I work at a university. Every September I say to myself, this semester seems much busier than semesters past. It might actually be true this year. After a long month I'm finally able to turn my attention to updating this story. Thanks for your patience.
(JLC, 10/02/2022)
~~PoR~~
"Have a seat, Mr. Darcy, have a seat." Mr. Bennet gestured to the chair situated before his desk. Instead of his usual books, the desk was littered with ledgers and pieces of foolscap with notes jotted on them. "I was hoping you would come by upon your return."
"You were? Has something happened on the estate?" William did not expect Mr. Bennet to welcome him back so eagerly. He knew his task as courier was not urgent and was merely Mrs. Bennet's attempt to divert his attention to Jane Bennet. He did have the letters from the Gardiners and Miss Bennet for those at Longbourn. He was here to complete his duty, yes, but his greatest desire was to see Elizabeth.
"Nothing has happened on the estate, not for these many years. I hope to change that in the immediate future, and I wonder if you would be able to aid me with a related matter. I do not mean to be crass, but it pertains to financial matters."
William was a bit wary, but he waited for Mr. Bennet to continue. "I have been reviewing Longbourn's budget, I have noted a few areas where we can be more careful in our spending. I would like to use those savings along with what little I have already set aside to build the girls' dowries. I thought you would be able to help me identify some enterprises where I could get a greater return than the four percents."
"I am happy to help but why would you not ask your brother? Mr. Gardiner seems a savvy businessman. I am certain he would be able to assist you."
"My brother is very successful, it is true. However, I know nothing of the sphere in which he thrives. I do not just want to sit back and wait and hope for the best. If I have any expertise it pertains to books, and I thought you might know of an opportunity in the book trade. I also know myself; I will be a more conscientious and willing participant in such a venture."
"You wish to do business with me?" William's wariness returned.
"No, I do not think that would be wise at this juncture. I feel the nature of our relationship is…yet to be determined at the moment. I have no wish to complicate matters. A bit of distance might spare us both some discomfort. You and Lizzy need no additional challenges."
The realization of what Mr. Bennet was saying struck William. "Ah, I am not good at hiding things, am I?"
"You will forgive me, but it did not appear to me that you made any attempt to hide things. If you did, you are indeed very bad at it. Though as a father, I prefer that as it makes you less likely to dissemble."
"Can I speak plainly, Mr. Bennet?" The older gentleman nodded his agreement.
"I would like to ask Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet just so we are clear, for a courtship. Would I be correct in thinking you have no objection?"
"I have no objection if it is what Elizabeth Bennet wants. I do have a concern though."
"My father," William nodded solemnly.
"Yes, before you ask for a courtship, I think you would do well to tell her about your relationship."
"She knows a little. I told her she would hear the rest of the story one day."
"Well, it looks as though that day is upon us."
"I saw him in town yesterday. He was just as he ever was. I cannot imagine what Miss Bennet will think. 'My father showed a marked preference for the steward's son for over fifteen years. In that time, he looked the other way while the scoundrel abused me, and championed him over my mother, my sister, and me. He did not stop even when my mother took my sister and me away for our own safety. He prioritized Wickham's needs over those of his family. He let our name and reputation to be damaged by speculation that he had committed adultery and sired an illegitimate child who would displace me as heir of Pemberly. He only attempted to make amends after the tragedy of Wickham's death at my father's hands. But he thinks we should all forgive him because he was just fulfilling a promise to his father. However, I would be ever so honored if you would consent to a courtship with me'."
"Well, perhaps you should not use those words." Mr. Bennet tried to hide his amusement. "Lizzy will not hold any of that against you. She has a generous heart."
"I would hold it against me. Do you not have any qualms? My acquaintance with Miss Bennet is not lengthy. I am in trade. I do not own an estate. I am too resentful. I do not know if I will ever reconcile with, let alone forgive, my father. What if I am like him?"
"You have convinced me. A courtship is not a good idea." Mr. Bennet watched as William's face fell. The young man looked crestfallen.
"No," William whispered. "No, you should not listen to me."
"Do you like my Lizzy?"
"I do, very much."
