An Unwanted Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lane Cossett

  “I’m sorry you were scared last night. Your father was involved in an accident, but he’s been seen by the doctor and he’s now sleeping.”

  Elizabeth noticed how her aunt was avoiding her eye.

  “The doctor will come and see him this morning and after that I am sure he will want to see you.”

  “But what has happened?” Elizabeth needed to know What are you hiding from me?”

  “Elizabeth!” Mrs. Gardiner sounded quite indignant. She picked up her quill to write again. “I must get on.”

  Elizabeth did not move. She loved her aunt a great deal but she had never known her to hide things from her in the manner she was doing now. Everyone was keeping secrets from her and she could tolerate it no longer. “I need to know,” she said quietly. “What happened last night?”

  Mrs. Gardiner’s blue eyes clashed with her brown ones. “Truly Elizabeth, I do not know.”

  Elizabeth had never known her aunt to lie to her, but she was still uncertain that she believed her. Nothing seemed to make sense any more. She tugged nervously at the lace on the edge of her sleeve.

  “If you do not know what happened last night, you must know where my father has been going each night.”

  Mrs. Gardiner opened her mouth to say something, but quickly shut it again. Her eyes were full of tears.

  “Please tell me,” begged Elizabeth.

  Mrs. Gardiner abandoned her quill. “Elizabeth, I wish I could, but there is nothing I can tell you.”

  Elizabeth wanted to sob herself. “Then who will tell me?” she asked.

  “Your father,” said a voice.

  Elizabeth turned. Mr. Gardiner stood in the doorway dressed in his outdoor clothing.

  “And if he will not tell me?” asked Elizabeth bitterly.

  Mr. Gardiner closed the door behind him and came and stood beside Elizabeth. “Lizzy, I wish I could stay and talk to you now, but I cannot. I have an urgent business matter I must deal with, but I urge you to speak to your father. You are right. It is time you knew everything.”

  Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “It is too much.”

  “No my dear. Elizabeth is a sensible woman. She needs to know.”

  Elizabeth looked from one to another. She did not understand what they were saying.

  Mr. Gardiner turned to Lizzy. “I am sorry if you have been worried all night about your father, but it was important that his injuries were dealt with immediately.”

  “And now?” asked Elizabeth, trying to quell the painful thumping of her heart.

  “Your father has been seen by the doctor and will be seen again this morning.”

  Elizabeth was beginning to feel scared. “Is he very badly injured?”

  “No … he will recover. His pride may take a little while longer,” said Mr. Gardiner drily.

  Elizabeth still did not comprehend exactly what had happened.

  Seeing her puzzled expression. Her uncle took pity on her.

  “Elizabeth, I know you have many questions, but it is not for us to try and answer them. You need to speak to your father.”

  “But I have tried,” she said. “He has refused to explain what is happening. “

  “Ask him again,” said Mr. Gardiner gently “I am sure that you will find he is more willing to talk to you.”

  Elizabeth was doubtful. Her father had been adamant that he would not explain his actions to her.

  “Is this business to do with Viscount Langley?”

  Mr. Gardiner would not say. “I must go. I am already late.”

  Her uncle dropped a kiss upon Elizabeth’s head. “Try not to worry my dear. Very soon all will become clear.”

  Elizabeth did not share her uncle’s sense of hope.

  “My dear. I will not be home to dine this evening.” Mr. Gardiner told his wife.

  When he had left Mrs. Gardiner leaned forward and clasped Elizabeth’s hands. “Try not to worry Lizzy. As your uncle says all will become clear.”

  For the first time in her life Elizabeth did not know whether she trusted them. “When can I see him?”

  “The doctor is calling again this morning. Let us wait to see if your father has recovered enough to speak to you,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

  With that Elizabeth had to be satisfied.

  56

  Elizabeth was tempted to march to her father’s room and demand to be told what was going on, but she knew she had to be patient. Seeing how restless she was Mrs. Gardiner suggested she took out her embroidery, but she declined She was worried she would prick her finger and mark her work.

