Chapter 7
N o matter how late he had retired, Darcy could never sleep past the early morning hours—unlike Bingley, who rarely rose before eleven, even on ordinary days.
Thus, when Bingley entered the library the following morning without waiting to be announced, and at a rather early hour, Darcy immediately rose from his writing desk to greet him, alarmed by the thought that something untoward had occurred.
“I hope nothing bad has happened!” he said, thinking of Mr Bennet or Jane, Elizabeth’s family soon to be his.
“Everyone is in good health, but the news after the opera is not as good…” Bingley’s hesitation froze Darcy, who stood, ready to hear what kept his friend from sleeping.
“Last night, some friends who attended the opera earlier invited me to a late supper. Unfortunately, the discussions about your marriage were not kind but filled with unfounded statements and malicious insinuations,” Bingley revealed, his voice tinged with disappointment.
Bingley was visibly shattered; a man of innate goodness could scarcely comprehend the malice of slander or the cruel delight some took in its spread.
At last, Darcy sank into a chair, his head bowed into his hands, burdened by the news and his friend’s sorrow and indignation.
“I am so sorry to bring you such news!” poor Bingley lamented, but Darcy, looking back at him, shook his head vigorously.
“Do not be! It is better to know the truth. I suggested to Elizabeth that we marry in a day or two. I shall get a licence today…and then, after the wedding, leave immediately for Pemberley.”
“No!” Bingley cried so loudly that Parker knocked at the door, asking whether they were all right. Darcy was so surprised at his friend’s reaction that he could not speak.
“No, my friend,” Bingley repeated, “you will stay and fight them. As you know, Mr Bennet and our ladies planned to return to Hertfordshire in a day or two to prepare for the weddings. Early this morning, I took the liberty of sending a message to Mr Bennet and Jane to join me here. For now, the best way to act is to be honest with them and ask for advice and support. In the end, it is Elizabeth’s life. My sisters will not dare behave in any other way than benevolently towards Jane…but…”
Darcy understood what his friend wanted to say well, while his delicate and attentive nature forbade him from making a clear statement. Elizabeth was in danger of not being accepted by London society, and all because Lady Catherine wanted revenge for an imaginary engagement Darcy had supposedly broken. She was still very powerful and had the connexions to spread gossip in town—and not only there.
“I do not think Mr Bennet or our future wives can give us any advice, for living in Hertfordshire is easier than facing the ton but having them here is a good thing. Thank you, my friend.”
But he was not happy at all, and the misfortune was complete when Lady Edwina had to make a hasty return to her estate to attend to some urgent problems. Darcy felt his godmother had not understood the gravity of their situation; otherwise, she would have stayed. Lady Edwina was one of the few people capable of helping them, so just before breakfast, he wrote a detailed letter asking for her help.
∞∞∞
Despite the beauty of the chamber she had been given—once Lady Anne Darcy’s own—Elizabeth had slept poorly. Bad dreams, filled with Lady Catherine’s disapproving glares and the whispers of London society, haunted her restless hours until dawn, and in each, Lady Catherine loomed like an ominous effigy of her present troubles.
To her surprise and delight, her father and Jane arrived just in time for a late breakfast. Silently, Elizabeth turned to Darcy, questioning how such dear guests had come to be there. But her betrothed merely smiled and gestured toward Bingley—the true architect of this unexpected joy.
Yet, around the breakfast table, the mood was far from cheerful. Bingley, ever gentle-hearted, had hinted at the situation in his letter to Mr Bennet, but he had not dared to expose the true depth of the problems Darcy and Miss Elizabeth faced. That task fell to Darcy. Sitting beside Jane, her hand clasped in his own, Bingley was quietly grateful to relinquish so heavy a burden.
“Georgiana and I are pleased to have you here again,” Darcy said, and a smile appeared on his face. He was delighted that Mr Bennet was present, not only to support Elizabeth but because his sensible and amiable presence contributed to a generally peaceful atmosphere.
“Unfortunately, Lady Edwina had to depart for her estate, but I hope she will return shortly, as I think we really need her.”
