Author's Note: It's been a while, but there were so many kind reviews asking me to continue the story. I hope you enjoy this latest installment. Comment and review, please!
Chapter 10
Life Goes On
There was much commotion, as may be imagined, with Lydia and Wickham's return and Lady Catherine's visit, that it was some time before Elizabeth and Darcy had a moment alone together. There was so much to discuss. There was so much to feel, to think and plan. They decided to steal a walk in the garden. They left Mrs. Bennet bemoaning the fact that Lydia and her "dear Wickham" could only stay two days before he had to report to his regiment in the north. She was rounding on the colonel to beg a few more days with them when they backed quietly out the door as inconspicuously as possible.
"But my dear Colonel, they've only just been married. Surely you could spare dear Wickham for a few more days?" they heard her say, as they quietly closed the door to the sitting room. Darcy would have to apologize and repay his cousin later, but right now all he wanted was a few moments alone with Elizabeth. Surely he would understand.
They walked, arm and arm, as he lead he over to a nearby bench.
"You can't imagine how I've missed you, Elizabeth" he began.
"And I you, William" she assured him. "You must tell me all. But before we say another word, you must allow me to thank you for everything you did for my sister. I know what trouble and mortification it cost you."
"Say nothing about that. It was no more than what I should have done. And now he is to be our brother. Well truly, it is your sister I am sorriest for" he said, miserably. "She will have to live her life attached to that reprobate."
"Yes. Jane is convinced that Lydia will soon see the weight of the mistake she has made. I confess I am having a little trouble feeling any pity for her, but for my mother's sake I will try. I hope you told the colonel to ensure he sees as much action as possible?" she asked.
"How well you know me," he laughed. "Not to worry, Richard will keep a weather eye on him."
"But what of your aunt and uncle? Does his lordship really wish to meet me?" she asked, tentatively.
"Indeed. He is a very reasonable man, nothing like his sister, but I don't mind telling you I was a little concerned that he and aunt Matlock would oppose me. I told them, quite plainly, of all the reasons why I loved you and wanted to marry you. I assured them that Anne and I never had an understanding. They were well satisfied with this. They are traveling back to Matlock from London next week, and could break their journey here in Meryton. I would very much like for you to meet them, if that would suit your plans Wednesday next." he told her.
"I would be honored, though I think I will be quite nervous to meet an Earl and a Countess," she admitted.
"There is no need. You have met Richard. They are very kind like their son, though perhaps a little more severe, which isn't hard to be. But there is no false dignity at all," he assured her.
There was a pause as they reached the bench. It was a warm but breezy day, and they took a few moments to savor the quiet.
"I was glad to see your sister and Bingley looking so happy. When I left, I was hoping that they would reconcile. He has sent Miss Bingley to live with the Hurst's in London, I understand?" said he.
"Yes. They are taking things cautiously, but I truly believe he is trying to regain her trust. He was very attentive in assisting with the plans for father's burial and communicating with Mr. Collins," she told him.
"Ah yes, you mentioned that Mr. Collins will be here on Monday. We should perhaps settle a few things before he gets here. I imagine he and Mrs. Collins will want to take possession Longbourn as soon possible. Charles had written me that he has hinted as much. We'll need to decide where your mother and sisters would be comfortably settled. I had my steward look about Meryton for lodgings. I thought that they all might want to stay close to this area rather than remove to Derbyshire, with all your relations being close by, and it being very likely that your sister might soon be settled at Netherfield. It so happens that Haye-Park has become available. The Gouldings have been desirous to move nearer their son in Exeter, so readily agreed to a very reasonable purchase price. I took it upon myself to agree to their terms, with the condition that your mother finds it acceptable" he said
"I am sure the rent will be far more than we could possibly afford," she told him.
"You misunderstand, Elizabeth. I have purchased the place, pending your final approval. Your family can move in on Thursday next, if you mother finds it acceptable" he told her, tentatively. There was some momentary silence as she contemplated this. "You are…displeased? Have I miscalculated?"
