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A walk by the stream, a wedding and a farewell...
CHAPTER 22
Elizabeth slipped from the house just before dawn the next morning. The day was full of promise and she was pleased Jane's wedding would not be marred by the incessant spring rains. As she made her way to the stream she thought over recent events. In the past many weeks she had declined a marriage proposal, seen her sister rewarded in love, discovered she did not know her father as well has she had thought, and she had fallen in love. It hardly seemed possible that she should love the man whose proposal she had so cruelly rejected. It seemed even less likely that he should still love her. Whatever would she do if she was mistaken in his intentions this morning? How would she face him at Jane's wedding if his intent was to sever their relationship?
From their conversation the night before, Darcy assumed his beloved Elizabeth would be at the place indicated very near to dawn. Therefore, he arose quite early to allow himself ample time to dress, ready his horse, and ride to Longbourn. In fact, he rose rather too early and found himself picking his way along the stream in the gray predawn light and praying he had not misunderstood her intentions. How could it be possible after the cruel words of his proposal that she might forgive him in so short a time? Could she yet love him? How would he face her at Bingley's wedding if she once again rejected his suit?
Having left Netherfield rather earlier than planned, Darcy arrived at the stream long before Elizabeth appeared. Therefore, when she at last stepping into a clearing near the bank he had the delightful opportunity to engage in the simple pleasure of observing her for several moments. She reached to remove her bonnet, then her fingers hesitated and she settled instead for playing with the ribbons trailing from its bow. Darcy found himself oddly disappointed in her choice. He would have liked to watch as the earliest rays of sun reflected on her hair. She moved closer to the water's edge and appeared to be contemplating something of great importance. He watched as she stepped close to the bank, then glanced at the water, then gave the barest lift to her skirts as if eyeing her boots. The lady then gave a great sigh and stepped back to sit on a nearby log instead. This Darcy saw as the perfect opportunity to make himself known. "I should not think you would wish to wade this early in the season. Would the water not be too cold even for a Naiad?"
"Do you say then that I am a nymph, Mr. Darcy?"
"Were they not the beauties who presided over streams?"
"You have made a very pretty compliment. But do not worry, my vanity is properly checked and I shall not come to think too highly of myself as a result."
"It is good then that I think highly enough of you for the both of us," he said as he stepped nearer. "Good morning, Miss Elizabeth."
She flushed at his attentions and returned the greeting. "I am pleased to see you here this morning, Mr. Darcy."
"Did you think I would not come?"
"I hoped you would. If you had not…well, it would not be the first time we misunderstood one another."
"I suppose not. I confess I had some of your same concerns. They drove me from Netherfield rather earlier than was strictly necessary." He had removed his hat and now stood fidgeting with it as he wished to have his hands free but did not care to place the thing back in its rightful place.
Elizabeth spared him the decision. "Perhaps," she said, taking the hat from his hands, "we might spare your poor hat further distress by placing it on this log."
"Ah, yes. Thank you." Having freed his hands, Darcy no longer knew what to do with them and at last settled for clasping them behind his back. This had the unintentional effect of causing him to look rather more severe than he would have preferred.
His countenance gave Elizabeth's fears opportunity to grow, and she found she could bear the silence no longer. "Did you have something particular to discuss this morning, Mr. Darcy? Or do you wish to intimidate me coming here in all this state?"
Darcy smiled at her reference to their time in Kent and replied in kind. "Well said Miss Bennet, but you cannot fool me. For I well recall your courage rises with every attempt to intimidate you."
Having broken the tension between them, Elizabeth laughed. "You have caught me out, sir. But truly, you do look very severe this morning. Were I not of such a strong constitution, I might be very frightened indeed."
"My apologies. I meant to do no such thing. In fact, I find my own courage threatening to fail me just now."
"Surely what you have to say cannot be so terrible as all that?" Elizabeth tensed as she prayed she would not be proved a liar.
