Chapter 42: A Wedding and Engagement
Elizabeth sat near her window and watched as the wedding reception continued down below. Her family was there as well as a few of Lydia's friends. Her father insisted that the wedding was a small affair and that it be done soon. Lydia was only home for a week when everything was arranged and the ceremony set to take place that morning. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself and took in a deep breath; she still hadn't heard from Will. Georgiana wrote her several emails, but it was clear from them that she didn't know about her sister's involvement with George Wickham. Will must have decided that it was best not to tell her about Lydia and George and instead he told her she was involved with some college boy. She looked out her window and watched Lydia laughing and carrying on much as she always did, always wanting, and needing to be the center of attention. It was the sound of someone at her door that drew her out of her thoughts. Jane knocked on her door, then opened it, "Lizzy may I come in?" she called out.
"Yes, Jane," Elizabeth called out.
Jane closed the door behind her and walked over to where her sister was standing near the window. She reached down and took her younger sisters hand into her own, "Lizzy will you come down for just a little while? Mum has been in a mood all morning because you didn't come to the wedding."
"I will not! I have no wish to be around Mr. Wickham or Lydia," she told her. She would not betray Will by attending or taking part in this pretense of a marriage.
"Lizzy, are you very sure your unwillingness to come down doesn't have to do with the anger you have for Lydia?" Jane told her.
"No of course not," she said a little defensively. "Jane, I really can't support this marriage."
"Lizzy, think about it," Jane encouraged her. "You said yourself that you and Darcy were getting very close until this mess with Lydia happened. Perhaps there is some small part of you who resents her for it?"
Elizabeth's eyes shimmered with tears as she considered her sister's words. "Yes, all right maybe there is some small part of me that does. But it doesn't change the fact that Dad should never have given permission in the first place. Lydia is making a huge mistake!"
Jane looked at her and smiled, "Lizzy I know how you are feeling about Wickham and Lydia marrying. I do really, but Dad only gave his consent because she's already pregnant. I don't believe he wanted to, but he felt he had no choice left to him. Think about it, even if he didn't allow Lydia to marry, she would still be with Wickham, at least this way they are legally married and he must give her some support for the child."
"Yes, Jane I know that, but I still don't have to go in and pretend that we are all one happy family. Lydia is a selfish, stupid, girl and when she realizes the kind of man it is that fathered her child, and she married she will regret it. This whole mess only gets worse from here," Elizabeth told her.
"Oh, Lizzy let's hope that does not happen. Let's hope that he will change, that he has already begun to change," Jane told her. She didn't wish anything bad for her youngest sister.
"Jane, I'm not so naive as to believe that Wickham has truly fallen in love with Lydia and desires to care for her and their child. I will not pretend that he's anything other than the vile, selfish man that he is!" Elizabeth told her in frustration.
"Lizzy, I'm not asking you to do this for Wickham, but for Lydia and her baby," she reminded her. "You are right she's spoiled, selfish, and very naïve. The truth is, I feel so sorry for her, knowing what we do about Wickham. Lydia has set herself up for a life sadness."
"But don't you see, Jane, it does not have to be that way?" Elizabeth told her.
"Lizzy, she's young and immature, she would not listen to anyone," Jane told her. "He has completely beguiled her, and she's unwilling to hear anything from anyone else."
Elizabeth let out a small sigh and wiped the tears from her eyes, "You're right. Lydia has always been out of control, and I believe Dad knows all too well now how wrong it was for him to let things go on as he did. I will go out and give my love to Lydia. I will pray she will find some happiness in her present situation, but I refuse to have anything to do with her husband. I will not pretend that he's anything other than what he is."
Jane patted her hand, "Thank you, Lizzy, that's all that I was hoping for. Who knows, with this new job prospect opening to them in the states maybe it will be good for them both. It might just be an opportunity for them both to mature," she whispered as the two of them went down to greet Lydia.
Wickham was most pleased when he finally saw Elizabeth come into the gardens. He waited as Elizabeth spoke to her father then he walked over and greeted her. "Elizabeth, I'm so happy to see you here. We missed you at the church," he told her.
Elizabeth did her best to be polite. "I'm sure Lydia was very happy with the way things went," she told him. She knew Lydia well enough to know that she couldn't have cared less if Elizabeth were there or not. The two of them were never particularly close, so she knew it would mean very little to her either way.
"It was a very beautiful ceremony, but I promise you, both Lydia and I were sorry that you were not there to share in our joy," he said to her. "When Jane told us you would not be attending we were both very disappointed," he assured her hoping his smooth words would win her over.
