by Anne Louise
This business of raising five daughters and no sons was getting to the man but he knew what was happening and thought that his two eldest just might be in love with their two gentlemen friends. At least Lizzy will not go on such long walks around Longbourn when she marries. No, she will do it in Derbyshire and I will miss her.
Mr. Bennet was not ready to give his daughters away but he had observed his Lizzy with this man and had found no fault with him and he had similar thoughts about Jane and Mr. Bingley.
Only the day before his wife told him that Lizzy and Jane would soon marry and that the Bennets would likely be grandparents within a year after the marriages. Mr. Bennet put his coffee down and took a walk around the smallish gardens to contemplate all these things and to think on the evening ahead.
Darcy and Elizabeth soon met near the footbridge and Elizabeth was twenty minutes late.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy, I was running late and hope you were not inconvenienced.”
“Elizabeth, you have forgotten our agreement to speak less formally when we are alone.”
“Yes, you are correct, William. I do love the sound of your name. Are you excited about the dance?”
“Yes, I must say I am looking forward to it. Normally I do not like such events, but you already know such things.”
“William, I am very excited to dance with you and to make the other women jealous. I know it is selfish of me but I just want you for myself. Even so, I have a request that you dance with many women and speak with the men. Many of these people are my friends and neighbors and I want them to see the good in you and I want to be able to gloat.”
“Is it normal for you to be so outspoken?”
“Yes, I prefer being direct.”
“But therein lies a problem. Not everyone appreciates your directness and you will hurt your standing amongst some if you continue to follow such a practice. I will act the part of a gentleman but I expect that you will be kind to those present. You have no reason to gloat. Are you not comfortable in your own skin that we are good friends?”
Elizabeth’s eyes turned away and he noticed her embarrassment and for a moment he regretted speaking such things.
“Yes, of course I believe that.”
“Good, so we will enjoy ourselves tonight and not give any person a reason to doubt that we are true friends. Elizabeth, I will bring Georgiana to Longbourn earlier this evening to stay with your younger sisters. Are you certain that will not be a problem?”
“Sir, it would be a problem if she did not come. My sisters are eager to have her visit and have already made plans.”
****
After Darcy brought Georgiana to Longbourn to stay with the Bennets, he next returned to Netherfield. He and his cousin and Mr. Bingley arrived at the dance a few minutes late and soon all eyes were on the three men as they entered the hall. Sir William Lucas greeted the men as they entered and introduced them to those nearby who also welcomed them. Sir William had met them through Charlotte and seemed to like the gentlemen, but it was unlikely that many of the people in Meryton had met the others. As the music played he brought the men over to meet the Bennets as others watched the Bennet ladies curtsey as the men bowed and Jane and Bingley began to talk as did Elizabeth and Darcy. Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam walked over and greeted Charlotte.
The whispers confirmed different stories of how the Bennet daughters met the gentlemen in town, but there was some hope as Darcy and his friends circulated well and danced with many women and spoke with the other men. This was not always easy as both Bingley and Darcy had eyes for the Bennet daughters. Darcy was certain he had never danced with a more capable partner and believed Elizabeth was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. Bingley and Darcy’s cousin felt the same for Jane and Charlotte.
Mr. Bennet did not dance but spoke with his friends and Mrs. Bennet did the same. She was always in control of her countenance and did answer questions regarding how her daughters had met the men but she did not gloat and her replies were matter of fact.
As the people began to file out, Darcy watched as Mr. Bennet grabbed hold of his chest and began to slump as Darcy ran over to break the man’s fall. The local doctor had just put on his hat when he heard the commotion and ran over to Mr. Bennet. He and Darcy cleared others away and the doctor knelt near him and briefly asked the man some simple questions which Mr. Bennet responded to.
After several minutes, the doctor spoke with Mrs. Bennet and then returned to speak to her husband.
“Thomas, I believe you have just experienced a heart attack, but this is not your time. Still, you must rest and we must take you to your own bed and talk about what all of this means for your future. Mr. Darcy, I need you and your friends to help load Mr. Bennet into his coach and take him to Longbourn. After I see my wife home, I will meet you there.”
Mrs. Bennet and her daughters returned with their father in the family coach and they were followed by the three gentlemen friends. Mrs. Bennet awaited the others who soon arrived and brought the man inside his home as the servants assisted in getting the man into his bed. The hour was late but Mrs Bennet spoke with her other daughters and told them what happened and said that he needed rest and quiet and that the girls could see him in the morning.
Doctor Jones arrived and visited with him and gave him something to drink to make him rest and after that he spoke with Mrs. Bennet and the two eldest daughters.
“Has our Thomas been under a lot of stress lately, Mrs. Bennet?”
