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Chapter Six
Elizabeth sat mutely with the women of her family trying to digest how quickly everything was moving. Now that she was officially engaged the more pressing topics of her trousseau and where she would be married were being discussed. It did not take long for an argument to erupt between Kitty and Lydia over the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses, which their Aunt Gardiner skilfully navigated by saying they could both wear the same gown but have their own choice of ribbon colours. It irked Elizabeth a little that her opinion was not sought for such decisions, but if she was to be honest, she was not sure she had the wherewithal to give one just then.
Once they had finished on the topic of shopping and gowns, their conversation dwindled into more serious topics regarding Elizabeth tutelage on how to run a large household, etcetera. Before long Lydia and Kitty cried fatigue and retreated their rooms before the gentleman joined them. Her younger sisters departure was a welcome relief to Elizabeth, at least now she would only have to contend with her mother's unfiltered speech. Jane moved next to her, and they soon began making plans to visit the Lucas' the next morning. Guilt suddenly plagued her as she realized she had neglected her dearest friend. Well, she would rectify this tomorrow morning as she was in desperate need of Charlotte's wise perspective and always sensible advice.
"Yes, we should all call on them! I wonder at the look on Mrs Lucas' face when she hears that you are engaged to Mr Darcy. She shall be green with envy!" interrupted Mrs Bennet.
Elizabeth and Jane both opened their mouths to tell their mother that there was no need to make such a display, when the gentlemen entered. Mr Darcy moved once more to sit in the chair nearest to Elizabeth and Mr Bingley nearest to Jane. Her stomach knotted in nervous anticipation of having him so near to her person for the third time that evening. But she supposed she would need to become more used to being around him as that is it how it would be from now on. For once she disliked being known as headstrong and confident. She felt so frustratingly out of her depth around him, and her heart fluttered when she bravely met his gaze.
With an arrogant lift of his eyebrow and the amused slant of his lips, she felt a small smile pull at her lips in return as she felt instantly better at ease.
"What has you smiling, Mr Darcy?" she asked as he took his seat.
"Your father was regaling me with tales of your youth, Miss Bennet." He revealed.
"Was he indeed? And what pray, did he tell you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with her amusement.
"I am afraid I cannot reveal what is said between gentlemen." He teased.
"How ungentlemanly of you, sir! Is this the beginning of the end of chivalry?" she goaded her irritation getting the better of her.
Glancing behind him to Mr Bennet, he arched his brow again in that way that gave him a slight rakish air to his appearance.
"It was not so terrible; I was just enjoying a rare moment where I had a slight advantage over your intimidating wit." He complimented.
"Come now, I doubt you are so easily intimidated. And believe me, when I say I shall not forget that you did not reveal the tales my father told you. I will repay the favour when I meet your family." Elizabeth said laughing.
"Oh yes! Mr Darcy that reminds me. Will your family be attending the wedding?" interrupted Mrs Bennet.
"Yes, madam. I am sure they will want to attend. I wrote to them informing them of my engagement this afternoon. But as we have set no other details, I did not have any other particulars to inform them."
"Well, you will want to be married from Longbourn I am certain. That way Elizabeth can be married surrounded by all her family and friends." Mrs Bennet tittered a little nervously. The idea finally struck her that her daughter would soon no longer call Hertfordshire home.
"I am sure when we come to those discussions, you will not be disappointed Mrs Bennet." He said vaguely.
"Does that mean that you are in agreement to that suggestion? You intend to marry from Longbourne." Mrs Bennet prodded, not allowing herself to be put off her pursuit.
"Mama, we will marry where it is appropriate to do so." Said Elizabeth, giving her mother a reassuring nod.
Mrs Bennet huffed but decided to leave that topic for now. "And, Mr Darcy, who of your family will you be expecting to attend?"
"It will be my closest relatives, Mrs Bennet. My uncle the Earl of Matlock and my Aunt Lady Matlock, along with their son's and daughter. My -"
"An Earl!" squeaked Mrs Bennet her eyes going wide.
