Chapter 18
Jane woke up scared, thinking that everything that had happened the night before had been just a dream. But her joy returned when she saw David fast asleep next to her. Her husband was so handsome, and he loved her so much that she thought no woman could be happier than her at that moment.
David had arrived late at night, and they hadn't had a chance to talk. So instead, they kissed, made love, and then fell asleep happily and peacefully. David and Jane had barely slept in the last few days, and being together gave them the peace to rest in a way they hadn't in a long time.
Jane realized it was probably around noon when she woke up, but she didn't want to disturb her husband, so she tried to get up without waking him up. But when she saw that David had a bandage on his arm, she got a little worried and decided to take a closer look at it.
"Don't worry, my dear. It's nothing serious," David said, trying to move his arm.
But Jane noticed that David's arm hurt. "I'm sorry, my love. But you're not in your regiment where you say something, and everyone has to obey. I can tell your arm hurts, so you better see a doctor."
"Jane, darling, please don't worry," David tried to explain to Jane, but she went into her room to get dressed and talk to Rebecca.
David got up, too, though the pain in his arm meant he couldn't get dressed as quickly as he would have liked.
Jane explained to her sister-in-law that David needed to see a doctor because his arm was injured. So, Rebecca immediately called the butler to tell him to arrange for Dr. Hunter to come and examine her brother.
The doctor was not busy and arrived in less than an hour to check on David's arm. Jane and Rebecca took the opportunity to talk for a while about everything that had happened in the last few days.
They were in the drawing room waiting for the doctor's diagnosis when Aunt Alice and Mrs. Gardiner came to visit their niece. Jane immediately told them the good news, and they hugged her, very excited and happy to see her so happy and recovered. She seemed like a different person compared to the Jane of the days before.
"My husband is with the doctor now," explained Jane.
"I hope it's nothing serious," Mrs. Gardiner said worriedly.
"His arm is injured, and although he says it's nothing serious, I think the doctor should examine it," Jane explained to reassure her aunt.
Rebecca poured her visitors a cup of tea and told them about the big surprise David had given them the night before. "We can finally rest knowing that David is safe and sound."
"Good morning Aunt Gardiner, Aunt Alice, nice to see you," David said as soon as he entered the room.
Jane noticed that her husband's arm was bandaged entirely, and she realized that she was right and that David had a more severe problem than he had wanted to admit.
"You don't know how glad we are to see you well," Mrs. Gardiner said, hugging her nephew affectionately.
Rebecca introduced Dr. Hunter to her guests and thanked him for coming quickly. "I hope my brother wasn't a tough patient."
"Let's say that I had to tell him many times that I would not leave this house if he didn't allow me to check his arm." The doctor greeted everyone and explained that David had to keep his arm immobilized for two or three weeks. "The problem is that the Colonel had a later injury that he didn't take good care of and had a relapse. But, if he follows all my advice, he can use his arm normally within a month."
"Don't worry, doctor. We'll see that he does everything he has to do, even if he doesn't want to," Mark said, entering the room.
"Don't worry, Dr. Hunter. As you can see, it's three against one, so I promise I'll take care of myself and do everything you've told me."
"Then I will not be concerned. I will be here the following week to check if everything is alright and if it's necessary to change the bandage," said the doctor. Then he said goodbye to everyone present and left.
David sat next to his wife, and everyone immediately started asking him about what had happened in the last few months. Although he wanted to be with Jane, he understood that the family had been very worried about him and told them briefly what had happened in the Dover Strait.
"The situation was getting more difficult to manage, and despite The War Office sending several detachments of men, they could not control the situation. The smugglers were operating in small and scattered groups, so it was challenging to capture them. So, we decided that a small group of men should infiltrate one of those groups and thus know in advance what they would do and be able to catch them. That's why no one heard from us for several weeks. This was a secret mission that only my direct superior knew about, and that's why those who were not informed thought I was missing."
Also, David explained to them that he had injured his arm in a minor incident. "When I heard that you thought I was missing, I took my horse and rode for I don't know how many hours. I knew no message could get here before I did."
