Chapter 29
As soon as he arrived at Netherfield, Darcy first looked for his sister and announced his engagement to Georgiana.
The girl was less surprised than Darcy expected but very happy and excited, just as he had hoped.
From the moment her reserved brother had spoken so highly of Elizabeth and insisted on spending Christmas in Hertfordshire, Georgiana had guessed his preference for the second Miss Bennet.
Seeing them together a few times, witnessing her brother’s friendship with Mr Bennet, and observing them dancing two sets at the ball, she knew an announcement would come soon.
That morning, her brother looked thrilled and exhilarated like never before, proving how love could change a man.
She congratulated him heartily, wishing him much happiness.
However, despite her personal appreciation of Elizabeth and her sisters and her growing friendship with them, Georgiana was slightly worried for her brother’s felicity in marrying a woman he had only known for a few months.
But she trusted his judgment too much to question his decisions and hoped Elizabeth Bennet genuinely returned her brother’s affection and would prove to be the woman he deserved.
With Georgiana still by his side, Darcy asked for a private moment with Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The news stunned both of them, and Darcy needed all his persuasion to convince them he was speaking in earnest.
“So, let me clarify this, Darcy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said.
“For almost ten years, you have been acquainted with, chased by, and met nearly all of the most eligible women in London, in England, and some from abroad. Among all those you met, besides being well connected, from good families, or having good dowries, some were highly accomplished and exceedingly handsome. Some of those women struggled very hard, for months and in some cases for years, to draw your attention. And yet I have never seen you express an intention to court anyone or even show a particular preference beyond the usual politeness. You met Miss Elizabeth Bennet — what was it, Bingley, four months ago? — and you have already proposed to her?”
“Yes,” Darcy replied simply. “I cannot understand your surprise, since not so long ago I confessed my admiration for Elizabeth to you both.”
“Admiration is one thing, dancing the first set another, but to propose so soon?”
“So, let me understand. It is acceptable for Bingley to fall in love after three days and propose to Miss Bennet after knowing her for three months, but you are all shocked that I proposed to Elizabeth after four months. May I ask why?”
“Why? You ask why? Because he is Bingley and you are Darcy!” the colonel spluttered. “And yes, I am aware it is a foolish answer, but I am too stunned to find a cleverer one.”
“The colonel is correct,” Bingley agreed, obviously confused.
“People expect me to act hastily but not you. Besides, I was charmed by Jane from the first moment I saw her and have not hidden it, while you called Elizabeth tolerable and refused to dance with her! And then the two of you argued for weeks!”
“Yes, I am familiar with all this as you have reminded me repeatedly,” Darcy interrupted him, out of patience. “I see no point in this conversation. Should I assume you disapprove of my engagement to Elizabeth?”
“No, not all!” Bingley declared. “I am almost as happy as for my own marriage. But I still cannot believe it is true.”
“I am glad to hear that. And you, Cousin? Do you have any objections to Elizabeth?”
“Objections? I liked Miss Elizabeth from the moment I met her, as I am sure you noticed. I was just stating the obvious and expressed my consternation for your haste. Be sure half of London would do the same, not to mention Aunt Catherine and, probably, my own parents.”
“Fitzwilliam, it was my pleasure to share this news with you, but please be advised that I do not need anyone’s approval in regard to my marriage.
I feel most fortunate and privileged that I have gained the affection of the woman perfectly suited to me.
I shall protect her and this marriage from anyone, no matter how closely related they are to me. ”
“Very well, Darcy. I expect no less from you. And there is no need to become angry with me. I fully support you. I might be a little jealous of you, but I am sure it will pass soon,” the colonel concluded half in jest.
“I am not angry with you, Cousin. And I know I can count on your support even if I do not need it.”
***
Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley did not come to dinner that evening as Mrs Bennet had hoped.
They sent a note though, mentioning they were busy with the guests departing for London.
What was not mentioned in the note was the general din and racket that had overtaken Netherfield Manor when Mr Darcy had informed the party of a few disappointed, well connected, highly dowered, and accomplished young ladies and slightly less dismayed young gentlemen about his new engagement.
