When the study door suddenly flew open Darcy actually jumped. Richard strode in demanding a large brandy and threw himself into a chair rubbing his hands together.
Darcy handed Richard a drink and poured one for himself. "Is it done?" he demanded impatiently.
"He is sitting in a cell as we speak. The sheriff assures me that he will be carted off to Town at first light." Richard drained half his glass and sighed in satisfaction.
"Did he put up a fight?"
"I kept myself hidden across the street, but from where I stood, it seemed he went placidly enough. He was obviously drunk and he probably didn't realize what was happening to him. I'm sure he thought that the past would never catch up to him as long as he never returned to Lambton."
Darcy leaned against the mantle and staredat the dying embers grappling with what he had done. By rights he should have been pleased with the outcome. Wickham had been a thorn in his side for years and now he could in fact never again see the light of day. Darcy shuddered at the thought. Wickham might never be able to pay his debt of eleven hundred pounds but he would never again prey on honest tradesmen or naive young women. He had to keep that thought in mind.
"Cousin," Richard growled, "stop feeling guilty."
"Am I so transparent?"
"Yes."
"I keep thinking of him as a young boy and how he could make father laugh. When we played together, Mother was still alive. I know I'm being sentimental..."
Richard stood up abruptly, "and I remember him as a thief and seducer of young girls! Don't waste a minute on him, cousin. And that's an order. And now I'm off to bed. It's been a long day."
Despite his disquiet, Darcy fell into a deep dreamless sleep and awoke refreshed and ready to face the dawn of a beautiful day. He spoke briefly with Thomas and learned that he had succeeded in getting a message to Charlotte advising her not to speak with her parents yet. This would give the not so young lovers time to catch their breath and make plans for their future.
Bingley had ordered a sumptuous breakfast for Guy and Josh's farewell meal. The five old friends enjoyed a hour of familiar camaraderie. They were fascinated and highly amused as Richard described with many embellishments, Wickham's fall from grace. Darcy looked on with a wry smile. All that was missing from the story was mention of Richard's crusty old General.
Now completely sober, Guy and Josh reconsidered their determination to marry by Christmas. They still planned to court the two young cousins but would not rush into anything. Darcy was relieved to hear that his friends had come to their senses and said so.
Darcy, Bingley and Richard bid their friends a safe journey to Town and made tentative plans to gather once more for the holidays. They watched their coach head down the lane from Netherfield until it was out of sight then entered the house and began their wait for the the other guests to leave.
Another hour passed before the Hursts and Caroline Bingley descended the stairs and entered the breakfast room. The Hursts looked tired and out of sorts and Caroline looked more sullen and discontented than usual. Darcy desired nothing more than to escape to Longbourn but would not leave his friend as he wanted to lend moral support though his friend could now take care of himself.
After about five minutes of silence, Bingley spoke gently, "Caroline, won't you change your mind about leaving?"
"Will you change your mind about marrying beneath your station?"
Humphrey Hurst snorted, "for God's sake, Caroline, she's a gentleman's daughter and you're the daughter of a tradesman."
Caroline slammed her cup down on the the saucer, "and who is her mother? And who are her aunts and uncles? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition. She has an uncle who owns a warehouse in Cheapside. The utter disgrace is not to be borne."
Bingley sighed and stood up from the table looking down at his youngest sister. "I don't know how you came to think so well of yourself and so meanly of others but if you stay on this road you'll never find happiness and that would distress me, sister."
Caroline stared at him then turned her eyes to Darcy who sat silently watching her. Something in his look made her wrest her eyes from him and she blinked back sudden tears.
Despite his dislike for the woman, Darcy pitied her. She would be returning to an empty house and no doubt to the ridicule of the women she thought of as her friends but who were so completely above her station. He had seen the sneers they had leveled at her on more than one occasion. She had aspired to a man who had never looked at her with interest or desire, a man whom she'd tried to attract with an acid tongue which in her mind passed as humor. Her company had always left him bored and restless. Once the news of his defection to a county girl reached the ears of the ton she would be the subject of derision. Her disgrace would be intolerable as London society could be merciless . Her only recourse would be to come to terms with what was happening and accept it...at least let the ton think she had accepted it.
The carriage carrying the Hursts and Caroline was still in sight when Darcy and Bingley called for their mounts and headed for Longbourn.
Darcy was anxious to talk to Elizabeth and allay her fears about her friend Charlotte. On the surface it seemed an unlikely pairing but Darcy knew better. Thomas was an educated man who could hold his own but practiced never letting others see it. If he wished, Darcy knew that Thomas could pass as a gentleman.
Mrs. Bennet was delighted to see Bingley and befuddled to see Darcy. Elizabeth was much too clever and too like her father and thus was her least favorite daughter. Apparently she could not believe that Darcy could be serious about her daughter Elizabeth. This suited Darcy perfectly. He wanted no pressure from a greedy mother. He planned to take this courtship slowly. He wanted to know everything about Elizabeth from her favorite books to her favorite foods. He wanted to know what her favorite colors were, what foreign cities she longed to see. He'd actually written out a list of all the things he wanted to know about Elizabeth Bennet. He wanted to know it all.
