Chapter 22 #2
“Bennet mocks her because she created this situation when she forced his hand. He could have cried off, though he would have found it difficult to marry another in Meryton. Most in Meryton knew Fanny had caused the compromise but believed Bennet should act honourably toward her. I think some, our father included, hoped that Thomas could do something to calm her and educate her as a gentlewoman. The late Mrs. Bennet tried, but without your father’s support, she had little success.
Instead, she turned to educating you and Jane. ”
Elizabeth leaned her head against Darcy’s shoulder and exhaled a long breath. “Is it terrible to say that I am shocked that my father would act so honourably as you described?”
“He knew he could not find another bride in Meryton unless he married Fanny, and it was simply easier to give in to public opinion than to go elsewhere to find a bride. He was nearly thirty at the time and liked the idea of a pretty, young bride well enough, and gave in. Is that really so surprising?”
“Not when you put it that way,” Elizabeth agreed, then quoted, “‘Oh what a tangled web we weave…’”
“What do you mean, dearest?” Darcy asked.
“If Mama had been less foolish and not tricked my father into marrying her, he might have been a different man entirely. What would you have found when you first came to Meryton had my youngest sisters still been in the school room as they ought to be, and my mother far calmer? What would Longbourn be had Papa taken an interest when he first inherited and begun to put money away for our futures when his first daughter was born? Mama’s efforts to force a man into marriage have resulted in a most unpleasant marriage for her, a terrible example for her daughters, and two daughters who are running wild.
What type of education would we have received had Mama known how to act as a gentlewoman?
Perhaps the quote is not completely accurate, but well, all of this”—she waved her hand in the direction of Longbourn—“is a direct result of Mama’s deception. And she lacks the sense to realise it.”
“That is unfair, Lizzy,” Uncle Gardiner protested. “Your mother was young, and Bennet could have done more to aid her. She has become what she is due to your father’s treatment of her.”
“That may be, yet I do not place all the blame on Mama. There is much my father could have done to prevent things from falling as far as they did. I doubt he was a particularly diligent landowner when they married, yet a different woman might have been able to encourage him to leave his study and take a more active role. I cannot recall a time in my life when my parents spent any time in each other’s company other than what was necessary.
I suppose they might have been different when I was small when they liked each other more than they do now.
Had my father made even a little effort to alleviate Mama’s concerns, she might have been less silly, but I suppose he resented her too much to even attempt it. ”
“Lizzy, you sound bitter,” her uncle noted.
She made no response but leaned more heavily upon Darcy’s arm.
“I apologise, Uncle. I am frustrated with my father’s dismissal of me over the last few days and the apathy he displays regarding the danger to me and my sisters.
I am also uncertain how to deal with his refusal to approve my engagement and wonder what we ought to do next.
It is clear that we must depart, so do we continue with our plan to remove to Pemberley or are we safer somewhere else?
Do we find a way to marry more quickly, or do we delay the wedding until the threat has been eliminated?
I do not want you to leave, William, nor do I want to be separated from you for any length of time, but should we continue with our initial plan to marry in London a day or two after my birthday? ”
“Elizabeth, I want to have the right to guarantee your safety. I can do that best if we are married, but I do not want to go to London. I also do not want to wait for months. Your aunt and uncles cannot remain indefinitely at Pemberley, and we have your father’s written permission, regardless of how it was obtained.
I do not want you to have anything less than the wedding you hoped for. ”
She smiled softly at him. “I love you, William. While Jane may have wanted a fancy wedding, all I ever cared about was loving the man I eventually married. While a small part of me wants to see if my father can be convinced to change his mind, the fact remains that we are not safe here. My departure and marriage will hurt him, no matter when and how it occurs, so perhaps it is best not to wait.”
“I would be pleased to marry you in the chapel at Kympton. I can obtain a common licence from the rector at Kympton and have him perform the wedding once all the legalities are sorted.”
Elizabeth stood and paced several feet away. “I know there is some urgency to depart the area, but is there any way we might wait a few days before we leave?”
Darcy looked at her in surprise, but nodded. “We could leave on Monday if you like, though that will require some adjustments. May I ask why you wish to delay our journey?”
“There are a few people I would like to take my leave of that I have not been able to. As you know, it has mainly fallen to me to visit the tenants and see to their care. I have been unable to visit them lately because of the rain and the threat of Wickham, but I would not like to leave without seeing them once more.”
“Do you typically walk to pay your visits?”
“I do.”
“If you allow me to accompany you in a gig, we could see most of them this morning. We could still depart on the morrow, though I understand if you would still like to wait.”
“Longbourn does not have a gig,” Elizabeth replied, her face a little sad.
“Netherfield does. I can ride back and return in an hour, and we can be on our way. Since the marriage settlement entitles me, or rather us, to have a say in the running of Longbourn, we can return here once or twice a year to ensure things are taken care of. We will also correspond with the steward.”
Elizabeth turned a beaming smile on him. “Then, yes, William, return in two hours with a gig, and we will visit the tenants today. I will make sure my sisters are ready to depart tomorrow.”