Author's note: Thank you for all your wonderful feedback, I hope the
following chapter will make you happy too. A little Angst adds some
spice, does it not? :-) Thanks again, you're the best!!!
Cosima
Part the eighth~The elopement
Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morning when a letter
arrived from Longbourn. Recognising her father's seal she decided to
read the letter at once. It couldn't possibly be a response to Jane's
happy news but it might hold some very interesting news from home. She
broke the seal and started to read.
IMy dear daughter,
Let me assure you that ever since you and Jane have left us the
conversations at Longbourn have been deprived of much wit and all
sense. Our house is currently occupied by soldiers and officers, your
mother and younger sisters seem to be totally infatuated. Of course
the most recent news of the militia moving to Brighton for the rest of
the summer was a blessing to me and a curse to them. Ever since your
mother has heard about it from Lydia she keeps torturing me to take
them to Brighton for the summer.
You, my dear, know me well enough to sense that I shall not yield at
whatever cost. Of course this is a big issue for your mother's poor
nerves but am I not used to their suffering for more than twenty
years?
As for the news about a certain gentleman you might be interested in,
be assured that he really isn't worth your concern. All Meryton was in
uproar when it came out that Mr. Wickham was to be engaged to Miss
King who just inherited a fortune after a distant relative of hers had
died. Both Kitty and Lydia "didn't eat for weeks" and were far too
offended to show him anything but childish disdain. Lydia especially
seemed to be very much surprised at this betrothal.
And yet everything changed completely when Miss King's uncle decided
to take his niece back to Liverpool to prevent the betrothal, I can't
really blame him for it. Mr. Wickham himself didn't spend much time
pining for Miss King but is now pursuing our Lydia and gives wings to
your mother's folly of having a daughter married at such a tender age.
I see no reason to believe that Wickham will propose to Lydia, he
seems to be enchanted by her but he is a clever man and won't marry a
girl for her looks.
What do you think of all this, my dear Lizzy? I hope that you no
longer feel drawn to Wickham after hearing about his true nature. He
appears to be rather shallow and doesn't strike me as a most sincere
fellow.
Give my warmest regards to the Gardiners and embrace Jane for me. Take
care of yourself, my dear child, and come back home soon for you are
missed most cruelly.
Yours,
Papa/I To her great surprise Elizabeth discovered that she had not given Wickham a thought ever since leaving Hertfortshire for London. Here the Bingley-family had occupied her thoughts and there was Mr. Darcy of course who never left her thoughts. In the days following Jane's betrothal she found herself thinking of him most warmly and his regular visit only added to her regard for him. Today she and Jane would call on him in his townhouse to meet his younger sister at last. The Gardiners, who had been informed of Miss Darcy's fear to be overwhelmed by too many people, had given their consent to meet her later on. Elizabeth had thought much of Miss Darcy, she wondered what kind of girl she was. Mister Darcy had had little to say about her except that she was very shy and seemed to avoid society in favour of her piano and her singing. There was much warmth in his voice when he spoke of his sister, much unlike Mr. Wickham who had called Miss Darcy very proud and haughty. But did it matter? Nothing that Mr. Wickham had said was true, so why should this be true? Mr. Darcy's townhouse was grand but somehow the Bennet-sisters felt more at ease here than at Bingley's townhouse which was dominated by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst who took care of Mr. Bingley's household. Mr. Darcy and his sister were expecting their visitors in the salon. Both were feeling very akward for various reasons. He because he was about to declare his feelings to Elizabeth and to ask for her hand in marriage, she because she was about to meet the woman her brother admired so much. She was afraid to appear silly and childish compared to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. As the evening progressed Darcy's heart was wax in Elizabeth's beautiful hands. With her usual charm and kindness she had managed to make his sister smile, something which had not ocurred ever since the sad incident with George Wickham. Darcy was glad that Mr. Bingley was there to be with his fiance, it gave him the possibility to watch the woman he loved with his sister. And what he saw pleased him a great deal. Elizabeth was sitting at the pianoforte playing a beautiful piece by Mozart, singing it in English and afterwards in Italian. After being guided by Miss Darcy she was finally able to play the fast passages fluently, something which had caused her great shame in the past because every young girl was expected to play rather well and she had always avoided this particular piece because of its fast runs. Feeling Mr. Darcy's intense glance touching her entire appearance her voice soared through the salon singing of yet unknown longing and pleasures of the sweetest kind. "Now it's your turn, my dear!" Elizabeth cried with a smile. Georgiana appeared startled, then she blushed violently. "Oh, no! Please, I couldn't possibly play in front of all this people! And my voice is so out of shape...." Instead of forcing her to play Elizabeth grasped Georgiana's hand and gave her an encouraging smile. "Then I will make you smile again with my wretched playing!" Her eyes twinkled. Once more Elizabeth sang a beautiful Italian piece, earning much applause for a ravishing interpretation of Bellini's "Per pieta bell'idol mio!". iPer pietà , bell'idol mio,
