An Unwanted Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lane Cossett

  Her ladyship looked from her son to Mr. Darcy and back to her son. “Valentine, I do not understand. Are you saying this is true?”

  The viscount grimaced. “Unfortunately yes. One wife, two wives it hardly matters.”

  Lady Egerton started to shake and her face was deathly white. She reached out for the arm of her daughter which she had so recently rejected. “Vivienne, take me home.”

  Lady Vivienne was unusually silent, but she offered her arm to her mother and Lady Egerton gripped it tightly. With a small nod at Elizabeth and mouthing the words “I’m sorry,” Lady Vivienne guided her mother down the aisle and out of the church.

  As they left there was an uneasy silence with no one knowing what to say. Elizabeth wondered if the viscount would follow but he stayed where he was.

  “Is it true,” she whispered.

  The viscount grinned. “Yes, my dear. It’s true.”

  Elizabeth waited to hear his excuse, but there was none. She should have been happy. She no longer had to marry a man she despised but all she could think of was her father’s debt. Now the marriage had not taken place her father would be ruined. She felt a lump in her throat. All but Miss Bingley were staring at her sympathetically. She could not stay where she was.

  Dropping the small bunch of flowers she had been holding onto a pew she picked up her skirts she ran down the aisle, through the open door and out into the fresh air. She heard someone call her name, but she ignored them. As she ran down the path she saw Lady Egerton’s coach leave.

  “Elizabeth.”

  Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy had followed her. She stopped realising there was nowhere she could go and she rounded on Mr. Darcy.

  “Why did you do it?”

  Mr. Darcy gazed at her. “Because it is the truth Miss Bennet. Viscount Langley deceived you. He is already married.”

  Elizabeth could hardly contain herself. “But what right did you have to spoil my wedding day?”

  Mr. Darcy frowned. “Miss Bennet it was the right thing to do.”

  “No it was not.” Elisabeth’s voice shook. “You have ruined everything.”

  “Lizzy. We are indebted to Mr. Darcy for bringing this information to us,” said Mr. Gardiner gently.

  Elizabeth shook her head. Her uncle did not seem to understand what this meant. “You should never have interfered,” she snapped at Mr. Darcy.

  Mr. Darcy appeared as confused as Mr. Gardiner. “Miss Bennet, do you not understand you are now free of him?”

  Elizabeth was nearly crying with frustration. “Free! I did not want to be free of him. You only did this to hurt me for not becoming your wife. I will never forgive you.”

  She turned to her uncle, whose face had grown red with embarrassment. “Please take me home.”

  Mr. Gardiner hesitated. Mr. Darcy stared sadly at her.

  “If you would allow me to explain.”

  Elizabeth backed away from him. “I do not want you to explain. I never want to see you again. Do you not understand what you have done?”

  It was all too much. She had never wanted to marry the viscount, but she had a duty to save her family. Thanks to Mr. Darcy that would not now be possible. He still had not moved. “Leave me.” She was almost shouting at him.

  “Elizabeth my dear…” Mr. Gardiner tried to calm her.

  Mr. Darcy stared at her sadly. “Good day Miss Bennet.” He bowed and walked away.

  They watched him go back towards the church.

  Mr. Gardiner gazed at her a puzzled expression. “Elizabeth, this is a very troubling business, but you must not blame Mr. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth was too angry to reply. She did blame Mr. Darcy. How could he have humiliated her in such a manner? She had never thought he could be so cruel.

  Mr. Gardiner guided her to the carriage and once she was seated went to fetch Mr. Bennet and his wife.

  69

  Mr. Darcy returned to the church. He was shocked by what had happened. It had never occurred to him that Miss Bennet would be upset if the wedding was cancelled.

  Did she really believe that he had done it to simply hurt her. Naturally he had not. He wished Mr. Watson had brought him the information earlier, but he had been delayed in France and they’d had no choice but to stage their dramatic scene. As he approached the front door he could see the other guests being ushered out by the side entrance. No doubt they want to leave without being seen. As he walked through the open doorway, he came face-to-face with Viscount Langley. Sir Jeffrey and Mr. Watson.

