Chapter 16

Upon reaching the gardens, Darcy and Elizabeth observed two curious Gardiners, a concerned Bingley, and an ecstatic Georgiana. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were quick to seek what they should be told as the ones responsible for their niece, and the group paired off; Darcy and Mr. Gardiner took one path, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner took another, and Bingley and Georgiana remained where they were.

"Do you think your brother was successful?" asked Bingley, glancing warily between the back of Darcy's coat and Elizabeth's bonnet.

"Of course he was," replied Georgiana. If she was aware that Bingley was thinking of a picnic invitation rather than a proposal, she did not mention anything. In any case, her smile remained knowing.

"You have great confidence in your brother. If only my sisters had such faith in me—oh, it seems like Mrs. Annesley has returned! Shall we persuade her to look at that sculpture?"

"You mean that large rock?"

"Sculpture or rock, I feel that it is in need of admiration."

Georgiana shrugged and spoke, "I suppose."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth was being forced to admit her new understanding to her aunt.

"Imagine my surprise, Lizzy, when I realised that our coming across Mr. Darcy was not completely coincidental," said Mrs. Gardiner. "I was all the more shocked when he remained in our company and welcomed us into his home as if we were revered guests. At first, I presumed Mr. Bingley had something to do with it, for he is still engaged to your sister, regardless of any future changes to that understanding. However, when Mr. Darcy requested a private audience with you, there could not have been a greater indication of some sort of engagement."

"An engagement! You would come to that conclusion so swiftly?"

"I cannot think of another reason why he would ask to speak with you alone. Are you engaged?"

A warm fluttering present in her stomach, Elizabeth replied, "Yes."

Although the answer suited her observations, Mrs. Gardiner was nevertheless stunned. "You seemed very against him last Christmas. However, I did not see the two of you together then. Did you ever really dislike him?"

"If you are inquiring if I pretended to dislike him to hide an engagement, then I do not know whether to be satisfied or embarrassed when I tell you that I did not pretend, and that there was no engagement."

"Then your feelings must have changed since then, for if it were otherwise, I do not think that my heart could take it," said Mrs. Gardiner.

Elizabeth reassured her that indeed, her feelings had changed drastically.

"Could it have been Mr. Wickham's actions against you which caused this change? Your mother told me all about his wickedness, and his faults might have absolved those of his enemy. At least, that is what I hope."

Elizabeth affirmed that Mr. Wickham was wicked, but she confessed that she had learnt of his evil while in Kent, before he was improper to her. She was asked how she had come across her discovery, and she only said that Mr. Darcy had informed her.

"So you have been sly."

Elizabeth blushed and replied, "But there was no understanding between Darcy and I when I stayed at the Parsonage. It was not until he returned to Hertfordshire when I started to like him, and even then, there was no formal understanding between us. We made no plans to meet at Pemberley. So you see, aunt, that I have not been incredibly disingenuous, though I have not been hasty either."

"If you say so, my dear, then I shall take your word. Now, tell me more about your Mr. Darcy. He seems to be very pleasant. I was impressed with him and his home, but most of all, I favoured his manners towards you. I saw a man in love, and I cannot be more pleased for you."

They spoke some more, and Elizabeth managed to not become too pink as she related to her aunt about the man she was to marry.

"He does not want me to cut my trip short, but when we return home, he wishes to accompany us so he may speak with papa," mentioned Elizabeth.

"Your father," said Mrs. Gardiner, "will be quite shocked, to say nothing of your mother."

Elizabeth frowned and spoke her fear. "You do not think he will refuse Darcy? He and mama have changed some these past few months. I can hardly read their minds now."

"Your Mr. Darcy is a gentleman of consequence. I do not believe your father could refuse him if he wished. He will write to him, will he not?"

"Yes." Her worries ceased a little at the reminder, for her Darcy wrote more eloquently, and less offensively, than he spoke sometimes.

"There will be time for your father to adjust then. Your uncle will write to him as well, and I will make sure that he will only say good things. Your father will be less eager to be anxious after the letters, I am sure; but he also might want us to immediately return you to him."