Non mi dir ch'io sono ingrato:
Infelice e sventurato
Abbastanza il ciel mi fa. For mercy's sake, my beloved idol, do not call me ingrateful!..../I Afterwards Georgiana felt safe enough to play a slow piece by Beethoven while Elizabeth joined Mr. Darcy who was sitting by the fire listening to his sister's playing. "Miss Bennet, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you did for my sister today is beyond every description." said he with much admiration and warmth in his voice. "How come you thank me for being kind to Miss Darcy? She is a most delightful girl who seems to be very affectionate and kind. And her musical talents are just mesmerizing!" "Miss Bennet, I did not question you why you were kind to my sister but I thanked you for being so encouraging. It has been a long time ago when I saw her smile like this and it means so much to me." he concluded most intensely. He sent a thankful prayer to God for keeping Miss Bingley away tonight for her society always intimidated Georgiana. But Elizabeth had done what Miss Bingley had failed to do in a long aquaintance, she had given Georgiana self-confidence and some of her old sparkle. It had always been one of his main objections regarding marriage that he couldn't find someone who would be kind to Georgiana and not just tolerate her as his little sister. Women had tried to win his affection while ignoring little Georgiana and thus losing every chance to win his love or admiration. But Elizabeth was different. When he had called her perfection he had known her for just a short period of time but he had sensed her perfection from the beginning. In vain he had struggled to repress his feelings for her ever since her first refusal. Even though he had chosen to put their friendship at stake to ask for her love again he couldn't foresee how she would react. -----------------------------------~~----------------------- Elizabeth was writing a letter herself when her father's second letter arrived. Startled she broke the seal and started to read. The letter was written very ill indeed but the content upset Elizabeth beyond description. IMy dearest Lizzy, As much as I would like to send my congratulations to Jane I hardly have time to think of her happy lot right now. Since writing to you previously something has occurred of a most serious, if not alarming nature. But I'm afraid to alarm you, be assured we're all well. What I have to say concerns your sister Lydia. In my previous letter I've told you about her being infatuated with Wickham and it seems that both have acted on this now. They went off to Scotland! We expect them soon to return from Gretna, man and wife, even though Wickham certainly isn't my first choice for a son in law I see no other possibility to solve this most serious matter without more damage being done to our family. My dearest Lizzy, since I didn't have the time to conclude this letter in time I shall add the latest news we have received. I hardly know what to write but I have bad news. As senseless as a marriage would be, it has not taken place for Wickham never intended to marry Lydia at all! I dreaded this ever since finding out that my silly daughter inflicted so much harm upon our family. She cannot be that lost to all judgement, you think? Well, she is! She is like her mother, I blame her mother for this. My dear child, I know that you were planning to see Charlotte Collins after leaving London but I must beg you to come home with Jane as soon as possible. Please forgive your poor old father for his poor judgement, I saw it all coming and didn't act because I underestimated your sister's foolishness. Papa/I When Mr. Darcy entered the study where Elizabeth was expecting him he found her sitting in front of her desk, her head on her arms, she was sobbing beyond control. The sight of her pain was so dreadful that he didn't know what to do but look at her. Then he saw the object of her sorrow, a short letter which had fallen on the floor. "Miss Bennet!" he cried. With three steps he had reached her, bent on one knee before her and, resisting the desire to take her in his arms he touched her hand lightly. She squirmed and looked at him, her eyes were red and filled with tears. "You must forgive me, Mr. Darcy. But I must go and find Jane immediately! An urgent business that cannot be delayed, I don't have an instant to lose!" "Of course I will not hold you back but let me or the servant go to fetch Miss Jane. You're not well, you cannot go yourself!" "No, I must!" Elizabeth insisted. "Come, I insist. This shall be for the best!" He led her back to the chair and made her sit down. Afterwards he called for a maid and told her to fetch Miss Jane. Elizabeth's thoughts were in a whirl. Her entire future had been smashed through a little letter. How woulf Mr. Darcy react when he found out about Lydia? Then all his reservations towards her family would be reborn.... And what about Mr. Bingley? The engagement had been made public but would he remain with a woman whose sister had eloped with a wretch like Mr. Wickham? As she watched Mr. Darcy