by Kay Mares
“I thought at Pemberley your opinion of me had changed so while in London tracking down your sister and Wickham, I entered a jeweler’s establishment, and it seemed as if fate guided my thoughts as I told the man of the ring I envisioned for you. If you did not accept me, I would keep the ring as the reminder of what I had lost. I was yours already even if I could not claim you for my own. I was lost to you.” Darcy's face is soft as he speaks.
“How could you begin? I can comprehend your going on charmingly when you had once made a beginning; but what could have set you off in the first place?”
“I cannot fix on the hour or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”
“My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners-my behavior to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain than not. Now, be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?”
“For the liveliness of your mind, I did.”
“It was impertinence, you can call it little else. The fact is you were sick of officious attention. You were sick of women who were always speaking, looking and acting for your approval alone. I roused you because I was unlike them. Had you not been amiable all along you would have despised me. In spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just. There I have accounted for it, to be sure you knew no actual good of me-but no one thinks of that when he falls in love.”
Darcy replies that he saw her goodness in her attention to Jane as well as complimenting Maria Lucas’ needlework. He further talks about how people including himself were drawn to her, her wit, her intelligence, and her sparkling personality. Elizabeth talks about how no one could do less for such a person as Jane. Still, Elizabeth teases him a bit more for his presumptiveness in buying the ring. It will be the way with them. What she did not account for is Darcy’s propensity to joke. Elizabeth should have considered his continued humorous battles with the Colonel.
“Mr. Darcy, I have to tell you, the ring is more than I deserve. However, it would be remiss of me not to point out you must have been awfully sure of your reception. A tad bit arrogant I might say?” Elizabeth cocks her head and fixes him with eyes dancing with glee. Darcy doubts she views him as forward but instead she is jesting with him. Elizabeth waits to see how he will respond to this provocation.
“Indeed Miss Elizabeth, you should be grateful I was compelled to purchase this ring for it bode well for you. I was most positive of my success, you see, because had you refused me again, I would have merely pointed out that you would have to marry me. You were, after all, in my bedchamber.” Darcy flashes the crooked smile on his face whenever he is jesting. The smile soon becomes broad and brilliant as he sees her response to his cocky declaration. Elizabeth’s eyes widen, her mouth becomes fixed, and she peers at him with surprise and a tiny bit of indignation.
“You would not have dared,” she sputters. “How could you…” Elizabeth stops when she notes his smile now shows his white teeth. He is quite near to laughter. His eyes are a striking blue and fix on her face. He is stunning, alluring and handsome even when he clearly holds the upper hand with her. He grasps both of her hands in his and leans towards her with his penetrating stare upon her.
“Lizzy, you must know I would never do anything to bring shame to you. I would instead do all in my power to protect you. You are the love of my life. I felt compelled to have the ring made as I stated to you before because even if I could not win your love, the ring would be a cherished reminder of you. My darling never doubt my commitment to you. I would be yours whether or not you would have me. I am lost to you.”
“Fitzwilliam, you speak so beautifully. I am lost to you as well. I must remember too; you seem to be rather adept at humor. At times you have quite surprised me.” Elizabeth sports a full grin now while staring into his gorgeous eyes. She breaks off her gaze and returns her attention to the box in her hand.
Elizabeth slips on the ring noting the diamonds and emeralds encircling the gold band while telling Darcy of her thankfulness for his regard and the blessing of his love. They shared quiet companionship while awaiting supper. As the family and the gentleman take their seats, Elizabeth prepares herself to address the concept of the double wedding.
Father, Mother,” she begins, “Jane and I have come upon a most charming idea for our weddings, and our gentlemen have approved.”
“Of course Lizzy, you must share your idea with us, we have much planning to do for two weddings,” Mrs. Bennet flits.
“One wedding Mama, as Jane and I wish to share our day and take our vows together in a double wedding. Think upon it! Best friends will marry sisters on the same day.”
