Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 12 Posted on Tuesday, 17 August 1999
Mrs. Bennet lay fainted on the ground. Finally, Mrs. Philips and Jane managed to put the lady on her bed. Afterward, Jane left in order to fetch her father while her aunt attempted to reanimate Mrs. Bennet by using the smelling-salts.
Actually, Jane came back with the whole household behind her. They entered the chamber at the same time Mrs. Bennet' was recovering herself,
"Oh, Mr. Bennet! I have told you! I have told you Lizzy would bring shame upon us!"
"Ah, Mrs. Bennet! I can not believe you are still rebuking Lizzy for having declined Mr. Collins' proposal!"
"It is worse, much worse, Mr. Bennet!" Mrs. Bennet remarked.
Elizabeth looked at Jane inquiringly, but the latter only lowered her eyes. She intended to say something, but she was interrupted by her mother's speech towards her,
"Now I comprehend why you did not want to marry your cousin, young lady!" Mrs. Bennet began to weep. "Just to scurry around, maintaining furtive encounters with that disagreeable man!"
Everybody looked from Mrs. Bennet to Elizabeth, and from her to the weeping lady again. Mrs. Bennet proceeded,
"How dare you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Your behaviour was against everything you learnt! You are supposed to conduct yourself as a lady, not as a ..."
"I beg your pardon, ma'am, but I have not had the pleasure of perceiving what you are talking about..." Elizabeth was really amazed had anyone else seen Wickham kissing her beyond Mr. Darcy?
"Ah, you insist on pretending ignorance... Well, it seems that only you, Elizabeth, do not know anything about the matter!" Everybody in the room, except for Mrs. Philips and Jane, was growing curious. At last, Mrs. Bennet decided to satisfy their curiosity,
"According to my sister's account, everyone in Meryton is saying that you, my dear, are Mr. Darcy's mistress! You were seen kissing him in the woods between Lucas Lodge and Meryton! And he even affronted us more by coming here and pretending he had helped you, Lizzy!" Elizabeth became red and, for the first time in her life, speechless. She made an effort to speak but she could not, such was her bewilderment! Who could have invented such falsehood and why?
Kitty's and Lydia's eyes opened widely as well as her mouths! "Saint" Elizabeth has finally been caught! Lydia thought. And with that tedious Mr. Darcy! That was very comical indeed! She could not control herself anymore and said,
"I knew it! Mr. Darcy danced only with Lizzy at the ball! But Lizzy, that man is so dull!" Lydia and Kitty giggled at the former's observation.
"Lydia!" Jane and Mr. Bennet admonished her at the same time. Mr. Bennet continued, "Mary, Kitty and Lydia! I want you out of this room immediately!" The two youngest pouted but they dared not contest their father. Mary did not care at all, as she would be able to return to Fordyce's sermons and maybe engage Mr. Collins into a discussion.
Shortly after his young daughters had left, Mr. Bennet approached his wife by saying,
"My dear Mrs. Bennet! It is unbelievable that you are reprimanding your daughter about a silly slander. I am convinced that you have not even asked her about the veracity of this affair..."
Mrs. Bennet made a face and answered, "No, I have not."
"Then I think this will be left to me..." He turned to Elizabeth and asked, "My dear! Is it true that Mr. Darcy and you... Hmm... Did this gentleman and you share certain intimacy?"
"Father! Of course not!" Elizabeth blushed. As a matter of fact, they had shared an embrace but she could not confess that! It would make things worse! Furthermore, Mr. Darcy had only attempted to comfort her and she had accepted it due to her momentary weakness, nothing else.
Mr. Bennet seemed satisfied with his daughter's reply. He knew her too well to believe she could have misbehaved. "See, Mrs. Bennet? Your sister and you should have already learnt not to pay attention to calumny!"
Mrs. Philips realised she had to say something. The situation was quite serious and her brother was not pondering it seriously,
"Excuse my interference, brother." She said, afraid of Mr. Bennet's reaction. She knew that he considered her as witless as her sister. Still that would not prevent her from giving her opinion, "I have never believed in those lies. Yet we should not ignore that people are really excited and ..."
"Nonsense! They will forget this as soon as it appears another gossip..." Mr. Bennet said, attempting to end the discussion.
"But Mr. Bennet, how long will we be the reason of contempt of the county?" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "It will not do! You must see Mr. Darcy and force him to marry Lizzy!"
Elizabeth became frantic. She would not bear getting married only to silence the rumour it would be even worse than marrying to secure Longbourn to her family! She looked at her father, looking forward to hearing his answer,
"I should as soon force Mr. Bingley to marry Jane, as they are also being paired off by all the county! Oh, and after solving these matters, I would be happy until people started talking about Mary, Kitty or Lydia. At that point I would be required again to arrange more three happy matrimony!" Mr. Bennet said disdainfully.
"Oh, Mr. Bennet!" Mrs. Bennet said desperately.
"No "ohs" ma'am, I beg you! The situation is resolved Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth did not do anything, for God's sake! The more we give consequence to this defamation, the more people will talk. You should take my advice, my dear: forget it!" Mr. Bennet turned on his heels and went back to his library.
Jane and Elizabeth took the opportunity and left as quick as lightning, before Mrs. Bennet could resume her laments. Mrs. Philips was not so lucky... nor so fast.
At Jane's Bedchamber
"Jane, you did not believe that I could have conducted myself so badly, did you?"
Jane reddened but answered her sister's question, "I must confess I did, Lizzy. I thought you had not told me everything..."
"Jane!" Elizabeth was surprised. "You know my feelings about Mr. Darcy!"
"Pardon me for saying, but I knew your feelings until yesterday morning! So many things have happened since then, that I would not be shocked if your feelings for him had altered..."
"So fast? And to allow such intimacy? Jane, whom do you conceive I am?"
"Please, Lizzy, do not distress yourself so much! It was just a romantic hypothesis... I am excessively sorry if I offended you!"
"A romantic hypothesis? Oh, the old nice Jane while people presume me a lost woman, you see me as a Scott's heroine! I forgive you because I know that, actually, you did not think bad of me!" Elizabeth smiled.
"Anyway, Lizzy, someone must have seen Mr. Darcy and you together indeed!"
"Or maybe Mr. Wickham and me..." Elizabeth added. "No, this person could not have confused them as Mr. Wickham was wearing his uniform... It was really Mr. Darcy! Therefore it is perfectly reasonable that I may have been seen in his arms!" Elizabeth closed her eyes, "Oh, Jane! Likewise to father's intention, I am also making an attempt to believe that this scandal will not persist."
"I hope not, dear sister! Otherwise you will have to marry Mr. Darcy..."
"You know that would be impossible, Jane! Papa would never coerce him..."
"If the situation does not improve, father will unquestionably seek Mr. Darcy..."
"And Mr. Darcy would never agree with such engagement! I am just tolerable, do you remember? Besides, we have a reciprocal antipathy..."
"I do not think he dislikes you, Lizzy! It seems to me he holds a peculiar regard for you..."
"Oh, I know you will say he helped me, confided his secret to me..."
"Exactly!"
"All right, Jane! I am attempting to convince myself he is not so displeasing! Yet I do not believe Mr. Darcy would connect himself with our family. I am sure he considers us inferior..."
"He came to your help once, why not now?" Jane looked at Elizabeth for confirmation but her sister just shook her head. Jane breathed. "Anyway, do you think Mr. Darcy has heard anything about this matter?"
"I do not know, but if he has, he must already be miles away from me and these gossipy savages!"
At Netherfield, In The Evening
Darcy was pacing his bedchamber. He was looking for a special article, a bookmarker embroidered by Georgiana before that dreadful summer. Since Morrisey had already packed all his things, having left out only some personal items as well as some books, Darcy was afraid his valet had lost it.
He was thinking of ringing the bell to call the servant when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" He answered. His valet entered, looking rather agitated than the usual. "Morrisey, have you seen my bookmarker? I left it here, next to these letters yesterday..."
"I believe it is inside the Shakespeare book, sir. It seems you read it last night..."