"Yes. And his son's the Viscount of Rothford; James Fitzwilliam, Sir Percy Fitzwilliam and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and their daughter Miss Francesca Fitzwilliam." He supplied politely although, Elizabeth noted the bored demeanour that overtook his features as he spoke. It caused a fission of annoyance in her, surely, he would not react so if it was someone from his usual circles, thought Elizabeth.
"And a Viscount…" Mrs Bennet said in little more than a whisper. "And are they bringing their wives…?" she asked trying hard to conceal her excitement.
"Viscount Rothford is married. I am sure his wife and their son will join him." Mr Darcy replied politely. "I will be leaving the day after the next to fetch my sister Georgiana, so that she and Miss Elizabeth can become acquainted." He added turning to look at Elizabeth.
"I should like to me her, Mr Darcy." Replied Elizabeth trying to forget her bother at his attitude and though it was politely done, his ending her mother's conversation.
Sitting forward suddenly, Mr Bingley addressed the room.
"Darcy, would it not be a good idea to hold an engagement ball of sorts perhaps at Netherfield? That way if your Matlock relatives came a week or so before the wedding then they could all be introduced." He said cheerfully and Mrs Bennet began clapping and cheering her agreement.
A servant entered and had to dart around her and avoid her arms waving as best she could when she came to retrieve Mrs Gardiner, as little Margaret had awoken and was asking for her. No doubt due to the volume of Mrs Bennet's animated cheers.
"What a fine idea Mr Bingley!" Exclaimed Mrs Bennet, moving to sit nearer to him.
Standing her father spoke to no one in particular as he excused himself and made for his study. Mr Darcy looked after him almost wistfully and then threw daggers at his friend. Turning he realised Elizabeth had caught his pained expression and masked it quickly.
"My thoughts exactly!" said Mr Bingley merrily. "All that remains is for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth to set a date for their wedding and we can plan the ball accordingly." He added looking to Darcy, but taking in his friends countenance, he faltered clearing his throat a little awkwardly, although at the same time he appeared to be trying equally not to laugh.
"Yes, well I have made arrangements to speak with Mr Bennet tomorrow morning. We shall endeavour to set the date with that in mind." Said Mr Darcy.
"Indeed?" said Elizabeth.
Turning Mr Darcy looked to her puzzled. When it was clear he was not going to speak she continued.
"Do I not have a say? I do not believe such an event can take place without both parties. Does the groom not need his bride present in order to marry?" she quipped.
Frowning Mr Darcy let out a long breath, "I did not presume to do so without you. I was intending to make such decisions tomorrow when we sit to discuss any particulars with your father."
"I am sure." She replied dryly.
"Wonderful." He murmured with a barely perceptible shake of his head.
Though he anticipated and even expected such behaviour from Elizabeth's relatives, he still found it hard to palate. Indeed, it was not news to him that he was talked off in such material terms. His connections and purported wealth were widely discussed in drawing rooms, ballrooms and even clubs; however, they were at least not done so crudely in front of him. He could see Mrs Bennet calculating which daughter could go to which of his cousins and it made him feel irritable in a stifling way. It was all to reminiscent of those who thought his age made him an easy target for extortion and manipulation after his father died and he despised it.
He unconsciously began to drum his fingers lightly on his knee as his gaze moved to find distraction, taking in the room in more detail as the tedium of the evening begun to wear on him. The frames on the artwork hung on the opposite wall was slightly askew and the frame chipped. A few stains adorned the carpet under the strategically placed coffee table and the upholstery on much of the furniture was dated. From his peripheral he could see that Elizabeth was watching him with obvious displeasure at his critical gaze and the severity of her expression caused him a struggle to maintain his composure. He looked to the door and felt a sting of annoyance take aim at Mr Bennet for his indolent nature and his skilled escape!
Elizabeth looked to Jane who sent her a reproachful look. Again, she had to own that she was being a little unkind, but his behaviour towards her mother had managed to get under her skin. The look of derision she saw before he had concealed it, had put her guard up. It felt as if everything was so out of her control and all to his terms. Afterall, how much would his life really change once they were wed? He was a man. If he grew unhappy or tired of her company, he could seek amusement elsewhere and banish her to one of his properties he rarely frequented. Whereas she would be made to leave her home and all her friends behind.