When they reunited with the others, Elizabeth took in Darcy's warm smile and her uncle's congratulatory one. Georgiana was also smiling. If not for Mrs. Annesley's existence, Bingley would have been the only clueless person present.

"What a lovely day this is," said Bingley. He gazed at the skies. One could not have been more nonchalantly curious. "And what brilliant weather! Were you all able to notice it?"

Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, who gave a slight nod. The excellent news would be shared. They were surrounded by their closest friends and family, and there was no need to hide from them. He spoke, "It is a lovely day, for Elizabeth has accepted my hand in marriage."

"Oh, how wonderful!" cried Georgiana not half a second later, her hands clasped in joy. She then became a little embarrassed at her outburst and refrained herself from being further demonstrative. Her delight, however, remained evident.

Bingley's jaw dropped. His eyes wide, he stared at Darcy, then at Elizabeth, and then again at Darcy. Finally, he proclaimed, "My word! You never said a thing!"

Darcy rose a distinguished brow. When he spoke, it was difficult to tell whether he was incredibly amused or the opposite. "I believe I did say several things. If you did not listen, that is no fault of mine."

"Perhaps you did, but I thought you too confident! I really did not think that you could have been the one to capture Lizzy's esteem!" Grinning, Bingley turned to Elizabeth. "Lizzy! I am in shock! But I cannot be more pleased! Darcy could not be more fortunate to be your husband. I daresay you could not be more fortunate to have him either. He is a worthy man, is he not? And there exists no worthier woman for him than you."

He then shook both her and Darcy's hands with enthusiastic warmth, speaking of how grand the timing of their engagement was and something about how he could not wait for his sisters to arrive to discover them so close. He left no doubt of his genuine happiness for them.

But what of his own felicity? Elizabeth wished to speak to him about Jane. A little later, when Darcy and Georgiana were attempting to convince the Gardiners to quit their arrangements at the inn for Pemberley, the opportunity came. Bingley and Elizabeth settled on what she thought was a peculiarly large rock, a small distance from the others. They gazed at the pretty view the garden offered.

"I must ask," spoke Bingley, "of your elder sister. She wanted to speak with me, and from what I know now, I should have met with her in London."

"As far as I am aware, she still desires to speak with you," said Elizabeth.

"Why?" He was not questioning the reason, but the suddenness.

"She has changed." She watched a bird fly to its nest. "At least, I believe she has. Your words, I think, changed her for the better."

They were silent for a moment, watching the birds.

Dare Elizabeth ask?

"What if she really loved you?"

Bingley's breath hitched, for as equally as she had asked a question, she had made a statement. He swallowed, closed his eyes, and reopened them as his breathing returned. Finally, he answered, "Then I will understand the gravity of timing."

Elizabeth let out a breath of her own, her gaze shifting from the birds to the ground.

"Do I disappoint you?" asked Bingley.

"No, no. You do not disappoint me, but as far as circumstances go, I did want you for a brother."

He chuckled. "If I looked forward to anything during this engagement, it was the prospect of gaining four dear sisters."

They exchanged smiles, bittersweet.

"If she has improved and is happier for it, then I am glad. I believe that anyone can find true goodness," said Bingley.

"That is where the two of you are so similar, yet slightly different. You think that anyone can be good, and Jane thinks that everyone is."

"Choice is pertinent, I am constantly reminded as of late. Then there is forgiveness, which has always been important to me. Whatever happens, I shall choose to forgive her; in the best world, I can even imagine us being friends. Our engagement might end now, but perhaps one day, in the far future, if I am unwed, as well as she, and if we have lived enough to be so changed that the past reflects but little, maybe the timing might be right then." Bingley's voice trailed off, and he shook his head. He turned to stare at her. "But seriously, Lizzy—even if I do not marry her, you will always be my sister. It is my greatest hope that you and Kitty and Mary and Lydia shall always think of me as a brother."

Elizabeth, who was feeling quite melancholy for Bingley and Jane, chose not to pollute the air with further desolate talk. She followed Bingley's lead to brighten the conversation and remarked, "How can we deny you that? Indeed you shall be our dear brother, if not in name, then in spirit."

Bingley grinned. "Thank you, Lizzy. For everything. Do not tell Kitty, but you are my favourite sister."