"No. Or at least, I should hope not." Darcy moved his hands to his sides and continued. "In truth, I did have something particular to discuss this morning. You see, I had hoped to use the weeks leading up to Bingley's wedding to garner the approval of you and your family. On my return to Hertfordshire I would have spoken to your father. However, it seems circumstance conspired against us and rather than weeks, I had only days to accomplish what proved to be a much more difficult task than I had initially imagined."
Elizabeth released a breath she had not known she was holding. Surely he would not speak of his disappointed hopes if he intended to sever all ties with her. "It is true we have been most unfortunate in that regard. What will you do now then?"
"I shall travel to London after the wedding breakfast and remain until Bingley returns to Netherfield. I shall then remain in the area for some weeks before traveling to Pemberley to greet your aunt and uncle in July."
"A very sensible plan. I regret that I shall not be traveling with them. I was quite looking forward to seeing your fabled estate."
"I should like to think of your visit as delayed."
"You are very optimistic."
"I am very hopeful." He paused and took one of her gloved hands in his own. "Miss Bennet, when you return from Brighton, if I am in the neighbourhood, I wonder; would my addresses be welcome?"
"And if you are not in the neighbourhood, sir? Should I then not welcome your addresses? Or shall I welcome them from afar?" Elizabeth teased even as her heart gave a little flip.
"You are impossible!" Darcy replied in an equally teasing tone. "I shall rephrase the question. When you return from Brighton, would my addresses to you be welcome?"
The dazzling smile gracing Elizabeth's face was answer enough, but she did not leave him any doubt when she answered, "Aye. They would be very welcome indeed, sir. Very welcome."
"Thank you." He wiped a hand across his face. "Those words seem woefully inadequate but I can think of no others."
"Will you spend your weeks in Hertfordshire courting my family then?"
It was Darcy's turn to laugh. "I believe it is now you who has caught me out Miss Bennet. I shall indeed spend my time winning the approval of your family. I confess I do not wish for a long courtship and I mean to gain the assistance of both your parents in my attempt."
"'Tis fortunate, Mr. Darcy, that I am predisposed to favor your efforts. Else I might take offense at such underhanded tactics."
"I am glad to hear it. It will make the journey all the more rewarding." Darcy could not look away from the delighted sparkle in Elizabeth's eyes. He knew he would never be content until he had the right to see those eyes on first waking every morning. "The sun is nearly fully risen. We should go."
"We should. For you are no doubt expected at Netherfield, and I would not risk a moment of Jane's happiness this day. It will not do to unnecessarily excite my mother's nerves today."
"Then I bid you farewell, for now. I will see you at the church, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth gave his hand a gentle squeeze and turned away. She entered the house as quietly as she had departed and was relieved to discover her absence had gone entirely unnoticed. She was safely in her room preparing to dress for the day when Mrs. Bennet bustled in already chastising her second daughter. "Lizzy, you must not think of walking out today for I will not have you ruining Jane's wedding!"
"Yes, mama."
"And you shall have to manage without Sarah as she will be far too busy with your sisters to devote any time to your wild hair. Surely a simple braid will do. No one will be looking at you anyway. And do not tarry, for I am quite certain Jane shall need your help. Oh how I wish your Aunt Gardiner had come! She would decide to be ill just when she is needed!"
Elizabeth congratulated herself on not rolling her eyes and only said, "Yes, mama." When the Gardiners had sent their note saying they would not be able to attend due to Mrs. Gardiner's indisposition, Mrs. Bennet was certain it was a deliberate slight to her eldest daughter.
"Do not take that tone with me, Miss Lizzy! I shall see you downstairs in two hours, not a moment later." With that, Mrs. Bennet left the room in a mass of swirling skirts. Elizabeth looked at her reflection and sighed. She was suddenly very thankful she had decided to accept Jane's invitation. For she surely could not endure many more months of her mother's censure.
Elizabeth was spared the difficulty of managing her own toilette by the entrance of Mary and Kitty. "We did not mean to eavesdrop, but we could not help overhearing mama, Lizzy." Mary offered.
