Falling for Elizabeth Bennet

by Debra-Ann Kummong

  Elizabeth flushes in embarrassment. “Fitzwilliam, I am sorry. I should never have thought you would be ashamed of me. I also want to thank you for thinking of what I want as well as what I can handle. Would you mind very much if we decide to wait on announcing our marriage? I must admit that I would like to go slowly entering into society. Do you think your aunt would be able to help me? I love my Aunt Gardiner, but she has not been able to teach me as much as I believe your aunt will since they move in different social circles—if you think she will not mind. Fitzwilliam, should we not also invite your aunt and uncle to the wedding?”

  Darcy chuckles. “Elizabeth, my aunt will be thrilled to help you learn anything you need. Aunt Eleanor has always wanted a daughter but instead has two bachelor sons. While I would normally want to have them here for the wedding, I was hoping we could marry as soon as possible. I thank you for thinking of them.”

  Elizabeth looks up at Darcy and informs him, “Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, Jane and I have selected three dresses that we are taking into Lambton tomorrow. When I return from my appointment, I will be able to give you a more finalized date for the wedding.”

  Darcy leans down and kisses Elizabeth on the cheek, whispering quietly, “Thank you, my love.”

  Darcy is walking Elizabeth back to the couch where she was sitting with her sister when he hears Miss Bennet ask Elizabeth, “Lizzy, did you hear the latest news regarding Lieutenant Wickham?”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth shakes her head no. Darcy looks at Richard, and Darcy inquires, “Is this the same Lieutenant Wickham that Elizabeth was speaking with before my trip to London?”

  Miss Bennet looks from Darcy to Richard and mumbles, “I believe so.”

  Richard sarcastically guesses, “I am going to assume that the man has run up more debts or has hurt an innocent.”

  Miss Bennet surprises them with a firm “No. Mr. Wickham has just been promoted to captain.”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth looks from Richard to him, and she explains, “Fitzwilliam, after you left for London, I had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Wickham. Mr. Wickham explained of his wild ways in Cambridge and how he had lost the friendships and respect of you and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mr. Wickham told me that he one day hopes to be able to pay you and Colonel Fitzwilliam back for paying the debts he had.”

  Darcy replies with surprise in his voice, “Well, I hope this is a sign that Wickham is not beyond all redemption.”

  Richard mutters, “I will believe this when I see it.”

  Darcy changes the subject, and the group moves on to discuss their plans. After about two hours of music, discussions, and laughter, the group retires for the evening.

  Chapter 13

  Early the next morning, the ladies head into Lambton to visit the modiste. Richard heads to the billiards room. Darcy joins Mr. Bennet in the library.

  Once there, Darcy turns to Mr. Bennet and says, “Bennet, I just wanted to let you know that I am expecting another addition to our party today. I have invited Bingley, and he should be joining us around noon. Aside from being a friend, I thought that Miss Bennet and Bingley might enjoy a part of their courtship away from Mrs. Bennet.”

  Mr. Bennet chuckles and says, “Darcy, I do believe that they would agree with you. I do have one concern for you, Darcy. I realize that you will probably be marrying by the end of the week, and you have a house full of guests. I would hate to think we are all imposing on you during this special time.”

  Darcy offers at his soon-to-be father-in-law a small smile. “Bennet, please do not worry. I will be taking Elizabeth to a small cottage on the grounds. My father had it built for my mother when they needed time away from the pressures of life. Elizabeth and I will spend a few days there before we return.”

  There is a knock at the door, and Darcy is informed that Bingley has arrived. Darcy stands. “Mr. Bennet, my final guest has arrived. Please enjoy my library while I go and greet my friend. Please do not hesitate to let the staff know if you need anything. I will check on you later.”

  Darcy greeting Bingley in the foyer says, “Welcome, my friend. How is everything at Netherfield? All is well, I hope. Where are your sisters and Mr. Hurst?”

  Bingley laughingly responds, “Darcy, Netherfield is flourishing, and my sisters and Mr. Hurst have gone to Town—Caroline wanted to visit the shops.”

