Chapter 4 #2
Elizabeth was taken aback, not only to hear Darcy’s name rolling off her friend’s tongue, but also to learn that Lady Catherine had spoken so unreservedly of her heart’s desire to a perfect stranger; but Elizabeth soon recalled her own past dealings with Darcy’s cacophonous aunt last April when she had visited Rosings Park.
Of course, Lady Catherine would speak of her favourite nephew, his beautiful estate, and their intimacy with him to Charlotte’s relations.
Elizabeth shook her head in bemusement. Just because the lady desired something did not necessarily mean it would come to pass, especially where Darcy was concerned.
With a wry turn of her lips, she said, “Though a union between her daughter and Mr Darcy is undoubtedly her dearest wish, I would not give much credence to Lady Catherine’s intimations on that score if I were you.
I am acquainted with Mr Darcy, and it is my observation that he and Miss de Bourgh would never suit.
He paid her no particular attention that I could see when I was in company with them last spring at Rosings, quite the opposite in fact. ”
But Mr Ellis was quick to disagree. “I do not discount your familiarity with the gentleman, but I have it on authority from Lady Catherine herself that such an arrangement between them does, in fact, exist. My understanding is that it has been a long time coming—the dearest wish of both her and Mr Darcy’s late mother.
The family has yet to make a formal announcement to their general acquaintance, but the Reverend Collins assures me that will happen shortly.
Why, to hear him go on one would think he had a hand in the business!
The man talked of nothing but Mr Darcy and his ‘excellent fortune of securing dear Miss de Bourgh’s delicate hand’ for the full week I was under his roof!
“Poor Mr Darcy,” Mr Ellis said, and chuckled.
“Lady Catherine accused him of spending too much of his time at his estate in Derbyshire and not nearly enough in Kent wooing his betrothed, but that will soon change, as he has plans to travel to Rosings shortly. Apparently, the couple is to become espoused in Hunsford Church at Christmas, honeymoon in the north, and produce an heir by this time next year. As Lady Catherine seems to be a woman who is not in the habit of being denied, I have no doubt she will have her way in the end, despite the persuasive argument the bridegroom has made regarding his preference for the chapel at Pemberley. I sincerely hope for the gentleman’s sake that, in addition to his reputed ten-thousand-a-year, he is also in possession of a strong constitution.
He will certainly have need of one—that and a very stiff drink! ”
Elizabeth stumbled and Mr Ellis reached out and caught her arm, steadying her. “Lizzy, are you quite well?” His concern for her was apparent in his eyes.
“Yes,” she stammered. “I am perfectly well. I only caught my foot in a rabbit hole.”
It cannot be true, Elizabeth told herself firmly. Mr Darcy cannot be engaged to a woman who is the exact opposite in spirit, temperament, and appearance as me; a woman whom he had not shown the least inclination for last April.
That Darcy placed much importance on family connexions she could not refute, but to give way and agree to Lady Catherine’s expectations now, after he had already risked her wrath and proposed to Elizabeth, someone so wholly unconnected to him, was confounding. Whatever would induce him to do it?
It was the work of a moment before she recalled much to induce Darcy to turn to the bosom of his own family—her family.
Lydia’s scandalous elopement, patched-up marriage, and worthless husband; her mother’s enthusiasm for the newlyweds, despite their offences and unrepentant attitudes; Elizabeth’s abhorrent connexion to them; and her father’s indifference to it all.
She held back tears as Mr Ellis whistled shrilly for his horse.
“Perhaps we should proceed on to Longbourn,” her friend suggested, seemingly oblivious to her distress.
“I would wager you have been gone all morning and, if I recall anything of your dear mother, the moment you set foot in the house she will accuse you of caring nothing for her nerves and scold you incessantly for undoing all your maid’s efforts. ”
His tone took on a conspiratorial lilt. “Tell me, after all these years, does she still instruct you to be mindful of your petticoats? I daresay she does, for every lady knows that any eligible gentleman of consequence would disapprove of a wild girl who roams the countryside for hours on end, especially one who returns with her hem caked with mud!”
Elizabeth felt a flush of heat rise in her cheeks as her friend’s teasing words rang all too close to the truth. “Yes,” she muttered awkwardly. “No gentleman of consequence, indeed.”