"I should not be surprised if half the neighbourhood heard her, Mary. Honestly, there was no need to shout so very early in the day!" Kitty said with a great yawn.
"Kitty!" Elizabeth began to admonish her sister, but could say no more.
Mary smiled. "It is difficult to chastise her when you are experiencing the same sentiments, is it not sister?"
Elizabeth was forced to laugh. "You are quite right, Mary. Now tell me. What brings the two of you to my room this morning? Surely you do not both require ribbon or lace?"
Kitty answered for both of them. "No, we do not. We have released Sarah to assist Jane, Lydia and mama and have come to beg our elder sister to join us that we might all have some hope of being presentable for the wedding."
"That sounds perfectly delightful!" Elizabeth enthused.
"We know you had much rather spend the morning with Jane," Mary began.
"Stop, Mary. Though I do hope to have a few moments with Jane today, I can think of no better way to spend my morning than preparing for her wedding than with my own dear sisters. Come, let us waste no more time. Mama will be greatly displeased if we are late!"
The time passed in a flurry of ribbons and lace as six ladies made due with the assistance of only one maid and each other. Hairpins were selected and discarded, hems repaired, and bonnets rescued from near crushing as the sisters made ready to travel to Longbourn's chapel. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet could be heard arguing. "But mama, that ribbon looks very well with my dress and is far too dark for Jane's colouring!" "Lydia, it is Jane's wedding and she shall have the ribbon for today. You may borrow it from her tomorrow! Now go see what your sisters might have and you may take something from one of them." Elizabeth's door was firmly locked with that pronouncement as none of the sisters were inclined to indulge Lydia's tantrum.
The shouts outside the door were soon accompanied by slammed doors and loud wails. At last Jane's voice was heard above the others. "Enough! Lydia, you will cease your caterwauling this instant. Go to your chambers and allow Sarah to assist you or you shall have to remain at home and have no opportunity to wear your new gown. No, mama! I shall not be moved on this. I am quite far enough along that my other sisters may help me and I will have nothing more to do with that spoilt child this morning. She shall not be allowed to ruin this day for us all. She shall not!" The house grew unnaturally quiet when Jane finished speaking. Their mother's reply could not be heard, but as the doors to both hers and Lydia's chambers were quickly and somewhat noisily shut, it was assumed Jane had carried her point.
A few moments later a light knock sounded at the door to Elizabeth's chamber. Jane was admitted and the four ladies finished their preparations with a good deal of laughter and more than a few tears. When all was complete, Mary and Kitty slipped quietly from the room to allow Elizabeth her chance to speak with Jane.
"I daresay you are the loveliest bride I have ever beheld, sister." Elizabeth began.
"Thank you, Lizzy."
"Are you nervous?"
"I do not think so, but I cannot say. I am more anxious, I think. I am quite ready to have done with all this fuss and get on with the business of being Mrs. Bingley."
"Mrs. Bingley! How well that sounds. You shall be very happy, dearest Jane. Though you will be married and no doubt have but little time, I do hope you will spare a few moments to write whilst I am in Brighton."
"Though I shall not write as often as when I was last in London, you may be assured I will not neglect you, Lizzy. Have you any news to share, Lizzy? I heard you come in very early this morning." Jane said this with a look that would brook no argument or dissembling on Elizabeth's part.
Elizabeth gave her sister a wide smile. "I fear you will be very displeased with me, Jane."
"And why is that?"
"I think my happiness may equal or even out-measure your own today. Mr. Darcy has asked if we might enter a courtship when I return from Brighton and I have agreed. He is to speak to papa while I am away."
"Oh, Lizzy! I knew it would be this way. I wish you very happy, dearest!"
Jane embraced her favourite sister and as Elizabeth returned the embrace, she replied "As I do you, dear sister."
Just then Mrs. Bennet called up the stairs, "Jane, Lizzy, you must come and break your fast at once, else we shall be late!"
The sisters answered in unison, "Coming, mama!"