  The viscount glared at him bitterly. “I was right wasn’t I? You had designs on Miss Bennet yourself?”

  Mr. Darcy gazed at him contemptuously. “I wanted to prevent Miss Bennet making a mistake, and I have done so. It is you who is already married.”

  The viscount was scornful. “It has nothing to do with you Darcy. I was paying for the privilege of marrying her and she would have enjoyed it. Now they get nothing and I promise you I will ruin Mr. Bennet.”

  Sir Jeffrey stepped forward. “I do not think this is a suitable place for this conversation.”

  “It is nothing to do with you. You have done enough.” The viscount stepped threateningly towards him, but Mr. Watson was too quick for him. “Sir, you will listen to what Sir Jeffrey has to say or we will be forced to summon a constable.”

  Mr. Watson did not raise his voice but his manner was such the viscount stepped backwards.

  His face was full of venom. “There is nothing you could possibly say that would interest me.”

  Sir Jeffrey ignored the viscount’s anger. “I would not wish to force you to listen, but finding you were married is not the only information we have gathered.”

  The viscount was very still, and Darcy wondered what he was going to do. “Go on.”

  “We cannot talk here. May I offer you a ride? I think we will all be more comfortable at my offices.”

  The four men left together.

  * * *

  The atmosphere in the carriage was tense as they made their way back to Cheapside. The Gardiners were concerned for her, but Elizabeth was more worried about what would happen now the wedding had not taken place.

  “What will we do now?” she asked her father.

  Mr. Bennet shook his head. “Not now Lizzy,” he murmured.

  Elizabeth could see the strain in his face but she wanted him to speak. They could not ignore the truth of their situation.

  “We have to do something.”

  “If your father allows it Elizabeth, I will go and see the Viscount to see if he will allow me to settle the debt,” said Mr. Gardiner.

  “You cannot,” said Mr. Bennet immediately.

  “And if he does not, what will we do?” Elizabeth was tired of her father ignoring their problems. Never had they been in such a serious position.

  “I will go and speak to him myself,” said Mr. Bennet.” I am sure we can come to an arrangement.”

  Only if you have suddenly come into money, thought Elizabeth sadly.

  * * *

  Mrs. Turner was surprised to see them when they arrived back at the house, but she said nothing as she took the Gardiner’s coats.

  Elizabeth slipped away to her room leaving her aunt and uncle to explain. She could not bear to sit downstairs and listen to them all going over what had happened.

  She tore off her bonnet and threw it carelessly to one side and then started to undo the buttons on the back of her dress, almost crying with frustration as she could not reach them all.

  “Come in,” she sobbed as there was a knock on the door.

  “I thought you might need some help miss,” said Phoebe.

  Elizabeth nodded thankfully. Phoebe carefully finished undoing the buttons and helped her out of the dress.

  “Take it away,” said Elizabeth as Phoebe went to hang it in the wardrobe.”

  “Yes Miss.” Phoebe hung it over the chair.

  “It is a fortunate that your trunk had not left,” she said cheerfully, opening it and f
inding Elizabeth a day dress.

  Elizabeth took it from her. Phoebe’s cheery tone grated on her.

  “Is there anything more miss?” asked Phoebe once she had helped her into it.

  Elizabeth started to tug at her hair. She wanted nothing to remind her of the wedding. Phoebe found her brush and comb and redid it, into a more simple style.

  Elizabeth began to feel calmer. “Thank you Phoebe.”

  Phoebe nodded. “Would you like me to unpack your trunk miss?”

  Elizabeth shuddered. She needed to be alone. “Not now… thank you.”

  Phoebe bobbed a curtsey and carefully picked up the wedding dress, and wedding bonnet and left the room. Elizabeth locked the door behind her.