return at her side she felt an urgent need to share her sorrow with him, somewhere in her heart she knew that he wouldn't despise her for it. "My youngest sister has left all her friends, has eloped and has thrown herself into the power of Mr. Wickham." His name! Darcy's heart froze, he blushed with shame and watched Elizabeth weep. Would she ever forgive him for not warning her, for not making his true character known to the world? He loved her so much but he had not been able to reveal the truth about Wickham. He could have prevented it, he who knew what he was! Had his character been known this could not have happened. But it was all too late now. Just when he thought that he was getting closer to Elizabeth fate ripped them apart again. He had come here to propose to her, to reveal his love and admiration but this was out of the question now. He, who was comforting her, felt so wretched and in need of comfort but he knew that Elizabeth was priority now. After a most dreadful moment he left her side and headed towards the door, feeling her glance following him. "I have stayed to long, I shall leave you now." "Yes, thank you. Goodbye!" she stammered looking on the floor. "Farewell!" One thought crossed their minds, ringing in their heads mercilessly. IWe shall never meet again!/I To be continued
Papa/I To her great surprise Elizabeth discovered that she had not given Wickham a thought ever since leaving Hertfortshire for London. Here the Bingley-family had occupied her thoughts and there was Mr. Darcy of course who never left her thoughts. In the days following Jane's betrothal she found herself thinking of him most warmly and his regular visit only added to her regard for him. Today she and Jane would call on him in his townhouse to meet his younger sister at last. The Gardiners, who had been informed of Miss Darcy's fear to be overwhelmed by too many people, had given their consent to meet her later on. Elizabeth had thought much of Miss Darcy, she wondered what kind of girl she was. Mister Darcy had had little to say about her except that she was very shy and seemed to avoid society in favour of her piano and her singing. There was much warmth in his voice when he spoke of his sister, much unlike Mr. Wickham who had called Miss Darcy very proud and haughty. But did it matter? Nothing that Mr. Wickham had said was true, so why should this be true? Mr. Darcy's townhouse was grand but somehow the Bennet-sisters felt more at ease here than at Bingley's townhouse which was dominated by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst who took care of Mr. Bingley's household. Mr. Darcy and his sister were expecting their visitors in the salon. Both were feeling very akward for various reasons. He because he was about to declare his feelings to Elizabeth and to ask for her hand in marriage, she because she was about to meet the woman her brother admired so much. She was afraid to appear silly and childish compared to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. As the evening progressed Darcy's heart was wax in Elizabeth's beautiful hands. With her usual charm and kindness she had managed to make his sister smile, something which had not ocurred ever since the sad incident with George Wickham. Darcy was glad that Mr. Bingley was there to be with his fiance, it gave him the possibility to watch the woman he loved with his sister. And what he saw pleased him a great deal. Elizabeth was sitting at the pianoforte playing a beautiful piece by Mozart, singing it in English and afterwards in Italian. After being guided by Miss Darcy she was finally able to play the fast passages fluently, something which had caused her great shame in the past because every young girl was expected to play rather well and she had always avoided this particular piece because of its fast runs. Feeling Mr. Darcy's intense glance touching her entire appearance her voice soared through the salon singing of yet unknown longing and pleasures of the sweetest kind. "Now it's your turn, my dear!" Elizabeth cried with a smile. Georgiana appeared startled, then she blushed violently. "Oh, no! Please, I couldn't possibly play in front of all this people! And my voice is so out of shape...." Instead of forcing her to play Elizabeth grasped Georgiana's hand and gave her an encouraging smile. "Then I will make you smile again with my wretched playing!" Her eyes twinkled. Once more Elizabeth sang a beautiful Italian piece, earning much applause for a ravishing interpretation of Bellini's "Per pieta bell'idol mio!". iPer pietà , bell'idol mio,
Non mi dir ch'io sono ingrato:
Infelice e sventurato
Abbastanza il ciel mi fa. For mercy's sake, my beloved idol, do not call me ingrateful!..../I Afterwards Georgiana felt safe enough to play a slow piece by Beethoven while Elizabeth joined Mr. Darcy who was sitting by the fire listening to his sister's playing. "Miss Bennet, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you did for my sister today is beyond every description." said he with much admiration and warmth in his voice. "How come you thank me for being kind to Miss Darcy? She is a most delightful girl who seems to be very affectionate and kind. And her musical talents are just mesmerizing!" "Miss Bennet, I did not question you why you were kind to my sister but I thanked you for being so encouraging. It has been a long time ago when I saw her smile like this and it means so much to me." he concluded most intensely. He sent a thankful