Chapter 18: Another Wedding and the Ride Back
Thursday, 21 May 1812
Longbourn
"Lizzy, have you developed a tendre for Mr. Darcy?" Jane asked in a hushed voice in the short period of privacy before Jane's dressing began.
"WHAT?"
"He is a nice looking man and you must be much in his company while attending to his wife."
Shaking her head, Elizabeth protested. "No. He is as disagreeable as ever. I rarely see him outside of Anne's wing, but when I do he hasn't changed. He still looks upon me with disapproval and disgust. Why would you ask?"
Jane looked at her with sympathy. "Last night, you asked him to stop taking the bedcovers."
Would her mortification never end!
For the briefest of moments, Elizabeth considered bringing Jane into her confidence. Jane would tell no one. To open up to Jane about all she was doing to save her mother, sisters, and herself when Papa went to his reward. To be absolved by Jane's forgiving nature.
"It must have been a bad dream. Shall we start brushing your hair? The simpler style will enhance your eyes." Leaning closer to her ear, she whispered, "I cannot imagine your beautiful hair with that bird nest décor Mama recommended."
Jane laughed in response as Elizabeth picked up the brush. The two began preparing for the wedding.
Elizabeth could not burden her sister, not on her wedding day. Not ever. She would never receive Jane's mercy for her own imperfect choices.
~~~oo0oo~~~
The rest of Longbourn was already at the church while Jane, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet waited for the carriage to return so they could be the last to arrive.
Mrs. Bennet had to spend these last few minutes fussing. "Jane, dearest, you are the loveliest bride since my own marriage! Remember to make sure Mr. Bingley feels he is making the decisions and you will always get your way. If that doesn't work, ask in the bedroom before you submit." (1) She sent a stern glance toward Elizabeth. "I would keep such information from you, but with your shameful letter … Humph. I would never speak to such a brazen girl, but as you are protecting my home I can forgive you this once."
Looking more closely at her second daughter for the first time since her arrival, Mrs. Bennet asked with concern, "Lizzy, are you well? You look ill." With conviction, her mother decided, "You must have Mr. Darcy move your trip back to Friday. You need time to rest, and you will not get that while traveling. Besides, with all the excitement about Jane's wedding, we haven't heard about Rosings Park. This evening your father and I wanted to hear everything. I want to know all of the great house and its visitors. You've met the Earl! If you leave today, how will I know what to tell our neighbors during calls next week? You must know they ask of you."
Though her mother only wanted gossip with which to entertain the neighbors, her wiser father, aunt, and uncle would ask more probing questions. It affirmed Mr. Darcy's decision - they must leave today.
"Mama, I am well. Jane and I have stayed up late talking, that is all." While her mother heartily agreed, complaining about the late night giggles disturbing her sleep, Elizabeth made more excuses for her early departure. "Mr. Darcy has business that he must take care of tomorrow morning. We are at his mercy."
As the Bennet carriage pulled up and the ladies were handed in, Mrs. Bennet made her displeasure known. "I would ask you to write, but you never do justice to the important details. But it is of no consequence; Lady Lucas has invited me to join her in bringing Maria home. I will arrive in Kent on Friday next and stay a week. Mr. Collins has graciously offered me a room, but I expect you to provide an invitation to the great house." The lust in her mother's eyes mortified Elizabeth.
"Mama! I cannot do that. I'm a guest myself." Looking to Jane for support, Elizabeth had no choice but to disappoint her mother's ambitions, "You will have to stay at the parsonage. Lady Catherine will not take kindly if I suggest otherwise."
"Mama, Lizzy is correct. You were invited by Lady Lucas. It would be rude for you not to stay with her. Besides, we don't wish to anger the great lady who has given so much to our family." Jane quietly said.
"Quite so, quite so. No need to anger the woman. But Lizzy, you must at least get us an invitation to tea."
"I will do my best, Mama," Elizabeth sighed, one more burden upon her.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Observing Elizabeth confirmed Darcy's decision to leave that day. He would have to work to maintain his distance from her during the wedding breakfast and on the ride to London, but she would spend tonight, all night, with him.
He should keep his glances from her, but his back was to the congregation. She kept her eyes on her sister and the rector, as was proper.
