Chapter 1.18 #4
“Well, then let us enter the drawing room for a few moments, shall we?”
Once inside the room with the door closed behind them, they sat on opposite settees, facing each other silently. “Miss Elizabeth, there are indeed some things I think are important that we address at the very beginning between us. Will you allow me to speak frankly to you?”
“Of course.”
“Good. And will you promise to favour me with equal sincerity in your answers?”
“I shall.”
“Please believe me that I have no intention of offending you—none whatsoever—but my concern for both Darcy and Georgiana demands that I assure myself of your intentions and interests. Lady Anne Darcy was not just my sister-in-law but my best friend, and her children are as dear to me as my own.”
Elizabeth only nodded in agreement, waiting for her to continue.
“When Darcy told us last night of your engagement, we were absolutely astonished and, I must say, not at all pleased. We never considered that he of all men—who always had an exceptional sense of duty and propriety—would decide to marry someone outside the circle in which he was born and raised. I myself never considered anything less than the daughter of a peer for him, but over the years, he never showed any inclination for the young ladies of the ton, and you must know that he could have married anyone he chose. Under these circumstances, you surely understand our shock and disapproval when he informed us that he had chosen a country gentleman’s daughter whom he had met three months ago and about whom we knew nothing.
You cannot deny that securing the affection, and now the hand in marriage, of a man of Darcy’s wealth and situation must be more than you ever would have dreamed. ”
She paused, searching Elizabeth’s face and seeing a shadow of distress, but she continued without any attempt to lighten her tone.
“However, my nephew’s decision seems to be made and impossible to change.
He seems to have an uncommon affection and admiration for you of which I never would have suspected him capable.
What I truly want to know is whether your feelings for him are as strong and sound as his are for you.
I must grant you that the changes in both my nephew and niece are quite impressive: I have not seen them in such good spirits in years.
Moreover, I should be grateful to you if I can be assured that your intentions are honest and your affection for my nephew, and consequently for his sister, matches theirs for you.
But I must say you seem just too good to be true. ”
Her words were, without doubt, offensive in their meaning, accusing Elizabeth of dishonesty and mercenary intentions.
However, her tone was neutral; she stated from the beginning that she would speak without disguise of any sort, and she was doing no differently.
Thus, for her own part, Elizabeth was rather pleased with the opportunity for honest talk.
Her reply was calm, and she spoke without taking her eyes from her interrogator.
“Lady Matlock, if my affections for Mr Darcy, as well as for Georgiana, were less than they are, I would have been offended by your ladyship’s speech, but since the well-being of Mr Darcy and his sister is also my concern, I can understand your mistrust of my interests and the honesty of my feelings.
However, I have faith that your ladyship will have no cause to complain regarding this aspect of our relationship. ”
“You seem very certain of yourself, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I am very certain indeed of my feelings.” She blushed a little saying that but continued.
“But I must say that I am not at all ‘too good,’ your ladyship, and I have done nothing to deserve praise for the present state of Mr and Miss Darcy. How could anyone not feel friendship and affection for Georgiana, not because she is Mr Darcy’s sister but because she is so kind and sweet.
Who would not love such a sister? As for Mr Darcy…
” She paused few moments to search for the proper words.
“It is true that gaining Mr Darcy’s affection and hand in marriage is more than I ever could have dreamed, but his situation in life and his fortune have nothing to do with this!
I shall not deny that my own lack of fortune demanded prudence in marriage, but I never would agree to marry a man only for his wealth.
A marriage without mutual affection and respect is worse than a life of loneliness. ”
By that time, her voice had become not just determined but challenging, defying Lady Matlock to contradict her.
Her eyes glowed with passion and fortitude when she talked about Mr Darcy, which his aunt did not fail to observe.
The force of her last statement changed the lady’s countenance in an instant.
“Furthermore, Lady Matlock, I know that any young lady would be glad to accept Mr Darcy because he is indeed the best man I have ever known. To have the admiration and affection—I dare say to have the devoted love of such a man—seems too wonderful to be true, and I am happy to respond with equal devotion…and love.”
