Chapter 7
Watching as the De Bough Carriage left Longbourn with an agitated Lady Catherine, Elizabeth turned to her cousin, noticing that he looked truly dejected said, "Come cousin, you were right Lady Catherine does not disapprove of me, but I'm afraid that she very much so disapproves of me as a bride for you."
"I do not understand it," Collins said dejectedly in confusion. "You are kind and witty. Why would my patroness forbid me to marry you? And why would she leave without speaking to me? I fear I have displeased her."
Taking pity on him, Elizabeth said gently, "Lady Catherine knows enough of my character, and I daresay your own, to know we would not suit and could not make each other happy. When she instructed you to choose a Bennet bride I believe she had my sister Mary in mind."
"Then I must go propose to Miss Mary at once," Collins said in a rush as he prepared to go do so.
"You will not," Elizabeth said with force, stopping him, "insult my sister by proposing to her within minutes of my own rejection. I suggest sir that you make no further proposals at this point in time. Lady Catherine intends to take up residence in the area for a few days. I am sure she will wish to speak to you on the topic of your marriage."
"Would you intercede on my behalf with her, cousin Elizabeth? Her Ladyship and Miss De Bough seem to hold a mysterious affection for you," Collins asked eagerly.
Sighing Elizabeth said, "I will talk to Lady Catherine." Under her breath she added, "And hopefully I will persuade her to stop her meddling. Someone really ought to take her in hand. Mr. Darcy has the nerve to censure the Bennets when his aunt wrecks havoc across the country."
As soon as Elizabeth and Mr. Collins rejoined the family her mother looked at the pair expectantly. Collins announced gravely, "My patroness, Lady Catherine De Bough, has forbidden me from marrying my cousin Elizabeth."
This statement sent Mrs. Bennet into a tailspin of nerves and accusations against Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet asserted that it was Elizabeth's wild behavior that the great lady disapproved off. Surprisingly to Elizabeth, before she could say anything, her cousin leapt to her defence. He informed her mother that his honorable patroness, Lady Catherine De Bough, held his cousin Elizabeth in the highest esteem and affection. It was not to be thought that anything lacking in his fair cousin caused her to forbid the match. He informed Mrs. Bennet that he flattered himself to believe that his patroness intended to take his very worthy cousin under her wing and steer her gracefully through life's shoals. Mrs. Bennet was uncertain if she should bemoan the lost match or praise possible future matches the great lady might engineer. While she was making up her mind, a note from Miss Bingley at Netherfield arrived for Jane.
This sent Mrs. Bennet into a flutter of excitement as she demanded Jane read the note. Jane did so and when she revealed the main points of the note to her waiting mother, Mrs. Bennet's nerves took another turn. As Mrs. Bennet railed about how ill used she was, Jane quietly handed the note to Elizabeth who scanned it quickly.
Frowning Elizabeth reached for her sister's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Excusing themselves, the two hurried toward Jane's room for some privacy. Elizabeth quickly decried the letter as completely false. Jane claimed that Miss Bingley was her friend and would not deceive her so. Elizabeth revealed that all was not as it seemed, telling Jane that Anne turned out to be in fact Mr. Darcy's cousin and that Lady Catherine was currently storming Netherfield's walls. Jane was still distressed though, so Elizabeth suggested she rest, a suggestion Jane agreed too.
Once her sister was resting, Elizabeth slipped out of the house and began walking toward Netherfield. Cheerfully she thought of how the resident harpy, Miss Bingley, was likely by now being harrassed by the new resident harridan, Lady Catherine. She hoped that she could have a private interview with Anne while Lady Catherine rained chaos down on Mr. Bingley's household. Knowing Lady Catherine, the estate would be at sixs and sevens currently. Miss Bingley may have intended to follow her brother to town when she wrote her note, but Lady Catherine intended to stay at Netherfield and would very likely not be gainsaid. Anne could confirm her suspicions that Miss Darcy was in fact Anne's young cousin Georgie, a girl barely 16 and not out in society and therefore no where near prepared to marry anyone, let alone Mr. Bingley.
