Dear readers, I cannot thank you enough for sticking with me. Some of you may have noticed I have been having too much fun writing 100-word challenges. If you have read them, thank you! It is hard to reply to comments there using author's notes as I am keeping to the 100-word count. I have the rest of this story mapped out but have not written the details yet. Writing a longer story like this is not as easy for me compared to writing shorts. But I am trying and hopefully I can pull this off.
suddenlysingle: Thank you. More papers to mark. It never ends. ;-)
Deanna27: I agree, too soon to be intimate. Elizabeth needs to know the real Darcy first.
srhittson: Thank you. I enjoy writing it too.
Colleen S: That little rat seems popular with readers. We should name it. Thank you for your reviews.
lpinney: I loved reading your comments. Bingley is a little bit surer of himself here, not as goofy/weak as how he is often portrayed.
Lisa: More will be revealed in time.
roses0002: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy the next chapters.
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To everyone's great relief, Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and Elizabeth arrived safely at Longbourn. The time was late for the men to stay longer. They were also aware that the Bennet family needed some privacy after the day's events. Mrs Bennet, however, still had some words to say.
"Lizzy, how could you run off like that? You just deserted two men who could save us. How inconsiderate of you! Thank goodness that Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley brought you back here but you must really stop thinking only of yourself! And to see you leap out of the window to escape! You have no compassion for my poor nerves! You must start acting like a lady and not like a hoyden. I know not how you managed it but you are fortunate to receive two proposals with that kind of behaviour."
"Mamma, there was only one proposal. Can we please discuss this some other time? I am really tired and would like to rest."
"Stop making excuses, Lizzy! You should not make suitors wait. They would lose interest soon enough. Where would you be then? No one else will offer for you."
"Mrs Bennet, I apologise if you think it is not my business, but I think it is best if Miss Elizabeth retires now. It has been a taxing day for her and perhaps in the morning when she is more rested, she will be ready to converse."
Mrs Bennet was stunned for Mr Darcy rarely addressed her. In her mind, he thought them all to be inconsequential people so she felt oddly proud to be given his attention. She certainly wanted to forward the match between him and Lizzy. Not because she particularly liked him, but because she wanted her daughters to marry well. Lizzy would live a lavish life if she married him. Moreover, it would be such an honour to have someone of his status be part of their family.
"Certainly, Mr Darcy. I thank you for your concern for Lizzy. I hope she sees reason and accepts you. I do not understand how her mind works. For someone so clever, she certainly does not make very good decisions. I hope you will call on her tomorrow."
"Mamma! Please," Elizabeth just wanted her mother to stop.
"Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley, I thank you both for your assistance today. If you will excuse me, I will be heading upstairs now."
After Elizabeth left, Mr Darcy turned to Mrs Bennet and said,
"Mrs Bennet, I will indeed call tomorrow. If you will allow it, I shall speak to Miss Elizabeth then."
"Of course, Mr Darcy. You can call anytime."
"I also intend to call tomorrow, Mrs Bennet," added Mr Bingley.
"Wonderful! You will want to speak to my Jane. She is so beautiful, is she not, Mr Bingley?"
Looking at Jane, he softly replied,
"Yes, very beautiful."
Jane blushed and felt warm inside. Mrs Bennet was feeling optimistic. She would be the envy of her neighbours if Jane and Elizabeth could secure Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy.
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Elizabeth went up to her room and immediately plopped down on her bed. She was exhausted, physically, emotionally and mentally. All she wanted now was to be afforded some time to herself. She lay on her bed for some time trying to make sense of what happened that day.
She then saw the corner of the folded papers from Mr Darcy peeking out from her pocket. Carefully, she pulled them out but she quickly hid them under her pillow when she heard footsteps approaching. Jane entered, with a worried look on her face.
"How are you feeling, Lizzy?"
"I am tired and confused, Jane. I do not know how everything seemed to have gone so wrong today."
"You mean you cannot choose between your two suitors," Jane teased, trying to lighten the mood. She knew Lizzy sees humour in many things.
"Ugh! Jane, you know I do not have any affection for either of them. It feels like I am in a nightmare."
