by Lilian, Lory
As they spoke, Elizabeth entered the library, glancing with worry from one man to another. She greeted the colonel, then the earl—who embraced her affectionately—then moved towards Darcy, who took her hands and tenderly put his arm around her shoulders.
“You seemed troubled,” she whispered, holding his gaze.
“I am very well now that I see you again.” He smiled, placing a kiss on her hands.
“Perhaps you two wish to speak in private; do not allow us to disturb you,” the earl said with obvious mockery. Elizabeth’s face turned red.
“Since you mention it—yes I would like to speak to Elizabeth privately with Mr. Bennet’s permission. The music room would suffice, I believe,” Darcy answered in earnest. The others stared at him, uncertain whether he were serious or not.
“The music room would be fine,” said Mr. Bennet, and without hesitation, Darcy took Elizabeth’s arm and left the library.
He closed the door of the music room and finally looked at Elizabeth, whose eyes were darkened in concern. He put his arms around her and crushed her against his chest, as though he thought she might escape. She first remained still in his embrace, obviously surprised, then she allowed her hands to glide around his waist and tightened herself to him until there was only one heart beat and one breath sound.
“Will you not tell me what troubles you so?” she whispered when the silence became unbearable. He allowed some distance between them then took her hand, and they sat together on the settee. He just looked at her, his fingers gently caressing her face, then kissed her forehead, cheeks, and temples. When he stopped, he looked at her again.
She cupped his face with her small hands, her eyes sparkling with tears.
“You must tell me what pains you so, my love.”
He turned his head so that his lips could reach her palm. He then embraced her again, and another long silence followed. She ceased asking, resting her head on his chest and listening carefully to his heart, beating wilder than usual.
“It pains me to think how close I came to never knowing love, happiness and passion. It pains me to realise how different my life would be now. When I left Netherfield in November, I willingly ran away from the most frightening feeling I have ever known—from you—and I was certain my duty demanded it. My heart breaks to know you might have been only a memory.”
His face was as pale, lifeless, and troubled as it was that horrible day in January. Her heart ached, and her own pain left her breathless. She cupped his face again, but as he was much taller, his face was still too far from hers, so she daringly struggled to her knees on the couch, so she could hold his eyes. He smiled at this childish gesture and unexpectedly pulled her onto his lap. Then he tightly embraced her once more. “You are my joy, Elizabeth,” he whispered.
“And you are my life, William. I have had the same frightening thoughts so many times. Now that I am so close to my happiness, I often worry about how close I came never to know the strength of such feelings. But we should not worry any longer! You must learn some of my philosophy: think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure,” she said, caressing his handsome face.
He smiled. “You are very wise, Miss Bennet. I shall diligently learn any philosophy you will teach me. And you are perfectly right—we should not worry any longer.”
They spent the next moments in a tender embrace, silently comforting each other. Elizabeth did not dare to inquire further, though she suspected something quite dramatic must have occurred to trouble him so; he seemed unwilling to share more details, and she respected his decision. After some time, he gently placed her back on the couch.
“Speaking of troubling situations—I understand Miss Lydia is determined to marry Wickham.”
Elizabeth blushed. “Unfortunately, she is. We could not convince her otherwise. I…my aunt and I suspect that they already…you know…”
“Yes, I suspect that, too. We spoke to Wickham earlier; the earl was exceedingly harsh with him. He finally seems to understand the extent of Wickham’s wild behaviour, and he was very upset to be deceived and betrayed for such a long time.”
“I feel sorry for the earl’s pain, but I am glad he eventually realised the whole truth. But…what shall we do now?”
“We discussed all the details. I must confess that the earl insisted on taking upon himself all Wickham’s expenses. I would have gladly borne it, but there was no room to argue with my uncle. He said Wickham is his responsibility.”
“Oh dear, what a shame. Because of Lydia’s reckless behaviour, the earl must—”
“My love, please believe me that your sister’s situation is not the only reason for the earl’s involvement. You must not trouble yourself. Wickham will have his debts paid, and he will receive a new commission in the North. They will likely marry in a few days and leave immediately. I wish them to be far away before our wedding. I hope you and your father approve these—”
“Thank you, my love,” she whispered.