"Despite your short acquaintance? Why?"
"I cannot explain it. She is intelligent and thoughtful. She is open to ideas, and I like how she talks to people. She takes care to know them and listen. At the assembly, she could tell me something about everyone to whom I was introduced."
Mr. Bennet thought William explained it rather well, but he was not done testing the boy. "A kind word for all, that sort of thing? The model of a perfect lady?"
"Oh, not at all but she was not malicious and did not trade in gossip. Those that she identified as close friends or neighbors were in fact close friends and neighbors. She just did not pretend affection she did not feel. Miss Elizabeth is genuine."
"Do you think she is too good for you?"
"No. I mean no insult to your daughter," William said quickly. "I do not think I am too good for Miss Elizabeth either. I can envision a future between us that is real, with no pretense. She is not perfect, but I think she might be perfect for me."
Mr. Bennet relaxed back in his chair and clasped his hands over his stomach. "To answer your earlier question, Mr. Darcy, I have no qualms. I just wished to examine the basis for your regard. You may seek a courtship with Lizzy. I do have one request, though premature it may be."
"Of course." William was so relieved he would have promised anything.
"When your courtship reaches what I believe will be its inevitable conclusion, take Lizzy away from here. I will miss her, but she needs to be her own person, far from her mother, far from her beloved Jane. I have only recently taken care to check my wife. I do not know if it will be successful, even with frequent correction. I will not hold you to it, I know you have your mother and sister to be concerned with but please consider my request."
~~PoR~~
"Ladies, we have letters." Mr. Bennet announced as the two gentlemen entered the sitting room. He handed the letters to Mary and let her pass them out. When he stepped aside and revealed his companion, Elizabeth's face broke into a smile that halted William's steps.
William remembered being struck by Elizabeth's presence when her first saw her out walking. Her smile took him back to the thrill he felt at that moment. He always thought her a handsome woman but today there was a brightness about her that he had not yet seen. He realized when speaking to her father he never once mentioned her beauty and he thought himself foolish for not having done so. Little did he know Mr. Bennet, having placed too much importance on appearance for his own marriage, considered that a point in his favor.
"Welcome back, Mr. Darcy. I hope your time in London was well spent," Mrs. Bennet said. She was anxious to hear about William's meeting with Jane, but she knew she could not ask. Her husband, not satisfied with scolding her in front of her sister and daughters, had continued his lecture that morning. He had been very adamant that she curb her open favoritism to her oldest daughter.
"It was, very much so." Mrs. Bennet preened upon hearing William's words. "My business was successfully completed, and I made some very agreeable new acquaintances."
Mrs. Bennet had difficulty containing her excitement. "Did you indeed?"
"Yes, my new business partner is very affable, I think we will work well together."
"Oh, how nice." That was not the answer Mrs. Bennet expected. "How did you find my family at Gracechurch Street?"
The Gardiners were delightful. I enjoyed meeting them." He then turned to Elizabeth. "You did not mention your aunt was from Derbyshire. She grew up quite close to Pemberley. I even played with her brothers as a child."
Mrs. Bennet grew increasingly impatient as the others marveled at the coincidence and spoke at length about Derbyshire, the Gardiners, and William's new business partner, Mr. Bingley, before Mrs. Bennet could contain herself no longer.
"But what of Jane?! I mean, I have missed my dear daughter, so I am naturally curious how she is." Mrs. Bennet scrambled to recover from her outburst.
"Is that not a letter from her in your hand?" Mr. Bennet asked. "If you would like to read it, we shall carry on with our conversation without you."
"Mr. Darcy, will you please indulge my mother and tell us of your meeting with Jane. I trust she is well." Elizabeth knew her mother's agitation would grow unless she had some word of the interaction.
"Of course, I do not know Miss Jane Bennet, but she seemed in good health and good spirits. She appeared very happy to receive your letters, but we only exchanged a few words."
Good health and spirits? Only a few words? Mrs. Bennet was perplexed at William's answer. "Did you not say you dined at my sister's table? Spent an afternoon and evening with them." She knew he was not shy, so she hoped perhaps he was rendered speechless by Jane's beauty.