Elizabeth glanced over in Lydia's direction; she was laughing and enjoying the attention that family and friends were lavishing upon her. "I think she has managed to overcome her disappointment," she told him coldly.
Wickham didn't miss her cold and aloof manner. "I know you don't approve of how your sister and I came to be together, but now that we are family perhaps we will be able to put the past behind us," he told her then added, "I hope one day soon you will see me as a brother."
Elizabeth struggled to keep control of her temper, "Mr. Wickham, your sweet words, and pleasant manner don't fool me. I know the truth about you. I know how you used and abused Georgiana Darcy. I know that you lied about Mr. Darcy to extort more money after you squandered all that he already had given to you. I know you even tried to get Lydia to steal pictures of Georgiana from me, so let's not pretend, shall we. You are Lydia's husband, and as such I will be polite and civil, but you are nothing to me."
Wickham was taken aback by her anger and cold attitude. "Yes, but surely now that we are family, we must do our best to put the past behind us, mistakes must be overlooked..." he began only to be interrupted.
Elizabeth glared at him. "Is that what you call what you have done, mistakes? That's rich," she shook her head in disgust and continued, "As for us now being family, I don't think you will ever know what that word means. Don't believe because you could fool my sister with your deceitful lies that I will simply ignore who and what you are. I'm not as simple-minded as Lydia, nor am I as forgiving as my sister Jane," she told him coldly before walking away.
Wickham stood there watching her; he was speechless. For the first time, he was beginning to have doubt in his plan. If Elizabeth was willing to cut her sister out of her life, then Darcy just might come out victorious in the end. Wickham walked over and poured himself a drink as the shrill sound of Lydia's laugh grated on his nerves. This could all blow up in his face, and now he was stuck, married, with a brat on the way. He gulped down his drink and poured another.
Elizabeth went up to Lydia, "Lydia, I just want you to know that I do hope you will be happy," she said as she leaned in and kissed her sister on the cheek.
Lydia laughed at her. "Of course, I'm happy. I'm the first of us all to be married. I think Mum is very pleased."
"Yes, well you are young and are about to undertake a lot of responsibility," Elizabeth told her. "I just wanted you to know that if things don't work out exactly as you hope that I will do my best to help. I'm your sister, and I'm willing to help you and your baby if you need it. I will always be there for you if I can."
"Good grief, Elizabeth, everything is going to be wonderful. I'm married to the perfect man and am going to have a baby. It's all so exciting," she told her sarcastically. "You're so depressing, you're ruining my day," she pouted. "I swear, you're as dark and gloomy as that dreadful Mr. Darcy, telling me I will be unhappy and miserable."
Elizabeth was surprised to hear her sister mention Darcy. "Mr. Darcy?" she repeated his name, "When did you speak to Will Darcy?"
"He came to see me when George and I were in London," she told her then added, "He was so smug, he actually tried to convince me not to marry George. He went on and on about how awful George was, he was trying to trick me with his lies, but I told him that nothing in this world would ever keep me from marrying my beloved Wickham."
Elizabeth watched as her younger sister called out to Wickham and then made her way over towards him, she stopped for a moment and turned back to Elizabeth. "Don't worry, Lizzy. I'm sure my George has lots and lots of single friends that we will introduce you too. After all, now that I'm married, I don't mind helping my sisters find husbands."
"I think I will pass. Judging from your husband's character I don't think that any of his friends would interest me," Elizabeth told her.
Lydia laughed, "Suit yourself then, I don't care much if you end up an old and alone," with that she ran off after Wickham.
Wickham feigned a smile as Lydia approached, "So my darling did you have a lovely chat with your sister?"
Lydia looked back over to Elizabeth, "Hardly," she snorted. "But then Lizzy and I never really have been very close, and she has always been so dull and disapproving of me."
Wickham went pale when he heard what she said. "But I thought you said that you and your sister were very close?"
"No silly, I said I was close with Kitty," she told him. "I can usually get her to do whatever I want," she boasted proudly. "Well except lately."
Wickham poured himself a third drink as his plan began to unravel before his very eyes. "So, you and Elizabeth aren't close," he commented. "At all?"
"Nope," was all she said before running off toward her friends. Wickham gulped down his drink again and rolled his eyes as Lydia's shrill laugh caused his head to ache.
Elizabeth was lost deep in thought when her father approached, "Well, Lizzy, have you forgiven me?"
