by Kay Mares
Chapter 11
The morning dawned cloudy and cool with a threat of rain which would make for a chilly day. Darcy thinks it ironic that today he will tell Miss Bingley of his engagement to Elizabeth which will bring a chill to Miss Bingley. He finished his morning ablutions while dreaming about the new life he will start with Elizabeth at his side. Darcy will never be gregarious in a crowd, but he knows he will finally be able to let some of his rigid control ease because Elizabeth makes him whole. Darcy broke his fast early while the day was just beginning. He read a bit in the library although concentrating was near nil when his thoughts always drifted to Elizabeth. He went back into the dining room where he knew Caroline would soon be to have her breakfast and he waits for her there so he can tell her of his joy. Charles opted for a tray in his room not wanting to disturb the conversation. Charles alerted the house, fearing a meltdown of sorts with his temperamental sister. It is not long before Caroline sauntered in.
“Mr. Darcy as always I see you keep country hours. I am sure you have already accomplished much before the rest of us have even started our day. You set a standard others should strive to meet,” she purrs seductively. A quick glance in Darcy’s direction confirms for her she has the gentleman’s attention for a change. She is encouraged by what she sees as an attentiveness to her. So she thinks to ply him with her feminine wiles to spur him towards the direction Caroline seeks- a proposal. How can Mr. Darcy not be attracted to her, she possesses all an elegant, refined lady should. Caroline will hear of a proposal from Mr. Darcy, just not the one she is expecting.
She slowly makes her way to the sidebar making sure to sway her hips while turning her shoulders just so to strike a pose of what she hopes will be viewed as sultry sophistication. She does not see him lower his eyes while pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. He never will understand these games women play with him! She seats herself in the chair closest to him, knees together, slight bend in the waist, and a graceful slide into her seat. A little bit of cleavage is offered to sweeten the display. Darcy’s distant haughty manner is in place with pursed lips and a scowl for good measure. Caroline, having never seen him with his guard down, assumes nothing out of the ordinary. “I thought you would be pleased to know Mr. and Mrs. Hurst will be here in the next few days. I received word from Louisa that they have set course for Netherfield and will be here in time for the ball. I just do not know why Charles has to make a fuss over such a ridiculous match as Miss Bennet, but at least we will not suffer by ourselves once my sister and her husband arrive.” She slaps the preserves on her toast with some vigor.
The time for truth arrives ushered in by Caroline’s snobbish proclamation. “Miss Bingley, you are aware I spoke with your brother regarding my shameful part in separating him from Miss Bennet. It was wrong and poorly thought out. I know you, and he has spoken of your part in the scheme, and while I have no desire to hear of the conversation, I would offer you caution about speaking so insultingly about your brother’s intended. I do not wish to hear how such talk is acceptable because it is only us present in the room,” Darcy pointedly asserts as he draws a deep breath. “I am glad we have this opportunity to speak to one another as I have an issue of import to discuss with you.” Caroline can scarcely believe her ears! She reads more into that sentence than she should have which will make her fall all the much harder. She puts her most beguiling smile on her face and turns to face Darcy, so she is ready to accept him.
“Miss Bingley, I have been in love with a most charming and handsome lady for a while now. This woman completes me, in her, I have found myself, and I can be myself. She loves me for who I am, not what I can give her. It pains me greatly as it does your brother when you speak so disparagingly of the Bennet family. They are to be part of your family, and they are to be part of mine for I have asked the love of my life, Miss Elizabeth, to be my wife and she has to my never-ending delight accepted me.” Darcy draws in another deep breath as Caroline sits there in shocked silence. She is unprepared for those words of affection from Darcy to be meant for another especially Miss Elizabeth! Darcy continues, “Cease the attacks upon these ladies and their family. If you gave Miss Bennet a fair shake, you would find a most charming demure young lady who is enraptured with your brother. Furthermore, if you gave my Elizabeth an opportunity, she would prove herself a most worthy friend. Even if you cannot find it in your heart to embrace these sisters as family and friends, you would do well to rein in your distaste because you may offend the man under whom you have protection, your brother.”
Charles decides at that moment to make an appearance in the dining room. He surmises that Darcy told Caroline of his betrothal. Caroline is grave and silent while Darcy sips on his tea, appearing not the least out of sorts. Caroline rises to her feet, all her pretenses towards Darcy forgotten. “Charles, we are to wish Mr. Darcy joy on his betrothal to Miss Elizabeth. I wish you all happiness Mr. Darcy,” Caroline curtsies to him and Charles then walks trancelike from the room, her plate of food forgotten. Darcy and Charles are looking at each other when the crash comes from the hallway. Neither man flinches with the sound.
“Oh dear, I am afraid the beautiful amber colored vase has met with an unfortunate accident,” Charles simply states. “I liked that one,” he continues with his mouth awry, and head cocked. Darcy raises his brows and purses his lips to keep a smile from coming. Both know Caroline will not heed their warnings nor warm up to the Bennet sisters. They fear instead more barbs will be slung at their ladies.