"I'm glad you're safe because everything you told us sounds pretty dangerous," Mark said.
"I hope you never risk your life like that again," Jane said, her voice cracking.
To keep Jane from getting upset, Rebecca changed the subject and told the visitors that she was planning to host a dinner for her brother and that they were cordially invited.
David didn't want Jane to worry about him, so she whispered in her ear. "My love, I planned to write new chapters of my new story for you, but I won't be able to do it with my arm immobilized."
"Don't worry, David. I can write for you," Jane said and kissed her husband on her cheek.
"That is an excellent idea, my beautiful Jane," replied David and kissed her hand.
Mrs. Gardiner and Aunt Alice realized that Jane and David probably wanted to be alone, so they knew it was time to go. They said goodbye, wished David a speedy recovery and promised Jane they would visit her soon.
But Aunt Alice remembered something and spoke discreetly to Rebecca before she left. "My lady, this morning I sent the message to Lizzy, and it will surely reach her tomorrow. Now that everything is resolved, I don't know what to do. I wouldn't want her to worry for no reason."
Mark heard the conversation and intervened. "I think I have the perfect solution, my dear. You know that my aunt Claire lives in Kent and always invites us to spend a few days with her. Since she became a widow, she has been very sad, and I think the presence of little Robert will cheer her up. Also, I think Jane and David deserve a few days to be alone."
"What a good idea, my dear husband. Don't worry, Aunt Alice. We'll stop by Hunsford and explain the situation to Lizzy. She can choose whether to stay with her friend or come with us to Aunt Claire's."
"Sounds like an excellent solution. Thank you," Aunt Alice said with relief.
Jane and David went for a walk in the garden while Mark and Rebecca planned their unexpected trip to Kent.
P&P
That day, Mr. Darcy did not go for a walk because he had a lot of work to complete and urgently needed to talk to the Rosings's steward. But besides, he didn't want to see Elizabeth either because he again doubted if he was doing the right thing.
After talking to his cousin about his friend Bingley and his reasons for not returning to Hertfordshire, he thought about his own situation. If Jane Bennet would be a social setback for Bingley, surely Elizabeth would be for him. His parents had always instilled in him respect for his heritage and lineage, and everyone expected him to marry a woman of his social standing.
He knew Elizabeth was the woman he wanted, the one he loved and respected as he had never had with any other woman. But he wondered over and over if that was enough to be happy with her. But besides, he was sure that a life without Elizabeth would be very sad and lonely, and thinking about that made him very sad.
The only solution he visualized at that moment was to propose to her, have a short courtship, and get married as soon as possible. After that, he would stay at Pemberley for at least a year, away from everyone. He desired to keep Elizabeth away from the harmful influence of her family. Finally, when everyone had forgotten that he had married a poor and unconnected woman, he could return to London with his wife to introduce Georgiana to society.
He sat in a chair near the fireplace and pretended to listen to his aunt. Inwardly he was very nervous awaiting the arrival of the Hunsford party. That night, he would make the final decision, and he wanted to be able to interact with Elizabeth as much as he could.
Colonel Fitzwilliam saw his cousin extremely reserved in the last few hours and decided to leave him alone for a while. Once again, he had to take responsibility for keeping their aunt busy, so she wouldn't start pestering his cousin Darcy with her usual distasteful comments. He knew how upset his cousin Darcy became when his aunt hinted that he and Anne were engaged. Fortunately, Anne did not understand the meaning of what her mother always said. Between him and Mr. Darcy explained to her that they were like her brothers and that brothers could never marry.
"Darcy, what have you been doing all day? I hope you haven't gone for a walk. I already told you I don't like that, and I don't want the tenants to say that my nephew behaves like a peasant." Lady Catherine did not like that Mr. Darcy was so withdrawn.
"I worked with your steward almost the whole day, Aunt Catherine. And in the morning, I rode around the park," Mr. Darcy replied dryly.
"You shouldn't work so hard either. You need to spend more time with Anne because she loves being with you, right Anne."
Anne knew there would be visitors, and she had to behave like a young educated lady and speak very little, or her mother would be angry. "Yes, mother."
