Defending Elizabeth

by Rowan Renault

  "One never knows. I never did understand how a simple handshake compels anyone to do anything."

  "Then let us skip the nicety, Wickham, if it means nothing to you."

  "It does not matter to me either way. If you wish to shake hands, I am happy to include that in our deal for no additional outlay of capital."

  "I look forward to when this is over and I am no longer forced to interact with you."

  "Who is forcing you? Oh, Darcy, is that silly conscience of yours acting up again? You know, that really does get in the way of you having any fun."

  Darcy was saved from responding when the door of the milliners' flew open and Lydia stuck her head out.

  "I cannot decide which one I prefer," she said with a pout. "Wickham, do come and tell me which you prefer."

  "You look stunning in anything, my dear. How could I possible choose?"

  "Well, if you are to be of no help, then how will I decide? Mr. Darcy! You are a gentleman. Which do you believe is lovelier?"

  Darcy found his wallet instead of answering her question, and with two bonnets securely packed, the trio left the shop.

  * * *

  Darcy arranged (and paid for) everything for Lydia and Wickham's wedding. He paid for a special license so they did not need to wait for the banns to be read, he made sure the couple had proper attire for the day, and he went so far as to stand as witness to their ceremony. None of this was easy for him, but he reminded himself he was doing it for Elizabeth. He was doing what she would have wanted.

  The ceremony was quick, and Darcy managed to avoid throwing a wedding breakfast by sending the newlyweds immediately on a holiday to visit her parents. He suspected Mr. and Mrs. Darcy would be relieved to actually see that the marriage had occurred, rather than just hearing via letter.

  "Please do not mention my involvement in your wedding. There is no reason to discuss it."

  "It shall be our secret," Lydia whispered with a smile.

  Darcy successfully resisted the urge to shudder. He had no desire to share any secrets with Lydia Wickham.

  He saw the couple on their way, and then returned to his town house. He had much to accomplish before he returned to Hertfordshire.

  * * *

  "Darcy! Good to see you, man!" Bingley called when Darcy called the following day. "I did not know you were back from Rosings. How was the visit with your aunt?"

  "She is much as she has always been. But Bingley, please sit. The reason for my visit is not purely social. I did you a grave disservice, and I must do what I can to make amends."

  Bingley's eyes grew wider and wider as Darcy explained what had happened with Jane.

  "I saw what was happening, and I did not move to stop it," Darcy finished. "I know now I should not have been complicit in removing you from a young lady of whom you were fond."

  "It is kind of you to apologize, Darcy, but it is not necessary. My sisters may have convinced me to return to town, but the decision to leave was ultimately mine. I knew, even if I did not want to admit it, that they were not necessarily considering what would be of the greatest benefit to me."

  "If Miss Bennet was still free, would you desire another chance with her?"

  "Oh, most certainly, and I would strive to ensure I fulfilled her needs and listened to her counsel above all others. But is she still free?"

  "As far as I am aware, she is. In fact, she was recently in London herself."

  "And she did not call? No, of course she did not, after the shameful way I treated her."

  "Indeed she did, and she was received by your sisters. She wrote to Miss Elizabeth that the visit was a short one."

  "And they did not inform me of her visit," Bingley said, shaking his head. "I knew they had strong opinions, but I never thought they would undermine me so thoroughly."

  "So now you know, what will your next course of action be?"

  "I shall return to Netherfield as soon as I am able and ask Miss Bennet to be my wife."

  "Perhaps you would like some company on your trip?"

  "I could not ask it of you. I know what a trial you find Hertfordshire to be."

  "I maybe have been too hasty. I think I misjudged the place, and some of its inhabitants."

  "Now, this is interesting. Are you going to tell me of whom you speak?"

  "I will tell you it is a lady, but I will speak no further until I am certain whether she returns my affections."

  "A wise decision, if much less fun for me," Bingley said with a smile. "I do have plenty of my own to think about, though, so it shall not pain me too much to not share in your confidence."