"I did, and I enjoyed it very much. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were very welcoming, and Miss Bennet seemed nice."
Nice. Mrs. Bennet closed her eyes and groaned inwardly. Charlotte Lucas was nice. Mrs. Long's niece was nice. In her mind it is what one says when one has nothing else to say. Lost as she was in her thoughts, she almost missed William asking Elizabeth if she would like to walk in the garden. "Take Mary with you, Lizzy."
"Papa, if they stay in the garden they shall be in full sight of the windows. I would much prefer to practice than walk. May I stay inside?" Mary winked so only Elizabeth could see her.
"Excellent idea, Mary. Go along, you two." Mr. Bennet nodded toward William and Elizabeth.
They wandered the garden for a few minutes with William asking after some of the features and seasonal flowers. He eventually fell silent.
"Mr. Darcy, I am always happy to walk and enjoy the fresh air, you need not worry yourself about my mother. I have no need for escape. You see, I have recently decided I shall not be overcome by her comments and behavior."
William examined her face. She did not turn away; her expression was serene with the hint of a smile. "You have decided? You are a wonder." He did not bother to mask the admiration in his voice. He had no doubt that Elizabeth would do just as she said.
"I am, that is true," Elizabeth agreed as her smile grew.
"I have much to learn from you, it seems." William smiled in return.
"You are speaking of your father."
"Yes, and as much as I hate to, I would like to tell you more about him. May I?"
"Of course."
William walked them around the far borders of the garden as he told of his relationship with his father. At one point Elizabeth slipped her arm through his. She did not want to interrupt him, but she wanted to offer support and comfort, regardless of how forward it might seem. He placed his free hand on hers and gently squeezed in acknowledgement.
He looked quickly to the house, and he could see Mr. Bennet seated by the window reading. He could not see Mrs. Bennet so he let his hand linger on hers as he finished his tale. When he was done, he felt her hand leave his and he felt keenly its loss. He had avoided looking at her as he spoke for he could not stand to see pity in her eyes, now he glanced toward her. Her face was red and wet with tears but the hand that she had reclaim was clenched into a fist. He saw no pity only anger.
"That man, you will pardon me if I do not call him a gentleman, is vile. How could he treat his family so abhorrently? I question his ability to think rationally." She took a deep breath to settle herself before continuing. "How can people do this to their children?"
William found his handkerchief and lightly pressed it to her face to dry the tears she did not bother to wipe away. He led her to a nearby bench where they sat. Almost immediately she sprung up and paced before him, her temper still flaring.
"I suppose I must seem ridiculous, raging against a man I do not even know," she said.
"If I am honest, I find your fury soothes and warms me."
"Not only am I ridiculous, but so are you," Elizabeth quipped.
"Not at all…it shows you care. At least, I hope you do." Elizabeth stopped in front of him as he stood. "You may be wondering why I am telling you all this now, but I wanted you to know. You needed to know.
"Why?"
"I care about you, and I am confident that my feelings will only continue to grow. I wanted you to know everything about my father so if you decided to let me into your life you would be doing so with full knowledge the events that formed me."
"Let you into my life?" Elizabeth whispered as he inched closer to her.
"I am asking to court you, Miss Bennet. I understand if you feel you cannot, given the information I just imparted." Relief washed through him as she smiled at him again.
"I do care about you, Mr. Darcy. Even if I had not already realized that my reaction to your father's behavior would have convinced me. I am so hurt and angry on your behalf. Does my father know?"
"He does and your father has already granted his permission. I hope you will forgive me for not asking you first, as I intended, but it came up when I was speaking to him earlier." William looked at her expectantly and Elizabeth realized she had not answered the most vital question.
"Oh, oh yes. I accept your offer of a courtship, indeed I do so very happily. I can guess at how my mother will react. Please do not let her bother you."
"How did you put it? I shall not be overcome by her comments and behavior." William smiled as he remembered his meeting with Jane. "Do you know what I enjoyed most about meeting your sister? I could refer to you as Miss Elizabeth. It is a beautiful name, most suitable for the lady who carries it. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are courting. How splendid that sounds."