They waited in silence for the footmen to finish serving. Only Parker remained in the dining room to attend to their needs. Darcy thanked him and, with a visible effort, began to speak.
“I am living the happiest days of my life since this exquisite lady agreed to be my wife…and I think my friend Bingley is of the same mind.”
Bingley nodded happily, his gaze fixed on his betrothed with love and gratitude.
Darcy smiled mostly at Elizabeth—sitting next to him—and kissed her hand. She had tears in her eyes, and even his butler turned away, not letting anyone see his emotion.
“As you know, yesterday we attended the opera. I want to apologise—again!—for my family’s behaviour,” Darcy’s voice was slightly rough as he emphasised the word.
Mr Bennet nodded silently.
“Mr Bennet, that was the first and last time I shall accept such behaviour. I must confess that my only thought was for Elizabeth and my desire to see her shine in London society. But I was wrong: some in my family are not accepting of my marriage, and I do not want to lie to you or give you false impressions. They have a wrongheaded idea of duty that was perpetuated in the last century but is now obsolete.”
He looked at Elizabeth. “You are the one I want to live with,” he turned to her father—“I shall accept only people around us who understand my love and devotion for your daughter. Unfortunately, yesterday evening, Bingley overheard unpleasant discussions regarding our future marriage, inflamed by my aunt Lady Catherine and perpetuated by others.”
They all looked at Bingley, who unexpectedly blushed as the ‘others’ were also his sisters. His innocence and sensibility were displayed again.
There was considerable silence around the table as they all waited for Mr Bennet to express his feelings.
“Well,” Darcy added, “Bingley told me about some gatherings where we were the principal subject of gossip, and the good man wanted to warn me that London is not accepting our marriage as respectfully as it should.”
“My children,” Mr Bennet said, looking especially at Georgiana, “I hope Miss Darcy accepts my calling her my child…”
Georgiana had tears in her eyes; she dearly respected Mr Bennet and enjoyed being considered his child. “Mr Bennet, please call me Georgiana.”
“Of course—then I must tell you I am completely unprepared for such a villainous manifestation of disapproval, hate, and interest in others’ problems. At home, I tend not to hear the gossip around me, as I know that in a few days, it will die…while…here in London…I confess I do not know how gossip appears, spreads, and finally dies…if it dies at all. Even today, I could take Jane and Elizabeth home and let London speak in vain…”
Mrs Bennet’s propensity to gossip was well known, but it was just a drop in the ocean compared to London’s appetite for the activity. Mr Bennet was concerned for Elizabeth but felt sorry, mainly for Darcy, who, in the past, had seldom been the subject of malevolent rumours. He imagined how crucial his name and social status were, and the present situation must make him angry and discomfited. As for Elizabeth, he had fewer concerns; she was never interested in society’s response to her marriage. She was strong and intelligent enough to understand the futility of such interests, and he hoped she would concentrate on her future family and their happiness.
Regarding Elizabeth, Mr Bennet was partially correct; she was more concerned than frightened. Not having the ton on her side made her rather indifferent; all her concern was for her beloved husband-to-be, who seemed devastated by London’s attitude.
For the first time in their life, she understood that she had to be firmly by his side, not asking for but giving her support and showing her love and unconditional trust in his decisions. If London society behaved dreadfully, she would be beside him with her love, supporting his actions.
“I shall stay here in London with you in this house,” Elizabeth said in an unwavering tone. “We shall confront and defy any difficulties together, and I am sure Georgiana will help us.”
It was an unexpected, unconventional decision that made Darcy’s heart race.
Georgiana silently nodded.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth with a smile that warmed Mr Bennet’s heart. He was sorry about the circumstances but proud of his daughter. It was an excellent decision to be near her future husband and a bold one, but Lizzy was a young woman who knew herself. She was neither a disoriented lamb like Lydia nor a beautiful girl living in the clouds like Jane. She was a person of trust and courage who could assume her destiny, and she always put the well-being of those she loved above any social conventions or personal gain.
