Part V
The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning; and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings. To Rosings he then hastened to console Lady Catherine and her daughter; and on his return brought back, with great satisfaction, a message from her ladyship, importing that she felt herself so dull as to make her very desirous of having them all to dine with her.
Elizabeth could not see Lady Catherine without recollecting that, had she chosen it, she might, by this time, have been presented to her as her future niece; nor could she think, without a smile, of what her ladyship’s indignation would have been. “What would she have said? How would she have behaved?” were questions with which she amused herself. That the response would be unfavourable, she had little doubt and she could not be sorry for the discretion to avoid and spare herself and the Collinses the discomfort of such attentions, where it served no purpose to suffer them. If her engagement had been made known, she was certain that her presence would have been equally distasteful to Lady Catherine and to her cousin, and her continued stay at the parsonage very much in doubt.
Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party. ”I assure you, I feel it exceedingly,” said Lady Catherine; “I believe nobody feels the loss of friends so much as I do. But I am particularly attached to these young men; and know them to be so much attached to me! They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are. The dear colonel rallied his spirits tolerably till just at last; but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely, more, I think, than last year. His attachment to Rosings certainly increases.”
Mr. Collins had a compliment, and an allusion to throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter. Lady Catherine observed, after dinner, that Miss Bennet seemed out of spirits; and immediately accounting for it herself, by supposing that she did not like to go home again so soon, she added, "But, if that is the case, you must write to your mother to beg that you may stay a little longer. Mrs. Collins will be very glad of your company, I am sure.”
“I am much obliged to your ladyship for your kind invitation,” replied Elizabeth, “but it is not in my power to accept it. I must be in town next Saturday.”
“Why, at that rate, you will have been here only six weeks. I expected you to stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so before you came. There can be no occasion for your going so soon. Mrs. Bennet could certainly spare you for another fortnight.”
“But my father cannot. He wrote last week to hurry my return.”
“Oh! Your father of course may spare you, if your mother can. Daughters are never of so much consequence to a father. And, if you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London, for I am going there early in June, for a week; and as Dawson does not object to the Barouche box, there will be very good room for one of you and indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, I should not object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.”
“You are all kindness, Madam; but I believe I must abide by our original plan; however, I see no reason why Maria should not avail herself of your generous offer.” Elizabeth had just realized that Maria’s company on their return to Hertfordshire with Darcy would severely inhibit conversation and, if Maria could be persuaded to stay at the parsonage for an extra fortnight, she would be able to more easily enjoy the ride with her betrothed.
Maria was applied to and, with very little persuasion, was agreeable to remaining for another fortnight. Elizabeth did not fail to notice that Charlotte had been surprised at her suggestion and had favoured her with more than one sharp look during the ensuing discussion but had, nevertheless, ably supported an extension of her sister’s visit. Lady Catherine seemed resigned to the loss of Elizabeth’s presence but her desire to be of service was soothed by the knowledge that Mrs. Collins’ sister would remain behind. “Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant with Miss Bennet. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot bear the idea of a young woman travelling post by herself. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody. I have the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing. Young women should always be properly guarded and attended, according to their situation in life. When my niece Georgiana went to Ramsgate last summer, I made a point of her having two men servants go with her. Miss Darcy, the daughter of Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not have appeared with propriety in a different manner. I am excessively attentive to all those things. You must send John with Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would really be discreditable to you to let her go alone.”
“My uncle is to send a servant for me.”
“Oh! - Your uncle! - He keeps a man-servant, does he? I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of those things. Where shall you change horses? - Oh! Bromley, of course. - If you mention my name at the Bell, you will be attended to.”
Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting her journey, and as she did not answer them all herself, attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her, for, with a mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was. Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours. When they at last returned to the parsonage, she had not long been removed to her room when she was visited by Charlotte, who wasted no time questioning her friend’s reasons for encouraging the extension of Maria’s visit.
“It is certainly not that I object to her company, as you well know. You both have been most welcome but I must wonder at your reason for proposing it?”
Elizabeth tried to disclaim any reason other than a concern for her friend’s comfort and happiness but Charlotte would have none of it.
"It will not do, Lizzy. It will not do!”
It was clear to Elizabeth that her attempt to deflect her friend had added weight to her supposition that Elizabeth had an ulterior motive and, Charlotte’s remembrances quickly gave a direction to the cause.
“This has to do with Mr. Darcy, does it not? What…?”
Elizabeth interrupted to say, “Please. Do not importune me further on this matter. I cannot satisfy your curiosity and I believe you would not wish me to do so. All will become clear after I leave and all will, I believe, be well.”
With this Charlotte was, after a silence lasting several minutes, forced to be content and, if during the remainder of Elizabeth’s stay, she allowed her gaze to rest on her friend with a rather wondering look, she refrained from further comment.
Whenever Elizabeth was alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of pleasant recollections. Their engagements at Rosings were as frequent during the last week of her stay as they had been at first. Two days before she was to leave she received a very thick letter from Jane which, after retiring to her room for privacy, and upon being opened was found to contain, in addition to that from Jane herself, a letter from her father and one from Darcy. Unsure which to read first, she chose to read that from her father.
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
My dear child,
I hardly know what to express in this letter. I am sure you can appreciate my surprise when Mr. Darcy sought an interview with me. That he had asked for your hand in marriage and you had consented must rank with the most unexpected of events. My immediate thought, to be sure, was whether you had taken leave of your senses or had been overwhelmed by the gentleman’s wealth and position.
Do not be alarmed. I have given my consent and truly I do not think I could refuse a man of such consequence. I was, I admit, most comforted by your letter although I had to read it a second time to begin to grasp the change in your feelings for him. I rather thought that you disliked his manners and attitude even as you respected his character. That you allowed yourself to understand him and to appreciate him speaks well, I believe, for your future together. I do not pretend to know him well, although he was courteous enough to remain for more than an hour to converse with me. I think I could come to like him quite well although he is deficient in that foolishness which I had thought a most desirable trait in a son. Unfortunately, he is too intelligent to miss my attempts to make sport of him - but appears good-humoured enough to not take offence - and quick enough to take a bit of sport with me.
I am pleased for you, Lizzy. I do not think I could lose you to anyone less worthy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable unless you truly esteemed your husband, unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. That you have professed to esteem and respect Mr. Darcy, is of great satisfaction to me. If, as you have confessed, your esteem does not match his at the moment, the thoughts expressed in your letter lead me to believe that any inequality in affection that may currently exist will be of a short duration.
You will be relieved to know that your betrothal has yet to be made known to your mother; that pleasure I would prefer to allow you on your return; however, the prospect of her reaction at the time of your return does not bear thinking on. I will undertake that task myself – although you may be assured it will be left to the very day you shall arrive and no sooner. That the happy event of your return will soon follow upon this letter, will be no little comfort since there have been not two words of sense spoken here since you and Jane departed.
Your loving father
Her pleasure at her father’s support and approval – she knew he must have suffered some disquiet over the thought of losing his most favourite daughter – drew forth a few tears. That he had read her letter and accepted her reasoning – despite his possible reservations – spoke well, she thought, for the conversation that had taken place between her father and her betrothed, who must have made an effort to address and alleviate them. Satisfied with her father’s support, she could no longer refrain from opening the letter from Darcy.
Pemberley House
Curzon Street, London
My dearest Elizabeth,
You can have no idea how much it pleases me to be able to call you such. I have met with and obtained your father’s consent and blessing, as I am sure his letter will confirm. It was a most interesting interview and one that may well have been more uncomfortable had it not been for the letter you so thoughtfully provided. Your father read it twice; I believe the second time more slowly and carefully than the first. His mien when he had finished was considerably relieved – I cannot say happier because I could see that he did not wish to lose you to another, a feeling I am quite able to comprehend.
I made every effort to assure him of my affections and respect for you and, to alleviate his concerns, spoke of our meetings. That there was an inequality of affection I admitted but that I had been assured of both your esteem and respect and these, I firmly believe, will form a basis for a most felicitous marriage.
We conversed for over an hour and, at the end, I had come to appreciate your father’s wit and intelligence and, as well, the source of your own. I will not pretend, however, to understand your father fully. An hour or so is not sufficient to that purpose, but I propose to spend most of our engagement period in Hertfordshire and look forward to spending such time as I am not in your company, in his to my benefit.
I will add that I visited your sister, Miss Bennet, at Gracechurch Street and was most pleased to meet your Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. They invited Georgiana and me to dine, once informed of our engagement. I like them both very well indeed and look forward to improving our acquaintance. My sister was most happy to meet your sister and aunt and they both made her more comfortable in company than I had ever previously seen, apart from family. Of course, they will become part of her family and that is a happy thought for us both. Georgiana is most desirous of making your acquaintance and, to that end, has insisted that she accompany me when I travel to Rosings to bring you home. I was not inclined to disoblige her and you will therefore be introduced when I arrive. We are both of us looking forward to that happy event. I have found that I miss your company exceedingly and can hardly wait to see you once more.
Some news of a practical nature must be imparted. First, I have apprised Bingley of my error in respect of your sister’s affections and also of my actions in regard to concealing her visit to London. He was exceedingly angry with me and even more so with his sisters. I have been forgiven but I cannot speak to his relations with his sisters. I will reveal that he has visited Gracechurch Street, but more than that I will leave to your sister to confess.
We shall stop overnight at the Gardiners before travelling to Longbourn the next day. Bingley will accompany us – including your sister – and Georgiana and I will reside at Netherfield at Bingley’s request.