"Oh, I have completely forgotten it! Thank you, Morrisey!" Having difficulty to fall asleep last night, Darcy had leafed through some books until taking Shakespeare's Sonnets ... He took the volume, opened it and saw the delicate work Georgiana had stitched, some of his favourite verses,
If I could write the beauty of your eyes
And in fresh numbers number all your graces,
The age to come would say 'This poet lies:
Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.'*
He gently touched the thread.I had never understood why I liked these lines. Now I have a genuine reason to appreciate them! He was taken out of his reverie by his valet's cough. Darcy raised his head and noticed that Morrisey was nervously tossing his fingers around one of his ties. "Has anything happened, Morrisey?"
"Oh, nothing, sir. It is really nothing..." The valet did not know how to approach the subject how could he talk about the gossip which was been disseminated around Meryton without looking meddlesome? He knew his master hated any kind of hearsay, coming either from the servants of from his peers. Oh, Heaven knows I am miserable now! But I have to mention what is happening! He started,
"As a matter of fact, I believe I have to report something unpleasant, sir..."
Darcy twisted his lips, "Do not tell me we shall have to stay another day here! If that is true, I am riding my horse now and leaving immediately!"
"Oh no, sir. I have not heard anything about it... It is..." The poor valet inhale deeply and proceeded, "I have been working for you for more than seven years, sir. You know that I am incapable of interfering on other people's actions, let alone disclosing them!"
"I am quite convinced of it! Otherwise I would have already dismissed your services... But pray continue."
"I have heard people talk about you, sir, in different ways and towns, but I have never given it consequence, as I am pretty aware that this happens due to your position in society... However, earlier in this afternoon, I came upon two maids talking about the latest news in Meryton. They were talking about you, sir!"
Would people know about the duel? Darcy walked to his bed and sat down with his back turned from Morrisey, pretending he was looking for some interesting passages on a book. He did not want his valet to see his reaction. "I already know that people do not like me and I consider this a blessing!"
"Ah... It is not only related to you sir... In fact, they also mentioned a lady called Bennet, the witty one..." Morrisey realised his master's shoulders stiffened on hearing about the lady. "Hum, I can not remember her name..."
"Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy spoke, without turning back.
"This one! It seems Miss Bingley does not like her and the maids were therefore prohibited of making allusion about this gossip involving this witty lady and you next to me, sir. Miss Bingley does not want you to know about the matter, but do not ask me why. However, one of the maids worked at Miss Elizabeth's house some years ago and is really fond of her and her sister, the blonde one. This maid is afraid this slander is going to damage Miss Elizabeth's reputation..."
"Slander?" Darcy faced his valet. "Tell me without delay, what are people talking about Miss Elizabeth and me?"
"It seems that a certain Mrs. Long and her nieces saw the lady and you yesterday, sir. You would be kissing Miss Elizabeth and she was... she was... on the top of your thighs..." Morrisey lowered his head, "Miss Elizabeth is being considered your mistress, sir!" The valet took out a handkerchief and cleaned the sweat on his forehead.
Darcy became pale. He walked to the window and looked outside. He could see the shade of some trees but not the stars in the sky it was clouded again. He was breathing hard. Nevertheless, the nightmare has just started, as Morrisey had not finished his narrative yet,
"And what intrigued me more is who is helping to divulge this infamy, sir. This maid told me it is an officer who claims acquaintance with you Mr. Wickham, I presume, as I saw him in Meryton last week. He has told that such ignoble behaviour it is very common of you, sir, and that you are used to selecting mistresses and abandoning them later on in each town you visit! It is implausible how your father's godson can be so disloyal and perjurer!"
Darcy knocked the window frame. Wickham again! He is provoking me openly and trying to damage Elizabeth as well, since she did not accept his advances. Oh, I am looking forward to this duel! Trying to conceal his anger, Darcy said, "You can not imagine what Mr. Wickham is capable of, Morrisey. But do not distress yourself more.. We shall be leaving to Town tomorrow and people will forget this story."
"I hope so, sir."
"I am very thankful for your information. Ah, please tell to this attentive maid that Miss Elizabeth's honour will not be affected by these rumours... I shall take care of it personally."
"As you wish, sir."
Darcy was alone again. He sat on his bed and touched the bookmarker again. That came just to reinforce what it was already decided... Tomorrow... Tomorrow I shall be departing and everything will be settled again.
*"Sonnet XVII", Shakespeare
Chapter 13
November 29th, 1811
At Longbourn, in the morning
Breakfast had been a time to endure for Elizabeth. Not only did she have to tolerate Kitty and Lydia's malevolent comments and looks, but also Mrs. Bennet's cant, "Mr. Bennet, you must talk to Mr. Darcy about marrying Lizzy! It will not do! You must think about the other girls too." Her father had proceeded with his customary behaviour, pretending not to pay attention to his young daughters' misconduct, nor to his wife's drivel.
As the morning was sunny, Elizabeth had resolved to go out for a stroll. On coming back, she met Jane quite distraught in the drawing room.
"Has anything happened, Jane?" Elizabeth inquired in a concerned tone.
"I have just received Miss Bingley's letter..."
"And..."
"Caroline Bingley, the Hursts and Mr. Darcy left to London and do not intend to come back to Netherfield next winter..."
"She told you so..."
"Yes, Lizzy. She made it clear that Mr. Bingley will not want to leave Town after having met again the pleasures which he is used to. Besides, she mentions that her brother will constantly be in contact with Miss Darcy, implying that an alliance between them may occur in the future."
"And do you give credence to Miss Bingley's insinuations? Dearest Jane, she wishes to believe that her brother will never return here and she wants you to do the same! As far as I am concerned, I had never seen two people so tenderly attached as you and Mr. Bingley are! I am sure Mr. Bingley will be back sooner than you expect..."
The conversation between the two sisters so continued, with Jane searching for evidence to make Miss Bingley's words true and Elizabeth attempting to contradict them. Were they in this way engaged that they did not notice Mr. Bennet's presence in the room. "Elizabeth!" Mr. Bennet called out in order to get his daughter's attention.
Elizabeth turned back and responded, "Oh, Papa! I am sorry, I had not realised you were here!"
"Could you come with me to my library? I have some business to deal with you, my child..." Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement and accompanied her father to his room.
After having closed the door, Mr. Bennet gave to his daughter a letter he had received earlier this morning. Elizabeth looked puzzled at him.
"Do you remember Mr. Hayes, Lizzy? He is an old friend of mine who lives near your Aunt Philips. A very sensible man... It is from him. Read it, my dear."
Elizabeth began to read the missive. The more she read, the more she became apprehensive. She shook her head in disbelief, "Father, this can not be true! Mr. Hayes is saying that some families in Meryton are considering the possibility of not receiving us anymore due to that falsehood about my being Mr. Darcy's mistress!"
"Mr. Hayes says it so. It appears that three people witnessed your 'love scene': Mrs. Long and her nieces. The fact that they are not servants, though their tongues are even worse, is persuading people to have no doubt of such absurdity..."
"But I did not remember having seen anybody there!"
"On the other hand, these ladies saw Mr. Darcy and you very well!"
"Papa, Mr. Darcy might have been helping me to sit down, or perhaps managing to stop the blood in my forehead, I do not know! This senseless talk is just risible of contempt!"
"I comprehend what you mean, my dear. I know you too well to believe you capable of risking your virtue. Furthermore, after having conversed with this gentleman, I could recognise that, despite his 'called' pride and haughtiness, Mr. Darcy is a virtuous man! I can not therefore conceive both of you acting surreptitiously against society rules... But read on, Lizzy. There are more things to 'divert' you..."
Elizabeth followed her father's suggestion hastily, only to grow even more irritated. "Your friend also remarks that an officer is inciting people's imagination beyond the limit, by disclosing which he supposedly knows about Mr. Darcy's conduct toward country ladies. Apparently, this officer has said that Mr. Darcy is accustomed to seducing maidens and leave them later on. This is rather abominable, father! I do not believe Mr. Darcy would be able of committing such faults! It must be Mr. Wickham who is spreading these stories..."
"Exactly, my dear! He has just started to retaliate you for not 'accepting' him! Doubtless he would not risk doing it in the ensuing months, as he may and Lord permits it! succumb to Mr. Darcy's sword!"
"Papa, this is a blasphemy!"
"I can not help it, my dear! Nor I regret having uttered it! And if Mr. Darcy does not do the complete service, I shall be compelled to do it myself!"
"Papa, please! You know this act is absolutely irrational!"
