Chapter 2.29 #2
When Mr. Slade heard the news from Darcy himself, the gentleman said little except, “I am pleased that you listened to your heart, Mr. Darcy. I have rarely seen a more perfectly suited couple in character and spirit. Is it not astonishing that Storm felt the depth of your affection before either of you recognized it?”
“You think Storm felt the bond between us?” Darcy inquired incredulously.
“Why else would he accept Miss Bennet from the first moment he saw you together?”
“It is laughable that I have been such a fool, is it not? Even my horse mocked me.”
“What is remarkable is the strength with which you eventually recognized the truth and brought happiness into your life. You should think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure, sir; I learned that philosophy many years ago.”
“I shall try; your advice has always been wise and valuable to me, Mr. Slade. But it will be some time before I reconcile myself with the past, as painful recollections often intrude.”
“Few men easily reconcile with their past, Mr. Darcy. Painful recollections intrude for all of us. A man is fortunate to find a present and future that are worth the effort; it is sad when he does not.”
“With that, I cannot argue, Mr. Slade.”
∞∞∞
Elizabeth and Darcy had not a single moment of solitude during that day or those that followed.
They usually had a few private minutes in the library early in the morning, in which they talked and became more familiar with each other.
At night, Darcy avoided visiting Elizabeth in her room again while he awaited Mr. Bennet’s answer.
He felt uncomfortable at the thought of betraying the gentleman’s trust, and his duty and honour managed to keep his desires —also shared by Elizabeth —under good regulation.
The reply from the Gardiners arrived with congratulations and regrets for not being able to travel in the winter. Mrs. Gardiner also wrote to Elizabeth to express her delight and pride in her on not less than two pages.
Three days after Christmas, an express from Longbourn was handed to Darcy. It contained two letters: one for Darcy and another for Elizabeth.
Eagerly, Darcy opened his, anxious to read the reply on which depended the most important event of his life.
Dear Mr. Darcy,
I must begin by telling you that I have never been so surprised in my life as when I read your express, and I doubt I will recover from the perplexity anytime soon.
I cannot understand how you and Lizzy progressed from enemies to spouses, but I could not be happier if your mutual affection is genuine and has a strong foundation. My Lizzy is truly a remarkable woman, and I would be pained to separate from her for anyone less worthy.
My admiration for you is as deep as my gratitude, and I should never dare refuse you anything you condescended to ask. But I also give you my heartfelt blessing, praying that your unexpected marriage with Lizzy will be to the advantage of both and raise everyone’s admiration.
As for your wedding date, you may fix it at your and Lizzy’s convenience. It is fortunate that her sisters are there to be by her side. Mrs. Bennet and I cannot possibly travel to Pemberley until Easter, as much as we would like to.
Mrs. Bennet insists on your marrying as soon as possible with a special licence. I believe she is worried that you might change your mind if you delay any longer, as she cannot believe you truly proposed to Lizzy.
We eagerly await a detailed report of your wedding, including the number of courses at the wedding breakfast, a description of the ladies’ dresses, and the dimensions of Lizzy’s apartment so Mrs. Bennet can share them with Mrs. Philips, Lady Lucas, and the other four and twenty families in Meryton.
Darcy read the letter with equal amusement and gravity as he could guess Mr. Bennet’s concern for his daughter’s felicity.
He began his reply immediately with further details and assurance to put Mr. Bennet at ease.
While he was writing, Elizabeth entered.
He handed her the letter, as well as the one addressed to her, still sealed.
Elizabeth sat near him, delighting herself with her father’s words. Then she opened the second one, curious and impatient.
My dearest Lizzy,
I shall not deny that the news of your marriage to Mr. Darcy surprised me exceedingly.
I never suspected such inclinations from either of you, and I am rather worried.
I have confidence enough in you both to hope that you made the decision based on solid reasons.
However, there is something you must know of your future husband.
I might be considered to be breaking a promise, but I believe it will help you to better know the man you decided to marry.
Mr. Darcy’s assistance in arranging L ydia’s marriage to Wickham was not limited to finding the couple.
Darcy paid all the debts, procured the commission, and negotiated with that scoundrel.
Everything that was needed he did of his own will.
We argued and refused to allow him to bear all the expense, but he would not be contradicted.
Why he made such a sacrifice we could not possibly imagine then; but now, it becomes apparent that his affection for you must have been strong even then and induced all his actions.