Chapter 27 - To Longbourn
AN: I quick warning, I might not be able to keep up with the regular publishing schedule in the next two months, but hope to get at least one chapter out each week. I have three surgeries scheduled between now and the 6th January. I'm hopping that the 3 month recovery will leave me with enough time to finish this work, which will be about 60 chapter and 200K words long.
Wednesday morning dawned cloudy and overcast. However the pearly grey light filtered through high and unthreatening weather. It would be cool enough for Darcy to push his mount fifteen miles to the first coaching stop. Last night, the gentleman sent an express to an inn along the road to Longbourn. A steady, endurance breed awaiting his pleasure, he would spend little time changing horses so he might return as quickly as possible to London.
Entering into the breakfast room, Georgiana made her way to her usual seat. Without a word, she sat and watched her brother while sipping her tea. He ate mechanically, his eyes glazed and his mind on the events he would have to endure today. Half way through his meal, Darcy barely acknowledged his sibling.
"You are early to the table," she teased after another five minutes. He'd nearly cleared his plate.
"I wish to be atop my horse by eight," Darcy stated, sipping the only coffee he allowed himself until his return. "I want to arrive at Netherfield no later than half after ten and hope to speak with Mr. Bennet before noon."
"Why," Georgiana hesitated, eyes downcast, "are you stopping at Netherfield. It seemed to sadden Miss Bennet and anger Miss Elizabeth."
"That," Darcy sighed heavily, "is a very difficult question to answer. I am partly to blame for the separation of Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley, who I believe are, or at least were, very much attached to one another. Unfortunately, through circumstances not of his making, Bingley is unable to keep Netherfield and I have agreed to deliver the unhappy news to the present owner's attorney. It is hoped the lease will be dispensed with immediately."
"The entire town is talking of it," Georgiana's face came up to meet her brothers. She'd linked the facts and understood all her brother implied. "Mr. Hurst is to retire to a small estate in the North in disgrace. Poor Mrs. Hurst. How she must be feeling?"
"Hurst is Bingley's brother," Darcy reminded, his scowl displaying his anger at the man's dissolute ways, "and therefor Bingley has pledged his support to his sister's husband. The house on Grosvenor Square belongs to Bingley and he is to install his sister in it. Miss Bingley is to make her own way in the world from next month."
"Oh," Georgiana's face reddened. Such an action from family meant Miss Bingley had angered her brother most grievously. "What has she done to deserve to be cut so openly?"
Thankfully, before Darcy had to find the words to tell his innocent sister about Caroline's part in separating Bingley from Miss Bennet, a footman entered. On his silver tray a letter resided. Bringing it to Darcy, he took one look and indicated his sister. How he wished that feminine script had been address to him and not Georgiana but with their engagement still unknown, it could not be so. He watched eagerly to see any reaction to Elizabeth's words.
Waiting until the servant left, Georgiana leapt to her feet. Coming to sit at her brother's side, she handed him the sheets with a hopeful look on her face. Biting her lip, Georgiana paused while he read the short note.
Dear Miss Darcy,
Please believe I am mortified to stoop to this form of deception. I can only pray you forgive me. My sister Jane ensures me you know the reason for using you so abominably. Please get the two notes enclosed to your brother before he leaves for Hertfordshire this morning. It is imperative you do so if he wishes to conclude his business with any hope of a positive outcome.
If I am mistaken in my assumptions, then I give your brother leave to tell you all. Please also tell him I release him from any secrecy and I am sorry for any hurt I have caused by declaring it must be so. I have become aware of my folly and can only hope Mr. Darcy will forgive me.
Until we meet later today,
Elizabeth.
Before Georgiana could say a word, Darcy found the letter addressed to him. Tearing it open he read hungrily. She noticed the intensity on his face. In that moment she knew a love she'd never experienced before and the pale, insipid idea Mr. Wickham inspired within her. My brother truly adores his betrothed, she understood. I cannot help but be a little jealous. My future sister is one of the best women I have ever met. I am afraid she will take Fitzwilliam away from me. He is all I have in this world.
Darcy, his attention on the note, did not see the emotions crossing his sister's face. At this moment nothing mattered but Elizabeth. What more could she possibly have to impart?
My Dearest,
I am ashamed that I have not been able to keep my word when I forced your secrecy. My sister Jane has uncovered our engagement and I had to tell her all. It has been a revelation, speaking with a woman who is so steady and reasonable. How I have missed my sisters quite confidence when my emotions have betrayed me so badly.
Jane has made me see how I have caused both of us grief and sadness with my ill-conceived words. Therefore, I give you leave to tell anyone of our betrothal after you have gained my father's permission. Perhaps then we may be able meet and talk for a few minutes. Each morning when I walk, I remember those moments at Rosings and wish it could be so again. There is so much I need to say and no way to do so as things stand between us. How are we ever to know each other if we cannot speak?