"Calm yourself down, Elizabeth! I promise you I shall wait for Mr. Darcy's revenge... However, you perceive what I am forced to do at this moment..."
"Papa, you do not mean..." Elizabeth refused to believe in which her father was implying.
"I am excessively sorry, my child. I hoped the situation would improve, but after having read my friend's accounts on it, it is not possible to forget this matter so easily! I can not jeopardise your reputation, nor our family's!"
"Father, please! I think we should wait a little..."
"As you wish, my dear. But this "little" means one or two days more. However, if Mr. Darcy applies to your hand, I shall give him my consent immediately!"
"He will not come! He has left Netherfield together with Miss Bingley and the Hursts, and thinking of not coming back... Miss Bingley sent Jane a letter detailing their designs."
"If he is a man of honour as I am convinced he is, he will turn back... and to Longbourn."
"I ardently hope you are wrong, papa!" Elizabeth was tired of this subject. She took the first book she saw on her father's table and said, "I think I had enough of this, papa. I shall be reading outside..."
"Go, my dear! Go! And I hope you have time to ponder over everything we have talked about. Reflect on your future - which respectable man would connect himself to a woman whose honour had already been damaged? Furthermore, you should also think about your sisters. Although the young ones do not worth the sacrifice, what about Jane?" Having said this, Mr. Bennet immersed himself in his books again and Elizabeth left the room feeling rather distressed.
Elizabeth walked towards the left side of the lawn, her favourite spot at Longbourn. This place was surrounded by some trees, which turned it into a secluded haven. Even with the imminent cold weather and the lack of leaves on the branches, the imposing trunks and limbs of the trees maintained the location protected from the scrutiny of spying eyes that could be behind the curtains at the house. She sat down in one of the benches which there were in that place and remained silent for some minutes, just listening to the wind rotating the yellowed foliage.
Her father was right. She needed to meditate upon the situation. But she could not wed Mr. Darcy just to save her reputation! She could not think of marrying any man without knowing his true disposition. A man to admire as a partner and to be admired by him; to stimulate her wit and to be constantly invigorated by her; a man to acknowledge her as his equal, not to consider her another servant nor part of his estate those were her aspirations! Only such man could trail the path to her heart...
And she had not been able to make Mr. Darcy's character out yet... The enigma was still unsolved! It was quite irritating since the more she thought, the less she comprehended whom he really was! That was not good!
Nonetheless, Mr. Darcy was not important at the moment. She should concentrate on how to re-establish her good name. Marriage was definitely out of her plans! Perhaps she should leave Meryton and stay with the Gardiners in London for a while... Her uncle and aunt would be happy to accommodate her as well as to help her to resolve this matter. Yes, that was a very good idea indeed! She would suggest it to her father... Were she out of town, people might forget that stupidity!
She got content with her plan until another prospect came upon her mind, "Or my trip to Town may even reinforce the backbiting further some people would say that I would do it so in order to pursue Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth became desolate. What should she do?
Notwithstanding, considering she was not used to dwelling upon matters she could not solve properly nor quickly, she decided to engage her mind in a more pleasing activity reading!
She lowered her head and stared at the book on her lap Sonnets, by William Shakespeare. She smiled. She would have fun by trying to recite some verses she knew by heart. Whilst she was younger, and certainly more fanciful, she used to memorize the lines she wished that her "prince" would say in his declaration of eternal love!
Elizabeth roared loud. How could she have been so innocent? She had never found a gentleman who could recite poetry without appearing affected! Furthermore, she had also realised that the ones who wrote or say verses as a way of reaching their objects of affection made use of such "skills" more to pretend a passionate love, rather than really expressing what they felt in general infatuation, not true love.
Elizabeth sighed. She could not help entertaining black thoughts indeed! She needed to distract herself... "Which one was that sonnet about 'being a slave? Hmm... Sonnet LVIII!" She looked it up in the book and found it. Thereupon, she read it in a haste and closed the book. Making a serious face, she put her hand on her chest and began,
That god forbid that made me first your slave,
I should in thought control your times of pleasure,
Or at your hand the account of hours to crave,
Elizabeth burst out laughing, "I would not even convince my gullible mother!" After having controlled herself, she went on, "And which one was about 'beautiful eyes'? Do I still remember it?" She started,
Who will believe my verse in time to come,
If it were fill'd with your most high deserts?
Though yet, heaven knows, it is but as a tomb
Which hides your life and shows not half of your parts.
She made a halt. "Oh, I can not recall the next verses..." The answer came from behind her in a very deep but crystalline voice,
If I could write the beauty of your eyes
And in fresh numbers number all your graces,
Elizabeth got cold. Who could have been listening to her silly joke? She turned around only to become more dismayed! Her mouth opened and she felt her cheeks reddened. She could only mutter,
"Mr. Darcy!"
The gentleman pretended not to see Elizabeth's embarrassment and proceeded with a playful smile and glistening eyes,
The age to come would say 'This poet lies:
Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.'
Chapter 14
Elizabeth was perplexed Mr. Darcy reciting verses? No, she could only be dreaming of it...
"Do you wish me to continue, Miss Bennet?" Darcy said in a very obliging manner.
"Yes!" She answered quickly, but recollecting herself she went on, "No! I mean, you scared me, sir!"
"I assure you that it was not my intention. Mr. Bennet had told me I could find you here..."
"My father?" Elizabeth could not believe it! Had her father lost his sense? How could he have sent Mr. Darcy here, being aware of the fact she was alone?
"Yes, your father had told me you sometimes enjoy coming to this particular spot..."
That is right! Papa must be deranged! Not only did he send Mr. Darcy here but he also revealed my preferences to a stranger! Elizabeth tried to conceal her irritation and proceeded, "I understood you were miles away, Mr. Darcy..."
"I would not depart without being assured of your good health..."
"I am very well. I thank you, sir."
"But you have not answered my question yet..."
"About reciting? Oh, Mr. Darcy! You want me to answer affirmatively so that you can laugh at my inferior preference. Hence I say no!" Having said this, Elizabeth sat down.
Darcy remembered a similar conversation between them, about dancing a reel, in which she had refused to stand up with him using an identical statement. However, she would not deceive him again. He would not allow her to win easily at this moment... Furthermore, he was too anxious and needed something to disguise his feelings he had a serious matter to deal with Elizabeth but he did not know how to approach it properly,
"I know that you sometimes profess opinions which are not your own. To tell the truth, I believe you really enjoy listening to poetry more than reading it, I dare say! I am therefore going to proceed and as your last choice was about 'beautiful eyes', I may say I recollect some delightful lines on the theme..." Before Elizabeth could interrupt him, Darcy began to recite locking his eyes on hers,
Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me,
Knowing thy heart torments me with disdain,
Have put on black and loving mourners be,
Looking with pretty ruth upon my pain.
And truly not the morning sun of heaven
Better becomes the grey cheeks of the east,
Nor that full star that ushers in the even
Doth half that glory to the sober west,
Elizabeth was overwhelmed! Mr. Darcy reciting verses was remarkably extraordinary! To make matters worse, he was not assumed at all! His eyes did not make circles nor he kept his hand on his chest pretending to touch a tormented heart. Not even his voice hold a crying tone (she had always founded this "fault" extremely repulsive indeed!)! On the contrary, his voice was strong, deep and absolutely virile! And his enigmatic eyes had made hers captive! Not to mention the sonnet he had chosen... Elizabeth could not help a cold shiver running through her spine...
As a matter of fact, Elizabeth was entranced! She promised to herself never to listen to any poem so well recited again! It may even impel the most sensible woman to insanity, Mary would state! Were not Mr. Darcy the minstrel, Elizabeth would be in some danger!
As those two mourning eyes become thy face:
O, let it then as well beseem thy heart
To mourn for me, since mourning doth thee grace,
And suit thy pity like in every part.
Then will I swear beauty herself is black
And all they foul that thy complexion lack *
Darcy finished the recital but went on holding Elizabeth's gaze. She had a bemused face and her eyes were scintillating than ever they seemed to be inviting him to a plunge into her essence... Oh, Lord! Why can I not avoid this day-dreaming anymore? It has been impelling me to commit irrational acts...