“Now we must return; I would not force your father to come after us,” Darcy said laughing. “And… I cannot hope for you to sleep at our house again.”
“No indeed.” She laughed, blushing. “I must be here to help my aunt take care of Lydia, Besides, I do not believe my father would approve in any case.”
“Sad news, indeed.” He sighed, quite serious. “Fortunately, before long I will not need anyone’s permission for you to sleep in my house.” He stole a kiss from her moist lips.
Their return to the library was received with meaningful smiles and sharp glances. Elizabeth declared she would retire, but before doing so, she placed a gentle kiss on the earl’s cheek. He looked at her in surprise as she thanked him with a smile and left.
“We sent for Wickham,” the colonel said. “He will be here shortly.”
“Excellent; if this marriage must take place, it is better to do it sooner rather than later,” said Mr. Bennet.
“When everything is settled with Wickham, I shall send a letter to Longbourn. Elizabeth and I will stay in town for the wedding.”“Excellent arrangement. If all goes well, we will have no reason to delay our own wedding,” Darcy said only a moment before Wickham was announced.
“Mr. Bennet, Lord Matlock, such an honour to see you again,” the newly arrived said.
“Be quiet, George, and listen to me carefully. We wish to know whether you have given your situation proper consideration. Are you decided to marry Miss Lydia Bennet?”
“Indeed I am, sir!”
“Do you remember what we discussed earlier?”
“I do remember every single word, your lordship.”
“Very well. You will marry as you wish. Now—here is the list of your debts. I took it from Darcy, and I will pay it. You are now in my complete debt, George. You shall never bother Darcy again under any circumstance. Am I clear enough so far?”
“Very clear, sir. And I thank you deeply for your kindness—”
“Darcy arranged for a special licence; you will be married in a few days. You will receive a commission in a northern regiment and leave immediately after the wedding. I expect you to prove your intention of changing your habits immediately. I shall keep an eye on you every moment, George. Do not disappoint me again. I expect you to comply with your duties and take care of your wife.”
“I will, your lordship. I shall not disappoint you. I—”
“Oh, George, I am so happy to see you again,” cried Lydia, bursting into the library. “Your uncle made me leave with him; I wished to wait for you, but he said you sent for me! And they tried to convince me not to marry you, and Lizzy was so mean to me. She said I will not be happy with you, but I imagine she is just jealous.”
“Lydia!” exclaimed Elizabeth, mortified.
“Oh, it is true, Lizzy; you are jealous. Everybody knows George was your favourite! Oh, I am so happy to see you, my love!” She almost threw herself onto Wickham’s neck while the others looked at each other in deep embarrassment.
“These will be very long days—very long indeed,” Mr. Bennet said, and nobody attempted to contradict him.
***
Two days later, life in Gracechurch Street was neither easy nor comfortable. Lydia’s behaviour did not change in the slightest; she remained just as careless, and nothing interested her except her “dear Wickham.”
Since the wedding was a certainty, Mr. Wickham dined in Gracechurch Street every evening. Consequently, neither Darcy nor his sister accepted a dinner invitation.
Lord Matlock came the next day at Mrs. Gardiner’s special invitation. He found her alone in the drawing room, her expression preoccupied and slightly flushed.
“Lord Matlock, I could not allow another day to pass without thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor niece. Ever since Elizabeth told me, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it.”
“Mrs. Gardiner, I am exceedingly sorry that you have been informed about these particulars. To be honest, I asked for Mr. Bennet’s confidence, but it seems I forgot to tell Darcy. Please do not speak of gratitude; I did nothing more than what was my duty. I would not want this situation to make you uneasy.”