…
A quiet knock at the closed door halted the conference between Lady Catherinre, Anne and Darcy. Bidding the servant to enter, they were informed that Anne had a visitor. Raising her eyebrow at Anne, Lady Catherine said, "Perhaps the situation at Longbourn has deteriorated." Lady Catherine directed the servant to show Elizabeth into the private parlor they occuppied.
Upon entering the room and seeing its occupants, Elizabeth said, "I had hoped to have a private word with Miss De Bough."
"William will hardly be offended if you refer to Anne as you always have, none of this Miss De Bough nonsense. As far as a private word, we are entirely private here. I cannot imagine you mean to keep a secret from me. My advice as you know, is invaluable. Has a problem arisen with the situation with Mr. Collins?" Lady Catherine demanded.
Frowning Elizabeth responded, "No, that situation, of your creation I might add, is not a problem. I came to speak to Anne on another matter."
Anne who had been observing the way her cousin stared at Elizabeth said, "I'm sure my cousin William will be pleased to offer his help on anything you need Lizzy."
"Anne," Elizabeth said in an exasperated tone.
"If Miss Elizabeth would prefer to speak to you alone Anne, I will leave the room," Darcy said stiffly.
Irritated Elizabeth said with false sweetness, "That won't be necessary. I am sure you sir might have some valuable insights. Afterall the matter I came to enquire about involves your sister." Turning to Anne she continued. "Is Miss Darcy your cousin Georgie?"
"Yes," Anne responded.
"Is she about to become engaged to Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth asked. Had her conversation with Anne not have been witnessed by Mr. Darcy she would have been more diplomatic in her approach.
"Most certainly not," Darcy answered firmly. "She is only 16. Where may I ask did you hear such a scandalous rumor?" he demanded.
"Miss Bingley. She saw fit to included such information in her farewell note to my sister."
"How dare that tradesman's daughter spread such speculation!" Lady Catherine demanded, incensed. "Do you have this note?"
"I am not in the habit of absconding with my sister's letters," Elizabeth said dryly.
"Are you sure you wish for your sister to marry into such a family Lizzy?" Lady Catherine demanded. "His sister is a social climbing upstart. A fortune hunter of the worst sort."
"I do not believe it is my wishes that matter here, Lady Catherine. Besides no one in my family holds Mr. Bingley's relations against him." Addressing Darcy she asked, "Is Miss Bingley correct that the Netherfield party intends to depart and not return? Mr. Bingley last night indicated to my mother, that he planned on only being in town very briefly."
Shifting uncomfortably knowing that until his conversation with his aunt and cousin, that had been exactly their intentions, Darcy responded, "I believe plans have changed. Miss Bingley and the Hursts may be planning to depart for town and not return, but myself, my aunt and cousin intend to await Bingley's return. If not for my family's presence I would go to town myself to ensure his timely return."
Nodding, Elizabeth said, "Thank you sir. This information will be welcome to the neighborhood. Mr. Bingley's society has been quite enjoyed by our community."
"Unlike my own presence," Darcy said wryly.
"I would not presume to answer," Elizabeth said archly.
"Miss Elizabeth, might I escort you home?" Darcy asked.
"That is not necessary Mr. Darcy. I am quite familiar with the route."
"An excellent suggestion William. Lizzy, I will be put out if you do not accept my nephew's escort. Now be a good girl and do so," Lady Catherine commanded.
"As long as you promise to not do anything my lady," Elizabeth said sweetly.
"At my age, with my rank, I can very well do what I please miss," Lady Catherine responded stubbornly.
"Then I had best leave your nephew here with you, so he can accommodate you."
"What you mean to say, is so that he can attempt to keep me out of what you consider mischief. Currently I desire to rest so there is no need for William to stay here. Which I won't be able to do if he is underfoot just now. So if you want to keep me from arranging Bingley's household, I suggest you find a way to occupy him. Do we have a deal Lizzy?"
"I gratefully accept your escort home Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said her eyes twinkling.
"Anne and I will expect you for tea tomorrow, Lizzy. Won't we, Anne?"
"We will," Anne agreed and then added, "and William do behave yourself."