Had Elizabeth been capable of conquering her bafflement, she would have realised how agitated Darcy was. Nevertheless, it took some time for her to become aware of the silence which had been reigning for some minutes. It appeared that they had been waiting for something which only Good Lord knew what was! Eventually, Elizabeth made an attempt to think and stated the first thing which came to her mind,
"You astonish me, Mr. Darcy! I have never conceived that you owned such... ability!"
"I thank you, Miss Bennet. Actually, I possess some abilities which are not perceived by a common observer." He stopped, as if pondering the next words. He lowered his head and gazed at his ring, "I believe I just reveal myself to the ones I esteem... I do not perform for strangers!"
I paid him a compliment and he disdained it effortlessly! The proud and disagreeable gentleman is back that is the Mr. Darcy I know! And I dare say that it is easier to handle this side than the kind and attentive one! Elizabeth's teasing manner had been arisen. She stood up and walked towards a tree. Darcy thought she would leave him alone and he was almost calling her out when she turned back and attacked in a derisive way,
"And I believe that the six accomplished ladies who deserve the demonstration of your abilities indisputably enjoy it, and they can not stop remarking about how proficient you are!"
Once again she misunderstood my meaning! I can not comprehend how she fancies herself a studious character! Yet I shall play her game. I want to see where she will go with her battle... Moreover, it is so stimulating seeing her eyes sparkle in spleen... Darcy counter-attacked,
"Oh, yes! These ladies really know how to appreciate my performance. As a matter of fact, they always implore for more!" Darcy was bluffing since he had never recited poetry heretofore. He used to think that such activity was nonsensical! Elizabeth, and Elizabeth alone, had provoked such desire on him...
"Perhaps they are eagerly willing to listen to you for other reasons rather than poetry, sir..." Elizabeth knew she would be audacious, but she could not help, "Would they be so enthusiastic if you were not Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?"
Touchι! Nice movement, dear lady! I have already noticed that your sharp tongue was the device of an even more acute intellect! Nevertheless, your comment caught me completely unguarded! But is your armour sufficiently good in order to obstruct my next movement? He moved forward,
"You might be right, Miss Bennet. Still I believe that every woman craves for listening to some verses from the one she beholds in high esteem. Do you not do the same?"
Elizabeth twisted her lips sarcastically and said, "I do not possess a romantic disposition, sir. I presume you have already heard my opinion about poetry and love. As a matter of fact, I crave for an attentive and kind person who will respect and love me in a like manner I shall do towards him, not for a minstrel used to stealing other people's words to declare feelings which he really does not have..."
"Perchance the gentlemen of your acquaintance are not skilled at using poetry properly, Miss Bennet. At the moment you meet the one who will talk directly to your heart by giving meaning to other people's words, you will not disdain the power of poetry in such matters..." Darcy said this with a serious voice, but smiling.
Elizabeth shivered the conversation was becoming too personal. She decided so to answer his comment before he could go on, "I bet I shall not!" Darcy just bowed to her as if he were accepting her challenge. All of a sudden, she noticed their whereabouts and that one more time she was alone with him, without a chaperone. That would not do, she could not stand further backbiting!
" I have to leave you sir, I am afraid. We are unaccompanied and I do not wish to amplify the idle talk about us. I suppose you have already heard about our 'supposed' relationship..."
"Yes, I have. And I am very distressed indeed!"
"I scarcely believe you are giving consequence to this, sir! You must be accustomed to people pairing you off in Town..."
"Yes, I have already become used to it, ma'am. However, I have never been accused of degrading a lady's reputation!"
"Why should you care, sir? You are leaving this provincial area to never return!"
"I care because you live here, Miss Bennet, and you will have to put up with this alone!" Darcy stated in utter disbelief. Does she not realise how harmful this story is to her future?
"Moreover, I know that Mr. Wickham has helped to disseminate this falsehood as well as to add further details to it. I can not pretend that this does not exist and let your good name be blemished! We had really been together alone and I did something which, seen from a certain distance, might have raised some people's imagination." Both of them blushed on remembering the moment (and the embrace) they had shared.
At this moment, Darcy was absolutely nervous he was turning his signet ring around his finger furiously. Yet Elizabeth did not notice his uneasiness, as she was also distraught, attempting to think of something which could prevent whatever he would certainly offer. Nothing came to her mind, so she sat down in the bench silently. On hearing his voice, she looked up at him,
"I know the situation of our families is remarkably different and that, doing what I came to propose, I am expressly acting against which my family and friends expect from me I am even acting against my character! However, it is my duty, as I involuntarily incited these rumours, but also a privilege..." He halted. Should I mention what I overcame to be here? Would it be advisable to tell her that my decision had already been taken before my hearing about this scandalous? Or should I conceal my feelings and let her know them gradually in the future? Darcy looked at the naked branches of a tree nearby, but they could not offer any help. For the first time in his life, he was following which his heart dictated and he was feeling powerless. Still he needed to continue, as Elizabeth was staring at him curiously,
"But it is also a privilege to propose what I shall do. Miss Bennet, would do me the honour of consenting to be my wife?"
* Sonnet CXXXII
Chapter 15
Elizabeth could not believe in which she had just heard! Mr. Darcy had proposed marriage to her! A marriage of convenience, there was no doubt! No, it would not do she would never marry out of convenience! Furthermore, she still hoped that another solution could be found. Having considered this and noticing that Mr. Darcy was waiting for her reply, Elizabeth attempted to give one according to which propriety established in such cases,
"Obligation demands to thank you for the compliment you are bestowing on me, sir. However, I can not accept your proposal. I can not agree with a matrimony delineated by duty!"
Darcy became purple. She was refusing him! No, that was inconceivable any woman of this country would be more than obliged for receiving such compliment and she dared to refuse him! She must be out of her senses! I am also trying to help her can she not see that? Restraining his irritation, he exclaimed,
"Miss Bennet! I believe you are not considering the matter properly..."
"I have considered it perfectly well, Mr. Darcy! You may be overcoming your beliefs in order to propose to me, but it does not mean I should forget mine an alliance between us would be disastrous! You do not love me, neither I love you, sir! You do not even seem to respect me..."
Darcy could hardly control himself, I do! Oh, Elizabeth! Can you not see I am desperately in love with you? His initial irritation had been replaced by disappointment. Deep inside he had entertained the idea that Elizabeth could feel something for him... But even if he had confessed his passion for her, that would not have altered her opinion, she had declared her feelings very clearly indeed.
He decided so to leave there was no point in insisting upon something which would only bring him more anguish. He looked at her for the last time before taking leave. She seemed to be reflecting as her eyes had a pensive look and her bottom lip was twisted he had learnt to recognise some of her reactions and that one was very particular... Out of sudden, a disconcerting thought occurred to him, Is she not worth a battle? He breathed deeply... Could he not win her heart? Perhaps she was still under the spell of Wickham's defamation of him... And if she came to know his real disposition, would she not able to return his passion?
Fitzwilliam Darcy was not a person accustomed to abandon a cause without having even fought for it! He needed her to fill out the emptiness he had been bearing for so long and which he would certainly feel on the days before the duel. He needed her to scare away the dreadful thought of having only few days of life... He needed her to feel alive! Yes, he would do everything which was in his power to convince her. Perhaps she could learn to love him... Being so convinced, he came back to the combat,
"I think you misunderstood my meaning, Miss Bennet! I would never propose marriage to a lady whom I could not respect! It is absolutely the contrary, I assure you! I intensely admire and respect you. If I told you I am going against my character by applying to your hand, it is because a marriage of convenience completely differs from my will. Moreover, I would be acting against my family and friends due to the fact that our union would have to be celebrated discreetly, with few people and in short time, as my encounter with that gentleman will happen in less than two weeks... I think these would be enough reasons to frustrate not only my relations, but also yours!
Elizabeth stared at him. She had already given the matter as concluded... Why did he insist upon it? Still she had to concede he had given a plausible explanation about why he was overcoming his will. However, there was also the observation about her family, and as he persisted on his initial intention , she would love to listen to the "clarification" he would provide here,
"But if you consider me below you, sir, why are you offering me a proposal?"
Why does she have to analyse every single word I state? "Miss Bennet, you must know that our situation in life is quite distinct..."