As the newly married Bingleys moved to sign the wedding register, Darcy offered his arm to escort Elizabeth from the church. To avoid raising suspicions, he donned his uninterested mask and refused to look at her, but he knew she must have been remembering the Hunsford Park marriage where she said the vows to him. He certainly was.
Darcy handed her into her family's carriage, using the clandestine opportunity to squeeze her hand a bit tighter than he should, still without making eye contact or changing his expression.
~~~oo0oo~~~
"La, Lizzy. It must be awful living at Rosings with Mr. Darcy there all the time," blurted Lydia. "Did you see the look on his face when he escorted you out? While I was jealous at first, for we all know I could entertain the girl twice as well as you, the prospect of having to be in the same house as Mr. Darcy makes me glad I'm at home. I'm having much more fun with the officers here. I will not need to live at Longbourn much longer because soon I'll be married, and mine will be the most handsome husband."
Elizabeth suppressed her sigh as she rode home with her sisters.
Jane's wedding had been everything lovely. Elizabeth felt satisfied standing next to her sister, knowing the role she played in making this day happen. It was perfect. Perfect, with the exception of Mr. Darcy glaring at her throughout the ceremony. Maybe he resented his role in the marriage. Deciding she didn't care, she concentrated on the brilliant future her beloved sister had before her.
Quickly jumping to her next subject, Lydia announced, "I would say I would marry Mr. Wickham, but he disappeared last week. No one knows where he went, but Mrs. Long said all of Meryton is fortunate for it." Lowering her voice to be discreet, but not too discreet, Lydia said, "He left large debts with the tailor and at the mercantile. Mr. Chamberlayne told Captain Carter who told Colonel Forster who told his wife who told me that Mr. Wickham was to be avoided. In his hometown, he was a known seducer and left more than one woman in ruin. Word is he disappeared after the blacksmith caught him trying to seduce his daughter. You know old man Lyons' temper and how well he can wield a hammer!"
"Lydia!" Elizabeth chastised her sister.
"Oh, la, I think you are too vain to admit you made such a poor sketch of his character. You are so proud of being correct, and he was your favorite."
Elizabeth colored. "I had no time to know Mr. Wickham, and I do not start my sketches believing poorly of people." Although Wickham had only held her interest for a brief time, Lydia was correct in the pride Elizabeth had formerly held at discerning people's character. Although Elizabeth would never admit it to her gloating youngest sister. She was vain. It was something she needed to address in her temperament.
"That's not true." Kitty laughed. "You started your sketch of Mr. Darcy believing poorly of him. He then spent his time in Meryton proving you correct!" She and Lydia giggled as they again sympathized over their sister having to stay in the house with him.
"Mama and Mrs. Lucas said he will leave once his wife is with child," Mary said seriously before turning toward her sister. "I will pray that happens soon so you will not have to suffer him much longer."
"What do you mean?" asked Lydia.
"Mrs. Lucas said that's how it is in marriages of the wealthy. He married her to add her estate to his own. He just needs an heir from her, then he goes back to his life, and she goes back to hers," Mary echoed what she had overheard.
Elizabeth hadn't considered what Darcy would do once she became pregnant.
Not able to consider the implications as Longbourn grew closer, Elizabeth changed the topic. "Mama and Papa will need all of you to help them now that Jane and I are gone. Mary, I know Papa can be difficult, but I need you to help him with the estate books. Make a second copy after you finish and send it to me. Kitty, you will need to help Mama with the menus. You will no longer need so much food, help her adjust. Lydia, you need to help Mama with her nerves. You must keep track of her salts and bring them to her when a fit strikes." Glancing out the window as the carriage pulled up the drive, she looked at them all. "There will be no time to talk later, but I will miss you all dearly. Write to me if you need something—I will do my best. If there are problems at home, no matter what Mama or Papa say, write to me of it. Promise me, all of you." Elizabeth received their nods of agreement.
She was asking much of her younger sisters. Mary would have to tolerate her father's moods and barbs to get him to teach her what to do. Kitty would have the easiest time, but working with Mama on the menus would also give her time apart from Lydia. Mama would be convinced to reduce the amount of food at the table after a few meals went to the hogs. Lydia. She gave Lydia the job of calming Mama's nerves in hopes her youngest sister would see them as an annoyance. Maybe it would encourage Lydia to gain control of her imprudent behavior. It was much to hope that the sister most like her mother would garner control of herself, but it was the only thing Elizabeth could do to help her while she was in Kent. She had written parting notes for each of her parents detailing her instructions to her sisters and asking her parents to show patience while working with them.