prayer to God for keeping Miss Bingley away tonight for her society always intimidated Georgiana. But Elizabeth had done what Miss Bingley had failed to do in a long aquaintance, she had given Georgiana self-confidence and some of her old sparkle. It had always been one of his main objections regarding marriage that he couldn't find someone who would be kind to Georgiana and not just tolerate her as his little sister. Women had tried to win his affection while ignoring little Georgiana and thus losing every chance to win his love or admiration. But Elizabeth was different. When he had called her perfection he had known her for just a short period of time but he had sensed her perfection from the beginning. In vain he had struggled to repress his feelings for her ever since her first refusal. Even though he had chosen to put their friendship at stake to ask for her love again he couldn't foresee how she would react. -----------------------------------~~----------------------- Elizabeth was writing a letter herself when her father's second letter arrived. Startled she broke the seal and started to read. The letter was written very ill indeed but the content upset Elizabeth beyond description. IMy dearest Lizzy, As much as I would like to send my congratulations to Jane I hardly have time to think of her happy lot right now. Since writing to you previously something has occurred of a most serious, if not alarming nature. But I'm afraid to alarm you, be assured we're all well. What I have to say concerns your sister Lydia. In my previous letter I've told you about her being infatuated with Wickham and it seems that both have acted on this now. They went off to Scotland! We expect them soon to return from Gretna, man and wife, even though Wickham certainly isn't my first choice for a son in law I see no other possibility to solve this most serious matter without more damage being done to our family. My dearest Lizzy, since I didn't have the time to conclude this letter in time I shall add the latest news we have received. I hardly know what to write but I have bad news. As senseless as a marriage would be, it has not taken place for Wickham never intended to marry Lydia at all! I dreaded this ever since finding out that my silly daughter inflicted so much harm upon our family. She cannot be that lost to all judgement, you think? Well, she is! She is like her mother, I blame her mother for this. My dear child, I know that you were planning to see Charlotte Collins after leaving London but I must beg you to come home with Jane as soon as possible. Please forgive your poor old father for his poor judgement, I saw it all coming and didn't act because I underestimated your sister's foolishness. Papa/I When Mr. Darcy entered the study where Elizabeth was expecting him he found her sitting in front of her desk, her head on her arms, she was sobbing beyond control. The sight of her pain was so dreadful that he didn't know what to do but look at her. Then he saw the object of her sorrow, a short letter which had fallen on the floor. "Miss Bennet!" he cried. With three steps he had reached her, bent on one knee before her and, resisting the desire to take her in his arms he touched her hand lightly. She squirmed and looked at him, her eyes were red and filled with tears. "You must forgive me, Mr. Darcy. But I must go and find Jane immediately! An urgent business that cannot be delayed, I don't have an instant to lose!" "Of course I will not hold you back but let me or the servant go to fetch Miss Jane. You're not well, you cannot go yourself!" "No, I must!" Elizabeth insisted. "Come, I insist. This shall be for the best!" He led her back to the chair and made her sit down. Afterwards he called for a maid and told her to fetch Miss Jane. Elizabeth's thoughts were in a whirl. Her entire future had been smashed through a little letter. How woulf Mr. Darcy react when he found out about Lydia? Then all his reservations towards her family would be reborn.... And what about Mr. Bingley? The engagement had been made public but would he remain with a woman whose sister had eloped with a wretch like Mr. Wickham? As she watched Mr. Darcy return at her side she felt an urgent need to share her sorrow with him, somewhere in her heart she knew that he wouldn't despise her for it. "My youngest sister has left all her friends, has eloped and has thrown herself into the power of Mr. Wickham." His name! Darcy's heart froze, he blushed with shame and watched Elizabeth weep. Would she ever forgive him for not warning her, for not making his true character known to the world? He loved her so much but he had not been able to reveal the truth about Wickham. He could have prevented it, he who knew what he was! Had his character been known this could not have happened. But it was all too late now. Just when he thought that he was getting closer to Elizabeth fate ripped them apart again. He had come here to propose to her, to reveal his love and admiration but this was out of the question now. He, who was comforting her, felt so wretched and in need of comfort but he knew that Elizabeth was priority now. After a most dreadful moment he left her side and headed towards the door, feeling her glance following him. "I have stayed to long, I shall leave you now." "Yes, thank you. Goodbye!" she stammered looking on the floor. "Farewell!" One thought crossed their minds, ringing in their heads mercilessly. IWe shall never meet again!/I To be continued
