41. Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-One
June 1812 Gracechurch Street, London Elizabeth
E lizabeth’s father arrived a few hours after Darcy and the other gentlemen had departed. Lord Elmwood came soon after, ready to do battle.
“Your stepmother blames me,” Mr. Bennet told Elizabeth sadly. “She says that because I did not bother to secure a fortune for Kitty, she felt forced to elope with the first man to offer for her. It is nonsensical, of course, but Mrs. Bennet rarely speaks sense.”
“What will you do when she is recovered?” Mavery asked sternly.
“I have not the money for a dowry.” Mr. Bennet sighed. “I would not see her married to such a man, anyway. She will be in for a life of sorrow.”
“Another match can be found,” Mr. Gardiner said. “If a dowry can be arranged, I can find a man amongst my associates.”
“A capital notion.” Mr. Bennet spoke sarcastically. “Yet, neither you nor I are in a financial position to tempt any man to take my wayward child. Your friends will want at least five thousand pounds, I would guess.”
“I will assist.”
Uncle Mavery’s offer surprised Elizabeth. Her father, too, looked skeptical.
“I was under the impression that you did not care for any of my offspring that are unrelated to you,” he said seriously.
“Be that as it may, I will assist you in this matter. Your negligence has led to this. Heaven knows I have tried to convince you to change these many years. Get your house in order , man. What happened to my friend from so long ago?”
Mr. Bennet sighed. “He died many years past, along with the love of his life.”
Mavery scowled. “Well, you had best resurrect him. You have children who need you.”
“Elizabeth and Mary will be wed before the year is out,” Mr. Bennet protested weakly. “And Jane, too. When Kitty is settled, all my girls will be gone.”
They argued back and forth until the other gentleman returned to make their report. Mr. Darcy explained everything quickly and with as little unpleasantness as possible. When he finished, Papa once again behaved nonchalantly when Uncle Mavery asked what would come next.
“It is as I said: once Kitty is settled, all my girls will be wed and gone. I do not see why you are all making a fuss.” Mr. Bennet shrugged, though Elizabeth could see the guilt in his eyes.
“Kitty’s future is uncertain.” Mavery shook his head. “Whether the others can withstand the scandal remains to be seen. Elizabeth and Mary may have more protection, and Bingley has declared his intent to stand by Jane. That does not excuse you from duty! Assist your brother-in-law in locating a husband for your disgraceful girl. Do your duty to your family. Colonel Fitzwilliam has taken that reprobate Wickham away, so he will not be an option to consider.”
“We are very fortunate that the gentlemen have assisted us in locating the couple in such an expeditious manner,” Mr. Gardiner chimed in. “We would likely still be searching without their aid.”
“Yes, they managed the entire affair before I had even arrived from Longbourn.” Mr. Bennet sighed again. “Thank you, gentlemen. Your help has been invaluable.”
Darcy nodded. He glanced in Elizabeth’s direction, and she gave him a tremulous smile. He looks very serious. Is he rethinking his wish to court me?
“It is late,” Lord Elmwood said. “Let me take Mary and Elizabeth back to Elm House. The Gardiners do not have room for them here.”
“We will bring you word in the morning,” Gardiner agreed.
“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, do you need transport back to Darcy House?” Lord Elmwood smiled wearily.
“My cousin has yet to return. If we can send a note to his regiment, we would be pleased to accept your offer.” Darcy glanced at Elizabeth; his expression was unfathomable. Surely, he would wait for his cousin if he did not wish to be in her company.
The carriage was called, and the note dispatched. Five people left the Gardiner’s house, each lost in their own thoughts. Elizabeth promised to call upon Jane again, and they exchanged embraces. Mary, too, joined them.
Things are going back to how they ought to be, Elizabeth thought as they climbed aboard the carriage. The ladies sat on the forward-facing bench, their uncle beside them, and the gentlemen sat opposite. When the gentlemen had been deposited at Darcy House, it was only a few more minutes before the others could disembark.
Elizabeth went to her room, exhausted. The future still felt so uncertain. What will happen now? she wondered as she fell asleep.
The next morning, Elizabeth took a tray in her chambers, attempting to delay the inevitable. Her aunt would wish to learn it all, and she did not feel equal to relaying the information yet.
Her fears that her recent understanding with Mr. Darcy could not overcome the scandal filled her with dread. I love him, she thought. Yes, after so much turmoil, she was at last certain of her heart. It had come on so gradually that she hardly knew when it had begun. But despite the tender regard she felt for him, the appreciation for his efforts in seeing to Kitty’s well-being, none of that would make a difference if he felt he could not weather whatever came from this debacle.