"See, Darcy..."
"Aunt, I looked at myself for several minutes in the mirror this morning and discovered that I inherited my nose from the Fitzwilliam family. In fact, I think your nose and mine are quite similar," Richard said to distract his aunt's attention and prevent an awkward conversation.
"How dare you, Fitzwilliam. Everyone has always admired my nose for being in proportion to my noble features. I don't know how you can say that…." Lady Catherine spoke for several minutes about how delicate and beautiful every feature of her face was while no one was listening to her.
But her tirade was interrupted by the arrival of the guests. Colonel Fitzwilliam noticed his cousin looking at Miss Bennet and thought he understood the reason for his nervousness. Richard felt sorry for Mr. Darcy because he was a prisoner of his own stupid prejudices. One day, he would discover that neither social position nor money could make him truly happy. He just hoped he would not realize it when it was too late.
Elizabeth dressed in the best afternoon dress she had brought. Aunt Alice gave it to her. One of London's most famous modiste, who was Aunt Gardiner's good friend, made it. Also, Charlotte's maid helped her style her hair in a way that better highlighted the contours of her face and the color of her beautiful eyes. She wanted to look impeccable to show pompous Mr. Darcy and arrogant Lady Catherine that they weren't the only ones who could look distinguished and elegant.
Mr. Darcy could hardly breathe with emotion when he saw Elizabeth. She was more beautiful than she had ever been. She had even changed her hairstyle and was wearing a pink dress that made her look like a princess.
The newcomers greeted everyone present, and Lady Catherine invited them to sit around her. As expected, she was not at all pleased that Elizabeth looked so beautiful and immediately began to question her.
"Miss Bennet, that dress you are wearing looks very elegant. Mr. Collins. The estate you will inherit must produce good money if this Miss Bennet's father can buy such luxurious clothes."
"Excellent observation, my dear Lady Catherine. As I understand Longbourn…." Mr. Collins tried to say.
"Or it is possible that the current master does not manage finances well and when you finally inherit, you only inherit debts," Lady Catherine concluded.
Lady Catherine began to tell Mr. Collins how he should ensure his future estate was well managed, and he listened with absolute devotion.
Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy and Richard could not hide their discomfort at hearing their aunt speaking in such a disrespectful manner to one of her guests. Charlotte sat down next to Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson and tried to keep her distracted, so she wouldn't notice her mother attacking Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Anne couldn't control her nerves when she got nervous and might have a fit in public. If that happened, Lady Catherine would scold her very hard.
When the great lady finished speaking, Elizabeth replied calmly. "Lady Catherine, this dress was a present from Aunt Alice."
"I figured your father couldn't buy you something like that," Lady Catherine said dismissively.
"I think dinner is already served, Aunt Catherine," Richard said to prevent her further questioning Elizabeth.
Dinner was monotonous, and Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins monopolized the conversation. She talked about anything that came to her mind, and Mr. Collins seconded her in everything she said.
Elizabeth was pleased because Mrs. Jenkinson sat to her right and Colonel Fitzwilliam to her left. In the few moments that were possible, she could converse pleasantly with both of them.
But, unfortunately, Mr. Darcy was sitting right across from her. Although she did not have to converse with him, she had to endure his constant stares. Elizabeth knew very well what he thought of her and her family, and she could guess what he thought as he looked at her. She was sure that he, as his aunt, thought that her new dress was too fancy for her. That's why she decided to look at him every time her eyes met his instead of avoiding his gaze. She wanted to show him that she didn't care about his opinion or contempt.
After dinner, Mrs. Jenkinson said Anne was not feeling well, and Lady Catherine let her retire to her room. When her mother wasn't looking, Anne took Elizabeth's hand and smiled happily at her. Elizabeth also just smiled because she understood that it was better that Lady Catherine was not aware of their friendship.
Colonel Fitzwilliam convinced his aunt to let Elizabeth play the piano and sing. He didn't want to listen to his Aunt anymore and offered to help Miss Bennet turn the music sheets.
