Lady Catherine DeBourg.
Darcy’s response to Lady Catherine’s missive was full of anger. The breach between them was very close to being irreparable. Mr and Mrs Collins arrived at Lucas Lodge the same day. Elizabeth informed him, “Darcy, I will be going over to Lucas Lodge this morning, will you walk with me?”
“Of course, my love.”
“Prepare yourself for something dreadful; Charlotte has arrived with her husband.”
“You mean the ones who told my aunt, and who told my aunt about what your sister did?”
“Yes, that’s who I am talking about” she laughed.
“She is your friend, and we survived his company at Hunsford, did we not?!”
“Yes, Fitzwilliam, we did.” Darcy loved hearing his first name falling from Elizabeth’s lips. It always made his heart skip a little beat. With that, they set off for Lucas Lodge. They got to the turn in the road where Kitty had left them on the day that they had become engaged. They remembered such fondly as they walked now down towards Lucas Lodge. Sir William was as pompous as usual when they arrived,
“So, Miss Lizzy, you and Mr Darcy are engaged. Congratulations,” said Sir William as they entered the hallway.
“Thank you, sir” Elizabeth replied, but this was not enough to stop Sir William carrying on.
“Well, well, Mr Darcy, I hope you realise you’re carrying off the brightest jewel in the country.”
“Thank you, sir, I agree she is beautiful,” replied Darcy,
“I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you both often at St James’ and seeing you both dance there.”
“Sorry, Sir William, you forget that we will be in Derbyshire,” cut in Elizabeth. “I have come to see Charlotte, is she at home?”
“Yes, she’s in the drawing room with her husband” Elizabeth felt Darcy tense up. Oh dear. I have to deal with more of this toadying. It's totally unbearable. Only for you dear Elizabeth would I willingly put myself in this position.
“Thank you,” replied Elizabeth. She and Darcy moved into the drawing room with speed, but Sir William went with them.
Elizabeth and Charlotte were soon catching up and talking. And Darcy was then left to the two men. “Mr Darcy, I am very grateful that you have come to visit us and I assure you that my dear Charlotte and I deeply appreciate all the visits you made to our home last April.” They were entirely for Elizabeth Darcy thought and smiled. “However, you managed to claim the hand of my fair cousin, I am truly grateful to see that she and her eldest sister will not suffer when their father dies, and I inherit Longbourn. I am, that is, you must allow me to express how exceedingly angry your aunt is about your engagement.” How did you become a clergyman? You have no idea of what appropriate conversation is! As for my Aunt, you don’t know the half of why she was angry, I am sure. “However, I am pleased to report that she was in the best of health when we left her two nights ago. Are things with my cousin very settled, is there no way you could follow your aunt’s guidance?” Not bloody likely, and don’t even dare to question my devotion for Elizabeth. I will allow this to slide once but be careful you wretch! I have more influence than you could imagine. "Such division within families is so unbecoming. I hope that I may be of service in aiding a reconciliation someday."
“I am very glad to hear of my aunt’s health but what of my cousin Anne, how was she?” Darcy cut in, knowing that Mr Collins speeches would go on all day if he let them. Darcy was anxious to know that Anne was in health and not suffering from her mother’s anger. There was no regret about not marrying Anne. Darcy's concern was about how Lady Catherine would treat her now that he had become engaged.
“I haven’t seen much of your good cousin since her mother went to London sir. Your cousin seems to have some business or something that keeps her in another part of the house. When I have caught sight of her, sir, she seems to be improving in health.”
“Thank you,” smiled Darcy. So, Georgiana’s letter was correct Anne was beginning to take more on herself. Who was this young gentleman that Georgiana mentioned? Darcy wanted to ask so much about Rosings, and yet he would have to wait now for a letter from Anne. He could not encourage Mr Collins to speak. Besides if Anne was busy with what Darcy thought she was, he realised that it may take some time for her to reply. He sighed contentedly. Mr Collins and Sir William could go on all day between them. They did not need him to speak at all. Looking at Elizabeth, he lapsed into a reverie, about how loving his daughters would be to each other. Unlike Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, or the other puffed-up women of society he knew. Darcy was still woolgathering when suddenly, Mr Collins caught his attention. Mr Collins was talking to Sir William. “Sir William, you, I am sure, remember how kind my dear Charlotte was bringing me to dine after my disappointment last November. Well at the time, I thought that my fair cousin was teasing me wanting to make me love her better, which I didn’t. Wouldn’t you agree Sir William that it was a good thing for her that she did not accept me?” Sir William was at a loss of what to say. He had been unaware that Mr Collins had made an offer to Elizabeth last autumn. Poor Sir William now found himself in a very difficult position. What do you say in a position like that?! It was Darcy that answered instead “Mr Collins, I did not know that you too had made an offer to Elizabeth. Tell me, did she tell you off as she did me when I first asked her in April?” The irony of this was not lost.