“Oh, my dears!” Mrs. Bennet gushes, “How wonderful, how exciting, Mr. Bennet, imagine a double wedding, I can hardly wait to tell Lady Lucas of it! I am so happy, oh my dears to think!” Mr. Bennet merely nods his acquiescence and indicates he will speak with Darcy and Bingley regarding the settlement on his two eldest daughters. He bows his head when it is made known the wedding will occur after the third reading of the banns.
The gentlemen and Mr. Bennet retire into Mr. Bennet’s library to draw up the settlements. A trip to London for the two sisters is discussed so the ladies may purchase wedding trousseaus. Mr. Bennet agrees to the girls being accompanied in their shopping by Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner trusting their good sense and frugality. He further acknowledges the wisdom in the girls going without Mrs. Bennet as her nerves would never allow for a pleasant nor fruitful shopping trip. The planned departure will occur in a couple days’ time after the ball. The gentlemen return to the parlor to find Mrs. Bennet gushing over Elizabeth’s ring and its obvious value. Elizabeth is mortified because she did not seek Darcy for his money, but her mother will never get beyond the man’s wealth and status. Thankfully before Mrs. Bennet makes too much of a spectacle of herself, supper is announced, and the men escort their ladies into the dining room.
As Darcy tries to make some inroads with the other members of Elizabeth’s family, Mr. Bennet is amused as Kitty appears to be shocked by the attention and Mary is stoic. Mrs. Bennet proves to be another dilemma entirely. Her manners are too forward, often considered vulgar in polite society. Of course, the scheming mamas of the ton are no different except them, and their daughters are more practiced in the art of attracting a man. Darcy offers Mrs. Bennet a quick compliment on the meal, or some other such small matter then turns his attention away before she begins a running dialog. Darcy pulls his ruse off flawlessly then begins an earnest conversation with Mr. Bennet regarding the running of their respective estates. This conversation naturally drifts to the study of the latest writings about crops which then flows into a discussion on books and literature. Both men being well read make for a lively debate. Darcy is again amazed at the knowledge Elizabeth possesses when she adds her comments.
Elizabeth for her part appreciates his attempts to soften her family’s opinions of him knowing well what it costs him to do so. He still is stiff and a little cool in their presence, but she deduces it is natural given the man has used these traits to protect himself from the outside world for so long. Elizabeth is gratified to see Darcy and her father begin to establish a friendly rapport and she feels this is a positive beginning for the two men she admired most becoming comfortable with each other. During supper, Elizabeth takes the opportunity to study Darcy more carefully. His unique blue eyes hold a cool intelligence, but now that she knows him better, she can see the warmth and liveliness within them as well as a little mischievousness.
She gathers that he does not just run his estate by sitting in his study ordering his servants about but rather takes a more hands-on approach. She recalls his comments about Barnabas being put out about his ruining of another shirt and surmises he must not be afraid of hard physical work. Some might look at the cut and style of his clothes and assume he is a dandy, bu
t Elizabeth knows this not to be true. What a punch he threw at Cooperton when he threatened her with the gun. Cooperton’s head had snapped back, and even though he managed to fire off the shot that hit Darcy, he still dropped the gun and was easily subdued by Bingley. She brings her thoughts again to the present.
Darcy is all that was proper, but Elizabeth is beginning to guess there is a whole side to him which is easy and free. She feels he has a formidable part of his personality which he uses in his business dealings and to keep the ton at bay. He never meant for this part of himself to be intentionally cruel, but it seems as if others will judge him as such. For Elizabeth, she feels some sadness for there are many who will not know the true man. Her fiancé will always be a complex and complicated man, but as Elizabeth finds to her delight, she is comprehending him better.