There is much more to discuss which I will reserve for our trip back from Rosings. These days until we meet again will pass with interminable slowness. To have to be separated from you so soon after you gifted me with your hand, has made the lack of it in my own almost unbearable. I find I miss you greatly.
With all my love,
William
Elizabeth was not satisfied with but a single reading of this letter but must read it several times in order to extract all possible meaning and pleasure from it. That her father and betrothed were able to meet on an amiable basis was immensely satisfying. Despite his faults, she loved her father dearly and could not wish for more than that he and Darcy were comfortable in each other’s company. That Darcy had met and enjoyed the company of her aunt and uncle Gardiner, to the extent of dining with them, was both gratifying and surprising. That he had done so on his own initiative spoke well for the durability of the changes in his manner that he had effected. Finally, when considering that his sister was to accompany her on the return to Town, she was glad to have persuaded Maria to remain in Hunsford. A carriage ride of some four hours should provide a good opportunity to start developing an acquaintance with one who was to become as a sister to her. ‘I find I miss you greatly’ Elizabeth’s thoughts kept returning to those words and knew that they had awakened an echo in her. She had come to rely on his company as well and his absence had lowered her own spirits. With a sigh, she turned to her sister’s letter.
Gracechurch Street
London
Dearest Lizzy,
We have much to speak on when you arrive in London and, be warned now, that I will have it all. Not one morsel shall you conceal from me and not a moment’s sleep until you have done so. To be engaged to Mr. Darcy! You have scarce mentioned his name in your letters. Our aunt and I agree, you have been most sly! If you have come to love him – and I never thought poorly of him, as you know – then I will only say that I am most happy for you. Have I said I like him very much? If he loves you, he must be a good man.
I m sure that Mr. Darcy has told you all – I assume you read his letter first or at least I hope you did – and hence that Mr. Bingley has called us. You cannot imagine my surprise or my distress upon seeing him again today. He stayed but a quarter hour and asked to call again which he will do tomorrow. Now that this meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here tomorrow. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance. I cannot think myself so weak as to be in danger now.
I can almost hear you laugh and tease me, Lizzy but I speak the simple truth. Although he remains the most amiable man of my acquaintance, I cannot allow myself to hope for more. One thing he did mention to my aunt caused me considerable surprise. Apparently his sisters did not inform him of my presence in Town these last months. He learned of it from Mr. Darcy but yesterday and would, he told my aunt, have called sooner had he known.
There must be some great misunderstanding here, Lizzy because I am certain that Miss Bingley gave me to believe that she had told him of my presence. I cannot understand why she would do so unless my suspicions of duplicity on her part are justified. If so, I am most sorry for her.
I will not try to speak of more in this letter. You will be joining me in a matter of days and we will have many opportunities to discuss all that has happened. Please give my regards to Charlotte. I hope that all is well with her.
Your most impatient and curious sister,
Jane
That Darcy would speak to Bingley she had never doubted; but whether that gentleman would wish to see Jane once more had been cause for some concern, and she had never expected that he would visit so quickly. From the speed with which he responded, and knowing her sister’s heart, she now had every hope that the attraction between them would develop in the most felicitous manner. Her sister might try to dissemble, but her heart on this had never been closed to Elizabeth and she was in no doubt that her sister would be engaged in a matter of a week or two.
The very last evening was spent at Rosings; and her Ladyship again enquired minutely into the particulars of her journey, gave directions as to the best method of packing, and was so urgent on the necessity of placing gowns in the only right way, that Elizabeth almost thought herself obliged, on her return, to undo all the work of the morning, and pack her trunk afresh.
When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescension, wished her a good journey, and invited her to come to Hunsford again next year; and Miss De Bourgh exerted herself so far as to curtsey and hold out her hand to her.
~~~
On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast, a few minutes before the others appeared; and he took the opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary.
“I know not, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, “whether Mrs. Collins has yet expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us, but I am very certain you will not leave the house without receiving her thanks for it. The favour of your company has been much felt, I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt anyone to our humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small rooms, and few domestics, and the little we see of the world, must make Hunsford extremely dull to a young lady like yourself; but I hope you will believe us grateful for the condescension, and that we have done everything in our power to prevent your spending your time unpleasantly.”
Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of being with Charlotte, and the kind attentions she had received, must make her feel the obliged. Of her engagement she could say nothing, but that it alone made the visit exceptionably pleasant added warmth to her expressions of gratitude to Mr. Collins.
Mr. Collins was gratified; and with a more smiling solemnity replied, “It gives me the greatest pleasure to hear that you have passed your time not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and, from our connection with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I think we may flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been entirely irksome. Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine’s family is indeed the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing which few can boast. You see on what a footing we are. You see how continually we are engaged there. In truth, I must acknowledge that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I should not think anyone abiding in it an object of compassion while they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.”
Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings; and he was obliged to walk about the room, while Elizabeth tried to unite civility and truth in a few short sentences. “You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire, my dear cousin. I flatter myself, at least, that you will be able to do so. Lady Catherine’s great attentions to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of; and altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has drawn an unfortunate - ; but on this point it will be as well to be silent. Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.”
Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry, however, to have the recital of them interrupted by the entrance of the lady from whom they sprung. Poor Charlotte! - it was melancholy to leave her to such society! - But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost their charms.
At length the coach arrived and, if Elizabeth had been less focused on the gentleman who stepped out, she might well have marvelled at it. But indeed her eyes and thoughts had but a single interest and she could hardly account for the surge of pleasure she felt upon seeing him smile at her. Most observers might be forgiven for having missed it altogether since it was confined to a slight curve of his lips and a softening of his eyes but in the past weeks she had come to know it well. A soft murmur from inside the coach reclaimed his attention and a tinge of blush was the only sign of discomfit as he turned to assist a young lady to descend.
Elizabeth walked towards them, eager for the formidable introduction to take place. With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. From Wickham she had been told that Miss Darcy was much like her brother – proud, very proud – and while she was not inclined to believe much of what he had said, she could not escape the thought that in this respect he might not have been wrong. The observation of but only a few minutes convinced her that Miss Darcy was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable.
Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense and good-humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings. Elizabeth turned to Darcy saying, in a teasing manner, “I believe, sir, I am much in your debt. You have gifted me with a delightful sister.”
After she spoke, she heard a gasp behind her and turned to see Charlotte looking at her with a wondering eye. A brief nod from Elizabeth was all it took to satisfy that lady’s suspicions, but the reaction of her husband was altogether different as he reddened and prepared to speak.
“Cousin Elizabeth, how dare you to …”
Mr. Darcy’s rather crisp tone interrupted the flow of words before it could properly get underway, “Mr. Collins. I thank you for your care of my betrothed. I will relieve you of all further responsibility and will be taking Miss Bennet with me back to Longbourn.” He paused and looked quite sternly at Mr. Collins, “I am sure you wish to express your congratulations to your cousin on our engagement!”
Mr. Collins seemed bereft of the ability to form a comprehensible sentence and, it was clear to all – except perhaps Maria –, that thoughts of his patroness’s extreme displeasure, his cousin’s impropriety in aspiring to rise above her station, perhaps even a sense of injustice that a woman who had the effrontery to refuse his proposal could, by some means that he could not fathom, have been offered and accepted an offer of marriage that was so materially superior to his own. Fortunately for them all, his wife, sensible to the implications of her friend’s engagement, had drawn him aside to talk quietly and forcibly with him. A firm hand on his arm seemed sufficient to prevent his departure for Rosings, a trip he seemed to wish to make if his frequent looks in that direction were indicative of his intentions. Elizabeth thought she heard her friend murmur ‘cousin’ with extra emphasis although she did not detect any appreciable change in Mr. Collins’ demeanour.
As Darcy, Elizabeth and Miss Darcy conversed quietly together – keeping a wary eye on the Collinses – footmen were loading and lashing Elizabeth’s baggage to the coach. That done, the Darcys and Elizabeth took their leave; Elizabeth, whispering her intention to write and inform her friend of all that had taken place and, although receiving congratulations from Charlotte, was unsurprised at her cousin’s curt bow and silence on the matter. The omission of any sign of approval was not unexpected; nor was she disturbed by the lack, although the thought that her friend would bear the brunt of displeasure from her cousin and Lady Catherine could not fail to cause some unhappiness.
As she stepped into the coach, she realized that never, in her brief existence, had she seen a finer coach, let alone travel in one. To say it was large was to do it little justice; it could apparently seat six with much ease; was strongly built and well-sprung with an eye to comfort and security. The windows had glass panes to reduce the discomfort of dust and the exterior was not ostentatious, being a glossy ebony, despite a patina of dust, and sporting a small discrete family crest on the door. Having travelled in Lady Catherine’s coaches, she could not but hope that the differences between the Darcy and de Bourgh coaches would be reflected in the Darcy homes.
The warmth of Darcy’s hand as he assisted her to enter, caused her a frisson of pleasure as she took a seat and her decision to sit beside Miss Darcy was to allow her to further the acquaintance as they travelled to London. Once Darcy had entered, the coach lurched off and, to Elizabeth’s surprise, not towards London but Rosings instead. Darcy, noticing her surprise, quickly spoke to allay her concerns, “I must inform my aunt of our engagement and, while I could write from London, I prefer to face her directly.” At Elizabeth’s quizzical look, he grimaced, “I can predict her displeasure with ease in either event but would not preclude her visiting London to express it should I inform her by letter.” A gentle snort came from the young lady beside her, caused both Darcy and Elizabeth to grin and Darcy to continue, “Yes, well... as I said, I fear I must face her in either event, and felt it best to do so while I am now here. If I don’t, she will learn of it from Mr. Collins and that is not acceptable.”