At this, Mr Collins looked astonished. “My dear sir, you asked her in April?! I have heard nothing of that! No, Mr Darcy, she did not tell me off, so much as just flatly refused and told me her feelings forbid it in every way.” This information was so much consistent with what Darcy knew of Elizabeth, that he was willing to let it go at that. Mr Collins was not so delicate. “She did say something that now puzzles me exceedingly now that I know that you have made two proposals to her. She told me that she was not one of those elegant females who would risk their happiness on being asked twice; I know not what to make of it.” You really are a bloody imbecile! Of course, she is not one those silly coquettish women! That is why I love her as much as I do. Not mention that I have never heard of a woman refusing a man to increase their love! It’s completely nonsensical! Your nonsensical. How it is that you managed to marry such a sensible woman as Mrs Collins.
Darcy took a deep breath: “Mr Collins, simply it is this, Elizabeth refused me. Instead of accusing her of such deception, I believed her. I explained a few things to her for she had certain opinions of me, based on false premises. I needed to believe her, and we both looked after our own business. I did not pursue her anymore until we met again by accident while she was on holiday. I then was able to renew the acquaintance without putting pressure on her.” Stated Darcy flatly. Staying civil with Mr Collins was proving to be a test of his fortitude. Darcy wondered whether Mr Collins kept his parishioners secrets. There wasn’t any time left for him to think about it. Elizabeth invited Charlotte and Mr Collins to dinner. Fortunately, though the Collins’s were to follow on later on. Darcy and Elizabeth then made their excuses and left.
As soon as they were out of sight of the house, Darcy shuddered and shrugged his shoulders. Elizabeth seeing it, immediately teased him. “Well, Fitzwilliam Darcy what was that? You talking to my cousin and Sir William voluntarily?!”
“Not entirely voluntary, your cousin provoked me sorely! I didn’t know that he had made an offer to you last autumn.”
“Oh, so you’ve been told about that! The stupid man thought, because Lady Catherine had told him to marry, he had to do so. If that was not bad enough, he made a comment about my lack of fortune, and the entail. He was determined that he wanted to make us some amends inheriting Longbourn. Then he imagined he felt something for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if everything he says he feels for Charlotte is imaginary as well.” Elizabeth answered seriously. More seriously than Darcy was used to and for a minute he couldn’t talk. He felt so angry that Mr Collins could speak such to Elizabeth. Then he remembered his own behaviour last April, and softened
a little. He was not in a position to throw stones at another man when his own behaviour had been so reprehensible. Elizabeth cut in, “But, it was of little concern to me for I had no intention of accepting him! I was indifferent to him. I was angry at his mode of address, and his presuming that I would accept anything. I soon forgot all about the whole affair.”
Darcy then turned towards her and hugged her, he suddenly felt as if he didn’t want to let go of her. It dawned on him that right from the start she was many things, but she had never been indifferent to him. Perhaps if he had conducted himself better, his first declaration would have been accepted. Oh, how much time he had wasted with his ridiculous struggles and mismanagement. Mr Wickham had imposed on her, and so had Mr Collins. Darcy was convinced Colonel Fitzwilliam was half in love with her. It seemed as if he had been blind. How had he missed that there were so many others who also wanted Elizabeth? How was it that he had convinced himself back in April that she was waiting for, even expecting his advances? He was in the company of so many men of his own acquaintance who were struck with a fancy for her. He could have lost her to another. He was very thankful for her sense and not running after the money that any man had. He leant down into her hair and mumbled “Elizabeth, my Elizabeth.” He could say no more, completely overwhelmed, he knew he was not worthy of her. A feeling that became his constant companion at Hunsford. She hugged him back and was wise enough to just let him hug her. The sound of carriage wheels brought Darcy out of his reverie. They were surprised to see Mr Bingley and Jane coming along the road from Netherfield. They stopped next to Darcy and Elizabeth. “Well, what are you doing walking these here lanes again?” Bingley's surprised voice came from inside.
“We’ve been to see Charlotte and Mr Collins,” replied Elizabeth “and I invited them to dinner tonight.”
“Well, then why don’t you both join us as we were returning to Longbourn?” Asked Mr Bingley.