  "If things go as I wish them to, you shall not wonder for long."

  "This sounds serious, Darcy!"

  "It feels that way as well."

  "So we should leave soon."

  "Yes, I believe that is our best course."

  And with that, the men made arrangements to be on the way to Hertfordshire as quickly as possible.

  * * *

  Darcy had plenty of time to think on the trip. He opted to ride on horseback for much of the time. The fresh air and exercise did him well, and his thoughts were not often interrupted.

  He loved Elizabeth Bennet. Prior to Lydia's elopement, his major concern had been Wickham. Now, with Wickham and Lydia married, that impediment was well and truly gone. However, that did not mean Elizabeth would fall into Darcy's arms. Their relationship had been quite contentious until the day at Rosings when her demeanor had softened. He still did not know what caused the change in her behavior, but he was grateful.

  There was a world of distance, however, between Elizabeth not loathing him and Elizabeth returning his feelings with a strength that mirrored his own. Darcy had spoken to Bingley with a degree of hubris, but when he realistically considered the situation, he feared what Elizabeth might say if he proposed to her. He could see her eyes flare with indignation, and that made him want her all the more. She was truly a magnificent woman, and a large part of that was the fact she knew (and spoke) her mind.

  Darcy recalled the dinner at Rosings, where his aunt had presented her views on the presence of wit in a young woman. Elizabeth had not responded, but Darcy recalled the humor in her eyes as she looked at Lady Catherine. He had no doubt Elizabeth could have verbally decimated the woman if she had chosen to, but she instead just observed.

  If we were to marry, there would be many more opportunities for her to unleash her tongue on Lady Catherine, he thought, feeling a combination of delight and horror at the idea. Few people stood up to his aunt, but he believed Elizabeth would be more than fit for the task.

  Chapter 20

  Mrs. Bennet was being attended by her daughters when a servant slipped into the room.

  "Not meaning to bother you, ma'am, but a carriage just arrived, and it appears to be Miss Lydia."

  "Lydia!" said Mrs. Bennet, sitting straight up. "Has Mr. Bennet been informed?"

  Mr. Bennet returned from his search the previous day, with no more answers than he left with.

  "No ma'am, I thought to tell you first. Also, there is a young man with her."

  The servant glanced at Elizabeth, who had a suspicion who that young man might be.

  "Yes, you did well. Mary, go tell your father. Jane and Lizzy, fetch me that dress on the chair over there and help me up."

  Her daughters did as they were bidden. Elizabeth's curiosity about what happened was burning her up, but she knew they would receive no peace until her mother was satisfied.

  Mrs. Bennet dressed and then flew down the stairs at a dangerous pace for someone who spent the previous days weeping in bed. Lydia was stepping through the door by that time, a serene smile on her face.

  "Mama and my sisters! I am a married woman. Is my husband not the most handsome?"

  With that, Mr. Wickham followed her through the door. He bowed deeply. "Ladies," he said in a calm voice.

  Elizabeth resisted the urge to slap him.

  Mrs. Bennet resisted her urge with much les
s success. "You are married! Married! My Lydia married! Oh, how very fortunate. My two youngest daughters settled so well!" She caught Lydia in an embrace. "I always knew you would never do anything untoward, Lydia, dear! And Mr. Wickham! Welcome to the family!"

  Wickham smiled. "My apologies, madam, that you were unable to attend the wedding. We wished for a small affair. I could not wait to make Lydia my wife."

  Jane looked at Elizabeth to watch her reaction to this statement. Elizabeth kept her face perfectly still, not wishing to betray what she felt.

  By this time, Mr. Bennet came out of his study.

  "I see Lydia has returned a married woman," he noted.

  "She has! Oh, is it not wonderful?" said Mrs. Bennet.

  Mr. Bennet also glanced at Elizabeth, who would not allow herself to meet his eyes.

  "Things could be worse. If you will excuse me, I was at my books and I must return. Welcome to the family, Mr. Wickham."