Elizabeth nodded, “I had not thought of that aspect. Poor Charlotte. I fear her life will be … uncomfortable for some time.”
By this time, they had drawn up to the front of Rosings and Darcy wasted no time seeking entrance o the house. Once he had left, Elizabeth directed her attention to Miss Darcy and gently began to draw her out. It was not an easy process but by the time that Darcy rejoined them, they had progressed to calling the other by their given names and had found several topics of interest including music, Pemberley and Mr. Darcy himself. Elizabeth’s desire to know her future husband better made her receptive, even eager, to hear stories about him and that appeared to be a subject on which Miss Darcy was prepared to expound.
Elizabeth realized that Darcy must have been gone over a quarter hour and was beginning to wonder at the extent of his aunt’s displeasure when he abruptly exited the house and threw himself into the carriage, pounding the roof to signal their departure. His anger was palatable on both countenance and body, and both young ladies shared a brief look before studiously ignoring his presence for some five minutes or so. Finally, sensing that his mood had lasted a sufficient time, Elizabeth leaned forward and, ignoring propriety, placed her hand on his resting on his leg and teased, “A visit rendered pleasurable only by its brevity, I gather.”
Darcy jerked at her touch and her words failed to register at first and then one of his brief smiles emerged as he turned his eyes from the window to Elizabeth’s face. “Indeed. My aunt outdid herself today. I will not offend you by a recital of her expressions of displeasure against you and me. It is sufficient to say that I have informed her that all contact between us is severed until she is willing to accept you as my wife with respect and civility.”
Elizabeth could not be happy to have caused a breach in his family but her concerns were, not dismissed exactly, but allayed by Darcy. “Elizabeth, do not concern yourself unduly. She would have been unhappy and probably just as abusive of any choice I made that was not my cousin Anne who, I might add, has never expressed a desire for a union between us and who is, as I am sure you have realized, quite ill-suited to the role you will fill.”
Elizabeth was about to withdraw her hand and sit back but her efforts were thwarted by Darcy’s reluctance to release her hand. Keeping a firm hold, ignoring her blush - or perhaps appreciating, if the look on his face that Elizabeth detected was an indication – and looking rather sternly at her, said, ”I have a…request to make of you. My aunt’s words were quite intemperate and I doubt that her abuse will have ceased. That she may write to you directly in the most abusive terms, I doubt not. My request is simple. Please do not read any letter from her but destroy it, or better: give it to me unopened. She is my aunt and my responsibility to deal with.”
“I am not afraid of your aunt, Mr. Darcy.”
“I know that, but I would not have you bear her insults, if I can prevent it.”
Elizabeth was thoughtful as she considered his request. That it was a request and not a demand was, she thought, a good portent for the future; and, since it was not an issue that bothered her greatly, she was willing to agree to it and did so. With an obvious sense of relief, he released her hand, allowing her to sit back once more.
On the subject of his Aunt Catherine, Darcy was unwilling to converse further and was easily induced to speak of his activities of the past week, which he did with great enthusiasm. Of his meeting with Mr. Bennet, he had little to say and Elizabeth finally realized that he would prefer to talk on that subject without his sister being present. On his meeting with Mrs. Bennet, he only commented that, “Your mother and I talked but briefly - as I waited to speak to your father. She was obviously quite curious as to my reasons for calling and I gave her to understand that I was only passing through and wished to speak on business with your father.” He smiled, “If she believed it to involve Bingley, I was, unfortunately, not able, at that time, to satisfy her curiosity.”
“When did you speak to Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth was curious but not overly concerned.
“I sent him a note after I returned from Longbourn; he called that evening and we visited Gracechurch Street the next day.”
Another topic, Elizabeth realized, that would have to be deferred until they could talk in private. “What are Mr. Bingley’s plans or has he even discussed them as yet?”
“Oh yes! He has been quite enthusiastic. He has sent instructions for Netherfield to be opened and made ready for himself and Georgiana and myself. He will be journeying with us tomorrow.”
“And Mr. Bingley’s sisters? Are they not to accompany him?”
“I do not believe he has invited them. He is still quite…annoyed with them both.”
Miss Darcy looked surprised at this revelation and looked as though she wished to learn more on the subject but subsided after a glance at her brother. Elizabeth saw no reason to dissemble on the issue and addressed her directly, “Georgiana, as it happened Mr. Bingley’s sisters were not pleased at their brother’s attention to my sister Jane when he stayed at Netherfield. They … acted to separate them when Mr. Bingley had cause to visit Town, which led him to sever the acquaintance with my sister. Their actions were quite … unkind. Mr. Bingley only recently learned of what had occurred and was understandably angered.” Elizabeth paused – she did not know the nature of any relationship between Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley’s sisters and was hesitant to express her own reservations about them. “I believe, knowing Mr. Bingley, that he will forgive them and all will be well.”
Strangely, Miss Darcy did not appear overly perturbed at the discord in the Bingley family and simply nodded in acquiescence.
Darcy reclaimed their attention. “I must say that Bingley’s attentions to your sister have not suffered from the passage of five months. He appears to be as absorbed in her as ever he was.” Reading Elizabeth’s raised eyebrow, he responded, “I would not expect too long a time to pass before he makes her an offer. I think he feels that he needs to ensure her forgiveness - her approval - before doing so.”
“I am sure my sister will not expect him to suffer unduly.”
“If her demeanour is any indication, he should have little doubt as to her affections.” The glance that Darcy sent to Elizabeth acknowledged his mistaken judgement. “Even I, as deficient in such discernment, can perceive as much.”
“I believe my sister may feel more comfortable in displaying her feelings in Gracechurch Street than at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy.” Darcy nodded in understanding and then changed the topic once more.
“I informed my uncle, the Earl of ____, of our engagement.”
Elizabeth was not sure from his expression how this news had been received. She rather thought that, if the earl was much like his sister, it had not been welcomed and Darcy had been subject to another session of abuse.
“Should I anticipate that he also does not favour the match, Mr. Darcy? Does his opinion match that of your aunt?” Elizabeth could not altogether hide the concern she felt at the negative reaction of his family. It was not unexpected, but that fact did not lessen the discomfort attached to it.
“My uncle is much more sensible than my aunt. I will not deny that he had expectations of a more prestigious match, but he was not abusive to you at all. His concern, if I may be frank, was that I knew my own mind and that I had not been trapped or compromised into a marriage by a mercenary young woman. I believe he accepted the assurances which I tendered although it took, I admit, a full hour to persuade him to my way of thinking.”
He smiled once more at Elizabeth, “His wife, the countess, was surprisingly not astonished by the news. I believe Richard must have said something to her when he returned. I suspect that both my aunt and uncle had begun to despair of my ever taking a wife, knowing as they did my dissatisfaction with those ladies I had encountered in society. They both warned me about Lady Catherine’s reaction and it was, in fact, my uncle’s suggestion that I speak to her immediately that I followed. So, to answer your question, they have assured me that that will receive you with interest and I have promised to bring you to London to meet them before we marry.”
Elizabeth was not sure how she felt about that prospect and her feelings must have been evident as Miss Darcy offered, “I like my Aunt Ellen very much. She is very kind to me.”
Elizabeth laughed, “I cannot imagine anyone being unkind to you, Georgiana. And I am sure that with you and your brother to support me, I will survive the introduction quite well.”
Darcy spoke quietly, “Our aunt is much like our cousin - Richard – quite amiable in almost any company; not like myself, unfortunately.”
“Then I shall have to ensure that you follow your Aunt Catherine’s advice and practice. I am sure you will become a great proficient.” Elizabeth teased.
A subdued chortle beside her and Darcy’s amused look seemed to lighten the atmosphere considerably and the remainder of the journey passed very comfortably. After a short stop at ______ to refresh themselves, they continued on to London arriving at Gracechurch Street by mid-afternoon. Their reception there was all that she had anticipated. Her young cousins welcomed her joyfully – a visit by Cousin Lizzy was always a source of pleasure and they were only dismayed that she would remain but a single night. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the Darcys were also welcomed by her cousins and both appeared comfortable with the exuberance displayed. An invitation to dine that evening was extended to the Darcys who gratefully accepted and departed shortly thereafter to their home to refresh themselves, promising to return as soon as possible.
Elizabeth had no sooner bid them adieu when she was hustled upstairs to Jane’s room by her sister and aunt who both expressed a determination to have the full story behind her engagement. Pleading fatigue and a need to rest and refresh herself, Elizabeth, recognizing that nothing short of a full confession - although, as she reminded herself, not all details need be imparted – would satisfy their curiosity (and in the case of Jane, concern), she assured them of a full recounting of events after their guests left that night.
The Darcys did return, accompanied by Mr. Bingley, and the evening passed enjoyably for all and Elizabeth took satisfaction in the obvious comfort and ease that the Darcys displayed in the company of her aunt and uncle. In particular, Darcy and her uncle engaged in a lengthy discussion of angling and the sport to be had in Derbyshire. She could not be certain but it seemed to her that plans were being laid for the Gardiners to visit Pemberley that summer, plans of which she knew nothing – not that she would ever object to such a visit; indeed, quite the reverse - were she to be asked for an opinion.
The Darcys did not prolong their stay after dinner was completed. The journey had obviously fatigued Miss Darcy and her brother, if reluctant to be separated from Elizabeth, recognized his sister’s discomfort and called for his carriage. If he and Elizabeth stole a few minutes to converse while awaiting the carriage, the rest of the party were content to afford them the privacy. Elizabeth hoped that he could discern the fondness and pleasure she took in his presence as they stood quietly talking in the hall.