  70

  Elizabeth stayed in her room for the rest of the day. Mrs Gardiner knocked on her door, but she would not speak to her. Phoebe came up twice with something to eat, but it was only late in the evening when she was growing thirsty that she let her in. Phoebe put down the tray for her. Elizabeth ignored the food and poured herself a cup of hot chocolate. When she had finished she left the tray outside her room and firmly locked the door again.

  She had played the scene in the church and her conversation with Mr. Darcy over and over in her mind and her anger had not abated. He should not have interfered. However, she was most worried about their future.

  How were they going to manage? She was haunted by what her mother would say when she found out her father had lost all their money. She would be hysterical. And who could save them? There was no one. Mr. Gardiner had offered to speak to Viscount Langley, but her father’s debts were not her uncle’s responsibility.

  She doubted the viscount would even listen. He had been humiliated in front of his family. It was not something he was likely to forgive.

  Jane, newly married could not be expected to look after them at Netherfield and their Uncle Phillips though a well-respected solicitor in Meryton was not wealthy enough to support two families. She could see no solution. Viscount Langley was a rogue, but he had offered them a chance to escape their debts. Now thanks to Mr. Darcy she remained unmarried and they would all be ruined.

  * * *

  Elizabeth barely slept and by the next morning there were black circles under her eyes. Phoebe brought her something to eat, but Elizabeth sent the tray back untouched. She could not think about food. Mrs. Gardiner came to her room and Elizabeth let her in.

  “My dear girl.” Mrs. Gardiner held her tight. Elizabeth hugged her back, but she did not cry. She had decided there would be no more tears.

  “How are you Lizzy?” asked Mrs. Gardiner gently letting her go.

  Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. “I do not know. Yesterday seems as if it was a bad dream.”

  A wry smile crossed Mrs. Gardiner’s face. “Unfortunately not. And I am afraid I have other news you would prefer not to hear.”

  “What is it?” asked Elizabeth curiously.

  “Jane is here”

  Elizabeth exclaimed in delight, but delight turned to dismay as Mrs. Gardiner told her Jane was not alone.

  “Mr. Bingley and Miss Bingley are both here.”

  Elizabeth groaned. “Please tell them I cannot see them.”

  “I will do anything you please, but I am sure Jane would like to see you.”

  Elizabeth knew she was right and she wanted to see her sister. If only she had come alone.

  Elizabeth sighed. “Very well, I will speak to them.”

  Mrs. Gardiner looked relieved. “I will send Phoebe to help you dress.”

  ”Thank you.” It wasn’t what she wanted, but she could not stay in her room.

  * * *

  Elizabeth lingered as long as she dared asking Phoebe to redo her hair twice. At last she was ready to face them. As she pushed open the door Mr. Bingley who was standing looking out of the window, turned and gave her a tentative smile. Caroline Bingley who was sitting upright on the edge of the chair glared at her disdainfully.

  Mrs. Gardiner was sitting on the sofa gazing serenely at the others while her father was standing near the unlit fireplace looking as if he wished to be somewhere else.

  Jane who was sat next to Miss Bingley immediately got to her feet and crossed the room to hug her.

  “I am so glad to see you. I have been so worried about you.”

  “I am well Jane,” whispered Elizabeth who noticed her sister was still unnaturally pale.

  Mr. Bingley turned away from the window. “My dear Miss Bennet, may I express my sorrow at what has happened. It is a relief to both myself, and Mrs. Bingley to see you in such good spirits.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It was so upsetting Lizzy,” said Jane sitting down. “Did you have no idea?”

  “It’s over now,” said Elizabeth quietly. She had no intention of discussing anything in front of Miss Bingley. She was certain the older woman was delighted she had been humiliated.

  “Over? Do you really think so?” asked Miss Bingley. “Miss Eliza I am afraid it is far from over.”

  “Caroline please.” Jane wriggled in her seat visibly distressed.

  Caroline Bingley ignored Jane’s interruption and continued to talk.

  “I have been explaining to your sister that it is the family reputation she should be more concerned with,” said Miss Bingley sharply. “Do you not realise just how much this incident affects us all?”

  “Caroline, there is no need for this,” said Mr. Bingley.