Elizabeth raised pretty incensed, "My father is a gentleman..." But she did not have time to finish it since Darcy came to her and took her hands on his. She gulped. What did he intend to do? She looked at his eyes and, once again, was enraptured by the depth and fondness of them. She felt that her commotion as well as her disposition to combat him had started to vanish...
"I did not come here to discuss the difference between our families, Miss Bennet... I do not care about this at the moment. As a matter of fact, my only concern is related to these rumours the accounts I have of these are very alarming indeed, and I can not see other solution than marrying..." Darcy's voice transpired all the preoccupation he felt, but it still kept a strange affectionate tone.
Elizabeth could feel the warm of his hands passing through his gloves and hers their embrace came to her mind and she shivered. His demonstration of sincere concern, which she had also perceived on the day he had rescued her from Mr. Wickham, had impressed her... Once again she would like to repose her head on his shoulders and forget the troubles outside that haven.
No, I can not do this! I can not comprehend why some strange thoughts about Mr. Darcy have tormented me lately! That embrace meant nothing! She had to concentrate on the present his awkward proposal of marriage! She had to resist, otherwise she would be swallowed by the vortex of his eyes!
"Mr. Darcy, your interest is really impressive, but I believe we should ponder over the matter carefully. If we act hastily now, we may regret it for the rest of our lives!"
"I do not have much time to think, Miss Bennet! My resolution is already taken... Besides, I do not know whether I shall live to regret it or not..." Darcy smiled sadly and released her hands slowly. He turned around and passed his right hand on his hair.
The realisation came to Elizabeth as quick as a flash, The duel! Oh, Lord, he is afraid of not surviving! Therefore he is obsessed about solving this matter so fast!
As if listening to Elizabeth's thoughts, Darcy spun back and said, "I am not fearing the duel. I believe I can defeat Mr. Wickham in a fair confrontation. However, I know him too well to not expect an artifice from his part in order to overpower me! Do you comprehend now why we are in need of reaching a conclusion as soon as possible, Miss Bennet?"
"Yes, I do. Yet I can not..."
"I am forced to interrupt you again, Miss Bennet! Please, I beg you to listen to me! I am not patronising you by offering help in this way! I also need your assistance! If I have chosen you as my future spouse, it is because I recognise and value the strength and integrity of your character! I am resolutely convinced that you, as Mrs. Darcy, will be able to look after my estate as well as sensibly and with easiness guide my sister Georgiana and the heir we may have, if Fate deserts me ... The Darcys continuity will be in your hands!
Elizabeth did not know how to react to Mr. Darcy's words. Could it be possible that he held her in such high respect? She sat down again. She needed time to answer, but he would not allow this,
"Furthermore, you should also think of your family. No respectable people will want to be connected with a family whose daughter had her reputation defamed! I am afraid your family and you will be isolated and, even worse, disgraced!" If he spoke more than this, he would end up humiliating himself! He got silent and decided to wait those had been his last arguments...
Actually, Elizabeth did not know what had confused her more: Darcy's confession that he needed her assistance or his last words, mentioning almost the same thing Mr. Bennet had already pointed out about her reputation... Mr. Bennet's words she could almost listen to them,
Reflect on your future - which respectable man would connect himself to a woman whose honour had already been damaged? Furthermore, you should also think about your sisters. Although the young ones do not worth the sacrifice, what about Jane?
In the very beginning, her father had disregarded the importance of that gossip. However, after having received his friend's letter, he had changed his opinion and had started to think of marrying her to Mr. Darcy. Though Mr. Bennet could not be considered a proper father, he could not be accused of being senseless. And if he had also become worried about her good name, it indicated that the matter should be considered very serious indeed! To make matters worse, the same could be stated about Mr. Darcy he was not a man who would give consequence to foolish gossip, let alone risk his position in life for nothing...
Elizabeth stood up and walked towards a tree. She caressed its trunk and felt its hardness. Life is also hard... It seemed that her options had lessened considerably. It was not that she had had much of them in her life. As a woman, she knew she was predestined to be a wife or a maiden aunt dependent of her family's good will. Still she felt now as if she was been pressuring by two different sides: marriage or shame; Mr. Darcy or not respectable gentleman at all; her will or duty. 'Decipher me or I shall devour it' the Sphinx was waiting for her reply... She came back to where Mr. Darcy was and stated,
"Lord knows that I have never considered this as a good prospect... I have attempted to find another alternative to this matter but I completely failed... However, I can not continue pretending I shall be able to uncover something. You are right, sir, time is running and I can not postpone my decision anymore. Mr. Darcy, do you still wish me to be your wife?"
Darcy released his breath. He had apprehensively waited for her reaction to his last words it seemed that some minutes had been transformed into eternity... But he would not delay to give his answer, "My resolution has never altered for a second..."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and made an effort to state the next sentence in a dispassionate voice, "I consent to become your wife, sir!"
Darcy did not know what to do! Should I be happy because she has finally accepted me? Or miserable because she is accepting me due to duty? Finally, he took her hands again and said, "I promise that you will never regret it..."
I hope not... Elizabeth thought, but she answered nothing.
Chapter 16
Happy or miserable? How should Darcy react to Elizabeth's acceptance of his proposal of marriage? Marriage offer? It looks like more a business deal... He looked at her attempting to make out whether she was at least a little touched, but she kept her eyes low, staring at some twisted yellow leaves.
He wished to kiss her... That was the way he had conceived his proposal he would confess his love for her and proffer; she would accept him and he would kiss her. However, the opposite had succeed: he had omitted his real feelings, she had refused him and he had had to convince her to concur with his design. Not even at Cambridge had he been so persuasive! Never before had he found Aristotle's ideas so useful... His Rhetoric teacher would be proud of him.
He was taken out of his reverie by Elizabeth's effort in removing her hands from his. Before letting them go, he softly passed his thumb over her palm... Unexpectedly, she shivered a little and reddened as well, yet she did not dare to look up at him. Perhaps there is hope... He felt compelled to break that interlude, otherwise he would take her into his arms and...
"I... I think we should talk to your father now as I have to return to London in order to settle the arrangements for the wedding. We shall need a special license due to the fact that we shall be marrying in a week, on December 6th. Do you agree with the date, Miss Bennet?" He finally released her fingers and, as if they were in front of a mirror, both of them put their hands behind their back.
Elizabeth sighed, "I do, sir."
"I would like to spend some days with you before my commitment so that..." He halted. He could not talk openly about which he really had in mind! "...So that I shall be able to instruct you in the matters of my estate." He said hastily.
"As you wish, sir." It was the only answer Elizabeth could state at the moment. However, the realisation of his first words dawned upon her and she could not help asking him, "Pray, tell me. Why should we speak to my father, sir? I believe you should do this alone."
Darcy saw the lightning strike in the horizon. He cleared his throat and decided to face the thunder, "Ahn... I have already done this."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Before talking to you I took the liberty of relating to your father my intentions concerning your welfare, Miss Bennet."
And the storm came at last, "Before even speaking to me? You were so sure I would welcome your proposal... Or perchance you were expecting to enlist my father in your favour!" Elizabeth snorted. She was becoming incensed at him again.
Darcy realised he should play God and stop the tempest before it was too late, "Miss Bennet, please, do not misconstrue my intentions! I needed to talk to you in private - how could I do this without disclosing my plans to your father? I believe he would never allow an interview with you without having prior knowledge of the subject, principally after this gossip!" Oh, Lord! Shall I spend the rest of my days explaining myself to her? Darcy thought.
Once again he was able to justify himself. Oh, but it is impossible not to notice that we spent the last half an hour arguing! Elizabeth meditated. He possesses something which irritates me in a minute but placates my hostility in another though this last characteristic only appeared some days ago... What shall we do after being wed? Will our relationship oscillate between animosity and amiability? Eventually, she conceded, "Perhaps you are right, sir. I believe I was a little swift on taking conclusions."
The calm before the storm at last! "Actually, your father was the only person whom I had the pleasure of meeting when I arrived at Longbourn. I saw neither your sisters, nor your mother." Thanks God! It was the last thing I would like to do today! He offered his arm to Elizabeth and she reluctantly accepted the gallantry. They started to walk back to the house.
As Elizabeth had gradually regained her composure, she felt more at ease to hold a conversation with Darcy,
"My sister Jane must be at her room as well as Mary, who is probably studying the Fordyce's sermons..." Elizabeth rolled her eyes at this. On looking at him, she perceived he had smiled a little and she could not help smiling either. He has a ravishing smile... Why did he not do that more often?