“William, thank you once more for everything and, if I have not said so before, I like your sister a great deal.”
“I hope that means you like her brother a great deal also, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s assurances that she liked Miss Darcy’s brother a very great deal indeed was rewarded by a swift, light kiss that both pleased and failed to satisfied either of them. Within moments, the arrival of the Darcy carriage signalled the return of strict propriety and, shortly thereafter, the Darcys departed, plans in place to meet after church services the next day in order to effect a return to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley, sensing perhaps a desire of the Gardiners and Jane to talk privately with Elizabeth, did not prolong his stay and departed soon after.
Elizabeth was allowed the briefest of respite after his departure before her relations demanded of her a full accounting of her stay in Hunsford and her engagement for, as Jane, noted, “When you left, Lizzie, your opinion of Mr. Darcy seemed to be to reflect a distinct dislike. Yet now …?”
“In cases like this, a good memory is insupportable. I am quite ashamed of my….let us be honest, my prejudices which were nourished by a wounded vanity. It was no less, I assure you.”
“Yet now you esteem him enough to accept his offer of marriage?” queried her aunt.
Elizabeth realized she would have to reveal much of her reflections over the course of her stay as well as some information that she had learned. Darcy’s involvement with persuading Bingley to not return to Netherfield was skirted; she could see no purpose in revealing it since Bingley was now paying his attentions to Jane. His role had always been surmised but revealing the predominance of those efforts would serve no useful purpose now. Everything else – excepting only Georgiana’s treatment by Wickham – was revealed and commented upon. Elizabeth had the satisfaction, after finishing, of having her uncle congratulate her. “I am very pleased, Lizzie, that you approached this proposal with so much thought. You were, I believe, very sensible and I have little doubt that you will be happy in this match. While I have met Mr. Darcy only a few times, I have been most favourably impressed by him. He is perfectly well-behaved, polite and unassuming.”
“There is something a little stately in him, to be sure,” replied her aunt, “but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming. Though some people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it. He has not an ill-natured look. On the contrary, there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks. And there is something of dignity in his countenance that would not give an unfavourable idea of his heart. I like him very well indeed.”
Elizabeth could see that Jane remained slightly troubled and suspected that some questions would remain unanswered until such time as they were secluded in the privacy of their room. She had some suspicions as to the cause of her sister’s disquiet and hoped that she could allay her fears. Later, after changing into their bedclothes, the two sisters settled themselves comfortably on Jane’s bed, eager to discuss the more intimate details of those events that had taken place since last they had met. Elizabeth, despite Jane’s pleadings, insisted that her sister tell all that had happened with respect to Bingley.
“Truthfully, there is not yet much to tell, Lizzy. He has visited several times, apologized for his sister’s behaviour – which I assured him I did not hold to his account. How could I? And he mentioned his plans to re-open Netherfield. But he has said little of his feelings.”
“Well, if I am to be a judge, I think he likes you quite as much as ever he did.”
“Lizzy, you must not say so. You must not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learned to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners now are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man.”
“You are very cruel,” said her sister, “you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it, every moment.”
“How hard it is in some cases to be believed! And how impossible in others! But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I acknowledge?”
“That is a question I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante.”
Jane was satisfied to escape further inquiry and teasing, and recollecting her concern about her sister’s engagement, wondered how she might raise the matter. Elizabeth, though she suspected the source of her sister’s discomfiture, was, at first, not disposed to begin the discussion but, after seeing her struggle for a minute or two, chose to broach it herself.
“It is easy to see that you are troubled, Jane; and, I believe I know the cause. We have always intended to marry only for love have we not?” Jane nodded. “And yet I have not claimed to love Mr. Darcy. Indeed some months back, I rather disliked him. You are worried that I have entered the engagement for improper reasons, are you not?”
Jane hesitated, reluctant to be questioning her sister’s motives. “I am, I admit, concerned. I would not have you in an unhappy marriage; and, I am concerned that you may have accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal in order that Mr. Bingley would call on me.”
Elizabeth began to laugh quietly, “Let me assure you on both counts, my dearest Jane. I was quite convinced that Mr. Darcy would correct his…mistake in regards to Mr. Bingley before I accepted him. That he is an honourable man, I have come to recognize. So banish that thought from your mind.”
She smiled at the relief apparent on her sister’s countenance. “The other issue should concern you even less. It is true that I do not, I think, love Mr. Darcy. But then I hardly know for sure what my feelings are. I know I now like him - I like him a great deal, in fact. I respect him and believe him to be the best man of my acquaintance. I found that I miss his presence when we are apart – the past week has been almost intolerable.” She giggled, “I do like to be kissed by him and could wish for it to happen again!”
Jane looked both shocked and slightly envious, “Lizzy! You did not?”
“Indeed, we did! And, I quite enjoyed it!”
“It does sound very much as if you are in love with him, Lizzy.”
“I hardly know, as I said. I am not sure how I am supposed to feel and my feelings are so new as to leave me quite confused. I do know that I will be respected, loved and cared for; and, that my family will be looked after, which is no small consideration.”
Elizabeth replied to Jane's querying look, saying, “He has not said as much, nor have I asked it of him; but I am convinced that, as a matter which would concern me, he would wish to be of assistance.”
Elizabeth could see that if her sister retained any lingering concerns, they had been, for the most part, laid to rest. The remainder of their conversation, before sleep overtook them somewhat later than was perhaps sensible, took a while – but two sisters, separated for a prolonged period, have much to talk about that renders sleep unimportant.
~~~~
The journey to Longbourn was amongst the most pleasing that Elizabeth had ever experienced; the company was amiable, the distance not overlong and the carriage, most commodious. With five passengers, all capable and desirous of being entertained, topics of conversation were not wanting and even brief moments of silence were uncommon. Their reception at Longbourn was much more restrained than Elizabeth had expected. Mrs. Bennet, apparently informed of her daughter’s engagement, stood in such awe of her intended son-in-law, that she ventured not to speak to him, unless it was in her power to offer him any attention, or mark her deference to his opinion. To Mr. Bingley, she showed no such reserve; and her attentions in that quarter, by their volume and duration, were such as to remove any doubt as to her pleasure in his return. That he had done so in company with Jane, only fixed more firmly in her mind the certainty of his attachment to her.
The Darcys and Mr. Bingley did not linger overlong at Longbourn; staying only long enough to accept an invitation to dine the next evening before removing to Netherfield to establish themselves there. At Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet had been compelled to refrain from inviting their neighbours to join the celebration of the family’s good fortune only by the sternest of injunctions from her husband. “We will not impose on Mr. Darcy, or Mr. Bingley tonight Mrs. Bennet. We will, instead, enjoy and be satisfied with the company of our two eldest daughters whose good sense has been sorely missed for many months.”
As a consequence, the evening passed in a lively manner. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced to see Jane in undiminished beauty and, after satisfying herself by receiving a full accounting of Mr. Bingley’s attentions to her, was much engaged in collecting an account of the present fashions from her; and more than once during dinner did Mr. Bennet say voluntarily to Elizabeth, “I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth had not been many hours at home – indeed it was a major topic of conversation at dinner - , before she found that the removal of the ____shire Militia to Brighton had given rise to a scheme, for which Lydia appeared to be the primary proponent. It was to have the Bennet family spend some months during the summer at that location. This scheme was under frequent discussion between her parents. Elizabeth saw directly that her father had not the smallest intention of yielding; but his answers were at the same time so vague and equivocal, that her mother, though often disheartened, had never yet despaired of succeeding at last. Since Elizabeth was sure that her father had no intention of agreeing to any such plan, she gave it little further thought.
That evening, her mother finally managed to put thoughts of the possibility of a match between Mr. Bingley and Jane far enough away to direct her attentions to Elizabeth. As Mr. Bennet had related, she had sat silent for a full ten minutes upon receipt of the news that morning and had been, even for her, unusually incoherent when control had been returned to her powers of speech. Elizabeth was much relieved that Mr. Darcy had been spared that exhibition; he had been very civil in his manner towards her mother when they met, but an effusion of that intensity by her mother might well have caused a return of the more reserved and reticent Mr. Darcy. How Miss Darcy – Georgiana – would have reacted, she could only guess but Elizabeth was sure that it would have shocked and thoroughly overset her sensibilities. Now, however, her mother was pleased to share with her – no longer her least favoured daughter – all her joys at the match she had made; and, calling Elizabeth to her chambers as she prepared for sleep, could not bear to do other than give full expression of that pleasure.
“Good gracious! Lord bless me! Only think! Dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true! Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! I am so pleased - so happy. Such a charming man! -- so handsome! so tall! - Oh, my dear Lizzy! pray apologize for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Everything that is charming! A daughter married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will become of me. I shall go distracted.”
This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted: and Elizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion was heard only by herself, soon went away. But before she had been three minutes in her own room, her mother followed her.
“My dearest child,” she cried, “I can think of nothing else! Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! ‘Tis as good as a Lord! And a special license. You must and shall be married by a special license. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it tomorrow.”
This was a sad omen of what her mother’s behaviour to the gentleman himself might be; and Elizabeth found that, though in the certain possession of his warmest affection, and secure of her relations’ consent, there was still something to be wished for. But the morrow passed off much better than she expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily remained in awe of her intended son-in-law and spared him her overt attentions. Such attentions as he did desire or opinions that he expressed were received with a deference that stood in marked distinction to her previous treatment of him, a circumstance of which only Mrs. Bennet was unaware.
Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet soon assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem.
Thanks to my Beta (Alida) for her efforts on my behalf.
