Chapter 11: Unwilling
Darcy spent a traumatic night. He cursed himself for coming to Hertfordshire. He had spent so many years fending away mercenary women. But now, he found himself in a situation he had avoided so carefully over the years. His mind was in a turmoil.
Almost as soon as he heard the word "compromise", he knew the outcome. His father had raised him with principles. He had given his word to Mr Philip and Elizabeth's mother the moment they questioned him. Though he had taken the effort to explain his innocence, he had agreed to marry her. He had always wanted to marry for love. Now he felt cheated and tricked by a woman with no morals.
"Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley", had been fooled by a twenty-year-old woman. He did not want to ponder whether the idea was her mother's or hers.
She is intelligent enough to orchestrate this act. How well planned. And her tears, anyone who looked at her face would conclude my ungentlemanly behaviour with her.
He sighed. What will I tell Georgiana? What will I tell my relatives?
His mind raised too many questions regarding his future. Whenever he closed his eyes, her face came to haunt him.
How could I marry a woman I despise?
He had indulged in a detailed conversation with Bingley before he retired for the night.
"Darcy, in a million years, I cannot think Miss Elizabeth being capable of such an act."
"You seem to give her credit, by judging her sister's behaviour. She is not like her sister. You are lucky to have an honest woman as your wife."
"You are speaking out of rage. She said you were innocent so many times. Why would she do that?"
"Because she is going to live with me. She does not want to wage a war with me."
"I do not believe it is an act. She does not want to marry you. I felt everything she uttered was the truth."
"Bingley, you seem to believe the whole world to be good. She orchestrated an act. That woman who yelled my name, being tricked about my horse and her tears. Why do you think she looked like that? She wanted to convince everybody that I did something inappropriate to her. You told me that they were having financial troubles. She wanted to trap me for monetary benefits. I was so blind about her character."
"You seem to have formed an opinion without giving her the benefit of doubt. I am sorry that you feel caught in this situation. What do you plan to say to her uncle?"
"I do not know. I will not go back on my word. I will marry her. Although I may never love her."
"Do you think we could get married on the same day?"
"Bingley, you are making this conversation worse than the one with her uncle tomorrow. I cannot discuss marriage plans now. Please let me be."
When Bingley left him, Darcy felt a pang of jealousy towards his friend. He had fallen in love with a woman, expressed his wishes, and had rightfully claimed her hand.
On the other hand, Darcy felt that he had fallen prey to a woman who had skillfully staged a compromise. He was mortified at the thought of people questioning his character.
He spent a restless night.
For the first time in his life, he felt insecure about his future.
When Mr Gardiner reached Netherfield, he immediately liked the easy-going Mr Bingley. He thought Mr Bingley was perfect for Jane. He could not say the same about Darcy.
Darcy had expected some silly man like Mr Philip to be Elizabeth's uncle. He was surprised to see an intelligent and dignified person in Edward Gardiner. He resolved to keep the discussion short.
"Mr Darcy, I wish we were introduced under better circumstances. I want to take forward the discussion you had with Mrs Bennet and Mr Philip last night."
"I have already told them that I will marry her."
"You seem to have concluded that it was all Elizabeth's doing. Why wouldn't you believe her?"
"There is nothing to believe, sir. The facts tell the truth. I have been viciously trapped in a compromise."
"Mr Darcy, if you had the opportunity to be well aquatinted with Elizabeth, you wouldn't dream of weighing such an accusation on her."
Darcy did not want to admit that he had thought highly of her before the incident.
Mr Gardiner tried in many ways to stress the innocence of his niece. But Darcy did not accept any of them. Unfortunately, Mr Gardiner knew that all the facts placed Elizabeth in poor light.
"Mr Gardiner, there is nothing you can do to change my opinion about the incident." Darcy said, with resolve.
"I was discussing with Darcy about the wedding. We can plan a double wedding." Mr Bingley said, trying to divert the topic.
Elizabeth's uncle saw the stark contrast in the expressions of Mr Bingley and his friend. One showed the heights of happiness, whereas the other showed unimaginable resentment.
They quickly discussed the wedding plans. Mr Gardiner noticed the urgency expressed by Darcy to leave Hertfordshire.
Mr Bingley was joyous when they decided on a date in two weeks. Darcy informed Mr Gardiner that they would obtain a special licence for the wedding.
When Mr Gardiner left them, he looked at Darcy and said, "You must know Mr Darcy, Elizabeth is in the same temperament as you in this marriage. Please assure me that you will treat her with respect."
"I will." Darcy said without any emotion.
And I promise nothing about love. He thought.
"Bingley, I am leaving to town tomorrow and will return for the wedding. Is there anything else to be discussed?"
"I plan to get Jane's family a better cottage than the one they have chosen at present. I am not asking you to contribute, but if you wish you may. After all, they are our family now."
Yes! Of course, a family with a mercenary daughter.
"I will contribute my share in whatever you plan to do for them. If you want to get the estate back for them, I agree to that too." I just want to leave this God-forsaken place as soon as possible.
Just then, he saw the doctor enter to speak to Mr Bingley.
"What is it? Bingley, is anyone unwell?"
"Oh! I did not tell you, did I? Last night, Mr Hurst had an accident. He seems to have slipped on something in the corridor. He has broken his leg and is on bed rest. It gives my sisters one more reason to despise Hertfordshire."
What a disastrous ball! Darcy thought. He had a terrible headache after the discussion with Elizabeth's uncle. Why can't they see what I see? Bingley, and now her uncle, all of them seem to believe her.
He dreaded the thought of looking at her face for the rest of his life. I will never forget the way she entered my life, no matter how many years pass by.
He prepared to leave Netherfield and get back before the wedding. He did not know how his aunt and uncle would react to the news.
Richard will probably have a good laugh at my cost.
What about Georgiana and Emma? How am I to let a stranger into their lives?
His headache worsened. He reached for the peppermint oil, not realising how narrowly he had slipped away from the grasp of Miss Bingley.