“No, I do not believe he has been, but he did seem upset earlier today about some article in the paper.”
“Then we shall have to wait until he tells us. Mrs. Bennet, all present seemed to enjoy the dance and meeting our new neighbors, though I expect Mr. Darcy and his cousin will stay at Netherfield for some time.”
“That is our hope, sir.”
“Very well, I shall return on the morrow, but I will give you some instructions that you must follow.”
The doctor left but the three gentlemen stayed as long as the Bennets needed them before returning to Netherfield.
The next day Mr. Bennet took to his bed and rested and his wife came in to check on him.
“Now, Thomas Bennet, you must not get all worked up, but why were you so stressed yesterday after reading The Times?”
“Fanny, I read that the man who was to inherit Longbourn after my death has died. He is a distant cousin named Mr. Collins and he died in a fall from his horse when he hit his head. There are no others to follow me.”
“What does this mean for our family?”
“That is what I have been fretting over.”
“Is that the only thing that has you worried?”
“No, I also worry about losing our two eldest daughters to marry these two men.”
“You should be happy that they are happy.”
“I know, and I was very pleased at the dance last evening with how you carried yourself and with our daughters and their friends.”
“The doctor said you must find another to assist with managing Longbourn. He said that you do not need such stress.”
“That gives me a good reason to speak with Mr. Darcy and get his advice.”
****
Later that day, Bingley and his friend visited the Bennets and Darcy was summoned to Mr. Bennet’s room.
“Mr. Darcy, I must thank you for coming to my aid last evening. I wanted to ask your advice on estate matters.”
The two spoke for near half an hour when Mr. Bennet told about the situation that the last male to inherit Longbourn by the entail had died. He next asked Darcy if he knew what would happen. Darcy explained that in such cases, when there are no other related males, that upon Mr. Bennet’s death, the estate would be sold and all proceeds would be equally divided amongst the daughters, except they could not withdraw any money until they reached the age of one and twenty. When the man asked about any future grandsons inheriting the estate by entail, Darcy replied the first grandson would inherit. Mr
. Darcy then explained that Mrs. Bennet would not get a share of the proceeds.
“Mr. Bennet, why not let your Lizzy manage Longbourn in an interim basis? For the long haul, I recommend you consider hiring a steward to manage the tenant farms. I do know of some who are excellent men and they would likely make you money, even after paying their salary.”
“Yes, please speak to Lizzy and come and talk on the morrow. Just remember, she will always be my Lizzy.”
“Yes, but of course she is, just as I want her to be my Elizabeth.”
Darcy turned to see the man had fallen asleep.
Later the couples walked in the gardens outside and Darcy told of his meeting with Mr. Bennet.
“This is extraordinary news, William. I do believe that I can run the place in my father’s absence, but he really needs a steward. Can you help us find such a person?”
“Yes, Elizabeth, I suppose that is the only way, less he keep you all to himself. I propose we meet with him and learn what we can. You can best help him to relax. Please understand that I wish to help you if you want me to.”
Now he watched as Elizabeth sighed. “If only my parents had a son.”
“But, Elizabeth, with the death of Mr. Collins, the first born Bennet grandson will inherit Longbourn.”
“Elizabeth saw the twinkle in Darcy’s eyes and giggled. If we were back at Netherfield, I would let you kiss me.”
Next he urged her behind a tall boxwood and took her into his arms and felt the warmth of her body next to his as he claimed her mouth before backing off. “You must know that I love you, Elizabeth? We have reasons to wait but I dearly wish you to make me the happiest of men.”
He now dropped to a bended knee and held her little hand. “Miss Elizabeth Anne Bennet, please accept my offer of marriage and consent to be my wife. I want your family to see us married and have us visit with a passel of children.”
“I do agree, William, but let the announcement wait a few days until father is better. As far as we are concerned, we are engaged, though we shall keep it as our secret until things are right.”
The two couples returned to Longbourn but there was something different about both couples.
Two days later Darcy and Elizabeth came into her father’s library and Mr. Bennet had Elizabeth take out his ledger book. He next explained how he managed Longbourn and the tenant farms. His books were good and he had Elizabeth up to speed on nearly everything in a few hours.
“So, Lizzy, until we find a steward, you will manage Longbourn.”
****
A week later Mr. Bingley visited Longbourn and asked Mr. Bennet for his permission for Jane and him to become engaged. Unbeknownst to either man, Mr. Darcy arrived whilst they were speaking and was shown into the library as Mr. Bingley was leaving.
He too made the same request of Mr. Bennet but the man took his time approving of the engagement and the younger man was very nervous.
“My Lizzy is very young and is not as worldly as a man in your sphere needs, would you not agree, Mr. Darcy?”