  “A book,” suggested Mrs. Gardiner mildly.

  Elizabeth did not want to read, but she had to occupy her time until breakfast. She fetched her book and she sat in a chair near the window and tried to concentrate. She had not even managed one page before the words started to jump before her eyes and she set it aside. She knew she had to be patient, but it was so difficult when she did not know what was going on.

  “Elizabeth why do you not go and take a turn in the garden,” suggested Mrs. Gardiner.

  Elizabeth knew it would not satisfy her. The garden was not very large and she could not keep walking around in circles. How she wished she was back at Longbourn. Whenever she had felt troubled she had spent hours walking along the lanes and paths. It had helped her to see things more clearly and she had been fortunate that her father had always encouraged her to walk and enjoy the benefits of the fresh air.

  “If not the garden why do you not go and see the children?” suggested Mrs. Gardiner as she finished a letter and quickly re-read it before folding it ready to seal.

  “Because Mrs. Bonner does not like me to disturb their routine,” said Elizabeth.

  “I am sure your cousins would like to spend some time with you. Go and see them and should Mrs. Bonner object you should say I have given my permission.”

  Elizabeth hesitated. As fond as she was of her cousins she was not certain that she wanted to listen to their childish chatter at that moment.

  “I think I will visit them later,” she said and turned her attention back to her book.

  Mrs. Gardiner said no more and took out a fresh piece of paper and started to write.

  Elizabeth tapped her foot impatiently on the floor.

  Mrs. Gardiner pursed her lips. “Are you looking forward to going to the theatre on next week Elizabeth? I thought it was kind of Miss Williams to invite us as her guests.”

  Elizabeth knew her aunt was trying to distract her, but she was hardly listening. She needed to know what had happened to her father.

  “I had not thought that someone who is so well known would be so lacking in airs as she was. I found her very pleasant,” said Mrs Gardiner vaguely.

  Elizabeth looked at her aunt, wondering what she was talking about.

  Mrs. Gardiner sounded impatient. “Elizabeth you must do something. Naturally you are concerned about your father, but there is nothing you can do until he has seen the doctor. If your book does not hold your interest I am sure you could find something to else to occupy your time.”

  Elizabeth felt guilty. She had no wish to upset her aunt. She got to her feet. “I will go and see the children.”

  Aunt Gardiner nodded.” As soon as the doctor has been, I will see that you are called.”

  Eleanor and Victoria were excited to see her, and Mrs. Bonner had no objection to her spending some time reading with them. Elizabeth sat down with a book and tried to immerse herself in the story as her two young cousins listened with rapt attention.

  * * *

  Mr. Darcy had only just sat down to breakfast with Lady Frances and Georgiana when Mrs. Hopkins came into the room and discreetly whispered in his ear that he had a visitor.

  Darcy finished his coffee and then followed Mrs. Hopkins from the room.

  “Who is it?” he asked in a low voice.

  “Sir Jeffrey Honeyfield sir. I have put him in your study.”

  “Thank you.”

  Darcy hoped his bar
rister had some news for him.

  Sir Jeffrey was standing by the window when he entered.

  “Darcy my good fellow, forgive me for calling without invitation.”

  Darcy motioned him into a seat. “You are always welcome at Darcy House,” he said.

  Sir Jeffrey took off his hat and held it on his knee. “I will not keep you long. I am due in court this morning and I must not be late. The sitting judge is the Duke of Mornington and he is liable to pass judgement without due process if times are not adhered to.”

  Darcy tried not to look impatient, as he waited to hear the reason why Sir Jeffrey was there.

  Sir Jeffrey smiled. “You do not want to hear about my court worries. I came to tell you that I have some news about Mr. Bennet. I am afraid you are not going to like it.”

  “What is it?” asked Darcy curiously.

  Sir Jeffrey sat back in his chair. “I have learned that Mr. Bennet has a love of gambling. He has been spending a great deal of money in many clubs around London.”