Darcy opened the carriage door. He handed Elizabeth in first and then jumped in afterwards. “Charlotte has agreed to stay until our wedding. She was not sure about how long Mr Collins would be able to stay, as Lady Catherine could request his return at any time.” Elizabeth informed to Jane and Mr Bingley.
“Lizzy, that’s good news. I’ve had a letter today, which I don’t know what to make of. It was from Caroline Bingley. She says she wants to renew our acquaintance, but to be honest, I don’t want to. Oh Lizzy, am I being ungrateful? My dear Charles, can you forgive me?”
“Jane, I not only forgive you, but I also do not blame you in the least! My sister is the falsest creature in the world. I regret that once she arrives at Netherfield, I’m going to have to keep her there for the foreseeable future.” Bingley laughed uncomfortably. Jane looked horrified but said nothing. Darcy, on the other hand, was so much at ease that he was reclining in the carriage on the way back to Longbourn. He had an idea forming in his head that now necessitated his return to London. Since his father’s death, Darcy had used his father’s carriage to go anywhere, and his sister had her own curricle. That left his mother’s carriage at the London house, abandoned. Darcy now planned that his Mother’s carriage would be fitted up ready for use. This would not take much. Complete with four horses, he would give her carriage to his dearest Elizabeth. He also wanted to talk to his future father-in-law. Having bought off the cad to marry Lydia, Darcy wished to boost Elizabeth and Jane’s dowries. As soon as the carriage stopped outside Longbourn House, Darcy jumped out and assisted Elizabeth out of the carriage. In his excitement, he almost ran into the house. Leaving his hat and coat in the hall, as usual, he joined Mr Bennet in his library. The latter of which looked up in astonishment as he entered.
“Well Mr Darcy, I had thought you would want to spend every minute with Elizabeth,” he said.
“Well, Mr Bennet, it is about Elizabeth I wish to talk with you.”
“You haven’t changed your mind, have you?!”
“Oh no! That, I will never do!!!” Darcy was shocked and horrified at even the thought of it. Seeing the amusement on Mr Bennet’s face, he remembered that his daughter shared her father’s wit. He realised he’d fallen into yet another one of Mr Bennet’s jokes. He relaxed and laughed. “I need to go to London, for I’ve decided to repair my mother’s carriage, and give it to Elizabeth as a present. It should be ready in a few days. However, I was hoping that you and Elizabeth would come with me to London.” He knew that her father was now aware of what he had done for her family in arranging Wickham and Lydia’s marriage. So he went on to the second part of what he wanted to say without waiting for Mr Bennet’s reply. “I also want to propose a small something else. As you know, Mr Bingley and I have been close friends. I am proposing to increase Jane's dowry, as a wedding present for them. I would also like to increase Elizabeth’s dowry. If you are agreeable, then I propose that we use your Brother Gardiner’s man in London to draw up the legal paperwork. I am afraid I do not have confidence that Mr Phillips will keep it from his wife.”
Mr Bennet was surprised but had no real objection. Mr Bennet only said, “Well Mr Darcy, where do you think that Elizabeth and I will be staying in London?”
“I would like to say with me. It might be more appropriate if you stay with your brother and his wife. That is if it is convenient for you to stay,” replied Darcy
“I will express a letter to him today to ask, and thank you, Mr Darcy, I accept your proposals. I would presume that horses come with the carriage? As you know, I cannot always get my own horses for my carriage, they are the farm animals as well.”
Fitzwilliam laughed, “Sir, I would by no means disadvantage you or your daughters. Yes, the carriage will come with horses, and a groom and driver. I, of course, will cover their wages and the animals’ expenses. You will not have any expense with this at all. I only ask that they are given space in your stables until Elizabeth and I are married.”
“You have that, sir!” and they shook hands on it.
“I will only tell Elizabeth that I am going to town on business, and I would like her to stay in London while I am there. It is my desire to show her my London house while we are there, and I hope that she will re-decorate the house how she wishes.”
“Mr Darcy, I am sure that she will be very much pleased with the house as it is. She has a high regard for Pemberley, I know.”
“If I could think of a reason to take her to Pemberley right now, I would! I am anxious for her to choose her rooms there. I also need to know what adjustments she would like to make to the house. Alas I cannot think of any reason to go to Pemberley at this time of year.” Mr Bennet laughed at this so hard Darcy thought that he was going to fall off his chair. “Sir, I must ask what is so funny.”
“Well, Mr Darcy you have given the very reason to take her. While saying you cannot think of any reason. I propose that we journey up there after you have concluded the London business.”