“Well…that was quite a declaration! Upon my word, you expressed your opinion very determinedly for someone so young. However, if you would allow me, I have one more question: Do you understand exactly what it means to be Darcy’s wife?
Do you understand the responsibilities this implies?
Do you understand that any failure on your part will ruin him in terms of reputation and respect, and will expose him to the censure of society? ”
She was waiting for—nay, she was demanding—answers, and Elizabeth chose to give them, not with anger but with the honesty previously demanded, not allowing her pride to control her.
“Your ladyship is correct in saying that I am not prepared to be the proper mistress of Pemberley, but Mr Darcy chose to trust me when he made me an offer of marriage, and I would do whatever is in my power to prove myself worthy of his trust. I am confident that I shall succeed because I would do anything for him. I would—”
She blushed furiously saying that and averted her eyes, trying to find the proper words but not daring to speak further, instead trying to calm herself.
Elizabeth startled almost violently when the lady stretched out her hand and gently touched her arm, smiling openly and calmly as if nothing had happened.
“Yes? Please continue, Miss Elizabeth…”
“I…I never would have imagined it was possible for a woman to love a man as much as I love Mr Darcy. I am almost embarrassed and frightened of my own feelings. I—”
She was burning with mortification for making such an improper disclosure in front of a stranger, and not just any stranger, but the formidable aunt of the man in question. She did not dare to lift her eyes.
After a long moment, Lady Matlock started to laugh, making Elizabeth look up at her with shocked curiosity. “Oh dear, indeed we seem to have a problem here, and quite a serious one I might say!”
At that moment, Mr Darcy entered the drawing room, a worried frown on his face as his eyes rested on Elizabeth, who was staring at her hands entwined in her lap, her face flustered, while his aunt was laughing, apparently quite amused.
“Lady Matlock, Miss Elizabeth, what a wonderful surprise to find you both here.” He came closer, greeting his aunt and then his intended. Elizabeth only managed to answer his inquiring look with a shy smile.
“Will you allow me to join you, ladies?”
“Oh, we certainly shall, as I was just talking with Miss Elizabeth about a very serious problem, which apparently must be solved without delay.” Elizabeth turned to her, eyes wide in utter surprise that she could raise such a subject in front of her nephew.
He took a seat beside Elizabeth, more curious than surprised, trying to determine how the conversation had gone and whether Elizabeth had been hurt or offended. “May I help you in any way?”
“Yes you may. We were about to discuss your wedding date. I understand it is not yet settled.”
She smiled, satisfied at the looks of relief on both Elizabeth and Darcy’s faces.
“Oh…we have not had the opportunity to discuss it, but I hope we can approach the subject today before Mr Bennet leaves town.”
“Good! You must consider the date very carefully. The Season begins in March, and it is important to know whether we shall introduce Elizabeth”—neither of them failed to notice the change of address—“as your wife or as your betrothed.”
Darcy let out a little laugh. “My dear aunt, I never have given any consideration to the Season. You cannot possibly believe that I shall make my wedding arrangements around its opening or closing.”
She became very serious and looked from him to Elizabeth in earnest.
“Darcy, I know that you never have given much consideration to the Season, but things are different now. And, as I told Elizabeth earlier, there is a difference between what you or she would like to do and what must be done. Elizabeth is not at all known in the ton, and you know there will be much speculation and gossip.”
“I do not care about that, Aunt.”
“I do care, and I am sure Elizabeth will care too after considering the implications. Mrs Darcy must have her place in London society, just as she must have the proper presentation at court. It is the prestige of her position we are talking about here, the prestige of your sister who will be out in a year or two, and the prestige of your children. This is not something with which to trifle.” She was serious, and the inflection in her tone did not bear contradiction as she looked from one to the other.
Elizabeth spoke first. “Lady Matlock, I thank you for your advice and concern. Your ladyship is right, and we shall certainly consider these aspects when we plan our wedding date.”
“Good! Then when we meet again, we can discuss that as well.” She rose to her feet, joined by both Mr Darcy and Elizabeth.
“I am glad we talked, Elizabeth. You did not disappoint me.”
“Thank you, Lady Matlock.”