"Pray, tell me. Is Miss Jane unwell?" Darcy could not explain why, but Elizabeth's allusion of her sister had reminded him of his friend Charles's dejected eyes at the night after the ball - the night he had destroyed his best friend's sweet illusions concerning Elizabeth's eldest sister. Could Miss Jane be mourning Charles's absence? No, that was not possible! Darcy was quite convinced that Miss Jane was indifferent towards that gentleman! Still he had asked Elizabeth about Miss Jane's well-being just as though paying a silent and odd tribute to Bingley's disappointment.
"In fact, my sister Jane received some displeasing news this morning and grew a little indisposed. I thank you for your concern, sir." Elizabeth could not reveal the reason of Jane's affliction to Mr. Darcy. She conjectured that the gentleman did not approve her sister and his friend's match. Perchance our union will also help Jane and Mr. Bingley since Mr. Darcy will certainly invite him to be his best man, and Jane will be my bridesmaid...
They were almost arriving at the house when Elizabeth turned to Darcy and asserted, "It is a good sign indeed, if you did not meet my mother and my young sisters!"
Darcy halted and glanced at Elizabeth, "Could I ask you why?"
"They had the intention of paying a visit to Lady Lucas but they were fearing that they could not be received, as you know the reason very well. If you did not see them while at my house, it means that at least the Lucases are still making my family welcome..."
"I comprehend your apprehension. But do not distress yourself anymore, Miss Bennet. Assuredly everything will be not recalled after next Friday..."
They stepped at the porch and Mrs. Hill opened the door so fast that it seemed she had been spying them cross the ground from Elizabeth's "haven", "Mr. Bennet is waiting for Mr. Darcy and you in his library, Miss Bennet." And she curtsied to them.
"I thank you, Mrs. Hill." Elizabeth leaded Darcy to her father's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in! Oh, Mr. Darcy and Lizzy! Please, sit down, sir." Darcy took the seat in front of Mr. Bennet's table while Elizabeth settled herself on a love seat near a window. Mr. Bennet was trying to distinguish his daughter's feeling, but he could not make it out as she was looking away and insisted on averting her gaze from her father's eyes
"Mr. Bennet, your daughter and I had come to an agreement. Miss Elizabeth gave me the great honour of accepting me as her husband. Would you be willing to bestow your consent on us?"
Mr. Bennet gazed at Elizabeth again. She gave him a resigned look and attempted to smile. He glanced at Darcy, who was nervously turning his signet ring. "Mr. Darcy, as I told you when you came to me applying for an interview with my daughter earlier, I would give you my consent if Elizabeth approved it." He turned to his daughter and went on, "Elizabeth, do you consent to be Mr. Darcy's wife?"
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment but answered determinedly, "I do, sir."
"You have so my blessing." And Mr. Bennet shook Darcy's hand.
"Miss Elizabeth and I agreed that the best date for the wedding will be next Friday. I shall be asking for a special license..."
"So I presume you are leaving soon..."
"After having just arranged some details, sir. Due to the circumstances and to the lack of time, I believe the wedding should be as discreet and simple as possible. I myself shall only bring to Longbourn my sister Georgiana and my best man..."
"We completely agree with you, sir. Do not we, Lizzy?" Mr. Bennet asked to Elizabeth.
"Yes, we do."
"But Mrs. Bennet will be inconsolable! She would not be able to prepare a sumptuous wedding, nor have time to torture me about the lace of Lizzy's gown!" Mr. Bennet winked at his daughter and Elizabeth sighed in relief.
"I have no doubt that Miss Elizabeth will look magnificent in any gown!" Father and daughter stared at Darcy. Realising what had just slipped out his mouth, Darcy attempted to repair the damage by disguising, "You should also tell to Mrs. Bennet that Miss Elizabeth's betrothal is so enraptured by her that he would marry her even if she wore tatters and that he could not wait more than one week to hold her in his arms! It is the only justification for our hasty matrimony, do you not agree, Mr. Bennet? I believe Mrs. Bennet is unaware of the duel..."
"Perhaps that is a good idea, Mr. Darcy." Mr. Bennet did not know whether he should laugh at Darcy's unconscious confession or at Lizzy's curious amusement or at both of them at all! "Apart from us, only my eldest daughter, Jane, is informed about this matter."
"I shall agree with whatever you decide, sir!" Darcy looked at Elizabeth but she seemed not to notice it so lost she was in her thoughts. He wished to call her attention and continue with the conversation about the wedding there were still many things to consider but he needed to depart, otherwise he would not be able to settle his business. " I am sorry but I must go. I shall be returning to Longbourn on Sunday in order to attend the church together with your family. I believe that this must give more credibility to our marriage. Please, give my regards to your family, Mr. Bennet."
"I shall, sir. Lizzy, could you see Mr. Darcy out?"
"Of course, father." The gentlemen bid their adieu and Darcy and Elizabeth left the room. They walked through the corridor in silence. At the front door they made a halt and Darcy held Elizabeth's hand. He gently touched her palm with his fingers. Elizabeth gazed at him and said as firm as she could, "Have a nice journey, Mr. Darcy."
"Now you can call me by my Christian name, Elizabeth." He pronounced her name as if he were making a caress.
"I... I do not have the pleasure of knowing it..."
"Fitzwilliam!" He smiled.
"Fitzwilliam..." She repeated.
"Would you wish me to bring you something from Town?"
"I thank you, but I am not in need of anything now."
"I shall be back on Sunday morning. Good-bye, Elizabeth." He bowed to her and kissed her hand lightly.
"Good-bye, Fitzwilliam." Darcy rode his horse and left.
Elizabeth closed the door and slowly directed herself to her father's library. What is happening to me? I can not be sad because he left. No, I think I am a little tired, that is all! On entering Mr. Bennet's room, her father came to her and helped her to sit down.
"It pains me to give you in marriage in such a way, Lizzy, but it was the only thing we could do!"
"I do comprehend, papa."
"At least Mr. Darcy is a sensible and respectable man..."
"Yes, he is."
"Make an effort to see the good side of this, my child."
"Good side?" Elizabeth was interested.
"You will have some time to 'test' your husband, my dear. If you do not approve him, you just have to pray and wait for Mr. Wickham to defeat him! Few women have this possibility!"
"Father!" Elizabeth was horrified but Mr. Bennet pretended not to see his daughter's annoyance.
"Come, my dear. We shall prepare ourselves to tell the good tidings to your mother."
Chapter 17
Author's Note: WARNING: This chapter contains many Mrs. Bennet's lines - they may damage the brain as well as the ears (if you can "listen" to her voice)! :)
Returning from a visit to Lady Lucas, Mrs. Bennet arrived pretty frantic at Longbourn, "Mr. Bennet! Oh, Mr. Bennet!". Kitty and Lydia gained entry into the parlour just behind their mother, looking quite amused, though that was their usual expression. However, the matron did not wait for her husband to come up to her, and opening the library door, she abruptly invaded Mr. Bennet's haven,
"Mr. Bennet, I am the bearer of very bad tidings indeed!"
"In that case I am very fortunate of being the bearer of good news, Mrs. Bennet." Mrs. Bennet gazed at her husband and made an effort to open her mouth in order to inquire him about his gist, but he prevented her of doing it by saying, "But, Mrs. Bennet, please tell us your news first so that we can cry over them and subsequently laugh at the ones I shall give you."
Mrs. Bennet looked around her and perceived that all her family, except for Mary, was gathered at her spouse's room Elizabeth, who was already there before Mrs. Bennet's entrance; Jane, who had come downstairs as soon as she had heard her mother's lamentations; finally, Kitty and Lydia, Mrs. Bennet's companions in the invasion of Mr. Bennet's sacred space. The lady thought she would behold the attention of a very good audience, hence she began her report without hesitation,
"Mr. Bennet, I do not know whether my nerves will endure such events!" She took out her handkerchief and wiped a single tear which had not even formed in her eyes yet. "Mr. Collins is engaged to Charlotte Lucas! How could he have betrayed us so unconcernedly? He had proposed to Lizzy before!"