Caroline in the meantime makes her way down the hallway towards her quarters with more restraint than she thought possible, the poor unfortunate vase notwithstanding. She enters her bedchamber, sits at the vanity and stares at the face reflected back at her in the glass. Where had she gone wrong? She did everything the way the refined, sophisticated ladies do to attract a man’s attention. She knows how and when to flirt, how to move ever so to achieve the most alluring stance. She knows to play the part of an interested companion in dialogue with a man. So why do these ploys not work with Mr. Darcy? What does he see in Elizabeth Bennet? She always seems to be in contention with him instead of agreeing with him. Men do not want an opinionated woman like that; they want a beautiful woman who seeks their approval on all matters.
Perhaps she should have seen to Mr. Darcy more when he was ill, but the thought of going into a room where someone was with fever is disgusting. Elizabeth had no qualms about entering his sickroom, country manners of course! But the man called out her name; you heard it when you were walking by. He sought her comfort, her presence. Charles told me of his disappointment and anger with me for interfering in his relationship with Miss Bennet. He also spoke to me of Mr. Darcy and not to assume a familiarity with him because I did not possess one. Charles told me I have never seen the true Darcy yet I thought Darcy was arrogant and aloof, traits I admire in a man of elevated rank. Now I have lost him to an inferior, but I will observe to see if Mr. Darcy is really taken with her or under some yet unknown obligation. If the betrothal is broken, I will be there to comfort him and pick up the pieces. Caroline will watch and wait.
Meanwhile, Darcy attended to estate business to pass the time until he could see Elizabeth. He is pleased with his conversation with Caroline and relieved no more than a vase suffered. He knows he will have to return to London to attend to some business matters there and to begin planning for Elizabeth’s joining of his household. Henry has returned to London already to check in with his superiors then he will return for the second Netherfield ball and to retaliate for Darcy’s set up. Darcy begins to write a letter to Georgiana. He wishes to share his happiness with the one person who understood him since they were young.
My dearest Georgiana,
I know Henry has enlightened you to my unfortunate tangle with some miscreants who were bent on evil. Please worry no more for I am fully mended except for a tiny amount of discomfort should I move my shoulder wrong. The good doctor here has assured me of a full return of usefuln
ess with no lingering effects. I know too you have longed to rush to my side to offer your support and comfort as you have been there for me many other times in my life. Please understand I am aware of your continued love and it helps me to heal further.
I write to you of the most glorious news. You knew of my purpose in coming back to Netherfield in the hopes to undo the damage I had done to my reputation as well as to apologize for our aunt’s unseemly visit to the Bennets. I have made amends where necessary and feel as though I have begun to repair my reputation but dear sister that is not the best news! My Elizabeth has finally accepted me. I cannot convey the raptures I am in! All the world seems brighter, and my sorrow has lifted. I no longer fear to face the world alone. Instead, I will face it with a most magnificent woman at my side who completes me. She understands and accepts my flaws, she softens them, and most importantly she loves me for who I am, not what I can give her as Master of Pemberley. Even so, Pemberley stands poised to be better than ever before because Elizabeth will be its new Mistress.
There are no words in the King’s English to communicate my joy we are to be wed. Elizabeth loves me! Such a powerful and awesome thing. She was with me while the fever raged in me and it was her voice I followed back. She gave me hope for a sublime future, and I cannot express the utter contentment I feel to be loved by the woman I adore. You encouraged me not to give up hope, to seek the connection with her after our aunt’s unprecedented confrontation with Elizabeth. I shall never forget how you charged me to find my happiness and to grasp it so as not to know unfulfilled hopes. Your good counsel has come to fruition, and you will gain a sister to help guide you onto the path of womanhood. I thank you.
I will be making a trip back to London to address some business concerns as well as to make ready the household for Elizabeth’s inclusion. I hope to have you back at Netherfield with me before the wedding so you may further your acquaintance with Elizabeth as well as make the acquaintance of her sister Miss Bennet, Bingley’s future bride. In Miss Bennet, you will find a serene and most welcoming persona, and I am sure you will be as fond of her as you are of Elizabeth. I anticipate seeing you most eagerly and will rejoice in your company here as we begin a new chapter in our lives.
Your loving brother,
Fitzwilliam
Darcy wrote the directions on the envelope, imprinted the wax seal with his signet ring and posted it with the outgoing mail. He finds Bingley, and the two make ready to take the trip to Longbourn. Tea time and a supper await them with their fiancées, and they are eager to be on their way; Darcy especially because with him is the ring he had purchased for Elizabeth while in London. She will challenge him about his presumptuousness for purchasing the ring before knowing she’d accept him but he looks forward to telling her of the compulsion he had to buy the ring. It promises to be a lively discussion.
After their arrival at the house, the gentlemen are escorted into the parlor where a warm and cozy fire awaits them as well as two beaming fiancées. It is clear the sisters have something of import to discuss with the men as evidenced by their bright countenances with somewhat sheepish smiles. As the tea is served and the rest of the household thankfully seems to be engaged elsewhere, the couples are allowed some privacy while acting as chaperones for each other. The sisters decide to appraise their loves of what they thought up.