The girls exited the carriage, entering after the wedding breakfast had already begun. Elizabeth filled her plate and found a place between her aunt and Miss Darcy, far from the disagreeable Mr. Darcy. She had noticed how he looked, particularly when he escorted her out of the church. It was the public Mr. Darcy once again, showing once again how disgusted he was of her, her family, and her village. They were all so far beneath him they didn't deserve even basic civilities.
On the other hand, his sister was kind. Having spent some time in her company, Elizabeth liked her quite well. While listening to Miss Darcy speak with Mary about techniques for improving their sound on the pianoforte, Elizabeth almost didn't hear her aunt ask about her health. "You look fatigued Lizzy. Are you becoming ill?"
Yes, I am. I am becoming ill from rising early for illicit meetings with the stranger who is kind and gentle and could easily hold my heart. I abandon him to begin my day, preparing for Jane's wedding along with reviewing the Longbourn ledgers. There is no time for rest until I finally fall into bed. Even then I have not been granted sleep, for these were my last few nights for private conversation with my dearest sister. Then today, I stood with Jane as Mr. Darcy scowled at me throughout. After the wedding feast, we will load into the carriage, ride to London with that same man refusing to acknowledge either me or my beloved relatives, only to end at his home to have my beautiful stranger once again come to my bed. It is exhausting, would you not agree?
Of course, Elizabeth could say nothing of the sort—truth that it may be.
"Jane's wedding has been so much excitement! She and I have indulged in late night discussions for we will never share a room again," Elizabeth sighed. "A few nights of peaceful sleep and I will return to myself."
"Would you prefer to stay the night with us tonight? We could call on Miss Darcy tomorrow and bring your things to allow you to leave early Saturday for Kent," Aunt Gardiner asked kindly.
Spending the night at her aunt and uncle's home sounded—peaceful. One night of pure rest with no disturbances. She began to agree until she remembered her aunt and uncle would likely question her about the stay in Kent, about Aunt Margaret's letter, about any number of other details she could not easily answer without betraying her situation.
"I would dearly love to stay with you, but I fear Mr. Darcy has already arranged for me to stay as Miss Darcy's guest." It was true that he had made those arrangements. "She keeps Town hours, so I will have no reason to rise before midday. I must remain there, as he will likely return to Kent tomorrow evening if he completes his business early." Elizabeth could not imagine what Mr. Darcy's business in London was, or if there was any way it could be finished early, or if he would wish to leave that day if it did finish early enough. She had to ensure her aunt did not extend the invitation again in the presence of her parents or uncle or Mr. Darcy. As much as she preferred the Gardiners' company, having them asking her about Rosings terrified her. She knew she could not answer with complete honesty, and the thought of being caught in a web of lies was daunting.
Aunt Gardiner patted her hand sympathetically. "As much as I prefer you stay with us, I see the sense in that. I do not want to see you rushed back to Kent, but will accept it if it allows you the rest you need. Your good health is important to us."
Elizabeth smiled at her aunt and began asking of her young cousins' latest escapades. She glanced at Mr. Darcy at the other end of the table. He was trapped between Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bingley and looked as if the gallows would be a mercy. She smirked at him. He caught her eye, giving her a little smile before returning to his misery.
Eventually, the feast ended. The bride and groom bid everyone farewell with Jane giving Elizabeth an extra squeeze and promised a faithful correspondence.
Once the bride and groom had left, the Hursts and Miss Bingley immediately called their carriage.
Now it was only Elizabeth's family, Miss Darcy, and Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy made polite conversation with Uncle Gardiner and Mr. Bennet while Elizabeth made her final farewells.
When the Darcy carriage pulled to the front, Elizabeth's younger sisters and Miss Darcy excitedly left the house. After another round of parting words, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet stepped outside, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Being the last two persons remaining, Mr. Darcy accompanied Elizabeth out of the house. Saying nothing and wearing his mask of indifference, Mr. Darcy did not offer Elizabeth his arm but instead placed his hand in the curve of her back to guide her through the door.