…
Once outside Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, but she pretended not to see it and clasped her hands behind her back as she strolled away towards the path home. Darcy looked at Elizabeth with regret and quickly strode after her. Catching up to her, the two walked on in silence. Finally Darcy took a breath and broke the silence saying, "I owe you an apology Miss Elizabeth. Many apologies actually."
Stunned Elizabeth stumbled and came to a halt. Turning to face the gentleman she arched an eyebrow inquiringly. So he continued, "My first apology must be for my ungentlemanly behaviour at the assembly the other month. I pride myself on being honest, but that night I lied, most greviously. When Bingley suggested I dance with you, it was because he had noticed you had caught my eye. I thought you then to be quite pretty. Now I know you are more than merely pretty, but rather the most handsome woman of my aquintance." Darcy paused and searched Elizabeth's face for her reaction, but other then a small intake of air she said nothing.
"Rather then acknowledge what my friend had realized, that I was attracted to you, I spoke untrue words to persuade both him and myself of what was not the truth. The fact that you heard me speak such an unkind lie, pains me. I am truly sorry for uttering those words. My apology is overdue for them."
"Thank you for you heartfelt apology Sir," Elizabeth mummered softly. Her mind was spinning. To hear from Mr. Darcy himself that he found her handsome and had never found her just tolerable was suprising.
"Next I must apologize for standing by and allowing Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst's treatment of you and your family. The Bennets are a landed family. Your father is a gentleman; your mother, the wife of one; you and your sisters, the daughters of a gentleman. Miss Bingley, for all her pretense otherwise, is the daughter of a successful tradesman, whose brother has yet to purchase an estate."
"I am suprised you can admit such a thing," Elizabeth broke in. "Your disdain for the local gentry was quite clear."
"It was hypocritical of me to maintain my pride of position, when I am visiting as the guest of the son of a tradesman. As I suspect you know, I held myself and my party to be above the local populace."
"You don't say?" Elizabeth said sarcastically before she could stop herself.
Smiling wryly Darcy admitted, "My cousin Richard has often accused me of giving offence with my manners. I am not good at conversing with strangers. I cannot catch the meaning and tone of their conversation like I see others do. May I ask you Miss Elizabeth, just how badly have I offended you and the population?"
"My honest answer, sir?"
"Yes."
"Meryton finds you eaten up with your own pride. You are haughty, cold and unpleasant to the inhabitants. My mother, who is always on the look out for potential husbands, after the last assembly, instructed me never to dance with you."
Darcy winced and said, "No wonder you refused me twice. I consider myself lucky I was able to dance with you last night. I am grateful you did not say no a third time."
"If a lady refuses an offer to dance at a ball, she must sit out the rest of the night."
"So dancing with me was an unpleasant obligation, much like your dance with your cousin."
"I would not go that far," Elizabeth said smiling at him. "Dancing with you was vastly more pleasant than dancing with my cousin."
Smiling Darcy said, "Then perhaps there is hope for me yet."
"Hope?" Elizabeth ask confused.
"Hope Miss Elizabeth, " Darcy affirmed. "I offer you my sincere apologies on my behavior thus far in Hetfordshire. I earnestly hope that you can not only fogive me, but offer me a chance to show myself to be better than I have thus far done."
"I offer you my forgiveness, but in exchange for a second chance I request that you help me attempt to modulate your aunt's behaviour while in Meryton. I am all to familiar with her character. She might mean well, but rarely do things seem to go as she plans. And I would rather not see my neighbors' lives discombobulated by her advice and instruction."
"Of my help you can be certain. My aunt is most proficient at leaving disaster in her wake. So proficient I dare say she could cease practicing. "
At this Elizabeth laughed and taking Darcy's arm led him to walk on saying, "I do believe we may just be able to get on after all Mr. Darcy."
Grinning Darcy said, "I hope so."
"And if we do not, I can always appeal to Richard, " Elizabeth said mischievously. "I've heard your family refer to you as William but never made the connection between how you acted in Hetfordshire and their relation. I had understood that you were an intelligent, amiable if a bit quiet man."
"I believe you can substitute taciturn and antisocial for quiet."
"And I might add a sense of humor to your list of accomplishments. "
"Nothing about my manner, way of walking or something in my air?"
