Chapter 22
Eleanor woke up because Marcus wouldn't stop kissing her as he whispered in her ear, "Time to wake up, Mrs. Wagner. Today is the last day in this wonderful place, my love, and I would like us to walk on the beach after breakfast."
"General, if you are so strict about schedules and you like getting up early so much, I suggest you not keep your wife up until late," Eleanor replied, laughing as her husband kissed her. "I love you, Marcus."
"I love you too, Ella." The lovers continued kissing for a while longer, and just as Marcus began to search for more than kisses, Eleanor abruptly got up from the bed and said, "My beloved General, you were eager to get up just five minutes ago. We better get up from this bed immediately and thus avoid temptations, don't you think? " Ella asked, smiling.
"You will pay for this unworthy treatment to your husband tonight, Mrs. Wagner."
"I am sorry, General, I know that you are a brave soldier and that probably all your enemies must have been terrified when they heard your name. It is good that you know that your wife is not afraid of you at all." Marcus tried to hug Ella to kiss her, but she ran across the room, avoiding him and laughing happily. It took almost an hour for them to finally get dressed and sit down at the table for breakfast together.
Eleanor was so happy to be with her husband that she sincerely thanked her brother-in-law for insisting that they at least have a few-days honeymoon. In those days, they had loved each other, but they had also cried for all the lost time. Eleanor had seen the marks on Marcus's back that revealed how he had been flogged during his months in captivity. She felt so foolish to remember the shame she felt for the marks on her legs, and especially for thinking that Marcus might not love her for something as insignificant as that.
After breakfast, Marcus and Ella went for a walk on the beach and enjoyed the last day of peace and quiet. They had decided to talk to Elizabeth after Jane's wedding. They both thought it would be very selfish of them to unveil news like that, which would undoubtedly make the wedding take a back seat. Jane and Matthew deserved a quiet environment because once Elizabeth learned the truth, Marcus and Ella planned to face Thomas Bennet.
"You know Marcus, even though I've enjoyed these days with you immensely, I can't deny that I'm dying to be with our daughter." Eleanor had to stop talking because she got so excited. "The night before our wedding, Lizzie slept hugging me. I have been so many years without her that I do not think I cannot make up for all the lost time."
"I understand you very well, my dear. I feel exactly the same way. I just want to be by her side so that I can pamper, take care of and protect her. In fact, there is something I must tell you. I did not do it before because I wanted to enjoy our honeymoon without disturbing you. But tomorrow, we will return to town, and I think you should know." Marcus told his wife all that had happened in Kent with Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy.
"Did that horrible woman dare to slap my daughter? Oh, Marcus, you should have told me earlier. As soon as I get to London, I will personally go to Kent to tell her what I think about her." Eleanor was outraged with Lady Catherine. "Also, I will tell Mr. Taylor to start finding out information about that woman. I swear to you, my dear, that she will regret slapping my daughter."
"I understand you, my love. Believe me, it was challenging for me to control myself. But don't worry because David will talk to Matlock and clarify that Elizabeth is now part of the Wagner family. What worries me right now is knowing why Darcy took the liberty of writing our daughter a letter if there is not any attachment between them."
"Marcus, since I have known Lizzie, I knew this man has a kind of fascination with her. But he has such a high opinion about himself that I am convinced that his intentions are not honorable. Oh Marcus, as soon as we arrive in London, please tell him to leave our daughter alone. I don't want to see Lizzie suffer for a man who doesn't deserve her."
"I will do so, Ella. I will tell him if his intentions are not honorable, he must forget that she exists, or he will have to face me. But also, my love, I would like you to speak with our dear girl. Maybe she will tell you the content of that letter."
"Yes, I will have a conversation with her about it. I hope she wants to tell me what happened between her and Mr. Darcy. The other thing that worries me is that Thomas tried to contact Elizabeth to force her to return to Longbourn." Eleanor knew her brother well, and she knew that he could use even the most minor thing to get what he wanted. "What reassures me, my love, is that my brother does not know that we are aware of the truth. That will give us a certain advantage over him."