“It does give me uneasiness as it makes Elizabeth uneasy. We cannot but feel sorry that Lydia’s behaviour cost you and Mr. Darcy such exorbitant expense—”
“Mrs. Gardiner!” the earl interrupted her, stepping closer and gently taking her hand. She averted her eyes but did not withdraw her hand. “Mrs. Gardiner, this situation is settled. Let us speak of it no more. I thank you for your kind words, though they are unnecessary. Now, is Mr. Bennet home, I hope? Oh, and I almost forgot, Selina said she will call later; she wished to introduce my niece Anne to you.”
“I… Yes, my brother Bennet is in the library. I look forward to seeing Selina and Miss de Bourgh,” she said, a warm smile on her face.
”Excellent; I want to take him to the club. Darcy and my sons will join us.”
“He will be pleased, I am sure. And I was wondering…if you are not otherwise engaged, we would be honoured to have you as our guest for dinner tonight.”
“No, I am not otherwise engaged—thank you. I shall see you again later, then.”
“Excellent,” she said, and the earl laughed, as his words sounded quite strange coming from her.
***
Elizabeth divided her time before Lydia’s wedding between her sister and Georgiana, who was reluctant to come to Gracechurch Street. The second evening, just before dinner, Elizabeth received a note from Lady Selina, informing her that Lady Brightmore was hosting a party in three days’ time and insisted that Elizabeth and her father attend.
“Well, if you wish to go, we will go,” said Mr. Bennet. “What do you say, Madeleine?”
“Lady Brightmore is a kind lady, and she is fond of Elizabeth. Her parties are pleasant and amusing; I see no reason not to go.”
“Oh, I want to go,” said Lydia. “Will there be a ball, too?”
“Ball or no ball, you will not be able to come,” Mr. Bennet intervened. “You will marry that very day, and as Lord Matlock said, you are expected to leave London immediately.”
“Oh, but I am certain we can stay a night longer.”
“No, and you will not even have time to stop in Hertfordshire. A married woman must understand that nothing is more important than her husband’s duty.”
“Oh, that is so unfair! But I am sure we will have enough balls later. I shall invite Kitty to come and visit as soon as we are settled. Oh, but I would so like to go to Lady Brightmore’s party! It is so unfair!”
“So unfair, indeed,” replied Mr. Bennet sternly.
Without any particular incidents, the day of Lydia’s marriage came. Elizabeth, her aunt, and her father were joined by the earl and Darcy, and they went together to the church. The colonel and the viscount excused themselves, declaring they had other engagements. And so, the ceremony went as easily as expected, and Mr. and Mrs. Wickham departed in their carriage—a gift from Darcy—to start a new life, followed by the circumspect and worried faces of their relatives. It was done!
Elizabeth’s heart was heavy; she had little hope that her sister would be happy. She held Darcy’s arm tightly, her dazed eyes lost to the sky. She felt Darcy’s hand press hers as he whispered, “Do not worry; we will not abandon her.”
She returned to him a loving, grateful gaze, whispering, “Thank you.”
Later that day, after much torment, long discussions and shared concerns, Elizabeth, her father, and her aunt prepared themselves for Lady Brightmore’s party.
Darcy and Georgiana came to fetch them, and the group, happily reunited, arrived at Lady Brightmore’s residence with the pleasant anticipation of a delightful evening.
As before, the party seemed to number about thirty persons at least. Mr. Bennet was introduced to Lady Brightmore, who welcomed him; she kissed Georgiana, and then her attention moved to Darcy and Elizabeth.
“Oh, my dears, I was so happy to hear of your engagement! The best news since my son married Selina! My dear Elizabeth, you look so beautiful! And Darcy—you are more handsome than ever. I am sure all the ladies will envy Elizabeth. Oh, you are such a beautiful couple! Just look at you! And you will marry in two weeks? Well, just seeing how you look at each other, I understand why you want to marry sooner! And I imagine you will lock yourself in at Pemberley after the wedding!”
“Your ladyship is very kind and amusing, as always,” said Darcy with his usual composure while Elizabeth blushed violently. “Yes, we will go to Pemberley.”
“Oh, well, I am so happy! Who can believe Darcy would make a love match with a girl from Hertfordshire?” Lady Brightmore laughed. “The heart has strange ways.”
