Chapter 10 #2
Elizabeth was overwhelmed, yet it was enough to make her decide her position.
With tears in her eyes, she quietly left the house.
Her first thought was to call for the carriage, but running away would not solve their problems. She would not expose the man she loved to censure by his colleagues or bring harm to his sister.
She would end their engagement today and leave for London on the morrow.
* * *
Darcy had to take a moment to think, he was so struck by Richard’s honesty.
His cousin was telling the truth without being aware Elizabeth had been in service.
If his family ever learnt the details about how he met his betrothed, they would never speak to him again.
Would he need to find someone for Georgiana who had not heard about his wife’s background or pay a king’s ransom for someone to marry his sister?
He needed to further justify his choice to Richard.
“She met me when my face was hideous and I could hardly walk. She treats me no differently now than she did then. She may not be what you would call sophisticated but she has a special way of putting everyone at ease with her thoughtfulness. After coming to know Elizabeth, I could never endure a marriage to someone your parents would prefer. I have no need of a dowry—my income and holdings are more than enough.”
Richard’s heavy brows rose. “She must be remarkable if you are willing to defy the expectations of society for her. I assume you have yet to inform Lady Catherine. You escaped marrying Lady Beatrice and yet you still have not married Anne. When our aunt finds out, she will undoubtedly come here and have you burnt at the stake.”
“I shall wait until after the wedding to apprise her—when she can do nothing about the situation. Come, let us join Elizabeth—surely you have time for a cup of tea. I should like the two of you to become acquainted.”
The gentlemen found the drawing room empty. “She may be outside enjoying the lovely day—another thing we have in common. I know you are anxious to leave so I shall call for your horse and then go and find her. I hope to see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, until then.”
Richard rode off, and Darcy began searching for his betrothed. He walked towards the garden and called her name. “I am here.” Her quiet voice came from around the corner.
He found her sitting on a bench wiping away her tears and he sat beside her. “What is it? Are you unwell? Have you received bad news from your family?”
She stared at the gravel path beneath her feet.
She was obviously upset but he made no attempt to physically comfort her.
He did not hold her hand nor try to take her in his arms even though he was aware that either would have been appropriate for two people who were soon to be married.
It seemed awkward not to do so. “I am not unwell, simply unhappy.” She removed the betrothal ring from her finger and placed it in his hand.
“I do not understand. Do you no longer wish to marry me?”
“It is not what I want but what is best for both of us. I cannot marry you. I was a fool to think you could ever love anyone like me.”
“Why are you saying this now, mere days before our wedding?”
“I was walking towards the kitchen, and the library door was not closed. I realize I should not have eavesdropped, but I kept hearing you say my name. I could never do anything to cause you to become estranged from your family or friends. Georgiana must never suffer because of your inappropriate choice of wife. The colonel was right—I am not prepared to become mistress of Pemberley.”
Darcy took her hand and replaced the ring on her finger.
“This ring will remain here until you replace it with another one of the Darcy jewels. What you overheard was Richard telling me all the negative things about marrying you. You must have walked away before you had a chance to hear me speak of your many accomplishments. He was playing the devil’s advocate to ensure I knew what I was doing.
You should not be apprehensive about your new role; you will have Mrs. Reynolds’s help when the manor house is rebuilt. ”
She looked into his eyes. “Is that truly what transpired?”
“Yes. I would never lie to you. You are the woman I have chosen to be beside me as I rebuild Pemberley. Shall we walk back?”
He helped her rise and offered her his arm. She appeared reluctant to place her hand inside his elbow. They began to make their way back, and he winced as he placed weight on his injured leg.
“Are you in pain? You are not moving as easily as you have in the past.”
“I confess my leg has been aching more of late. I am sure I need to rest it more. For now, I could use a strong cup of tea.”
They walked the remaining distance to the cottage in silence.
Darcy was angry with himself. He should have been certain the library door was completely closed.