“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth begins while Darcy raises a brow to her formal address, “Jane and I have come up with an idea which we would like to share with you both and ask your opinion on.” Both Darcy and Bingley nod for Elizabeth to continue. “We were talking about our weddings, and naturally the planning of these events consumed us. The reading of the first banns is to take place this Sunday as you know and we were considering the friendship you have with each other as well as Jane and my sisterly bond. Jane and I thought if you both agreed, we would like to share our wedding day and plan for a double wedding. We could be married in about a month, and Mama would only have to plan one wedding breakfast. Furthermore, Jane and I would make plans to go to London after Mr. Bingley’s ball to shop for our wedding clothes. With your approval, we would seek agreement from our parents and send word to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner of our impending visit.”
Darcy quickly assimilates the information and other than Georgiana not being able to attend the ball, he realizes he and Elizabeth can marry sooner instead of waiting. He could escort the sisters to London, make arrangements to his household for Elizabeth, conduct some business matters awaiting him, and return with Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana for the wedding at Herefordshire. The thought of sharing his wedding day with Bingley and Miss Bennet is appealing not just for the practicality he outlined in his mind but because he likes the sentiment attached to best friends marrying sisters on the same day. However, he does not want to intrude upon Bingley’s happiness if the gentleman wishes to have his special day with Miss Bennet to focus solely on her. Darcy replies slowly, “I can speak for myself when I say I hold no objections to sharing our day with Bingley and your sister, but I would not wish to impose upon them if their desire lies elsewhere.”
“Darcy, I believe Miss Bennet would enjoy sharing her day with Miss Elizabeth, and I cannot think of anything more delightful than taking our vows along with you and Miss Elizabeth, so if there are no other objections, I would like to plan a double wedding as our ladies suggested.” Mr. Bingley is rewarded with a demure smile from Jane and Elizabeth beams at Darcy.
“It is settled amongst us, and over supper, we would like to announce our plan to the rest of the family. Lizzy has claimed that honor, but I must ask, will we be able to have the ball and then our wedding on such short notice?” Jane inquires.
“Jane dear, the ball is mostly settled, and the invitations are already sent out. There is little for Darcy and me to do regarding the wedding as it seems that falls to you ladies and your mother. If Darcy feels he has enough time to attend to his affairs and your family can orchestrate the wedding planning, I see no need to postpone any longer than after the reading of the third banns.” Bingley states as he turns to Darcy. Darcy nods his approval and offers Elizabeth his arm. He leads her on a short stroll around the room so he may have a little privacy to speak with Elizabeth. They soon settle on a settee across the room from Jane and Bingley, and both couples can speak without disturbing the other. Darcy adjusts himself so he can look see Elizabeth’s eyes; he wants to gauge her reaction to his offering.
“I am pleased with the idea of a double wedding as it means we may wed sooner than I anticipated,” Darcy lowers his voice as he fishes into his pocket, “I awaited an opportunity to present you with this.” He hands Elizabeth the box containing the ring he had chosen for her. Elizabeth gasps a little as she realizes what the box must contain. “Open it,” Darcy bids her, “I wanted you to have a tangible reminder of our engagement naturally, but I want you to be enlightened of what I see and feel when I am near you or away.”
Nestled among the velvet cushions is a ring with magnificent jewels indicating the worth of the ring but it is not of the ring’s obvious value Darcy wishes to speak of. While Elizabeth is speechless and her eyes begin to mist with tears at possessing such a gift, Darcy tells her of purchasing the ring. “When I thought upon you over the course of our acquaintance I often mediated upon your fine eyes. While the green of the emeralds does not match the beautiful green highlights in your hazel eyes, the color causes me to think of your eyes and how they captivated me from the beginning. Also, emeralds have long been the symbol of hope, and as I have told you, my hope has always been with you. Emeralds are thought to preserve love too, and I intend to preserve our love and love you for all eternity.” He speaks earnestly as his finger traces the ring, “The diamonds’ flashing prisms tell me of your fire, Elizabeth, while also speaking to me of purity and innocence, love and fidelity. These virtues you have and I promise you them in return. I want you to look upon the diamonds while thinking about another of their names, ‘The Stone of Invincibility’ meanin
g victory, superior strength, and fortitude. Those are the virtues I bring to you in the form of my protection of you. I will not fail you, and like the everlasting diamond, my love and my very being will be there for you.”
Darcy is staring at her with the same intensity as always which in the past Elizabeth had mistaken for disdain. Now seeing the deep emotion on Darcy’s face coupled with his intelligent stare, Elizabeth cannot look away. That he loves her most violently is manifest but what is elating to Darcy is the depth of her love for him which he sees reflected back at him. Ever so slowly, he brushes his lips across her cheek and whispers, “Lizzy, my Lizzy.” How much further this interplay might have gone will remain unknown as both of them become aware again of Bingley and Jane’s presence in the room. Elizabeth seeks to lighten the mood, and her playfulness rises to the fore.
“How did you know I would accept you?” Elizabeth challenges him. “How did you know the ring would fit me? It astounds me that you would offer your hand again after I had abused you so unjustly and I never gave you any encouragement. I really do not deserve your regard, but I accept it none-the-less.” Elizabeth arches her brows at him and puckers her lips. Her eyes are lively and full of love.