Elizabeth was entirely stupefied. She could not conceive Charlotte as Mr. Collins's betrothal. To be quite honest, she could not visualise any woman who would be able to bear such ordeal! His father's voice took her out of her pensiveness state and she concentrated on the conversation again.
"My dear Mrs. Bennet, all of us know quite well that Lizzy denied Mr. Collins's offer. I guess this matter had already been settled."
"Still I had hope that Lizzy could be convinced to accept Mr. Collins in order to silence all this hearsay about her... What shall we do, Mr. Bennet? You, sir, refuse to remind Mr. Darcy of his duty, since he is to blame for all this scandalous a real gentleman would never risk a lady's reputation." She sat down on a chair and started to sob, "To make the matters worse, Lady Lucas confirmed our suspect that some respectable families are thinking of not receiving us anymore."
Mrs. Bennet turned to her daughters and proceeded, "What will it be of us when your father dies, my children? Mr. Collins will certainly evict us from Longbourn as soon as he hears of your father's expiration.
"Do not distress yourself any longer, Mrs. Bennet. You still have not heard my news. Perhaps you will become less unhappy..." A quite diverted Mr. Bennet stated.
"I really doubt you will be able to animate me, Mr. Bennet."
"Hmm, I shall attempt, my dear. Mr. Darcy applied to Elizabeth's hand earlier this morning and I gave him my consent." On hearing her husband's words, Mrs. Bennet stopped weeping and exclaimed,
"What?"
"Lizzy is engaged to Mr. Darcy!"
Mrs. Bennet stared at her spouse and daughter while the others approached Elizabeth to give her their compliments. Out of sudden, the matron burst out,
"Oh, Lizzy! Oh, my dear! Engaged to Mr. Darcy! Think of the gowns you will have! The carriages, the pocket money, a house in Town! Ten thousand a year!" Mrs. Bennet halted briefly in order to breathe and continued, "We shall stay at the Gardiners'. Oh, I can not wait for visiting the couturiers as well as the warehouses! Lizzy, you must choose the most beautiful gown. And the wedding breakfast..."
"I am afraid I have to frustrate your plans, Mrs. Bennet. We shall not have time to all this kind of preparation."
Mrs. Bennet fell from the ninth cloud, "Not have time? What do you mean, sir?"
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will be getting married in a week. If the gentleman manages to obtain a special license, the wedding will be so celebrated next Friday, on December the 6th. Lizzy will have to acquire her wedding gown in Meryton and we shall have to content ourselves with a simple and moderate ceremony."
"No, Mr. Bennet! It will not do. It is the first marriage in our family. What will people say?"
"So much have they already been talking that it will not be important, nor change anything at all, whichever they may think or speak of us, my dear! As a matter of fact, a discreet wedding may even prevent further backbiting."
"But what will Mr. Darcy think of us?" Insisted Mrs. Bennet."
"No more 'buts', Mrs. Bennet, please. Furthermore, Mr. Darcy himself confessed he is so enchanted by Lizzy that, did the wedding succeed in more than a week, he would elope with our daughter." Mr. Bennet winked at Elizabeth but she gave him a critical gaze. Yet Mr. Bennet went on, "Would you rather an elopement and a wedding solemnised in Gretna Green than a simple, still respectable, ceremony, Mrs. Bennet?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Right eloping? That will be funny indeed!" Lydia giggled, followed by Kitty. However, they were stopped by their father severe look.
In a crying voice, Mrs. Bennet asserted, "At least we could invite Lady Lucas and Sir William..."
"I believe that would be impossible. Mr. Darcy suggested that only our intimate families should attend the ceremony by saying that only his sister and best man would be coming."
On hearing the mention of Mr. Darcy's best man, Mrs. Bennet grew enthusiastic and completely forgot about the "problems" of a simple wedding and screamed, "Oh, dear! Mr. Bingley will be Mr. Darcy's best man, will he not? What a marvelous thing! We shall be killing two birds with one stone by uniting Mr. Darcy to Lizzy in matrimony as well as putting Jane and Mr. Bingley into the path of another one!" Jane only blushed and lowered her head.
"We should not be so hasty, Mrs. Bennet. Bear in mind that Mr. Bingley is not Mr. Darcy's relative and..."
"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Bennet! Dear Mr. Bingley is Mr. Darcy's best friend and he would not miss such opportunity for seeing Jane again." And as if dismissing the subject entirely, Mrs. Bennet directed her attention towards Elizabeth,
"My dear, you really deserve my congratulations. You are wittier than I thought! Of course you would not accept Mr. Collins's proposal, as you had already decided to concentrate on someone of more consequence.
It was very good idea indeed to pretend you were injured that day in the woods men love helping defenceless women. You turned the situation into your favour pretty well Who would have guessed that that proud and disagreeable man, who had slighted you at the Assembly, would come here begging for you?"
Mrs. Bennet spun around to speak to her other daughters, "Girls, you should follow Elizabeth's example she really knew how to catch a husband!"
Elizabeth was mortified. She was quite aware of her mother's senseless, but her last speech had been abominable. Elizabeth discreetly gestured to Jane and they left the room towards the latter's bedchamber. Even there they could still listen to Mrs. Bennet's advice on how to secure eligible suitors. Hardly had Jane closed the door and Elizabeth let all her annoyance escape,
"Oh, Jane! How mother can be so insensitive?"
"I think she was worried about your welfare and she's now relieved in seeing that you will be overcoming this scandal."
"Relieved? I shall be marrying due to a slander which I did not provoke, I do not even know my husband-to-be very well and she is relieved!"
"Lizzy, you know that our mother's main concern is to find us husbands that is enough for her and as long she achieves that, she will be happy."
Sometimes it was inconceivable for Elizabeth how Jane could be so sweet and sympathetic to people who would not be risible of pity. Elizabeth though that were her disposition more similar to Jane's, perchance she would not react so bitterly towards some people. Nonetheless, it was not worth dwelling upon those thoughts at the moment. She decided so to inquire about her sister's reaction to the engagement,
"You did not looked so surprised when father announced my imminent marriage, Jane."
Jane smiled a little and replied, "I saw Mr. Darcy walking towards your favourite place as well as both of you returning arm in arm some time later. That was enough for me to figure out what had transpired between you."
If Elizabeth was astonished by her sister's power of observation, she did not mention it. Instead, she only asked, "Do you blame me for having declared that I would not wed this gentleman out of duty, and it is exactly what I shall be doing in a week time?
"Blame you? Oh, never, Lizzy! I know you were feeling insecure."
"I am still feeling insecure. Oh, dearest! What a predicament! A marriage of convenience, a husband-to-be involved in a duel right after the wedding..."
" Will you have time to solve the enigma out at least, Lizzy?"
"Enigma?"
"Hmm, Mr. Darcy. When will the duel take place?"
"He is not an enigma, Jane." Still deep inside Elizabeth felt that she agreed with Jane's description of her betrothal. "As far as I remember, Mr. Dar... I mean, Fitzwilliam and Mr. Wickham set the date for December, the 10th." It was the second time she pronounced his Christian name and a strange picture formed in her mind: she saw Mr. Darcy as the haughty and aloof man of the Assembly ball; but Fitzwilliam reminded her of a gentleman with deep black eyes, reciting sonnets.
"Fitzwilliam?" Jane snapped her sister out of her reverie.
"Pardon me? Ahn, Fitzwilliam is Mr. Darcy's Christian name." Elizabeth answered absentmindedly.
Jane ignored her sister absorbed face and commented, "December, the 10th? You will surely have only four days to know him better, as we can not guess which outcome this duel will have. It is short time indeed, but anything may happen..."
"Anything..." Elizabeth said still pensively.
Chapter 18
At night
Darcy's London house
Darcy leant against the chair. Dinner had been pleasing. The French cook had done his best as it had been weeks since the master had been in Town. Besides, Col. Richard Fitzwilliam had entertained him with anecdotes about the Militia as well as pieces of information about the Ton.
However, Darcy had not been able to concentrate as he should. Many times he had left the colonel waiting for his response or had not answered at all so lost was he in his divagations. As hard as he tried, his mind was always returning to the events of the day: the proposal to Elizabeth; the conversation with his solicitor in order to obtain a special license for the nuptials; business which needed to be settled. He had even thought about the situation between Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet.