The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning; and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings. To Rosings he then hastened to console Lady Catherine and her daughter; and on his return brought back, with great satisfaction, a message from her ladyship, importing that she felt herself so dull as to make her very desirous of having them all to dine with her.
Elizabeth could not see Lady Catherine without recollecting that, had she chosen it, she might, by this time, have been presented to her as her future niece; nor could she think, without a smile, of what her ladyship’s indignation would have been. “What would she have said? How would she have behaved?” were questions with which she amused herself. That the response would be unfavourable, she had little doubt and she could not be sorry for the discretion to avoid and spare herself and the Collinses the discomfort of such attentions, where it served no purpose to suffer them. If her engagement had been made known, she was certain that her presence would have been equally distasteful to Lady Catherine and to her cousin, and her continued stay at the parsonage very much in doubt.
Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party. ”I assure you, I feel it exceedingly,” said Lady Catherine; “I believe nobody feels the loss of friends so much as I do. But I am particularly attached to these young men; and know them to be so much attached to me! They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are. The dear colonel rallied his spirits tolerably till just at last; but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely, more, I think, than last year. His attachment to Rosings certainly increases.”
Mr. Collins had a compliment, and an allusion to throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter. Lady Catherine observed, after dinner, that Miss Bennet seemed out of spirits; and immediately accounting for it herself, by supposing that she did not like to go home again so soon, she added, "But, if that is the case, you must write to your mother to beg that you may stay a little longer. Mrs. Collins will be very glad of your company, I am sure.”
“I am much obliged to your ladyship for your kind invitation,” replied Elizabeth, “but it is not in my power to accept it. I must be in town next Saturday.”
“Why, at that rate, you will have been here only six weeks. I expected you to stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so before you came. There can be no occasion for your going so soon. Mrs. Bennet could certainly spare you for another fortnight.”
“But my father cannot. He wrote last week to hurry my return.”
“Oh! Your father of course may spare you, if your mother can. Daughters are never of so much consequence to a father. And, if you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London, for I am going there early in June, for a week; and as Dawson does not object to the Barouche box, there will be very good room for one of you and indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, I should not object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.”
“You are all kindness, Madam; but I believe I must abide by our original plan; however, I see no reason why Maria should not avail herself of your generous offer.” Elizabeth had just realized that Maria’s company on their return to Hertfordshire with Darcy would severely inhibit conversation and, if Maria could be persuaded to stay at the parsonage for an extra fortnight, she would be able to more easily enjoy the ride with her betrothed.
Maria was applied to and, with very little persuasion, was agreeable to remaining for another fortnight. Elizabeth did not fail to notice that Charlotte had been surprised at her suggestion and had favoured her with more than one sharp look during the ensuing discussion but had, nevertheless, ably supported an extension of her sister’s visit. Lady Catherine seemed resigned to the loss of Elizabeth’s presence but her desire to be of service was soothed by the knowledge that Mrs. Collins’ sister would remain behind. “Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant with Miss Bennet. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot bear the idea of a young woman travelling post by herself. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody. I have the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing. Young women should always be properly guarded and attended, according to their situation in life. When my niece Georgiana went to Ramsgate last summer, I made a point of her having two men servants go with her. Miss Darcy, the daughter of Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not have appeared with propriety in a different manner. I am excessively attentive to all those things. You must send John with Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would really be discreditable to you to let her go alone.”
“My uncle is to send a servant for me.”
“Oh! - Your uncle! - He keeps a man-servant, does he? I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of those things. Where shall you change horses? - Oh! Bromley, of course. - If you mention my name at the Bell, you will be attended to.”
Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting her journey, and as she did not answer them all herself, attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her, for, with a mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was. Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours. When they at last returned to the parsonage, she had not long been removed to her room when she was visited by Charlotte, who wasted no time questioning her friend’s reasons for encouraging the extension of Maria’s visit.
“It is certainly not that I object to her company, as you well know. You both have been most welcome but I must wonder at your reason for proposing it?”
Elizabeth tried to disclaim any reason other than a concern for her friend’s comfort and happiness but Charlotte would have none of it.
"It will not do, Lizzy. It will not do!”
It was clear to Elizabeth that her attempt to deflect her friend had added weight to her supposition that Elizabeth had an ulterior motive and, Charlotte’s remembrances quickly gave a direction to the cause.
“This has to do with Mr. Darcy, does it not? What…?”
Elizabeth interrupted to say, “Please. Do not importune me further on this matter. I cannot satisfy your curiosity and I believe you would not wish me to do so. All will become clear after I leave and all will, I believe, be well.”
With this Charlotte was, after a silence lasting several minutes, forced to be content and, if during the remainder of Elizabeth’s stay, she allowed her gaze to rest on her friend with a rather wondering look, she refrained from further comment.
Whenever Elizabeth was alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of pleasant recollections. Their engagements at Rosings were as frequent during the last week of her stay as they had been at first. Two days before she was to leave she received a very thick letter from Jane which, after retiring to her room for privacy, and upon being opened was found to contain, in addition to that from Jane herself, a letter from her father and one from Darcy. Unsure which to read first, she chose to read that from her father.
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
My dear child,
I hardly know what to express in this letter. I am sure you can appreciate my surprise when Mr. Darcy sought an interview with me. That he had asked for your hand in marriage and you had consented must rank with the most unexpected of events. My immediate thought, to be sure, was whether you had taken leave of your senses or had been overwhelmed by the gentleman’s wealth and position.
Do not be alarmed. I have given my consent and truly I do not think I could refuse a man of such consequence. I was, I admit, most comforted by your letter although I had to read it a second time to begin to grasp the change in your feelings for him. I rather thought that you disliked his manners and attitude even as you respected his character. That you allowed yourself to understand him and to appreciate him speaks well, I believe, for your future together. I do not pretend to know him well, although he was courteous enough to remain for more than an hour to converse with me. I think I could come to like him quite well although he is deficient in that foolishness which I had thought a most desirable trait in a son. Unfortunately, he is too intelligent to miss my attempts to make sport of him - but appears good-humoured enough to not take offence - and quick enough to take a bit of sport with me.
I am pleased for you, Lizzy. I do not think I could lose you to anyone less worthy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable unless you truly esteemed your husband, unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. That you have professed to esteem and respect Mr. Darcy, is of great satisfaction to me. If, as you have confessed, your esteem does not match his at the moment, the thoughts expressed in your letter lead me to believe that any inequality in affection that may currently exist will be of a short duration.
You will be relieved to know that your betrothal has yet to be made known to your mother; that pleasure I would prefer to allow you on your return; however, the prospect of her reaction at the time of your return does not bear thinking on. I will undertake that task myself – although you may be assured it will be left to the very day you shall arrive and no sooner. That the happy event of your return will soon follow upon this letter, will be no little comfort since there have been not two words of sense spoken here since you and Jane departed.
Your loving father
Her pleasure at her father’s support and approval – she knew he must have suffered some disquiet over the thought of losing his most favourite daughter – drew forth a few tears. That he had read her letter and accepted her reasoning – despite his possible reservations – spoke well, she thought, for the conversation that had taken place between her father and her betrothed, who must have made an effort to address and alleviate them. Satisfied with her father’s support, she could no longer refrain from opening the letter from Darcy.
Pemberley House
Curzon Street, London
My dearest Elizabeth,
You can have no idea how much it pleases me to be able to call you such. I have met with and obtained your father’s consent and blessing, as I am sure his letter will confirm. It was a most interesting interview and one that may well have been more uncomfortable had it not been for the letter you so thoughtfully provided. Your father read it twice; I believe the second time more slowly and carefully than the first. His mien when he had finished was considerably relieved – I cannot say happier because I could see that he did not wish to lose you to another, a feeling I am quite able to comprehend.
I made every effort to assure him of my affections and respect for you and, to alleviate his concerns, spoke of our meetings. That there was an inequality of affection I admitted but that I had been assured of both your esteem and respect and these, I firmly believe, will form a basis for a most felicitous marriage.
We conversed for over an hour and, at the end, I had come to appreciate your father’s wit and intelligence and, as well, the source of your own. I will not pretend, however, to understand your father fully. An hour or so is not sufficient to that purpose, but I propose to spend most of our engagement period in Hertfordshire and look forward to spending such time as I am not in your company, in his to my benefit.
I will add that I visited your sister, Miss Bennet, at Gracechurch Street and was most pleased to meet your Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. They invited Georgiana and me to dine, once informed of our engagement. I like them both very well indeed and look forward to improving our acquaintance. My sister was most happy to meet your sister and aunt and they both made her more comfortable in company than I had ever previously seen, apart from family. Of course, they will become part of her family and that is a happy thought for us both. Georgiana is most desirous of making your acquaintance and, to that end, has insisted that she accompany me when I travel to Rosings to bring you home. I was not inclined to disoblige her and you will therefore be introduced when I arrive. We are both of us looking forward to that happy event. I have found that I miss your company exceedingly and can hardly wait to see you once more.
Some news of a practical nature must be imparted. First, I have apprised Bingley of my error in respect of your sister’s affections and also of my actions in regard to concealing her visit to London. He was exceedingly angry with me and even more so with his sisters. I have been forgiven but I cannot speak to his relations with his sisters. I will reveal that he has visited Gracechurch Street, but more than that I will leave to your sister to confess.
We shall stop overnight at the Gardiners before travelling to Longbourn the next day. Bingley will accompany us – including your sister – and Georgiana and I will reside at Netherfield at Bingley’s request.
