Chapter 17 - Proposals
"Shall you not feel awkward, continuing on at Rosings, Mr. Darcy," Lizzy asked.
They strolled along the lane running beside that great estate since leaving the parsonage. At first Miss Bennet had been happy to walk in relative silence, accompanied by the quite man. Partially distracted by the beauty surrounding them, some of her thoughts taken up by the very sudden and unexpected marriage, the rest of her mind struggled to uncover the character behind Mr. Darcy. Still he displayed such a dichotomy, Elizabeth could come to no conclusion. Even worse, she did not understand how the same man, walking beside her, could have slighted a young lady all those months ago at the Meryton Assembly. It seemed so far removed from the respectful gentleman currently on display.
"The reason for my visit is now dissolved," Darcy answered slowly. Closing his eyes, the stoic gentleman turned his face to the sun which indicated an hour after noon. It warmed his features as little had done in a great many years. Sighing heavily, he confessed, "my cousin is more than equal to the task of managing Rosings Park without my aid. I have schooled him well for the position in the hope Richard would one day take the responsibility upon himself. I have always hoped to concentrate on Pemberley after my sister is out in society and well married. It is the reason Fitzwilliam accompanies me to Rosings at Easter each year. Although Richard will tell you, as the younger son he is at my service."
"Oh," Lizzy took this titbit and allowed her mind to dwell on it. "You have long suspected a partiality?"
"From Richard, yes," Darcy frowned, seeing his cousin's motives clearly for the first time.
"But not Mrs. Fitzwilliam?" queried Elizabeth.
"No," the succinct answer stalled any further conversation. Moving her eyes to the trees, Lizzy noticed they had arrived at the grove she favoured for a morning walk. Wondering how to continue their conversation, this silence seemed strained in comparison to the first. However, Mr. Darcy began again after a lengthy pause. "I was surprised to see Lady Catherine removed to London to enjoy my uncle's protection."
"It is a good outcome, is it not, Mr. Darcy," tempted Lizzy with an impertinent grin.
"One I had not considered," he returned, a slight frown down turning the corners of his lips. "I find it leaves my sister, Georgiana, in the same house which would not concern my uncle."
"This gives you much grief," Elizabeth guessed. After hearing of her near elopement, she could not help but feel for the young woman.
Darcy rewarded her with a shy smile. "Yes," he offered.
"If your sister is anything like Miss Lucas," Lizzy managed to inject a little humour, "I understand your concern. Lady Catherine is formidable. Under the circumstance, she would frighten a young woman not yet out in society."
"Indeed, Miss Bennet," Darcy gave her a strange look. One filled with astonishment and almost respect. "I think it better Georgiana attend her cousins and wish them well. Anne planned to remove Lady Catherine to the Dower house forthwith. A plan, I have to admit, for which I am entirely to blame and which I, took upon myself to achieve with as little inconvenience to the newly married couple as possible."
"It is obvious you care for your sister and nearest relations very much, Sir, but, I think you are to use to considering a great many things for a great many people," she teased, hoping for the man to lighten his mood. When he did not, Elizabeth attempted to become serious, "perhaps it is time to stop?"
"Indeed," Darcy hissed.
Rolling her eyes in frustration, Lizzy tried another subject after yet more silence. "Tell me of your sister, Mr. Darcy. I have only the opinions of Miss Bingley and Mr. Wickham upon which to judge her character. I am not dispose to accept either source. I believe you stated Miss Darcy is eager to host Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam this summer at your estate?"
"Others of your acquaintance will come to Pemberley for the summer. Mr. Bingley and his sisters are to arrive by the end of June," Darcy stated, finally looking down at the woman walking beside him. A few steps later, he stopped, agitated by the discussion. Obviously, Mr. Darcy wanted to make a confession of some kind, which caused Elizabeth to quirk an eyebrow. "I would hope your tour of Derbyshire will coincide and your party will join us. I would like very much for you to be in the company of my closest relatives and friends."
"I," speechless, Elizabeth had not considered the words he'd spoken a week ago with any serious intent. In that instance, Mr. Darcy insisted she take tea or dine when in that part of the country. It appeared he now requested further intimacies with her family. What I cannot fathom is why, Lizzy's mind demanded, when he knows my uncle is in trade.
So,her alter ego responded, is Mr. Bingley, and yet he will also be visiting Pemberley when Lord Matlock and Lady Susan come to spend a Sev'night.
"I will be traveling back to London in a fortnight," Darcy glanced away before returning his glaze to her. "I understand that is when you are to depart, so I have offered Mrs. Collins sister my carriage and protection on the return journey."
"I see," Lizzy blushed at the thought of such attentions heaped upon his last sentence. This condescension would relieve Charlotte of the cost and responsibility of finding a man servant or her uncle sending one so they may ride the stage back to London. "It is very kind of you, Sir."