"I think the same. If he were aware that we knew the whole truth, he would surely harm us using that information. The good thing is that we will see him again at Jane's wedding. In the meantime, my brother will continue to investigate the best way to solve this situation." Marcus and Ella kept walking and talking. They knew that when they returned to London, they would have to face many painful things, but they found comfort in the fact that they were together, supporting each other unconditionally.
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Mrs. Bennet was in awe of everything she saw. Eleanor's house was large, elegant, and located in an exclusive neighborhood. Lydia was not so happy; her sisters lived in London in a wonderful house while she was staying in Longbourn. More than ever, she would make her mother force Kitty back home.
Mrs. Gardiner had told her sister-in-law that Eleanor had gotten married, but she hadn't given it much thought. Mrs. Bennet thought Elizabeth's father was dead, so it would never have crossed her mind that General Wagner they all mentioned was the very Marcus she had vaguely known so many years ago.
"Madeline, I think Lydia and I will stay in this house, it's much bigger, and Jane is here," Mrs. Bennet said.
Fortunately, by this time, Mrs. Taylor had entered the drawing-room, and when she saw Elizabeth's pleading face, she understood what she must do. "I'm sorry, madam, but I am not authorized to allow anyone to stay in the house without the permission of Mr. and Mrs. Wagner. They will arrive tomorrow, so I suggest you speak with them."
Mrs. Bennet began to complain, but her daughters explained that Mrs. Taylor was in charge of the house until Aunt Eleanor returned. After several minutes, Jane managed to appease her mother. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gardiner had sat near Elizabeth to ask her to take John and Laura to the museum because she would have to go shopping with Fanny and Lydia.
"Please, Lizzie, take us with you," both children said. "One more word about lace or officers, and I think I'm going to go crazy," John said desperately.
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh and added, "You sound just like my father, John."
"But it's true, Lizzie. Aunt Bennet and Lydia always talk about the same things," Laura added.
"Don't worry, Aun. I'll take my cousins to the museum so you can go shopping with my mother."
On the other side of the room, Mrs. Bennet insisted to Jane that they should get out as soon as possible. "Mother, I already explained to you that Mr. Andrews and his father must be arriving. I can't just leave and stand them up."
"You're right, Jane. It would be best if you waited for your betrothed. Such a handsome and rich man."
Captain Christian Campbell entered the drawing-room thinking about the beautiful afternoon that awaited him. When Mary saw him, she became very nervous and prayed that her mother would not find out that he was a viscount or they would not have peace for the rest of the day. He greeted everyone present, and it was Mrs. Gardiner who introduced him to the two women he did not know. "Captain Campbell, allow me to introduce my sister-in-law Mrs. Bennet, and my niece Miss Lydia."
As soon as Lydia heard that the young man in front of her was an officer, she immediately started flirting. Christian found it hard to believe that this brazen girl was the sister of the Bennets ladies. "Nice to meet you, Captain," Lydia said flirtatiously.
Mrs. Bennet questioned Christian a bit, but she did not pay much attention to him, assuming he was a second son. Mary, to stop Lydia from making a fool of herself with her flirting, she told Christian. "Captain, as soon as Mr. Andrews de la Garza arrives, we will go to the museum."
"Mary, you always are so boring! Please do not force the poor Captain to go to one of those stupid museums that only you like." Lydia thought that all the officers were or behaved like the ones she knew at Meryton.
Christian was outraged when he heard how Lydia spoke to her sister and wanted to clarify the matter immediately. "Miss Lydia, it was me who invited your sisters to the museum. It was my idea."
Elizabeth, to lighten the environment, added, "It is a fascinating exhibition, Lydia. If you want, you can join us."
"No thanks, Lizzie. Museums are for ugly girls, so I can't go," Lydia replied with a laugh.
"I think museums are for smart girls, and maybe that's why you cannot..." Mrs. Gardiner interrupted her son to prevent him from finishing what he was trying to say. They all hid their laughter, and Lydia didn't care what a boring kid like John might say.
Matthew was happy that he could spend the entire afternoon with Jane. To avoid being followed, his father had helped him. James left through the house's front door and took the carriage while Matthew left through the back door and joined his father a few blocks from the house.