The following morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted his friends back to London. Caroline Bingley and the Hursts decided to leave too, recalling they had some pressing matters of business.
After his cousin’s departure, Darcy wrote a letter to his aunt Catherine and made sure she would receive the news of his engagement on the same day as Lord and Lady Matlock.
He knew what to expect from his aunt but hoped that at least Colonel Fitzwilliam would succeed in tempering his parents’ strong reaction and their resentment.
As much as they might disagree with him, his uncle and aunt were his mother’s brother and sister and his closest relatives, and he would regret cutting the relationship with them upon his marriage.
Furthermore, Lady Catherine’s resentment of Elizabeth would probably be implacable, but Darcy hoped that, once they knew her better, Lord and Lady Matlock would appreciate and accept Elizabeth as part of their family.
Later that day, Darcy called at Longbourn with Bingley to share his plans to go to London to accompany Georgiana home and to purchase the marriage licence. Since the Gardiners had to return too, plans were made to travel all together to town in two days’ time.
Surprisingly, Mrs Bennet behaved with more decorum and restraint in front of Darcy than was expected. She was so impressed and awed at the prospect of having him as her son-in-law that she only embraced him once, refraining from the temptation to kiss him for fear of upsetting him.
There was not much time that Darcy could spend with Elizabeth prior to his departure, but the expectation of what his visit to London would bring them made the separation worth the while.
After a stroll in the garden, the two betrothed couples returned with a decision that met with Mr Bennet’s complete approval and Mrs Bennet’s disappointment, since it cut her joy in half: a double wedding to take place in a month.
For Mr Bennet it was a blessing to avoid two upheavals; for Mrs Bennet, it was one reason to show off in front of the whole town stolen from her.
But she did not dare argue with Mr Darcy, so she complained about her nerves and her upset only after the gentleman had left.
There was another large dinner at Netherfield, the last one before the Gardiners and Miss Darcy, together with her companion Mrs Annesley, travelled to London. The next time they would all meet would be after the two weddings.
Darcy and Elizabeth had no opportunity for an intimate farewell, which made the expectation of their reunion even sweeter. He planned to be away for less than a fortnight, which sounded reasonable enough, and to write often to both Elizabeth and her father.
While Elizabeth started missing him even before he left, the one who was truly desperate was Mrs Bennet, who secretly feared that during those two weeks in London he would somehow change his mind about the wedding and would never return.
Little did she know that Darcy was counting the moments till his return, already planning the long private walks with his betrothed before their wedding day.
On the evening prior to his departure, Darcy received Lady Catherine’s response.
The letter was so abusive towards Elizabeth from the first line that he stopped reading and crumpled it up, fully intending to hurl it into the fire.
He changed his mind though, folding it and placing it in his pocket.
After some time, he calmed himself enough to open it again and, after a brief reread, he replied.
‘Lady Catherine,
While I understand your resentment about my news due to the disappointed hopes that you alone entertained, you should know that I am exceedingly happy with my choice of a wife.
I feel grateful that Miss Bennet — one of the most wonderful women I know — has accepted my marriage proposal.
It is my goal to protect her from any distress; therefore, I must inform you that I shall cut any connection between us until your ladyship apologises for the unfair abuse and offences against her name.
Since you are always willing to help, please know that your interference has been extremely helpful.
If you had not engaged in gossip with Mr Collins and did not feel it necessary to inform me of it in your previous letter, I would not have had the chance to speak to Elizabeth more and to discover her true worth.
To some degree, I owe my present felicity to the actions of both you and Mr Collins, for which I thank you.
I wish you and Anne all the best. All hope of being a family again rests in your hands and actions.
F. Darcy’
He read the letter twice, then, with no little satisfaction, sealed it and sent it by express.
***
During Darcy’s absence, and after the Gardiners’ departure, life at Longbourn became more peaceful, but anguish still plagued Mrs Bennet’s nerves, and the presence of Mr Bingley was not enough palliation.