"I had hoped for your company while ensuring your safe return to your family in Cheapside, Miss Bennet," he added, a note of anxiety in his voice. "It would also relieve my mind for Georgiana to have the companionship of other young ladies. Do you approve of my offer?"
"I am astonished," she stated truthfully.
"Then you will accept it?" Darcy's voice sounded hoarse and unsure.
"I would be a fool indeed not to," she glanced up to see something in his eyes. It appeared to be relief at her easy acceptance.
"May I call upon you while you are in London?" The words were out before Darcy could consider how Miss Elizabeth Bennet would their meaning. "I wish to know your Aunt and Uncle so I may extend a proper invitation to stay at Pemberley when you come into that county."
Equal parts enraged and embarrassed, Lizzy took the time to get her emotions under control. "That depends, Mr. Darcy," she stated in a severe tone.
"Please, Miss Bennet, I know enough of your temperament," Darcy sounded a little defeated, "to feel the loss of your good opinion. Will you not tell me how this occurred as I must confess I have not the faintest clue?"
"You astonish me yet again, Sir," Elizabeth tried to keep the irony out of her tone. From the expression on Darcy's face, she had not completely succeeded. "My sister Jane is to make up the remainder of the party travelling north in July."
Understanding struck. Taking in a quick, sharp breath, Darcy replied with more than a little heat in his voice, "you believe me responsible for Bingley's removal from Netherfield last November?"
"I hope Mr. Bingley would not allow any friend or relation such influence upon his actions," Lizzy spat.
"I will tell you what I told Miss Bingley in December when she asked if I would help to separate your sister from her brother," Darcy removed all emotion from both his words and expression. Those who knew him would sense the danger. "No. It is for Bingley to choose his partner in life. I could detect no to particular regard from your sister. Her countenance is such that her heart is not easily revealed. Let me also inform you, Miss Bennet, that this is not the first-time Bingley has lavished his attentions on a pretty woman whom hopes to have her situation in life improved."
"I beg your pardon!" exclaimed Lizzy, her cheeks turning red with mortification. "Are you suggesting…"
"Allow me to finish," Darcy demanded, his voice dropping several octaves. "Charles Bingley is a flirt of the worst kind for he is incapable of disliking anyone and sees all he meets with equanimity. I have rescued him, more than once, from the clutches of a woman who used his better nature against him. Perhaps, Miss Elizabeth, is it is not Bingley that needs protecting from Miss Bennet, but your sister from my friend."
"Are you trying to say," shocked, Lizzy had to stop and place a hand on a tree trunk, "Mr. Bingley is not attached to my sister?"
"I do not pretend to know the feelings of my friend on the subject as we have not spoken of it in more than a casual manner," Darcy relented. "Please sit, Miss Bennet, before you fall." Holding out a hand, he helped her to a tree stump. "When in London, Bingley asked if I thought your sister had held particular regard for him. I could not see any and hoped none existed when Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst refused to return to Hertfordshire after Christmas."
"Jane," Lizzy swallowed hard, "has felt the cut by Miss Bingley."
"How so?" Darcy wanted to know.
"My uncle is in trade, as you well know. He has recently purchased a factory capable of making lace on a machine. Both Jane and my aunt had new dresses made to display his latest product. Uncle Gardiner took them to the theatre where Miss Bingley noticed the party and ensured they would not meet," Lizzy explained.
"Your uncle," this time it was Darcy's turn to swallow, "is Mr. Edward Gardiner?"
"Yes," Lizzy's spinning head, which had only just stopped, started once again. "I think I have walked too far today."
"Then let me escort you back," Darcy frowned, watching the woman's face before him. He did not like the look of her countenance. "Or perhaps I will walk to the stables and fetch a carriage. Truly, you do not look well."
"I am well," Lizzy sighed with disappointment. "You have given me much to think upon. May I," embarrassed, Elizabeth couldn't look him in the eye, "inform my sister as to Mr. Bingley's character flaw?"
Muttering what sounded like a cure under his breath, Darcy declared, "then her heart is broken?"
"Yes," Lizzy confirmed. "However, not beyond repair my aunt informs me, even though Jane does not see it that way at present."
"If you believe it will help," Darcy's tone softened to one of great understanding, "then yes. I could not withhold the truth about Wickham's nature from my sister after," swallowing hard he glanced up at Miss Bennet only to find complete understanding in her expression. "It would be unfair of me to inhibit the healing of your sister's heart by withholding the truth."
"We are a pair, are we not, Mr. Darcy," Lizzy remarked in the attempt to lighten the oppressive mood. "I believe I can now walk back if you will allow me the solitude of my thoughts."
Nodding, Darcy offered his arm. For now, it seemed enough to feel Elisabeth's fingers at the crook of his elbow. Twelve days remained until they returned to London. He hoped to secure his suit by then and gain approval to seek Mr. Gardiner's agreement to stay at Pemberley.