And though Jane had mentioned that if she and Mr Bingley should become man and wife, as they all hoped... they would be in company constantly. She could not ignore however, that Mr Bingley was settled a few miles from Longbourn, while she will be many - many miles away in Derbyshire. What a sad thought…
"Well now that it has been decided we shall take our leave. The hour grows late…" said Mr Bingley addressing Mr Darcy breaking the sad melancholy of her thoughts.
"Yes, you are correct Bingley." Mr Darcy agreed standing at once and both said their farewells to the room, while their carriage was readied.
"Lizzy, you must see Mr Darcy out," hissed Mrs Bennet as Elizabeth had moved to sit by the hearth.
"But of course." She replied dutifully and took Jane's hand and pulling her so that she would accompany them.
Smiling Jane stood elegantly, accepting Mr Bingley's arm and proceeded Elizabeth and Darcy from the room.
Once outside Mr Darcy steered them so that they stood a little apart from Jane and Mr Bingley. They remained silent until finally Mr Darcy turned to face her. He was unsure as it was not a common occurrence for him to have to work for another's approval and so was at a loss for what to say, not wanting to end the evening on a bad note. By way of an olive branch, he decided to give her a clue as to what Mr Bennet had revealed to him of her childhood antics. Leaning close to her, he whispered into her ear, in case she did not want Mr Bingley to overhear.
"Please do resist the urge to scale the trees just for your pleasure at seeing the back of me... at least for now." He spoke teasingly.
Elizabeth gasped but could keep the tell-tale quirk at the corner of her mouth as he faces began to pull into a broad smile. She bit her lip to stop the movement and, in the darkness, under the night sky with only the light spilling out of the windows from within her home, she saw Mr Darcy's gaze drop to her mouth and linger. His thick dark lashes prevented her from seeing his eyes, but she did not need too. It was more than a look that suffused her bones and made her short of breath. She felt an unmistakable tension settle heavy around them, when abruptly he looked away and straightened before turning to face her, his expression unreadable. He bowed and hastened to step into the waiting carriage.
The moment broken she stood feeling a little lost and uncertain of her cascading emotions. What an enigma Mr Darcy was… Looking about she realised that Mr Bingley had already taken his seat within, and Jane had gone back inside, probably in an effort to give them some privacy. Wrapping her arms about her middle, she stood watching the carriage turn out of the driveway towards Netherfield. Then turning with a small smile, she turned and spied her father through a gap in the curtains, sitting in his study and reading a passage from one of his books smiling, a port in hand. He looked so unaffected and unaware of her tumultuous situation. Did he not care? He had always called her his favourite and yet he had not even tried to present himself or her in a favourable way all evening. Even at Lydia's outburst it was Jane who had to censure her!
Before she could think better of it her feet had carried her inside the house where she ignored her mother's crowing and boasting of their good fortune and continued as fast as she could to her father's study. Upon reaching it she did not bother to knock, but flung the door wide, standing on the threshold she crossed her arms and enjoyed the look of surprise on her father's face.
"Lizzy?" Mr Bennet asked closing his book and resting his hands in his lap.
"Papa, why would speak of such things to Mr Darcy?!" She demanded coming further into her father's sanctuary and shutting the door.
"Oh, come now Lizzy, it was only a little fun." He chuckled.
"I need not be seen as silly by any man who was to be my betrothed. Especially not such a man as Mr Darcy! I am already going to be facing an uphill battle as it is!" she said shakily.
"It was no great tale I told him. I assure you that such behaviours as a child are perfectly acceptable. He seemed to find it endearing."
"Stop dismissing my distress, Papa. I am disappointed that you should treat me in such a way after our discussion. I have told you about my feelings on the matter but a day ago and -"
"Enough." Said Mr Bennet silencing her. "What has gotten into you, my daughter?" he asked rhetorically, but incensed Elizabeth continued with her argument.
"My father has pushed into a marriage I would never have chosen, had I had the right to refuse!" she snapped.
"You know full well why you are marrying Mr Darcy. And Let us not pretend he is not doing you a great favour in doing the honourable thing."
She snorted and turned away to face the window, her fists clenched at her sides. It only served to stoke her ire further as she looked not seeing the gardens, but her father and herself reflected back.
"You will be contrary even in this?"
