Chapter Eighteen
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
IN LESS THAN A WEEK, DARCY AND BINGLEY RECEIVED RESPONSES TO their letters.
Caroline Bingley’s letter to her brother proved to be full of insincere wishes and false platitudes.
She even wrote directly to Jane Bennet, proclaiming her delight in receiving Miss Bennet into the Bingley family.
Caroline’s words no longer deceived Jane, but Miss Bennet graciously accepted them.
“I will write to Caroline and thank her.”
“Oh, Jane is much kinder than I,” Elizabeth shared with Darcy. “I do not believe I could be as forgiving as she.” His future wife chastised herself for her discommodious thoughts.
Darcy teased, “Compared to Miss Bingley’s short response to her brother, Georgiana’s response is a novel. Four pages of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight at my news that we are to wed.”
Elizabeth agreed. “Listen to what she says, ‘William, I have an earnest desire of being loved by my new sister.’ Sweet Georgiana, her regard will soften the deprivation at being separated from Jane.”
“Georgiana will arrive in the early part of next week. I look forward to your renewing your acquaintance and her claiming one with Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth suggested, “Mayhap, Miss Darcy and Mary might become better acquainted. Mary requires someone who might soften her strict attitudes. And they do share a love of music.”
Despite his best efforts, Darcy frowned.
Elizabeth said, “I realize you do not completely approve, but I assure you Mary possesses a kind heart. Kitty remains a bit more problematic, but Jane and I hope to bring our Catherine under hand. She is not as uncontrollable and impetuous as Lydia, and being removed from Lydia’s influence and with our proper attention and management, Kitty could be less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. ”
“We will speak more of it at a later time,” Darcy said noncommittally. He would not wish to bring the one known as Kitty to Pemberley. At least, not until the girl showed a stronger interest in her studies than she did in the local militia.
Mr. Bennet sought Darcy’s company on the gentlemen’s outing.
Although Darcy knew he would have plenty of time to learn Mr. Bennet’s quirks, he was cognizant that the man felt the pain of losing his favorite daughter.
He recognized Bennet was of the nature not to think any man would be good enough for “his Lizzy.” Even so, Mr. Bennet appeared willing for Darcy to prove he would be a perfect match for Elizabeth, and Darcy was up to the test.
“Mr. Darcy, your affection for my daughter places you in my family, but I feel I know so little of you. I know your reputation, but I would wish to understand the man to whom my Lizzy has given her heart.”
Darcy lacked an easy answer for his future father.
“Evaluating oneself is difficult, Mr. Bennet. I fell in love with a woman who demands I speak all the time, whereas in the past, I was content to be silent. Most would say I have an independent mind, and, I believe, your sister, Mrs. Gardiner, once described me as obstinate. I am often cautious with my opinion and guarded with my heart. That is, until I met Elizabeth.” Darcy chuckled at the memory of his previous foolish turn.
“Elizabeth has a secret inner strength, a willingness to meet any challenge. I love and cherish two women, Mr. Bennet: Elizabeth and my sister, Georgiana. That is the man I am.”
The earnestness with which Darcy spoke appeared to stun Mr. Bennet. “It speaks well of you, Mr. Darcy, that you recognize the worth of my dear Lizzy.”
“Elizabeth,” Darcy searched for the words to describe the woman who consumed him, “is a woman who sees my innermost self and accepts my deepest reflections without open flattery. I marvel at her unexpected wit and her devotion to her family.”
“Mr. Darcy, I regret ever thinking you did not deserve Lizzy. You are exactly what she requires; yet, I grieve for her loss. Please tell me I may visit with her at Pemberley.”
“Mr. Bennet, you require no invitation to spend time with Elizabeth. You are always welcome.”
Mr. Bennet offered sheepishly, “Mr. Bingley tells me the library at Pemberley contains many unusual selections.”
Darcy laughed easily. “Mr. Bingley graciously suffers my censure of the Netherfield library. At Pemberley, one may spend many hours lost in the written word. You will enjoy it, I am confident, Mr. Bennet.”
Within days, Georgiana Darcy and Mrs. Annesley arrived at Netherfield.
When the coach rolled to a stop before the estate house, Darcy waited at the coach’s door.
His sister stepped out quickly, delighted at having arrived.
She slid into her brother’s embrace and hugged Darcy with much admiration.
“Dearest one,” he stroked her back gently, “I missed you.”
“And I you, brother,” she bubbled over with pleasure. “Is Miss Elizabeth at Netherfield?”