"I am glad that is over," Charlotte confessed to her friend as they removed to the back parlour. Mr. Darcy had seen Elizabeth to the parsonage door before thanking Mrs. Collins for her assistance in hosting the wedding breakfast and bidding them farewell.
"Yes," Lizzy stated with a faraway look in her dull orbs.
"What occurred on your walk, Eliza?" questioned Charlotte.
"More than I am willing to share," she all but whispered while moving her gaze to the garden. "Please do not ask as I have barely had time to consider it."
"Anne appeared exhausted at the end," Charlotte, concerned for her friend, chose to abide her wish and change the subject. "The poor girl! All she has been though these years under her mother's roof. I can only hope married life improves her health."
"Lady Catherine is not disposed to believe her daughter legally married," Elizabeth frowned in consternation. "She has not given up expecting Mr. Darcy to step into the breach once she has rid Rosings of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Although I do not know how she intends to accomplish her plan from London."
"I fear you are correct and we have not seen the end of Lady Catherine's schemes," Charlotte sighed. "I confess, I do not know how it is to be achieved. Lady Catherine made it plain she blames this on you, Elizabeth."
"I can well understand why," Lizzy managed a slight grin. "She believes I have placed a spell on Mr. Darcy and forced Colonel Fitzwilliam to marry her daughter. If only I had that power, all would be right with the world."
"Eliza," Charlotte approached the subject cautiously, "have your thoughts on Mr. Darcy changed with this event? I cannot help think your current mood has been formed since returning from your walk."
"Why should my thoughts on that gentleman change?" Elizabeth asked confused. "It is clear Lady Catherine believes me responsible for the marriage of her daughter because I have lured Mr. Darcy affections toward myself. It is not true, you know this Charlotte. I have never sought his good opinion."
"Mr. Darcy payed particular attention to you today," Mrs. Collins reminded. "I believe you have his good opinion whether or not you wish it."
"We have not been in the company of the gentleman more than three or four times," Lizzy replied. "I know him no better than I did before coming to Kent."
Charlotte once again knew when to retreat. Raising an eyebrow, she called for tea safe in the view her friend might well be on the way to a most fortuitous match. Not at all romantic, Mrs. Collins could see what Elizabeth Bennet refused to acknowledge. Not only did Mr. Darcy esteem her, Eliza was beginning to return those feelings.
~~ooOOoo~~
"Where the devil have you been?" demanded Colonel Fitzwilliam the moment his cousin entered the grand hall.
"Walking," Darcy glared, wondering what had his cousin in such a foul mood, after all this was his wedding day.
"I had expected you earlier," accused Richard with a frown. "Do I know nothing that occurs within the walls of my own home? Aunt Catherine is removed to the Dower house and the servants know more of what is happening than I do. Even my wife is making plans without my knowledge."
"And now you find your father pre-empted Aunt Catherine's temper and removed her to London until the end of May," Darcy answered, trying to hold in his sudden mirth. Obviously, the good Colonel expected to face his mother in law upon gaining entry to his new home. He seemed to want company for this first confrontation.
"Oh," Richard looked pleased at this news. "Georgiana," he spluttered as he realised Darcy's sister stayed at the Matlock town house.
"I would like to send my carriage and collect my sister from London," Darcy requested, "if you are able to extend an invitation."
"I am sure Anne would welcome the distraction," Richard smiled. "How long has it been since Georgiana and Anne have been able to sit and speak freely?"
"Longer than I can remember. I must send an express. I hope Georgiana will be ready to travel on the morrow," Darcy turned to the estate office. On the threshold he remembered it was no longer his place to stride into that space. "With your permission, cousin?"
"Always one to stand on propriety," Richard laughed while offering the use of his room. "I hope Miss Bennet knows what she is in for! I cannot see you out walking with any other. I believe the removal of our aunt may help you in this endeavour."
"I hope so," Darcy sighed, relating the particulars of his discussion with the lady while writing the express. "I think my sister will arrive shortly after noon tomorrow. I hope by the end of your first week of marriage, the ladies will be in want of company so I may introduce Georgiana to Miss Bennet."
"I am sure Anne will be more than happy to host such a gathering, but I must confer with her first," Richard smirked.
"Where is my cousin?" Darcy enquired; surprised he could not hear Mrs. Fitzwilliam. For the last two days, Anne lamented the inability to converse with her betrothed as they attempted to distract Lady Catharine from the truth. The newlyweds had much to speak of and more to deal with if they were to find felicity and happiness.
"This morning has exhausted my wife," Richard couldn't stop his grin at the word. "Anne is resting until we dine. Without Lady Catherine, I am now free to start some of the improvements immediately. I would like your company, Darcy, so we may draw up a plans to bring Rosings Park back to its former glory."
"Then let us make best use of our time," Darcy stated with a slight smirk. The two men began the process of restoring an estate long passed over in favour of condescension.