  Darcy laughs, and Bingley continues saying, “Darcy, I was only able to put them off for a week. They will be joining me here next week. I tried everything I could to keep them away longer. Caroline still believes that she will be the next Mrs. Darcy.”

  Darcy looks at Bingley, “Bingley, there was never a chance of that especially now—I will be marrying Elizabeth within the next few days. This was the reason I requested you to come alone, and I thought that you might like to court Miss Bennet without Mrs. Bennet around.”

  Bingley replies in a shocked voice, “Jane, I mean, Miss Bennet is here?”

  Darcy chuckles. “Yes, Miss Bennet is here along with her father. They received letters at the same time as yours went out. There must be no mention of my marriage to Elizabeth. We are keeping it quiet for now. I will explain this more at a later date, but please under no circumstances must your sisters know.”

  Bingley sighs. “I understand, Darcy, but please remember they will be here next week.”

  Darcy replies, “I understand, Bingley. I will know the wedding date this afternoon when the ladies return from Lambton. I would suggest that you take a moment to refresh yourself, and I will have someone let you know when Miss Bennet returns.”

  Bingley grins at Darcy and departs. Darcy turns to his butler and asks to be informed when the ladies return.

  Darcy is writing a letter to his aunt and uncle when his butler knocks and enters to inform him that the ladies have returned and that Georgiana has requested tea in the drawing room in a quarter of an hour.

  Darcy says, “Thank you. Would you please ask Mr. Bingley to join me here?”

  About five minutes later, Bingley enters Darcy’s study. “You asked to see me, Darcy?”

  Darcy replies, “Yes, Bingley, thank you. I wanted to ask your opinion and for your help. Do you remember the locket that I purchased for Elizabeth?”

  Bingley nods his head. Darcy hands Bingley the heart-shaped locket with the rose on top of it. Bingley looks at Darcy in confusion. Darcy explains, “Bingley, I do not know if you remember, but I had the locket engraved. Will you read the inscription on the back? Is it too much?”

  Bingley carefully turns over the locket and reads the inscription: “For My One True Love—Now & Always—Fitzwilliam 1811.”

  Bingley looks at Darcy and says, “Darcy, that is lovely, and Miss Elizabeth will love it.”

  Darcy replies, “I want to give it to Elizabeth now, and I was wondering if you could distract Miss Bennet.”

  Bingley says, “It would be my pleasure.”

  Darcy and Bingley walk to the drawing room, where they stand and watch the ladies. Darcy turns to Bingley and says, “Bingley, stay close but out of sight for a moment.”

  Darcy enters the drawing room, and the ladies stop talking. Darcy kisses Georgie on the head and gives Elizabeth’s hand a kiss. Turning to Miss Bennet, Darcy says, “Sorry, Miss Bennet, I am not going to give you a kiss.” Darcy, Georgie, and Elizabeth all laugh when Miss Bennet blushes. Darcy continues and says, “Miss Bennet, I do have a gift for you, however.”

  Bingley walks into the room. The next few minutes are happy chaos everyone greets each other. They break into two groups—Bingley, Georgie, and Miss Bennet and Darcy and Elizabeth.

  Darcy turns to Georgiana and requests, “Georgie, would you mind asking Mrs. Reynolds for some additional teacups? Bingley and I would like to join you ladies.”

  Georgiana agrees and kisses Darcy on the cheek as she departs. Darcy smiles at Elizabeth when she raises a brow at him. Elizabeth looks at Darcy, asking, “Fitzwilliam, what are you up to?”

  Darcy replies, “I needed my sister to
leave for a few minutes. I have two things that I wanted to give you.” Darcy reaches into his breast pocket and retrieves a small pouch. Darcy carefully removes a ring. Darcy tells Elizabeth, “This ring belonged to my grandmother that was left to me. I saw this and thought it would be a perfect betrothal ring for you. May I?”

  Elizabeth nods, and Darcy carefully slides the ring onto Elizabeth’s finger. Darcy watches as Elizabeth admires the ring, which is a green stone surrounded by diamonds. Elizabeth looks at Darcy and exclaims, “It is lovely, Fitzwilliam. I have never seen anything like it. What kind of stone is the center stone? It does not look like any emerald that I have seen.”