When Matthew arrived at Eleanor's house and saw Mrs. Bennet, he couldn't believe his bad luck. He had planned an afternoon at the museum with Jane. But instead, he found Mrs. Bennet monopolizing the conversation and Jane looking at him apologetically. His father, who knew him well, realized that he was uncomfortable. His son had told him how unpleasant Jane's parents were, so he decided to help him.
"Mr. Andrews, de la Panza, nice to see you," said Mrs. Bennet as she talked non-stop about shopping, dresses, and the like.
"De la Garza, Mrs. Bennet," Matthew corrected his future mother-in-law, unable to help but feel annoyed.
"Yes, yes, your last name is peculiar!" Jane and Mrs. Gardiner blushed when they heard that horrible comment. Luckily the rest of the party did not listen to what Mrs. Bennet had said. "I was telling Jane that I advanced my trip because we have a lot of shopping to do." Jane was so embarrassed that she couldn't look at Matthew or his father."
Matthew tried to keep calm and introduced his father to Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, who were the only ones who did not know him. James was struck by Mrs. Bennet's ability to say nonsense and how rude her youngest daughter was. Indeed, his son has not exaggerated how unpleasant his mother-in-law could be, but his in-laws were the worst, so he did not want to judge.
"Mr. Andrews de la... , we were waiting for you to go shopping," Mrs. Bennet explained.
"We had plans to go to the museum," Matthew replied.
"A wedding takes a long time to organize, plus Jane has to complete her trousseau. Sorry, but those museum things have to wait," Mrs. Bennet said authoritatively.
Matthew wasn't happy at all. Jane told him that he could go with her sisters and her cousins to the museum if he wished, but he preferred to accompany her. James, to help his son, decided to join the group.
"I hope you don't mind my presence Mrs. Bennet," James said politely.
"No, of course not. My husband told me that you had written many books. I know you are famous and smart." Mrs. Bennet commented.
"Not many books, just a few. Also, I think I am a little less stupid than some people, but I cannot say that I am smart," said James and offered his arm to Mrs. Bennet.
"Oh, Mr. Andrews, I am sure you are," said Mrs. Bennet happily.
The group that was going to the museum said their goodbyes and left, relieved that they no longer had to put up with Lydia and Mrs. Bennet.
"Mrs. Bennet, I am pleased to get to know the mother of such an admirable lady as Miss Bennet. I am sure she is that way because of you." James Andrews was an expert in handling difficult people and situations, which is why he had been so successful in the business world. He managed to keep Mrs. Bennet in check all the time, and even Lydia. Thanks to that, Jane was able to shop as she liked and was advised by Mrs. Gardiner.
"Gracias padre, te debo una," Matthew said to his father, content because thanks to him, the afternoon with his mother-in-law had not been so unpleasant.
"De nada, señor Andrews de la Panza," replied his father almost laughingly.
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Colonel Fitzwilliam had spent a delightful afternoon the day before with Georgiana and Lady Claire. He had realized that there was more than just attraction between them. He had also noticed how Georgiana did her best to leave them alone to talk and get to know each other better. So when Georgiana told him that the next day they would go to the museum with a group of friends, he immediately decided to accompany them. When he found out who made up the group, he decided that he would talk to Darcy. He had a pending conversation with him and didn't want to put it off any longer.
"Darcy, can I come in? I want to talk to you for a few minutes if possible." Richard had been at Darcy House for several days. His cousin Darcy was very dejected and was not good company for anyone. He knew that he needed space to think and reflect on everything that was happening to him. He did not want Georgiana to worry so much about her brother, so he did everything possible to keep her distracted in planning activities outside the house.
"Yes, come in, Fitzwilliam. Before you tell me anything, I want to thank you for everything you have done for Georgiana these days. I wish I could go to Pemberley, but I have so much to do in London that I don't know when I will finally go." Mr. Darcy felt lost. He spent much of the day locked up working in his office. Every day he was more prosperous, and every day he felt lonelier, something that became even more apparent at night when he couldn't help but think of Elizabeth.
