Chapter 5
The following day, the unforeseen events escalated with disturbing haste, trapping Elizabeth in a storm that pushed her forward, even against her will.
Mr. Bennet did not recover. He did move and whispered a few times, but he was not coherent, nor responsive to their calls.
Jane’s state was not life threatening, but distressing for Elizabeth. Moving from one chamber to another, grieving for the two people she loved most, she barely closed her eyes and found little rest for two more days.
Mr. Gardiner, helpless in his brother’s recovery, continued his endeavour to find a solution to their disastrous business affair.
Both doctors visited Mr. Bennet, one each day, but their examinations offered no more encouragement for the family and no palliation for Elizabeth’s sorrow.
On the third day, Dr. Perry arrived together with Lord Barrington around noon. Mr. Gardiner was attending to his business, while Mrs. Gardiner had left for some urgent purchases.
While the doctor examined the patients, Elizabeth was caught in a private encounter with the young earl and she was confronted with the most astonishing request.
“Miss Bennet, I confess I am here today in the hope of stealing a few minutes of your time. There is something of great importance that I would like to speak to you about.”
“To me? What could this be? May I help you in any way?”
“I believe so. In fact, I believe we may help each other.”
“Lord Barrington, I am afraid I am very distressed, so forgive me for not guessing your meaning...”
“I understand that. And please believe me that I am not inconsiderate nor insensible to your grief. But allow me to assure you that the subject I wish to discuss is closely related to your present state. And it might be the solution to your problems and perhaps mine too.”
“I doubt that very much, sir. But I do appreciate your support and your concern.”
“Miss Bennet, I dare say there is a way to support each other, to the benefit of both.”
“What could you possibly mean?”
“We are well-enough acquainted for me to understand the depth of your distress. You worry not only for your father’s life and for your sister’s health, but also your family’s future.
If tragedy occurs, your entire family might be left without the means for a comfortable life.
I dared to enquire discreetly and I was informed that your uncle’s business is not as successful as he hoped.
The entire burden must be on your shoulders.
I hope you do not find my statement presumptuous. ”
“Not at all, sir. Any friend in such times of need is a blessing. We pray and hope we will bear and overcome these difficulties.”
“I dare say there is more that may be done, other than praying and hoping.”
“What would that be, sir?”
“Miss Bennet, even if our friendship is only of short duration, we have met quite often. I have had the pleasure of speaking with you and your family and I have admired traits in you that I have not often encountered in other ladies.”
She felt her cheeks burning.”Thank you, sir—you are too kind.”
“Not at all, I assure you. I am at an age when people are expecting me to take over my family’s business affairs and start a family of my own.
Especially Lady Sedgewick. I am her only heir and, as much as she loves me, she demands I find a trustworthy wife, someone willing to continue her work.
You had the opportunity to hear her expectations yourself. ”
He paused, but Elizabeth remained silent, praying that she had misunderstood his intentions.
He stood, took a few steps closer, then stopped and spoke further.
“On the other hand, you, Miss Bennet, need protection and a secure future for your family and yourself. I can provide that. I need an honourable woman, from a respectable family, hardworking, caring and appreciative, by my side to help me comply with my family’s request.”
Elizabeth stared at him in complete shock.
“Lord Barrington, I must ask for a clearer explanation, as I fear I might have miscomprehended your words.”
“You have not, Miss Bennet. I am asking for your hand in marriage.”
“My hand in marriage? But...We barely know each other. And I shall not deny that I suspected you admired Jane...”
He frowned. “Your sister? Is she of the same opinion? Does she expect me to address her?”
“No, no...It is just that...Sir, I...”
“Miss Bennet, I will not be so ridiculous as to claim I have fallen deeply in love with you in only a week. Nor do I expect you to love me already—or to undertake all the duties required from a wife. It would be an arranged marriage between two friends, two reasonable people. I dare say our appreciation is mutual. We seem to feel comfortable together, my mother is slowly growing closer to you and she is partial to your family too. All the circumstances are in our favour...”