  “May I offer you some refreshments,” said Mrs. Gardiner with determined cheerfulness.

  “That would be most kind,” Mr. Bingley smiled at her gratefully.

  Caroline Bingley pursed her lips.

  “You do realise this is in the paper. Our name will be dragged into it.”

  Elizabeth was puzzled. “I do not understand.”

  Miss Bingley gave her a withering look. “How very typical that you do not seem to understand the seriousness of this situation.”

  “It is Elizabeth who has suffered, no one else,” said Mr. Bennet mildly.

  Caroline Bingley shook her head in despair. “Am I the only one who realises how damaging this is.”

  “Enough!” said Mr. Bingley sharply. “We came to ask after Miss Bennet’s health and to ask if there is anything we can do.”

  Mrs. Gardiner got up to summon Mrs Turner. She smiled sympathetically at Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiled back. She wished they would all go away. She looked at her father who had so far said nothing. She wondered why he was saying so little. This was his fault.

  * * *

  It was late afternoon when Mr. Darcy arrived at the Gardiner’s House. Sir Jeffrey was at his side.

  “Do you think this is a good idea? asked Sir Jeffrey.

  “I am not expecting to be made welcome,” said Darcy as he got out of the carriage, “but if I do not speak now, the Bennets will endure more sadness and worry.”

  “After the manner in which you have been treated, I am unsure that they deserve such generosity,” said Sir Jeffrey.

  Darcy did not like to hear the disapproval in his friend’s voice. He stopped by the side of the carriage. “It is down to Miss Bennet that I finally learned some humility. I would not wish to judge her or her father too harshly.”

  Sir Jeffrey simply nodded. “You are a good man Darcy and always have been. Now shall we go and see if they are willing to talk to us.”

  Darcy sighed. He was not looking forward to this visit.

  The front door was opened to them at once and they stepped into the hallway. The housekeeper recognised him from his previous visits.

  She was about to speak when Mr. Gardiner appeared through a door. He looked startled at their presence.

  “Mr. Darcy. Sir Jeffrey we were not expecting you.”

  It was Sir Jeffrey who spoke. “Do forgive us. I know it is a difficult, but we would like to speak to Mr. Bennet if he has the time.”

  Mr. Gardiner hesitated. “I am not sure my brother-in-law will be willing to spe
ak to you.”

  “Please ask,” said Sir Jeffrey. “We would not be here if it was not important.”

  Mr. Gardiner nodded. “If you would wait in my study, I will go and speak to him.”

  He nodded to the housekeeper who showed them inside while Mr. Gardiner went to speak to his brother-in-law.

  The study was not a large one, but Darcy immediately started to pace. “You do realise he might refuse to see us.”

  Sir Jeffrey had opened the folder he was carrying and took out one piece of paper. “He cannot be forced to speak to us, however it would very foolish of him if he did not.”

  Darcy turned at the window and walked down the length of the room. “I had always thought of Mr. Bennet as a sensible man.”

  “And now?” asked Sir Jeffrey looking up from his papers.

  “I do not know.” Mr. Bennet’s actions had certainly been foolish, but Darcy was beginning to realise he must have been desperate to put at risk his entire family. He was fortunate he had never found himself in such a position.

  71

  When the door opened they had all been expecting Mrs. Turner, but it was Mr. Gardiner who stood in the doorway. He beckoned to her father and Mr. Bennet looked pleased to have a reason to leave the room. The door was closed and the others looked at each other wondering what was happening.

  Caroline Bingley took the opportunity to continue to voice her displeasure. “I have said to Mr. Bingley that our name may well appear in the papers. What our friends will think of this I dread.”

  “Oh Caroline how you exaggerate,” said Mr. Bingley. “If anyone should be concerned it should be Viscount Langley.”

  Elizabeth was startled to hear his name. She realised she had barely spared him a thought or that of Lady Egerton or Lady Vivienne. Lady Egerton was a proud woman and she had left the church in a dignified manner, but Elizabeth knew she would have been mortified at the public humiliation.