"Caroline and Louisa might take more offence," teased Elizabeth.

"I know." Bingley's grin grew wider. "Now, I told Darcy this earlier, but I have a very merry vision for when my sisters come tomorrow. I admit I was sceptical of Darcy's ability to recruit you in my plans, but he has outdone himself. As you are now his betrothed, everything is coming together, as it should."

The Darcys' dearest wish of Elizabeth, as well as her relations, staying at Pemberley came true, which meant that Bingley's greatest vision was able to come to fruition. The skies were bright, the breeze was perfect, and the young people met in front of the grand house. Of them, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst gaped as they saw Elizabeth standing prettily on Darcy's arm.

As quickly as they could manage, Bingley's sisters recovered their miens to a neutral civility; but their brother knew them well, and could determine that they were shocked, disgruntled, aghast, and experiencing all other mortifying emotions. So pleased was he at their reactions that his mirth could be compared to his delight in finding Darcy and Elizabeth in love and engaged.

"Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley," greeted Darcy. He settled his hand comfortably atop Elizabeth's. "We welcome you to Pemberley."

Bingley beamed, Georgiana sighed dreamily, and though Darcy would not announce to the servants his engagement until Mr. Bennet gave his consent, those on duty nearby smiled to themselves. As for the newly arrived guests, Darcy's gesture was enough to undo their serenity. Miss Bingley's eye twitched. Mrs. Hurst winced. Even Mr. Hurst reacted by raising a brow, though his interest did not seem to last long.

Slowly, Miss Bingley spoke, "How wonderful it is to be back."

"Indeed!" cried Bingley, grinning at the side.

Miss Bingley shot him an annoyed look, then turned to smile, or rather grimace, at the lady standing close to Darcy. Her voice became mawkish. "Eliza, this is a surprise. Why, I had no idea that you would be so acquainted with Pemberley. I am almost crossed at you for not mentioning it to me in your letters!"

"Oh, but I was almost as surprised as you. My welcome here was beyond my expectations. I did not know that anyone was aware of my coming here, except for my family and you," replied Elizabeth.

Miss Bingley pursed her lips, wondering perhaps if she or Louisa had let something slip, or if her brother had done to her what she had done to him and stuck his nose in her business.

"Come, sisters, let me show you to your rooms," Bingley said, his grin never leaving his face. "You must want to rest before the picnic."

"The picnic?" asked Miss Bingley.

"Darcy and Miss Darcy have planned it since they knew of Lizzy and the Gardiners coming to Derbyshire."

"The Gardiners?"

"Yes, of course Lizzy did not come here all by herself. Did you know Mrs. Gardiner grew up in Lambton? I suppose you might have known from your correspondence with Lizzy. They are meeting old friends there right now, but they should be returning here soon. Oh, their rooms were the ones you and Louisa stayed in last time, so you will be able to converse with them about the furniture and decoration!"

"Their rooms!"

"Yes, that is what I said. Now come along. I have picked out your new rooms just for you, dear sisters."

Almost dreadfully, they followed their brother inside. Hurst shrugged at the family he married into and entered next, trailed by the servants carrying the luggage.

"Well," said Elizabeth, turning to her betrothed. "Bingley seems happy."

"Not as happy as I," replied Darcy, smiling at her. His eyes never leaving hers, he rose her hand to his lips. He whispered, "It is because of you."

"Oh." Elizabeth blushed. His caress was light, but it burned through her. She would have kissed his hand in return to make him undone, but she was conscious of his sister's presence.

Apparently, Darcy was as well. He placed Elizabeth's hand back on his arm and offered Georgiana the other, raising an eyebrow at her pleased countenance.

"Shall we gather in the music room? I would love to hear a duet from the two of you," said Darcy.

"Georgiana might not need to practise duets, but I do," remarked Elizabeth.

Shyly, Georgiana suggested, "Perhaps we might go to the parlour."

They agreed that it was a sound idea, though Georgiana's motivation for going there, in particular, was made clear when she immediately went for her embroidery.

"I have spare tools," Georgiana said to Elizabeth. "Would you like to help me?"

