary sources of happiness, she could have no regrets!”

  Clearly displeased, Lady Catherine turned to increasing insults. “If you were sensible to your own good, you should not want to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.”

  Elizabeth opened her mouth to retort when she heard from behind her, “I am a gentleman, she is a gentleman’s daughter. We are equals.”

  *****

  Darcy rapidly exited the house and desperately searched for his aunt and Elizabeth. He happened upon them just as Elizabeth suggested she would be happy to marry him. He was almost too caught up in joy to hear his aunt’s next words.

  “If you were sensible to your own good, you should not want to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.”

  Loudly and sternly he declared, “I am a gentleman, she is a gentleman’s daughter. We are equals.”

  Both ladies startled and turned to face him. Darcy noticed Elizabeth’s heightened colour; she was furious, but became visibly relieved by his presence. By G-d she is beautiful, even more so when angry!

  Darcy gave her a small, reassuring smile before turning his attention to his aunt, giving her his most fierce glare.

  “Darcy! How can you say such a thing? Are you ignorant of the conditions of her uncles and aunts, of her mother? I know it all—her cousin is my parson and heir to this estate!”

  “Whatever her connections may be, I do not object to them. They can mean nothing to you.”

  “You refuse to obey the claims of duty and honour?"

  "No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Miss Elizabeth."

  “Nephew, I am shocked and astonished. I had thought you a reasonable young man. You desire to degrade yourself with her relations? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted? What of Anne’s wealth? Does it mean nothing to you? How can you forget yourself so? I demand that you promise to never enter into a union of any kind with this woman!”

  Darcy spoke clearly to Lady Catherine, but looked earnestly at Elizabeth. “I shall make no promise of any kind. I have every wish and intention of making Miss Elizabeth Bennet my wife.”

  Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed on Elizabeth. “I see.” She pointed a finger at Elizabeth and declared menacingly, “You have drawn him in with your arts and allurements. You have made him forget, in a moment of infatuation, what he owes himself and to all of his family!”

  Darcy took a step forward and caught his aunt’s attention but still looked at Elizabeth. “No, aunt. I will not marry Miss Bennet due to infatuation or for any other reason than a very deep respect, admiration and love. I am not a squeamish youth. I know what I am about. I have considered this for many weeks and am certain of my course.”

  Elizabeth met his eyes with a softened gaze and stepped towards him, but Lady Catherine would not have it. “Miss Bennet, have you no regard for my nephew’s honour and credit? You are an unfeeling, selfish girl! You are resolved then to have him?”

  Darcy caught his breath and waited for Elizabeth’s response.

  “I have not made my sentiments plain to you before, Lady Catherine, but allow me to do so now. I love your nephew and can be persuad
ed to have no other husband but him.”

  With the last of Elizabeth’s words, Darcy caught her hand in his and directed her towards a copse of trees, away from his aunt. From a distance they heard Lady Catherine shout in anger. “I take no leave of you Miss Bennet. Darcy, I am most seriously displeased!”

  *****

  Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s eyes remained locked until the noise of Lady Catherine receded. Elizabeth broke the silence.

  “I thought you were a man of your word, Mr. Darcy,” she teased. “I seem to have a written account of you vowing never to marry me because of your duty to your family.”

  Darcy cringed, realising she had read his words. He released her hand but countered with, “And I have one from you vowing never to marry me because you cannot esteem me.”

  “Yes, the words of neither are irreproachable.”

  “Elizabeth, do not trifle with me. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but I am no longer a coward, or puffed up by a false sense of pride. I wish, nay need, you as my wife, a wife I can love, honour and respect.”

  Feeling all the significance of the moment, Elizabeth reached for Darcy’s hand and kissed his knuckles. “Fitzwilliam, I have already told you that you are the only man I can be persuaded to love. I now know I have every reason to respect and esteem you. What is to be done but to marry you?”

  Elizabeth gasped as Darcy grinned, revealing dimples.

  “My lovely Elizabeth! I know you believe me to be an arrogant and conceited man, but I must tell you the fear that has gripped my heart since I first read your letter. First it was only out of my own selfishness. I wished to marry you and was in many ways relieved I had no choice. While I quickly accepted the justness of your complaints, I considered only myself. I worried you might refuse me. As I came to consider how great the gossip might be and that you may even be forced to marry me against your will, I worried for your happiness. I already hated myself for making you love me against your will. Then I learned my insulting letter made you think we should not marry, that you believed I would regret our marriage and my love was just a boyish infatuation.”