Chapter 6

George Wickham tried to focus on the message as he delivered his sermon on Sunday. Mrs. Darcy had come back to church for the first time since her accident, and her sister was with her.

His sermon this week was on being thankful for the Lord's blessings. Sometimes God's blessings are different from our imaginings. We should find joy in everything He gives us.

As he finished up the message, he hoped that it might give some balm to Darcy's heart. He could tell that his friend was struggling, even when he met the family for dinner a week ago.

When he had first heard the circumstances surrounding Fitzwilliam's marriage, George had been concerned that Darcy had been entrapped by a fortune hunter. His friend deserved a marriage based on love, as his parents had had.

It only took a little time in the new Mrs. Darcy's company to realize that she was neither a fortune hunter, nor a social climber. And as far as Wickham could tell, Darcy was absolutely besotted with his wife.

What Mrs. Darcy felt was more difficult to discern. But Wickham, who knew Darcy better than anybody, realized that the match with Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy was just what his friend needed. He had been too solemn, shy, and set apart for too long. Elizabeth would add a brightness to his life that he greatly needed, while he could broaden her mind with his intelligence and knowledge of the world. Whether she realized that was a different matter.

Darcy had hidden his feelings well, but Wickham had been his friend since infancy and could see the signs of love in him. He determined to pray for the Darcy's marriage, and hoped that the two of them could find harmony soon.

The final hymn ended, and Wickham walked toward the back of the church to greet parishioners. When the Darcys came to thank him for the sermon, he found Miss Mary Bennet had a question for him regarding the text. He had not really paid attention to her when he came to dinner, more focused on Darcy and Elizabeth, but now that he looked at her he could see that she was quite pretty. She had blondish-brown hair, unlike her sister's chestnut curls, and beautiful green eyes.

"Yes, Miss Bennet? What is your question?"

"You said we should be grateful for all of God's blessings, whether we wished for them or not. But does not the Bible tell us that He always answers our prayers?"

"Ah, yes, He does, Miss Bennet, but not always in the way we intend or wish. For example, He might put us in a situation which we deem unhappy or untenable, when He intends it to be a blessing."

He glanced up at the Darcys to find both listening carefully.

"He could take a situation that seems absolutely terrible to us, and bring good out of it. In fact, Jeremiah 29:11 says, 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' We must trust that God's plans are always for our good, for He is all goodness Himself, and wants to see us full of His joy."

Miss Bennet thanked him for the clarification, and Wickham turned to the Darcys. "Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, I had hoped to speak to you about one of our parishioners in need."

"Of course, Mr. Wickham. Would it please you to come to tea tomorrow at Pemberley House? We will send a carriage for you," said Elizabeth.

"Thank you, I shall be sure to come."

He bowed and then turned to greet other parishioners as the Darcys left.

Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised when Darcy proposed a picnic after they returned to Pemberley House. She had been expecting, with some disappointment, for Darcy to excuse himself to his study once again on the excuse of business; but to have him express an interest in her company was very welcome.

She had decided to do her best to promote a friendship between them; if they could find a way to fall in love with each other it would be the best of all worlds. But she was realistic enough to realize that that might never happen.

But Mr. Darcy was a good man, she knew that now. If she could make him happy, she would try; for she knew if he was happy, then she would be too.

Since she was not made for low spirits, she set out on her plan that morning. Darcy had asked Mrs. Reynolds to have a picnic basket prepared for the three of them, and then he drove them out in his phaeton to his favourite picnic spot. Elizabeth had a sudden flash in her mind, and she recognized the place.

"We have had a picnic here before!" she cried.

Darcy looked at her. "You remember?"

"Not in detail, but I do remember this glade, and our having a picnic with a young woman. I think it must have been Georgiana."

Darcy smiled. "You remember correctly. Georgiana has several times come with us on picnics here."

Elizabeth beamed, glad she had remembered something else. She saw that Darcy was quietly pleased too.

As her husband laid out the viands of roast chicken, ham, cheese, fresh bread, grapes, and strawberry tarts, Mary discussed the sermon.

"I think Mr. Wickham is quite the orator. He seems to have a good knowledge of Scripture."

"I agree," said Elizabeth. The sermon had indeed moved her. She wondered if Mr. Wickham had spoken the message specifically for her and Darcy. Was he that perceptive? God had put her into this marriage for a reason, which, according to the Bible, was to bless her. That meant it was to bless Mr. Darcy too.