When Elizabeth stood up and curtsied and smiled her greeting, his stomach lurched and he forgot to breathe. So much for taking it easy, he thought in bemusement. As soon as they were in the garden he asked her if she had spoken with Miss Lucas?
She answered in the affirmative. "I honestly don't know what to make of it. She's always been so sensible. That she would run off with a servant is inconceivable. What's even more interesting, is that she's so excited about it. She looks upon it as a great adventure and I find her happiness catching. I wish her the best though I will miss her sorely."
"She seemed less than excited about it last night."
Elizabeth eyed Darcy in some amusement. "Women tend to resort to tears when they they can't decide whether they're happy, terrified or just excited. Don't forget that she had only accepted Thomas a bare three hours before and she still had to tell her parents and knew they would not be happy. Then, of course, there was the problem of Lieutenant Wickham. He had seen them together and Thomas apparently knew that would cause trouble. Then when she saw him speaking to Thomas and grinning insolently at her...well, you can imagine what went through her mind. She and Thomas needed time to decide where they were going and when."
"Miss Bennet," Darcy said with some trepidation, "are you aware that the servant in question has been my personal valet for the past three and twenty years?"
"I learned of that connection just this morning. I could have used my mother's smelling salts," she laughed.
Darcy laughed with her. "I could have used them last night when I spoke with Thomas." He grew serious as he described in detail what Thomas had told him. "I actually believe they'll be all right," he finished.
"There's a rumor going around that Lieutenant Wickham was arrested last night. Do you know anything about that?"
He hesitated, "there's a small village called Lambton near my estate. George Wickham cheated the tradesmen of more than eleven hundred pounds. He would have done the same thing here in Meryton. He doesn't seem to recognize that his actions can actually destroy the economy of a a small village. And now his thievery has finally caught up to him."
"You said last night that you had known him all his life."
Elizabeth never took her eyes off his face as he spoke of the steward's son who had been his childhood friend. "He was born lowly but the kindness and generosity of my father gave him a gentleman's education at Cambridge. There he met some of the finest men in England. He was given every opportunity to make something of himself. Instead he frittered it all away in cards and wine. Thomas, on the the other hand, took advantage of everything he was offered. He was born the third son of our gardener. He became my valet when I was four years old and he was a mere sixteen. He became my constant companion and kept me safe and out of trouble...most of the time." Unconsciously he smiled remembering some of the scraps he had gotten into along with Richard and George. "Thomas," he continued, "sat in on my lessons and instead of daydreaming, he listened and learned. I taught him how to read and gave him access to the Pemberley library. Every book I read at Cambridge, he read also."
"Two men," Elizabeth said, "chose two different paths. How sad."
"It's heartbreaking," Darcy said. "So now, Thomas is talking about emigrating to Australia or the Americas. He's even mentioned the Caribbean. There are British colonies down there and the cost of living very low.
"You have a great deal of respect for him, don't you?"
"In three and twenty years I've never regretted my affection for him. Miss Bennet, I am fully aware that England gives women little choices in life if they are poor or without title. I sincerely believe that your friend is most fortunate to have attracted a confirmed bachelor like Thomas. He is clever and kind and not without resources or friends. I will be very surprised if she comes to regret her choice."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I feel reassured. I would not wish my friend to be in a marriage where she couldn't respect and esteem her husband. I would not wish that fate on my worst enemy."
Bingley and Jane decided to walk into Meryton with Darcy and Elizabeth following behind at a slower pace however when they approached the turn-off to Oakham Mount, Elizabeth suggested taking it and Darcy was delighted that they would be alone for a short time. He also knew that Bingley and Jane would never miss them.
They walked in a comfortable silence for several minutes before he broke the silence and asked her what her favorite foods were? She turned her face away but not quick enough for him not to notice her suppressed smile. When she finally got herself under control she answered that it was roast pork and trifle was her favorite dessert.. He wondered what was so amusing about his question but dared not ask in case she told him.
He decided to possibly rethink his plan or at least be a little more subtle in his inquiries. When she in turn asked him what his favorite foods were he drew a blank. He couldn't remember any food let along anything he liked. He was in a bad way and despite his pride which was in serious jeopardy, he thought it best to discuss courtship with Bingley. He groaned out loud at the thought and Elizabeth turned to him and asked if he was in pain.
"I just remembered something I have to do, " he answered, "and I'm not looking forward to it."
That evening while Richard held his own against Anne at their chess game, Darcy and Bingley sat in the library sipping a brandy. Darcy frowned in annoyance seeing Bingley so damned happy and relaxed. "Bingley," he growled, "do me the courtesy of removing that sappy look from your face."
Bingley regarded his friend with some amusement. "Courtship not going well? Didn't she answer all the questions on your list? Have you not yet learned what her favorite foods and colors are?"