A look of concern crossed Mr Ellis’s face then and he hastened to offer her his arm. “Do you mind my accompanying you? If you would prefer to continue alone, I can call another day, but confess I am loath to part from you so soon, particularly when you appear to be unwell.”
After a brief hesitation she accepted his arm and forced a half-hearted smile to her lips. “I would be grateful to have your company. I am merely a bit fatigued, that is all. I am hardly unwell.”
He offered her a rueful turn of his own mouth as he gathered his horse’s reins. “You cannot fool me, Elizabeth Bennet, but I shall not press you now for answers you are unwilling to give. We may therefore continue on in silence.”
Elizabeth’s spirits were in a dismal state by the time she and her companion reached Longbourn.
Surely, her own unjust actions and her family’s ill-mannered behaviour must have induced Darcy to at least appreciate the benefits of an alliance with his wealthy cousin.
Why would he ever return to Hertfordshire and renew his addresses to her when he could easily choose another lady to marry?
One who was not only well connected and well dowered, but well-mannered enough to refrain from insulting him when he proposed?
It was with a heavy heart that she entered the house and handed her bonnet and spencer to Mrs Hill.
Fleeting thoughts of claiming a headache and escaping to her bedchamber occurred to her, but she dismissed them as quickly as they had come.
She took a fortifying breath instead and, assuming an air of congeniality, allowed Mr Ellis to escort her to a cheerful-looking parlour where the windows faced full west. There, they found her mother and sisters seated before a warm fire, chatting amicably with Mr Bingley over tea and biscuits.
“Lord, bless me,” cried Mrs Bennet as she rose to greet her new guest with enthusiasm. “Jonathan Ellis, you are very welcome back to Hertfordshire! I do not believe you have met our neighbour, Mr Bingley of Netherfield Park.”
“No, ma’am, I have not yet had that pleasure,” Mr Ellis replied, smiling as he turned towards Mr Bingley and performed a perfunctory bow. “I believe congratulations are in order, Mr Bingley. I understand from Miss Elizabeth that you are soon to become her brother.”
“I am, indeed, sir,” Mr Bingley declared with equal cordiality, bowing to Mr Ellis in turn. “I consider myself the most fortunate man in the world to have secured the affections of such a lovely, estimable lady as my Miss Bennet.”
Almost immediately Mrs Bennet began to talk of the upcoming wedding and all it entailed.
Mr Ellis caught Elizabeth’s eye and grinned widely.
As previously predicted, this was a topic near and dear to Mrs Bennet’s heart and, judging from her friend’s poorly contained delight, Elizabeth suspected he had every intention of making the most of her mother’s exuberance.
Despite the heaviness of her heart, Elizabeth was delighted to have her childhood friend back in Hertfordshire.
While her mother prattled on about wedding clothes, he cast countless amused looks in Elizabeth’s direction.
Eventually her dark mood lightened, and she responded to his teasing ways by playfully narrowing her eyes at his tomfoolery until the urge to laugh at him for his cheek as he encouraged her mother’s enthusiasm to an almost absurd degree became too much.
Her lips began to twitch, but any merriment was remarkably short-lived once Mrs Bennet noticed their private exchange.
With a smug expression, Longbourn’s mistress boldly announced her hopes that all her remaining daughters would soon find husbands.
Elizabeth’s mortification was acute and Mr Ellis, properly chagrined himself, hastened to engage Mr Bingley in a discussion about Netherfield.
An invitation to stay for supper was issued by Elizabeth’s mother and accepted with real pleasure by both men, whose impressions of one another appeared favourable, as did their desire to further their acquaintance.
It was late when the party finally parted company and Mrs Bennet urged Jane and Elizabeth to see their guests to the door. No doubt her thoughts were focused on securing Jonathan Ellis for her second-eldest daughter. Elizabeth reluctantly followed the others out into the vestibule with a frown.
Mr Ellis laughed at her solemnity and, as Bingley took Jane aside for a private farewell, linked Elizabeth’s arm with his own and led her from the house, where he ordered a stable boy to fetch his horse.
“Have no fear, Lizzy. I know what is going on inside that pretty head of yours. I am only surprised you would believe me so easily guided by the whims of your mother. You, madam, as you well know, are in no danger of having to suffer any romantic overtures from me.” He gave her a playful wink.
“Not unless you desire them, of course.”