There is much more to discuss which I will reserve for our trip back from Rosings. These days until we meet again will pass with interminable slowness. To have to be separated from you so soon after you gifted me with your hand, has made the lack of it in my own almost unbearable. I find I miss you greatly.
With all my love,
William
Elizabeth was not satisfied with but a single reading of this letter but must read it several times in order to extract all possible meaning and pleasure from it. That her father and betrothed were able to meet on an amiable basis was immensely satisfying. Despite his faults, she loved her father dearly and could not wish for more than that he and Darcy were comfortable in each other’s company. That Darcy had met and enjoyed the company of her aunt and uncle Gardiner, to the extent of dining with them, was both gratifying and surprising. That he had done so on his own initiative spoke well for the durability of the changes in his manner that he had effected. Finally, when considering that his sister was to accompany her on the return to Town, she was glad to have persuaded Maria to remain in Hunsford. A carriage ride of some four hours should provide a good opportunity to start developing an acquaintance with one who was to become as a sister to her. ‘I find I miss you greatly’ Elizabeth’s thoughts kept returning to those words and knew that they had awakened an echo in her. She had come to rely on his company as well and his absence had lowered her own spirits. With a sigh, she turned to her sister’s letter.
Gracechurch Street
London
Dearest Lizzy,
We have much to speak on when you arrive in London and, be warned now, that I will have it all. Not one morsel shall you conceal from me and not a moment’s sleep until you have done so. To be engaged to Mr. Darcy! You have scarce mentioned his name in your letters. Our aunt and I agree, you have been most sly! If you have come to love him – and I never thought poorly of him, as you know – then I will only say that I am most happy for you. Have I said I like him very much? If he loves you, he must be a good man.
I m sure that Mr. Darcy has told you all – I assume you read his letter first or at least I hope you did – and hence that Mr. Bingley has called us. You cannot imagine my surprise or my distress upon seeing him again today. He stayed but a quarter hour and asked to call again which he will do tomorrow. Now that this meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here tomorrow. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance. I cannot think myself so weak as to be in danger now.
I can almost hear you laugh and tease me, Lizzy but I speak the simple truth. Although he remains the most amiable man of my acquaintance, I cannot allow myself to hope for more. One thing he did mention to my aunt caused me considerable surprise. Apparently his sisters did not inform him of my presence in Town these last months. He learned of it from Mr. Darcy but yesterday and would, he told my aunt, have called sooner had he known.
There must be some great misunderstanding here, Lizzy because I am certain that Miss Bingley gave me to believe that she had told him of my presence. I cannot understand why she would do so unless my suspicions of duplicity on her part are justified. If so, I am most sorry for her.
I will not try to speak of more in this letter. You will be joining me in a matter of days and we will have many opportunities to discuss all that has happened. Please give my regards to Charlotte. I hope that all is well with her.
Your most impatient and curious sister,
Jane
That Darcy would speak to Bingley she had never doubted; but whether that gentleman would wish to see Jane once more had been cause for some concern, and she had never expected that he would visit so quickly. From the speed with which he responded, and knowing her sister’s heart, she now had every hope that the attraction between them would develop in the most felicitous manner. Her sister might try to dissemble, but her heart on this had never been closed to Elizabeth and she was in no doubt that her sister would be engaged in a matter of a week or two.
The very last evening was spent at Rosings; and her Ladyship again enquired minutely into the particulars of her journey, gave directions as to the best method of packing, and was so urgent on the necessity of placing gowns in the only right way, that Elizabeth almost thought herself obliged, on her return, to undo all the work of the morning, and pack her trunk afresh.
When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescension, wished her a good journey, and invited her to come to Hunsford again next year; and Miss De Bourgh exerted herself so far as to curtsey and hold out her hand to her.
~~~
On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast, a few minutes before the others appeared; and he took the opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary.
“I know not, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, “whether Mrs. Collins has yet expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us, but I am very certain you will not leave the house without receiving her thanks for it. The favour of your company has been much felt, I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt anyone to our humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small rooms, and few domestics, and the little we see of the world, must make Hunsford extremely dull to a young lady like yourself; but I hope you will believe us grateful for the condescension, and that we have done everything in our power to prevent your spending your time unpleasantly.”
Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of being with Charlotte, and the kind attentions she had received, must make her feel the obliged. Of her engagement she could say nothing, but that it alone made the visit exceptionably pleasant added warmth to her expressions of gratitude to Mr. Collins.
Mr. Collins was gratified; and with a more smiling solemnity replied, “It gives me the greatest pleasure to hear that you have passed your time not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and, from our connection with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I think we may flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been entirely irksome. Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine’s family is indeed the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing which few can boast. You see on what a footing we are. You see how continually we are engaged there. In truth, I must acknowledge that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I should not think anyone abiding in it an object of compassion while they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.”
Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings; and he was obliged to walk about the room, while Elizabeth tried to unite civility and truth in a few short sentences. “You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire, my dear cousin. I flatter myself, at least, that you will be able to do so. Lady Catherine’s great attentions to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of; and altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has drawn an unfortunate - ; but on this point it will be as well to be silent. Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.”
Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry, however, to have the recital of them interrupted by the entrance of the lady from whom they sprung. Poor Charlotte! - it was melancholy to leave her to such society! - But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost their charms.
At length the coach arrived and, if Elizabeth had been less focused on the gentleman who stepped out, she might well have marvelled at it. But indeed her eyes and thoughts had but a single interest and she could hardly account for the surge of pleasure she felt upon seeing him smile at her. Most observers might be forgiven for having missed it altogether since it was confined to a slight curve of his lips and a softening of his eyes but in the past weeks she had come to know it well. A soft murmur from inside the coach reclaimed his attention and a tinge of blush was the only sign of discomfit as he turned to assist a young lady to descend.
Elizabeth walked towards them, eager for the formidable introduction to take place. With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. From Wickham she had been told that Miss Darcy was much like her brother – proud, very proud – and while she was not inclined to believe much of what he had said, she could not escape the thought that in this respect he might not have been wrong. The observation of but only a few minutes convinced her that Miss Darcy was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable.
Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense and good-humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings. Elizabeth turned to Darcy saying, in a teasing manner, “I believe, sir, I am much in your debt. You have gifted me with a delightful sister.”
After she spoke, she heard a gasp behind her and turned to see Charlotte looking at her with a wondering eye. A brief nod from Elizabeth was all it took to satisfy that lady’s suspicions, but the reaction of her husband was altogether different as he reddened and prepared to speak.
“Cousin Elizabeth, how dare you to …”
Mr. Darcy’s rather crisp tone interrupted the flow of words before it could properly get underway, “Mr. Collins. I thank you for your care of my betrothed. I will relieve you of all further responsibility and will be taking Miss Bennet with me back to Longbourn.” He paused and looked quite sternly at Mr. Collins, “I am sure you wish to express your congratulations to your cousin on our engagement!”
Mr. Collins seemed bereft of the ability to form a comprehensible sentence and, it was clear to all – except perhaps Maria –, that thoughts of his patroness’s extreme displeasure, his cousin’s impropriety in aspiring to rise above her station, perhaps even a sense of injustice that a woman who had the effrontery to refuse his proposal could, by some means that he could not fathom, have been offered and accepted an offer of marriage that was so materially superior to his own. Fortunately for them all, his wife, sensible to the implications of her friend’s engagement, had drawn him aside to talk quietly and forcibly with him. A firm hand on his arm seemed sufficient to prevent his departure for Rosings, a trip he seemed to wish to make if his frequent looks in that direction were indicative of his intentions. Elizabeth thought she heard her friend murmur ‘cousin’ with extra emphasis although she did not detect any appreciable change in Mr. Collins’ demeanour.
As Darcy, Elizabeth and Miss Darcy conversed quietly together – keeping a wary eye on the Collinses – footmen were loading and lashing Elizabeth’s baggage to the coach. That done, the Darcys and Elizabeth took their leave; Elizabeth, whispering her intention to write and inform her friend of all that had taken place and, although receiving congratulations from Charlotte, was unsurprised at her cousin’s curt bow and silence on the matter. The omission of any sign of approval was not unexpected; nor was she disturbed by the lack, although the thought that her friend would bear the brunt of displeasure from her cousin and Lady Catherine could not fail to cause some unhappiness.
As she stepped into the coach, she realized that never, in her brief existence, had she seen a finer coach, let alone travel in one. To say it was large was to do it little justice; it could apparently seat six with much ease; was strongly built and well-sprung with an eye to comfort and security. The windows had glass panes to reduce the discomfort of dust and the exterior was not ostentatious, being a glossy ebony, despite a patina of dust, and sporting a small discrete family crest on the door. Having travelled in Lady Catherine’s coaches, she could not but hope that the differences between the Darcy and de Bourgh coaches would be reflected in the Darcy homes.
The warmth of Darcy’s hand as he assisted her to enter, caused her a frisson of pleasure as she took a seat and her decision to sit beside Miss Darcy was to allow her to further the acquaintance as they travelled to London. Once Darcy had entered, the coach lurched off and, to Elizabeth’s surprise, not towards London but Rosings instead. Darcy, noticing her surprise, quickly spoke to allay her concerns, “I must inform my aunt of our engagement and, while I could write from London, I prefer to face her directly.” At Elizabeth’s quizzical look, he grimaced, “I can predict her displeasure with ease in either event but would not preclude her visiting London to express it should I inform her by letter.” A gentle snort came from the young lady beside her, caused both Darcy and Elizabeth to grin and Darcy to continue, “Yes, well... as I said, I fear I must face her in either event, and felt it best to do so while I am now here. If I don’t, she will learn of it from Mr. Collins and that is not acceptable.”