As usual, the colonel had been very patient, avoiding to ask him about his lack of attention as well as about a certain event. Nevertheless, Darcy knew that his cousin would submit him to an inquisition as soon as they were in Darcy's library, guarded of the servants' curiosity. And Fitzwilliam only knows about the duel... Since Darcy could not postpone the confrontation any longer, he inquired,
"Shall we go to the library, Fitzwilliam?"
"As you wish, Darcy."
They left the dining room and walked silently through the well illuminated corridors. Before entering his library, Darcy instructed a footman that he did not wish to be disturbed and closed the heavy door. He directed towards a silver tray with a brandy decanter and two glasses, which had been positioned on a side table by the butler previously. He poured out the ruby liquid to his cousin and after to himself, and settled down on his favourite armchair in front of the fireplace. And so did the colonel. Hardly had he sipped his libation and he heard the Col. burst out,
" I attempted to restrain myself during the whole dinner, but I can not do it any longer. For heavens sake, Darcy! What happened in Hertfordshire? Why did Wickham challenge you to a duel?" the colonel fumed.
"I beg your pardon, I challenged him! And I believe my letter was very clear concerning the reasons for our meeting."
"Yes, very clear indeed! Wickham offended Georgiana and you as well. Furthermore, he had previously attacked a certain Miss Bennet the only new aspect in your dealings with him. I was wondering, if you wished to fight with him, you might have done it last summer. Rather strange, is it not? You decided to perform this madness only after the inclusion of a new pawn in the game... Pray, tell me. Were Wickham and you pursuing this lady?"
"No!" Darcy answered so hastily that the colonel's suspicious was arisen. "I explained in the missive why I was following Miss Bennet and that scoundrel I had eavesdropped his plans of seducing the lady and..."
"And you decided to be her rescuer in shining armour, did you not? Oh, Darcy! I believe you have read too many of Georgiana's novels!"
"Come, Fitzwilliam! We know Wickham too well to leave him alone with a lady, let alone if you are aware of his design."
"That could have been a trickery to entrap you, Darcy. This lady could be in association with Wickham in order to damage you."
Darcy raised in a huff from his seat, "I guess you have scanned too many your mother's novels, dear cousin! Had you met Miss Bennet, you would have perceived that, despite her low connections and dreadful family, she herself is too dignified to participate in any kind of scheme."
"She was alone with him..." Fitzwilliam provoked.
"Due to her sisters' foolish behaviour they were distracted by the lieutenant Denny and left Miss Bennet unaccompanied. This man was surely helping Wickham, not Miss Bennet!" Darcy said exasperatedly.
The colonel stood up and walked to Darcy, who was leaning over the mantelpiece. Patting his cousin's shoulder, Fitzwilliam said quite diverted, "Do not distress yourself, Darcy. Please, I do not want you to challenge me to a duel because of this Miss Bennet either."
"Much I do respect her, she is not my main concern in this duel. To tell you the truth, I was tired of seeing Wickham take advantage of everybody who crossed his path: my father, the tenants' daughters, Pemberley maids, Georgiana... Miss Bennet was only the last drop in a full bucket." Darcy turned around and came back to his seat.
"Darcy, I suppose you aware of the fact that a general opposition against the duels has grown in recent times. If you are caught executing this act, the Regent may not hesitate to transform your punishment in an example not even our family's prestige would be enough to prevent it."
"I know it perfectly well, I thank you. Therefore, the fewer people who have knowledge of it, the less the possibility of problems."
"Who else knows?"
"Miss Bennet's father and perhaps her older sister. Still you should bear in mind that Wickham may have spread the news."
"I do not think so. Wickham is a villain, but he is not mad. He knows that duels are severely punished in the Regiment. If he escapes from your fury, he may have to face his general's."
"If you say so..."
For some minutes, only the sound of wood cracking in the fireplace could be heard in the room. Fitzwilliam was still curious about his cousin's comments about Miss Bennet. He felt there was something floating in the air, yet he was not able to detect what. The colonel thought that it would be an excellent idea if he could force Darcy to speak further about the lady.
"I confess this Miss Bennet has roused my curiosity. I wish I could meet her."
"You will." Darcy said enigmatically.
"Ah, I know I shall be going to Hertfordshire next Sunday in order to arrange the details of the duel with Wickham, but that does not mean I have to pay a visit to the lady and her family."
"We shall be visiting Miss Bennet and her family next Sunday."
"You, Darcy? For God's sake, what are you going to do there? I though you would wish to never come back there."
"I shall be attending the church with my betrothal..."
The colonel gazed at Darcy. Next, he started laughing, "Ha ha ha, Darcy! Good joke! I see you are making an effort to relax by making jokes and that is good."
"It is not a joke. I am engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
The colonel stopped laughing. His face was all shocking and amusement. He raised from his place and faced Darcy,
"Did you leave your brains in Town or at Pemberley before departing with Bingley to Hertfordshire? Good God, Darcy, a duel and an unexpected engagement! You are really an odd fellow! You have been a serious, rational and restrained person since the cradle. However, when you decided to act foolishly, you did everything you could not do at once!"
"And besides being my second you will be my best man, first, I think I owe you an explanation."
"If there is one!"
"You can bet that there is!" Darcy explained so about the scandal and the necessity of preserving Elizabeth's good name. The colonel reflected upon his cousin's accounts and eventually spoke,
"This scandal thing has just come to reinforce my suspicions of you being trapped by Wickham and Miss Bennet. Of course they are together to exploit you, Darcy! You marry her; you die, leaving behind a rich widow who will wed your enemy as soon as you are buried."
Darcy sighed. He took another sip of his brandy. Why have I been obliged to convince people lately? It is becoming ridiculous! "Fitzwilliam, I believe you have been working too much either in strategy or in counter-espionage it seems you see conspiracy everywhere!"
On hearing that, the colonel made an attempt to talk, but he was stopped by Darcy's gesticulation which meant he wished to finish his speech,
"I have been dealing with women (and their mothers) throwing themselves into my path since before my first season. I think I am quite proficient at discerning marriage stratagems. If there was someone who trapped a person, this one was me! I, even if involuntarily, damaged Elizabeth's reputation by embracing her. Furthermore, she had initially refused my marriage proposal."
"Had she?" Fitzwilliam was open-mouthed. This lady had dared to refuse the most chased suitor in England.
"She told me she could not marry anyone out of duty."
"Extraordinary!"
"I had to use all my persuasion skills to convince her to accept me. Fitzwilliam, I almost begged for her agreement, and you are telling me she simulated a situation to be Mrs. Darcy."
"Begging? Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? That would be amazing indeed! But why? According to your relation, you would be doing a favour to this lady by marrying her."
Darcy smiled sadly, "She will also be doing me a favour. I need someone to take care of Georgiana as well as of my estate if I... I am sure that under Elizabeth's supervision my sister may become a wonderful lady. " Darcy stood up again and walked towards the window. A soft rain was falling over London streets. With his back turned to the colonel, Darcy proceeded,
"I need he..." No, he could not confess his feelings. " I need an heir as well ."
"You believe she will conceive in four days! You astound me, Darcy. I did not know you were so naοve concerning this matter. It may take years!"
"I am not a fool, Fitzwilliam. I just assumed that at least I should make an attempt."
"It is a marriage of convenience! You do not even know whether she will allow you to her bed. You had to coerce her to accept you..."
Darcy slowly caressed the carved work of the window frame. His fingers traced the intricate knots of it from left to right, right to left. On perceiving his cousin vacillation in answering his last comment, Fitzwilliam ventured a question which had been burning his tongue since the beginning,
"Are you in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"She is a remarkable lady", Darcy murmured.
The colonel's lips curved, drawing a faint smile, "She must be." He knew the subject was dismissed, at least at this moment. He had better concentrate on the practical aspects of the matter, "Darcy, what time shall we leave to Hertfordshire?"
Darcy finally spun around, "In the first hours of dawn as we shall attend the morning service. I do not want to stay at the local inn."
"So early? And present myself to your in-laws-to-be without a refreshment?"
Darcy ignored his cousin's remarks and went on, "Just a warning if I were you, I would not wear your shining uniform."
"May I ask you why? Or are you just practising to take Lady Catherine's place?"
"It would be prudential if you took my advice. At Longbourn you will have the chance to check by yourself if I was wrong."