CHAPTER 23
Longbourn's chapel was full to overflowing as both the invited and uninvited guests came to witness the marriage of Miss Jane Frances Bennet to Mr. Charles Elias Bingley. The tenants, shopkeepers, and others who were not invited but desired to extend their well wishes crowded outside the chapel while the pews were filled with their friends, family, and prominent families of the neighbourhood. The feelings of the various attendees were as varied as the ladies' dresses. Mr. Hurst thought with chagrin that Mrs. Hurst had never gazed on him with the sort of open adoration reflected on Miss Jane Bennet's countenance. Mrs. Hurst wondered if Jane would accept Caroline into her household, but supposed that she and Mr. Hurst would be condemned to shelter the harpy for the foreseeable future. Mary resolved to wed only a man who would look upon her as Bingley looked at Jane, while Kitty wondered if any man would see her alongside her sisters. Lydia wished for the day to be done so she might travel to Brighton sooner, even if Lizzy had insisted on trying to spoil her fun. The Bennet parents were for once united in their thoughts that they were very blessed indeed to gain such a son; though perhaps for very different reasons. Mrs. Long came with her two nieces in hopes that Bingley might have more wealthy bachelor friends in attendance. Lady Lucas watched the proceedings with jealous eyes and wondered why there had not been so many in attendance at Charlotte's wedding. The Gouldings were there as well, eagerly anticipating what promised to be an elaborate wedding breakfast. Later, all would agree that never had there been a lovelier bride nor a happier bridegroom in all of Meryton.
In the front of the church where stood the primary participants in the day's event, two couples had eyes only for each other. Jane and her Mr. Bingley were scarcely aware even of the vows they spoke. Elizabeth and Darcy heard and repeated in their hearts every word of those same vows in hopes it would soon be their turn to make public the attachment they had so long feared to acknowledge. The heat and intimacy of the gazes they exchanged would have embarrassed any who cared to notice. However, none in the congregation could look away from the couple in whose honour they had all come. Jane radiated happiness even as tears streamed freely down her cheeks, and even Bingley's eyes held a suspicious gleam.
In less time than it had taken to complete Jane's hair that morning, the couple were wed and Jane was signing her name as Bennet for the very last time. Elizabeth, Darcy, and Georgiana followed the couple from the church and watched as Bingley handed his bride into the open carriage hired for the occasion. They would be taken to Longbourn where Bingley's own conveyance waited to transport the couple on the first part of their tour following the wedding breakfast. As the other guests departed, Elizabeth noted with some dismay that her family had already left for Longbourn. Georgiana must have observed the same thing, as before Elizabeth could contemplate the ruination of her slippers, Georgiana spoke, "Lizzy, do say you will return to Longbourn with my brother and me. I daresay we have ample room in our carriage."
The offer was accepted with grace and soon the three were ensconced in the Darcy carriage and making their way with the other guests to the wedding breakfast. Georgiana seized the opportunity for a few moments private conversation. "I hope I am not too forward in expressing my delight that you have consented to a courtship with my brother. I was ever so excited when he related the news!"
Darcy looked mortified. He feared Elizabeth would think him indiscreet for telling his sister of their morning meeting. His saw his fears were for naught when Elizabeth gave a delighted laugh before replying, "You may own the privilege of being only the second to offer such sentiments. The first of course being my own sister who also did not hesitate to express she had always known it would be so."
"It would appear then only we two were unaware of our mutual interest," said Darcy.
"You are very generous in that opinion. For I believe it was only I who chose to remain ignorant of the situation until very recently."
"Well, it will do no credit to either of you to continue in a dispute. I say we should all simply rejoice at our good fortune. I have long wished to have a sister and soon enough, I shall have five. Though I hope you will both forgive me when I say I do not hold them all in equal esteem," Georgiana intoned.
"Ah, and here I had always hoped to be your favourite, but it is no matter. As your brother and I are not yet engaged, I have time to win you over!"
"Are the rest of your family aware of our coming understanding as well?" Darcy enquired.
"No, they are not. I thought to wait until you have spoken to my father when I return from Brighton."