She still could not think of him as anything other than "Mr. Darcy." She knew from his own lips that his first name was Fitzwilliam, but she could not seem to bring herself to address him so informally. He was all but a stranger to her.

She had noticed that Mr. Darcy called her "Elizabeth." She was glad of this proof that they were comfortable enough in their relationship prior to her accident to not be so formal as her own parents.

They discussed the sermon for a time as they ate; then, Darcy brought forth a book. "This is a newer volume of Wordsworth which you have enjoyed very much, Elizabeth. It came out only a few months ago, so I doubt you will remember it. Would you like me to read to you?"

Elizabeth was delighted and said so, glad to see Darcy's dimples in response. She loved his deep, smooth voice, and looked forward to hearing him read.

It was just as lovely as she had imagined it would be. Darcy's bass voice rolled over the words and wrapped around them as he read of fresh springs in the mountains, hosts of daffodils, and the beauties of golden wheat fields. Elizabeth lay back on the blanket, her eyes barely open, as she watched her handsome husband through her lashes. It seemed they shared a love of literature, which she was pleased to discover.

She was surprised to find that Mary was enjoying the poetry as well. Mary had never subscribed to poetry before, preferring instead the Bible and sermons by Fordyce; but Elizabeth found that her sister had changed much since her marriage.

Darcy read for almost an hour before he closed the book.

"That was wonderful, sir. Thank you so much for reading. You do it so well."

"I am glad you think so. But perhaps you are growing tired. Would you like to return home to rest?"

She was touched by his concern. "Perhaps I should rest and put up my feet for a time. They are rather swollen."

"Oh, dear. Is there anything I can do to help, Lizzy?" asked Mary.

"I think not, Mary. Thank you."

Darcy packed everything back up in the basket, and then drove them home. Elizabeth was pleased when he escorted her to her room and asked if she needed anything.

"No thank you. Maybe you could just send for my maid."

"Certainly. I hope you have a good rest."

"Thank you."

Once Elizabeth's maid, whom she had learned that she had chosen once she had arrived at Pemberley, had helped her change into something more comfortable, Elizabeth lay down with a sigh, and was soon asleep.

Once she had drifted off to sleep, she dreamt.

Elizabeth bustled about to put the finishing touches on Darcy's birthday dinner. It had been a difficult first two months of marriage, but she felt that things were getting better, and she wanted to show her husband that she appreciated him.

He turned twenty-eight today, and he seemed to have expected no celebration. When she and Georgiana both wished him a happy birthday at breakfast, he seemed surprised.

Elizabeth had had to do some subterfuge herself to discover when Darcy and Georgiana's birthdays were, enlisting Mrs. Reynolds in her schemes.

Darcy had gone to speak with his steward about the estate, and then Elizabeth began her preparations. She had discussed the menu with Mrs. Reynolds, serving all of Darcy's favourites, and she and Georgiana both had gifts to give him. He seemed surprised when he saw the ornamented supper table, and sat down with a smile. She delighted in seeing his dimples, so rarely in evidence.

They enjoyed the delicious food and wine and then presented Darcy with his presents. Georgiana had painted a picture of Pemberley House down to the last detail. It was marvellous work, and Darcy thanked his sister with enthusiasm.

Elizabeth was not skilled in painting or playing, and she had hardly known what to give her husband. She was not the best at needlework, but she did her best to embroider his initials on ten large gentlemen's handkerchiefs, surrounded by the Darcy crest. She also gave him a new volume of Wordsworth's poetry. Darcy thanked her but she could not tell if he really liked them or not. She had never met a more reticent man.

After presents, Elizabeth and Georgiana had planned a concert of sorts for Darcy in the music room. Elizabeth could not play as well as Georgiana, but they had practiced some duets, and Elizabeth had a sweet soprano voice, so she could sing to Georgiana's accompaniment. Darcy sat back and listened with a look of relaxed pleasure on his face, which heartened Elizabeth. It was usually so hard to judge his moods!

After about an hour, the ladies had finished, and Darcy suggested retiring to the library to read from the new volume Elizabeth had given him. Both agreed with alacrity, and they passed a pleasant hour listening to Wordsworth's poetry.

"My friend, Mr. Frederick Turner, is planning to come to Pemberley to visit in a few weeks," he said at a pause in the reading.

"I am sure I should be glad to meet him," said Elizabeth. "Is he as pleasant as Mr. Bingley?"