He will always be Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley, in all ways someone not to be trifled with but to her, he is the funny, amiable man who loves none as much as he does her. Elizabeth acknowledges to herself she and Darcy share some of the same loneliness. His from the loss of his parents while assuming the mantle of command at Pemberley and hers from being an intelligent woman in a world in which independent women are often frowned upon. Lizzy even teases him a little about his attempts at conversation with Mary and Kitty. He responds that he has taken Lizzy’s reproofs at Rosings to heart and he is practicing his conversational skills. That evening as they say their adieus for the night, Darcy fixes her with his stare then he breaks into a happy grin. Elizabeth relishes his touch as they part with hand kisses and the promise of Darcy escorting Elizabeth to church in the morning.
Chapter 12
Elizabeth along with Jane awaits outside of the church for their respective men to escort them into the church. The Bingley carriage arrives, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst disembark followed by Caroline. Caroline regally strolls in their direction at a measured pace with what she hopes will show off her excellent breeding. The Hursts simply give their greetings and find their seats inside. Caroline tarries outside with the sisters waiting for Bingley and Darcy to dismount from their horses. Caroline still hopes Darcy will see the foolishness of aligning himself with the likes of the Bennets.
Mrs. Bennet made the rounds to spread the news of Elizabeth’s conquest which caused many to peer at Darcy and Elizabeth as they make their way to their seats. What the other parishioners see is Darcy looking at Elizabeth with a small warm smile and a relaxed demeanor which makes him look more handsome and approachable. Miss Elizabeth has tamed the brooding Mr. Darcy they conclude, and most decide to give the young man another chance to redeem himself. For Elizabeth’s part, she is honored to have him escort her into the family church, and she relishes the feel of her hand upon his arm. They share a hymnal and Elizabeth starts at the sensation of his fingertips drawing circles on her hand. She glances at his face and notes the upturn to the corner of his mouth which indicates his amusement with her response and blush to his ministrations. She pouts her lips and narrows her eyes at him which causes him to lift his brows in mock surprise. He is thoroughly enchanting, and he knows it! When it comes time to sing the first hymn, Elizabeth hears his deep rich baritone which sends shivers down her spine. He sings quite well, and Elizabeth enjoys his performance. Her voice blends with his, and she sees the warmth infusing his eyes as they both have the same thought – their voices will join and become stronger together just as they believe will happen to them once they are joined in matrimony.
After the service, the couples are besieged by well-wishers who are curious about Darcy. He receives them with grace but still maintains a distance from them. He answers their queries and unconsciously pulls Elizabeth closer to him. She feels the tension in his body but also a gradual release as she squeezes his arm and rewards him with a brilliant smile. He is gazing down on Elizabeth’s face when Caroline approaches them. “Mr. Darcy, what a quaint little church and such a charming service,” she intones with a flutter of her lashes. Instantly Elizabeth feels Darcy stiffen and he straightens his spine while looking down his nose at Caroline. Elizabeth is transfixed by this change in Mr. Darcy just as she had been in Mr. Bingley’s study.
“I found the church and service to be rather similar to those offered at Pemberley. Indeed I must say I felt quite at home.” Darcy lifts his head regally.
“Surely though you must admit none can compare to what your parish at Pemberley has to offer especially as you personally decide who would be the best candidate to serve the people?”
Caroline does not know how dangerously close she is to making Darcy extremely perturbed. In an effort to disparage everything about Elizabeth’s home shire, Caroline hit too close to an extremely painful topic. The remainder of the living he was forced to give to another because of Wickham’s refusal to take orders ate at Darcy, and he will always blame himself for Georgiana’s near ruin at Wickham’s hands. Elizabeth knows Caroline’s carelessness wounds Darcy, and she interjects a comment regarding the upcoming ball.
“Miss Bingley, your brother has stated all the preparations for the ball have been attended to. It is my belief he has you to thank for your service in this matter?” Seeing a better opportunity to shine in Darcy’s mind, Caroline jumps on the occasion to flatter herself. As she replies, Elizabeth leans into Darcy ever so slightly, and she feels him start to ease once again.
