Dear Readers:

I am so sorry for the long delay in posting, computer problems...I hope you enjoy this continuing story.

Botsey

Chapter Three

Needs: A Pride and Prejudice Exploration of a Happily-Ever-After

Fitz had given instruction to one of the outriders to go to Herfordshire, to Longbourne with a letter for Elizabeth. The purpose was to inform her that there would be an undetermined amount of time before he could come to her. He did not think to strictly forbid his messenger from informing her of the true nature of the conditions surrounding his delay. He also had written a letter to Mr. Bennet, apologizing for not arriving to speak to him and assuring him that as soon as humanly possible he would present himself in person.

The outrider, Jack by name, rode at breakneck speed to Longbourne and was riding onto the property at the same time that Elizabeth was taking one of her walks. Since at this time she was still within earshot of her house she was not frighten by the horseman, but his appearance was such he startled her. The young man looked as if he had ridden non-stop, he was completely covered in dust and mud.

Bowing his head he made his inquiry,

"Miss, please excuse my intrusion but would you be able to tell me how far I am away from Longbourne?"

"If you continue on this road, you will be there in three minutes."

"Can you tell me if you know of the Bennet family?"

"Yes Sir, most intimately."

"There is a Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her father that have to receive messages I carry. If I dismount would you be willing to show me the way."

"Follow me," was Elizabeth's instructions and she hurried ahead of the dismounted rider.

Arriving in the family's foyer, the rider introduced himself as Jack, employed by Fitzwilliam Darcy. He had been strictly ordered to deliver two messages to the Bennet family. Handing the letters to Elizabeth he had been instructed to wait for return messages.

Elizabeth read her letter and thought it odd that Fitz was so vague in his excuse for his non-appearance. When Jack was questioned his reply was,

"Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy would have made the trip if he was able."

Elizabeth would not let it rest,

"Sir, what prevents him from making the trip."

The messenger shifted from one leg to the other, his face reddened and he cleared his throat.

"Miss Bennet, he was not able to ride the distance."

That 'let the cat out of the bag', for Elizabeth knew Fitz was an excellent horseman, and had spoken of taking long trips on horseback. There was something that Jack was not telling.

"Was Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's health impaired in any way?"

Jack, now caught between a rock and a hard place asked if Elizabeth could accompany him to just outside the door. Jack then embarrassingly revealed what information he had about Fitz's injury. Stating that his employer had not specifically forbade him from revealing such information, but had not included such in his letter for fear of upsetting Elizabeth. He was amazed at the woman's fortitude and calm demeanor as she said,

"I must go to him. Please sir, we can find you lodging for the night. You are the only one that can direct me to Fitz, I will be ready to depart tomorrow at first light. Please wait here until I speak to my father, then having second thoughts Elizabeth brought him into the kitchen and requested that he be supplied with food and drink and be seated in the servant's dining area.

Then, she at last approached her father's library door and tapped lightly. Since she was the only female who ever entered her father's inner sanctum, he answered,

"Come in Elizabeth."

She entered and stood in front of his desk.

"Father, I have news of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy through a special courier. He also sent you a letter."

Mr. Bennet took the letter from her hand and opened it with his ever present letter opener. Once the letter was read, Elizabeth started,

"Father, you know why Fitzwilliam Darcy was traveling here to speak to you?"

"Yes, you made it perfectly clear to me that he was attempting to seek my approval of him as your husband."

"Yes, Poppa, he had stated that when he came he would have the marriage contract with him. He is an honorable man and once he learns to be less serious, I am certain that we will have a happy life together. Unfortunately, the messenger, first of all needs lodging for the night.

Mr. Bennet, nodded.

Secondly, Father, Fitz has had an accident and is presently bed-ridden and I want to go to him. Please, may you rent a carriage to transport me so that I can see him with my own eyes and know that he is on the road to recovery."

"Who will accompany you."

"Poppa, as I have informed you, I have given him my troth. Once I am there I will engage someone to be with me. Since I do not know how long I will be away, I do not wish to disrupt the household any more than my singular absence would impose."

"Let me think on this Lizzie, come back in an hour. Please have Mr. Hill direct the messenger to the bedroom in the back and ask that water be drawn so that he may take a bath. Have Hill supply him with the necessary items to make himself presentable and make certain that he is well fed."

"Poppa, I have already taken care of that last request."

"That's a good girl. Now give me back my solitude for an hour."

"Yes Poppa."

Elizabeth noticed that her father had not shared the information in his letter with her. Perhaps he had to think on Fitz's message before doing so.

`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`

Mr. Bennet opened the pages of the letter to read them again,

'My Dear Mr. Bennet:

Our contact has only been through the written page but I was indeed hoping to correct that with my presence at Longbourne. but alas, that apparently will not be the case for a while yet.

Knowing your daughter, the way that I have come to, I am certain that she has revealed to you my request for her hand in marriage. I am unable to see my future without her being a part of it. The main purpose of my visit was to ask your blessings on our union and to share with you the information contained in the marriage contract. In this letter let me reveal a few of the particulars.'

Mr. Bennet was indeed touched by the generous nature of Mr. Darcy's offer. All four of his daughters would gain sizeable additions to their dowries. He intended to buy the entitlement to Longborne so that the Bennet family would always have a home. In addition, if he proceeded Elizabeth in death, with or without offspring, she would be very well provided for.

How could he look down on such a generous spirit? Mr. Bennet then put ink to paper:

'My Dear Sir:

I have reviewed the information you revealed in your letter and find your offer exceedingly generous. I was certainly hoping to have the opportunity to converse with you in person, but that not being the case, I have included a signed and witnessed document that gives my permission for my daughter and you to wed.

Unwittingly, I have come to understand that you have been in an accident that has prevented your presence here. Be that as it may, I am very much aware that my tender-hearted Elizabeth is a most attentive nurse and believe that a special license should guarantee a quiet wedding that will allow Elizabeth, without censure, to nurse you back to optimum health. I would be very much settled if this can be arranged as quickly as possible to avoid any question about my daughter's character or virtue.

When you are able I would like to see the two of you and I will invite you into my library for a game of chess and libations as a gesture of welcome and acceptance.

I remain as part of your almost family,

Yours & etc.