  Darcy gently laughs and squeezes Elizabeth’s hand, informing her, “The stone is a green diamond, which can appear to be both green and brown. It was for this reason that I choose this for your ring—it is like your eyes.” Darcy looks down at Elizabeth’s hand, and frowning, he says, “Your ring is a little loose. We will have to have it resized.”

  Elizabeth replies, “Fitzwilliam, it is fine for now. We can have it fixed later. I promise not to lose it. You said there were two things you wanted to give me. You better hurry—Georgie will be back any time.”

  Darcy stands and says, “Stay seated, my love.” Darcy slowly walks behind Elizabeth and starts to lower the necklace in front of Elizabeth. Darcy glances at Bingley, who smirks at him as Bingley continues talking with Miss Bennet. Darcy stops the locket in front of Elizabeth’s face so that she can read the inscription. Darcy watches as Elizabeth turns shining eyes full of love up at him, and he fastens the locket around her neck and kisses her cheek just before Georgiana returns to the drawing room.

  Darcy starts a conversation with the room at large and then asks the ladies how their trip into Lambton went. Georgiana replies, “Brother, Lizzy has selected her dress, and the modiste will be coming to Pemberley tomorrow for the final fitting.”

  Darcy looks at Elizabeth and asks, “Does this mean we can plan our wedding for the day after tomorrow?”

  Elizabeth nods. Georgiana turns to Darcy and asks, “Brother, have you shown Lizzy the mistress’s chambers yet?”

  Elizabeth replies, “Georgiana, I have seen the room when Mrs. Reynolds gave me a brief tour when I first arrived. I also saw them briefly when I was helping care for Fitzwilliam.”

  Darcy looks at Elizabeth and offers and apology, “I am sorry, Elizabeth. I should have taken you to see your new chambers sooner so that you could make any changes that you would like. Shall we go upstairs now and see if there is anything you would like to change?”

  Elizabeth asks, “Fitzwilliam, are you sure that this is not an inconvenience?”

  Darcy replies, “Elizabeth, the sooner your new rooms are prepared, the better. This is my fault. I should have thought of this sooner.”

  Elizabeth shrugs. “As long as it is not a bother, I would be happy to see my new rooms.”

  Darcy invites everyone to see Elizabeth’s new rooms.

  As Darcy leads the group upstairs, they encounter Mrs. Reynolds and a footman with tea. Darcy stops and says, “Mrs. Reynolds, will you have tea now taken upstairs to the rose drawing room? Have someone fetch you a cup as well. I would like for you to join us. Elizabeth is going to look at the mistress’s chamber, and I would like you to make note of any changes that she would like to make.”

  Mrs. Reynolds nods at Darcy’s request and steps away in order to speak to a footman and then quickly rejoins the group. Darcy watches Elizabeth for her reaction when she sees the rooms that will now be hers in two days’ time. Elizabeth says something to Miss Bennet, which causes Miss Bennet to blush.

  Darcy turns to Elizabeth and asks, “Elizabeth, is there anything you would like to change?”

  To Darcy’s surprise, Elizabeth turns to Georgiana and asks, “Georgie, is there anything from your mother’s room that you would like? Anything that might have a special memory for you?”

  Darcy watches as Georgiana slowly shakes her head, gnawing on her lip. Darcy watches in amazement as Elizabeth laughs at his sister and reminds her that Elizabeth has four sisters and that she has studied people for years. Elizabeth asks, “What is it you would like, Georgie?”

  Georgiana replies, “Lizzy, if you truly do not mind, I would love to have the furniture in the room.”

  Darcy is astonished at the request, and Elizabeth reaches over and puts her hand on his arm.

  Elizabeth looks at Darcy and asks, “Fitzwilliam, does the furniture in this room match the furniture in your chambers?”

  Darcy shakes his head no. Elizabeth gently blushes as she requests, “Fitzwilliam, may I look at your chambers from the doorway?”

  Darcy agrees and leads Elizabeth to the connecting door between their rooms. Darcy opens the door and lets Elizabeth take a look at his furniture. Elizabeth looks up at Darcy and asks, “Fitzwilliam, may we look at the furniture in some of the guest rooms and see if I find furniture that appeals to me? I admit that the furniture in the room right now is darker and heavier than I favor.”