"Indeed that is likely for the best. I shall have ample time to speak with him after the Bingleys return from their wedding trip." Darcy agreed.
"So, brother, while his daughter is in Brighton, shall you undertake the courtship of Elizabeth's father?" Georgiana asked with a pretense of innocence that fooled none but gave great entertainment to all.
Such was Elizabeth's cheer when Darcy handed her from the carriage that not even her mother's ill temper could dampen her mood. Disregarding the fact she had abandoned her second-born at the chapel, Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "There you are Miss Lizzy! Here we are labouring to ensure all is ready for our guests, and where have you been? Off traipsing through the countryside, no doubt! Selfish child, not thinking once of your sisters or your poor mother!"
Darcy was appalled that Mrs. Bennet could speak to her own child in such a manner. "I am afraid the blame must fall on me, Mrs. Bennet. Once Miss Bennet had signed the registry she was quite determined to join her family. However, I was rather insistent she remain until we had both signed. I would not wish for aught to be amiss for the happy couple."
An appalled Georgiana added, "Indeed, Mrs. Bennet, we are indebted to Miss Elizabeth for her kindness. My brother, as you know, is the particular friend of your new son and we could not think of leaving before William had seen that all was in order." The reminder of her new son and the suggestion that all had been done for his convenience easily turned aside her wrath, and Elizabeth was spared further mortification.
At the wedding breakfast, Elizabeth found herself seated between Mr. Hurst and Mr. Phillips. Thinking it was possible, if not likely, that there could be worse partners for such a meal, she resigned herself to banal conversation and was not disappointed. Mr. Hurst found the ham to his liking, and could have little else to say. After making a few desultory remarks regarding Jane's future happiness, Mr. Phillips used his time to chastise his niece for intruding on her youngest sister's pleasure trip.
"Your aunt informs me you are for Brighton with Lydia tomorrow. Is that correct?" Mr. Phillips began in a tone that Elizabeth prayed would not carry far down the table.
"It is, Uncle." Elizabeth had no wish to discuss the unpleasant subject, especially not where she could be so easily overheard.
"And are you pleased with yourself?"
Elizabeth was shocked. Surely she had misheard him. "Pleased, Uncle? I fear I have not the pleasure of understanding you."
"I should think the question simple enough. You have taken away from Lydia's enjoyment, and imposed on the good Colonel and his lady wife by insisting you be allowed to join a journey on which you were never invited. I simply wondered if you were pleased with the results of your efforts."
"You are mistaken as to the circumstances under which I travel, sir." Elizabeth was flushed with embarrassment and spoke with as much respect as she could summon under the circumstances.
"Do not dissemble, Lizzy. It does not become you. I wonder that you did not invite yourself to join Jane instead, I had thought you to be inseparable. I assure you, that were you my daughter, such impertinent, headstrong behaviour would not be tolerated. But you have ever been your father's favourite, so I suppose it is to be expected."
This was nearly too much for Elizabeth who found it necessary to take a large swallow of wine lest she choke on the bit of roll in her mouth. That Elizabeth agreed Mr. Bennet had been too lenient with one of his daughters was not in question, that she herself was that daughter was another matter entirely. "I can assure you, Uncle, that despite what you have heard I sincerely wish for my youngest sister to enjoy whatever manner of entertainments might be considered appropriate for a young lady only newly out in society." Honestly, thought Elizabeth, does no one in this family see the probability of Lydia shaming us all even before her next birthday?
Having said rather more than she cared to on the subject of her impending travels, Elizabeth was horrified to raise her eyes and discover her father had heard every word of her conversation with her Uncle Phillips. He had heard and done nothing to intervene. Instead, his eyes held a spark of mischief and she felt certain he thought she had received her comeuppance at the hand of her uncle. Elizabeth then turned her face determinedly to Mr. Hurst, and she engaged that gentleman in what she would later remember only as a particularly painful conversation about food, his gout, the weather, and his planned return to London. How she survived the remainder of the meal, Elizabeth knew not. She resolved to speak with Jane as soon as may be about having her belongings removed to Netherfield posthaste, and was exceedingly grateful when at last her mother signaled for everyone to move to the parlor for tea and cake.