Darcy's eyes narrowed in irritation, "she likes roast pork and trifle and thinks I'm an idiot."
Bingley laughed out loud, "surely not."
"What on earth do you and Miss Jane speak of? I see you whispering and giggling with your heads together having a high old time while I stumble about like a schoolboy. I'm perfectly fine when I speak about Wickham or Thomas; I make perfect sense when I describe the beauties of Paris and Rome and I can argue the merits of books we've both read. But when it comes time for me to show my interest in her I come off as a babbling idiot. What exactly do you and Jane talk about?"
Bingley stared at his friend in amazement, "are you blind? Or are you simply dense? Have you not seen the way she listens when you talk? How she looks at you when you enter a room? Has she ever refused your arm...that is to say if you've ever offered her your arm," Bingley added in growing amusement.
Darcy glared at Bingley. His friend was enjoying himself too much. "You've had more practice than I have had. I take courtship seriously."
"Too seriously," Bingley replied. "You're not in Cambridge now and this isn't a test. You won't find the answers in a book."
Darcy was silent for several minutes unsure of how to pose the next question other than to dive right in. "Bingley, you are aware of the differences between a man and a woman, are you not?"
Bingley's eyes widened. "I have noticed the difference. One wears a dress, the other, trousers."
Darcy's glare had not the effect he had hoped for. His friend leaned back in a relaxed manner and gazed at Darcy not bothering to hide his amusement at this turn in their conversation. Darcy decided to ignore the fun Bingley was having at his expense. "What exactly do you do...that is, when certain things happen...when you're in Miss Jane's company..."
"Bingley took pity on his friend, "I think of something else."
"Is it that easy?"
"No!" Bingley, grinned, "it's very hard!"
The friends shared a look then laughed hardily. They decided to have another drink.
The next afternoon brought Georgianna to Netherfield to Darcy's joy. Now he would be able to introduce his sister to the woman he hoped would prove to be the most important figure in both their lives. He could hardly contain himself. He wanted desperately to take her quickly to Longbourn but common sense prevailed. Except for a stay-over in town, Georgie had been on the road for the better part of three days and needed timeto recover. Besides, they were all due to dine at Longbourn that evening. He prayed that all would go well.
As he entered the drawing room at Longbourn his eyes found Elizabeth immediately. She was stunning in a soft violet silk, her hair pulled up and dotted with deep purple silk flowers. On her left stood her sister Jane, beautiful in a lemon colored silk gown. Elizabeth was speaking softly to her sister and Darcy allowed himself the pleasure of watching this woman who so enchanted him. He suddenly became aware of a dark shadow on Elizabeth's right and Darcy's eyes shifted and saw the eyes leering at Elizabeth's décolletage, a tongue flicking out to wet the fat lips. Darcy expression grew thunderous. It was at this moment that his Elizabeth looked up and saw Darcy standing across the room.
Georgianna took her brother's arm and feeling his taut muscles looked at him in some confusion. With great difficulty he managed to control his fury and smiled reassuringly at her. "Come, darling," he said, leading her across the room. As they approached Elizabeth, William Collins left Elizabeth's side and bowed so deeply that if he had dropped his hands his knuckles would have scraped the floor. Darcy immediately sidestepped the odious man with a glance that he usually reserved for nasty little bugs hardly aware of the titters spreading around the room.
The two young women acknowledged each other with genuine smiles, both inclined to like what they saw. Darcy breathed a sigh of relief and looked around searching the room for a glimpse of Mr. Bennet. Once Richard and Anne joined them Darcy headed for Mr. Bennet who had secured a spot off in a corner where he could enjoy the various scenes as they unfolded.
Once Darcy had greeted Mr. Bennet he looked over his shoulder and saw that Mr. Collins was now part of the group he had just left. His mouth tightened in anger. "Mr. Bennet," he said, wasting no time, "I realize that this is neither the time or the place but I would beg of you to allow me to court your daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Elizabeth's father eyed her suitor with interest. "Are you aware that there is another suitor who has his eye on my daughter?"
"I know exactly where Mr. Collins eyes were," Darcy snapped.
Mr. Bennet cocked a brow at this reply but decided to let it go by. "Are you aware that Mr. Collins is my cousin and is in line to inherit this estate?"
"He is also my Aunt Catherine's cleric so you have my condolences, sir."
Mr. Bennet was no longer trying to hide his amusement. "Have you spoken to my daughter?"
"No, Sir, but I plan to speak to her as soon as I have your permission to do so."
Darcy glanced back at Elizabeth who was watching Darcy to the exclusion of everyone else in the room. She smiled softly and he nodded and returned her smile. He turned back to Elizabeth's father. "I've just spoken to your daughter, Mr. Bennet. She does not object to my courting her."
And so it was done. After so many years of loneliness searching for a companion to share his life he had found her in a small village in Hertfordshire. There was not a doubt in his mind that the rest of his life would be as close to paradise as there was on earth.