  As he shuffled away, Mr. Bennet muttered something under his breath. Only Elizabeth was close enough to hear him. It sounded like, “…and good luck."

  "Such a lovely ceremony! My Wickham looked ever so handsome, all dressed in his regimental. It reminded me of why I fell in love with him in the first place."

  "And when was that?" Elizabeth maintained her countenance for as long as she could, and could no longer bite her tongue.

  "One day I just looked at him and I knew," Lydia said, fluttering her eyelashes at Lizzy. "Do you like my bonnet, Lizzy? It was a present from... oh, but I promised I would not say. Is it not lovely?"

  Elizabeth had no interest at all in who purchased a bonnet for Lydia. Deep down, she knew she was relieved to not be required to respond to a marriage proposal from Mr. Wickham. That did not change the fact her pride was injured at being thrown over for her own sister--and Lydia, at that!

  "I wish you both much happiness. Now, if you will excuse me, I told Papa I would help him with his books."

  Elizabeth hurried off to the study, where she would be safe.

  Mr. Bennet did not seem surprised to at her arrival.

  "Hello, Lizzy."

  "Hello, Papa." She threw herself into her favorite chair in his study and tucked her legs underneath her.

  "Do you need to talk?"

  "I do not. I just cannot be out there."

  "If this is his character, he did you a favor," Mr. Bennet said.

  "I know that, but did he have to do me a favor with my sister?" Elizabeth responded. "I shall have to see him for the rest of my life."

  "It does seem particularly cruel. However, what else can be expected from a man of such loose morals?"

  "I know I ought to be worried for Lydia, being married to such a blackguard."

  "I believe Lydia can handle him," Mr. Bennet responded mildly. "The question that weighs on my mind is, what inducement compelled Mr. Wickham to marry her? We can assume he would not do so for a small amount; dear heavens, no one would marry Lydia for less than £5000. Was it your uncle? If so, how shall I ever repay him?"

  "If Uncle found them, do you not think he would have written?"

  "It seems so, but who else could have interceded?"

  Elizabeth could not form an answer to this. It must have been Mr. Gardiner. No one else would have such an interest in the collective reputation of the Bennet family.

  "I do not know how I will repay him," Mr. Bennet said with a sigh. "And all this for the reward of that perfidious Mr. Wickham as my son-in-law. Lizzy, I know how much this must hurt you."

  "I am not hurt he and Lydia married. I am ashamed I let myself be so taken in by his lies. Do you know, Papa, that I actually thought he was going to propose to me? How could I have been so foolish?"

  He took her hand. "Lizzy, do not chastise yourself. Anyone who saw the two of you together believed he was going to make you an offer. It is not your fault he is not who we believed him to be. How were any of us to know?"

  This statement brought tears to her eyes. "I was warned," she whispered.

  Her father raised his head at that statement. "You were? By whom?"

  "I cannot betray that confidence, Papa, but I can say I am far from the first person who has been fooled by Mr. Wickham. I only wish I might have used that knowledge to help Lydia before it was too late. I should have returned home immediately upon learning it."

  "Ah, so you received this information at Hunsford."

  Elizabeth blushed; it was unlike her to be so careless in revealing a secret. "Please, Papa, I beg you not to ask me. Please understand I have a good reason for my silence."

  "I shall devil you about it no more, Lizzy. Regardless of what you might have known, there is no way you could have predicted Lydia would make such a foolish decision. None of us could, and I consider myself to be a consummate expert on Lydia's foolishness."

  Elizabeth managed a weak smile. She and her father sat for several more minutes in companionable silence before Elizabeth announced her need for a walk. Her father agreed the fresh air would do her well, and she slipped out the back door before she could be forced to be sociable to the horrid Mr. Wickham.

  * * *

  Elizabeth's mind was far from at ease, but neither was it as troubled as it had been since she learned of Lydia's and Wickham's disappearance. However, her mind was pre-disposed to worry about something. She had so long been considering Mr. Wickham's intentions it felt strange not to be mulling something over. Nature abhors a vacuum, and her mind quickly found something new to worry itself about.