“She awaits you on the steps.” He gestured towards the main doorway. Georgiana turned to look where Darcy pointed, and she beamed with excitement.
Bingley bowed to the arrivals. “Miss Darcy, welcome to Netherfield Park. I am delighted to have you at my home after so often being a Pemberley guest.”
Georgiana curtsied and allowed him to kiss her gloved hand. “Mr. Bingley, thank you for receiving Mrs. Annesley and me. Your generosity is endless. May I extend my congratulations on your upcoming nuptials to Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy. My Jane awaits your acquaintance. May we go into the house and take refreshments?”
“Nothing sounds more delightful.” Darcy offered his sister his arm, and Mr. Bingley attended to Mrs. Annesley.
When they reached the main entranceway, Elizabeth and Jane waited for Georgiana. Darcy looked on as they presented their curtsies, and then they were in each other’s arms. “Miss Darcy, I am gladdened to see you again.”
“It must be Georgiana,” the girl insisted.
“Georgiana,” Elizabeth shifted her attention, “may I present my eldest sister Miss Jane Bennet.”
“Miss Bennet, I am pleased finally to claim your acquaintance.”
“Miss Darcy,” Miss Bennet began, “Mr. Bingley speaks so highly of you. It is gratifying to have you at Netherfield to share in our joy. Please come in. Charles, Miss Darcy must freshen up before tea.” Jane turned to her prospective husband.
“We are not yet married,” Bingley teased while Jane blushed, “and my future wife gives me orders.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana each caught one of Darcy’s arms. “No orders for me, my love?” he grinned down at Elizabeth.
“You, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth pretended innocence, “are too incorrigible to take orders from me.”
Later, when Georgiana joined the group in the drawing room, everyone talked over each other. There was so much to be said, and emotions were high. Darcy, as he’d done at Pemberley, placed his sister beside Elizabeth and assumed the chair nearby.
“Elizabeth, my brother’s letter brought such happiness to Pemberley.
I am sorry, William,” she said as she turned to him, “but I was too excited not to share the news. I told Mrs. Reynolds and asked her to share it with the staff. Mr. Howard also informed the tenants, and Mrs. Annesley and I shared our delight with the new vicar. Prayers for your happiness were added to the service. Mr. Ashford has assured me he has received your notice of your intentions.”
Recognizing Elizabeth’s apprehension over becoming the mistress of such a large estate, Darcy’s eyebrow rose. He must temper his sister’s enthusiasm. “Georgiana, Miss Elizabeth is feeling a bit overwhelmed. The changes in her life are many.” Elizabeth colored with his words.
“Oh, I do apologize, Elizabeth.” Georgiana looked concerned. “I should not have spoken from place.”
“Think nothing of it. I am a bit worried about assuming such a role, but your brother will tell you I enjoy a challenge. Was not creating a new Fitzwilliam Darcy a challenge?” Elizabeth laughed nervously at her attempt at humor.
“Elizabeth, the staff will adore you. By marrying you, William secures the lifeblood of Pemberley. They have waited impatiently for him to choose a wife.”
Miss Bennet declared, “Although she gives herself little credit for her accomplishments, my sister is exceptional.”
Mr. Bingley added, “Miss Bennet is correct. I have known Darcy since our years at Cambridge; yet, I never knew him so content. Look at him—Miss Elizabeth did that.”
Darcy and Elizabeth both blushed, but when their notice rested upon each other, the fervor of their love promptly replaced their embarrassment.
Darcy’s intense stare caused Elizabeth to shift uncomfortably, and she reached for him.
Immediately, he stood beside her. He rested his hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder, and she brought her hand casually to stroke the back of his.
“I thank each of you for his confidence and love,” she said softly.
Elizabeth glanced at Darcy, and he nodded his agreement.
She felt she must voice her misgivings before she could conquer them.
“When I visited Pemberley, Mrs. Reynolds spoke of Fitzwilliam marrying; Mrs. Reynolds said she did not know who was good enough for him.” There!
She said the words. Those words of doubt about her worth wrapped up her disquiet.
Darcy dropped to one knee beside her chair.
“Are you not the girl who once told me I might have the pleasure of despising her taste, but she would always delight in overthrowing those kinds of schemes and cheating a person of his premeditated contempt? You are also the person who accused me of attempting to frighten you, but you declared you would not be alarmed. You said there was a stubbornness about you which never could bear to be frightened at the will of others. Your courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate you.”