"No, not at all. But it is all too much. We couldn't possibly allow…" He stopped her here.
"Elizabeth, your family is to be my family. Did you really image that I would allow them to be turned out into the hedgerow?" He asked, with some surprise.
"Well no…"
"Then let us say no more. We can go over to see the place tomorrow, and if your mother approves, you all may take possession."
The generosity of this act overwhelmed her and she found she was near tears again, so threw her arms around his neck to embrace him and hide her face. He took the opportunity to revel in her closeness and tightened his arms around her to draw her closer.
"I truly love you, you know. And not just for this. If only my father had lived…" she began, tearfully, but could not continue.
"Will you take me to see him, Elizabeth?" he found himself asking her.
She smiled, and, taking his arm, they made their way to the nearby small family graveyard beside the chapel. After paying their respects to Mr. Bennet they turned to continue their walk.
"I hope we will not have to wait too many months until we can marry. I had hoped we could be married my Michaelmas, but I suppose that would too soon?" he asked her.
"I truly wish we could be, but I think we must settle for Christmas. At least we can awaken the new year with our new life together at Pemberly" she offered in consolation. "I must be in mourning for a few months more".
"The dictates of propriety are a cruel master," he countered. "But I suppose you are right. Should you prefer to be married from Longbourn or Pemberly?"
"Longbourn, I think, if you would be willing. It would at least feel like I was near my father on the day we marry. I know it sounds silly."
"It isn't silly at all. If it pleases you, then we shall be married from Longbourn. Georgiana has written that she is most eager to see you again. I thought I would send for her to come and spend some time here," he told her.
"I can think of nothing I would like more. Now that Lydia is to leave for the north, Kitty seems a bit forlorn. Meeting Georgiana could be very good both of them. But does she travel alone?" she asked with some concern.
"She will have her companion, Mrs. Annesley," he assured her.
"I am glad of it".
She paused their walk as she realized they had reached the house again. The afternoon had been so pleasant that she did not relish going back into the maelstrom that awaited them inside. He patted her hand, tucked in his arm.
"Why do you hesitate?" he half laughed.
"Must we really go in?" she inquired
"As much as I would love to stay out here with you forever, we will eventually be missed. If I didn't know better I'd say you were jealous of the attention Lydia is receiving from your mother," he quipped.
"I should slap you for that, Fritzwilliam Darcy," she said sternly, but couldn't help laughing at his teasing. She didn't want to admit that he hadn't really missed the mark of truth by much. Lydia had always been her mother's favorite, because they were so alike. They were both silly, ridiculous, vane, ignorant. This fawning over Lydia was nothing new, but it was really too much to bear, considering everything she had recently done to destroy the reputation of their family and bringing Wickham irrevocably into it. Why could her mother not see that? Still the sun rose and set with Lydia. It was maddening. Still, Elizabeth had to admit her own failures. If she had only said something, would this have happened? Lydia was young and foolish, but she did not know Wickham's true character. All she saw was a handsome, charming officer in a red coat.
"I know it's trying, but Wickham and Lydia will soon be gone. Come. This is a happy time for us now. We are all to be family soon. There are two, or…dare I say…three weddings to plan. We have our whole lives to look forward to".
"I'm just being silly. Of course you are right. But please…let's at least walk slowly," she said, softly.
They made their way back inside and found the others just as they had left them in the drawing room. Upon entering, Richard immediately gave Darcy to understand that he would owe him a very large favor in the near future. Lydia was in the corner with Jane, Kitty, Anne and their mother, apparently in deep conversation about everything that had occurred, while Wickham talked of his new regiment with Richard.
"Lizzy! There you are. You haven't seen my ring yet! Come and have a look. Oh, I and I must tell you all about the wedding, for we have had such a time!" Lydia said, as if she hadn't a care in the world.
With a squeeze of his hand, she steeled herself, smiled, and joined them.