“Oh yes, all is taken care of, there is little more to do. While I am grateful for my sister and brother’s company now, I find I have little need of their assistance. There is so much to attend to as Mistress of an estate, but I understand that you, Miss Eliza would have scant knowledge of what it entails to put together such an event. I assure you I have it most well in hand-Miss Eliza! What a stunning ring you wear!” Miss Bingley’s rant ends abruptly as she spies the engagement ring on Elizabeth’s finger. The ring is magnificent, and Caroline is jealous. Caroline gives Elizabeth an icy stare and narrows her eyes.
Elizabeth keeps an amused smile on her face for Caroline is no match for her and almost makes things too easy for Elizabeth to have her sport with the shallow woman. “I am glad you have everything for the ball all organized and planned. That means you will not have any need for your brother nor Mr. Darcy before the ball as you have stated you have attended personally to all the details. Makes it so much easier for the gentlemen to spend their days with their fiancées. I thank you on behalf of Jane as well as myself.” Elizabeth smiles at Miss Bingley. “I would be most delighted to tell you of the ring Mr. Darcy purchased especially for me, as the emeralds remind him of my fine eyes and the diamonds of the consistency of his love. It’s quite a romantic gesture which I would love to share with you at your convenience. But for now, you must pardon us as my mother has a luncheon waiting for us and we would not wish to keep you from the Hursts’ company.” Elizabeth turns to Darcy to see most of his tension drained from his body and the slight upturn to the corner of his mouth indicating to Elizabeth his amusement at her handling of the prickly Miss Bingley. “Come Fitzwilliam, let us return to Longbourn together.” Elizabeth reaches up to lightly skim his cheek with her fingertips, and he brushes his lips across her knuckles. Caroline is taken aback by the affectionate display and cannot help but notice the warmth and contentment infusing Darcy’s face from the simple gesture.
The few days pass quickly leading up to the second Netherfield ball. Anticipation is high among the guests, and in spite of Mrs. Bennet’s constant twittering’s about Jane and Elizabeth’s conquests, everyone wishes joy for the most deserving two Bennet daughters. Henry returned the day before to attend to Caroline as Darcy had deviously set him up to do. The inclusion of the Hursts helped to temper Caroline somewhat. She feels superior to Elizabeth in all ways so the ball is to be an extravaganza which will mark Caroline’s abilities as host and Mistress.
For once Mrs. Bennet’s plotting pays off for Lizzy and Jane because she insisted the sisters have new ball gowns so they would be seen in the best possible light. Pale blue for Jane and a stunning
green for Elizabeth. Darcy intercepted her before her entrance into the ball to present her with a pair of earrings. He is smartly attired in a dark green waistcoat with fine gold stripes. Darcy and Elizabeth make a striking pair. Darcy finds to his surprise with Elizabeth at his side, he is not as fretful about attending the ball as he would normally be. To his mounting pleasure, he comes to the conclusion he can partner with Elizabeth for most of the dances and not have to worry about propriety. Darcy is beginning to feel relaxed.
Elizabeth cannot recall a more pleasant evening. Having Darcy escort her to the dance floor and seeking refreshments with him while receiving the best wishes for her engagement and upcoming marriage is fulfilling. Most changed their opinion of Darcy, and some of the men find him to be a very interesting conversationalist especially about politics, estates, and horses. Even the last minute inclusion of Mr. Collins cannot damper Elizabeth’s happiness. Elizabeth is glad to see Charlotte again and notes Darcy seems to have surrounded himself with enough of the men to make it impossible for Mr. Collins to single him out. Elizabeth is conversing with Charlotte, Maria, and a few other female friends when another neighbor makes his way to her.
“Good evening Miss Elizabeth, I must say you look lovely tonight and if you are able might I escort you to the next dance provided your fiancé would allow me the honor?” A Mr. John Idle inquires of her. Elizabeth gives her consent knowing Darcy will not mind as this is the last time she will be in her home shire for a long while. Besides Mr. Idle has been a close family friend for many years and Lizzy never saw him as anything more. As the dance begins, Mr. Idle talks to Lizzy about her betrothal.