Elizabeth felt the shock throughout her body. He could not touch her so intimately! This was not the time for the kind and gentle man. This was the Disdainful Darcy who held himself far above her paltry self. Beyond that, if they were to be seen she would have much to answer for. Removing his hand as soon as they stepped outside, he walked beside her toward her family.
Mr. Bennet stood a bit apart from the rest of his family as they all bid adieu. He wanted to be the first to bid his Elizabeth farewell as he already missed her dearly. As he glanced back toward his home, he saw her exit with Mr. Darcy following. Sadness overcame him, realizing what his next year would be like. He wouldn't have his little helper with all of her abundant energy, and he would now need to exert himself to make Longbourn prosperous for her sake. When she next returned, she would be on her way to becoming the master of the estate, though he doubted she would make him uncomfortable about it. Embracing his daughter, he told her of his great love and admiration, something he had never before done. He begged her to write and for her forgiveness of his lacking correspondence.
While Mr. Bennet farewelled his daughter, Mr. Darcy bid his very proper farewell to each member of the Bennet family. Miss Darcy followed her brother, then had him hand her into the carriage. Elizabeth went next, with emotional final embraces for them all. The Gardiners gave their farewells as Mr. Darcy was assisting Elizabeth into the carriage. As he helped her up, Mr. Darcy took advantage of the attention focused on the Gardiners and his back toward her family to briefly break his façade. He squeezed her hand, gave her a relieved smile, then trailed his fingers along hers as she released his hand. Mrs. Gardiner followed her niece into the carriage, along with Mr. Gardiner. Peeke decided to ride up top with the driver as the inside would be too crowded for her liking. Mr. Darcy entered and they were off.
Mr. Bennet watched sadly as his daughter entered the carriage knowing she would not be the same girl when she returned.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Once again, Darcy did not speak in the carriage for fear of engaging Elizabeth in conversation. Her aunt and uncle were clever enough that they would easily discover him not so indifferent to their niece. Georgiana tried to engage him, but he pled fatigue from the day and turned away. He enjoyed listening to the others and learned much about Elizabeth and her childhood through their conversations.
At one point while Georgiana slept, he feigned sleep. It allowed him to hear her aunt quietly refer to a letter, reminding Elizabeth to send her a copy so she could one day use it when her daughters married. She should disguise her writing and not include where it originated. Darcy opened his eyes a sliver and watched Elizabeth blush. It took all his control not to laugh.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Thursday, 21 May 1812
London
After unloading their traveling companions at Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth embraced them, as well as her much younger cousins who came out to greet her while Darcy and Georgiana stretched their legs.
"Why is Lizzy not staying here?" her young cousin asked. "She always stays here."
Mr. Gardiner looked ready to ask the same question when his wife responded to their daughter. "Dear, Mr. Darcy had to return to London early to take care of a few things. As soon as he finishes, he is to return to Kent, bringing Lizzy with him. If he finishes early he will wish to leave early, it will not do to have Lizzy here. It would delay his journey home to see his wife."
Of course, her family would be expecting her to stay with them. In Darcy's intentions of having her with him, he had not considered the possibility of others who might be equally desirous of her company. A quick glance at Elizabeth's face told him where Mrs. Gardiner's assumptions originated. "Yes, madam. I thank you for your consideration. I do hope to finish quickly and return as soon as I may." Not to go back to his wife, and he would never consider Anne his wife. If he finished early, he would not be returning to Kent. He would return to his home, to his room, where he could be at ease with Elizabeth as soon as he may.
Returning to the carriage for the short trip to his Town home, Darcy asked Elizabeth if she enjoyed her time with her family. Looking at him quizzically, she replied she had.
"So you have finally found your voice, Brother?" his sister accused. "I know you must have some reason, but why have you gone the entire trip without speaking to the Gardiners? I fear you made them feel you dislike them."
"Nothing could be further from the truth. They are a charming couple. I've enjoyed listening to them while we traveled."
Unwilling to confront her brother further, Georgiana turned the topic to his trip to Kent. "I did not know you would be returning to Kent tomorrow," she said sadly.