Elizabeth nodded, “I had not thought of that aspect. Poor Charlotte. I fear her life will be … uncomfortable for some time.”
By this time, they had drawn up to the front of Rosings and Darcy wasted no time seeking entrance o the house. Once he had left, Elizabeth directed her attention to Miss Darcy and gently began to draw her out. It was not an easy process but by the time that Darcy rejoined them, they had progressed to calling the other by their given names and had found several topics of interest including music, Pemberley and Mr. Darcy himself. Elizabeth’s desire to know her future husband better made her receptive, even eager, to hear stories about him and that appeared to be a subject on which Miss Darcy was prepared to expound.
Elizabeth realized that Darcy must have been gone over a quarter hour and was beginning to wonder at the extent of his aunt’s displeasure when he abruptly exited the house and threw himself into the carriage, pounding the roof to signal their departure. His anger was palatable on both countenance and body, and both young ladies shared a brief look before studiously ignoring his presence for some five minutes or so. Finally, sensing that his mood had lasted a sufficient time, Elizabeth leaned forward and, ignoring propriety, placed her hand on his resting on his leg and teased, “A visit rendered pleasurable only by its brevity, I gather.”
Darcy jerked at her touch and her words failed to register at first and then one of his brief smiles emerged as he turned his eyes from the window to Elizabeth’s face. “Indeed. My aunt outdid herself today. I will not offend you by a recital of her expressions of displeasure against you and me. It is sufficient to say that I have informed her that all contact between us is severed until she is willing to accept you as my wife with respect and civility.”
Elizabeth could not be happy to have caused a breach in his family but her concerns were, not dismissed exactly, but allayed by Darcy. “Elizabeth, do not concern yourself unduly. She would have been unhappy and probably just as abusive of any choice I made that was not my cousin Anne who, I might add, has never expressed a desire for a union between us and who is, as I am sure you have realized, quite ill-suited to the role you will fill.”
Elizabeth was about to withdraw her hand and sit back but her efforts were thwarted by Darcy’s reluctance to release her hand. Keeping a firm hold, ignoring her blush - or perhaps appreciating, if the look on his face that Elizabeth detected was an indication – and looking rather sternly at her, said, ”I have a…request to make of you. My aunt’s words were quite intemperate and I doubt that her abuse will have ceased. That she may write to you directly in the most abusive terms, I doubt not. My request is simple. Please do not read any letter from her but destroy it, or better: give it to me unopened. She is my aunt and my responsibility to deal with.”
“I am not afraid of your aunt, Mr. Darcy.”
“I know that, but I would not have you bear her insults, if I can prevent it.”
Elizabeth was thoughtful as she considered his request. That it was a request and not a demand was, she thought, a good portent for the future; and, since it was not an issue that bothered her greatly, she was willing to agree to it and did so. With an obvious sense of relief, he released her hand, allowing her to sit back once more.
On the subject of his Aunt Catherine, Darcy was unwilling to converse further and was easily induced to speak of his activities of the past week, which he did with great enthusiasm. Of his meeting with Mr. Bennet, he had little to say and Elizabeth finally realized that he would prefer to talk on that subject without his sister being present. On his meeting with Mrs. Bennet, he only commented that, “Your mother and I talked but briefly - as I waited to speak to your father. She was obviously quite curious as to my reasons for calling and I gave her to understand that I was only passing through and wished to speak on business with your father.” He smiled, “If she believed it to involve Bingley, I was, unfortunately, not able, at that time, to satisfy her curiosity.”
“When did you speak to Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth was curious but not overly concerned.
“I sent him a note after I returned from Longbourn; he called that evening and we visited Gracechurch Street the next day.”
Another topic, Elizabeth realized, that would have to be deferred until they could talk in private. “What are Mr. Bingley’s plans or has he even discussed them as yet?”
“Oh yes! He has been quite enthusiastic. He has sent instructions for Netherfield to be opened and made ready for himself and Georgiana and myself. He will be journeying with us tomorrow.”
“And Mr. Bingley’s sisters? Are they not to accompany him?”
“I do not believe he has invited them. He is still quite…annoyed with them both.”
Miss Darcy looked surprised at this revelation and looked as though she wished to learn more on the subject but subsided after a glance at her brother. Elizabeth saw no reason to dissemble on the issue and addressed her directly, “Georgiana, as it happened Mr. Bingley’s sisters were not pleased at their brother’s attention to my sister Jane when he stayed at Netherfield. They … acted to separate them when Mr. Bingley had cause to visit Town, which led him to sever the acquaintance with my sister. Their actions were quite … unkind. Mr. Bingley only recently learned of what had occurred and was understandably angered.” Elizabeth paused – she did not know the nature of any relationship between Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley’s sisters and was hesitant to express her own reservations about them. “I believe, knowing Mr. Bingley, that he will forgive them and all will be well.”
Strangely, Miss Darcy did not appear overly perturbed at the discord in the Bingley family and simply nodded in acquiescence.
Darcy reclaimed their attention. “I must say that Bingley’s attentions to your sister have not suffered from the passage of five months. He appears to be as absorbed in her as ever he was.” Reading Elizabeth’s raised eyebrow, he responded, “I would not expect too long a time to pass before he makes her an offer. I think he feels that he needs to ensure her forgiveness - her approval - before doing so.”
“I am sure my sister will not expect him to suffer unduly.”
“If her demeanour is any indication, he should have little doubt as to her affections.” The glance that Darcy sent to Elizabeth acknowledged his mistaken judgement. “Even I, as deficient in such discernment, can perceive as much.”
“I believe my sister may feel more comfortable in displaying her feelings in Gracechurch Street than at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy.” Darcy nodded in understanding and then changed the topic once more.
“I informed my uncle, the Earl of ____, of our engagement.”
Elizabeth was not sure from his expression how this news had been received. She rather thought that, if the earl was much like his sister, it had not been welcomed and Darcy had been subject to another session of abuse.
“Should I anticipate that he also does not favour the match, Mr. Darcy? Does his opinion match that of your aunt?” Elizabeth could not altogether hide the concern she felt at the negative reaction of his family. It was not unexpected, but that fact did not lessen the discomfort attached to it.
“My uncle is much more sensible than my aunt. I will not deny that he had expectations of a more prestigious match, but he was not abusive to you at all. His concern, if I may be frank, was that I knew my own mind and that I had not been trapped or compromised into a marriage by a mercenary young woman. I believe he accepted the assurances which I tendered although it took, I admit, a full hour to persuade him to my way of thinking.”
He smiled once more at Elizabeth, “His wife, the countess, was surprisingly not astonished by the news. I believe Richard must have said something to her when he returned. I suspect that both my aunt and uncle had begun to despair of my ever taking a wife, knowing as they did my dissatisfaction with those ladies I had encountered in society. They both warned me about Lady Catherine’s reaction and it was, in fact, my uncle’s suggestion that I speak to her immediately that I followed. So, to answer your question, they have assured me that that will receive you with interest and I have promised to bring you to London to meet them before we marry.”
Elizabeth was not sure how she felt about that prospect and her feelings must have been evident as Miss Darcy offered, “I like my Aunt Ellen very much. She is very kind to me.”
Elizabeth laughed, “I cannot imagine anyone being unkind to you, Georgiana. And I am sure that with you and your brother to support me, I will survive the introduction quite well.”
Darcy spoke quietly, “Our aunt is much like our cousin - Richard – quite amiable in almost any company; not like myself, unfortunately.”
“Then I shall have to ensure that you follow your Aunt Catherine’s advice and practice. I am sure you will become a great proficient.” Elizabeth teased.
A subdued chortle beside her and Darcy’s amused look seemed to lighten the atmosphere considerably and the remainder of the journey passed very comfortably. After a short stop at ______ to refresh themselves, they continued on to London arriving at Gracechurch Street by mid-afternoon. Their reception there was all that she had anticipated. Her young cousins welcomed her joyfully – a visit by Cousin Lizzy was always a source of pleasure and they were only dismayed that she would remain but a single night. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the Darcys were also welcomed by her cousins and both appeared comfortable with the exuberance displayed. An invitation to dine that evening was extended to the Darcys who gratefully accepted and departed shortly thereafter to their home to refresh themselves, promising to return as soon as possible.
Elizabeth had no sooner bid them adieu when she was hustled upstairs to Jane’s room by her sister and aunt who both expressed a determination to have the full story behind her engagement. Pleading fatigue and a need to rest and refresh herself, Elizabeth, recognizing that nothing short of a full confession - although, as she reminded herself, not all details need be imparted – would satisfy their curiosity (and in the case of Jane, concern), she assured them of a full recounting of events after their guests left that night.
The Darcys did return, accompanied by Mr. Bingley, and the evening passed enjoyably for all and Elizabeth took satisfaction in the obvious comfort and ease that the Darcys displayed in the company of her aunt and uncle. In particular, Darcy and her uncle engaged in a lengthy discussion of angling and the sport to be had in Derbyshire. She could not be certain but it seemed to her that plans were being laid for the Gardiners to visit Pemberley that summer, plans of which she knew nothing – not that she would ever object to such a visit; indeed, quite the reverse - were she to be asked for an opinion.
The Darcys did not prolong their stay after dinner was completed. The journey had obviously fatigued Miss Darcy and her brother, if reluctant to be separated from Elizabeth, recognized his sister’s discomfort and called for his carriage. If he and Elizabeth stole a few minutes to converse while awaiting the carriage, the rest of the party were content to afford them the privacy. Elizabeth hoped that he could discern the fondness and pleasure she took in his presence as they stood quietly talking in the hall.