  She saw a different side of Mr. Darcy during her time in Kent. She understood how very difficult it must have been for him to share his sister's story, especially to someone of whom he had been so clear in his dislike. However, when she considered his quick retreat from Rosings after hearing what happened with Lydia, Elizabeth was less favorably disposed towards him. It had been ungallant to make it quite so obvious he left due to her situation, and bizarre as well--was it just he did not care to associate himself with someone whose sister behaved so shamefully? Although it was indeed embarrassing, Elizabeth would have thought Mr. Darcy, whose young sister was also nearly seduced by Wickham, would have been more understanding of the situation.

  She tried to place Darcy from her thoughts entirely, but her mind was determined not to cooperate. She remembered his deep bow as he declared himself to be at her service, and the way he immediately comforted her after she had received the letter about Lydia's elopement. She was alarmed to find herself thinking of him less as an arrogant, hateful man, and more as a reserved but principled man whose infrequency in smiling made the expression all the more endearing when he finally succumbed to it. Her mind wove a situation where they interacted simply as a man and a woman; a situation without the concerns that plagued their previous conversations. She imagined dancing with him, her hand in his, and she felt a strange but not at all unpleasant sensation run down her spine.

  Elizabeth shook her head hard, as if to forcibly clear these thoughts. It would not do to think of Mr. Darcy in this way. Even if he was predisposed to consider her in this way--which he was not, and which she did not wish him to be--he would no longer want a connection with her now he knew Lydia's shame. If only she had not told him what had happened, it would be much easier to face him in the future.

  None of this mattered whatsoever, though. With Mr. Bingley gone, Elizabeth had very little connection to Mr. Darcy. Their paths might cross at some point in the future when she was at Hunsford and he at Rosings, but that was unlikely. Chances were excellent she would never see him again.

  Elizabeth noticed with disapproval how her heart sank at this idea. If only she had known how very soon she would see him again.

  Chapter 21

  The trip to Netherfield was pleasantly uneventful, and Bingley was clearly in fine spirits as he walked through the house, inspecting everything as if for the first time.

  "This is, indeed, a wonderful house. Quite so. I am ashamed at how quickly I was drawn away."

  Da
rcy suspected Bingley was not actually speaking of the house.

  "Well, now you have returned, and you do not need to leave again until you, yourself, decide to."

  "True, although certain situations would more incline me to make my stay a long one. Ought we to visit Longbourn today, do you think, or should we wait?"

  Darcy smiled. "The decision is yours. I suggest you practice making your own decisions. Your sisters will be ill-tempered with such a thing, but it must be done."

  "I cannot wait! Let us go now. I shall think of what to say on the ride over."

  Darcy nodded. He was unsure if that was the most sensible course, but after telling Bingley to make his own decision, Darcy could not bear to criticize. The men made a quick change of clothing and then they were on their way.

  * * *

  Elizabeth curled up next to a window, enjoying the sunshine on her face and reading a novel, when she saw movement outside and looked up. What she saw startled her out of her chair. She glanced over at her mother, but knew she needed to inform Jane first.

  "Jane! Jane, where are you?"

  "I am upstairs."

  Elizabeth hurried up the stairs.

  "I do not mean to alarm you, but there is little time. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are riding towards us at this very moment."

  All the color drained out of Jane's face.

  "But what can they want?" she whispered. "He made it quite clear he has no use for me."

  "Do not judge before you have heard what he has to say," Elizabeth's quiet exterior hid the fluttering in her stomach over seeing Mr. Darcy. Had Mr. Darcy told Mr. Bingley of Lydia's shame? If so, what purpose had they at Longbourn? Regardless of whether the Bennets were shamed, Elizabeth did not believe either man would come to rejoice in such sorrow.

  The color came back into Jane's cheeks, and brought along a lovely flush.

  "How do I look, Lizzy?" she asked.