“Nothing is in our favour, sir. And, as grateful as I am for your help, I do not feel we are even friends yet, as our acquaintance is too new and too shallow. We are completely oblivious to each other’s inclinations and we might soon discover they are completely opposite.
I am afraid such a union would not be reasonable at all.
It might appear an arrangement advantageous for both of us at present, but we should consider the future more thoroughly. ”
She spoke with no emotion; the coldness in her voice on such a significant matter startled her. She recollected the day when Mr. Darcy had proposed to her at the parsonage, their heated argument, their emotions—so strong, so overwhelming—and struggled to shake off the painful memories.
Lord Barrington’s proposal, however, was neither pompous nor ridiculous—as Mr. Collins’s had been—nor offensive to her or her family—like Mr. Darcy’s. His frankness she took as proof of his respect for her, and Elizabeth was not indifferent to it.
“Your reluctance honours you, Miss Bennet. And offers me further evidence of your excellent character. Most women in your position would have accepted my proposal in a heartbeat, not because of my worthiness but because of its convenience. I cannot argue with your scepticism. Our relationship is too short even for a friendship, as you mentioned. But to me, as little as I have had the pleasure of knowing you, I believe we have laid enough ground to anticipate the future confidently. More time or a longer engagement would be preferable but for both of us the matter is urgent. I confess I am determined to allow my aunt to leave this world peacefully. I intend to marry and for her to accept my wife while she still has some strength left. I wish to grant her the opportunity to pass her legacy onto the woman who will carry on her hard work. There are so many requirements in my uncle and aunt’s will, that only a woman of integrity might fulfil them.
For my aunt, the notion that her work might be lost forever is grievous and the relief of seeing her worries eradicated might prolong her life.
It is my duty to do this for her as soon as possible. Before it is too late.”
The earl’s words sounded emotional and heartfelt; his attempt at persuasion, induced by his apparent affection for his aunt, touched Elizabeth.
Suddenly, she felt a selfish and thoughtless spoiled girl, arguing with a generous and kind man who had shown nothing but consideration for his family—and hers.
“Lord Barrington, I am not certain what to say; I am grateful that you wish to help me, and honoured that you believe me capable of taking on so many responsibilities. However, everything is so hasty, so abrupt...”
“Fate seems to have its own will. Lady Sedgewick’s health is very poor.
I would like to give her at least this comfort: to know I have taken her words to heart, that I am willing to honour her legacy and that I have found someone who can be trusted to carry on her charities, to follow in her footsteps in caring for others and sharing her fortune with those in need! ”
“This is commendable, sir!”
“As for your part, please rest assured that you will be offered a generous settlement. You will inherit expensive jewels, and will benefit from a significant sum as pin money, according to your title.”
“Lord Barrington, I do not intend to sound ungrateful, but these are not reasons that would induce my acceptance. Jewels have no use where there is no respect or affection between husband and wife.”
“I agree, but I hope this will not be our situation. Affection will surely grow in time. I shall not force you to comply with your duties as a wife until you are prepared. I do hope for an heir in the future, with God’s will. But there is no haste.”
He paused to see the effect of his promise and she blushed, averting her eyes.
“Also, your family will be granted a monthly income similar to their present one, and in case of your father's demise, your mother and sisters will be offered a house similar to their current one, with all expenses paid. There will be no reduction in their living arrangements. Besides, I do not wish to sound presumptuous, but from the position of Lady Barrington, you will be able to introduce your sisters to a different society, increasing their chances of making good marriages.”
His words touched Elizabeth again. They were cold, but sound, wise and reasonable. She found no fault in his statements.
Elizabeth remembered Mr. Collins’s profession of love and his assurance about the strength of his feelings; for a brief moment, a little smile broke through her sorrow and timidly appeared on her lips.
Then, the recollection of Darcy’s proposal pushed her back into the hole of darkness and grief, although it was not the time for such musings.
That day at the parsonage, her response to Darcy had likely influenced her entire life—and Jane’s—forever.