Chapter 7
In the garden, William and Elizabeth discussed the letters he had received from his family.
"My aunt is anxious to meet you after she heard much of you from Richard. Apparently, Richard told her how you were not cowed by Aunt Catherine and, in fact, challenged her on more than one occasion. He also told them bits about my first disastrous proposal to put to rest any fears you may be a fortune hunter," he grimaced as he remembered. "They are predisposed to think well of you anyway and have pledged their full support for the match. She had requested that I bring you to call after our return. I have a feeling she will want to go shopping with you and assist with your trousseau."
He paused for a moment and caressed the hand in his arm for a moment as he considered how to phrase his request without giving offense. "While I am certain the Gardiners are very capable of providing you with a trousseau, given the lack of support from your parents, I would like to be of assistance if I may. Since we will soon be wed, I can ensure that you have accounts set up where Georgiana shops, or anywhere else you may care to go."
"Hatchards?" she inquired.
"Of course," he said automatically. "You may purchase whatever books you like, but you may want to peruse the libraries in both houses first."
"There is another library in your house in town? Does it rival this one?" Elizabeth asked, eyes wide in wonder.
"It is smaller, of course, but bigger than the library at Netherfield. And infinitely better stocked," William grinned at her as he answered.
"I have explored the library here, but it would take months, or even years, to become as familiar with it as you seem to be. I can scarcely imagine a second library almost as wonderful as this one," Elizabeth said.
"The Darcy collection is a product of many generations. It is one of the largest in England, I believe, and I am always seeking to add to it. The bookseller in Lambton keeps an eye out for unique volumes he thinks may interest me and there are several shops in London I visit regularly as well," William said proudly.
Elisabeth laughed merrily. "I think this is one area where your pride is warranted, my dear. And I will much more happily shop for a book than a bonnet, so I hope to accompany you on some of these forays for rare and unique books."
William laughed in return before checking his watch. "I believe it is time to return for luncheon, Elizabeth."
At lunch, the topic was the return trip to London and Georgiana and her companion were apprised of the changes to the plans. Mrs. Annesley was happy to act as chaperone to Miss Bennet for the day or two at Darcy House until the Gardiners arrived in town, while Georgiana was thrilled about shopping with Elizabeth.
During this conversation, Mr. Gardiner told Elizabeth that as a wedding gift, they planned to purchase her trousseau. When William quietly stated his desire to assist, Gardiner assured William it was unnecessary. "Several modistes in London regularly obtain their fabric from me. I have agreements with them about providing discounts on gowns my wife has made and they extend the same to my nieces when they are in town. With my wife's help, Elizabeth's trousseau will cost far less than you are imagining, and I am certain Madeline will ensure Elizabeth has everything she needs. The hardest part will be in convincing Elizabeth to accept the number of dresses and other items she will likely need."
William grinned his agreement. He had shopped with Elizabeth and Georgiana earlier that week – his sister had no problem spending his money, while Elizabeth had been much more reluctant.
"Gardiner, I received a draft of the settlement papers today as well. Are you able to sign as Elizabeth's guardian? I know she is of age, but I want to ensure everything is handled correctly," William asked. "After you have reviewed the draft, I would like to discuss it with Elizabeth as well."
"Certainly," came the reply. The two men headed directly to the study after lunch where Gardiner was shocked to read what Darcy would settle on Elizabeth.
"Clearly, the 'ten thousand a year' my sister crowed about was understated," Gardiner said after reading the document fully.
William chuckled. "Pemberley brings in a little over that amount most years. I have two other estates, one in Scotland and one in Kent, and quite a few investments. My annual income is somewhat closer to thirty thousand pounds a year."
"Elizabeth may swoon," was all Gardiner could say.
She did not but was very shocked to hear the full amount that William earned each year. The settlement was likewise shocking. Initially, he would settle thirty thousand on her and add an additional five thousand each year for ten years. She would retain rights to Pemberley for her lifetime, as well as Darcy House. Any children of the union were provided for as well. Overall, the settlement provided well for Elizabeth and their future children and the only complaint she could find was that it was too generous.
"William, it is simply too much," Elizabeth said once her uncle was gone.
"Elizabeth, this is the same settlement my father gave my mother. It is generous, but it is appropriate for your status as Mrs. Darcy," William insisted.
She glared at him, but he did not relent. Finally, she relented. "Fine, then. But I can use my pin money however I see fit, correct?"