"Careful sir, you confuse me with Miss Bingley."
"Never Miss Elizabeth, " Darcy said smiling at her. Then his face growing stern again he said, "I have one more apology I must make to you. About Mr. Wickham."
"Mr. Wickham?" Elizabeth ask her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Yes. You ask me about him last night," Darcy said sighing.
"Mr. Darcy you are not required to apologize to me over you and Mr. Wickham's theological disagreements. I should not have pried into your affairs. You have my apology."
"Theological disagreements?" Darcy ask confused. "I do not believe Mr. Wickham is very versed in theology."
"Hmmm, I thought he had said something about the church. I am afraid I did not pay any attention to the particulars. I was distracted by personal matters and had no real interest in paying attention to the gossip of a brazen stranger."
Darcy burst out laughing. Elizabeth looked at him askance, when it hit her that he was a very attractive man, particularly when he laughed or smiled.
"I beg your pardon Miss Elizabeth. I assumed Mr. Wickham had importuned you with a pack of lies mixed with a small truth. Even if you did not regard Wickham's gossip with any attention I would still like to lay before you my dealings with the man."
"By all means feel free to do so. My previous concers no longer plague me, so you shall find a listening ear."
"Yes, I should also offer an apology for my aunt and her parson," Darcy said wryly. "Her and Anne explained the situation that brought them to Hertfordshire to me."
"Your aunt sir is a meddling menace. One I am familiar with and esteem, so no apology from you is necessary."
"You are not likely to receive one from her, so mine may be the only one you receive."
"And Anne's. She apologized to me in her letter before Lady Catherine arrived to slay the dragon."
"My aunt I believe is often the dragon in most stories, not the slayer."
"My position is unique. I am familiar with her," Elizabeth answered with a grin. "Now this Mr. Wickham?"
Darcy proceeded to explain to her his history with Wickham. How the man's father had been the trusted steward of Pemberley. His own father had been Wickham's Godfather, who paid for his education. He told her that Wickham's character was a disappointment and how the man was not fit to be a parson, explaining why and apologizing for offending her sensibilities. He explained the living in the bequest and how he had paid Wickham a sum to give it up, 3,000 pounds, at Wickham's own request. Then how three years later Wickham returned to claim the living and Darcy denied him. Here he paused and said, "I had hoped to be done with Wickham for good, but this past summer he once again imposed himself on my notice."
"You need not tell me more," Elizabeth said gently. "It is clear that Mr. Wickham is no gentleman and that Meryton needs to be warned about his depravity."
"I agree Miss Elizabeth and I ask that this next part not go past yourself, or perhaps your sister Miss Bennet."
"You have my word," Elizabeth said giving his arm a comforting squeeze where her hand rested on it.
Darcy proceeded to tell her how Wickham conspired with his young sister's companion, to persuade her to believe herself in love and agree to elope, leaving the protection of her family. Elizabeth gasped at such behavior. Wickham's objective was undoubtedly Miss Darcy's fortune and Darcy admitted a revenge against himself.
"Is Miss Darcy well?" Elizabeth asked at the end of his recital.
"She is recovering. Her confidence has been shattered. I have failed her. It is my hope that my Aunt Regina will be able to aid in her recovery."
"Lady Reggie is one of the kindest, most compassionate individuals I know. Only my Jane is more so. Your sister is in good hands I believe. " Elizabeth said and realizing she had referred to his aunt in such a manner added, "excuse me, the Countess of Matlock. I did not mean to refer to her so informally."
"My aunt I happen to know, enjoys when Richard's Lizzy calls her Lady Reggie."
"Richard's Lizzy?"
"Despite the fact that it is the Viscount who is your official Godfather, my family has always referred to you in my hearing as Richard's Lizzy."
Elizabeth laughed and said, "Like they would say Richard's horse! Or Richard's boots! How terrible."
"You don't have a, um romantic attachment to my cousin, do you?" Darcy ask in concern.
"Richard?" Elizabeth ask dumbfounded. "He is like a brother!" she exclaimed.
"Good," Darcy said as Longbourn came into view pulling his arm and Elizabeth slightly closer to his side. "Let us now go reassure your sister of my friend's consistency."