She smiled and wrapped her arm around him. "Yes, of course, Dad."
"Well now they are married and on their way to the states, and we shall have visits that are few and far between," her father told her as he watched his wife gush over the young married couple.
"Yes, this job offer coming up at this exact moment was very lucky," Elizabeth remarked.
"Yes, very lucky for them and for us as well," he told her.
Elizabeth laughed, "I'm afraid Mum does not share your view of it. She said that Lydia and Wickham must go and live in the states because you will not offer him more money. She feels that it's all so unfair that her dear Lydia should be so far from her."
"I couldn't beat the offer he was made. A job in an upcoming new company that offers him a decent salary to live on, a car and a house for the two of them to live in." Mr. Bennett shook his head then went on, "I couldn't have offered him that...I can't think of very many businessmen who could in this economy."
"Don't feel bad Dad. I for one believe it is for the best that they will not be so close to you and Mum," Elizabeth told him then added, "My only hope is that whoever his new boss is, they will watch over him, he's not a man to be trusted."
"I couldn't agree with you more," he told her. "I, of course, will keep tabs on Lydia should there be a need to step in," he assured her.
Elizabeth took in a deep breath, "That's a very good idea," she said as she watched George and Lydia standing together for pictures.
Darcy sat in his study at Pemberley and finished up the work he had in front of him. It seemed no matter how hard he tried he couldn't focus. His mind was distracted by the wedding invitation of Miss Lydia Bennet to Mr. George Wickham. It arrived first thing this morning, sent by special messenger. He picked it up and read over again what George had written to him,
Darcy,
I wanted to invite you personally to join us, in the celebration of my upcoming marriage to Lydia Bennet. I was thinking just this morning how wonderful it will be once we are all one big happy family. Of course, if you are unable to attend I shall take comfort in knowing you are probably off sulking somewhere, pining away for your beloved Elizabeth. What will you do Darcy? Will you finally swallow your pride and call me brother and marry the girl you love or spend the rest of your days alone?
George Wickham
He tore the note up and threw it into the wastebasket. He got up and walked over to the window and looked out over the gardens. Elizabeth was on his mind; she was always on his mind. He looked down toward the lake and the last time they were there together. He thought about how beautiful she looked and how hopeful he was that they would soon be together. He pulled his phone from his pocket and thought about calling her. How many times had he picked up the phone and struggled with the desire to call her? How he longed to hear her voice and tell her how he really felt, but then what. With Wickham now married to her younger sister, how could he consider any future relationship with Elizabeth? He shook his head; he could see no solution before him, if he married Elizabeth, Wickham would forever be in his life.
"William, I just thought I would come in and see how you were doing?" Georgiana told him as she opened the door and stepped into the room.
He turned and looked over at her. "I'm fine," he told her as he walked back over and sat at his desk.
She walked over and sat down across from him. "I think you are lying to yourself and to me when you say that."
He smiled and took in a long deep breath, "You, dear sister, are far too perceptive for me," he told her.
"William, I know you want to call her, why don't you?" she asked him.
"Georgie, we have been over this before," he told her as he ran his hands through his hair.
"Yes, and I still don't understand how Lydia's getting pregnant and marrying some college boy impacts you and Elizabeth," she protested. "I know how much you love her. Surely this business with her sister can be worked out or overlooked."
Darcy took in a deep breath, "Georgiana when I told you what happened with Elizabeth's younger sister I left out a very vital bit of information," he began to tell her.
Georgiana's heart began to beat faster. It suddenly occurred to her what really went on with Elizabeth's sister. "The college boy isn't just anyone, is it?" she asked her voice filled with emotion.
Darcy shook his head. "No, it isn't," he told her. "Lydia Bennet married George Wickham today, and he did so to seek out his revenge on me."
Georgiana's mouth dropped open; she was shocked, "Oh poor Lydia," she whispered. "Oh, poor William." Tears filled her eyes as she realized now why he struggled with calling Elizabeth.
Darcy knew she understood finally. "Georgiana, I didn't tell you sooner because I held out hope that the marriage would not take place, but it did this morning," he told her. "George even sent a note to be delivered to me as a reminder of his victory over me in this situation," he told her. "If I tell Elizabeth how I feel and she feels the same as I, and we were to marry that man would be entangled in our lives forever."
Georgiana was beginning to see more clearly just how cruel Wickham's plan of revenge was. "And if you don't marry Elizabeth you lose the only woman you will ever love," she concluded.
