Chapter 33 An Offer Of Marriage
“No, sir. Providentially, Mr. Wickham did not harm my fifteen-year-old sister. Jane and I are persuaded that the child’s guardian angel labors beyond all reason.
She has since been placed at school and is kept so industriously employed that she writes to me complaining that she falls asleep the instant her head touches the pillow. ”
A faint breath escaped him. “That is a mercy.”
“It is indeed,” Elizabeth agreed.
Then she recounted the history of Lydia, Mr. Wickham, and the unfortunate scene connected to the hermitage.
When the hermitage came into view, Georgiana released her brother’s arm and ran ahead. She peered into the little ruin, circled it with eager steps, and emerged on the other side with bright eyes.
“It is charming, Elizabeth. No wonder you fancy reading here.”
She glanced about until she spied the bench. “Is this where you sat? And these must be the hedges.”
She darted behind one of them and called out, “Brother, can you see me?”
“No, my dear, not at all.”
“Nor can I see you,” she returned merrily, “though I hear you perfectly.”
Next, she hurried to the fence and slipped through the small gate. She began to test the stones with curious fingers.
Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “Do you know what she is about?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied, grinning. “She is searching for the hollow where Wickham and Lydia exchanged notes.”
“I see.”
They followed at a slower pace and stood watching as Georgiana continued her examination. At last, she discovered the loosened stone. With care, she drew it free and slipped her hand into the narrow space behind it.
A moment later, she looked up, surprise plain upon her face. “A note,” she declared.
Now it was Elizabeth who was surprised. “Indeed? Lydia has been away nearly four months; I am astonished to find anything within. Besides, I am persuaded they contrived this hiding place themselves. Who else would have need of it?”
Darcy’s countenance was grave. “Who else indeed.” He extended his hand toward his sister, and she placed the note within his open palm.
His expression hardened. “It is precisely the sort of scheme Wickham would devise. I have never known a more devious man.”
He opened the missive, then he read the contents. He handed the note to Elizabeth after reading it a second time. “Had we seen this sooner, we might have been prepared for his designs upon Georgiana.”
Elizabeth unfolded the paper, and Georgiana stepped close enough to read over her shoulder.
“Little Bird, you will regret refusing me, for now you shall never see me again. I shall bestow my attentions upon another, who is fairer than you and possesses a considerable dowry. You have forfeited the privilege of knowing what a man such as myself might offer. I am angered by your refusal, Lydia, and should opportunity arise, I shall seek my revenge.”
“Revenge? Sir, what can he intend by that? Revenge for what? Does not a woman possess the right to choose whom she will give herself to?”
Both young ladies turned their eyes upon Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said, “Wickham regards no one but himself. He is cold and vain, unable to love anyone but himself. You are a scholar, are you not? Wickham exists only for the gratification of one person, and that person is himself. If you comprehend Ovid’s mythology of Narcissus, then you have a good understanding of Wickham. ”
Elizabeth was considering Mr. Darcy’s explanation when Georgiana turned to her and said, “Lizzy, I have not yet told you. Mr. Wickham’s confinement will extend for many months, for he awaits transport.
His ship sails at the end of February, and the voyage is so long that he will not arrive until July. ”
Relief was evident on her face when Elizabeth answered. “Ah, his passage is secured. I am glad he will soon be far away from all of us.”
“Have you read anything of Australia?” Georgiana continued eagerly.
“No, I have not.”
“Oh, Lizzy, I should dearly love to see that continent. It is vast beyond imagination. Because it lies in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. There are black swans and creatures called kangaroos. The native inhabitants are said to be entirely unlike ourselves, and the climate exceedingly warm.” Georgiana removed her gloves and shook them out.
“When next I am at Hatchards, I will ask for a book on the wonders of Australia.”
Elizabeth waited for further particulars, but Georgiana had exhausted her store of knowledge.
“Did you read about Australia because you knew Mr. Wickham would be sent there?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
“Yes,” Georgiana admitted. “I have been very interested to discover what sort of life awaits him when he arrives.”
They continued along the path, listening as Georgiana enumerated her many questions about the distant continent and the strange creatures she imagined must inhabit it. When at last she paused, Darcy turned to Elizabeth.
“And where does this path lead, Miss Elizabeth?”
“To Oakham Mount, sir.”
“Ah.” He inclined his head. “And Sparky, ma’am?”
Elizabeth smiled, and Georgiana looked between them in curiosity. “Who is Sparky?”
“My walking companion,” Elizabeth replied. “He weighs perhaps ten pounds and possesses a smooth white coat. A small terrier who imagines himself a Newfoundland and delights in harassing the squirrels.”
Georgiana laughed. “He sounds very like my Poppy. She is a three-year-old beagle and considers moles and squirrels her mortal enemies.”
Elizabeth laughed, and Mr. Darcy joined them with a quiet chuckle.
As she glanced at him, Elizabeth could not help but notice how neatly his side whiskers were trimmed, little more than a shadow that defined the strong line of his jaw.