"Yes," William said slowly.
"So, I can give some of it away?" Elizabeth asked.
"Within reason, love. I would hope you would discuss your charitable endeavors with me, so we do not duplicate our efforts. If there is a need on the estate, I do my best to ensure things are handled adequately with estate funds. We have discussed what you have been doing with tenants around Longbourn and I know you intend to do the same here," William replied evenly.
"What about in London? My aunt participates with several charities there and I have always tried to help when I visited," Elizabeth asked.
"We will likely spend a few months in London every year until Georgiana's come out. After, we will not have to spend as much time in London but will participate in as much of the season as you would like. I know my aunt participates on several charity boards and would be willing to assist you with getting involved," William told her.
She huffed. "You are being entirely too reasonable, William."
He laughed. "I do not know where to apologize or to thank you, my love. Either way, I hope you will always find me reasonable or at least willing to discuss any matters with me, especially things that we find difficult.
"Before he passed, my father spoke to me about marriage and my future wife. The most important thing he told me was that there will be disagreements, but it how we respond to those disagreements that will make or break a relationship.
"While I believe we both have passionate natures and I have little doubt we will argue, heatedly on occasion, However, we must ensure that we never let these disagreements fester. We must seek to resolve disagreements without letting them come between us."
Elizabeth took William's hand in hers. "That is sound advice. I know I can be quick to rush to judgment without knowing all the facts and you are too used to relying on your own counsel. We will have to learn to work together, and there will inevitably be an adjustment period for both of us. Hopefully, we will learn quickly how to overcome, and I believe that our argument in Hunsford may be of benefit to us in this."
"I would have never thought I would appreciate that argument, but you may be right. Elizabeth, one thing that we must always do is what we are doing now – talking and listening to each other," William said. "I can be reserved, but I have sought to do better with you. If I slip back into my old ways, you will need to speak to me to remind me of my resolve to talk to you. I have enjoyed speaking to you about estate issues and you have provided valuable insight."
Elizabeth blushed slightly. "I often spoke to the steward at Longbourn about issues on the estate and I tried to convince my father to make improvements. Sometimes I was successful, but I often was not. I became well versed on estate management, but rarely saw any of my suggestions be implemented. Father saw few reasons to improve the estate, especially after Mr. Collins's visit. He was certain Mr. Collins would run it into the ground anyway and did not see any reason to assist him.
"While he supported my refusal of Mr. Collins's offer, I often thought he was disappointed in me for not accepting him. I think he knew he would have made my life miserable, but still nursed a small hope that I would be persuaded to endure it for the sake of Longbourn."
William sat shocked for a moment. "Do you mean that Mr. Collins made you an offer of marriage?"
"Yes, the day after the ball at Netherfield. He said Lady Catherine had 'suggested' he offer an olive branch by offering marriage to one of my father's daughters and he assumed any of us would be thrilled to receive his offer. I became his target after Mama warned him away from Jane. His proposal was, in some ways, worse than your first attempt." She grinned at him. "Nearly as insulting, but he refused to accept my answer. I think I must have said 'no' a dozen times before he understood that I was serious."
"I did not realize he had offered for you," William stuttered. "I have never been so glad you are stubborn, my dear. It would have been awful had I arrived in Kent in April and found you married to Collins. Forgive me, but the man is a fool. He would have made you miserable, especially when combined with my aunt."
Elizabeth laughed. "He is. I was not pleased when Charlotte told me she had accepted him, but it seems to work well enough for her. She has tempered him somewhat. Lady Catherine makes him worse."
It was William's turn to laugh. "They are an odd pair, that is for sure. He hangs on to his every word as though it were gospel, and she is pleased with the attention. How does your friend bear up to the scrutiny?"
"She bears it well enough," Elizabeth answered. "I would not bear it nearly as graciously. I cannot imagine daily interactions with your aunt, I am sorry to say."
"Neither could I, which is why I limit my visits to once a year. Normally, we would only have stayed a fortnight but this year I postponed our departure twice," William said. "On the morning we left, after I gave you the letter, I told my aunt, in no uncertain terms that I would never marry Anne. Although I believed you lost to me, I knew that I would never marry anyone but you. My aunt was furious, as you can imagine, and I have not had a letter from her since. In Anne's letter to Georgiana shortly after, she congratulated me for finally setting her mother straight. Since then, I believe my aunt has allowed her a little bit more freedom, which makes her happier."