Darcy just nodded his head. "The one thing I do know is Elizabeth cares deeply for her family. I could never ask her to choose, and I can't stand the thought of Wickham being in this house or near you," he told her. "So, it seems he has won."
"William at least talk to her how you feel and give her the chance to decided what she wishes to do," she told him. "Just because Lydia has married George doesn't mean you and Elizabeth can't be together. There must be a way to work through all of this," she told him. "William, I know you worry for me, but as I told you before I see him for what he is now, and he can't hurt me. I only feel sorry for Lydia; she has no idea the kind of man is that she has married."
Darcy walked around the desk and hugged his sister, "You are an amazing young woman and both our parents would be so proud of you."
She wiped her eyes and smiled, "Promise me you will think about what I said, about talking with her?"
"I will, I promise," he told her.
Three days passed since Lydia's wedding. Finally, Wickham and Lydia were to depart for their new home in America. Elizabeth's mother cried as George and Lydia boarded the plane. Of course, her new brother-in-law played the part right up until the very end; he even invited everyone to come and visit at Christmas time. Her mother promised she would be there when Lydia's due date drew near, although her father made no such promise. As the plane flew off all she could think about was Will and if she would ever hear from him again. It was late by the time Elizabeth returned home with her family. She went straight to her room and looked over her messages; they were all business emails except for one, from Charlotte. She was just about to read it when she heard her door open.
Jane came in and sat down at the end of her sister's bed, "Have you heard from him yet?"
Elizabeth let out a small sigh, and closed her laptop, "No."
Jane moved closer to her sister and wrapped her arm around her. "Lizzy, Charles did mention that Darcy left almost immediately after you did when you were all together at Pemberley. He said there was some business that he had to attend to. Perhaps it has taken longer than he thought it would," she tried to encourage her.
Elizabeth didn't know what to think. "I'm not so sure. If you could have seen the look on his face when I told him about Wickham and Lydia; he was so shocked."
"Yes, but if he truly loves you, Lizzy, none of this will matter to him," Jane told her, then added. "I'm sure you will hear from him soon."
Elizabeth didn't find it as easy to see the positives as Jane did. "I hope so Jane, but a part of me feels as if I will never see or hear from him again," she admitted as tears filled her eyes. She sniffled in and wiped them away not wanting to give into feeling sorry for herself. Elizabeth smiled finally, "Let's not talk about it anymore. Tell me all about what Charles had to say to you." She wanted to change the subject.
Jane smiled as she walked over to the window, "He will be coming to Netherfield by Friday. He said that he has something very important to speak with me about."
Elizabeth smiled, "Oh, Jane, he's going to propose, I just know it!" she told her unable to contain her excitement.
Jane laughed, "When he first called me, and we talked, I was afraid to hope that things would work out. So much was happening with Lydia that it was a trying time," she told her then added, "Then he kept on calling every day, sometimes two and three times a day and he told me how sorry he was, and how much he regretted what he had done in ending our relationship. He told me how much he loved me and that he couldn't wait to tell me in person," she told her. "Then this last time he called, he said he would see me Friday evening. Lizzy, I do think he's going to ask me then!"
Elizabeth was truly excited to see her sister so happy, "Oh, Jane, that's good news. I thought when I was at Pemberley, and he kept asking after you that he regretted his decision and would soon call and make things right."
"I'm just glad you were there to clear things up about that perfume campaign," she told her then confided, "Lizzy, if Charles does ask me to marry him then I plan to stop modeling. I don't want to be apart from him for a moment, and modeling just requires too much time away from home," she explained.
Elizabeth laughed, "Jane, with how much he loves you, I don't think he would let you be far from him. He would probably go with you on every shoot, but if you feel it's best to give up modeling then I think you should," she told her then added, "I never did think your heart was in it anyway."
"No, I never really enjoyed it, well unless you were taking my picture," she agreed. "It was something Mum wanted."
Elizabeth understood, "Then I think you should follow your heart. I know Charles will be thrilled having you with him," she told her. "I, on the other hand, shall be just a little bit sad to have you gone."
"Lizzy, you know we will talk every day, and you can come and stay with us as often as you like."
Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, of course, I know, but it will still be different," she told her feeling a bit melancholy. "But different in a very good way!" she assured her. "Now when he comes, you have to remember every detail about the proposal so you can tell me exactly how it all happens."
Jane smiled as she wrapped her arm around her sister, "Oh Lizzy, I'm so happy," she told her. "I'm so very happy!"