Finally, we come to the reason for my inappropriate behaviour, sending this letter to you via your sister. I hope I have read yesterday's conversation correctly and you are for Longbourn this very morning. I think you would have guessed, I am Papa's favourite. My father will not be welcoming of anyone asking for my hand, least of all a man whom he believes I despise. I am sorry to say, but so it is and of my own infliction. I have treated you most vilely, openly expressing my opinion of your arrogance and pride to all who would listen before our discussion at the Netherfield Ball. Because of this, because of my position in one of the most eminent families in Meryton and Mr. Wickham's lies, your reputation is not as it should be. I have written to my father to correct this as I should have done so many months ago. I can only hope it helps your cause.
I leave you to read my note to my father if you wish. I pray it is enough to give his blessing. However, I suspect Papa will want to see me before giving his final consent. I hope this is not so.
Your Elizabeth.
"Brother," Georgiana watched as he paled, not sure what to make to the unusual situation.
"I must go, Georgiana," Darcy stated, a determined expression covering his face.
"What did Miss Elizabeth say?" she asked with a piteous cry.
"That I will have trouble convincing her father of her acceptance," Darcy couldn't say more. He needed time to consider how this would change his address. "Do not worry so," he placed a warm palm on each of his sister's shoulders, "all will be well. Tomorrow night we will be announcing our engagement to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Nothing will make me leave Longbourn without Mr. Bennet's consent."
Leaning down, Darcy kissed Georgiana on the forehead. Going to his study, he unlocked the top draw. Taking out a sheath of papers, Darcy looked over the settlement. Mr. Gillam still had to draw up the final copies but everything needed had been placed in this draft. It would convey his devotion to his future father in law's favourite.
Shattered, Miss Darcy continued to sit in the breakfast room. In a few hours she would be hosting Miss Elizabeth. Suddenly rising to the challenge, Georgiana filled her plate. She had much to do before welcoming guests. If Leighwood was to expect a new Mistress in the coming months, Georgiana intended to keep her place. Future sister in law or not, Miss Elizabeth would learn that Georgiana intended to be treated with dignity and respect. She would not be pushed out of her brother's life completely.
I am going to start as I mean to go on, she thought. I will help Elizabeth with her new position but this will be a family of which I am very much a part.
Making his way directly to Longbourn, Darcy made good time. The cool breeze aided his mounts easy cantor as did the dry, well-kept roads. Arriving in Meryton at a quarter to eleven, he continued through the town. Bingley's letter to Mr. Phillips would wait. When the town heard of his quitting the place, they would be in uproar.
Best, Darcy considered, to leave that until after I have secured Elizabeth's hand.
So it was, by eleven o'clock on Wednesday, Mr. Darcy arrived at Longbourn. Although he'd resided in the neighbourhood for six weeks, Darcy felt ashamed this would be the first time he'd entered Elizabeth's home. A boy took his horse, eyeing the animal he knew it to be a rental. At the door, Mr. Hill escorted the gentleman into his master's book room only because he knew the name. Now, Mr. Darcy sat in a chair before Mr. Bennet with only a brief greeting between them. The older man held Elizabeth's letter in his hand. He understood the meaning of such a communication the moment Darcy placed it there. As he had not read it, Darcy waited for Mr. Bennet's reaction.
"So," Octavius demanded, anger lacing his tone, "you have come for my Lizzy?"
"Yes, Sir," Darcy offered, his face a neutral mask.
"I hope," the older man spat, wanting a reaction, "you find her more than 'tolerable' at present."
"It has been some time since I have considered your daughter the handsomest woman of my acquaintance," Darcy returned in a stoic tone. His expression held tightly so the maelstrom of emotions assaulting him would not break through. So much now made sense, why Elizabeth held him in such contempt after the Assembly at Meryton. Never did Darcy mean for the young lady to hear his caustic words.
Wickham, Darcy berated himself, was a distraction for the true reason Elizabeth disdained me. I insulted her vanity without knowing her. My betrothed had every reason to believe me full of pride, as she pointed out that evening at Netherfield. Yet, had I known this, would I have told Elizabeth of Wickham's misdeeds? Would we now be engaged?
"Then you are happy to give her consequence, even if she is slight by other men," Mr. Bennet pushed, wondering what thoughts crossed Mr. Darcy's mind. His concentration had been taken from the task at hand and it confused Octavius.