“She is young but is exactly what I want in a wife. I find her intelligent and witty and charming and clever and we have many things in common. You just told me that Mr. Bingley just requested your approval for his and Miss Bennet’s engagement, but I swear I did not know he had come here for that purpose.”
“But you have not convinced me, Mr. Darcy.”
“Very well, sir, you said she is not worldly enough for me, but I am a gentleman and she is a gentleman’s daughter, and I love her with all my heart and she told me she loves me. I am not like some other young men of fortune who look to use young women for their own pleasure. Miss Elizabeth is different and I know we will be happy.”
Mr. Bennet continued to look over his glasses which now rested low down his nose. His grey bushy eyebrows arched as Darcy spoke. Now he got up and took out two glasses and poured from his brandy. “Mr. Darcy, I just poured a glass of brandy to toast your friend and I have used a new glass to toast you and Lizzy, but will you ask her to come inside?”
Elizabeth was not far from the library and heard the call for her to come inside.
“Papa, you asked me to join you, and good morning, Mr. Darcy.”
She curtseyed as the man bowed and her father spoke.
“Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has asked me to approve an engagement between you both. Is it your desire to become engaged?”
“Yes, Papa, we love each other and want to marry. We did not know that just minutes ago Mr. Bingley had sought your approval for his and Jane’s engagement.”
“Yes, that is what he told me. I have consented to both men’s requests. Let us toast to this occasion, but I shall first pour you a small glass of my best port whilst your friend and I have some brandy. After the toast was over, Mr. Bennet kissed Elizabeth’s cheek. Now, Lizzy, please be careful opening the door and let in your mother and Jane and Mr. Bingley.”
All came inside and celebrated the announcement but before they left, Mr. Bennet spoke. “Up to this day we have spoken of Lizzy’s unfortunate stumble, but it appears that her stumble has been very fortunate. I will leave the wedding planning to your mother and both of you and I look forward to your weddings. Now leave and tell the others.
THE BEGINNING
EPILOGUE
After a short engagement the couples had a dual wedding on the Saturday before Christmas with each sister standing up for the other and each gentleman doing the same. The wedding was large and each family was well represented with relatives and friends. After a wedding breakfast at Netherfield, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy left for town as the Bingleys stayed at Netherfield.
That first Christmas the Darcys and Georgiana stayed at Darcy House and they left the first week in January for Pemberley. Next they returned to Longbourn in time for the wedding of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charlotte Lucas. They were married in early spring, over six months after his brother passed.
All were surprised as Elizabeth was pregnant. The Darcys stayed at Longbourn for over two weeks before returning with Georgiana to town. A week later the remaining Bennets joined them at Darcy House.
With two daughters already well married, Mrs. Bennet had become more serious and along with Mr. Bennet, they saw their younger daughters grow in maturity much as their own relationship grew closer.
The Darcys were proud parents of a son in October and the Bingleys had a daughter the following February. The Bingleys left Netherfield and moved to town before their daughter’s first birthday. Soon they found an estate not far from Pemberley and moved there, while keeping their home in town.
Elizabeth had two more sons before a daughter and then another son. Mary married a teacher and a year later she had a son. After that, Lydia and Kitty married two friends they met during The Season. Both men had recently graduated from Cambridge and had government positions in town.
Georgiana fell hard in love with an attorney and first son of an earl and they were married in June after they met. It was all a grand affair at Pemberley and all the extended family attended. Later, Georgiana had a son and the following year a daughter, as did Lydia and Kitty.
Mr. Bennet took on a steward before Christmas who Darcy had recommended and the man lived in the steward’s cottage on the largest tenant farm. He met regularly with Mr. Bennet and the tenants and managed everything and introduced new crop rotation methods and the farms prospered.
Viscount Fitzwilliam and his wife had two homes and like Bingley, they lived in town and near Pemberley and all the friends remained very close.
The Bennets grew to appreciate their later years and Mr. Bennet seemed unaffected from his scare at the dance. He remained in good health and he and his wife adored the passel of grandchildren and often visited the families.
Mr. Bennet particularly enjoyed visiting Darcy House and Pemberley and reading in the library and visiting with his Lizzy. The Darcy’s saw the Gardiners the most and Darcy and his sister developed a strong friendship with the family.
All was hap
py for these families and Elizabeth never tired of having her William steal a kiss when barely out of sight. She never got to visit America but her second son did and returned with a wife he met in Virginia and their first child was named Elizabeth.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks are extended to Word-2-Kindle.com for providing my cover and helping me with my formatting and to my husband for his understanding and for putting up with my many hours working on this story.
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to my best friend, my husband. Thank you for coming into my life.