Had Elizabeth believed his explanation? His honour forbade him from breaking his promise now.
Would he be shunned by his family and his friends?
He must not do something that might damage his sister’s future.
Did he resist following Elizabeth’s wish to end their engagement out of stubbornness or was there a chance they could ever find joy together?
* * *
Darcy received word that his aunt and uncle were bringing Georgiana to Lambton for the wedding.
The time for the Matlocks to meet his betrothed was upon him.
He rubbed the back of his neck. How would they respond to meeting her?
Would they welcome her into their family?
Or would they shun her for her low connexions and appearance?
He could not know, but had no choice but to remember that they were good people and think the best of them.
He invited them all for tea so he could introduce them to Elizabeth before the ceremony.
He told her about the guests they were expecting the following day.
“I confess I am quite nervous to meet them,” said Elizabeth.
“There is no need; you charmed my sister as I am certain you will charm my aunt and uncle. My aunt is always kind. . .”
“What are you not saying?”
“I must admit, at times, my uncle can be a little high in the instep.”
Elizabeth’s head dropped. “That does not help my apprehension.”
“He may be a peer of the realm, but he is just a man. My uncle is devoted to my aunt and cousins as well as to Georgiana and me.”
“Will Viscount Ashford be coming to the wedding?”
“Richard told me Lady Ashford is with child and cannot travel.”
“I hope your uncle will accept having me as a niece.”
He did not know how to answer. Was he ready to accept Elizabeth as his wife? Could he ever feel for her what a husband ought? Did he wish to?
* * *
The following day, Elizabeth asked Perkins to pay special attention when styling her hair and repeatedly asked if her gown looked well on her. She was anxious about meeting Darcy’s relatives.
As she stepped from the carriage, he was waiting for her. “You look lovely today.” Her eyes widened at the unexpected compliment, but his approval was appreciated. He took her hand in his and led her into the house.
“Thank you.”
“They should be here soon. Let us greet them in the drawing room.”
Miss Darcy walked towards Elizabeth, and they curtsied to each other before embracing.
At the same time, Lady Matlock patted her nephew’s cheek.
“My dear boy, how you have suffered.” Elizabeth could almost sense the sympathy coming from the older woman, and it helped towards her approval of Mr. Darcy’s aunt.
Mr. Darcy took his aunt’s hand from his face and kissed it on the back before he led his relatives further into the room.
“Lord and Lady Matlock, allow me to introduce you to my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, my aunt and uncle, the earl and countess of Matlock.”
After sharing tea and refreshments, Lady Matlock said, “Fitzwilliam, take your uncle into the library and offer him something stronger than tea. I wish to be alone with the young ladies.” Both gentlemen seemed content to comply and were soon absent.
“Now, Miss Bennet, my niece is a very good judge of character, and she has not stopped talking about you since you first met. I hope you will not be offended by what I am about to ask. Has your mother never tried to cover your discolouration with face creams or powders? I have seen these birthmarks before, on men people hardly pay attention to them. But on a woman’s face, any blemish is a different matter.
Thankfully, there is so much you can do to lessen the red appearance. ”
Elizabeth was not prepared for Lady Matlock’s question and did not know how she should respond.
“My lady, I was still an infant when the doctors in London told my parents there was no treatment or surgery. As I got older and my sisters became interested in young men, I was left out. My mother always hoped four of her daughters would make good matches but told everyone she was satisfied in her understanding that I would never marry since I was to be their caretaker when my parents got old. Mrs. Bennet saw no need to apply any effort or resources towards making me look better.” When she finished speaking, the room was silent save the sound of Elizabeth quietly crying.
“My dearest child, wipe your tears and listen to me. You were treated most unfairly by your parents and consequently by everyone you met. My nephew told us how intelligent you are, but I believe your face has kept you from doing much more than reading books.”
“Yes, Lady Matlock, I suppose you are correct.” She already appreciated the kindness Mr. Darcy’s aunt had shown her.