“Thank you, Elizabeth,” Darcy said. “We shall also ask Miss Bennet to stay here as our guest if it is not inconvenient for her.”
Jane was so happy that she wanted to jump from her seat and dance; instead, she looked at Darcy with a smiling mien and responded quietly. “I shall stay as long as you need me, and I think Papa will agree.”
“Well,” Mr Bennet said, “in that case, I shall extend my stay, but permit me to remain at the Gardiners’ house even though it is so far away in Gracechurch Street…”
His voice and words were so sarcastic that everybody broke out in laughter. Even Bingley was laughing, yet his cheeks were again red, remembering his sisters’ wickedness. He could not change them but intended not to see them until they changed their attitude. Ignoring them would be a suitable punishment.
Darcy smiled for the first time that morning, kissing Elizabeth’s hand, he looked around the table. He harboured a secret displeasure in the past, thinking he would be associated with Wickham as brother-in-law. Still, Mr Bennet dispelled his worries with his unconditional and generous support.
Breakfast continued in a more serene atmosphere. The ladies were engaged in quiet talk about gowns and weddings while the gentlemen were discussing horses and shooting when Darcy’s butler entered with the silver correspondence tray and whispered in his master’s ear.
It was obviously something important, Georgiana knew instantly. Parker had perfect manners and never would disturb her brother during a meal unless…
Darcy coloured and took the letter in an evident state of emotion.
“I beg your pardon,” he said. “I must read this letter; the messenger awaits my answer.”
He hesitated a moment with the letter in his hand, unsure of sharing the identity of the sender with the whole party, but then he said rather determinedly, “This is from the Duke of Blandford.”
An exclamation of astonishment circled the table; Bingley and Georgiana were astounded, the others only curious, but Darcy understood it was too late to conceal the contents from them, so he read in a somewhat uncertain voice:
Mr Darcy,
It was a pleasure to meet you at the opera and become acquainted with your lovely lady. Please oblige me by joining me on Wednesday at our club to discuss important matters. I shall be present that morning until one o’clock. Please meet me during that time.
William Fitzroy, Duke of Blandford
The short message did not indicate the subject the duke wished to discuss, but the polite words showed it was a request, not an order.
“Wednesday is tomorrow,” Darcy said with all eyes fixed on him.
It was undoubtedly an important message, and Elizabeth received it with even more anxiety than the others did. She was equally curious, interested, and distressed, as the Duke of Blandford had just become a real person and not merely an imaginary character living among royalty.
Her future life with Fitzwilliam would be unlike anything she had experienced at Longbourn. Being mistress of Pemberley meant assuming many duties, some substantially different from her mother’s daily work, but being his wife meant even more. Tomorrow, he would meet a duke, and she would have to face this new world beside him. Unfortunately, that world had proven hostile towards her becoming Mrs Darcy. But then she remembered the duke, his imposing posture and gentle smile, and she decided the situation might not be as dark as they imagined.
Still and silent with the duke’s letter in his hand, Fitzwilliam was staring at her, and Elizabeth felt he knew every thought in her mind. She would need him to be near her, to support her, even teach her. But she was ready to be his wife no matter what anybody else thought.
She smiled, and her face was the support he needed in that long and distressing morning. Darcy longed for her; he wanted to be alone with her and take her in his arms. With a simple gesture, he ended the breakfast and invited Georgiana and his guests to retire to the parlour.
“I think we need this day to recover,” Darcy said. “I had some plans for this morning, but all are postponed until tomorrow.” He glanced at Elizabeth, who slightly blushed, remembering their conversation, his decision to obtain a marriage licence, her refusal to marry in haste, and…his lips opening hers in a kiss that set her entire body on fire.
All but Bingley observed the emotion between them. With a smile on his face, he announced that he intended to take Mr Bennet and Jane on a trip outside London the next day to show them a property he might buy in the future.
“I intend to have an excursion for you every day.”
He was so enthusiastic that everybody laughed, while Darcy looked at him with gratitude as he yearned to be alone with Elizabeth.