"It is not fixed. I have a meeting I must attend to and the appointment is set for ten. I will likely not finish until after five o'clock, making it too late to begin the journey." He knew there was little possibility the meeting would last so long. "However, Elizabeth's aunt was correct to insist she stay with us tonight. If the opportunity arises to leave early, we would be able to take advantage of it. Otherwise, you will be able to spend the day together."
Georgiana looked at him askance and then glanced toward Miss Bennet who was looking out the window. Whispering so, she hoped, only her brother could hear, she asked him earnestly, "Why would you use her Christian name?"
Exhaling deeply, Damn, he thought, scrambling to find an answer. "I am fatigued from the trip. That is what both you and Anne call her. I hear it so often. It was a mistake."
He looked quickly at Elizabeth. If she heard, she did not acknowledge it. She was staring out the window watching as they pulled up to his house.
As they entered, each looked forward to cleaning off the dust of the road before sitting down to the dinner. Darcy was taken aback when Richard greeted them in the entry hall. Georgiana was overjoyed, while Elizabeth, a guest who was suffering from exhaustion, greeted the gentleman with the expected composure.
"Why are you in my house?" Darcy demanded. He was looking forward to a quiet evening and an early night. He certainly did not feel up to entertaining his cousin.
"I saw Lord Huron yesterday. He mentioned a meeting with you early tomorrow. If you had not returned today, you would not be able to make the meeting." Flashing a toothy grin, he opened his hands wide before him. "Besides, I wanted to check on my cousin. See how Kent is treating you. And you as well, madam," he added, bowing to Elizabeth.
Richard made himself comfortable in the library while the travelers went to clean themselves before dinner. When Darcy joined him, Richard wasted no time. "Before the ladies finish, tell me how goes your venture in Kent?"
Darcy rolled his eyes. "How did you get into my home?"
"I'm on the most-favorite-cousin list. Now shell out. Has it worked yet?"
"It's too soon to know. I spoke with Dr. Pryce, and he said it may take a few months for her to take and more months for signs to come. The only sure way is the quickening, from there it is about five months until the child is born." Darcy rested his forehead in his hands, moving to rub his eyes.
Richard pulled his brows together. "So you will be stuck in Kent for the foreseeable future?"
"Yes."
"No matter, you usually spend summers in the country. How is the company?" Richard smirked.
Darcy glared at him defiantly. "As expected."
Richard rubbed his hands, raising his eyebrows. "What were you expecting?"
"Aunt Catherine to be pompous and demanding. Anne to be … uncomfortable to be around. The same since our youth," he retorted, now watching the stairs expecting the ladies to join them shortly.
"And the other expectations?" Richard probed.
"I had no other expectations. Ah, here comes Georgiana and her friend," Darcy grinned triumphantly at his cousin being cheated the information he so desired.
Richard offered his arm to Georgiana, leaving Darcy to escort Elizabeth.
At the table, Richard asked about their trip to Hertfordshire.
Darcy motioned to Georgiana to give her account. "The house and grounds are lovely. Miss Bennet's estate was only three miles from the Bingley's house, so I was able to spend most of my days at Longbourn. Such a lively home! There is always something to do and someone to do it with." Georgiana went on about Miss Bennet and her sisters and all the many things they did.
When she finally paused, Richard inquired, "But what of Netherfield? I thought you stayed with the Bingleys?"
Georgiana, feeling overly comfortable with her charming cousin, huffed. "Mr. Bingley was everything pleasant, but his sister was another matter. She was in her cups almost all of the time and said the most awful things! Calling my brother a fortune hunter! Insulting Anne, saying wealth forgives many things. Even suggesting my brother take Miss …" Realizing what she was about to say, Georgiana stopped herself, flummoxed.
Her brother saved her. "Yes, she was in rare form. I would have been forced to send Georgiana back to London if it were not for the graciousness of Miss Bennet's family." He nodded to Elizabeth in gratitude.
Elizabeth looked unsure of what to say. He would speak with her more tonight if she felt up to it, explain more of what Miss Bingley said. Miss Bingley professed things she did not believe true, only wanting to provoke him in her jealousy.
"Yes, I greatly enjoyed the time I spent with your family Miss Bennet. Miss Bingley said she has an understanding with Lord Huron. I feel sad for him if such is true," Georgiana professed.
"That is my meeting tomorrow. After spending four days in her company, or might better say - avoiding her company, I feel honor bound to warn him," Darcy told Richard.