  Darcy was lost for words. Mr. Bennet a gambler. It did not seem possible. He was a learned man, who Miss Bennet had said did not even enjoy playing cards. According to his daughter he spent most of his days in his study reading.

  “I know this comes as a shock to you Darcy.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I do not want to appear rude Sir Jeffrey but are you certain?”

  Sir Jeffrey was not offended by his question. “There is no doubt Darcy. Mr. Bennet has been observed frequenting a number of clubs and playing into the early hours of the morning. I understand he has no real talent and he has wagered and lost some large sums of money.”

  “But where is he getting the money from?” asked Darcy curiously. “Mr. Bennet is not a man of wealth.”

  Sir Jeffrey nodded. “So I understand. I have learned that many of the establishments Mr Bennet has been gambling at are not ones any gentlemen would want to admit entering.”

  Darcy needed time to think. He did not know what he had been expecting to hear, but it was not that.

  “Darcy, I do not know how such knowledge will help you in your quest to get Mr. Bennet to change his mind about a marriage between you and his daughter.”

  Darcy did not know either. Miss Bennet had told him how much Mr. Bennet had changed. Perhaps now he knew why. Darcy had never wanted to gamble And he was glad of it.

  Sir Jeffrey stood up. “Darcy, I will continue to find out what I can.”

  “I can only thank you for letting me know.”

  Sir Jeffrey shook his hand and said he would see himself out.

  Darcy let him go. He did not return to the breakfast room. Lady Frances would want to know who his visitor was and if he said she was sure to want to know the reason for his call.

  He sat down at his desk to think.

  57

  Elizabeth was still reading with Victoria and Eleanor when Molly came to tell her that her father wanted to speak to her.

  The girls were disappointed when she closed the book and said she had to leave.

  “Will you come back later?” asked Victoria.

  “If I can yes,” said Elizabeth.

  She smiled apologetically at Mrs. Bonner and leaving her with the unfinished book, hastened away to see her father. She knocked on the door of his bedchamber and walked straight in. Her father was propped up against the pillows wearing a night shirt and a thick gown.

  He was not alone. A man was tucking a stethoscope back into a brown bag. Molly introduced him. “This is Dr. Miller,” she said.

  Dr. Miller who looked much younger than the doctor who was occasionally called to Longbourn, looked up and smiled at her.

  “You must be Miss Bennet.”

  “Yes Sir”

  Dr. Miller finished putting some other objects into his bag and then closed it.

  “Do not worry my dear. It looks far worse than it is. Your father is a lucky man.”

  Was he? Even from where she was standing, she could see that he father did not look well.

  The doctor picked up his jacked. “Mr. Bennet, I shall be back to see you this evening. “

  Her father nodded. As the doctor left the room, Dr. Miller whispered. “Do not stay too long. He needs to rest.”

  She didn’t know what to think. Mr. Bennet beckoned her forward.

  Elizabeth was shocked by his appearance. His right arm was bound up with cloth, he had another around his head and his eye was swollen and almost closed and his cheek had a nasty gash the length of it.

  Molly rearranged the pillow behind his head, pulled at the cover and then left them alone.

  Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes. She let cross with her father, but she did not like to see him hurt. She sat down on the edge of the bed. “Are you going to tell me about it?”

  Mr. Bennet shook his head, and then winced. “I do not remember.”

  Elizabeth did not believe him. He had to know what had happened to him.

  “You must promise me not to mention this business to your mother. I would not wish to worry her,” said Mr. Bennet.

  Elizabeth sighed. “I do not know anything to be able to tell her.”

  Mr. Bennet suddenly reached out for her hand and gently squeezed it. Elizabeth was surprised. Her father was not given to sentimental gestures. “I am a lucky man Lizzy. You and your sister have never given your mother or I a moment’s worry.”

  “I am not sure that mother would agree with you. She is yet to forgive me for not marrying Mr. Collins,” said Elizabeth lightly.