“Thank you, sir, that would be delightful. Can I ask that Mrs Bennet does not join you and your daughter up there? I view Pemberley much as you do your library - silliness and vulgarity anywhere, but Pemberley. This, will be broken at Christmas if you accept our invitation for Christmas at Pemberley. Elizabeth and I have already invited Jane and Mr Bingley, and the Gardiners. So, I would appreciate it if you and your family would join us at Pemberley for Christmas.”
“Thank you, sir, that is very kind of you. I am sure Mrs Bennet and the girls would be delighted to visit Pemberley for Christmas.”
“Kitty should be happy, for it is a tradition that the principal family throws a ball at New Year. It has not happened for many years now though, as my mother died when my sister was small. My father never remarried and died five years ago. I detest dancing, and my sister is not yet out. so a ball seemed rather pointless. It is my plan that I shall revive it this year.”
“And does Elizabeth know that she will be the hostess so quickly?”
“Not yet, sir” Darcy enjoyed these tête-à-têtes with Elizabeth’s father. Other than
Elizabeth and Jane, he was the only sensible one of the family. His wit usually took the turn that he was laughing at Darcy. It was in noticing how much Elizabeth was like her father and not her mother that Darcy could bear it. Darcy now rose and excused himself to return to Elizabeth. Returning to the drawing room, Darcy found Elizabeth and her mother absent. The only explanation that Jane would give was that they had some household business to attend to. “Jane, do you think your mother could deal with managing the wedding arrangements alone for a few days? The wedding is at the end of November. Since it is now mid-October, and I have to be in London for a few days. After which her father and I would like to take Elizabeth to Pemberley for probably about a week. Would you and Bingley like to join us in London and Pemberley?”
A look of pleasure was shared by Bingley and Jane, and then Jane answered, “We would love to. I presume that Lizzy and our father will be staying with my aunt and uncle in London.”
“Yes, or at least if it is convenient. Your father promised to express a letter to Mr Gardiner, today,” said Darcy smiling.
“And when will we leave, Darcy?” Bingley asked who relished the thought of Jane’s society in town away from her mother.
“I will be writing to send the horses ahead for the trip to Pemberley. we will leave for town as soon as we hear from Mr Gardiner. I am hoping it will be within a few days.” It was now that Elizabeth walked into the room, looking beautiful and excited. She was wearing a new day dress, and Darcy presumed, that she was being measured for her wedding dress. Darcy had been about to talk to her about the London trip when Mrs Phillips walked into the drawing room. Mr and Mrs Collins followed. Mr Bennet came in for a few moments and spoke only to Darcy to say that the express had been sent. Darcy replied that he had asked Bingley and Jane to go with them. “A good plan,” said Mr Bennet and left the room again.
Darcy looked about the room amused. Everyone in the room was either related or going to be related. There was a vast difference in temperaments, and sense. Mr. Collins was in as much awe of Darcy as Mrs. Phillips seemed to be. Mr Collins was just as vulgar, though he conducted himself much closer to a gentleman. Mrs. Collins, was not in awe of Darcy. She had a vast deal of sense, and blushed when her husband exposed himself or her, and ignored even more of what he said. Bingley and Jane, of course, both had very gentle open manners. Jane was much more serene – something that he had mistaken for indifference last year. Elizabeth was lively, and he knew himself to be much graver and more austere than he wished to be. With Elizabeth’s help he was getting better at conversing with others he didn’t know. Looking at Mr. Collins, he remembered what Mrs. Bennet had said at the ball at Netherfield. Oh, that awful ball with such terrible consequences. He had caused so much pain and unhappiness, because of the events at that ball. “Mr. Collins is such a sensible young man.” How could anyone of sense think Mr. Collins, a sensible young man? Then he remembered that Mr. Collins had made an offer to Elizabeth. Perhaps the mother knew what he was planning. Was she praising him because he would inherit Longbourn. He smiled, that was what he was doing by boosting their settlements. He had increased Lydia’s only as a bribe that Mr. Wickham would marry her. Thereby restoring the respectability of the family. He was boosting Jane’s as a wedding present for her and Bingley. Raising Elizabeth’s was out of unalloyed love for the woman who had made him the happiest man in the world. He would boost Mary’s and Kitty’s as wedding presents for them too. Mary, at least would not get so much, and Kitty might if she married right. Kitty seemed as if she would improve if given the proper society. Perhaps Mrs. Annesley might be prevailed on to help Kitty, in the way that she is helping Georgiana.
1812 How It All Began- Part 2 Page 17