His dark lashes framed eyes that were now fixed upon her with an intensity that sent a sudden warmth coursing to her very core and made her breath catch in her throat.
He turned away, but not before she noted that his complexion had heightened. She was grateful he was not witness to the blush she felt rising swiftly along her neck and into her cheeks.
Fortunately, Georgiana’s attention was diverted by the discovery of the swing. She ran toward it, asking, “Lizzy, will it hold two?”
“Yes. My sisters ride it together very often.”
She turned eagerly to her brother. “Will you push us?”
Darcy glanced down at Elizabeth, who felt a sudden, foolish embarrassment. His lips curved.
“I am entirely at your service,” he said. “If you require a lackey, I shall perform the office with diligence.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Very well, sir. If you do not object, I shall take a turn with Georgiana, who seems to consider this equal to our balloon ascent.”
His expression softened. “That was indeed a pleasurable diversion. I shall never forget it.”
The two young women settled themselves upon the swing and set it in motion.
When their feet left the ground, Darcy placed a steadying hand behind each of them and gave a firm push.
The branch arched high overhead, the ropes were long and strong, and soon the swing carried them upward in broad, exhilarating sweeps.
Their laughter rang out across the garden.
After several vigorous passes, Darcy stepped back, fearing one or the other might be pitched forward. When the swing slowed to a gentle sway, he withdrew and consulted his pocket watch.
“Our visit has exceeded an hour. Perhaps Charles waits for us.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Jane would have sent for us had he been waiting. I suspect they remain very much engaged.” When at last the trio returned toward the rose garden, they saw Mr. Bingley and Jane standing close together, their heads bent in earnest conversation.
At the sound of approaching steps, Jane turned. She smiled at her sister.
“Lizzy, I am betrothed!”
She flew into her sister’s arms and embraced her with unrestrained joy. Elizabeth held her fast, laughing even as tears slipped down her cheeks.
Darcy crossed at once to his friend and clasped his hand. “Congratulations, Charles. I wish you every happiness.”
Bingley was laughing. “Thank you, Darcy. I am the happiest of men. Mr. Bennet has allowed us to fix a date. We shall marry quietly in August, and we will be allowed a wedding breakfast, as it will then have been four months, and the good people of Meryton will forgive us for not waiting out the full year.”
Hearing approaching steps, Elizabeth turned and saw Mrs. Hill and Alice emerging with a tray of glasses and a bottle of champagne.
Mr. Bennet followed close behind. He requested that Mr. Darcy perform the office of uncorking the bottle, then placed it in Elizabeth’s hands. She poured for each in turn.
Glasses were raised, and the happy pair were toasted with much affection and many good wishes. They all seated themselves beneath the early afternoon light, speaking of wedding arrangements and of Netherfield.
Nearly half an hour passed before Mr. Bingley rose.
“I must take my leave, for I plan to call upon the rector today and arrange for the banns to be read beginning this Sunday.”
The Bennet family accompanied their guests to the front of the house and watched as the carriage rolled away.
Jane straightened her shawl and turned to the house, but as Elizabeth made to follow her, Mr. Bennet detained her with a quiet inquiry.
“And what of you, Lizzy? When shall it be your turn? Mr. Darcy devotes a great deal of attention to you, my dear.”
A bloom of color rose in her cheeks, and Jane turned to listen.
“To me, Papa? Mr. Darcy is my friend, nothing more. He entertains no thoughts of marriage toward me, sir. His sphere moves far above our own. If there is any particular attachment, it is on Georgiana’s part.
Having neither mother nor sister, she has been eager for female companionship, and he indulges her. ”
Mr. Bennet lifted his brows but pursued the matter no further, for which Elizabeth was sincerely grateful.
“Daughters, I propose that you both return to London to purchase the gowns you shall wear to the wedding, as well as Jane’s trousseau. Mr. Hill will drive you into Harpenden tomorrow to catch the mail coach.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Jane embraced her father and then set off to compose a note explaining her brief absence from Longbourn to Mr. Bingley. When it was sealed and given to Mr. Hill to deliver, the sisters went upstairs to pack a light portmanteau each.
Soon after they returned below and waited to be summoned to dinner, Mr. Bingley was announced.
“No, pray do not rise,” he said cheerfully.
“I come only to request your permission, sir, to escort the two Miss Bennets to London. Mr. Darcy and I have business in town that requires our attention. If it meets with your approval, my carriage shall arrive at nine o’clock tomorrow morning to collect them.
Darcy and I will ride our mounts, but Georgiana has begged to join the party, so the three young ladies will have one another’s company.
We propose to remain two full weeks, so that I may return with the marriage settlement in hand, unless you prefer their earlier return. ”
Mr. Bennet considered the proposal. “Yes, two weeks will answer. I will send an express to my brother so that he may expect my daughters.”
“Very good, sir. Until tomorrow, then.”
Mr. Bingley looked upon Jane with unguarded happiness as he took his leave. Elizabeth watched the exchange, drew near to her father, and entwined her arm in his. “I am truly happy, Papa.”