"And how with Lady Catherine react to the news that you are engaged to her parson's distant cousin?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not well, I am afraid," William answered. "She was furious that I would not marry Anne, but she still expected me to marry for wealth and connections. My aunt was not pleased with your outspoken nature as I am sure you are aware."
She laughed. "Yes, I was aware of her displeasure. My cousin dedicated hours of my visit to attempting to correct my behavior. I was accused of impertinence and of not treating Lady Catherine with the proper deference and respect required by her position."
William grimaced. "Another reason that would have been a miserable match for you." He pulled her to him and kissed her briefly. "I have so many things to apologize for, my dear, but my biggest failing was not recognizing your worth sooner. I have needed you desperately in my life and I failed to realize it at first. And then I arrogantly assumed you would feel the same way I did without making any significant effort to court you as you deserved. I apologize for being a fool for so long, Elizabeth."
She leaned into him. "William, we have canvassed this. We were both foolish at times, and we both were culpable for the argument in Hunsford, but it is resolved now, and we are to be married. You were arrogant, I was vain and allowed myself to be flattered. I rushed to judgment, and so did you, but we have worked it all out. All is forgiven, my love, and all is as it should be."
He put his arm around her and pulled her into him. "You are wise beyond your years, love. The thought that I could have lost you to Collins is unsettling. I am thankful that we were granted a second chance at this."
"I am too," Elizabeth confessed. "I did not want to come to Pemberley that day until we were assured you were not here. I was afraid to face you again after I had realized how wrong I had been about you. I had started to change my mind about you after reading your letter the first dozen times and it led to reflection of every encounter we had ever had. It took some time, but I realized how difficult it must have been for you to speak in Hunsford, and even if it seemed insulting at first glance, you had honored me more than I realized. And then when I came here and saw Pemberley, I understood you better. Mrs. Reynolds was a deciding factor. After hearing from her the kind of man you were, I knew I was in love, and I was berating myself for my stupidity in not understanding you better. Then, when I came across you in the gardens, I was so embarrassed, certain you must despise me. I was surprised at the gracious reception, certain I did not deserve it. But you were kindness itself and when you renewed your addresses, I was beyond thrilled."
"I am so happy that I arrived early," William paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "It was because of you that I came ahead of the rest. Miss Bingley was grating on my nerves even worse than usual. I kept wishing that I was bringing you to Pemberley instead of the Bingleys. Dreams of you kept me from sleeping well at night – for month I would wake up reaching for you and it would make it difficult to go back to sleep. I wanted to make my peace with Pemberley alone, and because of that need, I encountered you here."
"That was fortuitous," Elizabeth said.
"It was indeed," William relied.
They sat snuggled together until a footman appeared with an express message for the master. "It is from Bingley," he said, rising to accept the letter.
When he opened it, several other letters fell out, including one addressed to Elizabeth. "It is from Jane," she cried when he handed it to her.
They sat back down to read their letters, and both were thrilled by the news the letters conveyed. "They are engaged to be married," Elizabeth cried. "Apparently, my father is in favor of this match, and they are to be married from Longbourn when the banns have been read. They will beat us to the altar, my dear, but perhaps that will mean that Jane will be able to come to my wedding. She still does not mention mine"
William told her what was in his letter: "Bingley says he has not discussed our betrothal with Jane, because she has received no letters from you since arriving in Derbyshire, confirming what we thought about your father holding back your letters. When he mentioned my name in front of Mr. Bennet, he said the man grew angry and refused to discuss anything whatsoever pertaining to me. He told Bingley if he mentioned my name again in his presence, he would refuse his blessing from their union as well. Bingley is unwilling to bring anything up about it, even to Jane, and Mrs. Bennet keeps them so occupied in wedding planning, he rarely has a moment alone with Jane."
"I do not know what to do about my father, William," Elizabeth said suddenly. "I do not understand the reason for his anger. And now, I will miss my eldest sister's wedding for reasons I cannot even begin to comprehend."
He hugged her to his side. "I am sorry, my dear. I wish there were something I could do to fix things for you. Bingley asked me to stand up with him, but I do not know how I can agree to do so since it will no doubt create an issue at your sister's wedding."