Have you so little faith in him? she asked herself. He has made an effort to improve himself. Now comes the storms to try him. He would prevail. She felt a calm reassurance settle over her. Darcy would not allow their happiness to slip through his fingers again.
Firm in her belief that her suitor would not abandon her, Elizabeth finally left her room. She had scarcely been downstairs for more than ten minutes when a visitor was announced.
“Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Elizabeth stood. “Welcome!” she said as cheerfully as she could. “I had no notion that you had arrived in town.” Aunt Mavery and Mary were not present—Elizabeth had not seen them yet that morning.
“You can be at no loss as to why I have come.” Lady Catherine’s imperious tone contrasted with the kindness Elizabeth was accustomed to, and she blinked in surprise.
“Indeed, you promised me the honor of your call before I left Kent,” she replied in confusion. “I am happy to see you, Godmother. Will you not sit?”
Her guest did so, putting her walking stick in front of her.
“I have heard from a reliable source that my nephew has proposed to you.” Lady Catherine raised an eyebrow. “Can you deny it?”
Elizabeth bristled. “Your ladyship may ask me questions I choose not to answer.”
Lady Catherine scoffed. “Come now, Elizabeth. It is a simple question. Are you engaged to him?”
“I am not.”
Lady Catherine blinked. “Are you mad?” she exclaimed. “He is a gentleman. You are a gentleman’s daughter! I watched you both most carefully in Kent; you seem to have been designed for each other!”
“Nevertheless, when Mr. Darcy made his proposals, I was unable to accept.”
“It is not to be borne! Could there be a more perfect match? I think not. Even Anne and Rupert are not so well suited for each other as you and Darcy. They will do well together, do not mistake my meaning, but never have I seen a couple with such perfectly complementary tempers. Would you throw away the chance of perfect happiness?”
Elizabeth sighed. “We have entered a courtship. Whether that leads to its natural conclusion remains to be seen.”
“Nonsense. Of course it will. Why would it not?”
She flushed and looked down at her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “There has been an incident…” She explained everything as briefly as she could, falling silent when she concluded her recitation.
“It sounds as if everything has been managed,” her godmother said. “I see no impediment.”
“Does your nephew hold the same views?” Elizabeth asked. “I could barely look at him last night. Such was my shame.”
Lady Catherine laughed. “Your sentiments are misplaced,” she said. “With your connections, you will have very little effect from your silly sister’s actions. This Mr. Gardiner will see her safely married and you will never have to be in her presence again.”
“You say it like it is very simple. I admit, I believe your nephew will not waver, but sometimes fears are irrational.”
“I will not abandon you.”
Elizabeth turned to the doorway. Darcy stood there, gazing at her earnestly.
“I believe I am now de trop .” Lady Catherine stood. “Come visit me at de Bourgh Place, Elizabeth.” She kissed Elizabeth’s cheek and strode out, pulling the door closed behind her.
Darcy came forward, bending on one knee in front of Elizabeth.
“Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,” he began, taking her hands. “I love you most ardently. Though our courtship is new, after the events of yesterday, I cannot delay in assuring you of my regard. You are the first thought on my mind when I wake up and the last face I see in my head before I go to sleep. Visions of your loveliness haunt my dreams. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears wet Elizabeth’s cheeks, and she nodded. Overjoyed, she dropped to her knees and threw her arms around his neck. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear.
The door opened. “What have we here?” James sauntered in. “Darcy, unhand my cousin at once!”
“Do not be a tease,” Elizabeth chastised him as she pulled out of Darcy’s embrace. “We are to be married.”
James froze. “It is June,” he murmured. “I must find Mary!” Without another word, he turned and rushed from the room.
Darcy laughed first, his throaty chuckled making Elizabeth’s insides flutter. She joined him, and they embraced again.
“Let us go to my uncle.” She stood, pulling him with her.
Lord Elmwood glowered at them. “You have only just decided to court,” he complained. “Am I to offer my consent so soon?”
“If you please,” Elizabeth replied.
“Very well. But you must agree to a long engagement. Three months at least.”
Eager to have the matter settled, she turned to Darcy. He nodded, and she beamed. “You have our agreement,” she said to her uncle. “My aunt will enjoy the planning, I am certain.”
Lord Elmwood nodded. “Go now. I have work to do.”
As they turned to leave, the door opened again. “We are engaged!” James cried triumphantly.
Elizabeth and Darcy left the room to the sound of her uncle’s halfhearted protests.