“William, thank you once more for everything and, if I have not said so before, I like your sister a great deal.”
“I hope that means you like her brother a great deal also, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s assurances that she liked Miss Darcy’s brother a very great deal indeed was rewarded by a swift, light kiss that both pleased and failed to satisfied either of them. Within moments, the arrival of the Darcy carriage signalled the return of strict propriety and, shortly thereafter, the Darcys departed, plans in place to meet after church services the next day in order to effect a return to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley, sensing perhaps a desire of the Gardiners and Jane to talk privately with Elizabeth, did not prolong his stay and departed soon after.
Elizabeth was allowed the briefest of respite after his departure before her relations demanded of her a full accounting of her stay in Hunsford and her engagement for, as Jane, noted, “When you left, Lizzie, your opinion of Mr. Darcy seemed to be to reflect a distinct dislike. Yet now …?”
“In cases like this, a good memory is insupportable. I am quite ashamed of my….let us be honest, my prejudices which were nourished by a wounded vanity. It was no less, I assure you.”
“Yet now you esteem him enough to accept his offer of marriage?” queried her aunt.
Elizabeth realized she would have to reveal much of her reflections over the course of her stay as well as some information that she had learned. Darcy’s involvement with persuading Bingley to not return to Netherfield was skirted; she could see no purpose in revealing it since Bingley was now paying his attentions to Jane. His role had always been surmised but revealing the predominance of those efforts would serve no useful purpose now. Everything else – excepting only Georgiana’s treatment by Wickham – was revealed and commented upon. Elizabeth had the satisfaction, after finishing, of having her uncle congratulate her. “I am very pleased, Lizzie, that you approached this proposal with so much thought. You were, I believe, very sensible and I have little doubt that you will be happy in this match. While I have met Mr. Darcy only a few times, I have been most favourably impressed by him. He is perfectly well-behaved, polite and unassuming.”
“There is something a little stately in him, to be sure,” replied her aunt, “but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming. Though some people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it. He has not an ill-natured look. On the contrary, there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks. And there is something of dignity in his countenance that would not give an unfavourable idea of his heart. I like him very well indeed.”
Elizabeth could see that Jane remained slightly troubled and suspected that some questions would remain unanswered until such time as they were secluded in the privacy of their room. She had some suspicions as to the cause of her sister’s disquiet and hoped that she could allay her fears. Later, after changing into their bedclothes, the two sisters settled themselves comfortably on Jane’s bed, eager to discuss the more intimate details of those events that had taken place since last they had met. Elizabeth, despite Jane’s pleadings, insisted that her sister tell all that had happened with respect to Bingley.
“Truthfully, there is not yet much to tell, Lizzy. He has visited several times, apologized for his sister’s behaviour – which I assured him I did not hold to his account. How could I? And he mentioned his plans to re-open Netherfield. But he has said little of his feelings.”
“Well, if I am to be a judge, I think he likes you quite as much as ever he did.”
“Lizzy, you must not say so. You must not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learned to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners now are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man.”
“You are very cruel,” said her sister, “you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it, every moment.”
“How hard it is in some cases to be believed! And how impossible in others! But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I acknowledge?”
“That is a question I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante.”
Jane was satisfied to escape further inquiry and teasing, and recollecting her concern about her sister’s engagement, wondered how she might raise the matter. Elizabeth, though she suspected the source of her sister’s discomfiture, was, at first, not disposed to begin the discussion but, after seeing her struggle for a minute or two, chose to broach it herself.
“It is easy to see that you are troubled, Jane; and, I believe I know the cause. We have always intended to marry only for love have we not?” Jane nodded. “And yet I have not claimed to love Mr. Darcy. Indeed some months back, I rather disliked him. You are worried that I have entered the engagement for improper reasons, are you not?”
Jane hesitated, reluctant to be questioning her sister’s motives. “I am, I admit, concerned. I would not have you in an unhappy marriage; and, I am concerned that you may have accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal in order that Mr. Bingley would call on me.”
Elizabeth began to laugh quietly, “Let me assure you on both counts, my dearest Jane. I was quite convinced that Mr. Darcy would correct his…mistake in regards to Mr. Bingley before I accepted him. That he is an honourable man, I have come to recognize. So banish that thought from your mind.”
She smiled at the relief apparent on her sister’s countenance. “The other issue should concern you even less. It is true that I do not, I think, love Mr. Darcy. But then I hardly know for sure what my feelings are. I know I now like him - I like him a great deal, in fact. I respect him and believe him to be the best man of my acquaintance. I found that I miss his presence when we are apart – the past week has been almost intolerable.” She giggled, “I do like to be kissed by him and could wish for it to happen again!”
Jane looked both shocked and slightly envious, “Lizzy! You did not?”
“Indeed, we did! And, I quite enjoyed it!”
“It does sound very much as if you are in love with him, Lizzy.”
“I hardly know, as I said. I am not sure how I am supposed to feel and my feelings are so new as to leave me quite confused. I do know that I will be respected, loved and cared for; and, that my family will be looked after, which is no small consideration.”
Elizabeth replied to Jane's querying look, saying, “He has not said as much, nor have I asked it of him; but I am convinced that, as a matter which would concern me, he would wish to be of assistance.”
Elizabeth could see that if her sister retained any lingering concerns, they had been, for the most part, laid to rest. The remainder of their conversation, before sleep overtook them somewhat later than was perhaps sensible, took a while – but two sisters, separated for a prolonged period, have much to talk about that renders sleep unimportant.
~~~~
The journey to Longbourn was amongst the most pleasing that Elizabeth had ever experienced; the company was amiable, the distance not overlong and the carriage, most commodious. With five passengers, all capable and desirous of being entertained, topics of conversation were not wanting and even brief moments of silence were uncommon. Their reception at Longbourn was much more restrained than Elizabeth had expected. Mrs. Bennet, apparently informed of her daughter’s engagement, stood in such awe of her intended son-in-law, that she ventured not to speak to him, unless it was in her power to offer him any attention, or mark her deference to his opinion. To Mr. Bingley, she showed no such reserve; and her attentions in that quarter, by their volume and duration, were such as to remove any doubt as to her pleasure in his return. That he had done so in company with Jane, only fixed more firmly in her mind the certainty of his attachment to her.
The Darcys and Mr. Bingley did not linger overlong at Longbourn; staying only long enough to accept an invitation to dine the next evening before removing to Netherfield to establish themselves there. At Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet had been compelled to refrain from inviting their neighbours to join the celebration of the family’s good fortune only by the sternest of injunctions from her husband. “We will not impose on Mr. Darcy, or Mr. Bingley tonight Mrs. Bennet. We will, instead, enjoy and be satisfied with the company of our two eldest daughters whose good sense has been sorely missed for many months.”
As a consequence, the evening passed in a lively manner. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced to see Jane in undiminished beauty and, after satisfying herself by receiving a full accounting of Mr. Bingley’s attentions to her, was much engaged in collecting an account of the present fashions from her; and more than once during dinner did Mr. Bennet say voluntarily to Elizabeth, “I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth had not been many hours at home – indeed it was a major topic of conversation at dinner - , before she found that the removal of the ____shire Militia to Brighton had given rise to a scheme, for which Lydia appeared to be the primary proponent. It was to have the Bennet family spend some months during the summer at that location. This scheme was under frequent discussion between her parents. Elizabeth saw directly that her father had not the smallest intention of yielding; but his answers were at the same time so vague and equivocal, that her mother, though often disheartened, had never yet despaired of succeeding at last. Since Elizabeth was sure that her father had no intention of agreeing to any such plan, she gave it little further thought.
That evening, her mother finally managed to put thoughts of the possibility of a match between Mr. Bingley and Jane far enough away to direct her attentions to Elizabeth. As Mr. Bennet had related, she had sat silent for a full ten minutes upon receipt of the news that morning and had been, even for her, unusually incoherent when control had been returned to her powers of speech. Elizabeth was much relieved that Mr. Darcy had been spared that exhibition; he had been very civil in his manner towards her mother when they met, but an effusion of that intensity by her mother might well have caused a return of the more reserved and reticent Mr. Darcy. How Miss Darcy – Georgiana – would have reacted, she could only guess but Elizabeth was sure that it would have shocked and thoroughly overset her sensibilities. Now, however, her mother was pleased to share with her – no longer her least favoured daughter – all her joys at the match she had made; and, calling Elizabeth to her chambers as she prepared for sleep, could not bear to do other than give full expression of that pleasure.
“Good gracious! Lord bless me! Only think! Dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true! Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! I am so pleased - so happy. Such a charming man! -- so handsome! so tall! - Oh, my dear Lizzy! pray apologize for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Everything that is charming! A daughter married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will become of me. I shall go distracted.”
This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted: and Elizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion was heard only by herself, soon went away. But before she had been three minutes in her own room, her mother followed her.
“My dearest child,” she cried, “I can think of nothing else! Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! ‘Tis as good as a Lord! And a special license. You must and shall be married by a special license. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it tomorrow.”
This was a sad omen of what her mother’s behaviour to the gentleman himself might be; and Elizabeth found that, though in the certain possession of his warmest affection, and secure of her relations’ consent, there was still something to be wished for. But the morrow passed off much better than she expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily remained in awe of her intended son-in-law and spared him her overt attentions. Such attentions as he did desire or opinions that he expressed were received with a deference that stood in marked distinction to her previous treatment of him, a circumstance of which only Mrs. Bennet was unaware.
Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet soon assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem.
Thanks to my Beta (Alida) for her efforts on my behalf.