A flicker of irritation and resentment flashed across Darcy's countenance, only to be ruthlessly controlled. It brought a slight and temporary smile to Mr. Bennet's face. Closing his eyes, Darcy considered how he should feel if a man applied for the hand of his daughter when she loathed him. He could only imagine Georgiana in that predicament at this moment in time. Still, the image humbled him.
Opening his eyes with a new determination, Darcy stated, "I can only wish never to be in your situation at this moment, Mr. Bennet. When a young man comes to me in the very distant future and requests the hand of my child, I hope I will know his and my daughter's wants well enough to grant the application without the hesitation and grief you now feel. Please," he nodded to the still unopened missive, "read the letter from Miss Elizabeth. Although your daughter has given me permission, I have not unsealed her private message to you. Such an act would be a travesty toward Miss Elizabeth's trust. If it pleases you, I have both the notes to my sister Georgiana and myself should you wish to inspect them."
Placing his hand, palm up, Octavius silently demanded the sheets. Without hesitation, Darcy reached into his pocket and produced them. He did not explain, allowing Mr. Bennet as much time as he needed to read.
"Have you discussed your engagement," Octavius found himself swallowing the bile reaching his throat and burning it, "with your sister?"
"Events forced my hand," Darcy announced. "For this I am not disposed to look upon my actions kindly."
Eyeing the man, Mr. Bennet saw the internal struggle. "It cannot be an easy task, hiding such news from a beloved sibling. Indeed it appears Lizzy could not withhold the truth from Jane."
"The idea of a secret engagement was not mine," Darcy's nose flared with indignation. Stopping, he realised this would not give his future father in law a good impression if he continued in this vein. "As you can deduct from Miss Elizabeth's letter to me, I know your opinion of me, that you must be troubled in the extreme as that opinion has been gained from my betrothed."
A light turned on in Octavius mind. Glaring at Darcy, he knew where the information about Wickham originated. His daughter would never tell him of her source, even if he suspected. From that day, the one were Lizzy had "accidently" poured a cup of scalding tea on the rake, she had pursed her lips when someone spoke ill of Mr. Darcy. Taking up the final letter, he broke the seal and began to read.
My Dearest Papa,
You will be shocked and, I am sure, aggrieved when you learn that I have accepted the hand of Mr. Darcy of my own free will. Indeed, the fact the gentleman is sitting in your book room, most probably with a stern expression on his countenance while you read this is testament to his reason for visiting in such a manner. This letter, coming from his hand can only be seen as conformation. Indeed it is and I beg you give your unconditional consent to our betrothal.
I have long known Mr. Darcy not to be the proud, arrogant man I accused him of after that first meeting at the Meryton Assembly. There are reasons, I will not divulge, that caused him to act as he did and I have forgiven any slight as I hope he has forgiven me my arrogance. I cannot claim to know Mr. Darcy well as I would wish too as we have not had enough time to court properly. Your blessing will ensure that occurs.
You will wish to know how this came about. Mr. Darcy visited his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh as is his usual practice every April. Our paths crossed daily. During our time, Mr. Darcy has revealed much of his character not seen in Hertfordshire. Indeed he has no improper pride and can be the most amiable and agreeable of gentlemen. I truly believe we can be happy together although there will always be vexation between us. How could two strong natured people, one use to getting their own way, the other impertinent coexist without some argument. Truly it would be insupportable to be as happy as Jane and I would not wish it so.
Fear not, Papa, our union, despite its retched beginning will be one of felicity and respect. Before you ask, I have come to love him although we have not discussed this, so please do not tell Mr. Darcy. I know you! Stop smiling at my down fall or you will give away my secret. Yes, I do intend to tell him but first you must agree to the settlement he undoubtedly brought with him. If only you knew his kind nature, it would relieve your mind. Perhaps you should ask about his business dealing with your brother. I am afraid I have forced the information from Uncle Gardiner after Mr. Darcy's visit yesterday.
Finally, I have given Mr. Darcy leave to open this letter and peruse its contents. As a mark of respect to me, he would never consider doing so. It goes against his very nature and loathing of deceit in any form. So, you see, Mr. Darcy is a very good man.
Love you devoted daughter,
Lizzy.
Tears welled in Mr. Bennet's eyes. He kept them in his orbs, although they looked a little glassy. Unable to glance at the man sitting across the desk, he folded the sheet and placed in securely in his top draw. Somehow he knew he would not have the pleasure of his Lizzy much longer.
"When is the wedding to be," Octavius requested in a very tired tone.
"That will be Elizabeth's decision," Darcy let out the breath he'd been holding. Feeling free to call his betrothed by her Christian name, it rolled easily off his lips as it had done in his mind since that December evening he'd faced down Caroline Bingley.
"Let me call for tea," Mr. Bennet said, already out of his chair and pulling the bell.