"You don't need to thank me for anything. You know very well how much I love you and Georgiana. For that reason, I need to talk to you about something very important to me." Richard became very serious, which made Mr. Darcy feel a bit concerned. "Darcy, I am in love with Lady Claire, and I have decided to court her. I am planning to talk to her father soon. That is why I want to ask you to stay away from her. I will not let you use her to forget about another woman."
Mr. Darcy expected anything but a confession like that. After he recovered from the initial shock, he added, "You have my full support, Richard. Please, count on me for everything you need. Also, do not worry; I never had any intention of really wooing her." Mr. Darcy stood up and embraced his cousin, and sincerely congratulated him.
Richard told his cousin some more things about how Claire and he had always had an affinity and that he had never wanted to tell him because he was ashamed to admit that he was in love with her.
"I have to tell you something else, Darcy. But before I tell you that, let me point out that you look horrible with that beard, that you need a bath, and that you need to change clothes," Richard finished.
"Leave me alone, Richard. If you have nothing else to laugh at me, I will ask you to let me continue working," said Mr. Darcy, annoyed.
"Well, I was going to tell you that I'm going to the museum with Georgiana and Lady Claire..."
"Have a wonderful time, Fitzwilliam. Good afternoon."
"But we are not going alone. We are going with Claire and Georgiana's friends."
"I'm not interested in your social life. Good afternoon Fitzwilliam."
"The group includes the sister of Georgiana's friends, who is now Claire's cousin."
"Good afternoon, Fitzwilliam."
"Well, I thought it was a good time for you to see Elizabeth Bennet again, but since you don't want to. Good afternoon, Darcy." Richard was walking slowly toward the office door, smiling, waiting for his cousin's reaction.
"Wait, Fitzwilliam. Do you think I should go with you?"
"Yes, and you should do your best to speak to her alone and apologize for what you said to her and for what Lady Catherine did, at the very least."
Mr. Darcy stood up and said to his cousin, "Give me half an hour, Fitzwilliam." He ran up the stairs and called his valet. He bathed, shaved, and changed his clothes. Half an hour later, he joined his sister and his cousin elegantly dressed and full of hope to see again the woman he loved, even if it was from afar.
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Caroline Bingley couldn't believe her good luck. She had decided to visit her friend, Lady Westcliff, and when they were both animatedly gossiping, Lady Samantha arrived, with her sister Lady Hellen and her friend Lady Emma. She was in a room talking with four women who belonged to the first circles, just as she deserved
Although her brother had not wanted to visit Mr. Darcy, she had planned to visit Georgiana in the next few days. She still hadn't given up on the idea of being the next Mrs. Darcy. After he had found out about Jane's engagement with that solicitor, the fool of her brother did not want to go out or socialize with anyone. He was locked in his house all the time, sad and tearful.
"Yes, my lady. My brother is one of the best friends of your nephew Mr. Darcy," Caroline said to sound like someone important.
"My nephew is a very generous man. He is friends even with people socially inferior to him," Lady Hellen said dismissively. None of the women present, except Lilian, liked Caroline. They thought she was nothing more than a social climber.
Lady Westcliff was so happy to know that she could upset Lady Samantha because she had to wait for a long time to pay back all the humiliations she had suffered. Lilian had been waiting for that moment for so long that she decided to savor it. "I imagine you all saw the ad on the social pages."
"What an announcement," Lady Hellen asked.
"Lady Campbell is now Mrs. Wagner. Eleanor and General Wagner married a couple of days ago. Also, I read in the same newspaper that our Majesty is planning to bestow a title of nobility on General Wagner. Eleanor deserves that and much more."
Lady Emma hid her surprise as best she could. Her brother-in-law, and indeed her husband and daughter, had not bothered to share the news with her. She hated Marcus, such a handsome man, and she had had to marry the ugly one because he was the first son. She never felt anything for her husband. After she gave him an heir, there was no intimacy between them. Even though she had had more than one lover, she had only known true pleasure with Henry. He had been the only man who had managed to make her vibrate with excitement. Sadly he was nothing more than a footman, and she could not afford to waste her time with servants. "It's no surprise to anyone. It was an open secret that my brother-in-law was courting Lady Campbell," said Emma to cover the fact that she did not know that her brother-in-law just married.