"Miss Bennet, Anne was very excited when she found out you were coming to dine with us. I hope you two can meet before you leave," Richard said as he sat next to Elizabeth in front of the piano.
"It would be nice to talk and play with her again," Elizabeth answered. "I still have a week more in Kent, and I'm sure we'll find a chance to meet on the path by the lake," Elizabeth replied. When she saw Mr. Darcy approach the piano, she immediately started playing and singing to avoid conversing with him.
When Mr. Darcy saw his Aunt engrossed in telling Mr. and Mrs. Collins what they should grow in their garden for the summer months, he approached Elizabeth. She had defiantly looked at him throughout dinner to get his attention and had succeeded. In recent days she had been much more discreet and demure. But that night, she had behaved as she had at Ramsgate and Netherfield. She flirted with him throughout dinner with that challenging look that provoked him and made him fall in love with her.
When Elizabeth finished singing, Mr. Darcy moved closer to her and said as casually as he could. "Miss Bennett, I hear that you are returning to London in another week. We will also be leaving around the same time."
Colonel Fitzwilliam was a bit surprised because they had agreed to leave in two more days. But he thought he understood his cousin's reasons for extending their stay.
"Yes, in one more week, I will be in London, where I will spend time with my beloved relatives. I will also see my dear sister Jane," Elizabeth said with a sarcastic tone and a mischievous smile. "Colonel Fitzwilliam, my sister Jane is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. But not only because she is beautiful but also because she is one of the noblest and most well-meaning people I have ever met. Fortunately, she has been fortunate to find people who have been able to see beyond her circumstances and appreciate her as she is."
"I'm glad to hear you love your sister so much," Richard said, smiling. He could tell that Elizabeth was upset about something, and he sensed that it had something to do with Bingley.
Mr. Darcy wasn't interested in talking about Jane Bennet because he wanted to know Elizabeth's plans for the next few weeks. "And how long do you plan to stay in London?"
"I don't know yet, but probably a few weeks," Elizabeth answered. "Colonel, I don't know if I told you, but this summer, I will have the opportunity to travel to the country's north. I will be able to visit the Lake District. Have you ever been there?"
"I went once when I was twelve, but I don't remember very well. But Darcy took Georgiana there two years ago," Richard answered, trying to bring his cousin into the conversation.
"It's a wonderful place, Miss Bennet, full of walking paths that I'm sure you'll enjoy." Mr. Darcy noticed how Elizabeth smiled at him in that peculiar way and prayed that Lady Catherine would ask his cousin to help her with something so he could be alone with Elizabeth for some minutes.
"I intend to enjoy all those beautiful places with my Aunt Alice and Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. Also, I plan to walk as much as possible to get to know every corner of that beautiful nature, no matter if my petticoat gets muddy."
"And since you will be traveling in the north, would you like to see Derbyshire?" Mr. Darcy asked with an enigmatic smile.
"Of course, I would very much like to visit it." Elizabeth would not allow that man to humiliate her. She wasn't sure why he was asking her such ridiculous questions, but she wouldn't let him intimidate her.
"Do you want to visit Derbyshire for any special reason?" Mr. Darcy asked, knowing that the reason was probably knowing her future home.
"For more than one particular reason," replied Elizabeth.
"Could we know any of those reasons?" Mr. Darcy asked excitedly.
"Of course, Derbyshire is famous for the beautiful Peak District, and I've read that it has beautiful, lush forests. Am I wrong?" Elizabeth asked with a defiant smile.
"No, you're not wrong, but there is another particular attraction that I think you should visit." Mr. Darcy answered, unable to take his eyes off Elizabeth.
"And what would be that place that I should know and visit?" Elizabeth asked, annoyed.
"My home, Pemberley," replied Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth was stunned by his answer. Was he inviting her to his estate? Maybe Georgiana had asked him to do it. But unfortunately, they couldn't talk anymore because Elizabeth continued singing and his aunt called him because she did not want him to be so near a young and attractive woman.
Colonel Fitzwilliam continued turning Elizabeth's sheet music, but he was slightly concerned. It was evident his cousin had tried to have a friendly conversation with Elizabeth, but she seemed annoyed and even uncomfortable talking to him. Worst of all, he seemed unaware of her hostile attitude towards him.
