Elizabeth sought out her aunt later that morning. Jane, Georgiana, Mr. Bingley and the children had gone for a exploratory walk through the woodland, so she knew they would be able to speak in private. Her aunt was sat in music room practising the piano when Elizabeth found her. Lucy Gardiner would only practise in relative privacy as she was aware that her musical talents were somewhat lacking, yet she enjoyed the pursuit when she had the chance. She never however felt embarrassment around Lizzy and simply smiled as she sat beside her. Her nice returned her gesture and patently waited for Lucy to conclude her playing.
"What a lovely melody," Elizabeth stated as she searched for the name on the sheet music.
"It was, wasn't it? My playing seems to be most improved on this fine instrument. No wonder Miss. Darcy is so fond of this room."
Elizabeth glanced around the pale golden decor and for the second time that morning found herself overwhelmed by Pemberley's magnificence.
"I confess aunt, I am glad to find you in your own. There is a rather delicate matter I thought you may assist me with."
Mrs Gardiner's eyebrows raised slightly with curiosity as she waited for Elizabeth to continue.
"It is about dear Jane-"
"and Mr Bingley?" her aunt interrupted.
Elizabeth let out an amused chuckle. "Precisely. I know they care deeply for one another, but they are both so shy and bashful around each other, they do not seem to be making any progress in their relationship."
Lucy listened intently as Elizabeth explained everything she knew in regards to her sister and Mr Bingley. Lucy agreed wholeheartedly with Elizabeth and could see no harm in a little persuasive match making, if it was truly what each party wanted. It was suggested, by Mrs Gardiner, that her and Elizabeth would have to be completely certain of the affections of both parties before any meddling could commence. After careful consideration, it was decided that Elizabeth would speak with Jane and Lucy with Mr. Bingley. They would envisage to undertake the initial step of their scheme that same day before meeting to discuss the next steps that evening.
"Ooh I have not had such fun since I helped you and Mr. Darcy wake up to your connection," Lucy exclaimed.
Lizzy gave her a puzzling expression, "oh, and how pray thee tell did you do that?"
"You know for an intelligent woman Elizabeth, you can often be rather obtuse!" Lucy went on to confess her deliberate actions to keep them both close to Pemberley in order for her to have more time in Mr Darcy's company. "Just look how happily it turned out!" she boasted.
Lizzy embraced her aunt in a warm hug to show her thanks, she truly was eternally grateful.
Darcy and Mr Bennet arrived in Brighton in record time as a result of the roads being clear. Both men wasted no time upon their arrival and immediately sought out another; Mr Bennet went to Lydia, whereas Darcy found Wickham.
Upon laying eyes on her father's exhausted and disappointed face, Lydia exploded with a high-pitched wail of sorrow and self pity. Mr Bennet, who despite his lengthy marriage to her mother, had never been comfortable in the company of a wailing woman, simply patted her twice on the shoulder and then sat to wait for her to finish.
Realising that her outburst was not having the desired effect on her father, Lydia paused and waited for a response from her parent. Mr Bennet rested his weary head in his right hand and stared blankly into the fire. She noticed that he looked significantly older since she had seen him a few weeks previously. Despite her self-centred disposition, even Lydia began to understand the possible ramifications of her actions. She was ashamed on herself.
"Father?" she whispered.
Mr Bennet looked up and stared forlornly into her eyes, "oh Lydia, you silly silly girl," he replied defeated, he was too tired to curse her. The pressure and strain of the last few days washed over him like an unstoppable flood.
"I'm am so sorry. I thought he loved me," Lydia started. She waited for a reply, but got none. She continued, eager to get him to see the situation from her point of view, "you can hardly blame me, you are always siding with Lizzy or Jane. You never have any time for me. I thought if I was married before the others, I would show you and them how grown up I am."
Mr Bennet scoffed as he listened to her last statement, Lydia thought he was chuckling in agreement, so was unprepared for his next speech.
"Grown up? Grown up? You do not know the meaning of the word! How dare you use your other sisters as pawns in your pathetic, self-indulgent competition where you are the only player!" With every word, his fury raised his voice to a most uncharacteristic shout, "you have risked your own, and more importantly your entire family's happiness and reputation to get one up on your sisters and to make a point to me? I cannot even comprehend the severity of your selfishness. I am ashamed to look at you. Get out of my sight!"
Lydia who had listened to her father's vent with open mouth and eyes of disbelief, gasped in a fresh cry and dashed out of the room. Watching her leave the room, Mr Bennet sunk defeated into the chair and let out the quietest of sobs.
At the other side of the camp, Darcy was feeling stronger but equally angry as he had it out with Wickham. As expected, he showed not a shimmer or remorse as Darcy lectured and scalded him for his actions.
"What do you care Darcy? It's not like that little tart has any connection to you!" Wickham sneered.
He witnessed Darcy's nose flair and his eyes narrow. With glee he realised he had got to the real root of the gentleman's dark mood.
"Oh, so you have your eye on one of the Bennet girls do you? Let me work out which one."
Darcy clenched his fists, saying nothing. He did not want to give him the satisfaction.
Wickham was not deterred by his silence, so continued.
"Could it be Jane Bennet? No, Bingley had his eyes on her and you would not want to offend. It cannot be Lydia, she's far too ridiculous and Mary and Kitty are nothing to write home about. It must be my favourite, Elizabeth Bennet! I cannot blame your taste there Darce, she has assets that make up for her lack of fortune, I have thought about bedding that myself! You have-"
His arrogance was silenced by an almighty blow to his right cheek. He dropped to the floor as if made of sand and scrambled away from Mr. Darcy who was now stood over him with clenched fists and gritted teeth. Darcy grabbed him by his shirt and hefted him up, he slammed him against the wall like a doll before speaking forcefully. "Do not mention Elizabeth again, she is so beyond you that you are not even worthy to utter her name. If you lay one finger on her, I will kill you. I know of the debts that you have accumulated in London, Hertfordshire and Brighton. One call to the local magistrate and you will be sent to debtor's prison."
Wickham's arrogance was washed away with a deathly white complexion, "you would not do that surely. Darcy, you have known me all my life. You cannot have me thrown in jail; I could never afford to repay what I owe. I will do anything you want, just name it."
Darcy set him down before laying out his clear instructions for Wickham. He would pay for him to be sent overseas, give him a small amount of money, just enough to start his new life in agreement that he never set foot on British soil for the remainder of his life. Seeing no other choice, Wickham agreed and signed a written contract as proof.
With his business concluded, Darcy made his way to the Forster's residence to find Mr Bennet and his cousin.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was pleased to see Darcy and was eager to congratulate him on his recent engagement. Darcy thanked him them communicated his plans for Wickham. Fitzwilliam agreed that he would stay on to ensure that he boarded the first ship available.
Mr Bennet, who was eager to finish travelling as soon as possible, explained to his future son-in-law that he would return home with Lydia rather than travel with him north. He thanked the two gentlemen wholeheartedly for their assistance in the whole ordeal.
As they retired for bed, Mr Bennet turned to Mr Darcy, "sir, I do believe that I have never met a better man than yourself. Your demeanour and moral compass show you to be a much greater person than I. Although I consented to your match with Lizzy before, I am truly happy to have you as a son-in-law. Welcome to the family my boy."
Mr Darcy who was shocked by Mr Bennet's confession merely nodded in thanks, unable to find a suitable reply. Before he could think of what he should say, Mr Bennet turned and climbed the stairs. He watched him for a moment before turning to get himself a much needed drink.