Although Lady Samantha felt defeated, she would not show it in front of Lilian and only said, "As soon as I see them, I will wish them happiness."
"Now I understand," Lady Hellen said out of the blue.
"Now you understand what," asked her sister.
"Your husband went home this morning, Emma. Apparently, stupid Catherine offended one of your brother-in-law's nieces, Elizabeth something. The point is that Lord Rockwell told Lord Matlock that now that girl was under his protection and that he hoped Catherine would apologize to that girl soon."
"Elizabeth Bennet?" Caroline asked, unable to contain her rage.
"Yes, that's her name. Do you know her?" Lady Hellen asked.
"She and her sisters are Lady Campbell's poor distant relatives who have taken advantage of her kindness," Caroline said with satisfaction.
"That's right," said Lady Westcliff.
"I will speak to my husband immediately to clarify that he must not mix the Wagner name with such low-class people," concluded Lady Emma.
"Also, I have a wonderful surprise. At the end of this month, I will organize a ball in honor of my son, who will be promoted to Colonel. I invite all our friends, but the big surprise is that the Marquise de la Peña has accepted my invitation. She told me that she wanted my ball to be her debut in London society. My son's ball will be the big event at the end of the season, and probably, for the whole season."
All of her friends congratulated her insincerely. They all knew that the presence of the Marchioness would make the dance appear on all the social pages of the newspapers, and they were dying of envy for not being the ones who organized it. The only happy one was Caroline. She could not believe that she would have the opportunity to meet Marquise de la Peña, one of the richest and most important women in all of Europe.
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When Mr. Darcy arrived with his group, Elizabeth and her sisters were already inside the museum. Mary was with Captain Campbell, Kitty and Laura looking at some old maps. The exhibit was on the history of England, and the maps were from over a century ago. The Captain was telling them which were the new territories incorporated into the kingdom and those that no longer belonged to it. All the girls listened to him attentively, but especially Mary. There was something about the Captain that made her feel different. Because of her own life history, she did not trust men, but in recent months with her aunt, she had allowed her to meet men utterly different from her father, and she no longer felt so suspicious of them.
In another part of the room, Elizabeth and John were looking at an ancient weapons collection. Elizabeth was not very interested in the subject, but she was accompanying her cousin.
"Darcy, I'll go with Claire and Georgiana to greet Campbell and the ladies who accompany him. Why don't you go and take advantage of talking with Miss Elizabeth?" Without his cousin answering him, Richard went with the two ladies to talk to his comrade in arms.
Mr. Darcy took a deep breath and approached Elizabeth nervously. "Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner, I am very pleased to see you both again."
Elizabeth turned and saw Mr. Darcy looking longingly at her. He, as always, was impeccably dressed and groomed, but there was something in his expression. He looked haggard, and his face was far from the haughty, confident pose she remembered. "Mr. Darcy, what are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked, unable to help but blush.
"My cousin, my sister, and Lady Claire invited me to come with them. But if I am bothering you, please don't worry. I'll leave immediately." He couldn't stop looking at Elizabeth. She was even prettier than he remembered her. But there was something about in her eyes, a kind of fear that made him want to protect her.
Elizabeth was stunned to hear Mr. Darcy's statement. There was humility in his voice, and his gaze revealed so much sadness that she wanted to be friendly and said, "No, Mr. Darcy, that is not necessary."
"May I join your group, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner?" he asked with a smile. The fact that Elizabeth hadn't rejected him had made him feel calmer.
"Do you know about weapons, Mr. Darcy?" John asked.
"Quite a lot, Mr. Gardiner. In fact, on my estate, there is a collection of weapons dating back three centuries. They are weapons that my family has accumulated throughout history."
"How fantastic! If I ever go there, can I come by to see them?