Elizabeth was pleased to. As she began to work with the small garments, she wondered what they were for.

"Dolls and such," answered Georgiana upon inquiry. "I think the initial D will do well for that dress."

"For Darcy?" asked Elizabeth.

"Precisely!"

Darcy smiled, enjoying how grand the two girls important to him were getting along. He asked, "Shall I read to you?"

The prospect was agreeable for all, and impishly, Elizabeth proposed that he read to them the novel she saw missing from his library and conveniently on the writing desk in the room.

"For you and Georgiana, who must find pleasure in these sorts of books, I shall read them," replied Darcy.

"Of course. A gentleman, and you are indeed a gentleman, would rarely become so engaged in these stories." Elizabeth threw him a saucy look, which Darcy may have profoundly appreciated despite the tease.

Normally, if Georgiana wondered about her brother's choice of reading, she would not question him. She dared not make sport of the man she almost saw as a father; but that did not mean that she would not be in awe of her future sister-in-law's boldness. She actually found Elizabeth very inspirational, and thus found the courage to state, "My brother must already be engaged in the novel, for I am quite certain it had been left there by him. Perhaps he found the hero comparable to himself, or admirable enough to mimic in his courtship with you."

Georgiana learned then and there that a wife could tease more than a distinctly younger sister.

It was well, however, and she and Elizabeth merrily embroidered while Darcy read to them a most dramatic tale of love and adventure in his low, soothing voice.

"You must know that I only began to read it on my own for you," Darcy said to Elizabeth afterwards. "I knew that you were reading the same books."

The sentiment was sweet. She truly was touched by it, but then she was reminded of something which made her laugh.

"I am only remembering one instance at Netherfield, when a lady picked up a book solely because of your choice of reading," said Elizabeth when questioned.

Darcy grimaced. "It is not the same," he said. "I am actually reading your choice of book. I recall you once accusing me of not reading the same things as you. I did this for you."

"And you are handsomer for it," remarked Elizabeth. "However, what I really want to know is your opinion on the story. Did you like it?"

"I have yet to finish the last chapter, but thus far I suppose it is tolerable."

"That must mean that you will come to love it, if you do not already."

A few hours later, the Darcys' picnic commenced. Eight elegant tables were prepared with an assortment of fine fruit, food, drinks, and sweets. If the fare was not enough, the decorations, the detail, and the excellent view of the land made the presentation fit for kings and queens. Knowing it was all for her, Elizabeth was amazed; certainly, she felt an overwhelming appreciation for the man who arranged everything because he loved her. Knowing it was all for Elizabeth, the Gardiners were impressed. Knowing it was all for Elizabeth, Bingley's sisters were for once unhappy at the display of grandeur. Knowing it was all for Elizabeth, Mr. Hurst, who had immediately went for the wine, raised his glass in honour of her, his opinion of her quite changed.

"To Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" exclaimed he. "May you find Pemberley so enjoyable that you never want to leave, and may Darcy find you so enjoyable that—"

"Hurst!" interjected Bingley.

"Calm, brother. I was complimenting the fare, and the people responsible for it."

Bingley sighed as he watched Hurst almost run to the heavy pies.

"Pardon him," he said to Elizabeth, the Darcys, the Gardiners, and Mrs. Annesley. "He is very excited for this splendid affair."

"Good heavens, can you tell Hurst that he is not at his club?" Miss Bingley said to her sister.

Her displeasure only grew as the picnic progressed. Unaware that Darcy and Elizabeth were engaged, she seethed as she saw the gentleman fill the lady's plate, whisper in her ear, settle beside her, and caress her hand with a blade of grass.

"What is this?" she quietly, furiously asked her brother.

"What do you mean?" asked Bingley. He glanced at Darcy and Elizabeth. "Them?"

"Yes!"

"Surely he is not considering her," said Mrs. Hurst, sipping her tea.

Bingley only smiled.

Miss Bingley's eyes narrowed. "What do you know."

"Please, Caroline. If Darcy and Lizzy want to take me into their confidences and not you, you cannot blame me for not being excessive with details." With that, Bingley happily took a bite out of his cake.