"I think everyone knows what Miss Bingley is," Richard laughed while taking a sip of wine, "which is why she remains single. Who wants to end up with a Lady Douglas?" (2)
The cousins continued discussing the trip, while Elizabeth remained unusually silent. When Richard asked, she claimed fatigued.
Recognizing that in his own home, Darcy could speak to Elizabeth as long as he was careful to address her properly. "You mentioned in the carriage you stayed up well past the time you retired, that you would speak with your sister. Were you able to rest during the day?"
"No, sir. I had but four days and much to do. There was no time for rest."
"What did you do with your family, Miss Bennet?" Richard asked.
She told him of finishing her sister's wedding dress, helping prepare the wedding breakfast, reviewing her father's books, resolving a tenant dispute, and assuring her sisters would be able to assume the roles she and her sister had previously filled.
"But, Miss Bennet, were you able to go on your famous walks with so much happening?"
Darcy used all the force he could muster to launch the toe of his boot to Richard's shin. Richard scowled at him while swallowing a yelp.
Fortunately, at that moment, Elizabeth was looking toward Georgiana, both ladies innocent of any impropriety the Colonel may have tried to suggest. "Miss Darcy was most useful in that, Colonel Fitzwilliam. She accompanied me on walks to gather flowers for the house every day." Turning again to Georgiana, Elizabeth nodded. "I may have forgotten to tell you how much I enjoyed our rambles. You chose the most beautiful flowers."
As the ladies finished their meals, Georgiana excused Elizabeth and herself to the music room. Hearing the pianoforte start, Darcy turned aggressively to Richard. "What were you thinking? Asking her that?"
"What do you mean? I thought she was well known for her walks," Richard defended himself.
"I hope she did not understand your meaning. How could you allude to that at the dinner table and in front of Georgiana? You are no better than Miss Bingley," he spat out in disgust.
Raising his voice slightly in irritation, Richard defended himself. "I meant nothing of the sort. You are the one feeling guilty." Leaning back, calming down, taking a sip of wine, Richard looked back at Darcy with a twinkle in his eye. "So how were your walks?"
"I do not walk. I ride."
Lifting his brow in amusement, Richard refused to quit. "How were those rides?" Then changing his expression to that of affected confusion, he took a sip of his drink. "Although, I always thought it was the ladies doing the riding."
"I should thump you for that," Darcy retorted, finishing his glass of port. "But I would rather join the ladies." Rising from his chair, he put Richard on notice. "Elizabeth will need to retire early. Her late nights with her sister have exhausted her. I fear for her health if she does not rest. You will remove yourself from my home within twenty minutes."
"Yes, General," he said facetiously, saluting Darcy.
While Georgiana continued to play after the gentlemen arrived, Darcy watched as Elizabeth's eyes drifted closed before she would catch herself and jerk awake. After the third time, Darcy moved toward her. "Madam, I believe you are much fatigued. Allow me to escort you to your room."
Elizabeth agreed and bid proper good evenings to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy. Meanwhile, Darcy informed his butler to immediately bring the upstairs servants down for the evening so the lady would not be disturbed. Only Georgiana's maid was to attend quietly when her mistress rang. No servants would be needed above stairs before nine the next morning.
Walking slowly, giving the servants time to remove themselves, Darcy first led Elizabeth to her room, asking her to stay there a moment. He checked the servants' stairs. Hearing his butler leading the last of the servants downstairs, he brought Elizabeth back to the staircase, leading her into his room. He helped her out of her robe and stays, then tucked her into his bed. He kissed her head, whispering for her to sleep, as he went to see his cousin out and bid his sister good night.
~~~oo0oo~~~
When Darcy returned to the parlor, Richard was resolutely sent on his way, assisted by a firm shove out the door when he continued to chat. Richard laughed as he stepped into the street. Darcy must be in a hurry to partake of the delights awaiting him tonight, although she seemed too tired to share his desire.
As he made his way back to his parents' home, Richard contemplated Darcy's demeanor that evening. He was calmer. Happier? No. He was content. Miss Bingley's indiscretions, which she did in front of Georgiana no less, only prompted a warning from Darcy to her intended rather than a death cut to her social life, which he would have done before.