"John, Mr. Darcy is a very busy man. Besides, you can't invite yourself to a house just like that," Elizabeth told her cousin nicely.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy. My cousin Lizzie is right. Don't worry, I won't show up at your estate uninvited, and when you least expect me," John said resignedly.
"Then I have no choice but to invite you, Mr. Gardiner. If you stop by Pemberly, and I am at home, I promise to show you the entire collection personally, and if you behave well, I will even let you try some of them."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," John said excitedly. Elizabeth smiled and thanked Mr. Darcy for his gesture.
Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and although she doubted for a few moments, she accepted it, and they began to tour part of the weapons exhibition. Mr. Darcy went to the trouble of explaining everything to John, and the boy was fascinated by listening and asking questions. They later joined the rest of the group, but Elizabeth continued to hold his arm, and John asked him questions about everything he saw.
Elizabeth was impressed with how cultured Mr. Darcy was, but more than that, with the patience he had with her cousin. There was something new about him that made him look much more handsome and interesting than before. He was the Mr. Darcy who taught her how to fly a kite. The same man who talked to her about crops, music, and books with her when in Rosings.
On his side, Mr. Darcy was happy walking through the museum with Elizabeth on his arm. But he also had observed Georgiana, how she spoke and laughed accompanied by the Bennet sisters and Lady Claire. He had never seen his sister so open and trusting with people who were not family. Apparently, she had found a group of friends who loved and made her feel accepted. He couldn't help but feel ashamed of his previous attitude toward Mary and Kitty Bennet. Those two girls evidently loved his sister with no interest other than being her friends.
When Mr. Darcy finally found a moment alone to speak with Elizabeth, he took the opportunity to apologize profusely. "Miss Bennet, I want to sincerely apologize for everything I said to you and for how I behaved in Kent. But furthermore, I want to apologize for exposing you to the wrath of my aunt. I know that you are generous, and I hope that you can find a way to forgive me somewhere in your heart."
Elizabeth couldn't help but be moved to hear how Mr. Darcy's voice cracked as he spoke. It was clear that his apologies were heartfelt and sincere. "Mr. Darcy, I too acted wrongly and drew hasty conclusions about things I did not know. I think the best we can do is put all that in the past. Now my sisters are excellent friends with your sister, and for that reason, we will likely see each other from time to time in the future. The best thing is that we can relate in a friendly way, don't you think?
"Do you think you could at least give me a chance to be your friend?" asked Mr. Darcy hopefully.
"We can try," answered Elizabeth. But laughing she added, "Although I must admit that I will miss contradicting and tease you for your pompous comments."
Mr. Darcy couldn't help but smile at the comment. "I think we should start from scratch," and he very seriously said, "Miss, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fitzwilliam George Darcy. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"My name is Elizabeth Rose Bennet, sir. The pleasure is all mine," answered Elizabeth.
After the museum, the group went to a tea room where they converse, drank tea, and ate delicious cakes. Mr. Darcy had no more chance to speak to Elizabeth alone, but he was content to be able to look at her and listen to her. That night, after many days, he slept soundly, knowing that if Elizabeth didn't love him, at least she didn't hate him either.
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Henry Parker looked at Lord Rockwell's house from a corner. It had been almost twenty-five years since he had left that place and the land that saw him born with a broken heart and without knowing what to do with his life. At that time, he was only twenty-one years old and knew nothing of life. Almost a month ago, he had returned as a rich man determined to get revenge. "Emma, you took advantage of my innocence and my sincere love. I have waited twenty-five years to see your face again. But this time, I will be the one to laugh at you."
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Thank you for all the supportive comments and to everyone who follows the story with such enthusiasm.
In the next chapter, Marcus and Ella return from their honeymoon, and Mr. Darcy begins humbly wooing Elizabeth.
See you in two or three days!
Gracias a todos los lectores que dejan sus comentarios en inglés. Hoy tenemos la aparición del último nuevo personaje que se encontrará con una gran sorpresa cuando comience a indagar sobre Lady Emma. Según mis proyecciones más optimistas nos quedan seis capítulos, pero yo deseo fervientemente que sean cinco :)
¡Nos vemos en dos o tres días más!
Saludos,
Yo