  Darcy smiles at Elizabeth, kissing her hand. “Of course, love. Come this way.” Darcy leads the group to the nearest guest room, and from the doorway, Elizabeth looks at the furniture. When the party arrives at the third guest room, Darcy knows that Elizabeth will want this room’s furniture. As soon as Elizabeth sees the furniture, Elizabeth looks up at Darcy and pleads, “Fitzwilliam, may I have the furniture in this room? We can move the furniture that Georgie wanted to her room, and we can place Georgie’s old furniture here—if this is acceptable to you.”

  Darcy laughs and gently squeezes her hand and says, “I will have the furniture moved as soon as possible.”

  Elizabeth quirks a brow at Darcy. “How did you know that I would like this room’s furniture? I saw that you knew before I saw them.”

  Darcy replies, “That is easy, sweetheart. The furniture is delicate and yet sturdy. The color is bright and cheerful—like you with just a hint of red—just like you have in your hair. Also, if you look at the cherrywood, you will see that this set matches what I have in my chambers. I believe my mother did not favor them and had them removed.”

  Elizabeth thanks Darcy and goes over to speak with Georgiana and Miss Bennet. Darcy turns to Mrs. Reynolds and inquires, “Mrs. Reynolds, were you able to get all the changes that we would like to make? Do you think it would be possible to get this all changed before the wedding?”

  Mrs. Reynolds replies, “Mr. Darcy, I will have some of the stable hands come up and help move the heavier pieces. It should not take more than a day or two.”

  Suddenly Darcy hears Richard’s loud voice yelling as he approaches, “Darcy, what are you doing now? You are going to make a mess of this house for Miss Elizabeth.”

  Darcy is furious. He takes a deep breath and asks, “Bingley, would you please escort Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and Mrs. Reynolds to the rose sitting room? I will join you in just a moment. I need to have a quick family meeting.”

  Bingley replies, “Of course, Darcy.”

  Bingley offers his arms to Elizabeth and Miss Bennet with Mrs. Reynolds following them.

  Darcy pulls open the door to the room that Elizabeth was just looking at and makes sure that Bingley is safely away before advancing on Richard angrily, “How dare you, Richard! I thought you said that you were going to support me. If this is how you are going to act any time Elizabeth makes a change in our home, you may leave now. I was going to ask if you were going to attend the wedding, but maybe it would be better if you were not there.” Suddenly Darcy feels a small hand on the small of his back, and he knows without turning that Elizabeth has returned and calmed him with a single touch. Darcy looks to Georgiana and requests, “Georgie, would you please tell Richard what we have been doing this last half hour?”

  Georgiana looks from Darcy to Richard and informs her cousin, “Richard, we were showing Lizzy the mistress’s chambers and asked her if she wanted to make any changes. Lizzy asked me if there was anything of my mother’s that I
would like, and I had told her that I would like the furniture. We were going to the other guest chambers to replace Lizzy’s furniture when you found us.”

  Richard looks to Darcy confused and asks, “Why would Miss Elizabeth not just send to Town for new furniture like any other society lady would?”

  Darcy glares at Richard and opens his mouth to say something when Elizabeth steps in front of Darcy, gently squeezing his arm, and replies to Richard’s shocked face, “I just wanted to make my new family happy. I have never cared about society standards or fashions, and I do not see the point in spending money when we can simply shuffle a few rooms around, especially since these pieces of furniture mean so much to my new family. Colonel, you are still welcome to attend the wedding—if that is your wish. Fitzwilliam would be deeply hurt that the cousin he loves as a brother would not stand by him. I do not wish to come between the two of you. Colonel, you will always be welcome at Pemberley, but your current room on the second floor of the family wing may be changed to a new room on the drafty third floor next to the old nursery.”

  Darcy laughs, informing them, “I was going to say I would build a dungeon just for Richard.”

  Georgiana slaps Richard on the arm as she leaves and asks, “Richard, how can you still doubt Lizzy loves William?”