Mr. Darcy could not approach Elizabeth for the rest of the evening, but he continued to watch her, and she returned his gaze with a mischievous smile. He knew there was no turning back and would propose to her the following day.
P&P
Elizabeth got up early but didn't go for a walk because she didn't want to have to meet Mr. Darcy. She also became increasingly worried about Jane and wanted to write a letter to her sister, Aunt Alice and Aunt Gardiner.
She went to breakfast with Charlotte and her cousin when she finished writing. As expected, Mr. Collins did nothing but talk about Lady Catherine and Rosings. Fortunately, he had to spend the whole morning with his patroness because they had to review his sermon for next Sunday's service.
Charlotte told Elizabeth that she would meet Mrs. Jenkinson and Anne in the garden that morning and that it would be very nice if she accompanied her. Elizabeth thought it was an excellent idea to be able to enjoy Anne's company, but when she was going to her room to get her bonnet, a letter for her arrived.
She read it immediately and was despondent with everything Aunt Alice told her. "I'm sorry, Charlotte, but I think I won't be able to accompany you. I must prepare everything because tomorrow I need to return to London." Elizabeth explained to her friend that Aunt Alice would send her carriage to make the journey quick and safe.
"How serious is the situation, Eliza?" Charlotte asked, genuinely concerned.
"My brother-in-law is missing, and Jane is in deep sadness. My aunt told me that she needs me more than ever," Elizabeth explained, her voice cracking.
"Don't worry, my dear friend. If you want, I'll stay with you and help you pack."
"No, I prefer that you go with Anne. Right now, I'm not good company for anyone. I just want to ask you not to tell anyone about this to avoid awkward questions."
"Of course, don't worry about it." Charlotte knew it was better that her husband did not know because he would tell everyone, including their family in Meryton.
Mr. Darcy took advantage of the fact that his aunt was busy, and Richard was with Anne in the garden to leave Rosings, hoping to see Elizabeth. He couldn't wait another minute to tell her all his plans for their future together. He would confess his love to her, and to prove the strength of his feelings, he would tell her everything he was willing to face to make her his wife.
On the way, he met Mrs. Collins, who told him that Elizabeth had stayed at the parsonage because she was not feeling well. He worried about her and decided to see her, make sure she was well, and talk privately with her.
Elizabeth was in the parlor sorting her thoughts when the maid announced the visit of the last person she wanted to see at that moment.
"Miss Bennet, I ran into Mrs. Collins, and she told me you weren't feeling well. I hope you're alright now," said Mr. Darcy nervously.
"I'm fine, sir. Thank you for your concern. If you'll excuse me…." Elizabeth tried to say.
But when Mr. Darcy saw that Elizabeth was not ill, he said everything he had planned before his courage left him. "Miss Bennet, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth for several seconds and continued talking. But unfortunately, his declaration of love was accompanied by all the reasons why he should never have fallen in love with a woman like her. After, he explained in detail all the sacrifices that marrying her entailed for him, and he finally proposed.
"I beg you, most fervently, to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife."
Elizabeth couldn't believe what was happening and that this man could humiliate her in such a despicable manner while he declared his supposed love for her.
P&P
Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story. I know this story doesn't have as many readers and followers as others I've written, but I am enjoying writing it. That's why I want to thank those who always leave comments because you inspire me and help me to have new ideas for the following chapters.
We have finished the second stage of the story and will begin the third and final one in the next chapter. I think there are five or six chapters left, but I can finish it in maybe four. Currently, this story is over eighty thousand words, while an 18 chapters story on this site is usually half that. It seems I am writing too much, and I don't want to bore you, LOL.
In the next chapter, David will get exciting news, and Mr. Bingley will return to London. Also, our dear and pompous Mr. Darcy will discover that not everyone is in love with his handsome face and money.
Gracias a todos los lectores de habla hispana, portuguesa y francesa que siguen mis historias y dejan comentarios de apoyo.
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Saludos,
Yo