Some distance away, Elizabeth was enjoying Darcy's presence, and he hers. They were in the middle of their game of ranking the different flavours of cakes, and Darcy was surreptitiously drinking from Elizabeth's teacup, when several letters arrived. There were five of them. All were for Elizabeth, and all were from Kitty.

"She probably as much to say about our other sister," Elizabeth said to Darcy. "Lydia has a fancy for Mr. Denny's cousin."

"Mr. Denny is of the militia that was in Meryton, correct?"

"Yes. It seems his cousin is a boy her age, and he likes her as well." She did not have to acknowledge that Mr. Denny had been Mr. Wickham's particular friend; she could not, with Georgiana so near.

Kitty's first three letters were what Elizabeth expected. They consisted of harmless tales of gossip from Meryton and, through word from Lydia, Brighton. While reading the fourth letter, however, Elizabeth began to worry.

"Lydia has mentioned how grand it would be if young Mr. Denny proposed to her and she got to marry him before Jane marries Bingley. She says that he likes her more than Bingley likes Jane, so it might be possible, especially if Bingley were to continue holding off the reading of his banns; but if she is able to convince young Denny to do what she wants, then it does not matter if any banns are read or not. What do you think she means by that? She also says that old Mr. Denny is jealous of his cousin and wants her all to himself, so there might be problems in that quarter. I will write to her after I finish this letter to tell her that even without knowing young Denny, I would prefer the other, for he is the one with a dashing uniform."

The fifth letter, dated only hours later, was enough to create complete concern.

"I have just received another letter from Lydia. What news she brought to me! You will be stunned, Lizzy. Lydia informs me that she has finally convinced her Denny to propose to her. If she has it her way, they are taking the quickest route to matrimony within their capabilities. She wants to run away with him, I think! She says that she wants to surprise everyone and wishes for me to keep it a secret, but I figured that I would tell you anyway. I confess I might be jealous if I knew of young Denny and found him delightful, but what if he is not at all handsome as Lydia says? Then I would have wasted my time being jealous. I do hope, though, that he looks better than Mr. Collins, if only for Lydia's sake. But if he were handsome, I might have wanted him for myself, and Lydia would have been cruel not to let him decide which one of us he likes best."

"Elizabeth? What is the matter?" exclaimed Darcy. In his worry for her, he was quite loud, and that, along with Elizabeth's pale countenance, which had inspired his outburst, drew attention from the others.

"Lizzy?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.

"Will you drink this tea? Shall I fetch you some wine?" asked Darcy.

Elizabeth shook her head. "No, no, thank you."

"Elizabeth," Darcy said softly. "What is wrong? Is it your family? Is it Mr. Hill?"

Without a word, she handed one letter to Darcy and another to her aunt and uncle. Eventually, they each read all that was important, and agreed that the issue was indeed pressing.

"What is to be done?" asked Elizabeth. Thoughtless Lydia! Irresponsible Lydia! Yet, more than anything, she feared for her youngest sister. What protection could she have while alone with a boy reckless enough to run away with her? She knew too little of the boy, who could be cruel enough to take advantage of a girl, stupid enough to run away with her, or unprepared to defend her from the dangers of travelling poor.

Quietly, so none beyond their group could hear, Mr. Gardiner spoke, "I will write to your father and search for your sister. Perhaps it is not too late, and an end could be put to Lydia's plans."

"If they are for Scotland, they could not have reached the border yet. Kitty's letter came to us quickly, thank heavens," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"Let us return home immediately. We might intercept them on the way, if they have already left Brighton. He is only a boy, and should be easily convinced to do our bidding."

Darcy stated, "I will join you in your search."

He was a man few were able to refuse, especially when he spoke with strict certainty. Yet Elizabeth did not wish for him to be burdened.

"You may feel obligated to help my family, for Lydia's actions may affect us all, but you should not be so troubled," said Elizabeth.

"I do nothing for your family, though I respect them. I do this for you," admitted Darcy, "and in doing this for you, Elizabeth, I am doing this for myself. Allow me this. Allow me to protect you and your happiness."

His words and his stare lit something in Elizabeth. She swallowed. Nodding, she spoke, "Thank you, Darcy."

Up Next: Mr. Denny's cousin.