"He is, indeed," said Darcy, and his eyes turned to his sister. "Should you be happy to see him again, Georgiana?"

Georgiana looked down at her hands. "I should be happy to meet any of your friends, Fitzwilliam."

"Yes, but should you be happy to see Mr. Turner in particular?"

Elizabeth could tell that Georgiana was uncomfortable, but she replied meekly, "Mr. Turner is a very pleasant gentleman. Elizabeth, you will like him," she looked up at her sister-in-law.

Darcy did not seem totally pleased with that response, but turned back to the book rather than continue the conversation.

When he excused himself for bed, Georgiana put her hand on Elizabeth's arm to stop her from leaving. "Will you remain a moment, Elizabeth?"

"Of course, Georgie. What is the matter?"

Georgiana sat, twiddling her fingers on a piece of ribbon in her lap. "It is about Mr. Turner."

"Yes?"

"I am afraid Fitzwilliam has – expectations about Mr. Turner. For me."

"I see. And does Mr. Turner have expectations?"

"I do not know. But I have always known that Fitzwilliam would find someone suitable for me." She turned pleading eyes on Elizabeth. "I wish to marry for love. Mr. Turner is a pleasant gentleman, but I have no thought of being attracted to him. Before Mr. Bingley started courting your sister, I think Fitzwilliam had planned for Mr. Bingley to marry me."

"Did you have feelings for Mr. Bingley?"

Georgiana shook her head. "Certainly not. But now that Mr. Bingley is not available, I see he has now turned to a new candidate."

Elizabeth patted her hand. "I am sure he would not force you into a marriage against your will."

"But I have never been able to go against my brother's wishes," said Georgiana.

Elizabeth knew she was right. Georgiana was terribly shy, terrified of conflict, and Darcy had been like a father to her for years.

"Would you speak to him, Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked pleadingly. "I know he will listen to you. Fitzwilliam respects your opinions."

Elizabeth was not sure that was true, but she and Darcy had been getting along better of late. She could do this for her sister-in-law. "Of course I will, Georgie. I will speak to him before he goes to bed. Then you will not have to dread Mr. Turner's visit."

"Oh, thank you," cried Georgiana, throwing her arms around Elizabeth. "You are the very best sister I could have asked for."

Elizabeth smiled, returning the hug, then said goodnight to Georgiana.

Elizabeth had never been in her husband's rooms before, but she knocked on the connecting door between their chambers, hoping he was not in bed yet, and that he was in a good mood from the festivities.

He opened the door, still dressed. "Yes, Elizabeth?"

"I had hoped to speak with you about something."

"About what?"

"Perhaps we might talk in the sitting room."

When they had first married, Elizabeth had hoped that the sitting room between their bedrooms might be a retreat for both of them, to spend time together, but they had never used it before now.

Darcy sat down on the settee, waiting for her to begin. "I am coming to speak to you on Georgiana's behalf. She is afraid that perhaps you have Mr. Turner selected as her husband, and she is discouraged about the idea."

"I certainly have not selected him," said Darcy in an annoyed tone. "I invited him here so that he and Georgiana might get to know what another. If they suit each other, then they may marry."

"Georgiana wishes to marry for love," said Elizabeth, pushing on despite Darcy's tone. "I have told her that you would not force her into a marriage, but she is afraid to go against your will. I merely ask that you consider her wishes before –"

"Consider her wishes? The way yours were consulted you mean?" Elizabeth flinched at Darcy's angry tone.

"There is nothing similar about the situations between –"

"Georgiana wants to marry for love, you wanted to marry for love, all of us want to marry for love. But it does not always happen that way. I merely thought to invite Mr. Turner to Pemberley to see if they could become friends, in the hope of becoming more. I certainly would not force her into anything, the way you were forced." His tone was angry, and Elizabeth flinched at the words. The way he was forced also, she thought.

She had thought their relationship had improved in the last few weeks, but obviously she had been fooling herself.

She lifted her chin. "I merely wanted to inform you of Georgiana's wishes. What you do with the information is certainly up to you. You have never required my wisdom before."

"Elizabeth –"

"Good night, Mr. Darcy." She went into her room and shut the door.

What had she expected? There were times when he seemed to listen to her, but it was always his word that was final. She did not know why that would change now.

Filled with despair over the state of her marriage, she threw herself down onto the bed and wept.