"I am aware that you do not like Mr Darcy. However, the more I think about it, the more I feel that he may actually suit you."
"What? How could you say that, Jane? He does not even think I am handsome enough to tempt him, and we argue over everything."
"He seems to be watching you when you are not looking. I think he was just trying to hide his attraction to you. And he is an intelligent man who seeks intelligent conversation."
"You always see the good in everyone, Jane. I know he is friends with Mr Bingley who is very amiable and cheerful, but Mr Darcy is just too… solemn."
"Well, that is where you can help him. You can bring some cheer into his life."
"I highly doubt anything there are many things that can make him smile, let alone laugh. We will be miserable together."
"Lizzy! He is a serious man, I grant you. But perhaps that is how he has been brought up. He is a young master of a grand estate. He has taken on huge responsibilities and I think he could do with a spirited partner in life."
"And what of his ill treatment of Mr Wickham? How could he do that to someone who was close to their family?"
"You have only heard one side of the story, Lizzy. Be careful not to judge before knowing all the facts. I think Mr Darcy truly cares for you, Lizzy. He would not have declared his intention to offer for you otherwise. I imagine he is a sought-after bachelor, with his wealth and station. And he chose you. I hope you at least give him some consideration."
Their conversation stopped when there was a knock on the door. They were somewhat surprised to find that it was Mary. She sat with them on the bed.
"I am glad you are safe, Lizzy."
"I thank you, Mary."
Mary said nervously,
"Jane, Lizzy, there is something I need to tell you."
"What is it, Mary?"
"Mr Collins proposed to me and I accepted," said Mary in a meek voice.
"You are engaged to Mr Collins," exclaimed Lizzy.
Mary nodded and said,
"I hope that you are not angry with me, Lizzy. I know he proposed to you and you refused him. I hope you were not still considering him."
"No! I could not be angry with you, Mary. And I was serious when I refused him. But, Mary, are you sure about your decision? He is not the most agreeable man."
"Yes, I am certain. I know I am not as witty as you, Lizzy nor as beautiful as you, Jane. I am dull compared to Lydia and Kitty. I cannot aspire to be swept off my feet by a dashing gentleman. All I want is a simple, quiet and comfortable life. I would love to stay here at Longbourn all my life. I cannot imagine living anywhere else."
"Oh, Mary. You have many good qualities. You are more accomplished than I am. You enjoy reading and can play the piano. But if you are confident you have made the right choice, then I wish you joy."
"Thank you, Jane."
"Mary, you know I only want what is best for you. I hope you will find happiness."
"Thank you, Lizzy. I will be content. Mr Collins will apply to Papa before dinner."
The sisters hugged each other tightly and found themselves tearful. Perhaps it was because of all the events that had transpired that day on top of the emotions that arose from the realisation that their lives would change dramatically quite soon. If and when they marry, they would be leading separate lives. In a way, Mary was fortunate to have the chance to stay in the home they all loved and grew up in.
After Mary left, Jane assisted Lizzy in getting changed. They have always been the closest amongst the sisters. Having only one maid in the household, they tried to attend to each other when they can, as they were older and more responsible. Jane gasped when she saw Lizzy's foot.
"Lizzy, you are hurt!"
"It is nothing, Jane. You know I get a lot of cuts and bruises from my walks."
"Let me have a closer look."
Lizzy gingerly showed her foot to Jane.
"It is quite a big wound, Lizzy. We need to treat this so it can heal properly. I will go and see Mrs Hill."
As Jane stood up to go, Elizabeth said,
"Jane, will you please assure Papa that I am well? He must be worried when I fled this afternoon."
"Of course, Lizzy. Would you like to have some food brought up?"
"Yes, please. I should like to rest early this evening."
After Jane left, Elizabeth pondered about their discussion. It was her hope that Mary had made the right decision in accepting Mr Collins. She knew her mother would be relieved to know that Longbourn would stay within the family. How about Mr Darcy? Was he in essence a good man? Had she misunderstood and misjudged him? Should she give him a chance? She still had so many questions and she did not know where to find the answers to them.