“Yes, very strange. Who would believe such a thing, indeed? Mr. Darcy, such a surprise to see you here!” They turned in surprise at the newly arrived guest, and Elizabeth startled, slightly uneasy as Darcy greeted the lady.
“Eve, such a surprise to see you here,” Lady Brightmore said, and Lady Sinclair smiled.
“I came with my cousin as I did not receive an invitation myself. I imagine you forgot to invite me, Lady Brightmore.”
“I did not forget; I purposely did not invite you as Lord Matlock seemed quite upset with you,” Lady Brightmore said bluntly. Lady Sinclair attempted a laugh.
“You are so amusing, Lady Brightmore—and so is Lord Matlock.”
“No, I am not. And I really wish you to leave, dear.”
“Excuse us,” Darcy said as he took Elizabeth’s arm and walked to where his cousins were standing, allowing the two ladies to continue their argument. They noticed Lady Sinclair pass undisturbed through the group, ignoring Lady Brightmore’s disapproving gaze.
“I hope you will not permit her to ruin your evening,” Darcy whispered.
“Fear not—the days when Lady Sinclair succeeds in upsetting me have passed.”
“I cannot believe Eve dared to come here,” Lady Selina said angrily. “What on earth is to be done to keep her away?”
“Are we to talk about Eve the rest of the evening?” asked the colonel. “For heaven’s sake, a whole week we talked about Wickham; now we change to another annoying character. Anne, you must secure me a dance tonight, and so too Miss Bennet.”
Anne de Bourgh stared at her cousin, eyes wide in disbelief. “What do you mean dance? This is not a ball, is it?”
“It is not a ball, but surely there will be a chance to dance.”
“But I never dance in public,” Anne whispered.
“Well, this would be an excellent moment to start,” said the colonel.
“Then I must secure a dance, too.” Darcy smiled, and Anne turned to him in surprise.
“Well, Cousin Darcy, it is strange that you discover a willingness to dance precisely when it will make me uncomfortable,” Anne said seriously while the others could only laugh.
The first part of the evening passed equally pleasantly; at supper, they sat close together, a unite
d family sharing joy and support. After dinner, the gentlemen briefly retired to the library for brandy; as the colonel anticipated, four musicians were preparing to perform, and the ladies happily anticipated the pleasure of dancing. Elizabeth poured herself a cup of tea and moved into a far corner, needing a peaceful moment as her thoughts were still preoccupied with Lydia. She was surprised and puzzled to see Lady Sinclair approach and address her directly.
“Well, well, Miss Bennet—I must say you are the author of the most astonishing surprise of this year. To make Darcy marry you—it is quite extraordinary.”
Elizabeth smiled politely and made no reply.
“In truth, one cannot help wondering what sort of accomplishments a woman must possess to convince a man of excellent position and wealth—desired by many eligible young ladies—to marry her. Especially as she does not have anything exceptional—neither beauty, nor fortune or title—except a sister married in haste to hide the shame of an improper elopement. Will you be so kind as to enlighten me, Miss Bennet? I must say I misjudged you completely when we first met. I thought you to be a little country girl of not much consequence. My first impression of you has proven completely wrong.”
Elizabeth turned her eyes to Lady Sinclair, holding her impertinent gaze for a moment in a silent battle of wills. Then she allowed a large smile to spread over her face.
“That is true for both of us, Lady Sinclair; my first impression of you was wrong, as well. I thought you to be a lady. It seems we both misjudged the other completely.”
Lady Sinclair went white; then her cheeks coloured with anger.
“I was told your chief quality is your insolence, and this has proven to be true. How dare you speak to me in such a manner? Do you have the presumption to believe that, in marrying Darcy, you will become our equal? Do not expect to be noticed by anyone of consequence. You will be censured, slighted, and despised by everyone connected with Darcy. Your alliance will be disgraced and your name will never be mentioned by any of us. You shall never be invited nor visited by any of us, you must be aware of that!”