"William, I hope my father will reply to our letters and be willing to at least listen to us. I cannot understand him treating me this way. Typically, he has always been willing to hear me, he has never refused to discuss things, although he has often disregarded my opinions," she paused and then took a deep breath. "One thing I admire about you is your willingness to listen to whatever I have to say. We have shared many ideas in the last fortnight, and every time you have listened to my ideas and talked to me about them, expanding on them and making them better. Not only listened, but more than once you have acted on my suggestions. If you disagreed, we discussed them, or you explained your reasoning for not taking my suggestion."
"And one thing that I admire about you, Elizabeth, is that you are willing to make suggestions, that you are knowledgeable about estate matters. You will be a partner to me in every way, you already have proven that." William said as he pulled back just a bit, looking her in the eyes. Slowly, his mouth descended to hers and in that kiss, he expressed every bit of his love for her. Moments later, when they broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.
"William," she breathed, her heart in her eyes.
"I love you, Elizabeth." William began when he could speak again. "But for my sanity and your protection, it is best we seek out the company of others."
Elizabeth just looked at him for moment, but soon nodded and he escorted her to the music room where Georgiana was practicing.
"Is everything all right, William? We have had two express riders just today and you have been sequestered in your study quite a bit all day." Georgiana inquired when she noticed their entry.
"Some business to attend to and finalizing the marriage settlements with Gardiner and Elizabeth. The second express was from Bingley, announcing his betrothal to Elizabeth's elder sister," William explained.
"That is exciting, is it not? Will they marry in Hertfordshire? Will we go?" Georgiana asked.
"Nothing is certain yet, dearest. For the moment, we are still headed for London on Monday," he said.
If Georgiana thought that answer strange, she did not say anything but invited Elizabeth to practice a duet with her. She accepted and shooed William away, telling him to attend to his business so he would be ready to go on Monday. He laughed at her but left them alone in each other's company.
Back in his study, it took longer than normal for him to get started, but before long he was engrossed in his work. Before he realized it, the bell rang signaling time to dress for dinner.
Dinner was pleasant and then Sunday was a blur. Monday morning arrived quickly, and luggage was loaded into the carriages. There were three carriages heading south, one for the Gardiners and two for the Darcy's. The smaller one carried their personal servants and a majority of the luggage, while Georgiana and her companion rode in the larger one. Elizabeth was to begin the trip with the Gardiners and Darcy was to ride alongside both carriages. Several outriders traveled with them as well.
Elizabeth had written an additional letter for Jane and one for her father. The one to Jane was congratulatory and spoke of her happiness about her marriage. Since her sister had hoped she would stand up with her, Elizabeth had said she would be happy to, but only if her father permitted it. It would be handed to her by the Gardiners but there was another one ready to be posted to Bingley if that one was confiscated.
To her father, she had written yet another plea to be heard and asked him once again to explain his objections to the match. She idly wondered what her father would say to her family when she did not return with the Gardiners, or how he explained it if she was not return at all.
The Gardiners and Elizabeth chatted pleasantly about their trip and the sights they had seen. Her aunt and uncle were both exceedingly pleased with her betrothed and told her how much they had admired him and his generosity and hospitality at Pemberley.
Later, after a quick lunch, Elizabeth traveled until evening with the Darcys. Elizabeth and William were allowed to ride sitting beside each other and surreptitiously held hands while the other two in the carriage pretended not to notice. As evening approached, conversation began to lag. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley both slept with their heads against the side of the carriage. Elizabeth grew tired herself and Darcy, noticing this, encouraged her to rest his head on his shoulder. She demurred at first, glancing over at their companions but eventually complied.
Elizabeth woke when she felt the carriage stop and heard a small giggle from across the carriage. In their sleep, she and Darcy had become entwined, her resting her head against his chest and his head resting on top of hers. His arm was around her holding her close to him. She stirred and her movement woke him. He flushed, as did she but their companions did not remark on their positions.
Darcy stepped out of carriage first before handing out the three ladies. Elizabeth was last and as he took her arm to escort her and whispered into her ear. "I am not certain I have ever enjoyed a carriage ride more, my love."
She colored again and dug her elbow into his side. "Behave, William!" She whispered furiously "or I will be forced to ride the rest of the way with the Gardiners." But she smiled up at him as she fussed and did not pull away. William sighed contentedly and smiled back.
"I must admit, it was an enjoyable ride, for many reasons," she continued. "And I am well rested from my nap. Traveling in your carriage has been most comfortable."