Darcy found he could not object, even though he wished to be on the road to Meryton and concluding the remainder of his business. A stifling silence settled over the gentlemen as they awaited the tray. It was relieved by a knock which came as a welcome relief. Mr. Bennet seemed as pleased with the interruption as Darcy, especially when Mrs. Woodward entered the room. Recognising Colonel Fitzwilliam's relative, a sigh escaped Darcy ridged control. He had half expected Mrs. Bennet, demanding an explanation as to his presence in the house.
"Mrs. Woodward," Darcy jumped from his chair, bowing to the lady with great humility and respect. "Elizabeth informed me of you loss. May I offer my sincere condolences?"
"Mr. Darcy," she returned with a curtsey. "Thank you but it was some time ago now. I have moved on with my life as you see. Your presence here, and use of Miss Bennet's Christian name can only mean one thing. Am I to wish you joy?"
"Yes, thank you," he blushed.
Octavius, carefully watching the interaction stood motionless. This behaviour and condescension towards Mrs. Woodward, a gentlewoman of reduced means did not fit with his ideas of the man. Yet, his Lizzy wrote to say his character had been dreadfully maligned. Perhaps the man had been misunderstood while in Hertfordshire.
"Miss Elizabeth is a delightfully regular correspondent. She wrote from Kent," Theodosia added easily. "I understood you spent some time in company together. I believe Miss Elizabeth expressed her delight in coming to know your sister and the marriage of Colonel Fitzwilliam to Miss de Bourgh."
"How," Octavius finally found his voice, "do you know one another."
"My cousin," Mr. Darcy explained, "is also Mrs. Woodward's late husband's cousin so we are not related unless you take into account two marriages. However my cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam spoke often of Captain Woodward as they were both sons destine for careers in the law, the clergy or the military."
"They had much in common," Theodosia explained, "and kept up a constant acquaintance whenever possible. Has your cousin sold his commission now he is the master of Rosings Park?"
"Yes," Darcy announced. "He will do very well with his wife. If I may ask, where are Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth's younger sisters? I do not hear them within the house."
A look passed between Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Woodward. Switching to French, she requested, "Please join us in the drawing room." When Mr. Darcy followed but not Mr. Bennet, she continued, "today is French day in the house. Even the servants speak it so the younger Miss Bennet's can become truly accomplished. It is not time for the girls to practice their instruments, so they are covering screens or embroidering."
Mr. Darcy did not like the quiet. He'd always imagined Longbourn to be filled with noise and the insistent chatter of silly women. His beliefs were based on what he observed of the Bennet's at the various social functions they had attended.
"Mrs. Bennet has been ill and keeps to her bed," Theodosia almost whispered. "Her recovery is slow but some days she is able to come below stairs. Please do not alarm Miss Bennet or Miss Elizabeth when your return to London, Sir. There is no need at present."
"Will Mr. Bennet not join us?" Darcy asked.
"Shortly," Mrs. Woodward smiled. "Allow him some time to come to terms with losing his Lizzy. Coming on top of the changes, it is going to hit the poor man very hard."
"I see," Darcy remarked, and he did.
It seemed Mrs. Woodward had easily stepped into the breach left by Mrs. Bennet during her protracted illness. The young Bennet girls appeared quieter and more ladylike. They chose their topics of conversation carefully, paying him every courtesy. The vulgarity and exuberant behaviour had vanished. Darcy could only credit Mrs. Woodward with the dramatic changes. When Mr. Bennet joined them, he spoke little, watching his flock with careful eyes. It seemed Mrs. Woodward had been instrumental in this regard also. She forced him to take notice of his daughters and they flourished under his attentions.
"Mr. Darcy," Octavius followed him out to the hall, "I will delay telling my wife the good news. I believe she will rally tolerably well and want to start planning your wedding. Perhaps it is better for her current condition that Lizzy chose to be married form London and have her Aunt Gardiner and sister aid her with the preparations."
"Are you attempting to save me from the local gossip, Sir," Darcy looked at the man in wonderment, "or should I arrange to have your daughter come home?"
"Neither, Mr. Darcy," Mr. Bennet smiled. "I am quite resigned to the fact I have lost both my eldest daughters for I cannot see Lizzy happy without Jane at her side. Both have been gone so long," here the man stifled a groan, "that bringing them home only to lose them again would not be conducive to my health."
"Then I will leave this copy of the settlement for you to look over," Darcy handed the papers over. "Should you require anything else to be added, please write to me at the address included."
After the man had left, Octavius finally looked at the sheet. He needed to sit down as he noted the sums of money, settled not just on Lizzy, but Jane as well. "Good lord," he stated to the empty room, "he must love my Lizzy as I do. I am glad, for I could not have parted with her to anyone less worthy."