Elizabeth joined Mary and Kitty in pouring for the many assembled guests and took for herself the privilege of serving Jane. In doing so, she asked her sister for a private conversation sometime before Mrs. Bingley was to leave. Jane willingly agreed, and in due course requested Elizabeth's assistance in her chambers.
When the ladies reached Jane's room they slipped quickly inside and closed the door. Elizabeth spoke quickly. "Please forgive me Jane. I had not meant to have this conversation today, but now I feel it cannot wait, no matter how selfish it may be on my part."
"Goodness, Lizzy. What is it?"
"Jane, I do not think I can tolerate even a day under this roof when I return from Brighton. I wondered…that is…would it be possible…," now that she had begun speaking, Elizabeth was struck by how incredibly selfish it had been of her to pull Jane away from her celebrations to speak of their future living arrangements.
"You wish to have your belongings moved immediately?" Jane correctly guessed her sister's intent.
"I do," Elizabeth sighed. "Oh, it was very wrong of me to do this. Pray forgive me and think nothing more of it."
"Lizzy, stop." Jane's voice was stern. "Now, you are correct. It was very selfish of you to pull me aside just now. Nonetheless, I shall answer you. I have already spoken to Papa and he has given his consent. He seemed rather relieved, to tell the truth. When you complete your packing for Brighton today, you may have the rest of your things packed as well, and Papa will send a note to Netherfield to have them collected."
Elizabeth was well and truly abashed at her own behaviour. It marked a selfishness that reminded her too much of Lydia. "Thank you, Jane. I truly am sorry, I do not know what I could have been thinking. Please forgive me."
"It would have been better we had spoken of this last night but of course, I forgive you sister. Let us return to our guests." Jane embraced her younger sister and they made their way back to the celebration. Elizabeth made a silent vow to never impose on Jane in such a manner again.
The wedding breakfast progressed apace, and in what seemed like very little time, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley bade their family farewell and left Longbourn to begin their new lives. Once the Bingleys had departed, the many wedding guests soon followed. Darcy and Georgiana were among the last to leave. Darcy had little to say, but Elizabeth did not feel slighted. She could see from the torment in his eyes that he was dreading their parting at least as much as she. As the three stood waiting for the Darcy carriage, Georgiana positioned herself conveniently so that Darcy and Elizabeth were blocked from the view of anyone who might look out from the house. Darcy took advantage of the circumstance to draw Elizabeth's left hand to his right arm. There it remained, lightly covered by his own right hand.
"I do wish you were not for Brighton so very soon, Lizzy. I hope you will not think me too forward if I ask you to write while you are away?" Georgiana said this with a discreet look toward her brother. Elizabeth understood immediately and gave Darcy's arm an affectionate squeeze.
"Of course I shall write, and I hope you will as well, for then it will be as if we are not apart at all!" Elizabeth then lowered her voice so only Georgiana would hear. "You must promise to inform me of your brother's progress in the courtship of my father."
Georgiana only barely suppressed a laugh and said in a clear voice, "You may depend on me, Lizzy. And when you return we shall be the first to visit you." The Darcy carriage arrived just then. Darcy released Elizabeth and handed his sister inside. He turned to face his beloved as he boarded the carriage and Elizabeth was startled by the naked affection of his gaze. She felt a sudden longing to leap into his arms and bear whatever consequence might come. Instead, she returned his look with one of her own and smiled her acknowledgement when he said simply, "Soon, Elizabeth." Tears threatened to spill as she watched the siblings depart. Never, she thought, had Longbourn been as lonely as it was just then.
Elizabeth spent the remainder of her day packing her various trunks, and sorting through what would go to Brighton and what would be sent directly to Netherfield. Unable to consider facing her father over the table, Elizabeth chose to take supper in her room on what she knew to be her last night in her childhood home.