"I am woman. It is my prerogative to be contrary, sir."
"Pray tell me why you would sell yourself and the rest of your sex so short?" he asked softly.
"Before my accident, I believed I was entitled to my opinions. I have since learned I was wrong. I am entitled to opinions if they please and humour you, Papa, but only until I marry. From then my husband will take up the mantle and tell me what my opinions are supposed to be." She said bristling.
"I have always known you to be wilful, but I never thought you could behave so. I know you are uncertain of what your future holds, but you would have had to make this step someday my sweet girl. It kills me that I will not be able to have your company every day. But I will not lie to you, I have spoken little with Mr Darcy, but what I have learned is that he is a kind man. He admittedly has high standards and can be proud and arrogant; however, he is also a well read, intelligent and a conscientious gentleman. I would not part with you if I thought otherwise. It also goes without saying that if you are unhappy, you will always have a home here. All I ask is that you allow Mr Darcy to prove himself and do not be quick to turn all his actions against him. Won't you sit with your papa and tell me what the real cause of your upset is." Mr Bennet said turning her to face him.
"Oh Papa!" she said as she crumbled into tears and fell into his arms.
"There, there my child. All will be well. All will be well." He assured, rubbing her back soothingly and trying to hold his own sadness at bay.
A small knock on the door brought them to their senses and they turned to see Mr Gardiner coming into the room.
"Oh, Lizzy are you unwell?" Mr Gardiner asked.
"I am well, uncle. Just wedding jitters." Elizabeth replied.
"Happens to the best of us!" he replied with a smile. "Would you mind if I join you?"
"Please do. I should probably take myself to bed anyhow." Said Elizabeth, wiping under her eyes.
"Nonsense!" said Mr Bennet. "Edward knows better than I that brandy is the only way to cure wedding jitters and guarantee a full night's sleep!"
"Indeed, it is. What say you Lizzy?" Mr Gardiner said as he moved to pour the drinks.
"Do pour us one too, husband." Said Mrs Gardiner coming into the room with Jane.
"Ah we shall have to ring for more glasses." Her uncle commented and so Jane went in search of some in the drawing room and returned in no time and closed the door behind them.
"It feels as though we are forming our own club!" exclaimed Jane.
"More like a coup." Said their father dryly as they laughed.
"Now, sip them slowly ladies. It will burn until you grow accustomed to it." Explained their uncle handing them a glass.
"Yes, and then it will be quite enjoyable." Added their aunt with a mischievous look.
The room fell silent as Jane and Elizabeth sampled the amber liquid, and gasped and spluttered, patting their chests.
Laughing Mr Bennet patted them both on their backs and sat back in his chair, looking at his daughters proudly.
"Now, I should like to make a toast to my dear sister on her engagement to Mr Darcy! He is very lucky to have you sister, and should he upset you, you only have to write to me, and I shall send Mama and Lydia to sort him out!" declared Jane giggling.
Laughing Mr Bennet exclaimed, "I do not believe it! She is soused already! I never thought a child of mine would be such a light weight!"
"Now Lizzy, how are you faring? Are you feeling a little easier about entering the marriage state?" asked her uncle. "Our Lizzy, was feeling anxious about it before you joined us." He added to clear any confusion.
"I thank you Uncle, I am." She said sincerely but also taking another sizable gulp of her brandy.
"What is it that has you anxious, dear?" asked her aunt gently.
"Truthfully, I have always relied on my ability to be able to make a sketch of a person's character and with Mr Darcy I cannot. I know that he saved me and for that we have achieved an easiness in the others company. But otherwise, I do not know much about him or his true feelings." She shrugged. "The things I do see in him that I recognise are often not flattering and lead me to believe, that though he can be kind, we are not well matched."
"With your permission, I will tell you all I know of Mr Darcy and his reputation in Derbyshire from my youth and your uncle can tell you what he knows of his reputation as a gentleman in town."
"And Elizabeth, I assure you I have already sought your uncle's council about the man before I ever seriously considered tying you to Mr Darcy." Said Mr Bennet reassuringly.
"Thank you. I should appreciate all that you can tell me." Elizabeth said as Jane took her hand and they all turned to Mrs Gardiner.