Then there were Richard's irritations that he delivered to Darcy. Certainly Darcy gave him the well-deserved kick when he made the sly comment about walks, but there was none of the outrage he could have expected a few weeks earlier.
I cannot believe I'm doing this. I cannot believe I am working with Anne, Richard thought to himself.
Before April, he never would have thought Anne to be so devious, or even so clever, as to come up with such an elaborate scheme. But, he thought, she does sit around that house all alone with nothing to do. It gives her endless time to learn and plot. Not for the first time, he pitied her. Given a proper opportunity, Richard wondered how she might have used those talents for the greater good.
The more he thought about it, the more he agreed with her plot. It kept Rosings Park intact, kept Aunt Catherine out of the way, and gave Darcy an heir—something Richard's mother had been bothering her nephew about these past few years.
Darcy had received training in estate management from his father starting in childhood. It was his responsibility to train his son. But first he had to have that son. Everything resulting from what was happening at Rosings was good for his family.
Then there was Miss Bennet. It is good for her too, he convinced himself, just not as easy.
It may be difficult for her right now, but Miss Bennet appeared to be strong enough to do her part. Reflecting on her willingness to take on the job even though it went against every tenet society demanded of maidens, he decided she embodied what he believed a hero to be.
When she accepted Anne's proposal, his first response was disappointment. He initially thought her to be above such behavior and not one to be swayed by financial gain. But the more he learned of her situation, the more he understood why she would be failing her family if she did not accept.
Having seen men on the battlefield, he well knew a hero from a coward. Miss Bennet faced daunting circumstances and when offered an agonizing solution, she accepted her self-sacrifice with bravery. The more he learned of her, the more he admired the woman.
Her father, he had no doubt, was what Richard deemed a coward. He held no respect for a man who would leave his dependents in such a state.
Miss Bennet would be worth giving up a carefree status for. She was more interesting than most of the other women he had met and was intriguing. From what he saw with Darcy, having a woman nightly might have a calming influence. He was not ready for such a commitment just yet, but one day.
He hoped Darcy did not mismanage this opportunity and drive her away. It would not bode well for the family if she left wishing only to retire to her estate and to live the remainder of life in solitude.
Richard would have to make sure that did not happen. (3)
~~~oo0oo~~~
(1) No joke: my mother told me this. Then went on to describe the ways the women she knew manipulated their husbands. To each their own. I chose to not use manipulation.
(2) You can Google Sir John and Lady Douglas to find out more about them. Wikipedia is pretty vague. The website douglashistory co uk has an interesting write-up on the whole thing. It sounds like Lady Douglas was a confidant of Princess Caroline until she decided to switch sides to the Prince Regent. She testified that one of Caroline's adopted children was really an illegitimate son and caused a bunch of drama.
(3) For those enjoying the Colonel's thoughts, it was ODCODG's comment (from 2016) that inspired me to look from his point of view.
~~~oo0oo~~~
A/N (from 2016): I originally had them leaving the next day, but as I wrote the story her family naturally asked too many questions that could give the scheme away. That combined with Caroline Bingley ending up a catty drunk the whole time, even in front of young Georgiana (not originally in my story plans), and it seemed leaving after the Bingleys marriage would be ideal. It would also give Darcy a chance to speak with Lord Huron about his intended and precautions he may want to take before he commits to anything formal.
By the way, Miss Bingley's drinking is because the world she had planned has fallen apart. She lost any chance of a connection with Darcy through either herself or her brother marrying Georgiana all that one morning where her brother gave her the news of Darcy's marriage. She was stuck back in Netherfield where she thinks the people boring and beneath her. Her brother is marrying beneath him. She's managed to come to an understanding with Lord Huron, but it's a cold-hearted financial deal that maybe gives her what she wants, but really? Everyone wants a little affection in their life. On top of that, since he's so desperate for her money, she knows she won't have as much to spend once connected with him. She will be like her sister, married to 'a man of more fashion than fortune.'
The most interesting part in writing this has been the story creating itself. I didn't plan on Miss Bingley having an understanding with Lord Huron or being a lush in this chapter. There are quite a few things that entered the story as I wrote. Some, like more of Elizabeth's POV and Colonel Fitzwilliam's POV, were directed by comments. Thank you for letting me know what the story needed.