He grinned widely as they entered the inn. They were escorted to a private parlor and supper arrived quickly. They ate and chatted as a group for a time before heading to their bedchambers.
The next two days followed in a similar pattern. Elizabeth spent some time with her aunt and uncle in the morning, typically while Darcy rode, and then joined the Darcy's in the carriage in the afternoon. On the third night, just before the two groups were to part, the rider returned carrying letters. Darcy and Elizabeth both had letters from Netherfield, and from Longbourn, there was just one slip of paper. Apparently, their requests for an understanding of the antipathy toward Darcy's suit was to be denied. The note contained only a few terse lines.
Do not contact me again. I have no daughter named Elizabeth, nor will I recognize my wife's brother. Your children will be taken the Phillips on Thursday morning for you to pick them up. Do not attempt to enter Longbourn.
Both the Gardiners and Elizabeth were shocked at the brusqueness of the reply. Elizabeth cried softly into William's arms for several minutes before anyone was able to speak.
"I cannot even begin to understand this reaction," Gardiner finally spoke.
"Neither can I," his wife responded. "What news from Netherfield? Perhaps they can shed some light on the situation."
Elizabeth removed herself from her betrothed's arms and picked up the letter from Jane. Darcy opened the letter from Bingley and they both read silently. Jane's letter was brief, and so she shared first.
"Jane was shocked by my note, especially to learn of my betrothal to William. My father, or perhaps I should say Mr. Bennet, had not said a word to anyone and Jane has received none of my letters sent from Derbyshire. He has been hiding in his study even more than usual, not even joining the family for meals as often in the last fortnight. This behavior started almost as soon as I left, well before our letters could have reached him. Clearly, there is something more to this story than we can know." Elizabeth sighed as she finished. "Mr. Bennet has informed the family that I will not be returning to Longbourn but has given no reason for it. Jane was terribly upset until Mr. Bingley gave her my letter explaining the situation."
"Bingley gives similar information. No one understands the reason for the withdrawal, and Mr. Bennet has been remote and absent from the family any time he has visited," William told him. "Mrs. Bennet is too distracted by Jane's wedding to have considered why Elizabeth will not return home and the younger girls seem unconcerned. Lydia has been called back home, apparently, and there are some whispers that she did something atrocious in Brighton to cause it, but nothing definite."
"Oh, Lord, Lydia," Elizabeth burst out. "Will you ask Colonel Fitzwilliam if he can find anything out about her?"
"When we arrive in London, I will check with him. He did not mention anything in his letter, but he may have been unwilling to commit anything that could be even remotely scandalous to paper," William said.
"But surely, Lydia doing something outrageous would not cause Mr. Bennet to react this way, would it? Surely, he would not think I had behaved scandalously in some way to warrant this type of reaction," Elizabeth wondered out loud.
"We may never know all the answers, my dear," William reassured Elizabeth.
She turned to him again. "I know, William, but I hate that my father could turn on me this way without any provocation. I want to understand."
"I know, and we can discretely inquire, but I am not certain that we will ever have the answer," William told her.
"You are a good man, William," Elizabeth told him quietly. More loudly, she said, "So, we separate in the morning, aunt. I am for London and you to Meryton. Will you stop at Netherfield?"
"Yes, we do plan to stop there before picking up our children. I believe William told Mr. Bingley to expect us," Aunt Madeline replied. "We should arrive in the morning before luncheon. We will likely reach home before nightfall, but far too late to fetch you back from Darcy House, I would imagine."
Elizabeth smiled at her aunt, but William spoke first. "Send word when you arrive tomorrow evening and I will escort Elizabeth to your house Friday morning."
"Take your time, William. Come for dinner Friday evening and bring her and Georgiana with you. We will have just returned so the meal will be simple, but you are almost family so I hope you will not mind," Mrs. Gardiner offered. "I imagine Georgina and Elizabeth will spend Friday morning shopping."
"I am delighted by your suggestion. And would return your hospitality by asking you to dine at Darcy House on Sunday evening?" William offered.
The invitation was accepted much to Elizabeth's delight. After the last weeks of being in William's company almost constantly, she was beginning to realize how much she would miss him until they could wed. As her betrothed, he could visit frequently, but she knew he would have other matters to keep him busy as well and could not spend all his time with her. And she could not call on him, since he was unmarried, but could she call on Georgiana?