"As I mentioned before of Mr Darcy's mother and father being very well respected and liked in Lambton and all the villages surrounding Pemberley. Indeed, it was always a good day when they visited any of the shops in the villages. I have not however mentioned that I have met your Mr Darcy on two occasions – well three but the last doesn't particularly count as a meeting." Said her aunt pausing to sip at her drink. "The first time we were both much younger. I was a young teenager, and he could not have been more than seven or eight. He had accompanied his mother and father to the my fathers shop. I will never forget it for even then I remember thinking I had never seen a happier family. Young Mr Darcy's smile and laughter were infectious. I remember how he had begged his father for additional coin to buy a second portion sugar plums and fudge. Eventually his father indulged him, only to see him run from the shop and give them to some children playing outside that had been looking in the shop window longingly. It was such a caring thoughtfulness in someone so young. His father had praised him and given him a sip of ale from his cup and laughed when he had disliked it so much as to refuse to swallow it for a moment." She chuckled fondly at the memory.
"Sadly, the next time I saw him was after his mother's passing. He had come into the shop with his sister Miss Georgiana Darcy. I remember him mentioning to my father that it was her third birthday, and I am not sure of his age, but he was most probably sixteen or seventeen. He was a little reserved, but still amiable and happy to engage in conversation, doting on his sister who pulled him around my the shop. But hiding behind him when anyone tried to address her. And then finally I had the chance to see him the year following his father's funeral when I had gone home to visit my relatives. I cannot imagine what he must have gone through having to take charge of so much at such a young age. My heart went out to him. He looked completely withdrawn, his face an impenetrable mask and he hardly spoke unless it was necessary. I believe he was having a disagreement with the gentleman he was with, but I would only guess at this as they were across the street and from the other man's behaviour as Mr Darcy's face maintained its unaffected expression. I would say he was far beyond what I have witnessed in him since visiting Hertfordshire." Finished her aunt.
"That is a very sad tale." Exclaimed Jane. "Poor Mr Darcy!"
"Indeed, it is. But we all process our grief differently. Because of how I have witness he can be, it is my belief he is still that way from the moments I have glimpsed of him joking with you Lizzy. It is just not on the surface as it is with you or I," said Mrs Gardiner.
"I understand you, aunt. And I feel much better now that you have told me of your past experiences with Mr Darcy and his family. I am not being wilful of stubborn when I say that I shall be more open to him and less critical, but until I spend more time with him, I will still be cautious as I do not get know if that is true. He may have a heart that cannot be touched."
"I believe that you should still hold reservations, my dear. But do not be ruled by your head, allow your instincts to guide you. I know you and if you had not seen something in him, you would not have agreed." Interjected her father.
"Well, I take it, that it is now my turn?" asked her uncle pouring them all a little more brandy.
"Easy Edward, Jane seems to be swaying in her seat." Said Mr Bennet and laughing when Jane threw him a sarcastic grin.
"I cannot offer much other than his reputation. Before now I had never seen Mr Darcy though, I had heard of him. Mr Darcy is a great man and very well respected, in gentlemen's clubs he is envied for his wealth and connexions. It goes without saying most desire an alliance with his family through marriage or friendship. His intelligence and honourable nature are revered, as are his physicality. He is a great rider, shooter and swordsman. As we have heard tonight his familial relationships are tied to nobility; his own mother was the daughter of an Earl. What else…" said Mr Gardiner to himself, "He is not known as a gambler or having, ah, wayward interests either. I am afraid that is all that I have to add to this conversation. I am sure more will be revealed and do not shy away from asking him questions. A man of his stature is intimidating to most men, let alone women and I am sure most of the time his expression stops many from trying to engage him in conversation."
"Yes, I dare say you are right. I am very grateful for you all. I -" Elizabeth's words were cut short by the chiming of the grandfather clock in the hallway just outside of her father's study. "Goodness me, is that the time! We had all better get some rest." She said instead standing.
The gentlemen bid them goodnight but stayed longer ensconced in her father's study. Elizabeth drifted to sleep that night peacefully beside Jane. Her last thoughts were of the young boy her aunt had described smiling and laughing with his parents and eating sweet treats.