  “And have you forgiven me for not giving my consent for you to marry Mr. Darcy?”

  Elizabeth thought it was an unfair question. She did not even want to think about it. “I wish I understood why you would not let me marry him, but I do not. It was the happiest day of my life when Mr. Darcy proposed. Now I have had another proposal that I do not want.”

  Mr. Bennet looked surprised. “From whom?”

  “Viscount Langley,” said Elizabeth sniffing with disdain. “I think he may have done it for his own amusement. He lied and said he had your permission.”

  “And what did you say?” asked Mr. Bennet.

  Elizabeth felt disappointed that her father had even had to ask “I turned him down naturally. I would not want to marry such a man.”

  She waited for her father to say something. But even his good eye had closed. She thought how old he was looking.

  She touched his arm wondering if he had suddenly taken a turn for the worse.

  Mr. Bennet’s eye shot open.

  “I’m sorry if I startled you. I thought something was wrong,” explained Elizabeth.

  “Nothing is wrong my dear. I was thinking on what you just said. Elizabeth you must accept the Viscount’s proposal.”

  Elizabeth was stunned. Had her father really said she should marry the viscount? Her heart started to flutter alarmingly. “You would not let me marry a man such as Mr. Darcy, and yet you want me to marry the Viscount. Father he is a reprobate.”

  “And I am sure you are the woman who can change him,” whispered Mr. Bennet clutching at his head.

  Elizabeth could not believe what he was saying. She wondered whether the blow on his head had damaged his mind. “I have no interest in trying to change him.”

  “I believe you could Elizabeth and that is why I gave my permission for him to ask you.”

  “You, you...” Elizabeth could hardly speak. “You thought I would want to marry the Viscount?”

  Mr. Bennet gently shook his head. “No I did not, but I need you to agree.”

  Elizabeth tugged at one her curls and twisted it around her fingers. She was hoping to awaken and discover the conversation was a dream. Never could she have imagined that her father would see Viscount Langley as a suitable husband.”

  “I could never agree father. When you said I could not marry Mr. Darcy, I decided then never to marry.”

  Mr. Bennet sighed. He moved awkwardly and the pillow behind his head slipped out of place. He tried
awkwardly to put it back but could not. Elizabeth stood up and took it from him plumping it up before putting it back.

  Mr. Bennet sighed gratefully as he leant against it. “You have always been the most determined of my daughters,” he said smiling weakly. “I am sorry to disappoint you, but I must ask you to put aside your feelings and consider your mother and sisters.”

  Elizabeth had no idea what he was talking about.

  Mr. Bennet took a deep breath. Elizabeth could see that it was taking him a great deal of effort to speak. “Should I come back later,” she suggested.

  “No,” gasped Mr. Bennet. “Elizabeth, the viscount is very wealthy. He has promised to look after the family when you are married.”

  Elizabeth frowned. Nothing her father said was making sense. Mr. Darcy had wealth and yet her father would not allow her to marry him.

  Her father looked very weary. She was mindful of what the doctor had said about her father needing some rest. She also needed to go away and think. She had not believed the viscount when he had told her he was friends with her father, but they must be acquainted with each other far more than she knew for him to have already agreed the viscount could ask for her hand in marriage.

  “You should rest,” she said firmly. “I will return later.”

  “Elizabeth, will you for once listen to what I have to say,” croaked Mr. Bennet crossly.

  Elizabeth who had already got to her feet, sat down again. Her father’s harsh manner hurt her. She had always listened to him and in the past she had always valued his opinion. Now she felt as if she did not know him.

  ”I am listening sir.”

  “I have always admired you Elizabeth and you and I have shared a love of books, music and art. I do believe although you might not have always thought I treated your mother well, you have had some respect for me.”

  Elizabeth nodded. Her puzzlement was growing. Her father was speaking, but it was as if he was speaking another language.

  “Elizabeth, I have something to tell you, and I believe that respect that I have always expected will be gone for good.”